DALLAS – Mark Buehrle joined Heath Bell and Jose Reyes in baseball’s Miami migration as the Marlins got tired of waiting for Albert Pujols and pulled their offer.
Dominating the market under art dealer-owner Jeffrey Loria, the Marlins increased their spending spree to $191 million in less than a week, agreeing Wednesday to a $58 million, four-year contract with Buehrle just hours after completing a deal with All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes.
“Now how about three more?” new manager Ozzie Guillen said. “Hey, you shoot for the moon, just in case.”
Quite a turnabout for a team that had the major leagues’ lowest payroll in 2006.
“The minnows have become Marlins,” agent Scott Boras said.
With Pujols unwilling to accept their $200 million-plus proposal, the Marlins turned their attention to pitching in an effort to get off to a quick start in April at their $515 million, retractable-roof stadium. It has never been clear that the three-time NL MVP, coming off his second World Series title in six seasons, would be willing to leave the St. Louis Cardinals. The Los Angeles Angels may still be bidding.
“I’m hoping they keep the other animal in St. Louis,” said former Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez, now skipper of the NL
Read More from the Article Source: Full Article
