DALLAS – It is the new image of baseball’s moneyed elite: For the second time in three days, the Miami Marlins walked up to the winter meetings podium to introduce a high-priced free agent while working doggedly behind the scenes to bring more sparkling stars to baseball’s newest ballpark.
The Marlins, dominating the market under art dealer-owner Jeffrey Loria, increased their spending spree to $191 million in less than a week, agreeing Wednesday to a $58 million, four-year contract with left-hander Mark Buehrle just hours after finalizing 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 Albert Pujols unwilling to accept their $200 million-plus proposal, the if-you’ve-got-it-flaunt-it 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.
“I’m hoping they keep
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