Like, fired everyone? Who told you that?
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Stark: Marlins Could Be Big Players This Off-Season UPDATE: All Big Names In Play
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Yeah, it has been exponentially better the last two weeks. The club level upgrade is something I would have never thought possible until it happened.God would be expecting a first pitch breaking ball in the dirt because humans love to disappoint him.
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Originally posted by Bobbob1313 View PostWhat indications are there that they are disappointed with ticket sales?
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Joe Cap joining in on the "big spending" report:
Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder hitting behind Mike Stanton? CC Sabathia at the front of the rotation with Josh Johnson?
It might sound like a fantasy, but sources close to the Marlins said the team will be ready to spend money this off-season and isn't ruling out even the priciest free agents.
The Marlins, headed for a last-place finish in the NL East, are not likely to get a Pujols, Fielder or Sabathia, but owner Jeffrey Loria clearly wants to make a splash when the rechristened team moves into its new, $515 million home in April.
"Basically, what Jeffrey has instructed all of us is that no stone will be left unturned in order to make this year a memory and make next year unforgettable,' said team president David Samson, who would not discuss possible free-agent targets.
"He said, 'I want people to forget about '11, forget about Sun Life Stadium, forget about the Florida Marlins, and I want the Miami Marlins to have their franchise start by making history.'
The Marlins' last big signing was Carlos Delgado, who got a four-year, $52 million contract in January 2005 but stayed just one season. He was traded after the Marlins finished in second place with a $65 million payroll, signaling an end to what Samson at the time called "fiscal insanity.'
The fact that the Marlins are even considering the likes of Pujols and Sabathia is a drastic departure from the way the team has done business the last six winters.
The difference now is the new ballpark and the revenue it will bring. This year's payroll was $58 million; one person close to the front office said the 2012 payroll could approach $100 million.
"We don't have the exact budget but it will go up enough that our team will be different next year," Samson said. "But that doesn't mean they're going to win more. I can't guarantee that.
"The fact is Jeffrey's instructions are clear. Payroll's going up and we've got to get better.'
Over the last few weeks, Marlins scouts and talent evaluators have been looking at all levels of potential free agents.
Among those is the Texas Rangers' C.J. Wilson (16-7, 2.97 ERA), who would be the quality left-handed starter the Marlins have lacked.
The Marlins also are watching Cincinnati first baseman Joey Votto, last year's National League MVP.
He is not a free agent but there have been rumblings that the Reds might consider trading Votto, who is owed $9.5 million in 2012 and $17 million in '13.
Fielder is one of the game's best power-hitting first basemen, but he recently turned down a five-year, $100 million offer to re-sign with the Brewers.
A more practical target than Votto or Fielder might be Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who has told friends who play for the Marlins that he would love to come to Miami.
The most intriguing name is Pujols, the only player in baseball history to hit at least 30 homers in each of his first 11 seasons. Pujols is close to Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez and would be the clubhouse leader Florida has lacked.
The Cardinals last winter reportedly offered him a nine-year deal worth $195 million. He is believed to want a 10-year deal worth at least $230 million.
"Maybe Pujols won't make sense dollar-wise, maybe it will,' said one person familiar with the Marlins' plans.
"But I think it's something that most definitely is going to be looked at, discussed and see if it's a fit or if it's a fantasy.'
The Marlins already have more than $47 million in contractual obligations for five players in 2012, including $15 million for Hanley Ramirez and $13.7 million for Johnson.
They also face decisions on 11 arbitration-eligible players, including starting pitchers Anibal Sanchez ($3.7 million in 2011) and Chris Volstad ($445,000).
Volstad, the team's first-round draft pick in 2005, could be trade bait, depending on how the rotation takes shape. Johnson, Sanchez and Ricky Nolasco are considered locks to return.
The Marlins also are trying to re-sign second baseman Omar Infante, who is making $2.5 million this season.
He rejected an initial offer from the Marlins but is optimistic that a deal can be struck after the season.
The Marlins will have front-office meetings in New York City the first weekend in October. Free agent signings can't start until after the World Series, so the Marlins first will seek their new manager.
Ozzie Guillen remains the top choice if he is available, but the Marlins' list of candidates includes Larry Bowa, Tim Wallach, Ryne Sandberg and Tony Pena. Bobby Valentine has not been ruled out, either.
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