Stark: Marlins Could Be Big Players This Off-Season UPDATE: All Big Names In Play

[Big Z]

I wonder what the ceiling is, if the least is "85 million".

What did they say about the Marlins now, MH?

[MiamiHomer]

Rosenthal just kept on talking about how the Marlins knew the opportunity of having a new ballpark gives them a chance to make a statement and market the team in a way they haven't had a chance to do since its existence. Basically saying they finally have a chance to make that "big splash". Also mentioned that they can go the route of just filling the holes they have instead of going out for that big name since the support from the fanbase ultimately comes down to if you win.

[Big Z]

Very true. Not bad, I'm liking the publicity. They already started off on the wrong foot marketing themselves, with the slogan "coolest ballpark ever". Lol

[MiamiHomer]

Sitting inside Terminal D at MIA, having lunch and waiting for my flight to Boston this afternoon, and who should I see walk past -- briefcases in hand -- but Marlins president David Samson, president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest and general manager Mike Hill.

Me (with eyebrows raised): 'Where you guys going?"

Samson: "Business."

Me: "Where specifically?"

No response. The three smiled and walked past quickly, not in a conversational mood.

Turns out they were headed to Gate 33 and a flight to JFK in New York, where they'll meet with owner Jeffrey Loria and, in all likelihood, begin discussions with the free agents they've targeted. Teams were allowed to begin talking to free agent players starting at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.

I'm getting negative vibes, in terms of the Marlins' interest, on Jose Reyes, C.J. Wilson and Grady Sizemore, though I wouldn't rule any of them out until all is settled. Pitching will be the primary focus, but the Marlins could address that need through trading, as the free agent market for quality arms isn't all that deep. Contrary to one or two reports out there, the Cubs' Carlos Zambrano remains a trade possibility.

Marlins Bigwigs Head to NY on Eve of Free Agent Signing Period

[Ramp]

our front office peeps are dicks lol

[jOOj]

Terminal D sounds like a recap of our last couple seasons.

[Chewford]

Terminal D is my favorite, it's all nice and shiny.

[Big Z]

I don't know what I would say if I'm those 3 and I see Clark Spencer walk up to us and say "where are you guys going?" with his eyebrows raised. The guy already looks creepy to start with.

[Miamarlin21]

So wait, free agency starts in less than two hours?

[Bobbob1313]

I went to high school with his daughter.

/Bringingnothingtothetable

[Beef]

Terminal D sounds like a recap of our last couple seasons.

Terminal D is what I gon stick to my Sals later

[MiamiHomer]

So wait, free agency starts in less than two hours?

Yes, although I don't think this is like NBA/NFL where guys will get calls a 12:01. Or maybe they do, never really followed free agency this closely before!
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2012 CBSSports.com free agent predictions

[jOOj]

Terminal D is what I gon stick to my Sals later

Wouldn't that kill her?

[Big Z]

Yes, although I don't think this is like NBA/NFL where guys will get calls a 12:01. Or maybe they do, never really followed free agency this closely before!

Are you serious? I had no idea teams did that in the NBA.

I'm excited, I feel like its Christmas. I've been waiting so long for this day

Is it rude for us to call the Pujols residence at 11 pm? (if we haven't called already)

[Beef]

Wouldn't that kill her?

We'll see.