The Miami Marlins have made yet another move in fee agency, officially signing left-handed starting pitcher Mark Buehrle to a four-deal worth approximately $58 million. The signing of Buehrle means that the Marlins are out of the bidding for the biggest prize in free agency, first baseman Albert Pujols.
Manager Ozzie Guillen, who the Marlins signed in the offseason to become their new leading man, had previously said continuing good things about Buehrle, who played for the White Sox his entire career.
"This kid is special. He pitched in the big scenarios, big moments, very tough city to pitch," Guillen said. "When people love you in Chicago, that means something."
"I think he's comfortable because I know what I'm going to get from him, and he knows what's going to come from us, and I think that helps," Guillen continued.
And Guillen is right. People loved Buehrle in Chicago as he helped lead the team to a World Series title in 2005, successfully ending an 88-year drought.
Of course, the pitcher will need to take a physical before officially becoming a Marlin.
That's where Buehrle came in. The Marlins were in desperate need of a starting pitcher, especially a left-hander as their rotation was abysmal last season.
The signing of Buehrle means that the Marlins have spent $191 million this offseason, which is more than they have spent the last fourteen offseasons combined. Once you look at it from that perspective, it is amazing that a team has just randomly started shelling out copious amounts of money.
Other than Buehrle, the Marlins have also signed shortstop Jose Reyes to a six-year, $106 million contract and closer Heath Bell to a three-year deal worth $27 million.
Clearly, the Marlins are trying to become a postseason team again and they have shown that with a myriad of moves since the 2011 season ended. They officially changed their name to the Miami Marlins, hired manager Ozzie Guillen and have signed three marquee free agents. Clearly, it's been a busy offseason and the front office has stated that they aren't even done, so there could be more in store for the spectators in the coming weeks.
Last year for the White Sox, Buehrle posted a 13-9 record with a 3.59 ERA and also won his third straight Gold Glove.
Buehrle, currently 32 years old, has been one of the most reliable and consistent over the last decade or so. In that time span, he has thrown two no-hitters, successfully joining elite company. And not to mention, one of those no-hitters was a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays in 2009.
Over his 11-year career, Buehrle is 161-119 with a 3.83 ERA and has logged 1,396 strikeouts.
Buehrle is also one of just six active pitchers with at least 150 wins, 1,000 strikeouts, and an ERA lower than 4.00 (C.C. Sabathia, Roy Halladay, Tim Hudson, Derek Lowe and Roy Oswalt are the others).
Even with the signing of Buehrle, the Marlins could still be in the hunt for another left-hander, C.J. Wilson, who helped lead the Rangers to their second consecutive World Series visit. The Marlins and Angels seem to be the main suitors for Wilson and the franchise has yet to rule out the possibility of acquiring Wilson to team up with Buehrle.
By fat, the Marlins have made the biggest splash in free agency this season and according to owner Jeffrey Loria, they are not done yet. Buehrle is just another piece to the puzzle in the Marlins' hopes of winning another World Series title.
