Free agent Jose Reyes visits Marlins, move likely – MLB Update
Jose Reyes’ visit to Florida Marlins’ new ballpark indicated what the soon-to-be Miami Marlins intend to do next season. After acquiring manager Ozzie Guillen right after this past season, the Marlins announced massive upgrading plans, including acquisition
of top-quality free agents.
While other teams are planning to slash payrolls, the Marlins have clarified that they are ready to go the extra mile in a bid to attract players to the ballclub. Team President David Samson asserted that the management is interested in making the team better
and will not create obstacles for players who are willing to earn the extra bucks.
Samson added that to be interested, the offer must be interesting and meeting up with players is essential to get a better idea of things. He pointed out that the team is willing to increase its payroll from the current mark of 57-million-dollars to around
80-million-dollars for 2012. This assertion has made the likes of Reyes and Mark Buehrle interested in initiating talks with the Marlins, who failed to finish strongly in this past season.
The Marlins have articulated both players as their top priorities for the offseason, ensuring them of a lucrative long-term deal. The ballclub aims to instil stability in the roster and both players have something similar in their mind as well.
The New York Mets did not make any offer to Reyes during the exclusive negotiation window and clarified that they want other teams in the market to determine a price tag for the unusual talent, who has had injury problems in the past. Nevertheless, Reyes
was crowned batting champion for the first time this season and is now looking for a contract which will earn him something in the range of 130-million-dollars.
The Mets have indicated that they are not ready to re-sign Reyes for a longer-term and thus the player has not pressed hard to stay with the only ballclub that he has ever known. With a move to Miami a growing certainty, the Marlins will be geared up for
an improved showing when they take field in the new ballpark this April.
The Marlins are scheduled to unveil a new logo and uniform on Friday, when the franchise officially becomes the Miami Marlins.
Tags: