Mark Buehrle Reeled in for Four Years with Fish

Maybe it was a bit of Ozzie Guillen’s personality winning out, or maybe it was just the Marlins coming to their senses. Or maybe, it was all apart of the game plan all along. The Marlins announced they have signed Mark Buehrle to a 4 year, $58M contract locking up the ex-White Sock, who was managed by Ozzie Guillen, to head up their starting rotation.

The 32 year old will bring his fast work to the mound for the Marlins, helping to anchor a young staff and bring a mental toughness that should help congeal this staff. He is a work horse, and Ozzie Guillen knows what he is going to get – the only question will be how he will adjust to having to hit when his number is called.

It is the right move for this Marlins team who, in the past, has always prided themselves on building with pitching. Acquiring Heath Bell helps put this team’s pitching back where it needs to be in order to make a run at the division title. Acquiring Jose Reyes, and chasing after Albert Pujols, has made the Fish seem a bit hitting hungry, but pulling out of the Pujols sweeps helps show the Marlins to be sensible in acquiring their targets.

This is a new era for the Marlins who have their own home to generate revenue and now have to remake their image from a thrifty franchise to one that is not afraid to spend in order to build a winner. At the same time, they have to put together solid pieces that will help win and nothing helps guarantee wins more than strong pitching. With Buehrle in the mix, the Marlins are on their way. Up next will be CJ Wilson.

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