Giancarlo Stanton is now set to become the richest athlete in North American sports history. The 25-year-old slugger recently signed a 13-year contract extension with the Miami Marlins worth up to $325 million. Although Stanton is a great player, the Marlins appear to have lost their minds breaking the bank on Stanton. Here are five reasons why the Marlins made
-Madden: Marlins, Jays, Cards, A's and Mets make early splash - NY Daily News
Much as Loria tried to tell the disillusioned Marlin fan base his breakup of the 2012 team was actually the right thing to do, they weren’t hearing him, even with the evidence mounting that his salary-dumping trade of Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson to Toronto for shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, righthander Henderson Alvarez and lefty prospect Justin Nicolino is one of the best trades in franchise history.
This week the Marlins were dealt their first loss of the off-season. They had offered a two year $20 million dollar contract to Adam LaRoche, formerly of the Washington Nationals. Just a couple days later, he signed with the White Sox for 2 years $25 million dollars. The Marlins were not far off, but they still need a bat in the lineup to protect Giancarlo Stanton.
It appears that the Marlins are staying busy this off-season. Barry Jackson from the Miami Herald reports that Miami has touched base with the Arizona Diamondbacks to try to make a move for Wade Miley. Apparently, one of the names discussed was Nathan Eovaldi.
-Stanton sends out letter to fans " The Fish Pond
Giancarlo Stanton has given the Marlins a long-term commitment, and on Thursday, the two-time All-Star sent out a letter of thanks to season ticket holders.
-Samson: 'Great hope' for Marlins after Stanton deal | marlins.com
A buzz is building around Marlins Park since the record-setting signing of Giancarlo Stanton on Wednesday. As the story remains hot on the news cycle, the organization is looking to ride the momentum.
Jeffrey Loria explains why firesale was necessary in 2012, believing #Marlins will be serious contenders in 2015. http://t.co/jPCVx239Ei
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 21, 2014
If #Marlins offered 2yrs/$20M for LaRoche and didn't get him, wonder if they slide same offer over to Masterson? Reportedly in on him too.
— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) November 22, 2014
Around The League
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It's been an interesting past 12 months for Jon Lester. A year ago, he was coming off a World Series win in Boston. Then, he was dealt to the A's, and now he has hit the free-agent market. We ranked the teams that need Lester the most, taking into account their spending power.
-Auld goes from fourth-grade classroom to big leagues | MLB.com
ST. PETERSBURG -- Enthusiastic and fueled by the vigor of youth, Brian Auld embarked on his new career, imagining himself the hip, cutting edge fourth-grade teacher.
-A's acquire first baseman Davis from Pirates | MLB.com
The A's acquired first baseman Ike Davis and international bonus slot No. 86 from the Pirates on Sunday in exchange for international bonus slot No. 27. Oakland is hoping the addition of Davis can add depth to its infield, along with some extra pop. The left-handed hitter crushed 32 home runs for the Mets in 2012.
-Red Sox reportedly interested in signing Hanley and Sandoval | MLB.com
It could be a big week for the Red Sox. Not only are they believed to be one of the three finalists for free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval, but CBSSports.com reports that Boston could be moving close to an agreement with Hanley Ramirez.
At Fish Stripes
-Giancarlo Stanton extension backloaded to give Marlins flexibility - Fish Stripes
Miami's star right fielder chose to decrease his salary over the first few seasons of his extension in order to allow the organization to put key pieces around him.
-Fish Bites: Miami loses Edgar Olmos on waivers - Fish Stripes
Seattle acquired the lefty reliever from the Marlins on waivers on Thursday. Plus links on Giancarlo Stanton, Justin Nicolino, and Miami's pursuit of Adam LaRoche.
-Miami Marlins move Justin Nicolino, four others to 40-man roster - Fish Stripes
The Marlins protected five players on the 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 draft, including pitching prospects Justin Nicolino, Adam Conley, and Domingo German.
-Marlins interested in Jason Hammel, Justin Masterson - Fish Stripes
After extending Giancarlo Stanton, the organization is looking to add a starter that can eat innings until Jose Fernandez returns next summer.
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