The Florida Marlins: Young and Exciting Doesn't Cut It

It's about time.

As every other team's payroll grew with the average player size, the Marlins stayed the same; probably because their players couldn't afford steroids.  

Today, the MLBPA had the Marlins organization sign a contract through 2012 stating that the Marlins must up their payroll. Some insiders are saying that the payroll will be required to go up to about $50 million.

It goes like this: the MLBPA was cracking down on a problem. Refer to this example:

Player A goes from Florida to New York. The Marlins get Player B and cash. According to MLBPA guidelines, that money must go towards the salary of the team. The Marlins didn't see that rule.

It's one thing to hide frugality of this sort when your payroll ranks among the middle of the league. But when you always finish bottom five in the league in payroll, you're bound to be caught. Sherlock Holmes was not needed for this one.

The Marlins spent $36.8 million on salaries last year.

If the Marlins want to re-sign Josh Johnson, they are going to have to pay a little more than $1.4 million a year. They have to spend $15 million more. Expect a deal, soon.

The Marlins have remained contenders throughout the frugality phase. They have won two championships, and remain in playoff contention late every year. Imagine the possibilities of another all-star-caliber player.

The most money spent in the past four years on a free agent was on Luis Gonzalez at $2 million for a year.

The Marlins need pitching help; they also need to spend money. Erik Bedard and Livan Hernandez are leaders of the starting pitching class, with Jason Isringhausen being a relief pitcher who could be available at a bargain. The Marlins have opportunities that they just need to take advantage of.

Sounds to me like this is a franchise that needs help. Who said that money doesn't buy happiness?