MLB Free Agency: Can Ozzie Guillen Nab Mark Buehrle from the Chicago White Sox?

The Chicago White Sox are watching and waiting as Mark Buehrle makes the free agent rounds this month. Losing the popular pitcher will be quite the blow to fans of the team, but there's something that could make it harder to stomach.

What if Ozzie Guillen gets Buehrle to sign with the Marlins?

The Marlins are looking to upgrade their pitching, and Buehrle could be a target as a guy who can eat innings. It doesn't seem like a good fit for the veteran lefty, who seems to prefer to stay in the Midwest, but having Guillen in a Marlins uniform adds a wrinkle to this scenario.

Guillen would like nothing more that to see White Sox GM Kenny Williams wind up with egg on his face this winter. Luring the stalwart of the pitching staff to his new place of business would suffice nicely.

In reality, the only way Buehrle bolts for Miami is if the Marlins toss an ridiculous amount of cast his way. It doesn't seem likely, but you never know when Ozzie and Kenny are involved.

In addition to Miami, Buehrle is drawing interest from the Yankees and Red Sox, as well as Texas.  It seems that Buehrle would be better off toiling in the American League, but a big enough check and the right pitch from his former manager could see him taking his talents to South Beach.

The salary-conscious White Sox is handcuffed a bit by the big money they spent last winter. Williams will have to play a waiting game while Buehrle prowls the free agent landscape. Chicago's only hope is that Buehrle won't hit the jackpot with a big market team and return for a hometown discount.

It doesn't appear like the Marlins are the front-runners for Buehrle's services. However, the threat of a long-time fan favorite following Guillen to Miami would make his departure harder to stomach.