Miami Marlins: Signing of Heath Bell Proves Front Office Wasn't Bluffing

The Marlins wined and dined with Jose Reyes, Albert Pujols, CJ Wilson and Mark Buehrle (to a lesser extent), but none have signed. 

Take the wining and dining out of the equation, and the Marlins, who met with Heath Bell on the eve of the new month, have officially signed their new closer to a three-year deal worth $27 million, which includes a vesting option for a fourth year at $9 million. 

Bell, 34 (2.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 43 saves), instantly solves the Marlins' closer woes, which arose after Leo Nunez/Juan Carlos Oviedo began falling apart down the stretch, after he began the season with 18 converted saves without a blown save.

Oviedo/Nunez currently is dealing with an issue in the Dominican Republic, and the chances he returns are slim to none. According to Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio, the Marlins are planning to non-tender Nunez, which would clear a few million in spending money.

Speaking of which, the Marlins have shattered the previous mark of $3.65 million that Leo Nunez was paid last season with $9 million, the highest annual value they have ever given a closer, let alone a relief pitcher. The Marlins gave former closer Rob Nen a four-year, $17.7 million contract in December of 1996, but traded Nen away in the "firesale" of 1997.  

However, the move signals a sort of repeat in history, as the Marlins, who have won a pair of World Series, have done it under established closers (Nen and Urbina). In both instances, the team has had to invest a serious amount (money and prospects) in making sure they got their man.  

The hope here is that the Marlins will have the same luck after getting an established closer. The signing has had some mixed reviews, as Bell's most alarming stat from 2011 was his decreased strikeout rate, from 11.06 in 2010 to 7.32 this past season. Nevertheless, Bell had the lower WHIP (1.20 in 2010), and his opposing batting average remained virtually the same as 2010 at .217. 

If you remember, the Marlins were linked to Heath Bell in 2009, but the Padres asked for prospects the Marlins weren't willing to move at the time. Bell brings a positive clubhouse influence, and now the Marlins fans will have to come up with another nickname for their closer, with the "Leocoaster" going out of commission.

South Beach adding sizzle to Hot Stove

For the Marlins, the hope is that this begins a chain reaction of moves that involve Jose Reyes, CJ Wilson or Mark Buehrle coming to Miami as well.

Earlier this week, CJ Wilson met with the Marlins in Miami, and agent Bob Garder said Wilson will "probably" make a decision next week at the winter meetings in Dallas. 

Sources have told CBSSports.com's Scott Miller that the Marlins are optimistic they will land Reyes and are simply waiting on his decision. It is believed that the New York Mets and Miami Marlins remain they only serious contenders in the Reyes sweepstakes, with other teams (Phillies, Tigers, Brewers, Giants) showing mild or no interest. 

A National League executive told Joel Sherman of the New York Post that it would not surprise him if the Marlins began the season with Jose Reyes, CJ Wilson and a very good closer. The Marlins already have a third of that prophecy fulfilled. 

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