Albert Pujols Marlins Rumors: Miami's Frivolous Spending Won't Net Big Fish

Of all the teams that you could predict to make a splash in free agency, the Miami Marlins would likely have been right at the bottom of the list. But they are serious about generating fan interest moving into the new stadium. They just landed Jose Reyes, the best shortstop on the market, and are going to make a hard push for Albert Pujols.

The $106 million that the Marlins committed to the oft-injured Reyes would put most teams at their spending limit for one offseason. But times have changed, and all that taxpayer money that team owner Jeffrey Loria used to get the stadium built is making him feel generous. 

Jayson Stark of ESPN.com wrote that the Marlins front office is going to sit down with Pujols' representatives Monday or Tuesday at the Winter Meetings. 

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Throughout much of this offseason, Marlins officials have downplayed the possibility that they could afford both Reyes and Pujols. However, one source who spoke with the Marlins' brass said Sunday that Reyes' contract was structured in a way that would enable them to sign one more prominent free agent -- and that Pujols was their No. 1 target.

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Give the Marlins credit for proving that they actually have the means and fortitude to spend money on the team, but Pujols seems more like a fantasy play than anything that will actually happen. 

It is no secret that Pujols is loyal to the St. Louis Cardinals. He has built a life and career there, as well as a number of charitable organizations. There is already a statue of him in the city. 

Pujols is seeking a long-term deal, likely worth at least $200 million. I would be stunned to see any team go that high, especially with speculation about how old he actually is running rampant throughout Major League Baseball. 

The Marlins have more pressing needs than a first baseman that they could invest their money in to become real players in the National League East. 

Their rotation is incredibly thin—especially considering the health problems that Josh Johnson has, and the potential retirement of Javier Vasquez—so they should focus their attention on upgrading that area however they can. 

Pujols would be a tremendous splash for the Marlins, but his relationship with the city of St. Louis, and bigger concerns in other areas on the field, will be too much for the team to overcome when making him a formal offer.