Just three days into MLB's annual winter general manager meetings in Dallas, Texas the new look Miami Marlins are jumping into free agency head first and not looking back. They have already signed former San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell a three year $27 million deal and former New York Mets star shortstop Jose Reyes to a six year $106 million deal. Now, news from ESPN today is that the Marlins have offered Albert Pujols a 10 year contract worth well over 200 million dollars. Pujols is widely considered the game's best player, but come on Miami what are you thinking? Their spending so far this free agency period is appauling. This is coming from a team that hasn't topped a payroll of over $60 million in almost a decade. I guess new ownership comes with outrageous spending habits. If the team ends up signing Pujols, they will have spent more money on these three players in three days than their entire payroll combined from the last nine years. Don't get me wrong, these players are among the best in the league, but in Pujols' case specifically, it just doesn't make sense to me. He is already 31 years old. If he signed this contract the Marlins would have his rights until he is 41 years old. Besides the steroid filled era of the early 2000s, when is the last time you saw productive 41 year old baseball player. Okay, so he's not just another player but he isn't superman either. Its a fact, an athletes physical skills start diminishing as they get older. After all, that is why players are forced to retire. The Marlins will be tied to an old aging star for years to come. But hey, at least they won't have to worry about putting fans in their seats this year. Get ready Albert, you're about to be a rich man.
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