There are two words we can use to describe why the Miami Marlins figure to be much improved in 2015:
Mo-ney.
OK, that’s really one word, but it deserves to be emphasized in this case because the Marlins, who have been an exceptionally low-budget team for most of their history, spent big bucks in the offseason.
Start with the record contract handed to right fielder Giancarlo Stanton — a 13-year, $325 million deal that sent shock waves throughout baseball. Before that announcement, most everyone would have predicted that the Marlins would have dealt Stanton away rather than pay him a huge salary.
But Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria did not stop there. Instead, he approved the deals made by his baseball executives, bringing in third baseman Martin Prado, second baseman Dee Gordon, first baseman Michael Morse, backup outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, relievers Aaron Crow and David Phelps and starting pitchers Dan Haren and Mat Latos.
The momentum continued late last week when the Marlins gave left fielder Christian Yelich, 23, a seven-year, $50 million contract extension. The Marlins also have an option for an eighth year on that deal.
Off the field, the Marlins have spent money as well, leasing their own plane to allow their players to fly in style and comfort. Instead of flying on a cramped commercial flight, the Marlins’ 84-seat plane is equipped with sofas and a massage table.
The Marlins have also hired two chefs to cook the players healthy meals during spring training.
Miami beefed up its player personnel department, hiring 10 new scouts, and added marketing and sales employees.
The Marlins said the plane will cost well over $1 million, and that’s also true for the sticker price on all the new scouts.
How are they going to pay for all this?
For starters, the Marlins expect to win big and draw more at the gate. The Marlins, who have been awarded the 2017 All-Star Game, also expect to have sold naming rights to their stadium by then.
Winning, though, is what the fans care about most. The Marlins have not had a winning season since 2009, but all that money should change things this year.
