Just a day after being burned in their season debut, the Miami Marlins hope to make amends on Thursday night when they travel to Cincinnati in one of the most expensive collection of players to meet ever.
The Marlins, forever ired for their frugal spending habits, went on a spree this winter by adding All-Stars Jose Reyes, Heath Bell and Mark Buehrle.
Buehrle gets the start tonight, following up Josh Johnson’s batting practice session in which he allowed 12 hits and 3 runs.
“I think everybody is going to look forward to getting on the flight and getting to Cincinnati, especially with that off day (Friday),” Buehrle said.
The lefty’s first start with a team other than the White Sox won’t be easy.
The Reds, not to be outdone by the league’s sudden cash craze, signed the All-Star first baseman to the largest contract in franchise history last week: a 10-year, $225 million mammoth similar to Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder’s huge hauls months earlier.
“Is it risky?” owner Bob Castellini told the Associated Press. “No doubt. That’s the environment we live in, especially as a small market. We feel Joe will be a cornerstone.”
They could have done worse with their money. Votto is a career .300 hitter who batted .309 last year with 103 RBI. He plays a position that teams are scouring for power and is still young.
“I always try to do my best,” Votto said. “I can’t promise you anything going forward. I can’t promise you health or promise you production. I can promise you I’ll do my best.”
And the Reds, for one, certainly know what they will be getting out of their investment. Unlike Miami’s owners, who produced one of
baseball’s more memorable entrances Wednesday night with showgirls and fireworks, only to be encored with one of the more forgettable games. Miami was nearly shut out by St. Louis’ Kyle Lohse, needing seven innings to finally get a hit.
Buerhle figures to be better with a career 2-0 record and 0.60 ERA against the Reds.
Still, Cincinnati is a favored by 1 1/2 runs, according to MLB Opening Day Odds at Bovada, with a 7 1/2-run over/under that’s a little on the high side compared to the rest of the league.