Buehrle Visits Marlins

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Nov 9, 2011 5:40PM

White Sox starting pitcher Mark Buehrle, testing baseball's free agent waters for the first time in his 12-year career, visited with the Florida Marlins Tuesday. Perhaps he just wanted a couple days away from the cold and rain in the Midwest on somebody else's dime. Maybe Buehrle is actually considering taking his talents to South Beach.

A move to the Marlins would reunite the southpaw with Ozzie Guillen, who left the South Side for Miami in late September. Buehrle has also had his way with the NL, posting a lifetime 24-6 mark against the senior circuit.

Buehrle can expect courtship from a number of teams. With 11 consecutive years of starting 30 games, pitching 200 innings and reaching double digit victories, a lifetime ERA below 4.00 and three Gold Gloves, he's a workhorse who would improve any team's rotation.

The New York Yankees have expressed interest in Buehrle. The Red Sox and Rangers have also been mentioned as suitors. As a Missouri native, it was long thought Buehrle would want to finish his career in St. Louis. Coming off a World Series victory and needing to re-sign superstar Albert Pujols, pitching is a lower priority for Cardinals right now.

Of course, the biggest wild card is whether the White Sox choose to make an offer to bring back their longtime ace. Kenny Williams is clearly embarking on a bit of a rebuilding process and has some overpriced contracts on the books. He might decide to give some of his younger pitchers a shot to prove themselves rather than fork over a substantial eight-figure deal to Buehrle. Such a move would be incredibly unpopular with fans, even if the cash could be used to fortify other positions.