Marlins sign Buehrle, eyeing Fielder?
By QMI Agency
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  Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder celebrates defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks to win game Game 5 of their MLB National League Divisional League Series baseball playoffs in Milwaukee, October 7, 2011. (REUTERS/Jeff Haynes)
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The Miami Marlins, apparently casting aside their pursuit of slugger Albert Pujols, have signed free-agent pitcher Mark Buehrle to a four-year deal worth $58 million, according to multiple reports.
Buehrle, a 32-year-old left-hander, was 13-9 with the Chicago White Sox in 2011, with a 3.59 earned-run average.
The Marlins now have spent $191 million on three free agents -- Buehrle, shortstop Jose Reyes and closer Heath Bell.
Buehrle had spent his entire 12-year big-league career with the White Sox.
The Marlins also were in the hunt for starting pitcher C.J. Wilson but it was not known if they had now dropped out of those sweepstakes.
The Marlins had offered first baseman Pujols a 10-year deal worth more than $200 million, asking him to respond promptly. Now, with Pujols reportedly re-signing with the St. Louis Cardinals, there is speculation the Marlins will go after another prominent first baseman, Prince Fielder.
