Free Agent Signing – Mark Buehrle

The extremely active Miami Marlins strike again! They signed Mark Buehrle for $58 million over 4 years. The 32 year old lefty has been one of the most consistent and durable starting pitchers over the past 11 seasons. Along the way he has shown several flashes of dominance, including two no hitters (one a perfect game), while pitching for the Chicago White Sox. The Marlins are hoping his veteran presence will help their young starting staff reach the next level.

Buerhle has incredibly; started at least 30 games, thrown at least 200 innings and produced double digit wins in all 11 of his seasons. His lifetime record of 161 – 119 is very solid along with his career 1.28 WHIP and his career 3.83 ERA. All achieved while pitching in a very friendly hitters ballpark. He has never become a true ace but as a number two or three starter, it is hard to ask for much more. Buerhle has won three straight gold glove awards and is known as one of the fastest working pitchers in the majors (which can really help a defense). He also is stellar at holding runners on, with 49 successful steals against him in his career versus 68 caught stealing! Buerhle should excel pitching in the National League, as most pitchers who switch from the AL usually do.

Mark Buerhle followed his manager Ozzie Guillen who also left the Chicago White Sox to sign with the Miami Marlins. Along with the recent signings of Jose Reyes and Heath Bell, it looks like the Marlins are building a serious contender. The Marlins have also stated they are still not done! If they are still able to land another strong bat and/or starter, it will be hard to not pick them as a favorite to makes the playoffs (where, let’s be honest, anything can happen).

Buerhle helps solidify and deepen the Marlins starting rotation, which still has quite some uncertainty going into 2012. Will Javier Vazquez really retire or will the Marlins fantastic off-season acquisitions entice him to return? Will Josh Johnson finally be healthy after his injury filled 2011 season? Both pitchers, when they pitched, were tremendous in 2011. The Marlins are also waiting for Anibal Sanchez to finally put together a full season they think he is capable of. Buerhle being a left handed starter really helps since the rest of the rotation is righthanded.

Marlins projected 2012 starting Rotation:

Josh Johnson, righty, age 28, 2011 pitched 9 GS, 60.1 IP

Mark Buerhrle, lefty, age 32, 2011 pitched 31 GS, 205.1 IP

Anibal Sanchez, righty, age 28, 2011 pitched 32 GS, 196.1 IP

Ricky Nolasco, righty, age 29, 2011 pitched 33 GS, 206 IP

Chris Volstad, righty, age 25, 2011 pitched 29 GS, 165.2 IP

The Marlins also have the 27 year old Wade LeBlanc, who started 14 games for the Sand Diego Padres last year, waiting in the wings if Josh Johnson isn’t healthy enough to start the season.

The Marlins have already improved their offense with Jose Reyes, the bullpen with Heath Bell, and the signing of Mark Buehrle has to be considered a great move for their rotation. This rotation may be a step below division rivals Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves rotations, but you have to like what you see. And if the Marlins can actually add another solid starter to the mix, look out National League!