Marlins stock up for run at Phillies

(First in a series)

The Marlins followed the Phillies' lead, just a year late.

In anticipation of greater revenue from their new ballpark opening in 2004, the Phillies, in 2003, pre-invested in free agents Jim Thome and David Bell, traded for pricey starter Kevin Millwood and extended Pat Burrell's contract, a total commitment of $172 million.

In anticipation of greater revenue from their ballpark opening in April, the now-Miami Marlins invested a total of $203 million in shortstop Jose Reyes, lefthander Mark Buerhle, closer Heath Bell and manager Ozzie Guillen, most of it in back-loaded deals.

Thome's name, complemented by Millwood's pedigree from the Braves organization, bumped the Phils' attendance to ninth best in club history in the last season of Veterans Stadium, then set a club record the first season in the new yard.

Reyes' name, complemented by the pedigree of former shortstop Hanley Ramirez, now at third, the power of Mike Stanton in rightfield and a tantalizingly talented starting rotation, is expected to do the same.

Of course, the Phillies didn't really make noise until after their surprise run to the playoffs in 2007 - in which Thome, Millwood and Bell played no part whatsoever. Attendance never dropped below 2.6 million.

Since their run in the second half of 2007, the Phillies have blown away the attendance record they set in 2004. They also have won five straight division titles. Their payroll ballooned from nearly $94 million in 2004 to $173 million last season.

With a 35,000-seat stadium - about 10,000 fewer than the Bank - don't expect the Marlins to crest above $150 million.

And if they don't draw decently in the next couple of seasons, well, owner Jeffrey Loria might not have to worry about the payroll, since he probably will have to sell the team.

Can these Marlins make a run at five division titles? For that matter, can they make a run at their first ever?

They sure seem loaded.

With all due respect to Albert Pujols, the best hitter of his generation, and to Prince Fielder, perhaps the new best lefty power hitter in the game, Reyes could turn out to be worth more than either.

At 28, in a contract year, Reyes showed just how good he could be if he focuses. He led the league with a .337 average and posted career highs with a .384 on-base percentage and .493 slugging percentage. He is a career .292 hitter, with the range and the arm to win a Gold Glove at his position every season.