Baseball exec satisfied with Marlins' spending habits

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/marlins/504392.html

Baseball exec satisfied with Marlins' spending habits

By Joe Capozzi Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Posted: 6:19 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 2010

• Small Type
  

JUPITER — Baseball commissioner Bud Selig's top assistant said Thursday the league is satisfied with how the Marlins are spending revenue-sharing money on payroll.

"I think there's no question, and the proof is in the pudding. This is a team that has been competitive year after year," league president Bob DuPuy said at Roger Dean Stadium, where he watched the Marlins' 3-1 win over the Cardinals with owner Jeffrey Loria and president David Samson.

In January, the league and player's union negotiated an agreement with the Marlins, calling for the team to increase its payroll as it moves into its new ballpark in 2012.

"The nice part about this franchise is they were committed to growing the payroll as they went into the ballpark anyway," DuPuy said.

Last month, union chief Michael Weiner told Marlins players the union was satisfied with the team's response to the agreement, which came days before two players signed separate contracts worth a combined $46.8 million. Pitcher Josh Johnson signed a $39 million four-year deal, which pays him $3.75 million this season. Second baseman Dan Uggla's one-year deal is $7.8 million. The Marlins payroll will be $45 million in 2010, up from $36.8 million in 2009.

DuPuy said the Marlins front office has "done a terrific job assembling talent and Jeffrey has supported it with the financial resources, so we're very comfortable with where this franchise is."

DuPuy started his day in Miami where he visited the construction site of the Marlins' new retractable-roof ballpark.

"I think it is going to be one of our true jewels in the game," he said, adding that the league is committed to giving the Marlins an All Star game in the near future.