Need another reason to hate the Marlins? Let's add this to the list (there's seriously a list): not only did the Miami Marlins and their awful ownership trade away half the team—they did so despite promising at least two stars, who signed with the Marlins this summer hoping to stay in Miami for some time, that they would not. Mark Beurhle and Jose Reyes got shipped north despite handshake no-trade promises.
The Marlins do not award no-trade clauses,
How convienent!
but club officials, while recruiting Reyes and Buerhle as free agents last offseason, assured both players that they would not be moved, sources said.
Buehrle knew the Marlins' history of dumping high-priced players, and it concerned him, according to a friend. Team president David Samson, however, told both Buehrle and his wife, Jamie, that the team was committed to a long-term vision, sources said.
A source close to Reyes, asked if the shortstop also received verbal assurances from the Marlins that he would not be traded, responded, "The answer is yes. A vehement yes."
Yeah, they didn't get it in writing, and baseball is a business, but if there wasn't already a blinking, neon warning sign above the Marlins, this ought to do it. Free agents, no matter how much you save because Florida has no income tax, or how hypnotizing the homerun whirligig, or how close to the beach you can live, don't sign with the Marlins. Jeffrey Loria and David Samson will find new and inventive ways to fuck you over.
Sources: Marlins Broke Promises [Fox Sports]