Mark Buehrle: “I was lied to” by Marlins
USA TODAY November 21, 2012 8:21PM
New York Mets v Miami Marlins
Updated: December 24, 2012 7:14AM
Mark Buehrle is not happy about leaving South Beach for the Great White North.
The former White Sox lefty minced no words Wednesday about getting shipped to Canada one year after signing a four-year deal with the Marlins.
“Just like the fans in South Florida,” Buehrle said in a joint statement released with his agent, Jeff Berry, “I was lied to on multiple occasions.”
The trade caused backlash in the Miami area after taxpayers approved — and footed the bill for most of — a $634 million stadium. One year after pouring resources into the club, the Marlins pulled back in dealing Buehrle, who was signed for $58 million, along with shortstop Jose Reyes and reliever Heath Bell.
Added Berry: “In an offseason of change and uncertainty, the overriding factor in Mark’s signing with Miami was Ozzie Guillen and the level of comfort his presence provided Mark and his family. Throughout the recruiting process, the Marlins made repeated assurances about their long-term commitment to Mark and his family and their long-term commitment to building a winning tradition of Marlins baseball in the new stadium.
“This is unquestionably a business, and signing with the Marlins was a calculated risk. Mark held up his end of the bargain; unfortunately, the same can’t be said of the Marlins.”
The blockbuster trade finally was approved by commissioner Bud Selig on Monday, though Selig noted he’d be warily eyeing the Marlins to ensure they continue to exercise “plausible baseball judgment.”
