MIAMI (AP) — A person familiar with discussions between Jose Reyes and the Florida Marlins says the team is courting the free-agent shortstop in Miami.
The Marlins gave Reyes a tour of their new ballpark Wednesday, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t commented publicly on free-agent negotiations.
The Marlins are also courting left-hander Mark Buehrle, who took a ballpark tour Tuesday, the person said. In addition, owner Jeffrey Loria and a contingent of team officials plan to visit the Dominican Republic on Thursday to watch a private workout by highly regarded Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes.
The perennially thrifty Marlins are expected to increase their payroll from $57 million this year to about $80 million in 2012.
