Marlins trying for the big fish

Associated Press

DALLAS

Jeffrey Loria watched the news conference from the second row, beaming like a proud parent as Heath Bell talked about his new love for the Miami Marlins and reuniting with Jose Reyes.

Trying to make a quick getaway, the owner was surrounded by reporters in the corridor who wanted to know who else would be migrating to South Florida: Albert Pujols, C.J. Wilson, Mark Buehrle?

Instead of trading away their stars, the Marlins have become the biggest player in the offseason market, the riches from their new ballpark a free-agent attraction.

“I want our team to be important,” Loria said Monday as the winter meetings opened.

“It’s an energy city, and I think that’s one of the things that brings the players there. They see the energy.”

Bell’s $27 million, three-year contract was finalized, giving the renamed Marlins an All-Star closer. Reyes’ $106 million, six-year deal is a satisfactory physical from conclusion.

As the four-day swap session began, the first piece of formal business was the annual meeting of the Hall of Fame Veterans Committee, which elected late Chicago Cubs third baseman Ron Santo.

He’ll be inducted in Cooperstown on July 22, along with any players elected by members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America on Jan. 9.