They wanted a splash, but other than the art project adorning the outfield seats, the uniform changes, the acquisition of Ozzie Guillen to manage the club, and some rather loud noises about going after Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, and even Albert Pujols, we really haven't seen much actual change from the Miami Marlins. But we certainly still have time:
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Marlins Offseason Success Plan: Cespedes or Sizemore? - Fish Stripes
"I am not currently ready to say that this team is close enough to contention that a Sizemore stab should be considered over an interesting long-term option like Cespedes. Add on the Cuban factor and how interesting that would be for the south Florida fanbase (remember the love that Livan Hernandez got in his early Marlins career?) and it seems like Cespedes would be a significantly better fit." -
What it will take to sign Cespedes? - Joe Frisaro
"In January of 2010, Chapman signed a six-year deal worth $30.25 million. Cespedes, the source said, could be seeking more than double Chapman’s salary over eight years. Technically, no negotiations can take place until after he is declared a free agent. The Marlins recently traveled to the Dominican Republic to attend a private workout for Cespedes, the 26-year-old who defected from Cuba in the summer."
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Marlins' new look, stadium not fooling anybody - Jeff Passan
"'Who takes them seriously?' said one source familiar with the Marlins’ operations. 'They’re not going to draw. That’s going to be a disaster. Loria is like an awful version of [George] Steinbrenner. They’re afraid to question the guy because of ramifications.'" -
How Jeff Loria Became The Miracle Marlin - Nathan Vardi | Forbes
"The Marlins spent about $50 million on payroll in 2011 and are expected to have a payroll of some $80 million in 2012. The team is reportedly paying Guillen $10 million over four years."