Loria Being Loria

Less than a year ago, after already having signed Jose Reyes to a $100+ million deal, the newly branded Miami Marlins were rumored to have offered Albert Pujols a 10-year deal for over $200 million. The Marlins obviously didn't end up with Pujols but they still had an un-Marlins-esque offseason spending spree, signing Jose Reyes, Heath Bell and Mark Buehrle as they entered their brand spanking new (and publicly funded) stadium. Say what you will about the the Florida Marlins, the Miami Marlins were here to spend and win.

Fast forward a few months to July and the Marlins, off to a rough start unloaded Hanley Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez and a few other pieces in separate trades. Fast forward a few more months to, well, only a few hours ago and the Marlins made yet another blockbuster trade, sending Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, John Buck and Emilio Bonifacio to the Toronto Blue Jays for Yunel Escobar and a few compelling prospects. 

I don't know if the Marlins are clearing space to hit the reset button and make a run at other free agents or trade for an Alex Rodriguez or what exactly, but one thing is clear, the Miami Marlins are still acting like the Florida Marlins. At this point one has to ask, why would any high ranking player want to sign a long-term contract or extension with the Marlins who have shown no commitment to their players with or without a new stadium. #LoriaBeingLoria 

There are now Ricky Nolasco trade rumors too which can't be considered surprise given his contract but with nobody else around and no integrity to consistently try to field a good team, what incentive does Mike Stanton have to stay in Miami. Is he next to go?

Jose Reyes signed with Miami thinking he would play on a contender for six years, many with Hanley Ramirez. Now Jose Reyes is playing in Toronto and Ramirez is in Los Angeles. 

If I was playing a video game, this type firesale would be an appropriate and likely smart move. In the video game. But Jeffrey Loria isn't playing a video game, this is real life and one has to wonder what baseball will look like in Miami in the future. Winning sells but the Marlins have two World Series titles in 15 years and couldn't fill their brand new facility. The few Marlins fans left have to be debating their loyalty to the franchise right now because they know the ownership has none to the fanbase.  At this point, will Bud Selig get involved? It's hard to rationalize Loria still owning the Marlins. Mark Cuban has to be better than this, no?