Marlins reportedly seek starting pitching

Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria vowed yesterday that, despite acquiring four new relievers in less than a week, he was still not done upgrading the bullpen. But according to ESPN.com, it’s starting pitching the Marlins seek now.

The Web site stated that the club is targeting a starter with the money saved from not signing Dan Uggla to a long-term contract, and listed Javier Vazquez and Carl Pavano as the two pitchers atop their wish list. ESPN.com wrote that even after signing John Buck to a three-year, $18 million deal, the Marlins have between $10 million and $11 million to spend. But FOXSports.com heard recently that the Marlins have only between $3 million and $4 million left.

With Pavano’s estimated price tag, Vazquez seems like the likelier choice. He’s coming off a real down year with the Yankees — meaning he won’t get anything close to the $11.5 million he made in 2010 — and his agent, Sam Levinson, is the same person who represents Buck.

The Marlins have expressed interest in Pavano, but he reportedly seeks a contract similar to the one Ted Lilly got with the Dodgers (three years, $33 million). That’s probably too much for the Marlins.

Loria, for what it’s worth, didn’t sound like a man interested in acquiring starting pitching help when asked about it Wednesday …

“I’m very happy with the starting pitching,” he said. “Like all ballclubs, if we stay healthy, we’re as competitive as anybody.”

– Alden Gonzalez