Free-agent Pujols receives offer from Marlins

By Steven Wine

Associated Press

Published: Friday, Nov. 11 2011 8:36 p.m. MST

FILE - In this Oct. 23, 2011 file photo, St. Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols prepares for Game 4 of baseball's World Series, against the Texas Rangers, in Arlington, Texas. Pujols' first free-agent tour is off to a surprising start: The three-time NL MVP is visiting the Florida Marlins, Friday Nov. 11, 2011.

Tony Gutierrez, File, Associated Press

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Summary

A surprising visit by Albert Pujols is sending the message: The Miami Marlins will be a much different franchise than the Florida Marlins.

MIAMI — A surprising visit by Albert Pujols is sending the message: The Miami Marlins will be a much different franchise than the Florida Marlins.

Pujols began his free-agent tour Friday when he was courted in Miami by the Marlins, only hours before they officially changed their name during a ceremony at their new ballpark. Pujols had lunch with team officials, checked out the stadium and received a contract offer.

The notoriously thrifty franchise, suddenly in the mood for a spending spree, declined to disclose details of the proposal. Free agents Jose Reyes and left-hander Mark Buehrle also received offers after taking ballpark tours earlier this week.

The 31-year-old Pujols is a free agent for the first time after spending his first 11 major league seasons with St. Louis.

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