The Miami Marlins met with free agent starter C.J. Wilson on Monday, even though the common assumption among analysts is that they have little shot at signing him. Wilson is the top free agent pitcher this offseason, and he's being pursued by teams with much larger payrolls than the Marlins, like the Yankees and Rangers.
Someone apparently forgot to tell that to the Marlins, though:
Over lunch at Joe's Stone Crab and during a visit to their new stadium, the Marlins told left-hander C.J. Wilson that they want him in their starting rotation next year.
"They rolled out the red carpet. They seem to have a plan and made it very clear they'd like CJ to be a part of it,' said Bob Garber, Wilson's agent. (Joe Capozzi, Palm Beach Post)
Although it's unclear whether the Marlins made Wilson an official offer or not, Wilson apparently expects to make his decision at the Winter Meetings next week.
It still seems unlikely that the Marlins will land him, but who knows? They are reportedly interested in adding starting pitching depth to their rotation, and signing Wilson would certainly be a large splash. If nothing else, we can now add Wilson's name to the long list of free agents that the Marlins are apparently "seriously courting."
To join in the conversation about this rumor, check out SB Nation's blog on the Marlins, Fish Stripes.