Deep Sea Fishing

Agreement Means Marlins Could Keep All-Stars Like Ramirez (l) and Uggla

The Marlins, in what is being called an “historic move,” pledge to increase the amount they spend on player payroll in line with what the team receives in revenue sharing after extensive discussions with MLB and the MLBPA. The three sides announce the "unprecedented agreement" in a statement, marking the first time in the history of collectively-bargained revenue sharing that the league, the union and a club have jointly issued such a release. The Marlins in recent years have drawn the ire of the union and other club owners for a payroll that traditionally ranks at or near the bottom among MLB teams. The resolution is viewed as a win for new union boss Michael Weiner, as MLB joins with him to demand that the Marlins comply with the Basic Agreement. The news also means that the penny-pinching club should be able to open their pockets to retain star players such as 2B Dan Uggla, who has been on the trading block.