Marlins make moves, but it's not about salary

If you paid attention last week, the Marlins traded Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin, the two guys Florida received for Miguel Cabrera in one of the Marlins' only up and comer swap for prospects that never panned out.

Then came a much more high profile trade, with Florida on Tuesday sending fan favorite to Dan Uggla to Atlanta for infielder Omar Infante and pitcher Mike Dunn.

Fans, accustomed to the front office treating Marlins players like Craigslist whores, are already crying foul. They're assuming it's all about salary.

So long Dan Uggla

Yes, Uggla is up for salary arbitration, but no, this isn't all about salary. Despite his power, Uggla is expendable and not worth more than the $7.8 million he made this year. The Marlins gained a much-needed defensive presence in Infante, who played in his first All-Star game last year.

To prove it's not all about nickels and dimes, the Marlins are reportedly in the process of signing catcher John Buck to a three-year $18 million deal. Buck, also an All-Star last year, was on the Red Sox radar. The Marlins actually signed a player Boston was pursuing, and he's not a 14-year-old kid from the Dominican.

Jeffrey Loria has said all along that he would bust out his check book when the Marlins move south. The Miami Marlins are only a year away, and it looks like management is beginning to put together a team that will be competitive both in the final season at Sun Life Stadium and into the new era.

You'll barely remember Uggla.