Big Story:
Put on your seatbelt and hold on, this could be a wild ride over the next 24-36 hours. First, the Marlins are in prime position to sign Albert Pujols. Yes, that Albert Pujols, then they may sign another pitcher or two…plus, the Heat go on the clock Friday morning in free agency and the Panthers follow Al Davis' motto and just win baby!
Let's make the agenda rain like the Marlins are courting us in free agency!

Miami Marlins:
Yes folks, this is serious.
The Marlins are set to meet with Albert Pujols' agent again Tuesday to try and negotiate a new contract.
If you follow me on Twitter, @timkephart33, you would have seen early this morning the information coming out about a potential Pujols deal.
Basically, we still don't know what the exact parameters are, but it will more than likely be a 9 or 10 year contract for around $200 million or more.
Holy jeebus Batman!!!
Okay, that's not all though.
The Marlins are said to be in the lead to sign either starting pitcher C.J. Wilson or Mark Buehrle.
All of the signings will likely push the Marlins payroll towards $120-140 million next season.
Still not Yankees money, but the Marlins would be far superior to Yankees next season.
I can't believe I just wrote that sentence.
Of course this is hinging on whether or not Pujols actually bites the bullet to come here.
It would make sense for his image though.
Think about it, where can he market himself to Hispanic-Americans and Latin America than in Miami?
But, he still has deep ties to St. Louis because that's the only team he's known in his career.
Let's assume though that the Marlins reel him in to the team.
Here's a projected lineup for the Marlins next season:
1. Jose Reyes, SS
2. Hanley Ramirez, 3B
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Mike Stanton, OF
5. Logan Morrison, OF
6. Emilio Bonifacio, OF
7. John Buck, C
8. Omar Infante, 2B
9. Pitcher
I think the best word I can use to describe that lineup is…dadgum!
If they signed Buehrle, the rotation would be:
Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Anibal Sanchez, Chris Volstad, Ricky Nolasco and Heath Bell as the closer.
In other words, on paper, the Marlins would be a possible World Series favorite.
I'll have more on the developing situation with the Marlins all day on CBSmiami.com/sports.
Hey, Jeffrey Loria…..welcome to the party!!!!

Heat:
Lest we forget the origination of the super talent in Miami, the Heat will go on the clock in free agency on Friday.
The team will be looking for help from a swingman guard/forward, center, and possibly a backup point guard.
So what do I think will happen?
My gut tells me Mike Miller will be amnestied.
The Heat will replace him with an instant upgrade in Shane Battier.
The Heat will move to sign Kwame Brown for somewhere near the minimum or just above.
The Heat will take a look at Earl Watson as a possible backup point guard, or another player to be named later.
I know Kwame might not be everyone's first pick, but he's 6'11" and 260-270 pounds.
He's now a banger and if he can give you 8-10 points and 8-10 rebounds a night, I'd take it and run.
We'll find out soon enough, but that's my guess what will happen.
It will all hinge on what happens to Miller first. But at this point, with him not being able to contribute anything last season and being out the first month or so this season, he's not who you need on the roster.
You'll still have the big three plus Udonis, Joel Anthony, Kwame Brown, and Shane Battier. Add in Mario Chalmers and a few other role players and you have a solid group to build on this year.

Florida Panthers: (off Tuesday and Wednesday, next game @Boston on Thursday)
Yknow, you have to love the Panthers this year.
There's no real superstar player, but there is just great team chemistry and the team continues to come together better than anyone could have expected.
Last night, the Panthers knocked off second-place Washington at the Bank Atlantic Center.
The Panthers win pushed the record to 15-8-4 on the season and moved them 7 points ahead of the Capitals in the NHL Southeast Division.
The Panther are also in third place in the Eastern Conference behind only the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins.
Florida faces Boston on Thursday and then plays Buffalo on Friday.
A couple of wins more and the Panthers are looking more and more like a playoff contender.
Plus, hopefully the RATS will finally be back on the ice soon. Who cares about the NHL rule!!!!!!!