We can't tell if the Marlins are acting more like a professional athlete who just got his first bonus check of an aging beauty suddenly determined to look 15 years younger. Maybe it's a little bit of both.

Regardless, it's probably tempting for a Twins fan to look at the expensive cosmetic changes the Marlins -- who are now calling themselves the Miami Marlins in helping to complete the makeover -- and get a little jealous of that franchise and/or frustrated with the current offseason for their favorite club.

A comparison between the two franchises starts with a few similarities -- both have some nice core players and both have fancy new stadiums, with the Marlins' new ballpark set to open in 2012 -- but beyond that it is pretty much a study in contrast.

When it comes to introducing new players, the Marlins will unveil a Big Three of Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and Heath Bell (unless they sign even more free agents in the offseason). The Twins might unveil a Big Three of Jamey Carroll, Ryan Doumit and Pedro Florimon. And while the Marlins are taking their payroll to sights unseen -- remember, just five seasons ago in 2006 their entire opening day payroll was a shade under $15 million, which is less than Reyes' average yearly salary for the length of his contract -- the Twins sound as though they want to take a step back from last year, when their payroll crept to roughly $115 million. Their biggest money has gone to retaining their own players -- with the $37 million invested in 2012 for Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau being prime examples.

The Marlins, if you'll recall, were not on the verge of contention in 2011. They finished last in their division, 30 games out of first place, very much like the Twins. They've obviously trying to remake themselves on the fly and build a fan base for their new stadium, but we really have to wonder if it will be sustainable. Going big is a bold move, but it's one that could backfire mightily. One of the worst things you can say about the Twins is they have way too much money locked up in two guys who are huge question marks for 2012. But terrible luck, more than anything, is at play in Minnesota's case. Showering Reyes, Bell, Buehrle and who knows who else with that kind of money? Don't be jealous of the Marlins. Just avert your eyes when the new Porsche crashes and the Botox wears off.