"The Marlins late Thursday thumbed their noses at all the skeptics who believe their free agent dalliances are smokescreens.

A league source confirmed the Marlins agreed to a three-year deal with Heath Bell, one of the top closers available. Bell is guaranteed $9 million a year, and the contract also includes a vesting option for a fourth season.

The pact may not become official for a few days. Bell, a native of Southern California, still needs to come to South Florida for a physical, perhaps as early as Friday. Unlike some of the other free agents the Marlins have courted, Bell did not visit for the perfunctory Joe's Stone Crab lunch and stadium tour.

One industry source said he was surprised the Marlins' pursuit of Bell remained under wraps for as long as it did. The Blue Jays and Red Sox also were believed to be courting the right-hander."