Marlins newcomer Haren still feels the tug of family

JUPITER, Fla. - For Miami Marlins pitcher Dan Haren, the relocation from Southern California to South Florida will take some getting used to.

The 34-year-old right-hander reported to his new team this week after contemplating retirement, but he made it clear Sunday he still feels the tug of faraway family. Back in Los Angeles are his wife and their children, ages 7 and 5, and such separation is a downside to spring training.

The well-traveled Haren was happy to pitch for the Dodgers an hour from his house last season. He raised the possibility of retirement in November, hoping to dissuade East Coast teams from trading for him.

But he was due to make $10 million this season, and said the big salary was a factor in deciding to join the Marlins.