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The Miami Marlins have made significant strides this offseason to ensure a spot in the playoffs next year. It began with the signing of free agent Jose Reyes to a six-year $106 million dollar deal with a team option for the 2018 season. Bringing in closer Heath Bell for three-years and $27 million and veteran starter Mark Buehrle to four-year $58 million deal and acquiring manager Jose Guillen from the Chicago White Sox.
For most fans and those within the organization this would be a great way to enter their new stadium and show off their new team logos. Everybody except current shortstop Hanley Ramirez who with the signing of Reyes is being asked by the team to move over to third base to make room for him. Ramirez has been plagued by his lack of maturity and hustle during his tenure in Miami.
New manager Ozzie Gullien told ESPN during the baseball winter meetings that he had spoken to Ramirez and told him that one of the team's goals was to sign Reyes and asked him was he okay with it? After being reassured that no matter who comes in the three-time All-Star and former rookie of the year would be the number one guy the team was given the go ahead to get the former New York Mets player. Reyes however comes with baggage as he spent multiple stints on the disabled list last season with hamstring issues.
Weeks after the signing the team has said everything is fine but those close to the situation say things are not going smoothly and it can only get worse. The team had to squash rumors this week that he had asked for a trade and did not want to play for the team this upcoming season.
Ramirez played only 92 games last season after missing time with a shoulder injury. In six seasons with the Marlins he has hit .306 with over 1000 hits and 434 runs batted in. He signed a six-year deal worth $70 million before the 2009 season.
The Marlins hope Ramirez will realize that the team is much better now then they were a year ago.
From The Sports Mind Of RB:
I don't think the Marlins did enough to show Hanley Ramirez how much they were willing to do to make the team better. I'm not saying they should make him aware of every player they are looking to acquire but sit him down at the end of the season and show him the plan for the future and how he fits into it. They should just look at the constant discussions involving the New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter even though Jeter is not moving unless he says he wants to. As a Mets fan I was happy to see Jose Reyes go because I was tired of defending his antics and leaving a game early while fighting for the batting title. Goobye, adios, and sayonara Jose.
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