Hanley Ramirez likely to move to third-base as Miami Marlins close in on Jose Reyes – MLB Update
Now that the Marlins’ franchise has relocated to a new ballpark with a new name and a new pinstripe, the management is doing all what it possibly can to lure shortstop free agent Jose Reyes to the ballclub. The Miami Marlins have expressed a strong desire
to sign the 2011 batting champion and it seems that it is only a matter of time before a deal is finalised.
Marlins’ current shortstop, Hanley Ramirez, has welcomed the move, but has asserted that the management has not spoken to him about moving to another position if the deal materialises. Ramirez added that he will continue to consider himself as the team’s
shortstop until a final word is given by the management.
Rumours are rife that if the Marlins sign Reyes, Ramirez will move to third base. In doing so, Ramirez will join the likes of Alex Rodriguez, who was once a shortstop, but then moved to third base. However, nothing is final yet and it remains to be seen
how new manager Ozzie Guillen handles the situation. Guillen is known for his aggressive approach and the induction of Reyes will prove to be handy as far as the team’s strategy is concerned.
Marlins’ president David Samson remained calm on the situation and stressed that a solution will be crafted out once a deal with Reyes is finalised. Miami’s former infield coach Perry Hill, who retired after this past season due to chronic knee problems,
was of the view that Ramirez is talented enough to adjust his game in accordance with the new position.
Hill said, “He’s such a good athlete that I don’t think he’ll have any trouble whatsoever, if that’s the way the Marlins decide to go.”
The infield coach continued that players like Michael Young and Alex Rodriguez have managed to adjust their game play in the past and there is no reason why Ramirez cannot. A-Rod moved to third base after signing with the New York Yankees so that Derek Jeter
could continue at shortstop.
Adjudging it to be a strong move, Hill was of the view that having Reyes and Ramirez on the left-field will be advantageous to the Marlins, who will go all-out in a bid to qualify for the playoffs.
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