Hanley Ramirez is not only recovering nicely from shoulder surgery, he's also warming up to the idea of switching positions. According to a report out of the Dominican Republic, Ramirez says he's set to move to third base in order to make room for newly signed shortstop Jose Reyes.
"I've spoken with (Ozzie) Guillen, and what we both want is to win with the Marlins," Ramirez told the Associated Press in Spanish. "When we get to January, we'll see what happens with the position change and everything else. If it's at third, fine. Wherever they put me, I'll do it in order to win."
It's been an uncomfortable past month or so for the Marlins and Ramirez, who was hardly gung-ho about the Reyes signing in terms of what it meant to him, specifically a move from short to third base. He repeatedly told reporters "I'm a shortstop" when pressed about the matter, and his representatives told the team in November that Ramirez wasn't thrilled about making the move.
Guillen, obviously, has been talking to Ramirez.
Ramirez said he is 95 percent recovered from surgery on his left shoulder, and he is expected to begin baseball activities within the coming days.
"I'm very happy, better than ever," Ramirez said. "We're the new Marlins. I'm also a new Hanley. Good things are coming for this upcoming season."
Vicente Padilla is pitching great in his native Nicaragua for Tigres de Chinandega, after a short stint in Mexico. He has 2 starts (Dec 21st, when he won and on the 30th, no decision). In 13 scoreless innings, (ERA 0.00) only 7 hits allowed and just 1 BB . He's been looking impressive in his deliveries with 11 strikeouts. This could be a great catch (and inexpensive) as a starter for the Marlins. A top quality performer when healthy !!
Posted by: Dr. Agostini | January 02, 2012 at 05:35 PM
I figured Hanley would make the switch....Hanley will make the NL all star team playing 3rd base this year.
Posted by: spitballer | January 02, 2012 at 07:12 PM
The marlins can not trade hanley as is
they better, this guy like many other
that got big money, "Willis".
Have a big brain problem.
He will not accept being second fiddle
I know the Marlins can not trade him now
there is no value, with the injury and
and childers mentally, but for us to win next year, "he needs to go"
Posted by: pimienta | January 02, 2012 at 08:25 PM
When the Nats sign Prince the Marlins will be looking up at 3rd place.
Posted by: D,C, Cab | January 02, 2012 at 09:13 PM
Is this guy serious? A Nats fan? GTFO!
Posted by: Mr. B | January 03, 2012 at 05:21 AM
Unfortunatly, Mr DC Cab is probably right. Getting Gio ,then Prince,will overshadow the Marlins moves,and with the talent the Nats already have,plus their solid BP,they will give the Marlins all they can handle.
Posted by: Peter Gammons dog | January 03, 2012 at 08:05 AM
I think your right,now the questions is do you think the Marlins go after Fielder to keep him from the Nats and Its another power lefty to protect Stanton Its a no brainer, Just Do It!
Then trade Gaby and Coghlin for a decent Starter
Posted by: Joe | January 03, 2012 at 10:54 AM
marlins have shot their wad at 191 million for 3 players. Their only other dealings will be trades ,unless they step up and possibly in it for the Cuban CF.
Posted by: Peter Gammons dog | January 03, 2012 at 11:26 AM
The Nats & Marlins...2 up & coming teams...IMO, Braves & Phillis will regress this year.
Posted by: spitballer | January 03, 2012 at 03:58 PM
Check out todays story in Baseball Prospectus, Future Shock- Marlins have only one 5-star prospect in entire minor league system.
Posted by: kevin | January 03, 2012 at 05:23 PM
I'm going to keep saying this until the day Cespedes is signed by anyone but the Marlins. This guy is not worth the money he will command. Particularly if the Yanks are in the bidding. He's 26 and no one knows what he could in the Majors. You don't pay a guy $50 mil off of a you tube video.
Posted by: Glags | January 04, 2012 at 12:35 AM