From the moment the Marlins signed Jose Reyes to a monster contract, everyone knew there were potential issues looming with he and Hanley Ramirez on the same roster. Both play the same position and both are quite good at it. If both are still with the team come late March, new Marlins skipper Ozzie Guillen is going to have to find room for his infield superstars. At first, it sounded like Hanley would not be open to making a move to third base to accommodate Reyes. However, it appears that Guillen has gotten through to him for the time being.
“I’ve spoken with (Ozzie) Guillen, and what we both want is to win with the Marlins,” Ramirez according to a Miami Herald translation of an Associated Press report. “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.
“I’m very happy, better than ever. We’re the new Marlins. I’m also a new Hanley. Good things are coming for this upcoming season.”
Whatever Ozzie said to Ramirez seems to have worked — for now. A couple months ago Hanley was adamant about remaining a shortstop. Those feelings don’t just disappear overnight because of a conversation he had with his new manager. As we have seen on numerous occasions in the past, things are always easier in the locker room when teams are winning. As long as the Marlins stay on a winning track, Ramirez might be happy at his new position. If things start to go south, the situation could escalate in a hurry. My gut tells me Miami won’t get through a full season without dealing with a frustrated Hanley.
