The soon to be Miami Marlins are up to some mischief down at the country’s southern 
most metropolitan area. Rumors went crazy today as reports surfaced that the Marlins have held conversations with Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Albert Pujols, and Prince Fielder. They appear most interested in the spark plug shortstop and have “reached out” to his representatives to get the ball rolling. Jose’s Latin roots would fit in excellently in Miami and you gotta think Ozzie Guillen would enjoy writing “1. Reyes SS” everyday on his lineup card. The problem is what do you do with the already-gaining-weight-and-lazy guy currently implanted at shortstop. Hanley Ramirez has said he’d gladly switch positions: “It would be nice to play next to him, he’s a high energy guy.” But, what happens if all doesn’t work out in paradise?
Should the Marlins sign Jose, they create a lineup that’s pretty dang good. Mike Stanton could well hit 40 homeruns next year, Gaby Sanchez is a player and Logan Morrison is at worst a major league average Left Fielder. Throw in the return of the dominant Josh Johnson and some starters with real talent (Anibal Sanchez and Ricky Nolasco) and the folks in Miami have a reason to go to the games.
But, what happens at the trade deadline when the Marlins are 8 games behind the Phillies and 6 games behind the Braves? Chipper Jones just got hurt and the Braves are in hot pursuit of someone to play either Left or 3rd. I think the Marlins seriously consider moving Hanley out of town. He’s not exactly adored in Miami and as long as he’s around, the image of him loafing down the left field line after he kicked it last June will be stuck in fans’ heads. Hanley could use a change of scenery and he fits all that the Braves have been looking for.
The Braves Offseason wishlist:
- Shortstop with power, high OBP,
- Right handed power bat
- Someone who can hit in the middle of the order (perhaps in the outfield)
- All for under $8MM
- Spring Training to come so they get the September taste out of their mouth
Who are the two players currently in the game who fit those descriptions in one swoop? Hanley Ramirez and Troy Tulowitzki. Tulo’s staying put out in Colorado so that leaves Hanley. You can’t tell me he wouldn’t be the perfect fit for the Atlanta Braves right now. The guy can play short this year, hit in the middle of the order, be right handed and not have to be the face of the franchise. Then, after Chipper retires, Hanley slides right over to third and one of the Braves minor league shortstops is ready to take over. Or, if the guy gets back into shape, Hanley stays at short and Martin Prado moves in and plays third.
It’s a major win for the Braves but, what makes the Marlins do it? One of the Braves young pitching prospects. I’m guessing it takes the big guy, Julio Teheran and the power hitting third base prospect the Braves signed out of the Dominican two winters ago, Edward Salcedo. Hey, the Braves may even include Chris Jones in the deal (apparently, he’s as good as Derek Lowe… zing!!!). But seriously, this is a deal that could happen come June or July. I’m not convinced the Marlins window is 2012, it’s realistically more like 2013 when the Phillies age will finally max out it’s payroll. They get a potential ace to go alongside Josh Johnson and have a guy ready to go at third base when their time comes.
A Bold Prediction: Tim Tebow leads the Broncos to the AFC Championship game.
-Sean Morash
