The Miami Marlins have just agreed to a 6 year, 102 million dollar deal with shortstop Jose Reyes. Reyes is one of the most exciting players in the game and one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball. During his 9 seasons in the league, all with the Mets; Reyes has won a batting title, led the league in steals three times, and led the league in triples four times. Reyes is a four time All Star, and good with the glove as well. The only knock on Reyes is that he has been injury prone the last 3 seasons.
Hanley Ramirez will move to third base from shortstop to make room for Reyes. The Marlins should have a pretty good lineup next year, and they are still in pursuit of Albert Pujols. Even without him, they should be among the highest run scoring teams next year. Right fielder Mike Stanton hit 34 home runs last year in his second season despite playing his home games at pitcher friendly Dolphin Stadium. Logan Morrison and Gaby Sanchez are also two up and coming young hitters. Right now, the Marlins lineup looks like this:
SS Jose Reyes
2B Omar Infante
3B Hanley Ramirez
RF Mike Stanton
LF Logan Morrison
1B Gaby Sanchez
C John Buck
CF Chris Coghlan/Emilio Bonifacio
Center field looks kind of weak unless Chris Coghlan can regain his 2009 Rookie of the Year form. John Buck has decent power, but doesn't hit for a high average. The middle of the order looks pretty good. I'm not sure if Miami's new ballpark is going to favor pitchers or hitters, but this team should have a good offense in 2012.
The Marlins have also signed closer Heath Bell to a three year deal. Their bullpen also includes Ryan Webb, Edwin Mujica, and Michael Dunn, all good relievers. Josh Johnson is their ace, and the Fish need him to be healthy to contend next year. Ricky Nolasco and Anibal Sanchez also return, and the Marlins are trying to re-sign free agent Javy Vazquez.
The Marlins will have new uniforms, a new stadium, new manager, and some new players next season. The Phillies are still the best team in the NL East, and the Braves will be in the running as well. But, with an extra wild card spot available next year, the Marlins should be in contention. With manager Ozzie Guillen and Reyes on the team, they won't be boring next year. They might have the ugliest uniforms in the league, though.
News and Notes:Former Cub third baseman Ron Santo was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veteran's Committee today, almost a year after he died. Santo is deserving, but if he's in why shouldn't Ken Boyer be in as well?
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/santoro01.shtml#batting_standard::none
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/boyerke01.shtml#batting_standard::none
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