Hanley Ramirez not on Board with Move to Third Base

This weekend we looked at a few of the reasons the Miami Marlins are going to be an interesting team to watch in 2012.  One of the intriguing storylines set to play out is how Hanley Ramirez handles the transition from shortstop to third base.  There have been rumblings throughout the offseason that the 28-year-old was still not on board with the idea, and Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen confirmed these reports yesterday.  During an interview with reporters yesterday, Guillen made it clear that Ramirez is not yet 100 percent on board with a move to the hot corner.

When the Hot Stove season kicked off, Ramirez appeared to be open enough about bringing in talent to Miami.  The three-time All-Star even hinted that he’d do whatever was needed to facilitate the signing of Jose Reyes.

Maybe Ramirez didn’t think this would actually happen; the Marlins he knew didn’t do stuff like this.  The Marlins Ramirez knew didn’t go out and spend money on top-of-the-line free agents.

Whatever the case, after it was announced that Miami was seriously pursuing Reyes, Ramirez seemed to change his tune a bit.  Once the signing became official, Ramirez said he would act professionally and do what was best for the team.  However, as recent as the beginning of January it was reported that Ramirez’s stance hadn’t changed.  Hanley wanted to remain at shortstop.

There was a period in which it was rumored the Marlins were shopping Ramirez.  A trade would allow Hanley to continue playing short for another club, but the Marlins denied the rumors and seem driven to make a lineup consisting of both Reyes and Ramirez work.

It looks like this is something they will have to continue working through this spring.  While meeting with the press yesterday, Ozzie Guillen admitted that “Hanley is not 100 percent on board” regarding his move to third base.  Guillen added that he didn’t expect Ramirez to be there yet, but that he expects him to be there by Opening Night.

Guillen reminded reporters that the Marlins are viewed as Hanley’s team.  Guillen said whatever moves the club made this offseason, they were made to help Ramirez win.

How do you see the transition going?  Do you think Ramirez and Reyes can co-exist in the same lineup for years to come, or will a trade have to eventually be made?

For more on the Marlins, be sure to check out Marlin Maniac.

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