2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Marlins Shopping Hanley Ramirez?

When the Miami Marlins added free agent shortstop Jose Reyes the rumor mill started to churn.  What would happen with Marlins All-Star shortstop Hanley Ramirez?  Originally, Ramirez sounded happy to move over to third base to accommodate Reyes.  Now, after the signing was made official, this doesn’t seem to be the case.  The Marlins have said they are not looking to trade Ramirez, but Ken Rosenthol of Fox Sports says he’ll “believe Hanley Ramirez will be the Miami Marlins Opening Day third baseman” when he sees it.

Rosenthol gives the Marlins credit; they are saying all the right things regarding Ramirez.  But that doesn’t discount the fact that many around Ramirez say that he wants to continue playing shortstop.

When the Reyes-to-Marlins talks first began, Ramirez seemed to be playing the role of good and willing soldier.  Ramirez was rumored to have said that he would be open to moving over for a talent such as Reyes.

But when it became evident that the Marlins were actually serious about their Reyes bidding, Ramirez seemingly changed his tune.

Since the Reyes signing, Ramirez has continued to be a good soldier, at least publically.  Last Friday Ramirez was asked what his thoughts were of the Marlins offseason moves.  Ramirez said that he believes the team is “moving ahead” and “getting some good ballplayers”.  Ramirez even gave a shout out to his front office, saying he thinks they’re “doing the best they can to put a good team on the field”.

This is good for Ramirez and the Marlins.  But, this doesn’t change that fact that behind the cameras and microphones Ramirez still wants to play shortstop.  He has said that he will handle his business with the Marlins professionally.

Rosenthol says those familiar with Ramirez believe he is “entrenched in his position”.  These sources say Ramirez doesn’t want to move to third base and never told Miami that he would.

While Miami has said that they are not actively shopping Han-Ram, Rosenthol believes the smart move for the Marlins would be to trade Ramirez.  He does admit that the 28-year-old’s value is currently lower than it has been, but Rosenthol still says this is Hanley Ramirez we’re talking about.

According to a rival executive, the Marlins “shouldn’t have no trouble finding a home” for Ramirez.  This same executive believes there is “enough interest” out there for Ramirez to allow the Marlins “to get decent return”.

Rosenthol not only says the Marlins should trade Ramirez, but he goes on to name in detail six clubs that would be interested in the shortstop.  These teams include the Red Sox, Tigers, Angels, Nationals, Giants and Mariners.  Beyond these clubs, Rosenthol says that his “complete list includes nearly 20 teams” that would be interested in Ramirez.  According to Rosenthol, many of the clubs he mentions “would jump if the Marlins made Ramirez available”.

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