Talk around the Marlins has been off the charts today on Twitter, with reports that the Fish have talked to Mets shortstop Jose Reyes, and that Ozzie Guillen wants Cardinals’ Albert Pujols or Brewers’ Prince Fielder to be at first base.
Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com tweeted that he “talked to a Marlins official who confirmed that the team has ‘reached out’ to Reyes’ representative [Peter Greenburg].”
Mike Francessa of WFAN (CBS/New York) tweeted “that Jose Reyes has received an offer and is scheduled to meet with the Marlins.”
Speculation on a Reyes signing to the Fish has been around for a few days, with some analysts saying that current SS Hanley Ramirez would be moved to third base if a signing would occur.
That’s one of the current problems the Marlins have, a fill for the the third base spot. Greg Dobbs, who’s now a free-agent, won’t likely be back, and Matt Dominguez still isn’t ready to take charge. Emilio Bonifacio will likely get a starting role in 2012, but third base probably won’t be that spot. Rumors also claim that the Mets’ David Wright could be on the Marlins’ radar, along with Chicago Cub Aramis Ramirez.
As for first base, it’s an understatement that it’s getting a lot attention. Jon Heyman reported on SI.com that “One person said new manager Ozzie Guillen is pushing for either [Albert] Pujols or Prince Fielder. And while those players could be out of their reach, the Marlins are expected to be active on the free agent market.”
Jerry Crasnick also tweeted that Pujols and Fielder are on the Marlins’ radar. He also pointed out that Marlins already have Gaby Sanchez at 1B, and that the Fish want Logan Morrison out of LF.
While Pujols and Fielder would be big-names to get attention and results, one big splash won’t fix the Marlins’ problems.
Marlins also have their eyes on Yoenis Cespedes, a 26-year-old defected Cuban.
Juan Rodriguez of the Sun Sentinel reported that “The Marlins have identified their center fielder of the future. Now all they have to do is sign him when he’s declared a free agent.” He went on to say that “an American League source who attended his showcase Friday in the Dominican Republic, the buzz is the Marlins have the inside track.”
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweeted “Marlins contingent, including owner Jeffrey Loria, will visit Cuban OF Yoenis Cespedes in Dominican later this week.”
The heavy hitting, 6 foot, 215-pound Cespedes played for Cuba in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, where he garnered most of the attention. He is represented by the Wasserman Media Group, which also represents Hanley Ramirez.
We’ll update you on any further information regarding Reyes, Fielder, Pujols, Cespedes, and any other names out there, here on TFF and via Twitter.
-Derek
Sources: Jerry Crasnick [ESPN, via Twitter], Mike Francessa [WFAN/CBS NY, via Twitter], Jon Heyman [Sports Illustrated], Juan C. Rodriguez [Sun Sentinel], Ken Rosenthal [FOX Sports, via Twitter]