Some of it not so good (in example: that awful thing they call a Logo, and the debacle that is their centerfield HR celebration machine that looks like something out of vegas (if you haven't seen this yet take a look http://miamiherald.typepad.com/fish_bytes/2011/10/new-home-run-celebration-sculpture-at-marlins-stadium-a-work-of-art.html))
Some of it good (signing Guillen as Manager as well as several new signings, willing to spend cash etc)
For whatever reason it seems like Pat Riley and Jeff Loria switched bodies, because the Marlins have become a signing machine. They saw the writing on the wall, The Miami Heat went out and signed the 3 Kings, The Florida Panthers (Still in First!!!!) completely overhauled the team, making it clear to the fans they were serious about turning around the team. The Dolphins.....no update there. (Maybe some stiff competition from the surrounding pro teams will wake that front office up as well). The Marlins realized they were going into a brand-spanking new stadium with a team that ended the 2011 season in last place and 18 games under .500. With the Heat now literally in the same neighborhood, they had to find something to bring the fans in.
Enter the 2011 Winter Meetings. The Marlins made a big splash by signing Heath Bell as their closer and Jose Reyes to a very lucrative contract (6 years $106 Million). A move that has created a stir in its own right. Personally I'm not completely sold on the Reyes move for Miami. My partner in crime Jonny V can tell you first hand that while Reyes can be (emphasis on the word can) one of the most electric players in the game he also is very inconsistent. Especially for that amount of cash. Reyes has been one of the faces of the Mets franchise since he burst onto the scene in 2003. Yet the Mets seemed done with him, they certainly haven't put up near the fight that St Louis has for Pujols. Has to be some reasoning behind that.
The move has definitely caused a stir in the Marlins organization. Especially with the self-proclaimed new Mr Marlin. Hanley Ramirez, who is expected to vacate his position of SS for the new acquisition. So far the rumors and press releases relating to Hanley have resembled that of a Machine Gun firing. Before the signing of Reyes it was stated that Hanley was ok with the move to 3rd. Now there are several conflicting reports. The reports have all followed the same pattern. A source close to Hanley states something that gives Hanley a negative outlook (refusal to change positions. asking for a trade. asking for a raise) followed by some scurrying in the Marlin press and then a hush hush release by the team that none of the above is true. Hanley hasn't said much of anything. And with the Marlins history of how it handles its players in almost a mafia like setting. And the credible sources that WERE stating the rumors about Hanley. I have to believe this is far from over with him.
The Marlins have the potential to have a stellar left side of the infield. But they also have two head cases to deal with in those spots. And one is feeling like his status of Alpha Male is being challenged. Can Hanley Mature? or will the Marlins have to ship him somewhere to prevent an implosion. Only time will tell.
Meanwhile the Marlins continue to make headlines. They signed Buehrle to a 4 year deal, and are sure to make a play for a couple more Free Agents before this is all done. Miami figured out that in order to stay relevant in South Florida as well as fill the seats of their new stadium they would have to make some big moves. So far so good for them. Have they been the right moves? Once again only time will tell. But they should be fun to watch both on and off the field for the next year.
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