Stark: Marlins Could Be Big Players This Off-Season UPDATE: All Big Names In Play

[MiamiHomer]

Someone asked JCR about Sizemore if the Indians didn't pick up his option. I wonder what he would be worth in the market with his issue of staying healthy for a season.

[Miamarlin21]

I'd would like Sizemore but I read speculation that big-market teams will throw money at him just to chance that he is good again.

[emkayseven]

He's from Washington and he played in Cleveland so there is a 0% chance he'll sign with an NL team

[MiamiHomer]

New Florida Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen had occasion to speak with Hanley Ramirez Tuesday. Guillen, during a conference call with fellow ESPN World Series analysts John Kruk and Curt Schilling, said the conversation did not center on the team, but rather remained on a personal level.

Asked if he could envision any scenario in which Ramirez played a position other than shortstop in 2012, Guillen didn’t quash the notion. Ramirez indicated last season he would not be opposed to moving if the Marlins signed free agent and fellow Dominican shortstop Jose Reyes, likely a long shot considering Reyes’ injury history and the contract he’ll garner on the open market.

“I just got there, and I just want him on the field no matter where,” Guillen said. “Does it have to be at shortstop? Does it have to be somewhere else? I just want this kid to be on the field every day and that’s what I’m looking for. The conversation was great. It’s up to the Marlins what they have in mind, what they want to do. As long as this kid is on the field and gives me four at-bats every day, that’s what I need.”

The Marlins have a couple of positional holes to fill, but they can go in any number of directions. Emilio Bonifacio could start at third or center, giving them some flexibility as to whether they seek an infielder or outfielder. If the Marlins still believe Matt Dominguez is the long-term answer at third base, maybe they use Bonifacio there or sign a stop-gap, and purse an established center fielder. Adding an impact bat at third like Aramis Ramirez would likely require a five-year commitment.

Outside of Reyes or maybe Jimmy Rollins, I don’t see another free agent shortstop the Marlins could add who would justify displacing Ramirez.

As to their conversation, Guillen said: “It was nothing about what I expect from him. What I expect from him was already been said in the press conference. I expect a lot of things from him. One thing I asked him was how was his progress from his injury and we talked about one of the coaches is a good friend of both to be aboard on the ball club. It was nothing about what I want from him or what I need from the team, or give me a scoop on this guy. That’s my job to find out. It was just personal stuff.”

The coach to whom Guillen referred might be Omer Munoz, who helped with the White Sox throwing batting practice, but was not on the full-time staff. Good chance he joins the Marlins in the same capacity, but it’s not immediately clear how Munoz, a native of Venezuela, would have come to know Ramirez…

According to MASNSports.com, the Marlins have denied the Orioles permission to interview Dan Jennings for their general manager opening. Jennings, the Marlins’ Vice President of Player Personnel, is signed through 2015 along with President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest, General Manager Michael Hill and Special Assistant Jim Flemming.

The Marlins in recent seasons have denied seven teams permission to speak with Jennings and/or Hill for GM vacancies.

Florida Marlins: Ozzie Guillen doesn’t rule out position change for Hanley Ramirez

[Miamarlin21]

What is everyone's feelings on this possible position change for Hanley?

[HUGG]

If it's something he's legitimately willing to do, I think he could be a solid 3B.

[Miamarlin21]

I guess I'd take him ove Matt Dominguez.

[Big Z]

I wouldn't mind moving Hanley to third, but who do you stick at SS?

I would assume if this happens you trade Dominguez and Gaby, and play LoMo at 1B. Two guys I would like to play LF for us are Kubel (preferably), Cuddyer or obviously The HAMMER.

Can't wait for this off-season, I want the WS to be over already; let the rumors begin!

[Ramp]

I wouldn't mind moving Hanley to third, but who do you stick at SS?

I would assume if this happens you trade Dominguez and Gaby, and play LoMo at 1B. Two guys I would like to play LF for us are Kubel (preferably), Cuddyer or obviously The HAMMER.

Can't wait for this off-season, I want the WS to be over already; let the rumors begin!

Jason Kubel isn't any good and made $5.25mil last season. Michael Cuddyer made over $10mil last season.

And as much as I love Hammer, he made $6mil last year and probably deserves atleast $6mil for 2012

[Big Z]

I wonder if Heath Bell is going to finally sign with SD. They've supposedly offered him 2/15-16 and he has not accepted; word is he wants 3 years.

[Ramp]

He's way out of our price range (especially for a reliever)

[Swifty]

With the big money on his contract coming due, moving Hanley makes no sense.

[Ramp]

Why does moving Hanley positionally make no sense (regardless of money)?

[Swifty]

Well, because of money.

It's fun to think big, but we're not becoming the Yankees.

[Ramp]

But if he's better defensively at 3B, what does that have to do with money?

Or are you suggesting this talk is irrelevant because we aren't getting someone who can play SS anyway (ala Reyes)