MIAMI MARLINS

The National League East is now probably the toughest division in baseball. All the teams are primed for the 2012 campaigns with trades, acquisitions and signings. The best example is the Miami Marlins. New logo, new uniforms and new name, not to mention stadium and a new shortstop and starter are all very nice,

Miami finished last in their division, 30 games behind the Phillies, posting a 72-90 record, and 5 games behind the Mets.

JOSE REYES

With the signing of Jose Reyes to the 6-year $106 million contract: they shift Hanley Ramirez to third to accommodate Reyes. Ramirez is a natural shortstop, and I wonder how much he is willing to bite the bullet and play third base while smiling?

The pitching had 5 number 5 starters to boast of, and needed the injection of some talent, having one starter who won more than he lost.

Let’s look at the free agency marketplace.

They resigned 33 year-old Greg Dobbs 3^rd Base, for 2 years and $3 million, they have yet to sign Javier Vasques, their only winning starter, 3.69 ERA and a 13-10 record.

Heath Bell came over from the Padres for 3 years and $27 million. Mark Buehrle SP from the White Sox for 6 years and $58 million, and of course as I mentioned earlier, Jose Reyes from the Mets for 6 years and $106 million.

There is a huge risk-factor here, the one that suggests that Miami is rolling the dice, Reyes has not shown to be a durable player, and has been down with injuries almost every year, missing huge chunks of time. I also question his ability to stay focused during a game, and is it worth making their regular short stop move over to play another position with it causing resentment?

I don’t think they are taking the division title away from Philadelphia, and I think they will be hard pressed to move any higher than they finished.

Sanchez, Buck, Morrison and Stanton can hit, but not for average, and the pitching with the addition of Buehrle gives then just one ace.