What's Going on in Miami!?

As the 2012 MLB season slowly approaches, there is a much anticipated change.  The "Historic" club formerly known as the Florida Marlins are packing up and taking their tallents to South Beach.  Yea we're talking about the Miami Marlins.

Just last week the Marlins released their new logo and uniforms... If you haven't seen them, and you need a laugh, Check it out!

Ok so all jokes aside, this team is trying to make a new start.  They have their Superstar in Hanley Ramirez, they have their Ace pitcher in Josh Johnson, and they have probably the youngest, most talented supporting cast in the majors...

Despite all this the Miami Marlins are about to make the biggest mistake of their franchise history!  2 words...

JOSE REYES...

It was reported yesterday that the Marlins have offered Reyes, this years premiere middle infield free agent, a deal worth 90 million over 6 years.  I have 3 arguments as to why this will destroy this "New" franchise before  they even play one game in the 2012 season.

1) Hanley Ramirez is one of the most immature, selfish players in the majors.  It has been long investigated as to when the Marlins were going to move Hanley from Short Stop to the Outfield because of his inconsistent defense.  With the addition of Jose Reyes, who would now be the Big Dog on campus, the Marlins will be forced to move Hanley away from SS.  

-Implication 1. Hanley will be pissed and be a continual disturbance

-Implication 2. Hanley will have more ground to cover in the outfield, unless you put him in RF his defense could still negatively affect the teams effectiveness 

-Implication 3. You put an older, more fragile player at SS in Jose Reyes

2) I understand when a team gets a new stadium, they chase after a big free agent and pay them lots of money.  Although this is a common practice in the league, it is absolutely detrimental.  The Marlins payroll for 2012 is between 70-80 million... They're about to pay Jose 90 million over 6 years... that's 21% of the Marlins payroll right now... Here is why this is a problem.

-Jose had his "contract year" and at least started very very well, until...

-His Injury problems strike every year!  He plays hurt a lot, but when he has especially since 2008, his numbers have decreased greatly, since 2008 he hasn't had over 40 SB, This year has the first year since 07 that he hit over .300.  Don't get me wrong a great player, but a breaking down player who is just now supposed to be hitting his prime.

-When you unload 21% of your teams payroll on one guy... if he busts, you will struggle for years because no other team will take on the contract, and you cant afford to just take the loss.  For a team rebuilding itself, if a 90 million man busts, it will bring down the ability to bring players in for many many years to come.

3) If you are a young club, with volatile players like Hanley, instead of going after a questionable, breaking down player, save the money and go after a guy like Pujols who will not only be a offensive and defensive force, but he will take the team into the community and he will be a strong influence and leader in that young clubhouse.  

3.5) You need a veteran leader in the young club house, when you have Ozzie Guillen as Manager.  Ozzie is outrageous, calls out his players, gets in their faces, and is extremely aggressive.  A young selfish player like Hanley, will be offended, pissed, and ready to retaliation.  Without that veteran leader in the clubhouse, this team will crumble from the inside-out!  

So recapping, its simple...

DO NOT SIGN JOSE REYES

SIGN ALBERT PUJOLS...God knows you need a scary offensive force, since your logo and uniforms make you look like the Rainbow Brigade...

and... DONT BE SURPRISED IF THEY EMPTY THE BANK AND SIGN THEM BOTH! 

Yours Truely, 

DAHM