Hanley Ramirez: Maybe Happy, Maybe Not

Conflicting reports suggest H2R is either ready to move to third base or refusing to vacate shortstop

Miami Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez is not happy (stop us if you've heard that before). At least, he may not be happy, depending on which source you believe.

The Palm Beach Post reported Monday that Ramirez is "distraught" over having to change positions to accommodate the newly-signed Jose Reyes.

That conflicts with a report from ESPN.com Sunday night asserting that Ramirez had already agreed to move to third base.

If such an agreement was made, the Marlins' brain trust made no mention of it Monday when announcing the signing of closer Heath Bell.

When asked if he thought Ramirez would not want to vacate shortstop, President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest told the Post, "Hanley wants to win and we'd like to provide the pieces around him to help him win."

He added, "I think Hanley can play anywhere on a baseball field. That's the kind of talent he is."

Team owner Jeffrey Loria was no more helpful, simply saying, "Hanley is a super-professional. We will work with him, make everything comfortable for him."

For good measure, the Post asked outspoken outfielder Logan Morrison for his thoughts on the possibility of Ramirez switching positions to make room for Reyes last week.

"I hope Hanley accepts it and does what's best for the team, because in the end, what's more valuable - wins or if I'm playing shortstop?" he said. "I feel like we'd be a better team with both of those guys in the lineup."

He is most definitely correct there. The addition of Reyes has the added benefit of filling the team's vacuum at either third-base or centerfield - the two logical landing spots for Ramirez. But would Ramirez rather be traded than play a new position on defense?

New Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen thinks not, telling Joe Frisaro of MLB.com he "sees no problems" with Ramirez changing positions. He also thinks such a change would not affect his status on the team. "Hanley is the man," he told Fox Sports. "I don't care who we bring in."

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