BY SAM KOROTKIN

 

You're watching multisource sports news analysis from Newsy.

It’s not the Florida Marlins, it’s the Miami Marlins. And it looks as if more than the name is changing.

The Marlins have inked shortstop Jose Reyes to a six year, 106 million dollar deal, making him the highest paid player in franchise history, and the second highest paid shortstop in baseball history.

ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian says it’s a big time move for the fish.

“This happened because the Marlins have been after this for a month because they knew Reyes could fill several holes. First off, they had to get a leadoff guy, they needed a shortstop who had more range than Hanley Ramirez, and they need a third basemen. Now Ramirez can move over to third, I think he’ll be pretty good there.”

The 28 year-old Reyes played his first nine seasons with the New York Mets, and finished last season with a .337 batting average, making him the first Met to win a batting title. MLB Network’s Kevin Millar likes Reyes, but doesn’t know if the sign was worth the risk.

“Dynamic player- when you’re talking about the triples, the base stealing, he can throw, obviously won a batting title last year- this player is a game changer, but I’m telling you right now his health is a big question mark.”

The 4-time all star has battled his fair share of injuries over the last three seasons, and has missed almost 40 games per season throughout his career. Outside of Reyes, the Marlins have also already signed reliever Heath Bell, and Jim Duquette of MLB.com doesn’t think they are done.

“You look at their priorities I wouldn’t be surprised if they make another big effort on either Wilson or Buehrle. They’re going to be in the mix for Pujols and the big guys there obviously with Prince Fielder, but I know they have some other options as well, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they ended up with a starting pitcher before we leave here in Dallas.”

With the addition of Reyes, Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez will most likely end up moving to third base. Dave Hyde of the Sun Sentinel thinks if they can land Pujols, then Ramirez might be happier to do so.

“Ramirez respects Pujols in a big way. He might accept moving to third base a lot easier if the lineup looks: Reyes, Ramirez, Pujols, Stanton, Morrison ... That's the best lineup in baseball right there, folks.”

With the Marlins new name, jerseys and stadium they are turning the baseball world upside down. Yahoo Sports’ Kevin Kaduk says that’s just the bizarro baseball world we live in.

“Up is down. Left is right. Dogs are living with cats and the Miami Marlins are poaching a superstar from the New York Mets with a nine-figure contract… In other words, if you're going to try and turn around a franchise by giving a player a contract that's worth more than your last two payrolls combined, Reyes might as well be the guy.”