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Reyes felt the love from owner Jeffrey Loria and team president David Samson when their front office team came to him and his agent at 12:01 a.m. as the free agency period was set to begin in late October. It’s hard to blame him. A six-year contract for $106 million would get anyone excited to go anywhere in this world if Miami doesn’t already sell itself already. It’s pretty evident that Sandy Alderson and the New York Mets barely even tried to bring back their franchise player as Reyes explains in the following interview. Reyes would also like to put to bed the idea that there will be a rift between himself and Hanley Ramirez. In the worst case scenario Reyes is open to the idea of playing second base if it would help the Marlins win. Jose Reyes joined 790 The Ticket in Miami on The Dan LeBatard Show with Stugotz to discuss the decision to sign with the Miami Marlins being a very easy one, being excited to leave the Mets organization, the perception that he is always injured, how the Marlins lured him at the first minute of free agency, the Marlins promising him that they would sign other big name free agents like Albert Pujols, the rumors that Hanley Ramirez is not happy about moving to third base, having any conversations with Hanley Ramirez about moving to third base if he signed with the Marlins and hypothetically moving to second base if the Marlins asked him to.
How pumped are you? Was this a difficult decision for you? Was it easy? Did you want to get down to Miami?
“There’s no doubt. Everybody wants to play down in Miami. I don’t think it was difficult at all.”
More excited to be down in Miami or away from the New York Mets organization?
“I’m excited to be in Miami right now. Everything else was in the past. It’s time for me to move on.”
What do you say to the people who are worried about your legs, hamstrings and about your injuries? What do you say to them?
“Injuries are part of the game. I’m good right now. I’m looking forward to this season down in Miami. I hope to play a full season every year, so right now I am going to go out there and give everything I can to be on the field with no problem.”
How did you end up here? When free agency started did you put Miami at the top of your list?
“The owner from Miami and all his staff – the first day I became a free agent at 12:01 a.m. were in New York at 12:01 a.m. right away. They showed they really wanted me there. That showed me a lot.”
Did the Marlins ownership tell you they were also going after the biggest names in baseball like Albert Pujols? Did they entice you with the money they would be spending around you?
“I mean like I tell you they told me they are going to put a great team together. I have no control over this stuff. I am just happy to be a part of the Miami family. I am happy about that. Right now it is time to move on and I can’t wait to get to spring training to get together with my new teammates.”
What do you make of the reports that Hanley Ramirez – who you are very friendly with – what do you make of
Hanley Ramirez saying that he doesn’t want to move to third base and that he wants to play shortstop for the Miami Marlins?
“I mean that’s a rumor. I don’t think he said that personally. Hanley and me – we are here for one reason and that’s win. We both want to win. I can’t wait to get together with Hanley because Hanley is one of the best players in the game. I am looking forward to playing with him.”
Have you ever had any conversations with Hanley Ramirez about him moving to third base and you playing shortstop?
“No we haven’t. Right now we haven’t had conversations because Hanley couldn’t meet me between rehabbing and stuff, so I am looking forward to talking to him soon.”
I know the point is winning Jose, but if the Marlins came to you today and said Hanley Ramirez has gotta be the shortstop, do you want to play second base? How’s that going over?
“I don’t have a problem. Like I said I am a team player. I want to win. Whatever is best for the team I am going to do it.”
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