Lets Not Be Greedy

Hello Marlin Nation! My name is Will Stanifer and I am very excited to be a new addition to a great up and coming blog. If you read my bio, you will find out my ties to the Marlins, dating back when my uncle pitched for the fish. I live in South Carolina, or in baseball terms, "Braves Territory." But enough about me, the Miami Marlins are participating in one of the busiest weeks in franchise history. With so much going on, there is a variety of subjects to cover, but I will try to focus on the free-agent field. As you all know by now, the Marlins are strongly pursuing Albert Pujols to be their new franchise first baseman. While I doubt a deal ends up being done, it is still encouraging to see the Marlins step out of the box and let the nation know we ARE SERIOUS. If that is not enough for you, the organization is also heavily pursuing C.J. Wilson, Mark Buehrle, Yoenis Cespedes, and maybe Prince Fielder. It is safe to say that the fish are doing whats necessarily to be a contender in 2012.

However, getting lost in all the buzz is the signings the Marlins have already made. Marlin fans, WE JUST SIGNED HEATH BELL AND JOSE REYES! Any other season, this news would not only be earth shattering, but would be the main talk of our fan-base for the next 6 months. Still, with the Pujols rumors, these signings have flown under the radar when they should be celebrated more. For years, the closer role has been a major question mark for the organization. We thrived off of inconsistent performances and quite frankly, we got used to it. Times have changed now for the better. The addition of Heath Bell adds one of the games best closer's to the fold, almost guaranteeing a win with a lead in the ninth inning. I have cursed and wept over the number of times the fish have given me mini heart attacks during the final 3 outs. The addition of Bell will not only give us fans breathing room in the latter part of the game, but he will also boost the teams moral and confidence throughout each game. People take for granted how important a closer is during a game. He is what separates you from a 2-1 win, or a 3-2 loss, all controlled by usually 2 or 3 pitches. While many believe we over-payed, I still believe we made a great decision and the money will pay-off in the end.

Now on to the NL Batting Crown holder, Jose Reyes. Anyone disappointed in the signing of Reyes needs to check their intelligence. The Marlins not only added  a great defender and speedster to their line-up, but also the leagues top hitter. Anytime the leagues top hitter agrees to play for your organization, you have to celebrate it. Assuming he can beat the odd's and stay healthy, Reyes add's a new dimension to the all ready strong line-up. He can literally do it all. Whether it's his famous line drive double, his incredible bunts, his under-rated power, or his knack of getting on base, Reyes is a golden piece to the organization. Not only will he be capable of putting up great numbers, but the other players will most certainly benefit from his presence. With him being on base, Hanley and Stanton should be drooling 

over the RBI's that will be waiting for them. Yes, there is a lot of controversy with the whole Hanley moving to 3rd dilemma, but if HanRam really wants to win, he will embrace the opportunity. 

Usually my posts will go into more detail and be longer, but I feel like this was an issue that needed to be addressed. Aside from all the Pujols and pitcher drama, we have already made a nice mark this off-season. I will be posting every Thursday and I look forward to hearing your comments and opinions on my work. If you have a twitter, follow me @WillStanifer, I love to talk baseball and will provide you with constant Marlin updates. Until next Thursday, Go Marlins!