Marlins Look to Make Splash: Visit with Jose Reyes

Marlins Look to Make Splash: Visit with Jose Reyes
Jojo Doria

Miami, FL

The rebuilding Florida Marlins visited with Jose Reyes, as part of club's courtship of the All-Star shortstop.

Reyes, considered one of the top prizes in this year's free-agent market, was feted with a tour of the Marlins' new ballpark and lunch at Joe's Stone Crab.

Touring the ballpark with the 2011 NL batting champion were Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria and manager Ozzie Guillen, among others.

The Marlins are apparently so enamored with Reyes that the club contacted with the 28-year-old four-time All-Star the moment the free agent signing period began.

Reyes, who has spent his entire nine-year major league career with the Mets, is considered one of this year's top position-player free agents, along with Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder.

Such ardent interest in Reyes and other star free agents is a clear indication the once thrifty Marlins are prepared to hike their payroll, with some projecting it to breach the $80-million mark in 2012.

If the Marlins sign Reyes, it would likely result in the moving of 2009 NL batting champ Hanley Ramirez to third base.

The Silver Slugger winner Reyes, led the Major Leagues in triples on three occasions ('05, '06 and '08). He also led the National league in stolen bases in '05, '06 and '07.

Despite two stints on the disabled list, Reyes, the Mets all-time leader in runs scored, triples, and stolen bases, captured the NL batting crown this year with a .337 average and led the majors with 16 triples.

Reyes's tour came a day after pitcher Mark Buehrle was given the same tour Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Marlins are also interested in Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. A contingent of team officials heads to the Dominican Republic to take a look at the phenomenal five-tool center-fielder.