Ramirez accepts switch to 3rd for Reyes

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Hanley Ramirez says he'll accept a position switch to third base so Miami Marlins newcomer Jose Reyes can play shortstop.

When Reyes signed a US$106-million, six-year deal with Miami last month, there was speculation Ramirez was unhappy about being supplanted at short. But new manager Ozzie Guillen sold Ramirez on the idea.

"I have spoken with Guillen," Ramirez said. "What we want is to win with the Marlins.

"We will see what's going to happen with the position switch and everything else. If it's third base, OK. Wherever they put me to win, I will do so."

With Reyes at shortstop and Ramirez at third, the Marlins become stronger defensively at both positions, and more potent offensively. Reyes hit .337 with the New York Mets last year to win the NL batting title, and Ramirez -- a career .306 hitter -- was the 2009 batting champ.

The two Dominicans are friendly, although Reyes recently said he hadn't heard from his fellow all-star since signing.

"Between Reyes and me there is no problem," Ramirez said. "I respect him very much. He is a great person."

Ramirez spoke while taking batting practice at a Santo Domingo stadium Friday. He missed the final two months of last season with a left shoulder injury that required surgery.

"The shoulder is responding, and it's 95 per cent rehabbed," Ramirez said. "I'm happy and better than ever."

He said he's excited about the Marlins' off-season spending spree, which included the signings of Reyes, left-hander Mark Buehrle and all-star closer Heath Bell, each an all-star.

"We are a new Marlins club," Ramirez said. "There's also a new Hanley. Good stuff is coming for next season."