On one hand, Ramirez was thrilled to have his fellow countryman on board for a championship pursuit. But on the flipside, the four-time All-Star was disappointed that he'd be forced to sacrifice playing shortstop and move over to third base.
As a result of the quandary, Ramirez –– who was relaxing in the Dominican Republic in December at the time of the news –– sought out none other than Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz for advice. And from the beginning, Ortiz endorsed the position switch.
"We talked a lot about the decision in Santo Domingo and I told him 'Yo, you're opening up a position for a guy [in Reyes] who can really help the organization,'" Ortiz told NESN.com. "Sometimes, you have to make that sacrifice for the team to reach its full potential."
Fortunately for the Marlins, it's worked out. Despite being one game under .500 heading into Wednesday night, the team has leaned on Reyes and Ramirez to ignite the offense, and the two have combined for 13 home runs and 53 RBIs in 66 games.
Defensively, Ramirez hasn't been a liability whatsoever at third. After patrolling shortstop for seven seasons, the 28-year-old made a seamless transition to his new niche, where he's recorded 44 putouts, 100 assists and made only three errors.
"Hanley at third base, in all honesty, it's been a huge surprise," Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen said. "He's played third base like he's played it all his life. I thought it'd be a longer adjustment for him that would take more time. But he's playing it 200 percent better than I expected it."
Ramirez, who developed a friendship with Ortiz as a standout in Boston's farm system, expressed his appreciation for the slugger's guidance.
"We're always talking whether it's email or text messages," Ramirez said. "We're always keep an eye out for each other because he's like the big brother that I never had. He's always helping me out, whether it's about the game or off the field about making the most out of life."
During the offseason, the pair routinely convene in Santo Domingo a few times each week. But in December, it took a couple extra conversations between Ramirez and Ortiz to seal the deal on the positional switch.
As Ramirez gradually reaps the benefits of the sacrifice, Ortiz feels pride in watching his protege succeed.
"I always saw that in him because Hanley was always dedicated to learning [in Boston's farm system]," Ortiz said. "To see him do what he's doing, it's not a surprise. He's got the physique of a third baseman, so I think making the sacrifice will pay off."
If so, the Marlins are also partly indebted to Ortiz, too.
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