Jose Reyes: Report Says Inconsistent Shortstop Will Sign with Miami Marlins

Jose Reyes has proven to be one of the better shortstops in the league when healthy.

That's what the Miami Marlins must be thinking as they appear close to signing the former New York Mets star.

Last season, Reyes hit .337 with 102 runs and 39 stolen bases for the Mets, but played in just 126 games. In 2009, hampered by injuries, Reyes played in just 36 games.

That's why Reyes, at 28 years old, is more like a player who is well into his 30s.

The details of Reyes' signing have not yet been released, but it's possible the four-time All-Star got paid handsomely considering the Mets must have been looking to pursue him this offseason after opting not to trade him at the deadline last season.

There's also the question about what the Marlins will do at shortstop with both Reyes and Hanley Ramirez possibly being on the roster. It was reported earlier that Ramirez may be moved to third base if the Marlins signed Reyes. There's also the possibility of Reyes moving to second base; he played there early in his career and he's getting older.

However, it's worth noting that Reyes had a better fielding percentage than Ramirez last season; Ramirez had 28 errors on the year to Reyes' 18. Ramirez could also be moved to center field.

The Marlins went 72-90 last season. They scored 625 runs during the regular season, 23rd in baseball.

The team could position itself for more runs in 2011 with the addition of Reyes, who, combined with Ramirez and Emilio Bonifacio, would complete a trio of legitimate threats on the basepaths.