Reyes eager to play with Ramirez

New Miami Marlins shortstop Jose Reyes misspoke Friday while talking about the teammate he bumped to third base, Hanley Ramirez.

"I can't wait to play for, er, with Hanley," Reyes said.

If Reyes played for Ramirez, there would be no change at shortstop. Instead, Ramirez is giving up the position.

Reyes signed a six-year, $106-million deal with Miami last week and said he hasn't heard from Ramirez since. There has been no phone call, text message or Christmas card from his fellow Dominican.

Meanwhile, speculation persists that Ramirez is unhappy about being supplanted at shortstop.

"As soon as I have the opportunity, I'm going to talk to him, because we are very good friends," Reyes said. "We're both here for one reason -- to win the World Series. It doesn't matter where I'm going to play or where he's going to play."

Reyes and another recent All-Star acquisition, closer Heath Bell, were in Miami for appearances at team retail outlets. Both said they expect big things from the Marlins after the team's recent $191-million spending spree, which also included the signing of lefthander Mark Buehrle.

The Marlins went 72-90 in 2011. But with the free-agent signings, the hiring of manager Ozzie Guillen and the move into a new ballpark, they're brimming with optimism.

Said Reyes, "If you see the lineup and the pieces we have, you have to think we can compete with anybody."

Cuddyer to Rockies

The Rockies and free-agent outfielder Michael Cuddyer have agreed to a three-year deal worth about $30 million. Cuddyer, who hit .284 with 20 home runs and 70 RBIs last season, also was pursued by the Phillies and Mariners.

Smith staying with Twins

Former general manager Bill Smith decided to stay with the Twins after being fired last month. He was dismissed after four seasons on the job as Terry Ryan's replacement. Ryan returned to his previous role, and after taking several weeks to regroup, Smith, who has been with the organization more than 25 years, told Twins president Dave St. Peter he is willing to serve as an assistant to St. Peter and Ryan. -- AP