JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Despite a new haircut and new uniform, Jose Reyes remains easy to recognize.
Several dozen fans shouted Reyes’ name Thursday as they clustered along a practice-field fence at the Miami Marlins’ complex. When he walked over to sign autographs, the tumult resembled a New York subway station at rush hour.
That’s why the Marlins signed Reyes: to cause a commotion. They figure he’ll do it on the bases, leading off and using his speed to disrupt defenses, the way he did last year for the New York Mets as NL batting champion.
But he’s also bringing a Big Apple-style buzz to the Marlins, a franchise in transition after finishing last in NL attendance the past seven years. The Marlins anticipate sellout crowds this season in their new ballpark.
