Hanley, Marlins differ on winter ball?

Winter ball and Hanley Ramirez usually go together like tattoos and Justin Miller. But, according to The South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Marlins are taking some exception to their superstar shorstop playing for the Dominican Republic this winter. Columnist Mike Berardino quoted a source close to Ramirez as saying, "They've given us an answer, and the answer is no. We completely understand, but Hanley still wants to play."

With Ramirez's surgically repaired left shoulder bothering him in September, the Marlins would like him to rest, especially with the World Baseball Classic coming in March. Florida also has the thought of Ramirez hurting himself two years ago in winter ball fresh in its minds.

I spoke to Ramirez's agent, Andy Mota, earlier today, and he said his client is resting with family in the D.R. and isn't doing any baseball activities. He said the shoulder isn't an issue with Ramirez and, if he does play winter ball -- though that hasn't been decided yet -- it would only be for a couple of weeks. He also reiterated that Ramirez is in line to play in the WBC, though that is not a sure thing yet, either.

-- Alden Gonzalez