Tag Archives: Hanley Ramirez

Changes For Pedroia? Cora’s Got This

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Spring training is kicking into high gear, with pitchers and catchers reported and the rest of the players streaming in daily. One of the great things is Alex Cora’s regular press conferences. Today he had some things to say about changes for Dustin Pedroia, among other things:

Alex Cora meets with the press at Jet Blue Park in Fort Myers

Still The Laser Show

The money quote comes around the 4:30 mark. When asked about Dustin Pedroia this was his answer:

“He’s in Tom Brady mode…He’s been doing it since 2006, so nothing’s different.”

Alex Cora on Dustin Pedroia

It is Cora’s bond with his players, especially with his former padawan Pedroia, that allow him to know them inside out, and coach them appropriately. Cora kicks off his answer about Pedroia with this positive comment, comparing him with the GOAT, before getting to the heart of the issue.

Slowing Down

Earlier today Pedroia had his opening press conference. And, as Sean McAdam writes, his career is filled with uncertainty.

“I’ve definitely worked pretty hard to get to this point, but I’m taking it one step at a time.”

Dustin Pedroia from Jet Blue Park in Fort Myers FL

Cora laid out the new plan for the hard charging D-Ped:

“He know’s there’s certain days that there’s…no on the field stuff for him”

This is, frankly, a complete sea change on everything to do with Pedroia. This was a guy who would take infield from his knees when his left foot was in a boot in the summer of 2010. A guy who pushed things way too hard and ended up playing only three games in 2018.

Where We’re Going

Cora has said that he’s looking for around 120 games for Pedroia this year. Before this winter, Pedroia would be fighting back, insisting he could play 150. But Alex Cora has the same touch with players coming back from injury that he does when making winning moves in the postseason.

“We talked a little bit two days ago about workload and all that. He understands that for this (Pedroia’s comeback) to happen he has to stay with us.”

Imagine John Farrell trying this. But Cora can lay out a plan, and talk about ‘staying with us’, and have it come across naturally and with authority.

Staying Positive

Cora went on to talk about how things happened last year, and how he feels about how Pedroia handled his lost 2018. This includes going back on the DL on June 2nd when the team was in Houston, after returning on May 25th on the roster move that rocked baseball, Hanley Ramirez being designated for assignment.

“He did an outstanding job last year. He was honest with us in Houston. When he came back from Arizona (rehab) he was a great teammate, a great leader.”

Alex Cora on Dustin Pedroia’s injury plagued 2018

Cora is telling us how much he believes in ‘Pedey’. There are shades of Terry Francona, and a proud big brother thing going on here, really driving home the family atmosphere that exists in the Red Sox clubhouse.

So where does Alex Cora see this going? After mirroring Pedroia from earlier, talking about taking it day by day, the eventual path to Opening Day on March 28th in Seattle?

“Like I’ve been saying all along, he’ll be leading off for us.”

With Pedroia on board and Cora leading the way, Pedroia has a chance to have his most successful season since 2016. It’s easy to imagine a line-drive single leading off the game, with Mookie and JD Martinez coming up behind him.

Pedroia isn’t full of bluster and proclamations. Alex Cora has his back, and his trust. And with rumors of Machado going to the Yankees, we could be in for as entertaining a summer as we had in 2018, which is pretty incredible.

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Review – Alex Cora: The Making Of A Champion

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Last night on the MLB Network they ran their MLB Network Presents series Alex Cora: The Making of a Champion. It was an in depth and poignant piece on our manager, a tremendous watch. The story starts and ends from his home town of Caguas Puerto Rico, from his childhood straight through to his current place as the first Big League manager from Puerto Rico. Oh, and through that incredible Red Sox season in 2018. Here are some highlights:

Heartbreak at home

Screengrab from MLB Network

Is pain a friend of yours? Have you suffered heartbreak and loss? Alex Cora is shoulder to shoulder with you. Several times he speaks about losing his Father when he was 13 years old, and how that has shaped him. Seeing him well up while talking about looking at the family seats in Dodger Stadium during the World Series and wishing his Dad was there is tough.

On the other hand: Seeing him handing out supplies in Caguas at the beginning of the story, then celebrating with the World Series trophy at the end, is incredibly uplifting. His love for his homeland is so familiar to our love for our cities and towns here in New England. There’s a fierce loyalty that speaks the same language.

And the family bond is a beautiful thing. I mean who wouldn’t want a Mother like this:

Screengrab from MLB Network

Or a Brother like this:

Screengrab from MLB Network

What He Took From The Astros

Cora talks about the teamwork throughout all departments in the Houston organization as a valuable lesson. And of course the analytics that he learned as well. But it was something that he was aloud to do, not necessarily told to do, that unlocked things for him.

He talks about AJ Hinch letting him be close to the players. Carlos Beltran is one of Alex’s good friends, and it appears he uses that relationship as a basis for being close with all the players. Tom Verducci, who is excellent as the interviewer, mentions that it is almost taboo for the manager to be close to the players in the Majors. So he asks Cora more about his philosophy on this topic. Here is Alex Cora’s response:

“So I was like, you know what? Why not? Why not be close to them (the players)? At the end of the day they know that there’s (going) to be tough decisions – Hanley Ramirez – but at the same time they understand that we can be close. But there’s some respect. I respect them as players, that’s the most important thing. And then obviously they respect me as a manager.”

Alex Cora on having close relationships with his ball players

It is these relationships that allow Cora to be such an exceptional manager. Yes, he has the 14 year big league career, and the analytics and incredible baseball knowledge. But the trust he engenders from the players allow him to have such incredible buy in from stubborn players like Mookie Betts, and change things on the fly and create perfect buttons to push. And that trust grows exponentially because of those close relationships.

Of course, he learned some of that from this guy too:

Screengrab from MLB Network

The Nathan Eovaldi Moment

Screengrab from MLB Network

Words don’t do this part justice. It’s a must see. The Red Sox felt that had won game three in LA, not lost an epic heartbreaker. Alex Cora was a huge part of that.

The Red Sox Are In Great Hands

Alex Cora is already thinking about how to follow up after a once in a lifetime experience. He knows things have to be different, and lucky for him, he knows someone with a lot of experience in this area:

Screengrab from MLB Network

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The Greatest Red Sox Legends by Uniform Number: 11-15

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Following up probably the easiest portion of these articles, numbers one through ten comes the third installment in this series of articles. This set of numbers, 11 through 15, won’t be quite so obvious. This grouping, however, does include one retired number and one current player.

Number 11 – Frank Malzone

Frank Malzone was an eight-time All-Star, spending 11 of his 12 seasons in Boston. Malzone made two All-Star Games in both 1959 and 1960, when Major League Baseball temporarily held two per season. Malzone was an excellent fielder, winning three consecutive Gold Gloves to begin his career. He also drove in 103 runners his rookie season, placing second in the Rookie of the Year vote.

During his nine full seasons with the Red Sox, Malzone batted .278 in addition to his All-Star Games and Gold Gloves. He hit 131 home runs during his time in Boston. From 1957-64, he was the cream of the crop at the hot corner. During that time he made eight All-Star Games in eight seasons. His average season was .281 with 16 home runs and 84 runs batted in during that timeframe.

Honorable Mentions: Tim Naehring, Bill Mueller, Clay Buchholz, Dave Stapleton

Number 12 – Ellis Burks

After a brief stint in Pawtucket, Burks came up to the Red Sox in 1987 and put up a 20-20 season as a rookie. He kept putting up results all over the field his entire career. With the Sox, he stole over 20 bases each of his first three seasons. In his first four years, he batted .291 with a .820 OPS. In that fourth season, he made the All-Star Game, won a Gold Glove and the Silver Slugger Award.

Burks’ play fell off his final two seasons in Boston, missing more than half the season in 1992. He battled injuries periodically throughout his career but was stellar when on the field. His biggest competition at the number 12 comes in the form of players who were good fewer years in Boston than he was, although several of them were postseason heroes.

Honorable Mentions: Wes Ferrell, Mark Bellhorn, Todd Walker, Mike Napoli

(Photo by Robert Beck/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Number 13 – John Valentin

John Valentin was an underrated star of the Red Sox in the nineties. Valentin was good both offensively and defensively and was a clutch hitter. During his time in Boston, he turned the tenth unassisted triple play in Major League history, hit for the cycle and posted the highest WAR in the American League in 1995. In the postseason, Valentin batted .347/.407/.639/1.046, hitting five home runs and driving in 19 runs over 72 at-bats.

Unfortunately, Valentin experienced severe knee problems that shortened his career. His knees bothered him in the late-nineties, then he blew out his knee and only played 30 games over his final two seasons with the Red Sox. However, from 1994-97 Valentin averaged 17 home runs and 35 doubles per season while batting .303/.384/.492/.876.

Honorable Mentions: Alex Cora, Hanley Ramirez

 

John Valentin homers off Roger Clemens in the 1st inning of game 3 of the ALCS in 1999.

Number 14 – Jim Rice

Jim Rice is the lone Hall of Famer in this group and has his number 14 retired by the Red Sox. He was quite possibly the most feared hitter in baseball for a decade. His rookie season he placed 2nd in the Rookie of the Year vote and third in the MVP vote. Things only went up from there.

From 1977-79, Rice put up one of the most dominant three-year stretches baseball has seen. Rice went over 200 hits each of those seasons and led the league in home runs twice. His 406 total bases in 1978 are a franchise record to this day. During that stretch, his average season was .320 with 41 home runs, 128 runs batted in, 207 base hits, 386 total bases, and a .972 OPS. He wasn’t all home runs as you can see by his hit total and the fact he hit 36 triples in those three seasons.

After a few good seasons, Rice had another monster season left in him in 1984. That year he led the league with 39 home runs and 126 runs batted in. His final top five MVP finish came in 1986 when he placed in third. In addition to his 1978 MVP Award, this was Rice’s fifth top-five MVP finish. His career tailed off in a hurry after that 86 season or he would have made the Hall of Fame much sooner. He still finished with nearly 2500 lifetime hits and a .298 batting average.

Number 15 – Dustin Pedroia

Who else at number 15 but our beloved leader at the keystone position. Pedroia has fallen on hard times lately with his knee problems, but he has had a wonderful career. Defying the odds of his small stature, Pedroia has won a Rookie of the Year, an MVP Award, a Silver Slugger, four Gold Gloves and made four all-star teams.

Pedroia followed up his Rookie of the Year campaign by leading the league in hits, runs scored and doubles in 2008. He even added some home run pop to his repertoire, hitting 17 out that season. In 2010 he was on pace for 20 when he broke his leg with a foul ball. He followed through on that pace the next season, smashing 21 “lasers” over the fence.

In his career, Pedroia has averaged 194 base hits per 162 games played. He is a career .300 hitter with extra-base power. In addition to that, he is a team leader and one of the best fielding second basemen in the game. Pedroia has never made more than seven errors in any season. The only season his fielding percentage dipped below .990 was when he was a September call-up in 2006; remarkable.

Honorable Mentions: Joe Dobson, Kevin Millar, Dennis Lamp, Earl Webb

 

Featured picture from the Baseball Hall of Fame

W2W4: Red Sox vs. Astros

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The Red Sox take on the Houston Astros this weekend in a three game set that many believe is an ALCS preview. There will be plenty to take in at Fenway Park over the next few days. Here’s what I’ll be keeping my eye on:

Aces, Charles, You’re Aces

Aces are often the case when top flight teams face off, and there will be some big time pitching matchups worth tuning in for.

Friday night’s tilt features two of the AL’s best: Gerrit Cole and David Price. Cole was a CY Young favorite earlier this season. In his first 10 starts, he went 5-1 with a 1.86 ERA and a .169 batting average against. However, he’s cooled recently. Since the calendar flipped to August, he’s 3-2 with a 4.11 ERA. Conversely, Price is just hitting his stride. The 2012 AL CY Young award winner has been on fire since the All-Star break. He’s shut down opposing bats to the tune of a 1.62 second-half ERA, with an exquisite 6.14 K/BB ratio over his last 7 starts.

Saturday’s matchup is solid as well, with Houston’s Charlie Morton (13-3, 3.13 ERA) facing off against Eduardo Rodriguez (12-3, 3.34 ERA). Both guys are in the midst of career years, and overcoming recent DL stints. This will be Morton’s first start since August 28th, and Rodriguez’s second start since returning from the DL earlier this month. Of course, we all remember how that first start went:

As if that wasn’t enough, Sunday features the two of the last three AL CY Young winners. Rick Porcello is looking to rebound from an especially tough stretch; he’s allowed a HR in 10 of his last 13 starts, and has a 5.21 ERA since June 27th. Dallas Keuchel has been Houston’s 4th best starter, though he’d be a #2 or #3 guy on most clubs. He’s been effective all season long, and will be coming off of a 6 inning, 0 earned-run outing against the Twins on Monday.

Even without Chris Sale and Justin Verlander toeing the rubber, both teams have plenty of starting pitching to keep things interesting all weekend.

Mitchy No Bags

On May 25th, the Red Sox DFA’ed Hanley Ramirez. There were plenty of extenuating factors that went into that roster decision, including first-baseman Mitch Moreland‘s red hot start. It made sense at the time. Moreland was hitting .318/.393/.636 with 8 HR in 122 PA, along with his typically stellar defense. He’s since gone into a tailspin. In 75 games since May 26th, Moreland is only slashing .220/.294/.374 with 7 HR. He’s also 1 for his last 18 at bats.

Moreland is a career .252/.318/.440 hitter, and the totality of his 2018 has reflected that larger sample size. However, considering how hard he faltered in the second half of 2017, Sox fans have reason to worry that they won’t get enough out of a key cog come playoff time. If Moreland is going to get hot again, this weekend would be a good time to start.

Old Dogs, Old Tricks

Second base has been a struggle for the Sox this season. They rank 26th in the majors with a 83 wRC+ at that position. Dustin Pedroia‘s consistent offensive output and strong defense (*cough* Nunez *cough*) has been missed.

The good news? A couple of former All-Stars have made their presence felt at that spot recently. Ian Kinsler and Brandon Phillips may be long in the tooth, but they’re contributing in a big way down the stretch.

Kinsler got off to a slow start this season. But, he began to find a rhythm right before the Red Sox acquired him on July 30th. In 21 games for Boston, he’s hit .310/.355./408 with a 106 OPS+. His slick defense has been a major upgrade, too. Kinsler was 4-11 with 5 RBI in the Red Sox sweep of the Braves earlier this week, including a couple of rare (for him) opposite-field gappers.

Brandon Phillips signed a minor league contract in June, and made his Red Sox debut on Wednesday. His impact was, in a word, immediate:

There’s still about a month until the postseason roster shakes out. But these two former All-Stars have tons to offer the Sox in the here and now. We’ll see if they continue to make the most of their opportunities against the reigning world champs.

This weekend is must watch TV for Red Sox fans. The results may not be predicative of what will happen in October, but they will go a long way towards determining who has the upper hand should we see this matchup again.

 

Comparing The 2003 Red Sox to The 2018 Red Sox

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While nearly 15 years has separated these two teams, there are a lot of similarities between them. With what appears to be two different ages of baseball, what can we take away from the ages?

The opening day lineups.

In 2003, The opening day lineup looked like this. 1. Johnny Damon CF, 2. Todd Walker 2B, 3. Nomar Garciaparra SS, 4. Manny Ramirez LF, 5. Kevin Millar 1B, 6. Shea Hillenbrand 3B, 7. Jeremy Giambi DH, 8. Trot Nixon RF, 9. Jason Varitek C Starting Pitcher Pedro Martinez.

This lineup had it all.  They had key veteran players to build around. They had speed, raw power, and most of all talent. This team was poised to make a deep October run until the rival Yankees ended it on a sour note. The 2004 team would eventually reverse the 86 year long drought. After that “The Curse of The Great Bambino” was over.

This season, the Opening Day lineup consisted of 1. Mookie Betts RF, 2. Andrew Benintendi LF, 3. Hanley Ramirez 1B ( not on the team anymore.) 4. J.D Martinez DH, 5. Xander Bogaerts SS, 6. Rafael Devers 3B, 7. Eduardo Nunez 2B, 8. Jackie Bradley Jr. CF, 9. Christian Vazquez C. Starting Pitcher Chris Sale. 

The Similarities.

This team also has raw power and speed. Their ace Chris Sale is most comparable to Pedro Martinez in his intensity and competitiveness. Both teams had a multitude of different ways to scare opponents offensively.

By the numbers: Both teams led the league in runs batted in, hits, OPS, total bases, and extra base hits. Both teams were leading their division up to this point in the season (2018 season isn’t 100% over yet). These teams were offensive power houses that American League teams were scared to pitch against.

Both teams provided some serious defense as well. It wasn’t always about amazing run support. The pair of teams had a stud patrolling in right field (2018 Betts, 2003 Nixon). Both teams had a perennial shortstop (Bogaerts, Garciaparra). Both teams had a highly regarded designated hitter (Martinez, Giambi). Finally, both teams made a very questionable move during the season (2018 cutting Hanley, 2003 signing David Ortiz).

In both cases they had their first seasons with an incredible duo. After the signing of David Ortiz to pair with Ramirez the tandem would go on to ravage pitchers for years. Most would regard the two as the best 3 and 4 hitter combo of all time. In 2018, the J.D and Mookie combo offers hope of a new duo equal to that of the deadly 2003 pair. Offering up a different approach to the game, this duo can hit, work the count, and launch home runs with the best of them.

Some differences that should be highlighted.

One of the biggest differences were the managers. Grady little led the team in 2003. After a controversial ending to their season he was heavily blamed for not cruising by the Yankees. This led to his timely firing by Theo Epstein and company. Which led to the hiring of legendary manager Terry Francona.

In 2018 the Red Sox are led by Alex Cora, the former bench coach of the defending World Series Champion Houston Astros. He is way ahead of his time. In implementing his system, his bench coaches and assistants utilize new forms of measurements in the game. Using new revelations such as: launch angle, statcast, war, and other forms of saber metrics. He is one of the main reasons why this 2018 team is on the verge of making history.

Comparing managers and General managers.

As for the general managers, they too take separate approaches. Theo was a free agent build type of guy, along with an incredible farm system. That’s how he also made the Chicago Cubs a world series champion. He is also one of the youngest general managers to win a World Series, as well.

On the other hand, Dave Dombrowski also has a winning approach. Dombrowski arrived after the departure of former GM Ben Cherington. He built the franchise into a winning culture in a matter of two seasons. While most people note the demolition of the farm system, it is slowly building itself back up with great draft additions such as Tristan Casas. Dave has also won a title with the then Florida Marlins, who now are called the Miami Marlins.

Even the fact that it seems like a different era of baseball is very prevalent. Pitchers are throwing harder, while also not staying in the game as long as they used to. Guys like Nolan Ryan and Greg Maddox were pitching a lot more innings a season.

The MLB commissioner office seems like it is always trying to speed up the game, while not being as concerned with more pressing matters such as PEDs and off the field incidents. As long as the commissioner can stay focused on the most important matters the sport can continue to grow and be more fun for generations to come.

Conclusion.

While both teams are strikingly similar, the differences stand out well. The 2018 team is more aggressive on the base paths, and are much faster. That comes with the evolution of the game. This team is also a lot younger than Red Sox teams of years past. This 2018 team looks very hungry, but hopefully the outcome will differ from the fate of the 2003 team.

While the 2018 season is still heating up, how it will be written among the other Red Sox teams will soon come into fruition. Keep it here for the best coverage of all your favorite Boston teams and players. Only at Bostonsportsextra.com

Dave Dombrowski Has Killed The Farm System

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With only two prospects in the top 100, Dave’s win now philosophy has killed the backup plan If we cannot resign all these players.

Yes, Dave Dombrowski has brought in some serious talent to Boston over the years, but we simply cannot resign them all. Chris Sale and Craig Kimbrel has done astonishingly well thus far, but what about the Drew Pomeranz, Carson Smith, and Tyler Thornburg? While Losing big name prospects such as: Anderson Espinoza, Travis Shaw, Manuel Margot, and Mauricio Dubon.

Not saying these trades weren’t beneficial, but with the cap room looking tight already, it is going to be a challenge to resign these guys. With guys already in line to ink up max deals. Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, and Xander Bogaerts should all command huge contracts, which will spike up the luxury tax for sure. It makes it harder for the team to compete in free agency for guys like: Bryce Harper, and Manny Machado exclusively.

The farm system now ranks 15th in all of baseball. With Jason Groome ( Tommy john) and Micheal Chavis ( 80 game suspension) as the only two guys in the top 100. Leaving scraps for developed prospects. Guys like Tanner Houck, Trey Ball, and Josh Ockimey aren’t eye popping players yet. They need to restock the farm system in some way via trade or an over abundance of draft picks in coming years.

While nobody would expect a dominant regular season from the likes of Ben Cherington and John Farrell respectfully, Alex Cora has been a great compliment to dealing Dave. While we wait and watch another trade deadline come and pass, we can only imagine what him and the front office has in store.

What will the legacy be after it’s all said and done? Maybe we will find out about Hanley Ramirez too. Until then, we let the cards fold as they be.

Follow me on twitter! @porchie16

The Hanley Ramirez ‘Friend’ Situation That Cost Him His Job

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The Hanley Ramirez Situation

Hanley Ramirez should probably search for some new friends after the past few weeks’ events. His so-called ‘best friend’ was smuggling drugs from New York to Boston and was stopped by police. If you don’t know the story, the friend, who hasn’t been identified, was stopped for a routine traffic stop.

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

The Suspect Was Quick to Throw Hanley Under the Bus

The suspect told a Massachusetts state trooper that he was delivering a box to Hanley Ramirez’s mother. After he was pulled over, he called Ramirez via Facetime so the trooper could talk to Hanley. Hanley gave consent to search the box, which contained two kilograms of Fentanyl.

According to the Boston Globe, the suspect immediately told police Ramirez wasn’t involved at all and the box wasn’t for him. Hanley would be released from the Red Sox a month later.

Hanley supposedly grew up with this person and has known him since his childhood. The saying, though, is “you are who your friends are”. Hanley was hanging out with bad people. They threw him under the bus because they only care about themselves. Hanley got screwed and now he’s out of a job.

The Red Sox, who say they didn’t know until it came out in the media, are obviously lying because the rumor was going around for weeks before it was released.

What Is a Friend?

The word ‘friend’ is pretty simple. A friend is someone who doesn’t throw you under the bus. Someone who doesn’t give or do drugs around you. I’m talking about the hard drugs, because so-called “friends” that do those drugs will be quick to throw you under the bus. Which will cost you your job, like it did for Hanley Ramirez. In more dangerous situations a life would be lost. A  senseless tragedy because the ‘friend’ was only thinking about themselves.

Breaking: Hanley Ramirez Involved in Federal and State Investigation [Updates]

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Back at the beginning of the month, the Boston Red Sox released their always smiling and lighthearted first baseman Hanley Ramirez. At the time, he was batting .254/.313/.395 with 29 RBIs in 177 at bats. Since releasing him, the Red Sox seemed to miss a certain aspect to their lineup. They just haven’t looked like the offensive juggernaut that they were in April. This move confused some who thought the move was strictly “baseball related”, according to Red Sox VP of media relations Kevin Gregg. Some thought that this move came because of his pending activation of a $22 million vesting option for 2019, which would kick in if he piled up 497 at bats in 2018.

IMG_3145

The Story so Far

Today, ABC News’ Michele McPhee broke that Hanley is being roped into a federal and state investigation. McPhee also reports that Hanley has alleged ties to a party police arrested during a drug stop. The said party possessed 435 grams of Fentanyl and other drugs, and stated that some of the drugs were Hanley’s. According to state evidence, in the past Hanley allegedly made several visits to the Fentanyl ring that police busted.

MLB, Red Sox, and Hanley (via his agent) all deny knowledge of the federal investigation. However, the FBI does not need to inform any of these parties about an investigation while it’s underway. We could all be finding out together.

More to come.

@ELJGON

A Letter to Hanley Ramirez, From Red Sox Nation!

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With the untimely departure of the fan favorite, the memories will last for a lifetime.

With the injury prone Dustin Pedroia back in the lineup, ( so they thought) Hanley Ramirez was officially released. After not finding a trade partner within the last 7 days after being designated for assignment, Red Sox nation had to say goodbye.

While we can’t say for sure how this all plays out, one thing for sure is he captivated the audiences at Fenway park as we all knew he would. For the fans, El Trece kept the fans smiling. Hanley, this part is for you!

With all the memories that left us in awe, we thank you! Especially hitting this walk off bomb off of Dellin Betances. The entire park was roaring after that sweet hit. You always were the go to guy, being the best hitter for average last postseason. ( .571 batting average.) You are having such a productive season, that you will become a huge asset to whoever signs you. There is much more to come for you this season.

When you came to the team in 2014, the pairing of you and David Ortiz sparked the clubhouse in ways it hasn’t seen before. It was electric! The charisma and patience you brought to the field everyday should stand as an example for players for years to come. While all good things come to an end, this book has a new chapter waiting to be written. As fans of the game, we are all excited to cheer you on as a former sox.

Baseball is a business, with that being said the fans and organization will miss you dearly. Thank you, Hanley Ramirez, and best of luck on your future endeavors and hopefully you get a shot at a world series ring. ( Please don’t sign with New York)

Hanley’s DFA Almost Makes No Sense

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Red Sox Nation took a huge hit yesterday: Hanley Ramirez was designated for assignment. This article hurts to type as I’m fighting away the tears at the same time. It leaves me to wonder why Dombrowski made this move in the first place. There are multiple reasons why, yet these reasons just simply don’t add up.

The Money

Hanley is still owed more than $12 million by the Red Sox. This is now adding on to more dead cap space, as they still have to pay obligations for Rusney Castillo (who is still in Pawtucket), and unfortunately Pablo Sandoval. This leaves the Red Sox with about $45 million in contract figures for players not even wearing a Red Sox uniform. Might as well just have waited until the end of the season to release Hanley.

Pedroia

With Hanley gone, we get the return of Dustin Pedroia. The only issue I have is Hanley was used to bring Perdroia back to the roster. The Red Sox have entertained the idea of placing Eduardo Nunez on the 10-Day Disabled List to make room for Pedroia’s return. This idea could’ve also have sent a reliever, such as Heath Hembree or Bobby Poyner, down to Pawtucket. This move would’ve made the most sense as you don’t lose anyone in the end, with Eduardo receiving time off due to his struggles defensively.

May Struggles

Hanley had a killer April to begin the season. He ended the month hitting a .330 BA with three home runs. May wasn’t too kind to Hanley, unfortunately. His average dropped to .254 and possessed a .708 OPS. Needless to say, his season could be turned around if a team decides to take him in. Maybe if Hanley was taken in with the “Alex Cora BP Method”, he might’ve turned things around quick. This “method” helped spark the bat of Rafael Devers, and slowly but surely Jackie Bradley. But I digress. Hanley also possessed a .571 BA in the postseason last year, which led the team.

Sad Ending

Nobody saw this one coming. The life and energy of the Boston Red Sox is gone and is never coming back. Who knows though? I can guarantee every Sox fan was hurt by this one way or another. I sure was. For Hanley’s sake, he can start fresh and end his impressive career with a new ball club. Maybe the Mets will give him a call (I hope not).