Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
As a Red Sox fan it seems like it was last season that Hanley Ramirez was on the roster not just a couple months ago (Hanley played in 44 games this year before being waived)... Heh heh - love this... Martyred by Raccoons would be a good name for a band (or a grisly way to die)... Should Zach Thomas be in the Hall of Fame? I always equated Thomas and Brian Urlacher as basically the same player. I'd say yes - Zach Thomas belongs in the Hall... Illegal immigrant rapes a child after being released by the City of Philadelphia because of their "sanctuary city" "status". Firmly believe that the elected officials responsible here should be sued by victims of crimes like these. Make them financially responsible for their actions... Things I'll never understand - people who are mean to their waiter or waitress and people who hate dogs (though I'm not equating the two things in any way)... Heh heh - now I want this painting...
Showing posts with label Hanley Ramirez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hanley Ramirez. Show all posts
Thursday, August 09, 2018
Monday, June 25, 2018
Hanley Ramirez
The story Hanley's agent refers to is the one where it was reported that Hanley may be under federal investigation as part a large drug trafficking ring. Turns out Hanley's name was only brought up by a friend hoping to avoid arrest. Nothing more.
Was the media irresponsible in running with stories about Hanley's possible involvement with dangerous drug gangs? Yes - absolutely. To paraphrase a famous quote - who does Hanley see to get his reputation back?
Hanley Ramirez is a free agent but this negative publicity may hurt his chances of hooking onto another team. And the Red Sox? Even though Hanley tried (and succeeded) to be a positive clubhouse influence and fan-friendly to the extreme these past two seasons how can they welcome him back as an alumni knowing he had a childhood friend probably dealing dangerous drugs in nearby Lawrence, MA? Even if that childhood friend was doing it without Hanley's knowledge.
The silver lining (maybe gold lining?) is that Hanley has made over $159 million over his baseball career and probably doesn't really a bench role.
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
Have to admit that I'm surprised that in the more than three weeks since the Red Sox released Hanley Ramirez that no team has signed him. Or maybe Hanley doesn't want to be signed?... Stephen Hawking's memorial stone at Westminster Abbey... Enrico Palazzo is still my favorite opera singer... Cool - a real star bursting in space taken over the course of four years by the Hubble telescope... Greatly amused that Clancy Brown did the voice of Surtur in the movie Thor: Ragnorok. Clancy Brown also does the voice of Mr. Krabs on Spongebob Squarepants. Now I keep picturing a giant Mr. Krabs destroying Asgard with a giant flaming sword. My mind works differently than most people... Excellent weekend advice from the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry...
Have to admit that I'm surprised that in the more than three weeks since the Red Sox released Hanley Ramirez that no team has signed him. Or maybe Hanley doesn't want to be signed?... Stephen Hawking's memorial stone at Westminster Abbey... Enrico Palazzo is still my favorite opera singer... Cool - a real star bursting in space taken over the course of four years by the Hubble telescope... Greatly amused that Clancy Brown did the voice of Surtur in the movie Thor: Ragnorok. Clancy Brown also does the voice of Mr. Krabs on Spongebob Squarepants. Now I keep picturing a giant Mr. Krabs destroying Asgard with a giant flaming sword. My mind works differently than most people... Excellent weekend advice from the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry...
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
State of the Red Sox - Part 1
So to really nobody's surprise the Red Sox season came to an end at the hands of the Houston Astros. Boston fans are spoiled so just winning the AL East and making the playoffs isn't considered nearly enough. Therefore you've heard the hue and cry to fire manager John Farrell and make lots of changes. That shouldn't happen and I really don't think it will. That said - what changes would I suggest to make the 2018 Red Sox better than the 2017 version?
Boston is set at starting outfield with Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, and Jackie Bradley Jr. They are young, affordable and with tremendous upside as a group. The team is also set at both catcher with Christian Vazquez (and Sandy Leon) and at third with 20-year old Rafael Devers. There's also 2-more years left to determine if Xander Bogaerts is actually their long term solution at short.
That leaves first base, DH, utility roles and surprisingly second base as question marks for 2018.
Do the Red Sox open the checkbook to try and sign Eric Hosmer as a free agent to fill their first base need? That's the big question. If not Hosmer do they bring back Mitch Moreland? How about moving AAAA 28-year old slugger Bryce Brentz to first? He hit 31 HR in 450 AB for Pawtucket and he's right handed. I don't think that'll happen either. Maybe a trade instead? What will happen at first will be the big question for Boston fans this offseason.
Another big question is DH. Hanley Ramirez is due $22 million next season but can the Red Sox really give another 600 AB to a guy with just 23 HR, a .750 OPS and expect to go further than the first round of the playoffs? I don't think so either. Another big consideration is Hanley's $22 million 2019 option that vests with just 497 plate appearances next year. Nobody wants to see that happen. Again - do they try to solve this with a free agent like JD Martinez? Or would that money be better spent solving the issue with first base?
For utility outfielder the Occam's Razon solution would be to promote Rusney Castillo from Pawtucket. You really can't bury him there another season and Boston has him on the books for almost $12 million anyway. Why not give him a role and some AB with the big club?
For utility infielder I think most people will agree it's time to end the Brock Holt experience. Yes he's scrappy and will play whatever position you ask him to. Also true that he's dangerously close to not hitting his weight (and he's just 180-pounds!). The easy solution is to re-sign Eduardo Nunez especially given the question marks about Dustin Pedroia's knee.
Speaking of Pedroia. Hard to believe but his redass, dirt-dog style is wearing very thin on Boston fans. And his hometown discount contract is no longer seen as such a big plus. He's under contract for 4-more years but will his balky knee allow him to warrant a starting role for more than 1 or 2 more seasons? It is not going to end well in Boston for Pedroia.
Next time I'll take a look at the pitching and coaching staff.
Boston is set at starting outfield with Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, and Jackie Bradley Jr. They are young, affordable and with tremendous upside as a group. The team is also set at both catcher with Christian Vazquez (and Sandy Leon) and at third with 20-year old Rafael Devers. There's also 2-more years left to determine if Xander Bogaerts is actually their long term solution at short.
That leaves first base, DH, utility roles and surprisingly second base as question marks for 2018.
Do the Red Sox open the checkbook to try and sign Eric Hosmer as a free agent to fill their first base need? That's the big question. If not Hosmer do they bring back Mitch Moreland? How about moving AAAA 28-year old slugger Bryce Brentz to first? He hit 31 HR in 450 AB for Pawtucket and he's right handed. I don't think that'll happen either. Maybe a trade instead? What will happen at first will be the big question for Boston fans this offseason.
Another big question is DH. Hanley Ramirez is due $22 million next season but can the Red Sox really give another 600 AB to a guy with just 23 HR, a .750 OPS and expect to go further than the first round of the playoffs? I don't think so either. Another big consideration is Hanley's $22 million 2019 option that vests with just 497 plate appearances next year. Nobody wants to see that happen. Again - do they try to solve this with a free agent like JD Martinez? Or would that money be better spent solving the issue with first base?
For utility outfielder the Occam's Razon solution would be to promote Rusney Castillo from Pawtucket. You really can't bury him there another season and Boston has him on the books for almost $12 million anyway. Why not give him a role and some AB with the big club?
For utility infielder I think most people will agree it's time to end the Brock Holt experience. Yes he's scrappy and will play whatever position you ask him to. Also true that he's dangerously close to not hitting his weight (and he's just 180-pounds!). The easy solution is to re-sign Eduardo Nunez especially given the question marks about Dustin Pedroia's knee.
Speaking of Pedroia. Hard to believe but his redass, dirt-dog style is wearing very thin on Boston fans. And his hometown discount contract is no longer seen as such a big plus. He's under contract for 4-more years but will his balky knee allow him to warrant a starting role for more than 1 or 2 more seasons? It is not going to end well in Boston for Pedroia.
Next time I'll take a look at the pitching and coaching staff.
Thursday, October 06, 2016
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Interesting oral history style profile of Bill Belichick. In typical ESPN fashion though - all negative comments are anonymously sourced.
- Heh heh
- Garbage in - garbage out: what you spend timing reading changes your brain
- Nice profile on Hanley Ramirez and the changes he's made this season
- Heh heh
- Never thought of Chris Bosh as a Hall of Famer but this article changed my thinking
- 15-yard penalty for sexually suggestive act!
- The 21-day no complaint experiment. I might actually try doing this.
- Interesting oral history style profile of Bill Belichick. In typical ESPN fashion though - all negative comments are anonymously sourced.
- Heh heh
- Garbage in - garbage out: what you spend timing reading changes your brain
- Nice profile on Hanley Ramirez and the changes he's made this season
- Heh heh
- Never thought of Chris Bosh as a Hall of Famer but this article changed my thinking
- 15-yard penalty for sexually suggestive act!
- The 21-day no complaint experiment. I might actually try doing this.
Friday, February 19, 2016
Top 5 - Red Sox Questions
Spring Training is finally here and a boy's thoughts turn to baseball (and sun dresses). Here's my top 5 questions regarding this year's Red Sox team.
1. Hanley Ramirez at 1st base? Do I need to say more? (I'm actually pulling for Hanley.)
2. David Price - will he be the first Boston pitcher with 20-wins since Josh Beckett back in 2007? Has it really been that long since the Red Sox had a 20-game winner?
3. Pablo Sandoval - the Panda is lucky that Hanley Ramirez was more of a hot mess last season otherwise more people would be pissed. He was awful last year and I for one would rather see Travis Shaw get a shot. Now Sandoval wants to get back to switch hitting? He's just trolling us.
4. There are lot's of questions about the rotation so I'm just going to lump them into one. Will Buchholz remain healthy? Will Rick Porcello and Joe Kelly be able to maintain the groove they both seemed to get into at the end of last season? Will Eduardo Rodriguez be able to make the next step up in class?
5. Is there a spot for knuckleballer Steven Wright? I don't know why but I have a soft spot for him. Will he be the long-reliever / spot starter or will be catch on with some team as a 5th starter? I hope he catches a break somewhere. Doesn't even have to be with Boston.
1. Hanley Ramirez at 1st base? Do I need to say more? (I'm actually pulling for Hanley.)
2. David Price - will he be the first Boston pitcher with 20-wins since Josh Beckett back in 2007? Has it really been that long since the Red Sox had a 20-game winner?
3. Pablo Sandoval - the Panda is lucky that Hanley Ramirez was more of a hot mess last season otherwise more people would be pissed. He was awful last year and I for one would rather see Travis Shaw get a shot. Now Sandoval wants to get back to switch hitting? He's just trolling us.
4. There are lot's of questions about the rotation so I'm just going to lump them into one. Will Buchholz remain healthy? Will Rick Porcello and Joe Kelly be able to maintain the groove they both seemed to get into at the end of last season? Will Eduardo Rodriguez be able to make the next step up in class?
5. Is there a spot for knuckleballer Steven Wright? I don't know why but I have a soft spot for him. Will he be the long-reliever / spot starter or will be catch on with some team as a 5th starter? I hope he catches a break somewhere. Doesn't even have to be with Boston.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Royals / Rays Trade
Jeff Passan (a favorite) has a very good breakdown of the big trade that just sent James Shields to the Royals and uber prospect Wil Myers to the Rays.
This trade very much reminds me of the trade that send Josh Beckett to the Red Sox and uber prospect Hanley Ramirez to the Marlins. That trade ended up being a win for both teams. The Red Sox got a final piece that allowed them to meet their goal of winning the World Series while the Marlins got a young superstar under team control. The extra piece that ended up giving value way beyond what was expected in that trade was Mike Lowell who would go on to become the World Series MVP for Boston. Wade Davis is giving off that vibe for me in this trade for Kansas City. Please note that I'm not saying Shields is the final piece for a Royals World Series - their goal is simply to be competitive in the AL Central and I think this trade helps them with that goal.
It should also be noted that if sabermetric GM Theo Epstein was in place at the time for Boston then that trade may never have happened and the Red Sox could still be searching for their second Series win. Point is sometimes sabermetrics doesn't tell the whole story. I consider myself a stats guy but I also realize that games aren't won on the spreadsheet.
This trade very much reminds me of the trade that send Josh Beckett to the Red Sox and uber prospect Hanley Ramirez to the Marlins. That trade ended up being a win for both teams. The Red Sox got a final piece that allowed them to meet their goal of winning the World Series while the Marlins got a young superstar under team control. The extra piece that ended up giving value way beyond what was expected in that trade was Mike Lowell who would go on to become the World Series MVP for Boston. Wade Davis is giving off that vibe for me in this trade for Kansas City. Please note that I'm not saying Shields is the final piece for a Royals World Series - their goal is simply to be competitive in the AL Central and I think this trade helps them with that goal.
It should also be noted that if sabermetric GM Theo Epstein was in place at the time for Boston then that trade may never have happened and the Red Sox could still be searching for their second Series win. Point is sometimes sabermetrics doesn't tell the whole story. I consider myself a stats guy but I also realize that games aren't won on the spreadsheet.
Monday, December 05, 2011
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
I wonder if a Josh Beckett for Hanley Ramirez swap gets discussed at the Winter Meetings? Both players are signed through 2014 for about the exact same money. Hanley wants to stay at shortstop and the Marlins could use a front line starter like Beckett who is very well liked in South Beach. Beckett might want a change of scenery... 50 Unexplainable Black & White Photos - I posted these before but they are just too awesome not to link to again... 78 years ago today the 21st Amendment, ending Prohibition, was ratified. On a related note I had way too much to drink Saturday... The greatest trick Santa Claus ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist... Penn Jillette: An Atheist's Guide to the 2012 Election. Disagree with him about Romney but anything he does seems to be interesting... I would have picked about 100 other music acts before Madonna but I think people will be surprised at how well she does at the Super Bowl. She will not be awful like the Black Eyed Peas. She will be professional and probably flawless in her act... Tom Brady gets Victoria Secret super model. Aaron Rodgers gets discount double-check. Advantage Brady... The reason I prefer Mitt Romney over Newt Gingrich in a nutshell? Romney went into private business to become rich while Gingrich used Congress to become rich basically at the expense directly or indirectly of the American taxpayer... I wish Bobby Valentine all the luck in the world but it needs to be said that Terry Francona deserved better from the Red Sox.
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
I wonder if a Josh Beckett for Hanley Ramirez swap gets discussed at the Winter Meetings? Both players are signed through 2014 for about the exact same money. Hanley wants to stay at shortstop and the Marlins could use a front line starter like Beckett who is very well liked in South Beach. Beckett might want a change of scenery... 50 Unexplainable Black & White Photos - I posted these before but they are just too awesome not to link to again... 78 years ago today the 21st Amendment, ending Prohibition, was ratified. On a related note I had way too much to drink Saturday... The greatest trick Santa Claus ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist... Penn Jillette: An Atheist's Guide to the 2012 Election. Disagree with him about Romney but anything he does seems to be interesting... I would have picked about 100 other music acts before Madonna but I think people will be surprised at how well she does at the Super Bowl. She will not be awful like the Black Eyed Peas. She will be professional and probably flawless in her act... Tom Brady gets Victoria Secret super model. Aaron Rodgers gets discount double-check. Advantage Brady... The reason I prefer Mitt Romney over Newt Gingrich in a nutshell? Romney went into private business to become rich while Gingrich used Congress to become rich basically at the expense directly or indirectly of the American taxpayer... I wish Bobby Valentine all the luck in the world but it needs to be said that Terry Francona deserved better from the Red Sox.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Red Sox Magic Number - 60
With the win over the Royals the Red Sox Magic Number is now down to 60. This gives me the opportunity to mention the Buckminsterfullerene better known as buckyballs - a spherical molecule with the formula C60. The geodesic dome of molecules.
I could have mentioned that Hanley Ramirez wore the number 60 in his cup of coffee with the Red Sox in 2005 (2 games) before being traded to the Marlins in the offseason but buckyballs seemed more fun to talk about.
With the win over the Royals the Red Sox Magic Number is now down to 60. This gives me the opportunity to mention the Buckminsterfullerene better known as buckyballs - a spherical molecule with the formula C60. The geodesic dome of molecules.
I could have mentioned that Hanley Ramirez wore the number 60 in his cup of coffee with the Red Sox in 2005 (2 games) before being traded to the Marlins in the offseason but buckyballs seemed more fun to talk about.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
NL All-Star Team
Here's my picks for who is most deserving to be named to the NL All-Star Team:
C - Brian McCann Braves - narrowly over Russell Martin
1st - Lance Berkman Astros - complete player
2nd - Chase Utley Phillies - any questions?
SS - Hanley Ramirez Marlins
3rd - Chipper Jones Braves
OF - Nate McLouth Pirates
OF - Ryan Braun Brewers
OF - Ryan Ludwick Cardinals
DH - Albert Pujols Cardinals
SP - Edinson Volquez Reds
Reserves - Russell Martin Dodgers; Geovany Soto Cubs; Adrian Gonzalez Padres; Dan Uggla Marlins; Jose Reyes Mets; David Wright Mets; Carlos Beltran Mets; Jason Bay Pirates; Pat Burrell Phillies; Ben Sheets Brewers; Ryan Dempster Cubs; Brandon Webb Diamondbacks; Tim Lincecum Giants; Kerry Wood Cubs; Jon Rauch Nationals;
Notes - Derrek Lee probably would start for the AL team but there's a good chance to might not even make the NL team... It is very possible that the middle infield combination of Chase Utley and Hanley Ramirez may be the best middle infield pairing to appear together in the history of baseball... Aramis Ramirez may not make the team. I bet that would go over well in Chicago.... There is a good chance that all three outfielders voted in by the fans will be players who will be undeserving based upon this season's performance. Ken Griffey, Jr., Alfonso Soriano and Kosuke Fukudome both of the Cubs are the leading vote getters but none of the three really should even be on the team... Matt Holliday will most likely be the representative from the Rockies. Holliday making the team could cost Pat Burrell or Ryan Ludwick a spot on the team...
Here's my picks for who is most deserving to be named to the NL All-Star Team:
C - Brian McCann Braves - narrowly over Russell Martin
1st - Lance Berkman Astros - complete player
2nd - Chase Utley Phillies - any questions?
SS - Hanley Ramirez Marlins
3rd - Chipper Jones Braves
OF - Nate McLouth Pirates
OF - Ryan Braun Brewers
OF - Ryan Ludwick Cardinals
DH - Albert Pujols Cardinals
SP - Edinson Volquez Reds
Reserves - Russell Martin Dodgers; Geovany Soto Cubs; Adrian Gonzalez Padres; Dan Uggla Marlins; Jose Reyes Mets; David Wright Mets; Carlos Beltran Mets; Jason Bay Pirates; Pat Burrell Phillies; Ben Sheets Brewers; Ryan Dempster Cubs; Brandon Webb Diamondbacks; Tim Lincecum Giants; Kerry Wood Cubs; Jon Rauch Nationals;
Notes - Derrek Lee probably would start for the AL team but there's a good chance to might not even make the NL team... It is very possible that the middle infield combination of Chase Utley and Hanley Ramirez may be the best middle infield pairing to appear together in the history of baseball... Aramis Ramirez may not make the team. I bet that would go over well in Chicago.... There is a good chance that all three outfielders voted in by the fans will be players who will be undeserving based upon this season's performance. Ken Griffey, Jr., Alfonso Soriano and Kosuke Fukudome both of the Cubs are the leading vote getters but none of the three really should even be on the team... Matt Holliday will most likely be the representative from the Rockies. Holliday making the team could cost Pat Burrell or Ryan Ludwick a spot on the team...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)