Editorials

Re-Signing Hanley Ramirez Not A Kiss Of Death For Dodgers

Hanley Ramirez

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Delving further into Ramirez’s offensive production, he was noticeably better post All-Star break, particularly in September, when he slashed .352/.425/.451 with 11 RBIs and seven doubles.

His monthly averages in September were all season highs with the exception of slugging percentage. Albeit in a small sample size, Ramirez carried his hot hitting into the postseason as he hit .429/.500/.500.

A fair criticism of Ramirez is that his power was noticeably absent throughout the year. He only hit 13 home runs, which was his lowest total since 2011. However, he chased pitches out of the zone 31.9 percent of the time. That’s down from 39 percent during his hot 2013 season.

Should the Dodgers re-sign Ramirez to a long-term deal? No.

However, there is common ground that would be satisfactory for both sides. By all accounts, Corey Seager is the future shortstop for the Dodgers, but he’s at least one or two years away from carrying the mantle.

Juan Uribe is entering the final year of his contract in 2015 and while he’s both a fan favorite and in the clubhouse, it’s unlikely he will be re-signed. Therefore, signing Ramirez to a two or three-year deal with somewhat of an inflated salary to offset the shorter number of years, would work. Consider it the Manny Ramirez treatment.

Ramirez could spend the 2015 season as the starting shortstop that is removed for defensive purposes in late-game situations, followed by the long-expected transition to third base after Uribe’s departure.

Without Ramirez, internal options for shortstop are Erisbel Arruebarrena and Miguel Rojas — both of whom are defensive wizards but leave plenty to be desired with the bat. Perhaps Alex Guerrero is moved back to shortstop, though in his brief stint at the Major-League level he too looked overmatched at the plate.

Reported trade target Alexei Ramirez is another who would be an improvement defensively and comes with an attractive contract. He’s set to earn $10 million in 2015 and again in 2016, though it’s a team option that includes a $1 million buyout.

Just how comparable were the Ramirez’s last season? Judge for yourself:

Alexei: .273/.305/.408, 15 home runs, 35 doubles and 74 RBIs
Hanley: .283/.369/.448, 13 home runs, 35 doubles and 71 RBIs

Career numbers tell a different story, though:

Alexei: .277/.314/.405, 99 home runs, 194 doubles, 480 RBIs
Hanley: .300/.373/.500, 191 home runs, 303 doubles, 654 RBIs

For as much as the Dodgers would benefit from shoring up the middle infield, they can’t overlook the other side of the coin. Ramirez is one of the few right-handed bats in the Dodger lineup still capable of producing.

It’s also important to consider how well Ramirez immersed himself with the fan base and expectations the Dodgers face. Barring a trade for a shortstop in his prime, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to believe Ramirez is capable of being the player the Dodgers need.

After all, he isn’t too far removed from 2013 and last season wasn’t as bleak as you’ve been led to believe.

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The Dodgers Latest Trades, Acquisitions And Off-Season Moves

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Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

3 Comments

  1. I love the guy, but I do not see him accepting a short term deal when he can get 5 years somewhere else

  2. If they only give him a short term deal he will surely test the FA market. There is little doubt a team won’t offer him a deal of 5 years or more

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