When Hanley Ramirez went from the Red Sox to the Marlins in a blockbuster trade after the 2005 season, he was viewed as one of the best shortstop prospects in baseball.
Now 30, Ramirez returned to Boston on Tuesday after signing a four-year deal for $88 million but it won't be at the position that made him such a hot commodity nine years ago.
With fellow offseason acquisition Pablo Sandoval set to take over at third base and Xander Bogaerts the incumbent at short, Ramirez and his bat appear headed to left field, adding another name to Boston's already crowded outfield.
It's a list that already includes veterans Yoenis Cespedes, Shane Victorino, Allen Craig, and Daniel Nava, youngsters Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr. and Cuban free-agent signing Rusney Castillo. At Ramirez's introductory press conference, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington acknowleged a trade to clear up the current logjam might be on the way.
I don’t know that we have to [make a trade]. I think this increases the likelihood that we will. There’s a way to make it all fit. [The Ramirez signing] probably increases the likelihood that we do and we’ll just see what’s available to us. We’ve had a lot of interest in our guys already. We’ll see what comes now that these moves have been made.
Ramirez has no major league experience in the outfield but Cherington and the Red Sox are confident he'll make a smooth transition to his new position. Having added Ramirez and Sandoval to bolster an offense that ranked 11th in runs scored in the American League last season, Boston's pressing need is now to upgrade the starting rotation.
From the potential players the Red Sox could move, Cespedes stands out as the most interesting trade chip. Even before Ramirez arrived, Cespedes was rumored to be available and he would be a good get for a team looking to swap a pitcher for a power hitter.
Boston is reportedly interested in Phillies left-hander Cole Hamelsand their pursuit of Hamels would only intensify should free agent target Jon Lester opt to sign elsewhere. The Mariners, Padres, and Reds also have pitching depth to deal and could use an outfielder like Cespedes.
As it stands we're pretty sure Hanley Ramirez will be starting in left field for the Red Sox on Opening Day. It looks like we'll have to wait for a trade or two to go down before we get a better idea who he will be playing alongside in 2015.
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