Despite winning 34 of their first 50 games, the Boston Red Sox saw fit to designate their number three hitter Hanley Ramirez for assignment.
It was argued by some that this was a cost cutting move as Ramirez would have earned $22 million had he made 497 plate appearances this season. Surely the Red Sox knew this would happen going into the season. If this was concern then why didn't they part ways with Ramirez prior to the season?But Red Sox President Dave Dombrowski said this was at the behest of Red Sox manager Alex Cora. Could it be that Cora and Ramirez didn't see eye to eye? Whatever the reason, this move makes the Red Sox worse, not better and am in full agreement with the sentiments of Dan Shaughnessy of The Boston Globe.
This move might not prevent the Red Sox from making the post-season, but it could prevent them from advancing beyond the ALDS for a third year in a row. The Red Sox had better pray that Ramirez doesn't end up with an AL East team, namely the New York Yankees. The Yankees offense might be crowded, but Ramirez has done a lot of damage to their pitching and I'm sure they'd rather have him on their side. This was something not lost on John Healy of The New York Daily News.
Yes, Hanley Ramirez was 0 for his last 21 at bats. It's not like he's never been in a slump. This move seems reactionary and made in the heat of the moment. I believe the Red Sox will soon rue this decision.
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