SB Nation - Hanley Ramirez

Hanley and Cody the Birthday Boys

GameFish — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:28:40 -0000

FishStripes would like to wish Cody Ross and Hanley Ramirez a very happy birthday! Cody turns 29 years old today, while All Star shortstop Hanley is celebrating his 26th.

Hopefully the fact that they were born just two days away from Christmas doesn't mean they get the shaft on their birthday every year.

I don't really want to get into the middle of the Marlins beat writer/feature reporter battle over who broke this extremely newsworthy story, so I feel the need to let everyone know that I have memorized each and every birthday on the Marlins 40-man roster, as well the birthdays of every player, coach and bat boy in the Marlins farm system. And, might I add, Cody and Hanley's respective mothers actually deserve the credit for breaking this story. So everybody relax and breathe.

Happy Birthday, Cody & Hanley!

John Lackey's Legacy Will Be Consummated In Boston

ltrain2 — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:04:57 -0000

More photos » by Chris Carlson - AP

Will John Lackey's time in Boston make fans forget about what he accomplished with the Angels? Can he make winning Game 7 of the 2002 World Series as a rookie just a minor footnote in his career?

Browse more photos »

With the signing of John Lackey to a 5-year, $82.5 million dollar contract, the Red Sox now boast three bona fide aces at the front-end of their rotation -- a rotation now widely considered one of the best in baseball.

Despite eight seasons with the Angels that saw Lackey accrue 102 wins, appear in an All-Star game, win an American League ERA title, and be named a World Series Champion; it is the final start of his rookie season that defines his career to this point.

On October 27th, 2002, just four days removed from his 24th birthday, John Lackey started the World Series' decisive seventh game against the San Francisco Giants. On only three days rest, Lackey allowed just a single run over five innings, becoming the second pitcher in the history of Major League Baseball to win Game 7 of the World Series as a rookie (the other being Babe Adams of the 1909 Pittsburgh Pirates). The hat that he wore that night is now displayed in the MLB's Hall of Fame.

Lackey has certainly begun to create his legacy during his years in California, but it is his time in Boston that will consummate it.

The Red Sox's previous two World Series titles were predicated by the acquisitions of marquee starting pitchers; namely Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett.

Schilling and Beckett also came to the Red Sox as World Series Champions. In fact, they too were the starting pitchers for their team's title-clinching games. Both pitchers arrived in Boston already having had what most would consider career-defining accolades, however, it has been their time as members of the Red Sox that most will remember them for.

In 2001, Curt Schilling combined with Randy Johnson to form one of the most imposing 1-2 punches in playoff history. Schilling, then 35 years-old, started Game 7 of the World Series against the New York Yankees. The right-hander helped lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to their first and only World Series title in arguably the greatest baseball game of the decade. Despite winning multiple awards that season, including World Series Co-MVP honors (shared with Johnson), Schilling will always be remembered by what he did in Boston.

The Red Sox completed a trade in November of 2003 that sent four players to Arizona (Casey Fossum, Brandon Lyon, Jorge de la Rosa, and Michael Goss) for Curt Schilling. The newly-acquired pitcher vowed to push the Red Sox past their 86-year title drought, and did so the very next season. Schilling won two World Series Championships in Boston (2004, 2007), and will forever be etched in Red Sox lore for his heroics in what will always be referred to as, "The Bloody Sock Game."

In 2003 Josh Beckett led his team (Florida Marlins) past the Yankees to a World Series Championship. The 23 year-old, like Lackey in 2002, started the series' final game on three days rest. Neither short rest nor the daunting task of pitching a World Series game in Yankee stadium phased Beckett as he twirled a complete game shutout, allowing just five hits over nine brilliant innings. Again, like Schilling, Beckett was named the World Series MVP.

In another blockbuster trade that again cost the Red Sox four minor-leaguers, most notably Hanley Ramirez, Josh Beckett was brought to Boston on Thanksgiving Day of 2006. In the 2007 ALCS against the Cleveland Indians, Beckett helped Boston stave off elimination at Jacobs Field by pitching eight innings allowing just one run, striking out eleven, and initiating the team's comeback from a 3-1 series deficit. While Beckett may have introduced the world to his post-season prowess while in Florida, it is his time in Boston that has seen Beckett truly established himself as one of the baseball's most notable "big game pitchers."

John Lackey embodies characteristics seen in both of the aforementioned pitchers. Like Beckett, Lackey is a Texas-native who incurred success in the MLB at a young age, both winning a World Series before turning the age of 25. Similar to Schilling, he comes to Boston following a rival-Yankees championship, and isn't hesitant about expressing his desire to help Boston back to the World Series.

However, the most intriguing aspect shared by the three pitchers may be the unwillingness to shy away from Boston's biggest threat heading into next season, the New York Yankees.

Just last season, in the American League Championship Series' Game 5 against New York, John Lackey created one of the most memorable images of the 2009 playoffs.

As Angels' manager Mike Scioscia approached the mound to remove him from the game, cameras captured the determined Lackey shouting, "This is mine!" A showcase of determination that surely caught the eye of Theo Epstein and the Boston Red Sox, leading them to offer the free-agent a long-term deal worth over $80 million dollars.

Lackey comes to Boston with a very impressive resume similar to those that accompanied Beckett and Schilling upon their arrivals. And like the those before him, he is in position to cement his legacy by what he accomplishes in a Red Sox uniform.

Despite spending time on the disabled list the past two seasons, Lackey is regarded as one of the game's most durable pitchers. During the span of five seasons prior to 2008, Lackey averaged just under 33 starts and 211 innings pitched. His average win-loss record for a season may be a mediocre 13-9, however, his career ERA is 3.81 and has not surpassed the 4.00 mark since 2004; all while pitching in baseball's most offensive-heavy league.

Lackey also brings that element of post-season success that Beckett and Schilling are known for. Despite winning just three of his seven decisions in the playoffs, his ERA is 3.12 in 78 innings pitched. Lackey started three playoff games in 2009 (one against Boston, two against New York), going 1-1 with a 2.29 ERA over just under 20 IP. That includes 7 1/3 shutout innings in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Red Sox.

Aside from last season, Lackey and the Angels had seemingly been Boston's annual stepping stone in getting to the ALCS.

-In 2004, the Red Sox swept aside Lackey and the Angels 3-0 in the ALDS en route to a World Series title.

-2007 featured the exact same result as Boston went on to their second championship in four years.

-The Angels managed to avoid the sweep in 2008, but again fell to the Sox 3-1 in the Divisional Series.

Now that Lackey is a member of the Boston Red Sox, expect different results -- unless you're comparing his transition to those made by Josh Beckett and Curt Schilling, that is.

Poll

After his career is finished, how will you remember John Lackey?

Fantasy Baseball: Raygu's MDC Mock Draft Results

raygu — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:00:28 -0000

by Mark J. Terrill - AP

about 1 month ago: FILE - In this Oct. 8, 2009, file photo, St. Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols hits a single during the sixth inning of Game 2 of the National League division baseball series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, in Los Angeles. Pujols was unanimously voted National League MVP on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, becoming the baseball first player to repeat since Barry Bonds won four in a row from 2001-04. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

View full size photo »

I participated, I use that term loosely, in a 12 Team Mixed League mock draft over at Mock Draft Central on Monday night. I missed alot of my picks because I was busy following the Roy Halladay trade rumors. But I made sure I made my fist three picks, as I was picking from the first position.

Here is how the first two rounds went:

R1 P1 Albert Pujols

R1 P2 Hanley Ramirez

R1 P3 Chase Utley

R1 P4 Alex Rodriguez

R1 P5 Ryan Braun

R1 P6 Mark Teixeira

R1 P7 Tim Lincecum

R1 P8 Matt Kemp

R1 P9 Prince Fielder

R1 P10 Miguel Cabrera

R1 P11 Evan Longoria

R1 P12 David Wright

The second round is after the jump:

R2 P1 Ian Kinsler

R2 P2 Justin Morneau

R2 P3 Ryan Howard

R2 P4 Joe Mauer

R2 P5 Carl Crawford

R2 P6 Grady Sizemore

R2 P7 Jacoby Ellsbury

R2 P8 Mark Reynolds

R2 P9 Jason Bay

R2 P10 Troy Tulowitzki

R2 P11 Zack Greinke

R2 P12 Justin Upton

With the first pick in round 3 I selected Matt Holliday.

I was surprised Upton and Holliday were still available that late in round 2.

Poll

What is more shcoking about Raygu's mock draft?

MLB Trade Rumors: Josh Johnson for Justin Smoak and Neftali Perez??

raygu — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:00:23 -0000

by Wilfredo Lee - AP

3 months ago: Florida Marlins starter Josh Johnson winds up as he delivers a pitch during the first inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Philadelphia PhilliesTuesday, Sept. 22, 2009 in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

View full size photo »

I was surprised to read that the Texas Rangers offered their two best prospects, Justin Smoak and Neftali Perez for the Marlins ace pitcher Josh Johnson. I am not sure any other team could top that offer of prospects for 2 years of JJ.

Here is what ESPN's Keith Law had to say on the offer:

"As good as Johnson is, that seems like too much to offer given the remaining years of control and the fact that Smoak and Feliz are two of the top 10 prospects in the game and two players Texas' front office prizes very highly. Smoak is a switch-hitting first baseman with patience & power from both sides, and Feliz has already shown what he can do in relief with a chance that he can still start due to his easy velocity."

The Marlins are in a semi-rebuilding mode after dealing Jeremy Hermida, and on the verge of dealing second baseman Dan Uggla. I say semi-rebuilding because they are a young team that is about to get younger once prospects Logan Morrison and Michael Stanton make it to the big league club in the next year or so.

I can't see why they rejected the Rangers solid offer. Should they have pulled the trigger on that deal, they could feature a lineup in 2010-2011 as follows:

Logan Morrison-LF

Michael Stanton-RF

Justin Smoak-1B

This team would be tough to beat on paper come 2011. If the Marlins feel they can compete in 2010, then you have to keep Josh Johnson. But, come July 31st and they are 10 games out, they should re-kindle these talks.

Poll

Should the Marlins have pulled the trigger on the Rangers offer?

Uh Yeah!!!

184 votes

No, Johnson is an ace already, you can't deal him

48 votes

232 votes | Poll has closed

Interview with Derek Carty from The Hardball Times-Part 4

raygu — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:00:19 -0000

Here is the last part of the 4 part interview with Derek Carty from The Hardball Times. Derek provides some insight into his top 5 rankings and some early sleepers for 2010:

Fake Teams: Are there any statistics that you use to evaluate hitters or pitchers that aren't mainstream yet?

Derek Carty: Absolutely. As I've talked about a little bit already, there are some that aren't even super well-known in the sabermetric community because, well, I invented them myself and they aren't really readily available yet. I absolutely love CAPS, David Gassko's LIPS ERA is great, and True Home Runs for hitters is a favorite of mine as well. Chris Dutton and Peter Bendix's xBABIP is great too. And of course, things like BABIP and HR/FB and LOB% aren't really mainstream, but they are pretty well-known in the sabermetric community and are certainly important to look at.

More after the jump:

Fake Teams: Do you prefer auction leagues or straight draft leagues? Mixed or NL/AL-only leagues?

Derek Carty: Auction, without a doubt. It gives everyone a chance at every player and, I feel, allows you to be more creative with how you construct your team and with how you plan your strategy. I used to be a 100% in favor of mixed leagues over AL/NL-only (in theory), although LABR has swayed my opinion a bit (it was the first AL/NL-only league I ever played in). Still, I would have to lean towards something like a 14 or 15-team mixed league, given my druthers. I just feel that one or two big injuries to an AL or NL-only team can derail any hope of a championship, in some instances, and we really are in the infantile stages of trying to predict injuries, so it's not as if some of us can even gain much of a competitive advantage in the area. I was actually quite lucky in LABR this year when it came to the health of my players, which has surely colored my opinion of this league setup a bit. Aside from losing Ramon Hernandez for most of the year and Raul Ibanez, Rich Harden, and Carlos Ruiz for a few weeks, my team stayed pretty healthy. In other leagues, I wasn't as lucky. In the FSIC, for instance, Jose Reyes killed us (although we did manage to finish in second despite a Reyes/Garrett Atkins combo for our first two picks). I think a 15-team mixed league is a pretty good depth and minimizes the amount of luck involved.

Fake Teams: An early look at 2010-who is your top 5 players in NL-only leagues? AL-only leagues? Mixed?

Derek Carty: This'll have to be very early since I haven't completed my projections yet or really tried to make any 2010 predictions, but here's how I'm currently feeling (completely subjectively and without seeing some of the more in-depth numbers I like to look at).
NL: 1) Albert Pujols, 2) Hanley Ramirez, 3) Chase Utley, 4) Ryan Braun, 5) Matt Kemp
AL: 1) A-Rod, 2) Mark Teixeira, 3) Miguel Cabrera, 4)Evan Longoria, 5) Joe Mauer
Mixed: 1) Albert Pujols, 2) Hanley Ramirez, 3) Chase Utley, 4) A-Rod, 5) Ryan Braun

Fake Teams: If you have done this analysis, who are a few sleepers for 2010?

Derek Carty: I haven't really done this analysis yet, so I'll probably have some very different names when asked in a month or two. For now, let's go with Ian Stewart, Julio Borbon, Eric Young Jr., Dallas McPherson (consider him the next Russell Branyan if he finds playing time), Koji Uehara (potential Baltimore closer, though he could succeed as a SP as well), Brett Andersen, and Jorge de la Rosa. And, of course, whether someone is truly a sleeper or a value pick is entirely dependent on context. He'll only derive value if you take him in a round later than where you believe he truly belongs.

Fake Teams thanks Derek for taking the time to answer these questions for our readers.

Raygu's MDC Mock Draft Results

raygu — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:30:11 -0000

I participated in a mock draft over at Mock Draft Central today and here is how the first two rounds went:

Round 1

5. Matt Kemp

6. Ryan Braun

7. Chase Utley

8. Miguel Cabrera

9. Prince Fielder

10. Ryan Howard

11. Evan Longoria

12. David Wright

Round 2 after the jump:

Round 2

1. Joe Mauer

5. Ian Kinsler

10, Jason Bay

11. Victor Martinez

12. Zack Greinke

This draft definitely didn't go as I expected, and I don't think there were alot of "autopicks", but I could be wrong.

Poll

Which pick was more surprising?

Teixeira at 4

42 votes

Wright at 12

27 votes

Rollins at 21

22 votes

91 votes | Poll has closed

11/30 - Dumb Stuff

bs.uf15bosox9bears23 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:00:17 -0000

Possibly the last Filter for a few days - FanPosts get lots of discussion if anyone wants to talk about a few links in the meantime (like who is offered arbitration before tomorrow's deadline). Anyways, let's hit the links!

Apparently, journalists like to make their own stories (SHOCKING).

@clarkspencer

There is no truth to the rumor that the #Marlins are in trade talks with the #Red Sox -- or anyone else -- for shortstop Hanley Ramirez.

Oh, and this should have been our number one hint as to why this was a non-story. But, since it came up...

Red Sox Reportedly Eyeing Hanley Ramirez - Bleacher Report

The package would have to be pretty overwhelming, and would presumably deplete their farm, but if they could somehow get the Marlins to take Kelly, Bowden, Westmoreland, and another prospect not named Reddick, Bard, or Buchholz, I would pull the trigger.

So, basically, this guy only like prospects that have reached the majors. I understand putting Bowden below Buch and Reddick, since he's been struggling of late, but below Bard? I think I'd put Kelly and Manifest Destiny above at least Bard, probably Reddick as well.

More Bleacher Report laughs later; first, some other stories.

Free Agents: Saito, Nishi, Kobayashi - NPB Tracker

Since I can't translate very well, I'll go with the English news; Saito could be lost as well, it appears. Thoughts?

Theo May Get Burned on Saito Too - Fenway West

Nevermind, first comment says it for me. Next topic.

Commissioner plans to step down after 2012 -- chicagotribune.com

GET OUTTA HERE, BUD. So... anyone want to revisit the Bush idea from last year? (Disclaimer: That FanPost probably makes me look really stupid. Enjoy it if you want to find it.)

History Unblurred: The 10 Best Starting Pitchers from the 2000s - Bleacher Report

Interesting methodology. Any issues with the rankings?

Elias Numbers For Type As - MLBTradeRumors.com

With an excellent explanation as well.

More links after the jump, including some projections, complaints, and an opportunity.

Early Offensive Projections for the Boston Red Sox - Sox Tea Party

If Hermida is the starting LF, we don't deserve to make the playoffs.

Division of commerce - BostonHerald.com

Interesting to see that the Sox don't agree with the Blue Jays about trading within the division being not such a bad thing. Although I doubt anyone is crazy about it.

Top baserunners of 2009 - THT

This is a look at baserunning runs, excluding stolen base attempts.

We really don't play small ball at all, do we?

All-Aughts Team of the Decade SP4: Jon Lester - Fire Brand of the American League

Adam Foster: Interview with Sox prospect Ryan Kalish - Fire Brand of the American League

Scutaro's top two: Sox and Dodgers - Extra Bases

Some Awards Don't Show Up In The Boxscore - A Red Sox Fan From Pinstripe Territory

MLBTR Seeks Comment Moderators - MLBTradeRumors.com

If anyone's interested - it'd be a good way to better the reputation of Sox fans.

Falling to the Bottom of the Filter

The Boston Red Sox Will Be Lucky To Get A .500 Record In 2010 - Bleacher Report

Please further note that all of this will come true and I will be laughing at the end of next year.

Can't... stop... laughing... Absolutely NO explanation of how he arrived at his numbers, just a declaration of their undeniable validity.

Doc Halladay Would Look Great in Fenway - Bleacher Report

And... cue the WINZ.

Links, comments, boredom rants, etc. We need something to discuss besides the usual stuff.

Hanley Ramirez and Chris Coghlan up for TYIB Awards

craig — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:13:41 -0000

It is once again time for the fan voting for this season's This Year in Baseball Awards.

Besides being teammates, Hanley Ramirez and Chris Coghlan share the distinction of both being named the National League Rookie of Year by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

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The two also are Florida's nominees for the This Year in Baseball Awards.

Voting is under way on MLB.com for the 2009 This Year in Baseball Awards. For the eighth consecutive year, fans are deciding the top hitters, pitchers and moments from the season. Winners will be presented trophies during on-field ceremonies in 2010.

The ballot boxes will close at 7:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 11.

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Coghlan is nominated in the Rookie of the Year category...

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Ramirez is in the Hitter of the Year category...

It is rare when a Marlins player wins an award that the fans vote on, but it could happen.

If you would like to cast your vote, go no further than here:

2009 This Year in Baseball Awards

Fantasy Baseball: BP's Eric Seidman's Top 10 Fantasy Players

raygu — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:00:13 -0000

by Nick Wass - AP

3 months ago: Washington Nationals' Ryan Zimmerman, right, rounds the bases as he is greeted by third base coach Pat Listach (4) after Zimmerman hit a three-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009, in Washington. The Nationals won 5-4. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

View full size photo »

In his chat yesterday over at Baseball Prospectus, Eric Seidman was asked the following:

Tex Premium Lager (Jersey): Even More Blatant Fantasy Keeper Question (tm): In no order, who are the 10 most valuable position players for the next few years? Most seem obvious (Pujols, Hanley, Utley, etc.) but I'd like your take on the matter. Maybe someone (you?) can take over Nate Silver's top 50 list, which was one of my favorite articles each year.
Eric Seidman: I'll list the guys that instantly came to mind as that likely says a lot about their attributes: Pujols, Mauer, Hanley, Utley, Tulowitzki, J Upton, Longoria, Zimmerman, Wright, Braun. Those aren't in order and there are definitely others to think about.

So, he answered this question off the top of his head, but he included David Wright in his top 10 fantasy players for "the next few years". Am I the only one who thinks Wright shouldn't be in the top 10? He leaves himself an out with the last sentence in his response, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt.

What surprised me was including Troy Tulowitzki and Ryan Zimmerman in his top 10. Granted both players are very good all around players-offensively and defensively-but are they top 10? I like Zimmerman alot as well, and could consider him should he duplicate his 2009 season in 2010. As for Tulo, I don't see him going 30-20 again in 2010.

Which player would you take out of his top 10?

Poll

Which player should NOT be in the top 10 fantasy player list for the next few years?

Ryan Zimmerman

33 votes

David Wright

29 votes

Troy Tulowitzki

40 votes

102 votes | Poll has closed

Fantasy Baseball: Early Mock Draft-Round One Completed

raygu — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:00:21 -0000

Here's a look at the Fake Teams mixed league early mock draft results for Round 1. This early mock draft is a two round mock, and Ian posted the first pick in Round 2 last evening-Tim Lincecum.

1. Hanley Ramirez

2, Matt Kemp

3. Albert Pujols

4. Alex Rodriguez

5. Chase Utley

6. Ryan Braun

7. David Wright

8. Ryan Howard

9. Joe Mauer

10. Prince Fielder