Red Sox vs the AL East: left fielders

Aug 7, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez (13) singles in two runs in the third inning of the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

1. Hanley Ramirez, Red Sox

Ramirez has never played a professional game in left field, but if his bat holds up as it did in Los Angeles, he won’t need to be an excellent fielder to be the division’s top name in left field. Coming off a season in which he slashed .283/.369/.448 in 128 games with the Dodgers, the Red Sox brought Ramirez to Boston on a 4 year/$88M contract on the condition that the 31-year old would move to the outfield. Ramirez appears ecstatic to once again be a member of the organization who signed him from the Dominican Republic and has been putting in the work necessary for a successful transition to the outfield. At the plate, there are no concerns about his performance, and the move from pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium to Fenway Park will only help Ramirez. Like Saunders, his issue in recent seasons has been health, but the move from shortstop to the less demanding left field should help Ramirez remain on the field. If he can do that, the rest should be fundamental for “HanRam.”