The Red Sox undeserving All-Stars
By Rick McNair
May 29, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Hanley Ramirez (13) rounds third base after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Hanley Ramirez is now ranked tenth among AL outfielders in the balloting. If his numbers from April carried into May then a case could be made for the erratic fielding Ramirez to be on the team. The numbers, however, like the team, have dissipated.
Where to begin with such a less than awe inspiring month?
In April Ramirez slashed .293/.341/.659 with 10 home runs and 22 RBI. Outstanding! Articles were composed about his bat speed and how the ball jumps off his bat. The occasional fielding lapses were just accepted as transition to a new position.
May is another story. The complete opposite. Was it injuries? Ramirez has been nicked and dented more than a Ford Pinto cruising the streets of Boston. That has to have some legitimacy in his numbers. Hanley does deserve some props by dismissing his injuries and playing through as best he can. Of late it appears Hanley just may have snapped out of his prolonged slump. So Hanley deserves a break and June may see a continuation or a return to April.
Ramirez picks it up in June you may see him selected, but not by the voters.