Red Sox: The return of “El NiÑo”

Finally comfortable with his defensive assignment, Hanley Ramirez has become the most dangerous hitter in the Red Sox line-up.  

On July 20, 2016, for the 28^th time in the extensive and storied history of the Boston Red Sox, Hanley Ramirez became the 23^rd Red Sox player to hit three Home Runs in a single contest, victimizing the San Francisco Giants. The occurrence marked the initial instance in Hanley’s career that he had accomplished said feat, and pugnaciously served notice to the rest of the Junior Circuit that the artist formerly known as, “El NiÑo,” has returned to kick tail and take names.

Hanley’s performance on that day was extraordinary; however, it was simply representative of his remarkable achievements at the plate since June 22. Those exploits have appeared to fly under the proverbial radar of Red Sox Nation, and this article is written with the specified intention of translocating Ramirez’s adeptness with the bat from the often-ignored background to the unambiguous forefront of acclamation.

More from BoSox Injection

• Predicting top Red Sox outfield prospect Ceddanne Rafaela’s timeline to the majors
• How realistic are the Boston Red Sox/Chris Sale trade rumors?
• Predicting Red Sox top prospect Marcelo Mayer’s timeline to the majors
• Giants’ desperation post-Carlos Correa debacle highlights Red Sox’ lack of urgency
• Dave Dombrowski reunites with former Red Sox ace on Phillies

Encapsulated in Ramirez’s prolific and sustained production since the June 22, is his ludicrous mini-tear over the past five contests in which he has launched an unmitigated assault on the futile offerings of opposing pitchers. Said assault has been carried out with reckless destruction and with no apparent regard for human life, blasting five home runs while producing 12 RBI in that five game period.

Since June 22, Ramirez leads all Red Sox players with eight HRs, a .444 OBA, a .711 SLG, and an OPS of 1.155. In addition, his 21 RBI in that period places him second on the team, one RBI behind Big Papi’s 22.

According to Fangraphs, in the month of July, Ramirez leads the Junior Circuit with an ISO of .389, a SLG of .722, a wOBA of .479, and he currently places second with an OBA of .446.

Over the past week, Ramirez leads the American League with 8 HRs, 12 RBI, a .714 ISO, and a 1.048 SLG.

The chart below allows for rapid comparisons between Ramirez’s season numbers, his numbers produced in the 23 contests since June 22, and his incredulous numbers accumulated in the five contests since July 20.

I would be remiss were I not to call attention to Ramirez’s outstanding defensive play at first base as he just looks absolutely comfortable and confident manning his position and said confidence may be reason for his dramatic increase in productivity.

It is my completely biased belief, that this is the Ramirez that we will grow accustomed to watching perform in the batter’s box. I am of the opinion that last year’s debacle in left field, combined with this year’s initial unfamiliarity with his defensive position, did not allow him to focus on his hitting to the desired degree.

Next: Red Sox May Have The Best Bullpen With Ziegler

Now that he is familiar and comfortable with his defensive position, he is capable of investing greater amounts of time in his offensive game and that is the rationale for the significant increase in his offensive production. If my hypothesis is accurate, then it only stands to reason that the Hanley we have observed over the last month is the hitter that we will witness for the next three+ years.