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Red Sox: Four must-watch players in Spring Training

By Stephen Coelho

FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: David Price of the Boston Red Sox runs stretches while blowing a bubble at a spring training workout at Fenway South on February 19, 2016 in Ft. Myers, Florida. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images)
FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 19: David Price of the Boston Red Sox runs stretches while blowing a bubble at a spring training workout at Fenway South on February 19, 2016 in Ft. Myers, Florida. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 08: Hanley Ramirez (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 08: Hanley Ramirez (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Hanley Ramirez

Hanley Ramirez has had a bit of a tumultuous career with the Red Sox. It’s most notable beginning was when he was their top prospect, and included in a trade that returned Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell. In a way, Hanley contributed to the Red Sox by helping them acquire the 2007 ALCS MVP and the 2007 World Series MVP.

After years as one of the most highly regarded shortstops in baseball, he returned to Boston on a 4 year, $88 million contract. The deal also includes a $22 million vesting option for 2019. The deal has been heavily criticized, as Ramirez’ 2016 performance has been overshadowed by two years performing below replacement level.

Last Two Years

2016: 620 PA | 30 HR |111 RBI | .286 BA | .866 OPS | 126 OPS+ | 2.7 WAR
2017: 553 PA | 23 HR | 62 RBI | .242 BA | .750 OPS | 95 OPS+ | – 0.4 WAR

2018 Outlook

A clutch performance during the 2017 ALDS was a sign that Ramirez can still be a presence in the Red Sox’ lineup. However, if Ramirez is going to return to 2016 form, he will need to be healthy. He has a history of being somewhat injury prone, and he played the majority of 2017 through a nagging shoulder injury. Hanley’s toughness made his pain less noticeable, but his discomfort became apparent as the season progressed. Once the Red Sox were eliminated, Ramirez immediately had his right shoulder operated on. He is not expected to have any limitations during Spring Training.

Hanley’s poor performance vs. LHP in 2017 further supports the notion that his shoulder injury caused the decline from 2016. His performance vs LHP the last two years dramatically changed:

2016 vs LHP: 143 PA | .346 BA | 11 HR | 1.097 OPS
2017 vs LHP: 123 PA | .179 BA | 6 HR | .679 OPS

With a lack of mobility in his right shoulder, he developed a pull-heavy swing. Ramirez has always been a pull hitter, but never to such an extent. Also, his ability to hit pitches breaking inside diminished. This swing flaw gave pitchers, especially lefties, a unique advantage. Look for Hanley’s Spring Training performance vs. LHP to be an indicator of how he will produce this year.

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