Marlins' Hanley Ramirez Wants Out Of South Beach; Where Will He Go?

By: Tyler Ward

With the acquisition of shortstop Jose Reyes, the Marlins considered themselves to have one of the best infields in professional baseball.

Except there's one problem... One of the key components of that "dream infield", Hanley Ramirez, wants to be dealt because he'd have to switch from shortstop to third base to accompany Ramirez. And he doesn't want to do that even though Jeffrey Loria has made the team exponentially better, including moving the team to brand new ballpark.

Although his stats declined drastically last season, he is still one of the best up-and-coming players in baseball. And the Marlins realize that and they know they could get a lot in return for him if Ramirez gets his wish.

However ESPN's Buster Olney reported yesterday, "If Ramirez wanted to be traded, the Marlins probably couldn't get a lot for him, because of his price tag and the growing questions about his play."

I couldn't disagree with Olney more. Ramirez is still a great player, despite his bad season last year. Every player seems to have one of those seasons in which they struggle, but then they somehow return to their true form the following season. And I expect Ramirez to do that for the upcoming 2012 season. And not to mention, Ramirez is still young (27 years old) with many years of great baseball in front of him.

A lot of teams will be in a bidding war for Ramirez's services even though he had an off-year last season. I can guarantee that much.

Ramirez is a six-year pro and has been an All-Star in three of those seasons. Over his young career, he has batted a healthy .306. His career numbers include a .306 batting average, 134 home runs, 434 runs batted in and 216 stolen bases.

However, if a team chooses to deal for Ramirez, it will come at a hefty price after he signed a six-year extension with Miami in May 2008, worth approximately $70 million.

He is still under contract with the Marlins for the next three seasons and the team currently owes him $47 million until 2014.

Ramirez had also told the Marlins that he'd move to third base under one condition: the team restructures his contract and benefit him more for doing something that he doesn't want to do. His agent has since refuted this report, but there is still a good possibility that it is true since Ramirez has seen disgruntled since the acquisition of Reyes.

This apparently made owner Jeffrey Loria and Co. distraught and they instantly declined Ramirez's proposal. This could also potentially be the biggest reason that the Marlins part ways with the three-time All-Star.

To his resume, Ramirez has won a batting title with a .342 average and has had career-highs of 33 home runs, 51 steals and a .954 OPS.

Ramirez is a talent that will not go un-noticed. But of course, this could all be a ploy by the Marlins' front office, as to just make headlines and stir things up within the organization. However, this could be real and Ramirez could get dealt. We will find out in the coming weeks as to what happens with the Marlins.

Here are some possible suitors for Ramirez with some combinations of deals the Marlins could go for:

* Marlins trade shortstop Hanley Ramirez to Washington Nationals for 3B Ryan Zimmerman

* Marlins trade shortstop Hanley Ramirez to Boston Red Sox for SS Jed Lowrie, RP Daniel Bard, P Felix Doubront and RF Che-Hsuan Lin

* Marlins trade shortstop Hanley Ramirez to New York Mets for 3B David Wright

* Marlins trade shortstop Hanley Ramirez and CF Chris Coghlan to Kansas City Royals for LF Alex Gordon, 3B Mike Moustakas and SP Jeff Francis

* Marlins trade shortstop Hanley Ramirez to Milwaukee Brewers for 3B Casey McGehee, P Tyler Thornburg and 2B Scooter Gennett

* Marlins trade shortstop Hanley Ramirez to Cleveland Indians for 3B Lonnie Chisenhall, P Justin Masterson and C Lou Marson

* Marlins trade shortstop Hanley Ramirez to Chicago White Sox for 3B Brent Morel, P John Danks, and P Matt Thornton

* Marlins trade shortstop Hanley Ramirez and P Leo Nunez to Atlanta Braves for CF Michael Bourn, 3B Brandon Hicks and P Jair Jurrjens

Report: David Ortiz Likely To Accept Arbitration Offer From Red Sox

By: Tyler Ward

Reports have surfaced that Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz plans to accept the arbitration offer that the team has offered him.

If he does in fact accept the deal, he will return to Boston for the 2012 season.

He had been seeking a pay raise from the Red Sox after earning about $12.5 million last season. The arbitration deal could be worth about $15 million if he takes it.

According to some reports, a two-year deal worth $25 million would have kept Ortiz in Boston, but they retracted the offer before arbitration and instead, offered the hitter a two-year deal worth approximately $18 million.

The team would prefer that Ortiz take the two-year deal because they would only have to pay him about $9 million per season instead of the one-year deal because it would be a lesser hit against their payroll for luxury-tax purposes.

New Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said the sides are still talking and that the Red Sox "remain hopeful" that Ortiz will return to Boston for next season.

"That's been our position all along. We haven't agreed to anything yet," Cherington said.

"If there's a way to make it work, we'd like to have him on the team moving forward and potentially have him finish his career with the Red Sox. But we haven't reached an agreement on a contract. We've had good dialogue, and I think there's a good understanding of our respective positions and a lot of mutual respect," Cherington went on to say. "If we don't reach anything by tomorrow, we'll see what his decision is. If we don't and he accepts, then we'll be happy with that outcome."

Bobby Valentine, who the Red Sox hired to replace Terry Francona as the team's manager, apparently traveled to the Dominican Republic to track down Ortiz and hopefully talk about his future with the team.

Ortiz seemed to be happy that Valentine came all that way just to talk to him. Ortiz would go on to say about the visit, "That speaks to me. That's good stuff."

Ortiz, arguably the face of the franchise over the last decade, has hit .289, including 320 home runs and 1,028 runs batted in over his nine-year stint with the Red Sox. Ortiz is also a seven-time All-Star.

Red Sox Sign Pitcher Clay Buchholz To Four-Year Extension

By: Tyler Ward

The Red Sox announced Sunday that they have signed starting pitcher Clay Buchholz to a four-year extension, that guarantees him just under $30 million.

The contract also has two option years worth $13 million apiece that could potentially make the contract worth a total of $56 million.

General manager Theo Epstein said of the signing, "He's a homegrown core member of the ballclub. We expect Clay to be here a long time. We see this as a win-win. He is an entrusted, core member of the club."

"Clay certainly has earned our trust and developed a tremendous amount as both a person and a player," he continued to say.

Buchholz has just under two years of service time at the major league level, just like fellow teammate Jon Lester, who signed a five-year, $30 million deal in Spring 2009.

Here's a breakdown of Buchholz's contract:

2012: $3.5 million

2013: $5.5 million

2014: $7.7 million

2015: $12 million

With the signing, this means that the first four starters for the Red Sox are signed through the 2014 season - Josh Beckett (4 years, $68 million), John Lackey (5 years, $82.5 million), Lester (5 years, $30 million), and Buchholz (4 years, $30 million).

Buchholz, 26, is currently making $555,000 this season and it looks like he will be making a lot more in the following seasons.

The Red Sox now have the pitcher potentially wrapped up until his 40th birthday and with the options, he could be locked up until he's 32 years old.

"It's a honor," Buchholz said. "This is where I imagined myself to be 10 years ago. I don't think I could be with a better organization."

Perhaps the biggest moment of his young career, Buchholz threw a no-hitter against the Orioles on Sept. 1, 2007. The Red Sox won the game 10-0.

The Red Sox are hoping to get many more quality seasons from Buchholz, now that they have signed him to the four-year extension.

ESPN Sport Science: Fenway Park Edition (Video)

By: Stephen Patterson

Youkilis' Walk-Off Sacrifice Fly Lifts Boston Past Texas

By: Tyler Ward

The Red Sox have finally had a bright spot in the last few weeks. The injury-plagued Red Sox spoiled Cliff Lee's bid for a second straight complete game and were able to rally in the 11th to seal the win. The Rangers were hoping to ride Bengie Molina's cycle last night and take the series from Boston, but were not able to close the game out.

Not only did Youkilis hit the game-winning sacrifice fly in extra innings, but he also hit a double in the ninth inning, driving in Marco Scutaro to tie the game, 2-2. 

Youkilis said after the game, "I had the same approach all game. I was comfortable. I felt good."

In the first inning, David Ortiz singled to center, driving in Darnell McDonald to give the Red Sox a 1-0 lead. Cliff Lee, the opposing pitcher, settled down after the first, retiring 22 of 23 batters between the second and eighth innings.

The game would remain 1-0 until the sixth inning, when All-Star Josh Hamilton singled to right field, driving in Ian Kinlser. Later in the inning, Nelson Cruz singled to center, driving in ex-Angel Vladimir Guerrero. John Lackey, the Red Sox pitcher, was pulled after seven innings of work, surrendering those two lone runs. He would watch Boston's rally from the dugout.

Entering the ninth inning, the game was still 2-1 in Texas' favor. Lee, who was trying to pitch another complete game, gave up a double to Youkilis, which scored Scutaro to tie the game. The Red Sox would not be able to capitalize and the game was sent into extra innings.

"I was going right at him. It worked for me all night," Lee said. "No reason for me to change my approach there. Obviously, I wish I could have that pitch back."

After neither team scored in the tenth, the next inning was everything the fans were hoping for. 

Scutaro led off the 11th with a walk and Darnell McDonald bunted on a sacrifice attempt. Texas' relief pitcher Alexi Ogando fielded the ball and threw the ball to second, but it hit Scutaro and went into left field - he would then advance to third, while McDonald went to second. The next batter, Ortiz, was intentionally walked to load up the bases.

The hero of the night, Youkilis, would then hit a sacrifice fly to center and Boston's rally would finally be done. This was the first walk-off sacrifice fly by a Red Sox player since Carlos Baerga hit one in the 11th inning against the Yankees in 2002.

Rangers' manager Ron Washington, clearly frustrated, said after the game, "We had to get an out on the bunt. Ogando tried to make a play and it didn't work. If he gets him, everybody's saying 'What a great play.'"

After being taken off the disabled list on Saturday, Manny Delcarmen pitched a perfect 11th to increase his season record to 3-2. Boston's Lackey and Texas' Lee would both receive no decisions.

The Rangers are now only 5-9 in their last 14 games, including losing four straight before the All-Star break. This is also Boston's third win in the last ten games.

Molina Hits For Cycle Against Red Sox

By: Tyler Ward

Friday night was just a horrible day all the way around for the sinking Boston Red Sox. The newly-acquired catcher, Bengie Molina, completely dominated Boston, becoming the ninth player ever to hit for the cycle and a grand slam in the same game. His last two at-bats were the grand slam and a triple to seal the cycle.

Going 4-for-4 on the night, Molina hit a grand slam in the fifth inning to cap off a five-run inning for the Rangers. Texas took a 7-3 lead and Boston was never able to recover. Leading off the eighth inning, Molina hit a triple over Boston center fielder, Eric Patterson, to still remain as the only Molina brother to hit for the cycle. He, then, proceeded to smile at his teammates as they cheered the slow catcher on.

Molina's cycle was the fifth in Rangers history - he also hit for the cycle on April 29, 2009, as a member of the San Francisco Giants. This was the first time since 1978 that the Red Sox have given up a cycle at Fenway Park.

The depleted Red Sox line-up has suffered many injuries as of late, with former MVP Dustin Pedroia, Victor Martinez, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jason Varitek, and Jeremy Hermida all currently on the disabled list. Clay Buchholz made a rehab start for Triple-A affiliate, Pawtucket, on Friday. Additionally, former Cy Young winner Josh Beckett is expected to make a rehab start for Pawtucket on Saturday.

In the first inning, Elvis Andrus scored on an infield single by Ian Kinsler. Later in the inning, Nelson Cruz singled to center, scoring Kinsler to give the Rangers a 2-0 lead. The Red Sox answered in the second inning with J.D. Drew singling to right center, scoring Kevin Youkilis. Drew then proceeded to score on a wild pitch by opposing pitcher, Colby Lewis.

The Red Sox took a 3-2 lead in the fourth inning when Adrian Beltre hit a solo home run. The lead wouldn't last long as Texas loaded the bases against young relief pitcher, Fernando Cabrera. Cabrera surrendered a walk to David Murphy, which scored All-Star Michael Young. Later, Cabrera was facing the hero of the night, Bengie Molina. He got ahead of Molina on a 0-2 count, but then proceeded to give up a grand slam, giving the Rangers a 7-3 lead.

The lead was cut to three in the sixth inning when Youkilis hit a sacrifice fly, scoring David Ortiz. They would get no more runs and the Rangers scored one more run in the eighth inning to give the Rangers an 8-4 win.

With the loss, the Red Sox are now 6.5 games behind the defending champion New York Yankees for the AL East crown. Second place, Tampa Bay Rays, remains the leader for lone Wild Card spot, leading the Red Sox by 3.5 games. This puts the injury-plagued Red Sox at a 51-39 record.

The Rangers still remain first in the AL West, with a 52-38 record. They are are 4.5 games ahead of second place Los Angeles Angels.

David Ortiz Wins Home Run Derby

By: Tyler Ward

The Red Sox finally have a Home Run Derby winner..and that is David Ortiz. Ortiz becomes the first Red Sox player to win the event since it began in 1985. He reached the semi-finals in 2005 and 2006, but hadn't been back since his 2006 appearance.

Playing against Florida's Hanley Ramirez in the final round, Ortiz belted 11 home runs to secure the win. He hit a total of 21 in the last two rounds, fending off Ramirez for his derby win in three previous attempts. Ortiz will also play in his sixth All-Star game on Tuesday.

Prior to the event, Ortiz received an abundance of boos from the Anaheim crowd, as they remembered recent postseason clashes against Ortiz and the Red Sox. Ortiz hadn't even hit a home run in Anaheim since the 2007 AL Divisional Series.

After struggling at the start of the season, Ortiz has gone on a hitting frenzy and hit 17 home runs since the end of April. While watching Ortiz hit those home runs, it looked like that he had finally gotten his vintage swing back. A few years ago, he was a machine, hitting home run after home run. But, last year, his stats decreased heavily and he was even subject to trade talks. However, he said after the win that he wanted to sign a contract extension with Boston, hoping he'll finish his career in a Red Sox uniform.

''I've been dealing with so many things the past few years. Coming back here (to another All-Star game), I want to thank the players for giving me the opportunity to be here," Ortiz said. "This is a job that we have, but it's called a game. That's what I try to do during the season - have fun with my teammates and make sure everything goes the right way.''

New York bench coach pitched to Ortiz, which came as quite a surprise because frankly, it's Boston and New York, plain and simple. Pena wasn't even set to be Ortiz' pitcher, as he asked Pena during batting practice if he would throw to him.

He didn't claim that it was his swing that won the derby, but it was something else. An exhausted Ortiz said after the event, "This is my fourth time, so I just kind of used the experience. I wanted to come here and make sure the fans enjoy what we do.'' Ortiz also dedicated his performance to the recently deceased Jose Lima. He and Ortiz were good friends and talked all the time, but paramedics found Lima dead in his California home, after he had died of cardiac arrest.

St. Louis' Matt Holliday, Arizona's Chris Young, New York's Nick Swisher, and Toronto's Vernon Wells did not make it out of the first round. Milwaukee's Corey Hart and Detroit's Miguel Cabrera (my pick) were eliminated in the second round.

Hanley Ramirez, who many expected to be eliminated in the first round, surprisingly made it to the final round against Ortiz. They both are also very good friends and Ortiz even said that Ramirez is "like a son to me." Ortiz said in an interview, "Of course, I wish Hanley would be playing on our team, like he was supposed to be, but there are things we can't control. The move that the Red Sox made was good for both sides.''

Ortiz is hoping that he can continue the rapid pace he was on before the All-Star break. He is currently tied for 8th in the American League in home runs (21) and ranks tied for 12th in RBI (57). With the hot streak and a recent trophy addition, Ortiz is hoping he can help lead the Red Sox to the playoffs and maybe win the division.

Red Sox Are Injury Crazy

By: Tyler Ward

The Red Sox just can't seem to catch a break. Despite being in 2nd place in the tough AL East, the Red Sox have been decimated by injuries. Catcher Jason Varitek and Relief Pitcher Manny Delcarmen were placed on the 15-day disabled list on Friday. Varitek is listed with a fractured metatarsal, and Delcarmen a forearm strain. With injuries at the catcher position, the Red Sox traded for Kevin Cash, who played on the Red Sox for two seasons.

Varitek and Delcarmen are just two of the recent BoSox players to be placed on the DL.

Here's a list of the players that are currently apart of Boston's injury bug:

Josh Beckett, Pitcher: Beckett hasn't pitched for Boston in six weeks due to back stiffness. He's hardly been mentioned in recent talk because he really hasn't played this season. The Red Sox are on a sizzling streak, even without the best pitcher on their roster. He threw a practice session last week and said that he felt "fine". Beckett is predicted to be back after the All-Star break. Hopefully, Beckett can return and make an impact for the rest of the season.

Dustin Pedroia, Second Base: Against the San Francisco Giants late last week, Pedroia fouled a Giants' pitch off of his foot. He was diagnosed after the game that he had a broken foot and therfore, would have to miss anywhere between 4-6 weeks. Pedroia has barely missed any time in his Red Sox tenure, so this came as quite the surprise to see him injured, especially for that long. I don't expect to see Pedroia out for six weeks - I think he can return as soon as he feels he's ready to. Having Pedroia, AL's 2008 MVP, is a big boost for the Red Sox, as he is becoming Boston's best player. If the doctors clear Pedroia, he'll be back on the field immediately.

Jacoby Ellsbury, Outfielder: He fractured his ribs early into the season, and has only played a total of nine games this year. Having missed that many games, no one is 100% sure when Ellsbury will step back onto the field. He's one of Boston's best young players, so not having him on the field hurts the team. Even if Ellsbury came back, he wouldn't be completely healthy. His stats would not be that great, which could lead to a deflated salary via free agency (if Boston decides to let him go). With Ellsbury healthy, the Red Sox can be much better with the speed and agility Ellsbury brings to the team. I think he'll be back with the Red Sox somewhere around a month from now....hopefully.

Clay Buchholz, Pitcher: When Buchholz got injured playing the Giants, the Red Sox trainers thought that he had just hyperextended his knee. But, that was not the case. MRI's showed that the young pitcher had a slight tear in his hamstring, but no one knows if it's that's serious. Fortunately, Boston's schedule is favorable and Buchholz may not miss any time at all. He adds great value to an already great pitching staff (when healthy). I think he should be back on the field sooner than people think and I hope I'm right.

Jason Varitek, Catcher: A few days ago, Jason Varitek went down with a then-mysterious injury. It was later reported that it was a broken foot and like Pedroia, he would be forced to miss anywhere from 4-6 weeks, too. With he and Martinez out, this leaves the BoSox thin at the Catcher position. They just acquired Kevin Cash and have had Gustavo Molina on the roster. Both, statistically, are unproven and this could hurt the Red Sox more than they know. I think they are going to make a deal for a Catcher at the trade deadline, however.

Jeremy Hermida, Outfielder: Many people don't even realize who Hermida is, but he was having a very good statistical season with Boston until he got injured. Although he was listed as the fourth outfielder, he started some of the games and played very well. Hermida has missed about a month with broken ribs. When Mike Cameron and J.D. Drew were injured, Hermida did more than what the Red Sox wanted him to do. He provided a great threat on offense that most opposing pitchers didn't expect. Like Ellsbury, it is not know when Hermida will return. When he gets back healthy, I think he could continue the pace he was at before he got injured.

Victor Martinez, Catcher: He took two foul balls off his left thumb, which led to a fracture. He currently has a splint on his hand and said that he could play if the Red Sox wanted him to. Terry Francona, the manager, said that he didn't want to risk further injury, and instead, placed him on the 15-day disabled list, in hopes of getting him back 100% healthy. Francona wanted the swelling to go down and then, Martinez may be able to come back. He is expected to return as soon as he's eligible to do so.


Manny Delcarmen, Relief Pitcher: Delcarmen got placed on the 15-day DL on Friday with a forearm strain. Delcarmen hasn't done that well this season and is perhaps, having the worst season of his career. I don't really miss Delcarmen, just for that fact alone. He has failed to provide good pitching, and the Red Sox probably won't miss his inconsistency. I think the Red Sox will also have to deal for a relief pitcher at the trade deadline, with their only decent reliever is Daniel Bard (I would list Papelbon, but he hasn't done that well either).

These are just the players that are injured now. Daisuke Matsuzaka, Mike Cameron, and J.D. Drew have all had stints on the DL this season, too. They can't seem to catch a break as it seems like a star player is injured every single week. If the Red Sox want to win the division, they are going to have to get healthy or make some deals that can help them win. After a horrible start to the season, they have somehow caught fire recently and have surpassed the Rays and Blue Jays in the divison. They are currently behind the Yankees for the division lead.

They are now being forced to bring in players that hardly have any major league experience. Some of these players include Daniel Nava and Molina. Bill Hall has had major playing time recently, while trying to rejuvenate his career after his good stint with Milwaukee.

At the end of the day, I think the Red Sox will get healthy and received a Wild Card berth at the end of the season. They probably won't win the division, but they'll give it a shot. They are a good and competitive team, which is why I think they'll accomplish something by the end of the season. But, with injuries, they could very well miss the playoffs. All they need to do is become healthy.

American League East Predictions

By: Stephen Patterson & Tyler Ward

SP: The AL East has been the hottest division in the Major Leagues for yet another season. Hot off of bringing home their 27th championship, the Yankees are off to the right start to repeating this season. With the rise of Phil Hughes, New York still has one of the strongest rotations in baseball. Despite struggling so far this season, A.J. Burnett should be able to pull things together in time for the postseason. The Rays started the season off hot, but since being on the wrong end of Dallas Braden's perfect game, they have taken a downward spiral, including being no-hit for the second time this season by Arizona's Edwin Jackson. The Red Sox, much to my own personal delight, are struggling with age and injury and will be a tight battle for second in the division and to win the Wild Card. The Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles won't be much of a factor and would be content to finish above .500. Here is my breakdown of the division and predicted outcome:

New York Yankees: 97-65 (Division Winner)

Boston Red Sox: 90-72 (Wild Card Winner)

Tampa Bay Rays: 86-76

Toronto Blue Jays: 79-83

Baltimore Orioles: 65-97


TW: This is definitely the best division in all of baseball. An AL East team has represented the AL in the World Series the past 3 seasons (Red Sox, Rays, Yankees). Earlier in the season, the Rays were considered by many as the best team in the baseball. They started off the season 32-12, and have gone 12-19 since that fantastic beginning. The Red Sox are hobbled by injuries, but I think they overcome that and challenge for the AL East crown. New York is getting older and older, but with their payroll, they are always able to compete and not to mention, they have 27 World Series rings. The Blue Jays always seem to challenge before the All-Star break, but after it's done, they fall out of contention. I think they'll do that again this year. Baltimore has not been good for a while and they'll be lucky to win 70 games this year.

Here's my breakdown of the division:


New York Yankees: 93-69 (Division Winner)

Boston Red Sox: 91-71 (Wild Card Winner)

Tampa Bay Rays: 89-73

Toronto Blue Jays: 81-81

Baltimore Orioles: 60-102