Boston Red Sox first baseman Hanley Ramirez has silently put together a solid season both offensively and defensively.
Take a look at the American League East standings and you will find the Boston Red Sox sitting alone on top of the division. While a rejuvenated starting pitching rotation and career years from Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr. have contributed to the rise of the Red Sox, Hanley Ramirez has quietly put together his best season in six years and has found his stride in Boston.
In fact, Ramirez may be one of the main reasons the Red Sox clinch a post-season berth. He has been absolutely on fire since the All-Star break. He is leading the team in home runs (13) and RBI (42) in the second half of the season and is on pace to put together one of his best seasons since 2010.
What has contributed to the resurgence of Hanley Ramirez?
Health, attitude and a renewed energy have been a reason everyone is talking about positively about Ramirez. Teammate Dustin Pedroia is surprised the hype is just beginning and has recognized the production all season long.
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“I don’t know why you guys aren’t talking about him, he’s been a force all year,” said Pedroia earlier in the week. “Shoot, he’s on pace to drive in a hundred runs. He’s having a great year, he’s playing great defense, he’s a big reason why we are where we are.”
Ramirez has a total of 21 home runs, 90 RBI and 27 doubles this season.
His production may be due to the fact that he hasn’t been talked about and hasn’t been the focus. With David Ortiz having another monster year during his final hurrah and Betts putting together and MVP-type season, Ramirez is just able to do his thing quietly.
The rejuvenated Ramirez has been so quiet that he doesn’t even talk about himself. The numbers are speaking for themselves, but he is focused on being a good teammate and helping the team in other areas including his leadership and just staying healthy to contribute.
“I can tell you this: Veterans, if you stay healthy on the field and stay there all year long, your numbers are going to be there, that’s it – period,” Ramirez said via the Boston Herald. “You just have to stay healthy the whole year, hang in there, be a good teammate and play hard.”
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As a player who was shut down towards the end of last season due to injury and lack of motivation, it appears that Hanley Ramirez has taken his own advice.