Red Sox ALDS Preview: Five Players Who Can’t Buckle Under Pressure

Hanley Ramirez

Terry Francona and the Cleveland Indians may focus on taking the bat out of David Ortiz’s hand.  That would put quite a bit of pressure on Hanley Ramirez. The slugger has been absolutely dynamite down the stretch.  He has hit over 30 home runs, most of those coming after the All-Star break and has driven in 111 RBI.

Following his first season with the Red Sox, Ramirez was on his way to becoming a major bust, but has turned it around both offensively and surprisingly defensively as he has made the transition to first base quite nicely.

Although he has been solid, it is the defense that worries me more than the offense.  Any fielding miscues, especially at first base can change the complexion of the game.  So Ramirez has to keep his focus.

On offense, Ramirez has to stay hot.  When locked in, he is extremely dangerous at the plate and with Big Papi’s influence, this playoff run may be where Ramirez shows the baseball world how clutch he can be.

Speaking of Ortiz, Ramirez credits Big Papi for transforming his career.  In a letter to Red Sox Nation published in the Players Tribue he wrote:

“Before I came to Boston, whenever I would go to a dark place, I didn’t have anybody to pick me up,” wrote Hanley. “David changed my career, my life and my personality a little bit, too. He’s like a big bro to me. But it’s not just me. It’s everybody.”