The Miami Marlins signed Jose Reyes yesterday under the impression that incumbent shortstop Hanley Ramirez was ready and willing to move to third base. Apparently they were mistaken. According to an ESPNDeportes report, Hanley Ramirez wants to play shortstop and if he can’t, he wants to be traded. We hear this type of story all of the time in sports. Hanley Ramirez will probably grow up over the rest of the offseason and realize that he’s playing ball in Miami, moving into a brand new stadium and playing alongside some nice new shiny toys – especially if the Miami Marlins pull off an Albert Pujols signing. What about the New York Yankees though? Should Brian Cashman and Co. think about pulling off a blockbuster deal for Hanley Ramirez if it looks like he’s going to pout all season?
The initial reaction is “hell yea!” Ramirez struggled last year for some reason, but he’s been a stud his whole career and he’d probably look sharp in Yankee pinstripes. How would that work though? If he really wants a trade out of Miami because he can’t play shortstop, why would the Yankees trade for him? I supposed they could move Derek Jeter off of shortstop in favor of Ramirez, but all that does is create a problem somewhere else. Jeter has never played an inning of outfield in his career and those that suggest that the Yanks should just move him to a corner OF spot are grossly underestimating the difficulty of making such a position move – especially at this point in Jeter’s career. It’s not even as if Ramirez’s shortstop defense is superior to Jeters’. Perhaps it would make more sense for Ramirez to move to the outfield because you would figure that he is still athletic enough to handle the challenge of the switch. Unfortunately, the only reason we’re even discussing a possible trade is because Ramirez got moved off of shortstop. Why would the Yankees want a converted and sulking OF?
You also have the price (prospects) and Nick Swisher to consider as well. I’m not going to get into speculating on what the Marlins would want in return because this situation could easily blow over by the morning. In regard to Swisher though, I will say that I would have to advocate replacing him with Hanley Ramirez in the unlikely chance that they were faced with that decision. I love what Swisher brings to the Yanks over the 162 game grind, but Hanley Ramirez is a five-tool stud in the middle of his prime. You try not to pass those opportunities up when they arise. Anyway, like I said, this development will probably fizzle over the next few days or weeks, but it is certainly worth keeping an eye on.
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Trade Nick Swisher and minor prospects for Hanley Ramirez, ASAP.
The Yankees need a Derek Jeter replacement for the future at SS.
I also would trade Montero and Banuelos for Josh Johnson.
May be a package deal:
Yankees Get: Hanley Ramirez and Josh Johnson
Marlins Get: Montero, Banuelos, Swisher, and a minor prospect.
Yankees get there Ace and Derek Jeter long term replacement.
That would certainly be an exciting scenario. I think there is a non-zero chance that the Marlins move Johnson – although that hinges on what other offseason moves they make and how they address the rest of the rotation. I can’t see them trading both, but that is the type of package I would expect the Yankees to receive in exchange for Montero and Banuelos.
I want no part of Ramirez. His power #’s, BA, OBP, SLG are all down 3 years in a row. He sucks at SS, and has an attitude problem. You correctly noted that it might be hard for Jeter to make the move to OF, but you think Ramirez can? Dream on. If it would be hard for one of the most professional players ever, who keeps himself in great shape, who is mentally as solid as they come to make the switch then what makes you think this garbanzo bean can? And hello? Starting pitching is the problem, not our SS.
I am well aware of what area(s) the Yankees want to address, thank you.
Even if the Yankees did consider going after Ramirez, it doesn’t preclude them from improving the rotation. Secondly, while Jeter is definitely better conditioned mentally and emotionally, he no longer possesses the athleticism to make the switch. For that reason, I think Ramirez would have an easier time converting. Whether he accepted a move is a completely different discussion though.
Swisher’s better for Yankees right where he’s at, if Ramirez has any speed I’d trade Brett Gardner first. If team wants him, he’s the heir to SS position and platoons next year with Jeter in the least, Jeter can’t play forever. He could also sub for Cano at 2nd until full time SS opens up since Jeter’s not likely to be fulltime SS in ’13. Would not trade any quality young pitcher that Yanks consider starting potential such as Betances, maybe package Hughes and Cervelli, throw in Nunez–his shaky fielding last year indicates he’s NOT Jeter’s heir apparent for any period of time. But that’s likely not enough to get Ramirez from Marlins.
In a vacuum, I’m not sure there is much competition between Hanley Ramirez and Nick Swisher. Obviously, we can’t play in a vacuum. There are several reasons why someone may prefer Swisher over Ramirez on this Yankees squad so I can’t disagree with your first point.
Given the current construction of the team, it will probably make it very difficult for the Yanks to add Ramirez – if they even wanted to in the first place. Again, in a one-on-one comparison, HanRam is better than Brett Gardner, but is he better for this Yankees team? I’m not sure. I don’t really see a trade working out, but they have to kick the tires anyway.