Hanley Ramirez

2013

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2012

The bottom fell out for Ramirez last year, as he was ice cold coming out of spring training and then got beset by a series of injuries to his foot, back and finally his left shoulder that limited him to just 92 games. He was showing signs of regaining his swagger at the plate before the shoulder injury ended his season though and offseason surgery should prevent any future issues with the joint, although it's worth noting the same thing was said after his 2008 surgery on the same shoulder. The question now is where he will play. The Marlins want him to slide over to third base in the wake of the Jose Reyes signing, but Ramirez at times has appeared a bit, shall we say, grumpy at the thought and trade rumors have sprouted up as a result. The odds of him actually being dealt are slim (with $47 million and three years remaining, his contract is still very reasonable given his possible production, and coming off the season he had his value has never been lower) but if he's disgruntled to start the season another limp April could be in the offing. The upside is still there though, especially given the improvements in the lineup around him, and despite last year's disaster you're not likely to get Ramirez at much of a discount. Frankly we think he's too talented and too proud not to rebound, health permitting. If he slides at all at your draft table, pounce.

2011

After three all-world seasons, Ramirez stumbled last year and put up his worst offensive numbers since he was a rookie. It's a testament to his talent that a .300 average and 20 HR/30 SB would be considered a crushing disappointment, but nagging injuries dragged him down and an early-season run-in with manager Edwin Rodriguez didn't help put to rest questions about his work ethic and commitment. In real terms, his "poor" numbers were a result of a big spike in his groundball percentage at the expense of flyballs and line drives, and assuming better health and/or a tweak in his stance to address that problem there's no reason to think Ramirez won't regain his place among the fantasy elite.

2010

Once again Ramirez had a great season that still seemed somehow faintly disappointing. For the first time in his major league career he failed to steal 30 bases, he went back to being a 25-homer, 40-double player instead of a 30-homer, 30-double one, and he gave back the extra walks he drew in 2008. In exchange though he led the NL in batting average, setting a new franchise record in the process, posted his first 100-RBI season thanks to a shift down to the No. 3 spot in the batting order, and finished second in MVP voting to Albert Pujols. The declining speed is perhaps inevitable as Ramirez gets older and continues to fill out, but at 26 he's hardly an old man just yet, and there's no reason to think his development has completely plateaued. He's one of the truly elite players in fantasy baseball.

2009

Superficially it might appear as though Ramirez took a step back at the plate in 2008. He traded a 25/50 season for a 30/30 one (a swap no self-respecting fantasy owner would make) and lost some batting average to boot. The huge spike in his walk rate can't just be written off as a product of a lack of lineup protection though, and provides some optimism that despite his tremendous production the last two seasons, the best may be yet to come. Ramirez is already in the discussion when it comes to naming the most valuable assets in the game today, but if those walks truly are a harbinger he could move to the head of the list by the end of 2009.

2008

Ramirez struggled in the field in 2007, but his huge offensive season far overshadowed that regression in his game. He fell just one home run short of becoming the youngest member of the 30-HR/50-SB club (Eric Davis was 25 and Barry Bonds 26 when they accomplished the feat, while Ramirez didn't turn 24 until this offseason) and hit .332 while doing so. He also put up those numbers despite separating his left shoulder in July on a swing and a miss, the third time in a year and a half he's had problems with that shoulder. Ramirez had offseason surgery to repair his labrum, and there has to be at least a little concern his shoulder problems could become chronic, but as a true five category shortstop the "reward" end of that risk/reward scenario is far too enticing to pass up. A move down to the third spot in the order in the wake of the Miguel Cabrera trade could also reduce his steal attempts and runs while boosting his RBI, but he's an elite talent no matter where he hits.

2007

Of all the Marlins' rookie surprises in 2006, none were more shocking than Ramirez. The team itself had so little confidence that he was ready for an every-day job in the majors they brought in Pokey Reese as an insurance policy in the spring, only to see Reese abruptly leave camp and retire before Opening Day. Maybe Reese realized how unnecessary his presence in a Florida uniform would be. Ramirez hit for a better average, showed more power, and drew more walks than his minor league profile indicated were within the realm of possibility, while stealing 51 bases (at a productive percentage) and playing at times somewhat erratic but at times spectacular defense. His 2005 regression at Double-A is still fresh enough to be a warning sign, but then again Ramirez's numbers as a 22-year-old rookie look very good next to Derek Jeter's first full big league season at a similar age. Given his tools and explosive start, Ramirez could end up being the best NL fantasy shortstop since Barry Larkin in his prime.

2006

Ramirez got into a couple of games for Boston in September after an unspectacular season at Double-A Portland. He's still young so there's time for him to find his power and hit consistently. He already has the speed and defensive tools needed, so it's a matter of the offense catching up. After his trade to the Marlins in the Josh Beckett deal, he could win the starting shorstop job this spring.

2005

Ramirez retained his status as the organization's top prospect after showing improved maturity in 2004. He has yet to show the power potential that many have predicted, but that could come. Whether the power comes this season or not, he's got a top-notch glove and is an exceptional athlete, who may be asked to play another position. Boston’s signing of Edgar Renteria obviously is of great impact on Ramirez’ immediate future. There was speculation he would be the Red Sox’ starting shortstop in 2006. We would not be surprised to see the major league club trade him in the pursuit of starting pitching to replace Pedro Martinez.

2004

Ramirez is one of the top prospects in the Red Sox organization. He had some disciplinary problems last season and his average dropped, but he still was among the Sally League leaders in runs scored and stolen bases. Ramirez, 19, should get his promotion to High-A this season and could move up if the club is convinced he has matured.

2003

Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2000, the 19-year old has dominated the Rookie levels in his two years as a professional. In 2002 he made stops at Rookie Ball and the short season Penn League, showing power, speed, and great strike zone judgement for one so young. A legitimate five-tool prospect, the only thing that might derail a meteoric rise is attitude. It’s been suggested he might be somewhat immature. The comparisons to Arod, Nomar, and Soriano are inevitable but he’s years away from living up to that hype, if ever. The 2003 season should begin with him at Low Class-A and a mid-season promotion is a strong possibility. He’s probably still a couple of year’s away from a look at the majors.