After the biggest kick-in-the-crotch loss since I don’t remember when, the Red Sox have an opportunity to make a radical move. In Florida, ex-Red Sox prospect, now current super star, Hanley Ramirez has flown off the reservation. See article. OK, the Marlins are in a tricky position, side with the manager, or side with their star player. This situation may publicly be resolved in the near future, but sounds like some bad feelings that won’t go away. Theo Epstein sees how his team is playing, they need a kick in the ass. Time to dial up the Marlins and make them a deal they can’t refuse, Corleone style. Sox get back Hanley, Marlins get Scutaro to fill the immediate void at SS. Then you offer up Cassey Kelly, and perhaps another prospect. Sure, it’s a steep price to pay, but its the right move. Ramirez would be the super star bat that the Red Sox so sorely miss. Florida gets a serviceable SS, at a reasonable price. Florida also gets the crown jewel of the Red Sox organization. The Red Sox can change the direction that this season is heading, and also lock up a star for a reasonable rate. Everyone wins in this. Time to to make this call Theo. The window is only open a crack. Sure, the pitching has betrayed the Sox more than the offense of late, but this is a solid move. Hanley would change the complexion of the line up dramatically. The Pitching has to come around, and even if it doesn’t, Kelly is not the answer this year. This is just the kind of, dare to be great move that Theo needs to make.
I had the same initial thought, but Kelly + Scutaro isnt going to cut it. Marlins are moving into a new park and just extended Hanley. It’s going to take more than petty insubordination to get them to give him up.
I would think it takes: Elsbury / Kelly / Iglesias and Low A prospect too. That’s just an offer that gets them to even listen.
I don’t think its worth the effort to make rash decisions now.
I don’t see the moves to be made. Our hitting is generally fine. Defense supposedly is great, you can’t really upgrade anywhere but C. But in reality we stink everywhere. We cant upgrade the starting pitching as we are locked in long term at all 5 slots. Basically, we need a good power righty and lefty and see where the chips fall by July.
Otherwise, we trade Papelbon to Philly or St Louis and prime for next year.