Let’s get real about Ramirez

Something has been bothering me for the past week since the news that the Red Sox had inquired about acquiring Hanley Ramirez from the Florida Marlins. I’ve seen/heard countless fans calling for the Red Sox to make this deal happen and a perception that the Marlins “made him available”.

Reality is quite the contrary however. As the Red Sox should, they send feelers out on possibilities for matching up with players that they are interested in across the league. I would fully expect that they’ve done the same with the likes of Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder or David Wright or countless others. Truth be told, great young players aren’t often available via trade and there’s a reason for that. This is even more pronounced when that great young player is cost controlled by a smaller market team.

Regarding Fresh Takes

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What’s the Problem?!?!?!

Got the flu, so have cruised baseball blogs, and thought some comments might be appropriate, the most significant being that many of Scott Boras’ moves around the league have blown up in his face, and those of his clients. Awwww! It’s not just Sox fans who rank him below Cheney.

I am appalled at all the panic, finger pointing, and accusations (even Amalie sounds negative about 2009), sky is falling attitude among Sox Nation; and perturbed at the number of ‘fans’ who are calling to dump our legendary players, and empty our farm system for big name trades, and to outspend the Yankees. Win at all costs, now. After decades of following the Sox, to hear such negativity about this Camelot of a team is, to put it politely, stupid. The Sox FO, Tito, the players must be shaking their heads in wonder, after all this team and these players have accomplished; or perhaps they are just learning to ignore the fanbase entirely. Loyalty goes two ways.

Recommended Reading: Amalie Benjamin’s Chat Wrap

A little short on time this weekend, I’ll throw up a couple quickposts with content from around the web to keep you going! Starting off, check out the chat wrap on the Boston Globe’s website with Amalie Benjamin (link after the jump). Amalie might not have the name recognition of Nick Cafardo yet, but I always enjoy her insight and opinions on the team.
She touches on many topics including Lars Anderson, Rocco Baldelli, Mark Kotsay, Jason Varitek, long-term deals for Papelbon, Youkilis, and Lester, and of course, Manny Ramirez. Would love to hear some of your feedback on her chat, I’ll post back this afternoon!