Tuesday Links: Homecoming for Han-Ram?

Photo credit: Kelly O’Connor

While free agents like Pablo Sandoval and Chase Headley are both logical fits for the Red Sox at third base, it’s important to not overlook a player like Hanley Ramirez. A shortstop by trade, Ramirez figures to slide over to third base in the near future due to his decreased range in the middle of the infield. Ramirez wouldn’t be traveling into uncharted waters with a move to the hot corner, as he’s played close to 100 games at third base. The only real red flag that the 30-year old raises is his injury history, that features a laundry list of ailments that have prevented him from playing consistently. Over his ten year career, Ramirez has reached the 150 game plateau just five times, and has missed 110 games over the last two seasons. But even with the injury rap sheet, Ramirez still offers one of the best power bats at his position. Over the last three seasons, the former-Red Sox prospect has amassed 220 RBI and 57 home runs, while slashing .285/.356/.486. After receiving a qualifying offer from the Dodgers, which he’ll rightfully decline, Ramirez will cost a team their first round draft pick in next seasons first year player draft. However, since the Red Sox finished the season among the bottom feeders of the league, their first round selection is a protected, so the Red Sox would instead surrender their second round pick if they signed Ramirez. Of course, the Dominican Republic native headlines the shortstop market, so there will probably be at least a few teams out there willing to let Ramirez play shortstop everyday in 2015. However, with the general consensus being that Ramirez is destine for third base in the near future, the Red Sox could be players in his market.

• Slowly but surely, the Red Sox have begun to shake out their roster in preparation for the offseason mayhem. Boston trimmed their 40-man roster down to 36 players on Monday, as the team parted ways with Jonathan Herrera and Carlos Rivero. While Herrera was outrighted off the teams roster, Rivero was claimed on waivers by the Seattle Mariners. While neither player is a significant loss by any means, losing both players further exposed how thin the team is at shortstop behind Xander Bogaerts. (Red Sox lose infielders Carlos Rivero, Jonathan Herrera)

• On the cusp of free agency, twelve players received qualifying offers from their respective clubs. If a player declines the 1 year, $15M pact that a qualifying offer ensures, the team that signs that winds up signing that player is forced to surrender their first or second round draft pick, depending on their drat positioning. Most of the time, qualifying offers are extended knowing that the player will decline it, in search of a bigger deal in free agency. But for some, qualifying offers prevent them from receiving offers they’re entitled to, simply because teams don’t want to lose their pick. (Qualifying offers outline landscape of free agency)

• On Tuesday night, Major League Baseball will announce the winners of the 2014 Gold Glove Awards. For the Red Sox, they have two horses in the race with Dustin Pedroia representing the team at second base, and Jackie Bradley doing the same in center field. Pedroia, who is looking to add his fourth Gold Glove, will have stiff competition in Robinson Cano and Ian Kinsler. Bradley, on the other hand, is the statistical favorite to win the award over his counterparts, Adam Eaton and Adam Jones. (Dustin Pedroia, Jackie Bradley Jr. worthy of Gold Gloves)

• MLB Trade Rumors released their annual list of top 50 free agent predictions on Tuesday, a list that features Boston signing a trio of players. While the site doesn’t offer potential contract figures, they predict that the Red Sox will ink James Shields, Francisco Liriano, and Chase Headley. Certainly all three players are fits with the team, but Liriano became a far cry after he received a qualifying offer from the Pirates on Monday. (2014-2015 Top 50 free agents with predictions)

• In his third attempt to secure a managerial position for the 2015 season, Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo was denied the opportunity to man the helm for the Minnesota Twins. While it would have been nice to see Lovullo finally take the next step up after years of paying his dues, Red Sox fans will have no problem welcoming back Farrell’s right hand man. (Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo not chosen for Minnesota Twins managerial job)

• Tweet of the day: I think Bill James likes Mookie a lot.