Hanley to Hollywood: Can We Expect the Giants to React?

The Dodgers made their first splash by acquiring the Marlins’ Hanley Ramirez late Tuesday night for practically nothing. While the name Hanley Ramirez automatically takes your mind back to the seasons where he was competing for the MVP award, he’s not the same player he once was.

The two key words from the first paragraph— practically nothing. To be specific, a young fifth starter in Nathan Eovaldi, and Scott McGough. Los Angeles additionally received reliever Randy Choate. Evoladi does boast a good amount of upside, and has a great fastball. Then again, he’s unproven and still has a ways to go before he can be a stapled as a front of the rotation type pitcher.

So the Dodgers practically stole Ramirez from Miami, right? Not so fast. There’s a reason why the Marlins didn’t ask for more in exchange for their once prized commodity. And the reason is the fact that he has reached his peak as a hitter. Not only has he been on a downward spiral for the past two seasons, but he’s practically a disease to the clubhouse. Not to mention that he’s made his fair share of boneheaded decisions.

Ramirez, who won the batting title in 2009, and finished top ten in MVP voting for three straight seasons (2007-2009), is hitting just .269/.350/.436 since the beginning of the 2010 season. Even worse, he’s hitting .245/.327/.404 since the beginning of 2011.  Maybe it’s the lack of a winning atmosphere down in Miami, maybe it’s been the coaches, or maybe it’s the players, but the stats don’t lie.

In addition to his sudden decline, he’s making a truckload of money. Luckily, the Marlins won’t owe Ramirez another cent. Because part of the deal was that the Dodgers would pick up the rest of Ramirez’s contract which is about $38 million. Yes, you heard me, all of the contract. Most teams wouldn’t dare to take on that type of money. Yet, money is not an object for the Dodgers and their new ownership.

However, the Dodgers’ front office decided to roll the dice. And they believe Ramirez is still a franchise caliber player and they can make a great case for their blockbuster acquisition. Sure, he has been everything but dominant over the past two seasons. Yet, he is still just 28 years-old and retains all the tools that made him one of the best players in the game for a good portion of the last decade.  A change of scenery could rejuvenate him and his dangerous bat.

Should the Giants be worried and counter react with a blockbuster deal of their own?

GM Brain Sabean’s attitude towards the deadline seems modest. Then again, that was before the Dodgers landed Ramirez. Pablo Sandoval, who suffered a strained left hamstring on Tuesday night, thinks he will be back sooner rather than later. If his hamstring was expected to keep him out for an extended amount of time, then Sabean would have a reason to kick the tires on a superstar type talent.

Ideally, the perfect Giant would be the Twins’ Josh Willingham. Willingham is a power bat that is one of the premium right-handed run producers in baseball. Minnesota seems sold on keeping him, making their asking price a bit higher. The market is weak on first baseman, and with Ramirez off the table, Chase Headley seems to be the only suitable option. San Diego would be doubtful to trade within the division, however.

With Sabean, you never know, though. He’s known to say something and do the opposite. But the clock is ticking, and the Dodgers don’t seem to be anywhere near done dealing.

This Article Was Originally Published on Bay Sports Net

Posted in: Hanley Ramirez,Miami Marlins,San Francisco Giants