Thursday, February 22, 2007

#19: H. Ramirez - FLA SS

I found a couple great shots of Hanley fielding but I decided to use this one because Hanley is a batter. He batted lead off for the Marlins last year and will again bat lead off this year, however, the teams long term plans include having Hanley batting 3rd or possibly even 4th. You know what that means -- his power potential hasn't even been tapped yet, and he hit 17 HR. He also stole 51 bags and while I think it would be hard to repeat last years numbers. I don't see any reason that 20/40 is out of the question.

Here's a little bit more about Hanley: He came to FLA in the trade that sent Josh Beckett to Boston. Seems like a good deal for FLA up to this point. He was NL Rookie of the Year last year in a very tough rookie class. He is owned in 99.5% of all ESPN leagues, I'm still trying to figure out what world the other .5% are living on. This guy is a beast, for lack of a better term.

One reason not to take him: It would be hard to repeat last years numbers and I wouldn't die of shock if he ended up with a 10 HR, 40 SB stat line, but that is his low end and it is still fairly solid. Basically, it is one of the more risky picks you could make here but I think that it will work out well.

One reason to take him: The NL Rookie of the year should have improving power, as mentioned earlier. I think ultimatly he could turn into a 30 HR/50 SB threat. The man is a machine that shouldn't be tested. He can beat you so many ways.





#20: M. Ramirez - BOS OF



Yeah, hes pointing at you. You know why? Because despite all the trouble he causes Boston, everyone still supports him! The latest in the Manny saga is not showing up to Spring Training on time. Reportedly, his mother had surgery or something but it hasn't been proven yet. He was set to attend a car show but backed out after it leaked into the media. But the plain and simple fact is, he produces, and thats enough for me.

Heres a little bit more about Manny: Last year he hit 35 HR and batted .321, all while missing the end of the season due to injury. Since 1998 his lowest HR total was 33, and that came in 2002 when he only played in 120 games. Over those same years hes only batted below .300 twice, and in his career he's only batted below .300 4 times, 2 of which came when he played for CLE and only played in 22 and 91 games respectivly. Basically, Manny is Mr. Consistant. He may throw in the side show, but you know he will always produce. The only thing he won't toss into the ring is SB, but thats not that big a deal.

One reason not to take him: Um...no SB? This guy is a machine. He is 34 but hasn't shown any signs of letting up. Look forward to another great season from Manny if you draft him.

One reason to take him: Manny is Manny, enough said.