Ranking Potential Landing Spots for Hanley Ramirez’s Fantasy Value
There are always challenges in moving a player like Hanley Ramirez. A month ago, I speculated on what a trade would mean. Now, here we are a month later, and his name is still being tossed about, with plenty of teams showing varying levels of interest. Thanks to Ken Rosenthal of MLB on Fox, we have some ideas of where the Marlins’ infielder may land.
Tuesday, July 24 at 11:14 a.m. Eastern
Several tweeps asking if Hanley also makes sense for #SFGiants. Yes, absolutely. #Marlins
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 24, 2012
Shortly after that, Rosenthal expanded a list of potential targets.
Tuesday, July 24 at 3:04 p.m. Eastern
Among teams interested in Hanley, according to sources: #Athletics, #Dodgers, #BlueJays, #Orioles. Interest levels vary. Nothing close yet.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 24, 2012
It may not be close, but things happen fast around the trade deadline. So, let’s take at all of those for potential landing spots for Hanley and see how his fantasy value will change based on these options.
Los Angeles Dodgers
If Hanley were to be on the move to LA, as in the Dodgers NOT the Angels, it would be a VERY intriguing spot for him. He would be paired up with the UNEARTHLY talent Matt Kemp, this could be the MLB’s version of D-Wade and Bron, making Andre Ethier Chris Bosh of course. I think that Hanley still slots in as the number three hitter for the Dodgers and with Matt Kemp hitting behind him, Hanley is SURE to see some fastballs. Overall, LA would be a good fit for Hanley as the new management knows how stars need to be treated.
Toronto Blue Jays
Hanley moving to Toronto would mean two things, he would get another stamp in his passport AND he might be a better fit setting the table. When Jose Bautista is back healthy, this team could be lethal 1-5 Hanley, Brett Lawrie, Joey Bats, Edwin Encarnacion and Colby Rasmus. It would be interesting to see Hanley at the top of an order consistently again. Most assuredly he could be a 20-25 steals guy rest of season AND in that park (not to mention the other hitter-friendly AL East parks), he could pull a off 15 homer over the last months.
Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore would be a weirder place to see Hanley. I guess no one is ever prepared for the O’s to be buyers. However I could see this as a nice fit as he would be paired up with a VERY poor man’s Matt Kemp, Adam Jones. The kid can hit the long ball, that’s no doubt, and he would gladly move back to the 4 spot for Hanley. Again, another hitter friendly park would make Hanley a VERY nice player to own the rest of the way!
San Francisco Giants
Another place of interest for Dixon and I would be the other Bay Area team, the San Francisco Giants. What the Giants truly need would be a power bat BUT I doubt Giants fans would be upset about Hanley joining the club. With Melky Cabrera in the 3 hole right now, I would assume that Hanley would indeed slide in the three hole moving Melky back to the top of the order. Although they would lack the ideal clean up hitter, Melky, Ryan Theriot, Hanley, Buster Posey, Pablo Sandoval and Angel Pagan would provide plenty of bats that don’t miss many good pitches. Don’t sleep on this lineup friends!
Oakland A’s
Of the teams that are interested in Hanley Ramirez, MY beloved Oakland A’s, might be the worst landing place for his fantasy owners.Even with the emergence of Josh Reddick and Yoenis Cespedes, the Oakland Athletics lineup is nothing to be excited about. Hanley would most likely slot in at the 3 hole pushing Reddick to the cleanup spot and Cespedes to the fifth spot. But with Coco Crisp and Jemile Weeks hitting ahead of him, it far from a guarantee for RBI opportunities. Also, while Miami’s park is pitcher friendly, the move of ballparks won’t exactly spark a power surge for Hanley.
Miami Marlins
Lastly, if Hanley stays put, I might peg him for a decline in production. Hanley is sure to be upset that his name is floating around in trade rumors. The realization that the off-season acquisition of Jose Reyes truly makes him expendable will not sit well. t is probably in the best interest for the Marlins to ship out Hanley now and get some nice prospects in return.
The best situation for Hanley’s fantasy owners is that he be traded, because he will most assuredly go back to shortstop and maintain his SS eligibility for next year. Hanley is MUCH more valuable at SS than he is at just 3B.
So here is to hoping that he takes his talents away from South Beach!