The 2008 Chicago White Sox have been full of surprises, from Carlos Quentin's league-leading 24 home runs to John Danks' sub-3.00 ERA to Gavin Floyd's ten wins before the All-Star break.
Somehow, though, the production of Alexei Ramirez has been lost in the multitude of unexpected performances by a team that unexpectedly is in first place here in late July.
When Ramirez was signed straight from Cuba to a four-year, $4.75 million contract on December 21, 2007, it was widely known that the "Cuban Missile" had loads of talent. When he would realize that talent was a question mark.
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Before the White Sox reported to spring training in Arizona, Ramirez was expected to either begin the season in the minors, with AA Birmingham or AAA Charlotte, his destination depending on his performance in March.
However, in March, Ramirez flashed the ability that led him to star status in his baseball-crazed homeland. He was hitting the ball all over the field, and he was doing it with authority. He was running the bases with speed not seen since Lance Johnson. And he was playing solid defense at three different positions.
Ramirez played himself on to the roster for the White Sox this year, and many forget that it was he, not Carlos Quentin, who was starting alongside Nick Swisher and Jermaine Dye in Ozzie Guillen's outfield on March 31 in Cleveland.
Keep reading at Examiner.com and read up on one of baseball's best rookies in 2008.
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about 1 month ago
Couldn't agree more. Alexei plays excellent defense and can hit a peculiarly good range at the plate. He's definitely a top-5 ROY candidate.
about 1 month ago
The Missile adds much needed speed, energy, and raw talent to the ChiSox. I dig the shout-out to the One-Dog.
about 1 month ago
It's sad for Alexei that Evan Longoria is having such a stellar season in Tampa Bay or Alexei would be a shoo in for AL MVP. He's meant a ton for this team both offensively and defensively.
Check out my case for Quentin to win MVP.
about 1 month ago
I was on this dude's bandwagon when I saw him for the first time in spring training. He is the only true five-tool player that the Sox will have for quite a while unless some deal is made. He is unbelievable.
from about 1 month ago
He's the best athlete on the team, and he's one of those players who you always turn your head to watch every time he comes to the plate. I can't wait to see what he can do as a shortstop, his natural position, in the next few years.
from about 1 month ago
He can't play shortstop since he can barely play second base, a much easier position. Anyway, he's a decent player but unless he can improve his plate discipline, he's not going to keep hitting like this. The Sox are better off just waiting for Beckham than trying Ramirez at SS.
from about 1 month ago
Wait, what? Ramirez was a full-time shortstop in Cuba for years. It's really not that easy as it seems to switch from SS to 2B when you've played there your whole life.
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