Why Hanley Ramirez Will Be More Miserable at Third Base Than Miguel Cabrera

Hanley Ramirez and Miguel Cabrera are superstars who would rather not change positions. They each have known their role on a team for several years, and will now be asked to change that role because of a big-time free agent acquisition.

They each have put on weight over the years, which has limited their quickness (not that Cabrera was ever "quick" per se). But the Marlins' Hanley Ramirez will be the one who will suffer a bit more from the move to the hot corner. 

First of all let me say neither of these guys should be complaining one bit. Both their teams acquired a superstar, and both the Marlins and Tigers have high hopes going into the season. In addition, both are getting paid millions and millions of dollars to play a game. The complaining really should end there. 

But, here's my case for why Ramirez will be more disgruntled.

Hanley has never played third base. Yes, his fielding skills are good enough to translate over, and yes he'll be playing with a shortstop now in Jose Reyes who will cover a ton of ground, but Ramirez is going to be learning a new position.

Rarely does the face of a franchise get asked to sacrifice his spot on the field for a free agent pick up. 

Although Cabrera's time at third base came about five years and 50 pounds ago, he is more accustomed to handling balls hit his way at the hot corner.

Also, Cabrera has the luxury of being the DH on nights when he may be nursing an injury or would have gotten a day off. Cabrera may also get occasional time at his preferred first base because Prince Fielder can DH as well.

Another detail to consider is how Ramirez bulked up in order to increase his power at the plate, which ended up being counterproductive. He was more injury prone, and saw his batting average and OBP take a nosedive last season.

As much as the Marlins would love Hanley to return to his old ways at the plate, third basemen are counted on for big offensive production, and that means Hanley will be swinging for the fences again.