Why Jeff Conine, Florida Marlins Are Right About Hanley Ramirez

Over the past week, a feud has broken out between Florida Marlins' star shortstop Hanley Ramirez and former Marlin star and front office assistant Jeff Conine.  While I don't agree with Jeff Conine calling Hanley Ramirez out over the radio, I agree with his frustrations.

With that being said, it's time to shop him around.

In his short major league career, Hanley Ramirez has been known as one of, if not the best, at his position.  He has shown the ability to hit for power, hit for average and steal bases regularly.  Despite all his talents, he has also been known for his bad attitude.

In his time with the Marlins, here is Hanley's track record:

Involved in a shouting match in 2009 with teammate Dan Uggla after Uggla confronted him about asking to be taken out of a game late in the season so that he could remain the NL batting leader and get more money in arbitration.

Benched by manager Fredi Gonzalez in 2010 after a perceived lack of effort after he booted a ball into left field (inadvertently) and jogged leisurely after it allowing a few runs to score.

Benched by new manager Jack McKeon just a few months ago on his first day as Marlins' manager for not showing enough effort the night before.

Confronted by Marlins outfielder Logan Morrison just a few months ago for showing up late for team stretching.  In Hanley's defense, he was on time as the time had been moved, but his tardiness was said to be a chronic problem.

I understand mistakes happen, but at this point Hanley Ramirez has built a track record with the Florida Marlins as his teammates, managers and now the front office have found him extremely difficult to work with.

If I'm the general manager for the Florida Marlins, I trade him. 

At this point, the NL East is a two division race for the next few years between the Phillies and Braves.  The Marlins have a new stadium opening next year, and they want a star like Hanley to help them sell tickets. 

They could set themselves up for better long-term success by getting a few top-flight prospects for Hanley Ramirez and a lot less headaches.  If they keep him, they stay in baseball purgatory—always being good enough to stay in the middle of the pack of the NL East but never being good enough to win it—until he's eligible for free agency and chases the big money in a better market.

So, to the front office of the Florida Marlins, do your fans and players a favor and get rid of Hanley Ramirez.