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MLB Rumors: Hanley Ramirez Willing To Play Third Base

By @bradberreman24

Hanley Ramirez, MLB Rumors

Jonathan Daniel-Getty Images

Hanley Ramirez is one of the biggest names on the free agent market as baseball’s offseason gets rolling, and a multiple rumors have already surfaced surrounding him. Ramirez officially rejected a qualifying offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, and even though he’s now tied to draft pick compensation the list of teams interested in him, which already reportedly includes the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros, should not be limited much.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.com reported last week that Ramirez has told interested teams he is willing to play a position other than shortstop. With age (31 in December) and his recent injury history as potential concerns for any team that is considering signing Ramirez to a long-term contract, that willingness to change positions should help expand the market for his services.

Ramirez could theoretically move to a corner outfield spot, or even first base, but third base looks like a more realistic position move for him. His power dropped off this past season, with 13 home runs and a .448 slugging percentage over 449 at-bats, but his other numbers (.283, 71 RBI, .369 on-base percentage and 35 doubles) remained very good.

A big part of Ramirez’s value hinges on the relative scarcity of the offensive production he offers as a shortstop, and that simply wouldn’t transfer seamlessly to right field, left field or first base compared to his potential peers at those positions. Third base is a different case though, and the list of notable free agents at that position (Pablo Sandoval, Chase Headley) looks fairly thin.

The New York Yankees stand out as another team that should show interest in Ramirez, since they obviously need to find a replacement for Derek Jeter. They may also have a hole at third base if Headley signs elsewhere, and the Yankees simply being involved may drive up Ramirez’s market value considerably.

Ramirez was previously rumored to be seeking a contract in the $100 million range this winter, with anywhere from 5-7 years the likely duration in my opinion. 2014 could be viewed as a blip on the radar in the power department, or a sign of a decline that will continue and take his other offensive numbers down going forward, but the fact Ramirez has missed 110 games over the past two seasons has to be a big concern for any team that is considering signing him.

Ramirez’s willingness to change positions completely, or possibly play multiple positions, does not change the inherent risk in making a long-term commitment to a 31-year old that has battled a wide variety of injuries recently.

Brad Berreman is a Columnist at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter or connect on Google +.

 

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