Alexei Ramirez's new extension could keep him in Chicago through his age-34 season and the 29-year-old Cuban says he may want to stay in the Windy City longer than that. Ramirez now feels comfortable with the White Sox and with life in Chicago, so he hopes to stay for the rest of his career.
"When I first got here, I felt like I was at home," Ramirez said through interpreter Lou Hernandez on a conference call with reporters yesterday. "I felt like I was in Cuba."
Chicago doesn't resemble Cuba in April or May, but Ramirez says people in the White Sox organization help him feel at ease. Manager Ozzie Guillen helped him adjust to life in the big leagues over the course of his first three seasons by showing confidence in him and sharing observations about playing shortstop in the majors.
Ramirez's double play parter, Gordon Beckham, doesn't speak Spanish and Ramirez is still learning English, but Ramirez says he has developed a rhythm with Beckham.
"Aside from not speaking the same language, we get along really well and we're getting to know each other's styles on the field," he said.
Ramirez says he has adjusted his offseason training program to include more weight training and less cardio. He knows opponents will adjust to him and he intends to follow up his Silver Slugger season with another solid campaign at the plate. Ramirez has put on muscle – he's sure of it – but ask him how much weight he's gained and he can't tell you, since he hasn't stepped on a scale this winter.
Through his age 34 season? He must have a 20 year contract coming up, because Alexei doesn’t look a day over 14
He isnt the first cuban to lie about his age. The problem is, is that he is actually 14! He is just so good, he told everyone he was 29 so he could get into the league sooner!
Chicago also reminds me of Cuba! Such similarities!!
Not the best endorsement for Chicago.
Oh yeah! The politics are about the same!!
“Oh yeah! The politics are about the same!!”
…and getting worse!
In other news, Barack Obama hopes to stay in the White House through 2016. I’m not sure I understand the point of this article.
How ironic, I’m not sure I understand the point of this comment.
I’ve always thought that Alexei looked like an alien.
sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28…
starvin’ marvin!!
If an alien were to mate with a sewer rat = alexei ramirez!
All these guys say the want to stay because no one will take then next season. Or they will probably get a 1 year minor league deal that’s it.
What? O_o
are you really implying that alexei would get a minor league deal once he hit free agency? youre out of your mind. lay off that kush.
“”When I first got here, I felt like I was at home,” Ramirez said through interpreter Lou Hernandez on a conference call with reporters yesterday. “I felt like I was in Cuba.”” Hey Alexei, you defected from Cuba!
The thought of Alexei “bulking up” should scare the hell out of AL pitchers. The guy weighs 90 pounds and is a 20-HR type guy. Add some muscle, and we could have a gold glove SS who can muscle up 25+ HR. Basically a less powerful Tulo.
He really needs to work on his plate discipline. His on-base % (.313) is just terrible for his position and will consistently prevent him from being effective at the top of a lineup. If he doesn’t fix this problem, the white sox have no choice but to bat him low in the order. I bet the sox would rather have a SS who gets on base at a .350-.360 clip and hit 10 HR’s than a guy who gets on .310-.320 and bangs 20 HR’s.
Yeah but he does have a .430 career SLG%, so when he does get hits they are for extra bases. He had 29 doubles last year to go along with 18 HRs. So he should be averaging 50 to 60 XBH a year which is pretty good for a SS. Also he hasn’t reached his full potential in the field where most of his problems were mental. That is where his true value will lie in the years to come.
I love how Alexei Ramirez says the south side of chicago feels like cuba! That’s about right! =)
Sheesh. He meant within the Latin Americans on the team and in management, along with the the Latin American community in Chicago.
Lay off Chicago, it’s an awesome place to live – except in January and February.
Apart from not being able to speak to each other, they get along well. So, apart from that, Mrs. Lincoln just loved that play.
I looooooove me some Alexei Ramirez. Its been great to watch this “kid” grow as an MLB player. He has an amazing set of tool, and enthusiasm for the game, and he keeps getting better.
I Like how some of you take his words and twist them around. Hate to tell you rocket scientists this but… he jut meant he like it here and it feels like home No matter where your home is IT IS HOME! and By the way, the Major Leaguers are asked every year where they would like to visit and or play and Chicago is always number 1