Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and manager Alex Cora each addressed the media today following the team’s decision to designate first baseman Hanley Ramirez for assignment. All links below are to the Twitter accounts of Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald, Alex Speier of the Boston Globe, and Rob Bradford of WEEI.com, who were among the reporters covering the respective discussions.
As interesting as anything was simply the fact that the leadership duo divulged an unusual amount of information about how the move went down. And the story behind the decisionmaking process was certainly notable in its own right.
Both men stated that Cora reached out unprompted to suggest that Ramirez ought to be the player removed to make way for the return of Dustin Pedroia. Though Dombrowski says he was surprised to hear that recommendation from the rookie skipper, and noted that he had been “prepared to go in a different direction,” the veteran baseball ops executive elected to cut ties with the highly paid Ramirez. In his comments, Cora thanked Dombrowski for trusting his judgment.
It seems there was some concern on the part of all involved that Ramirez would not be a good candidate for a part-time role, which he was headed for after a tough recent run at the plate. On the flip side, Dombrowski says Cora assuaged any worry that bumping Ramirez would harm chemistry in the clubhouse.
The fact that Ramirez’s contract includes a vesting option for the 2019 season did not come into play, Dombrowski was careful to note. “The vesting option has nothing to do with it,” he said. “We’re trying to do everything we can to win.” Whether or not it was a driving factor in the decision, the option can no longer vest, as it had been on track to do had Ramirez remained a semi-regular part of the Boston lineup.
At the end of the day, the Sox decided to abandon the alternative roster decision they had originally intended to make. Dombrowski told Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe a few days back that he knew how he’d proceed, though he wouldn’t say. And Cora confirmed today that the expectation internally had been the same as it was outside the organization: namely, that little-used, out-of-options reserve Blake Swihart would be the player moved off of the roster.
Swihart, of course, is a catcher that the team really has not trusted behind the dish. He requested a trade; we even examined possible landing spots. Evidently, so did the Red Sox. Dombrowski says they weren’t just interested in sending him out for a return that did not hold any appeal, though he also says the team wasn’t placing a particularly high price.
Now that it’s clear Swihart will remain in Boston, at least in the near-term, it seems there’s a renewed sense that he’ll be given some action. (Of course, the return of Pedroia also means that other players will be left looking for additional opportunities.) Cora indicated he may start Swihart at the catching position. Swihart will also evidently be considered for some time at first base, if he can show enough aptitude at a position where he has little experience.
Im still shocked by this. I’ll gladly take Hanley in the Bronx if the BoSox will take Ellsbury
Like the Sox would trade him for 2 more years of a bad contract
Well thank God you have nothing to do with anything. Why don’t you change the record on your trolling.
lmao, good one, thegreat!!!
That makes no sense for both teams. Swapping Hanley for Ellsbury makes no sense for Boston. Why would they take on Ellsbury’s contract when they would be done paying Hanley after this season, since releasing him means his huge option year won’t kick in. Yankees don’t need Hanley, they have Austin and Bird is coming back very soon. Even if the Yankees paid off Ellsbury’s contract Boston likely still wouldn’t want him. No signs that the Yankees are willing to eat all of or even most of Ellsbury’s contract anyway.
Why do you think Ellsbury signed with NYY, cuz the Redsox didn’t want him.
Yes and no. He signed for the most money. Throw in Sanchez and Torres (just examples) and the deal is done. Most big teams with money to burn have lousy deals. Wasn’t Castillo on Sherington’s watch? I actually was in favor of the Hanley signing but was totally against Panda. Boy did he spend money. Time will tell on Price and DD who looks phenomenal on JDM. Martinez fell in his lap this off season with no other deep pocket bidders but how many times have owners bid against themselves?
Then the Sox would need to clear another roster spot. They’re going to be more interested in prospects.
LOL. It seems that half of the Yankee and Sox starting 8 are young enough to be by age, considered prospects. If both keep their rosters and neither have significant injuries, the rivalry should be late 70s or early 2000s strong. Great for the fan bases.
No , it’s because the Yankees offered him more money.
Hanley would be a downgrade at first base for the Yankees, and Ellsbury would be a downgrade in outfield for the Red Sox.
That’s just a stupid suggestion for either side!
He’s a lazy dog type…takes games off, baserunning blunders. Refused to play first base last year when Moteland was gimpy with a broken toe. He got his money, had nothing left to play for.
The fact that Ramirez’s contract includes a vesting option for the 2019 season did not come into play, Dombrowski was careful to note.
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Rhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.
“Ramirez would not be a good candidate for a part-time role, which he was headed for after a tough recent run at the plate.”
Hanley wasn’t going to get the at-bats for his option to vest if he had stayed in Boston as a part-time player. It is a moot point.
Even as a part time player, he would have had a good chance at reaching the number for that option to vest.
It would’ve depended entirely on his performance, so there’s no way to assume one way or the other. If he started hitting more, then yes, there may have been a good chance. If not, then there was basically no chance.
He had to stay that, if he said we didn’t want to pay him the 22 million, the MLBPA would have all the ammunition needed for a grievance
Yup
and Pablo Sandovol only ate Jenny Craig while he played for Boston too right?
Did Jenny agree to such carnal delights to wit?
Ellsbury wanted out of Boston. NY got what it deserved
Mariners and Angels were also bidders. At least he still has a chance to play this season for the team that signed him. Sox are paying almost 100 million to guys playing other places.
$30 million for Sandoval and Rusney Castillo this season. That’s it.
Total not just this year
No it’s not. Why are you purposely skipping over Hanley, the subject of this article.
ac: Sorry to read below that few appreciate your understated sense of humor!
Thanks bud
God forbid someone gives their opinion. This is something I’d like to see and wish we’d see. That doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.
I’d love to see carson smith for gleyber torres.
Close your eyes. That’s the closest that you will see that trade
Poor Swihart. Probably thought this was his chance to get out of Boston and go somewhere where he can get playing time, then Boston finds another way to keep him trapped and buried on their bench.
If Swihart gets some consistent ab’s and shows his ability to hit, and hit with power, he may end up as the Red Sox #1 catcher. The current duo of cannot hit for beans.
And how exactly is supposed to get consistent AB’s when Cora won’t play him? The Sox need a sh*t storm of injuries for Swihart to get playing time. DD is just an idiot who thinks Swihart has some sort of trade value.
if the end game is to trade him, they have to expose him to be scouted. Throwing Vasquez and Leon out there night after night isnt helping anyones case, except maybe the opposing pitcher.
FYI the tanking wsox can use a catcher with 80 game suspension to C Wellington
That’s pretty incredible. Sox writers had already speculated that DD might have dumped Hanley because Cora wouldn’t stop playing him, with Cora’s overuse/not-platooning forcing the cut so the option wouldn’t vest. Got to give Cora credit for standing up and saying he’s the one responsible for the popular veteran being shipped out.
Anyway you slice it, bad roster construction put them here. I hope the give Swihart enough playing time to see if he can cut it and if not, stop wasting the roster spot.
1st place team and bad roster construction don’t go together. Ramirez poor play was leading to part-time play, so his option would not have vested anyway.
Yeah, obviously not talking about guys like Betts and Bogarts, etc. We’re talking about managing the last few spots on the roster and they are valuable resources, with too many of them either not having versatility or being versatile but overlapping — and almost none of them having options. That’s why they’re in this spot. It was obvious they’d be here whenever Pedroia was ready. Signing Nunez never made any sense, not with Holt and Lynn and Marrerro and Hernandez and what they were hoping Swihart would become all already here. There’s more offense and defense to be found in those other guys than Nunez ever had to give them.
I’m not shocked DD threw Cora under the bus. Let’s totally destroy the team!!!!!!!! I would not be shocked if DD tosses anyone he can under a bus just that they look good. Trust me on this DD, you don’t look good. Another player needs to go on the DL fast so Hanley can stay.
Ummm DD actually let Cora make the call on a roster decision. And Cora was just telling media he appreciates that he listened. And if they are all telling the truth would not call it “throwing him under the bus”.
He asked Cora, but DD let the press know who called it, then Cora confirmed when asked. It reminded me of John McNamara telling the press after the game loss to the Mets in WS, that Clemens asked outta game. Just terrible, they need to ALL take credit for moves made. All DD needed to say it was a company decision. Cora suggested but DD approved it….Eh?
It’s called BS any way you look at it!
Pasha – I hope you’re taking something for your hysteria. Meanwhile, the Sox are still in first place.
Well according to Mad Dog the NYY are in first! His crazy reasoning is that the Sox lost 1 more game in the lost column. I guess according to him every list should be recalculated like he does.
I trust some of the trolls here more than Mad Dog
It is an interesting point. If Hanley was liked by his team mates, he could lose his grip on the clubhouse as soon as the next losing streak hits. We shall see.
To say this move was made for any reason other than the vesting option is complete BS
Agreed
I think multiple factors came into play on the decision, but, yes, it’s ludicrous to suggest the vesting option didn’t play a role of some significance.
If they said that it was because of the vesting option, I guarantee the agent files a grievance
Indeed.
It probably was a factor. But it’s ignorant to not see the main reason – Hanley flat out sucks. That’s why he’s gone.
Man I’d love to face driftcat and McMillan in court lmao clearly you guys aren’t in any position of significance. You can’t come out and say that and you have to deny it otherwise a grievance would have been filed 5 minutes later..
Everyone knows it’s why but they can’t say it and have to deny it outright it’s called business
Yes, Yes, Yes, and Yes……….
Call me being too critical of Hanley but for the last couple of weeks I got a sense he was really comfortable with opposing players during the game –kind of joking around. When you’re not hitting and doing that kind of gives the impression a player is very comfortable with mediocracy. Cora/DD may have felt he is going to hit his at bats and hang on with no incentives. I credit management eating the remaining $15 M but no more.
That’s a BB move–Congrats Sox!!!!!
well, all that and he was just under half way to at bats needed to kick in a very spensive option for next year.
Do you mean “mediocrity”? Mediocracy is government by tabloids (e.g., NY Times, Washington Post, Time, et al. ad nauseum), the public face of its evil twin, corporatocracy.
I don’t know why everyone is so surprised by the comments out of the main office. All Cora did was make his suggestion for which player could be cut. Because that’s all it is. With the GM disclosing Cora’s suggestion, it means nothing, and not worth reading into like he is throwing him under the bus. The final axe comes from the GM and he pulled the trigger. That’s all that matters. I applaud Cora for taking a risk.
And 100% there was likely consideration to his option vesting. Let some other team worry about that. I’m sure a team in the NL will take a flyer at league minimum. Good chance Hanley’s career could be done considering the pattern of older one dimensional players not getting contracts the past couple offseasons. Maybe he gets a 1 yr $3mm or $4mm contract in offseason (thinking too far ahead), but the dude better appreciate whatever games he might have left.
Also shows the immense value on younger players these days. In some ways, perhaps they asked themselves if Swihart could make up that $15mm in value. Debatable still.
So Cora thought he was good enough to start 90% of the games and hit second or third all year long but today he woke up and decided they would be better off cutting him and keeping Swihart who he avoids playing at all cost.
How much did Red Sox value Han Ramirez to DFA him because of $22M 2019 Vesting Option?
“Ramirez batted .330/.400/.474 in April, but a 0-for-20 stretch pushed his season-line down to .254/.313/.395.”
That’s what it took for the Sox not risk $22M 2019 Vesting option to vest, (He’s already accumulated 195 PA out of 497 for option)
Don’t believe what Dombrowski says
That’s a certain truth. He is a master manipulator, and in this case didn’t have the b’s to tell John Henry that it was time to eat a $22 million sandwich. People blame the previous GM, however it was JH’s desire for the “double header” signing.
In the meantime up until now most fans were reluctant to call Hanley for what he was.
Xabial, somebody get your account details? Your pic looks like an advertisement.
Holy crap, you’re right. Supposed to be a funny meme parody, but Guess it’s too small. Changed it. Thanks, bud! (Pple can still be friendly yay :))
Thank you for courteously pointing it :))
Been taking such a beating lately from enemy trolls.. Guess I didn’t really think when I changed it. I just thought changing avatar would help.
I’ve had account last 3 years or so, and pple have appreciated info / analysis posts (long as you don’t write book ;)) but lately board has really started becoming hostile.. Ur friendly heads-up post.. was refreshing.. Pple get so personal now randomly LOL, grateful you pointed it out, way you did, and didn’t assume, I wanted to look like a walking billboard. Thanks.^^
It’s all good. I mean, you wanted to look MAD, you’re kinda mad in the head regardless, but I knew your “meme” seemed a bit off. I couldn’t read it, so it looked like one of those “make 9,000/day” ads. Yeah, I called out your biggest strikeout fan, but one word in my statement caused it to be moderated out. Yea, he has an army of trolls/ extra accounts at his fingertips; so I’ve seen your struggle firsthand. I know what you mean. I just hope you do the same for me. If my profile pic isn’t a Jojo reference, then you know I’ve been hacked. Just don’t look up my name, that’s HEAVY spoilers and is baseball related. Godspeed with your regular postings.
I already do. Even if it’s none of my business, but have to stand up to toxic users, So admin / writers (mods) take note, maybe posters. They’re annoying, but ignore it and I think they’ll continue to grow like disease (Others see, gets ignored then think it’s ok to target, harass others)
Personally, thought he crossed the line when told me to stop posting.. (who are u?) or comment just to comment cuz I must think I’m trying out for paid staff here… Really? work in different industry, and nowhere near writer, many of you are
I post here for the love of the game (like many you) always try teach u guys something think u didn’t know, and I’m willing to learn. The solution — cuz think getting rid downvotes isn’t happening.. Adding a block button cuz he ain’t getting banned. (No matter how much I want him to..)
As much as I love having my ideas dismissed rudely, without evidence, substance, but empty attacks on my character, knowledge, acumen… I still don’t think it’d be enough reason.. so block would be an awesome feature. I can block all his multiple accounts. ^
Anyway, I appreciate your sentiments. It goes without saying, if I saw the same thing happen to you, I got you. I think problem lies when I post too much.. People get sick of you… They lose patience with you.. though you’ve had many great posts, throughout the years…
I suppose it comes with the territory of when you express your ideas and thoughts, to a wide audience, but it gets annoying when it’s the same person who won’t leave you alone, trying to do everything in his power to make you quit this site… Strike out looking..! Get BANNED!
I have a feeling there was something much deeper that led to this decision.
There’s certainly more… We’ll find out later.
Realistically, would you have preferred Swihart and voiding Hanley’s vesting option or Hanley for 1 3/4 more years and to dump Swihart? Business decision.
They also feared him in the locker room becoming a cancer. By all accounts he had been great this year except he was pouting over his recent slide. Historically though he’s had issues. Add that he likely would have grieved his plate appearance issue (which also could have divided the locker room) and they felt it was best to do what they did.
It was a smart play regardless. Take the vesting option out of play. It isn’t like you are losing a consistent player that is living up to his contract. Every season a story comes out how he acted up multiple times during the season. He is Manny Ramirez without the HOF production.
I just hope this doesn’t mess with the clubhouse chemistry.
I agree with you T. Cora can anyone he wants but DD makes the call. That’s what irritates me not taking credit saying …”yeah Cora did it”. I agree complete BS n this move could leave poor Cora without a ‘lifeboat!
Baseball is business (not the part I like), but Hanley will be OK. I wish him very well, as he seems like a really good person. He’s always goofed around with opposing teams’ players – and some writing here think that’s a crime, as if his slump would end if he were a mean-spirited SOB. The world sucks thanks to hard-ass, judgmental, whiny, so-called fans and other miserable human beings.
Bernie 2020 right
Free education for illegals…
I’m one that has that opinion and stand behind it. When the game starts “Do your Job the best you can”–there’s plenty of time to horse around the other 21 hours.
When 24 other guys and coaches take it seriously—they don’t want to see a guy making $20 M, mired in a slump knowing he’s got a bigger pay day option when he qualifies his contract. He’s not a part-time player. He is an every day player. I hope he has many pay days ahead just not in Boston.
The young guys need to get the same message. Sports is a performance based business.
Great story. Thanks MLBTR.
I doubt any team is going to trade for Ramirez without the Red Sox eating all of his salary and taking on the vesting option if it vests. Would you give up anything to get Ramirez? Once he clears waivers and if the Red Sox officially release him, then another team may sign him for a prorated portion of the major league minimum.
And theMets are hyperventilating in anticipation of getting another washed up toxic player for the minimum. He can join Gonzalez and Bautista and form the Mendoza 3.
“The vesting option has nothing to do with it,”
That’s what I would have said if the vesting option had everything to do with it, and I was trying to cover my butt! I could be a big league GM!
I nearly choked on my gum when I read that. How can anyone in the BOS organization say that with a straight face. My BS detector went off with a vengeance.
Not believing the story for a second. Cora would not stop playing Hanley and batted him ahead of JDM. Didnt want to be the bad guy costing Hanley the vesting option.
DD didnt want the option to vest, and wanted to keep Swihart while Cora didnt want to lose Nunez or Holt, and Hanley being gone made his job easier even if the team might be worse off down the road. Cora happy to be the good employee and take the blame knowing players like Hanley wont believe it for a second (unlike a decision to bench Hanley since thats Coras call)
Expect to see a lot of Pedroia or Nunez at DH against LHPers which will be a huge downgrade for them. Hanley despite his slump after being HBP by Gray in April was still effective against LHPers. He was also a Yankee killer.
They might find a way to bring him back now that the vesting option concern will be over after signing with a new team. Maybe the Orioles who could bench Davis for a couple of months
Its pretty simple really. They didn’t want to pay his option for next year, so instead of benching him and causing issues in the clubhouse, they dumped him. Good move.
DH for Minnesota!
The only thing this move shows me is that neither Cora or DD are straight shooters….can’t trust a word either one of them says. And when your word doesn’t mean anything then you’re no longer a man.
Because they had to deny the part about the $$$ be a reason? If they didn’t deny that, his agent and MLBPA would have filed a grievance before DD’s press conference even ended.
Cora flat out said that he thought Hanley was going to be a cancer in the club house with his part time role.
And that is an accurate statement, when Hanley realized he didn’t like playing LF he stopped playing and caring.
He then played a year of average 1B and hit well, but once Papi retired, he could only be a DH and was pretty crappy at that. Almost refused to play first, even with Moreland playing on a bum ankle.
Hanley has shown signs of being a bad teammate in Miami and LA, and not playing and seeing the possibility of 22 million vanish in thin air, is the perfect storm for a cancerous locker room
He flat out quit a few times as a Marlin.
Slump 0-21 big frigen deal
Hanley will be sadly missed
We need him in the line up , he is twice the first baseman that Moreland is and a clutch hitter!
If anyone says anything positive about Moreland they are delusional!
I’ll miss Hanley, n the way DD handled it was poor throwing Cora under the bus. DD feared a backlash, so what better way then to say Cora suggested. I can assure you Cashman never would point a finger to. Or get roasted, he would say it was a company suggestion. The fact is Cora can suggest anyone but DD pulls the trigger not Cora. It’s these Redsox dramas that ruin a season.
I agree with you.
Good thing the Sox designated Hanley for reassignment he is only hitting better than 5 guys in today’s line up!
I’d rather have all 5 with motivation than one of Hanley with 1 2/3 seasons of ridiculous pay and no need to excel.