Alexei Ramirez, maturing hitter

[ILMOU]

I've been a big fan of #10 from day one, enjoying the excitement and unpredictability he's brought to the team. Looking at his hitting career in a nutshell:

 

*In '08 he was very free swinging and impatient, walking only 18 times, but he was dangerous, 475 slugging, 792 OPS, 77 RBI

*In '09, batting primarily 2nd , he exhibited more patience, walking 49 times, but it was at the expense of much of his power as his slugging and OPS dropped to 386 and 723 respectively

*In 2010, he slugged better, 431, 744 OPS, but at was at the expense of "patience" as he walked only 27 times.

 

This year, so far, and it's just now getting warm, he seems to be putting it all together. He's on pace for about 60 walks AND he's dangerous at the dish, 458SLG, 811OPS. I think he's capable of an 850 OPS this year, pretty b****in for a SS, and affirming that his new contract is still quite the bargain.

 

I hope Ozzie isn't completely set on moving Lexi down in the order (again giving more AB's to a likely lesser hitter) and keeps Lexi in the two hole, maybe even considering him as a leadoff. He's exhibited more patience near the top of the order, and I'd like to see that trend continue.

 

Lexi can't steal bases (neither can Juan anymore), but he CAN go 1st to third and score from 1st on doubles, of which the guys behind him (hopefully Beckham soon) should hit plenty. I'd like KW to broker this compromise to Ozzie with a TomHagenesque, offer you can't refuse, kind of vibe, with JR sitting silently in the background, in the shadows, Ozzie knowing that pleading would only insult the old man.

 

 

My dream lineup for the 2nd half, or sooner:

 

Lexi

GB

CQ, RF or LF

PK

AD

Cuban TANK, RF or LF

Rios

AJP

Morel or Omar

 

That's a lineup that could be scary for opponents if we can get Dunn and GB right, and MAYBE they're showing signs of turning the corner. AJ has been a pleasant surprise with the bat lately, so maybe swithch he and Rios above and Rios becomes the "2nd leadoff hitter" in the 8 hole, so Ozzie can have his fast guys bunched together, as he seems to like.

 

Look for Lexi and Dayan on next year's Baseball Preview Issues from SI and Sporting News. The Cuban Connection.

Edited May 23, 2011 by Stan Bahnsen

[knightni]

Mature...

 

I hope so; he's almost 30 years old.

 

His problem is that he's just a poor base stealer and he can't bunt. That's not really a leadoff-type hitter.

[Buehrle>Wood]

As opposed to Juan Pierre?

[ILMOU]

Mature...

 

I hope so; he's almost 30 years old.

 

His problem is that he's just a poor base stealer and he can't bunt. That's not really a leadoff-type hitter.

 

Juan is a career 74.6% base stealer, which most saber-knowing folk would say is actually a detriment to his team's success. Most oganizations have realized that stolen bases are not terribly important from the leadoff man. Also, please refresh my memory, why do we want our leadoff hitter bunting, again?

[chw42]

Mature...

 

I hope so; he's almost 30 years old.

 

His problem is that he's just a poor base stealer and he can't bunt. That's not really a leadoff-type hitter.

 

Good that means Ozzie will make him bunt less, or maybe not.

 

I was surprised as hell to see Alexei with an OBP near .350 yesterday but an average in the .280s. For him, that usually means a .315 OBP, but he's really taken a lot of walks. Good for him. That's a part of his game that needed vast improvement and he's making strides.

[chw42]

Juan is a career 74.6% base stealer, which most saber-knowing folk would say is actually a detriment to his team's success. Most oganizations have realized that stolen bases are not terribly important from the leadoff man. Also, please refresh my memory, why do we want our leadoff hitter bunting, again?

 

It's not a detriment, just really eh. Plus, when you steal as many bases as he does, your percentage is bound to go down.

[Chisoxfn]

Juan is a career 74.6% base stealer, which most saber-knowing folk would say is actually a detriment to his team's success. Most oganizations have realized that stolen bases are not terribly important from the leadoff man. Also, please refresh my memory, why do we want our leadoff hitter bunting, again?

I believe newer statistics are going to point that the effective stolen base % will be a lower percentage, especially now that we are entering an era of the pitcher and without PED's, homeruns and overall scoring are dropping. Thus, there is a whole lot more added value in moving the runner over, imo.

 

Really, in this new era (last couple years), the teams that have done the best, are those teams that have good pitching, but combine it with a very fundemental club that plays strong defense and can take the extra bases and slap out runs. Thats not to say that there aren't teams that are great with power, its just that by and large the power is harder to come by in general and with more lower scoring games (and closer games) a teams inability to get the runner over and in can be more costly than in the past.

 

Just my 2 cents.

[ILMOU]

It's not a detriment, just really eh. Plus, when you steal as many bases as he does, your percentage is bound to go down.

 

Well, yeah, I know 746 is on the border, but it's not likely to increase if his six for 14 start is indicative.

[ILMOU]

I believe newer statistics are going to point that the effective stolen base % will be a lower percentage, especially now that we are entering an era of the pitcher and without PED's, homeruns and overall scoring are dropping. Thus, there is a whole lot more added value in moving the runner over, imo.

 

Really, in this new era (last couple years), the teams that have done the best, are those teams that have good pitching, but combine it with a very fundemental club that plays strong defense and can take the extra bases and slap out runs. Thats not to say that there aren't teams that are great with power, its just that by and large the power is harder to come by in general and with more lower scoring games (and closer games) a teams inability to get the runner over and in can be more costly than in the past.

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

I agree with everything you say here, but I find it hard to believe that the lineup posted above, for the next few years, in our ballpark, wouldn't be a hugely home-run/XBH driven offense.

[elrockinMT]

I think ALexei sould really be further down in the line up asan RBI man. Beckham is the one who neds o mature as a hitter and be in the #2 spot At this point I thjink that Juan Pierre is still the leadoff guy like it or not

Edited May 23, 2011 by elrockinMT

[Chisoxfn]

I agree with everything you say here, but I find it hard to believe that the lineup posted above, for the next few years, in our ballpark, wouldn't be a hugely home-run/XBH driven offense.

The hard thing is, if your offense is built around that, you need to have a lot of high OBP guys and the Sox don't have that. Pretty much Konerko and Dunn (maybe Quentin) are the only two guys with any sort of history of a high OBP. AJ, Pierre, Alexei, and Rios certainly don't have that kind of history (Pierre can be mediocre at times from an OBP standpoint). And Beckham from a statistical standpoint hasn't been good either.

[ILMOU]

The hard thing is, if your offense is built around that, you need to have a lot of high OBP guys and the Sox don't have that. Pretty much Konerko and Dunn (maybe Quentin) are the only two guys with any sort of history of a high OBP. AJ, Pierre, Alexei, and Rios certainly don't have that kind of history (Pierre can be mediocre at times from an OBP standpoint). And Beckham from a statistical standpoint hasn't been good either.

 

Of course, I expect a dramatic increase in Gordon's OBP, or I wouldn't consider him for the two hole, and Morel's is bound to go up, or we'll go with (overuse) Omar. I wouldn't make the Beckham move today, let's see how Gordon performs over the next few weeks. Really liking his defense. Plenty of OBP potential in that lineup, IMO.

 

 

Lexi's at .354, and if that doesn't go up at all, it's still OK for the time being. He's on pace for more walks than Juan has ever had in a season in his career. And does anyone here expect him to hit for a lower BA than our over-the hill LF? I wouldn't rule out Morel in the looonng run as a two-hitter, though not likely this season, but who knows? I'm not THAT worried about the two hole, that's Ozzie's bunting position and, as others have pointed out, Lexi's not not so good at that anyway. Hell, why not just switch Lexi and Juan for the near term? Maybe even try Teahen there a bit when he returns.

 

 

Edited May 23, 2011 by Stan Bahnsen

[Princess Dye]

Mature...

 

I hope so; he's almost 30 years old.

 

His problem is that he's just a poor base stealer and he can't bunt. That's not really a leadoff-type hitter.

 

I have to say I'm kind of enticed by the idea of having a leadoff hitter whose limitations with typical leadoff hitter skills may actually push Ozzie to layoff small-ball.

 

If Pierre was injured tomorrow, there's little doubt in my mind Alexei would move into the 1 hole. It'd either be that or move Lillibridge into the starting lineup.

 

If next year's roster was the same with the exception of Viciedo in for Pierre, then AR again would be the leadoff guy.

 

Not ideal but as was mentioned before, Pierre nearing age 34 doesn't appear ideal at leadoff either.

[southsider2k5]

Of course, I expect a dramatic increase in Gordon's OBP, or I wouldn't consider him for the two hole, and Morel's is bound to go up, or we'll go with (overuse) Omar. I wouldn't make the Beckham move today, let's see how Gordon performs over the next few weeks. Really liking his defense. Plenty of OBP potential in that lineup, IMO.

 

 

Lexi's at .354, and if that doesn't go up at all, it's still OK for the time being. He's on pace for more walks than Juan has ever had in a season in his career. And does anyone here expect him to hit for a lower BA than our over-the hill LF? I wouldn't rule out Morel in the looonng run as a two-hitter, though not likely this season, but who knows? I'm not THAT worried about the two hole, that's Ozzie's bunting position and, as others have pointed out, Lexi's not not so good at that anyway. Hell, why not just switch Lexi and Juan for the near term? Maybe even try Teahen there a bit when he returns.

 

To be fair, you are measuring him off of his hottest streak of the year.

[ILMOU]

To be fair, you are measuring him off of his hottest streak of the year.

 

No doubt, but what I'm seeing appears real. He's very dangerous while showing a dramatically better eye, and patience. In years past, his average perfomance from today's date, May 23, til the end of the season, would leave him with a very healthy OPS for this year, and I think he's better now. Time will tell.

[chisoxfan09]

I believe newer statistics are going to point that the effective stolen base % will be a lower percentage, especially now that we are entering an era of the pitcher and without PED's, homeruns and overall scoring are dropping. Thus, there is a whole lot more added value in moving the runner over, imo.

 

Really, in this new era (last couple years), the teams that have done the best, are those teams that have good pitching, but combine it with a very fundemental club that plays strong defense and can take the extra bases and slap out runs. Thats not to say that there aren't teams that are great with power, its just that by and large the power is harder to come by in general and with more lower scoring games (and closer games) a teams inability to get the runner over and in can be more costly than in the past.

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

OT - It's ironic that you say this and Pujols is having a very average and down year and should be worried about payday.

[Jerksticks]

I will say this about Alexei lately.. He seems to be seeing the spin and location of the pitch much earlier than most of our hitters. Take yesterday for example: The way he was just dismissing pitches like they weren't worth his time to even load for was amazing. As if to to say, "Get that garbage outa here; gimme something to hit." Haha, looked like Barroid.

[Balta1701]

To be fair, you are measuring him off of his hottest streak of the year.

Yeah, but normally, this is only the beginning of Lexi's hot streak.

[chw42]

Yeah, but normally, this is only the beginning of Lexi's hot streak.

 

His walk rate is also at 8.7%, back his to his 09 numbers, where he had a decent OBP despite hitting .277. If Alexei can combine that walk rate with the power he is showing, then he's easily the best SS in the AL, if he wasn't already.

[MiddleCoastBias]

I was actually wondering about his improved walk rate this morning. I know back in '08 many people accepted that he was just never going to 'learn' how to take a walk, very similar to how people think about Viciedo right now. What has helped Alexei with his patience, and does anyone think Viciedo can make the turn as well?

[Balta1701]

I was actually wondering about his improved walk rate this morning. I know back in '08 many people accepted that he was just never going to 'learn' how to take a walk, very similar to how people think about Viciedo right now. What has helped Alexei with his patience, and does anyone think Viciedo can make the turn as well?

Viciedo's already showing signs of improving.

[ChiSox_Sonix]

I was actually wondering about his improved walk rate this morning. I know back in '08 many people accepted that he was just never going to 'learn' how to take a walk, very similar to how people think about Viciedo right now. What has helped Alexei with his patience, and does anyone think Viciedo can make the turn as well?

 

 

Viciedo's already showing signs of improving.

 

Years in the states is what has helped him I believe. If you're a ball player playing in Cuba, there's not much incentive to taking a walk. Taking a walk doesn't get you noticed by people that can get you a payday and I think that could be the mindsight a lot of those hitters have. It's just a guess but it makes sense to me at least.

[BigSqwert]

He's been announced the AL player of the week.

[soxfan-kwman]

I've been a big fan of #10 from day one, enjoying the excitement and unpredictability he's brought to the team. Looking at his hitting career in a nutshell:

 

*In '08 he was very free swinging and impatient, walking only 18 times, but he was dangerous, 475 slugging, 792 OPS, 77 RBI

*In '09, batting primarily 2nd , he exhibited more patience, walking 49 times, but it was at the expense of much of his power as his slugging and OPS dropped to 386 and 723 respectively

*In 2010, he slugged better, 431, 744 OPS, but at was at the expense of "patience" as he walked only 27 times.

 

This year, so far, and it's just now getting warm, he seems to be putting it all together. He's on pace for about 60 walks AND he's dangerous at the dish, 458SLG, 811OPS. I think he's capable of an 850 OPS this year, pretty b****in for a SS, and affirming that his new contract is still quite the bargain.

 

I hope Ozzie isn't completely set on moving Lexi down in the order (again giving more AB's to a likely lesser hitter) and keeps Lexi in the two hole, maybe even considering him as a leadoff. He's exhibited more patience near the top of the order, and I'd like to see that trend continue.

 

Lexi can't steal bases (neither can Juan anymore), but he CAN go 1st to third and score from 1st on doubles, of which the guys behind him (hopefully Beckham soon) should hit plenty. I'd like KW to broker this compromise to Ozzie with a TomHagenesque, offer you can't refuse, kind of vibe, with JR sitting silently in the background, in the shadows, Ozzie knowing that pleading would only insult the old man.

 

 

My dream lineup for the 2nd half, or sooner:

 

Lexi

GB

CQ, RF or LF

PK

AD

Cuban TANK, RF or LF

Rios

AJP

Morel or Omar

 

That's a lineup that could be scary for opponents if we can get Dunn and GB right, and MAYBE they're showing signs of turning the corner. AJ has been a pleasant surprise with the bat lately, so maybe swithch he and Rios above and Rios becomes the "2nd leadoff hitter" in the 8 hole, so Ozzie can have his fast guys bunched together, as he seems to like.

 

Look for Lexi and Dayan on next year's Baseball Preview Issues from SI and Sporting News. The Cuban Connection.

Love it. Give that Line-up 1 week & we are rolling!!! Plus you throw in Lillibridge 2 or 3 times a week.

Edited May 23, 2011 by soxfan-kwman

[Kalapse]

2nd highest WAR of any SS in baseball (behind Jose Reyes) at 2.0, tops in the AL (finished first in the AL last season). Alexei Ramirez is just a damn good baseball player.