Alexei Ramirez: A new shining beacon for the Chicago White Sox
Major League Baseball recently entered the off season. With the San Francisco Giants winning the World Series, the 2010 campaign concluded with a definite victor. The teams are now looking at free agents looming over their markets and the managers are trying to reel in the best-fit players from the bunch. The task may seem hard, but it is not undoable. Some ball clubs have looked towards improving their current situation on the field. Players are travelling out to different localities to take part in winter ball and workout routines.
On the other hand, there are concerns over the fragile state of affairs leading the club into distortion. Management concerns and stadium alterations are on top of the agenda with many decision makers in the club. Hence, restructuring is taking place at the moment. Nevertheless, there are awards that are being given to numerous players in both the National League and the American League. The Gold Glove award and the Silver Slugger awards were the most recent events to take place. Some strong hitters and fielders have been recognized and rewarded according to their performances, on field.
One such player to come out on top in the shortstop position is none other than Alexei Ramirez. The developing player, whose defensive abilities are as strong as his hitting ones, recently picked up the prestigious Silver Slugger award. The player, who originates from Cuba, has become one of the best players of Chicago White Sox. In the American League, he may be considered as one of the top shortstops.
White Sox pitcher and Gold Glove winner, Mark Buehrle believes that even though Ramirez conceded many errors in his defensive position, he was more effective in the position than any other player in the league. He said, "For him being behind me all the time, I think he could win it. He had a lot more errors than most people, who won Gold Gloves, but some of the balls he got to, other people would’nt have.
Alexei generated 768 chances and 499 assists as a Shortstop, compared to the New York Yankees, Derek Jeter who managed 553 chances and 365 assists. Nevertheless, due to the errors tally, Jeter took the award.
Buehrle went on to say, "I love him back there, and I think he could have been deserving of it. I don't see Derek play all the time, and I know he's a great shortstop, as well. There are a bunch of guys I guess who could have deserved it."
Nevertheless, Ramirez is content with the outcome in the silver slugger awards and recently said through a translator, "It's simply an honor to be mentioned in conversation of Gold Gloves. I always say it's not up to me, as long as I'm happy with my work on the field, and so is the team, my manager and my coaches. Whether Derek Jeter or (Elvis) Andrus or myself won, that's fine. Just to be mentioned is an honor."
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