Hanley Ramirez ready to deliver at third base after being helped by Joey Cora - MLB Update
Hanley Ramirez finds solace at third base after inclusion of Jose Reyes in the club had forced him to experience a switch-over from shortstop, a position he held since 2006. After earlier reports signalling elements of jealousy marring their progress came
off, Ramirez silenced all with his performance in Spring Training.
With the help of infield coach, Joey Cora, he has acclimatised to third-base dynamics and now he looks ahead providing all the support Reyes will require from him at shortstop.
“I’ve got to give credit to the coaches,” he said. “I think that Joey Cora, he’s been the key. A lot of work has gone into it. He’s made sure I’m comfortable at third.”
Not many players want to leave the place they have adjusted to so well and since doing so demands revision of complete strategy, their reluctance appears fairly pragmatic. Same was the case with Ramirez and great for him that by the dint of sheer hard work,
he has now fine-tuned his artillery as a third-baseman.
As soon as Jose Reyes signed a $108 million six year contract with the Miami Marlins, fans started fancying a potential clash of roles and thus speculated that his entrance will be even counter-productive.
In light of the fact that both shortstop and third base positions together make up the first line of defence for any side. Unless both develop an understanding, much needed anticipatory work-outs do not come through, fans had a reason to suspect so.
Keeping the club ahead of his ego, Ramirez embraced transition and instead became a very good friend of Reyes. Both now look busy together framing strategies about blocking hit balls and drawing double plays.
“I’m here for Hanley on and off the field,” Reyes said. “I appreciate what he’s done and I told him that. We’re the same. We’re like brothers.”
As a lead-off hitter, Reyes will count on Ramirez in many ways and after he moves to first base, it will be Ramirez who will be ensuring his stepping on the home plate and completing runs. Bonding is indispensable for both of them to perform well.
How far Reyes and Ramirez together take the Marlins this year will be decided by their consistency in the field. As for Ramirez, expectations will be higher given the fact that he is now fit unlike last year when his pain affected him heavily and resulted
in a low-par performance. Reyes will be looking to build on the momentum he had reached last year.
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