April 15, 200620 yr Saturday, April 15, 2006 Marlins rookie immune to pressure By Enrique Rojas ESPNdeportes.com MIAMI -- Hanley Ramirez looks like a seasoned veteran in his first season as a regular in the big leagues. The Marlins shortstop has at least one hit in every game (entering play Friday) and leads the team with a .424 average. He also leads the team in hits (14), runs scored (nine), doubles (five), triples (two), total bases (23), on-base percentage (.486) and slugging percentage (.697). Not bad for a 22-year-old kid from the Dominican Republic. So far, he's had no trouble handling the pressure of The Show while playing one of the most demanding positions on the diamond. "I don't know the meaning of the word pressure, and I really haven't had that much time to put myself in a position where I have to think much," Ramirez told ESPNdeportes.com. "Although I had only played two innings at the major league level before this season, I brought my experience of playing in the Dominican Winter League to Florida." As a member of the Dominican champion, the Licey Tigers, Ramirez faced the Cibao Eagles in the last two finals. The Tigers and Eagles have one of the most intense rivalries in winter ball. "There are few things that are more dramatic than a final between the Eagles and Licey," Ramirez said. "Once you have moved past that, you are ready for anything that can happen on a baseball field." A five-tool talent, Ramirez was slated to be Nomar Garciaparra's replacement at shortstop in the Boston Red Sox organization after signing with the team when he was 16 years old in the Dominican. But Boston had to give up its big-time prospect to obtain Josh Beckett. It was one of the many moves the Marlins made this offseason. "A major league season has 162 games. I have never played that much in one year, but I am not afraid of the challenge. I don't know the meaning of the word pressure." Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez Ramirez held his own in spring training -- hitting .311 with three triples and four home runs -- to win Florida's starting shortstop job. "One of the big differences between the Dominican League and the U.S. is that everything is controlled and established here," the rookie said. "You have nothing to worry about. "In the major leagues, the pitchers are more consistent with the strike zone, so you have to swing more. I have been more comfortable here with my bat than in the minor leagues." Still, Ramirez knows it is unlikely he'll be playing this way for the whole season. "A major league season has 162 games," Ramirez said. "I have never played that much in one year, but I am not afraid of the challenge. I don't know the meaning of the word pressure." Enrique Rojas is a reporter and columnist for ESPNdeportes.com and ESPN.com. ROY Watch....
April 15, 200620 yr He's certainly one of the frontrunners so far (probably has been the best rookie in the NL this young season). Shadez, Willy, and Hermida all have a great shot. I personally think Shadez is going to win it. :thumbup It's such a pleasure watching him play, not only because he's doing well, but also because he looks so damn happy out there.
April 15, 200620 yr Deffinately, and prolly will get the reward. Could be interesting at the end of the year on who wins the ROY
April 15, 200620 yr doesnt feel the pressure eh? The little guy is lucky he isnt playing in Boston right now cuz he'd be eating his words. he wouldnt have said them at all actually, cuz he'd be scared out of his mind to talk to the boston media.
April 15, 200620 yr doesnt feel the pressure eh? The little guy is lucky he isnt playing in Boston right now cuz he'd be eating his words. he wouldnt have said them at all actually, cuz he'd be scared out of his mind to talk to the boston media. Hanley laughs in your direction
April 16, 200620 yr Author doesnt feel the pressure eh? The little guy is lucky he isnt playing in Boston right now cuz he'd be eating his words. he wouldnt have said them at all actually, cuz he'd be scared out of his mind to talk to the boston media. agreed.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.