The White Sox have reportedly signed Cuban exile Alexei Ramirez
to a four-year, $4.75 million deal:
Ramirez, whose age is listed at 26, was a natural shortstop in Cuba but
also can play second base and center field. His arrival does not
necessarily mean that the White Sox are done pursuing a veteran
outfielder, as Ramirez may need some time in the Minors to prepare
himself for the big leagues.
Ramirez played briefly in the Dominican Winter League, during which he went 1-for-14 an RBI, no walks and four strikeouts. That's the same league where
Danny Richar has exactly a .500 OPS, and
Pablo Ozuna is a few notches worse, so maybe they use heavier bats or something. Maybe railroad ties.
Four years seems like a hefty contract, but the annual cost should be nothing to a team that guaranteed Ozuna a roster spot for more than a year in advance at roughly the same salary. He also brings the added bonus of hitting from the right side of the plate and having the ability to play second and center, where both the projected starters -- Richar and Jerry Owens -- are left-handed.
At the very least, it gives us something to pay attention to for Spring Training ... even though this could turn out to be a complete disaster. It's miles better than last year, when we were thrust into a situation where we hoped Kenny Williams' big acquisition
wouldn't win the starting job.
*****************
The Cleveland Indians invited 10 players to Spring Training. Why is this important? Because
one of them is Andy Gonzalez. He'll probably have as great an impact as Cliff Politte did for Cleveland last year, but we can dream.