Bertrand: Not Sold On 2016 Version Of Hanley Ramirez
BOSTON (CBS) -- While Hanley Ramirez has surprised with strong defensive play at first base, he's still struggling at the plate. Zolak & Bertrand discussed whether or not the Red Sox should be happy with what Ramirez has given them so far.
Zolak believes that Ramirez has played a solid role on a team that appears to be clicking as a unit.
"I like the way he's playing," said Zolak. "He blends right now, and this is the chemistry of this team, and it fits."
Beetle, on the other hand, isn't buying the image of "Good Hanley."
"Good Hanley's not good enough," argued Beetle.
According to Beetle, Ramirez needs to produce much more at the plate in order to live up to the 4-year, $88 million dollar contract he signed prior to the 2014 season.
"We overrate what Hanley has been because we're just so happy he shows up and is a professional every day," said Beetle.
Ramirez's one home run, .689 OPS month, is just not good enough.
"He needs to be better than this. Sorry, "said Beetle. "For as much as we talk about the Pablo Sandoval contract being a waste, this one was signed in the exact same offseason. Is this contract worth it right now? I'm not sure it is. It's obviously not to the degree that Pablo Sandoval is. That's a complete waste. This is just only a half-waste, but it's wasted money nonetheless. This contract does not look good right now, the guy has not hit in a year."
Listen to the full discussion: