Players that Caught My Eye

In hindsight, who wouldn't do the Beckett for Han-Ram Deal? We won a World Series, and came within a few outs of going to another. Not to shabby for an ace and a throw in third baseman ( whom coincidentally won the World Series MVP in 07). But this post isn't about our beloved Sox. It's about two players that we've recently seen come to The Fen. Hanley Ramirez and Nate McLouth.

Hanley Ramirez for all that its worth is a good hitter (not great) and a below average fielder. I still think at some point (given his size) he's going to have to move to a corner infield position or somewhere in the outfield with his +Speed. I was overall not terribly impressed with what he brought to the table last week in Boston. Yes he can hit for average but he's an unfinished product on both ends of the Diamond.

He was caught chasing numerous pitches out of the zone, and for the most part wasn't a factor in this series. I realize that everyone has an off game/couple of games but as the focal point of an offense, your presence needs to be announced with authority. *Yes I just stole that from Bull Durham.* Defensively I was thinking a faster and better looking Julio Lugo was out there. He wasn't taking charge in the infield as all good shortstops are supposed to do. And maybe this goes hand in hand but seemed quite indecisive on the do or die play. This kid has the potential to be an impact player in this league and already is too some extent but still has a lot of growing left to do!

On a positive note, Nate McLouth blew my socks off. What will probably eventually be a great trade for the Pirates in the long run, the Braves got a supreme talent in McLouth. This young man flies. He's got good pop as a leadoff hitter and maybe if he has one more year like last, I'll put him 1 and 2 with Grady Sizemore for top CF. He plays Gold Glove defense, sets the table for his offense and has power to boot.

He got his series started off with a bang on the first pitch of He Who Shall Not Be Named's outing and continued to open eyes with spectacular catches, clutch hits, and leadership qualities throughout the three day stint in Beantown.

While I still stand firm on thinking that McLouth and Wilson would have been a great fit here. Maybe we don't need to make trades with Ortiz's bat speed re-emerging, Nick Green's renaissance at Shortstop and our Starting pitching minus that guy I'm still not talking about has been nothing short of electric. Now if we could only get the cement off of Lowell's feet we could have a third basemen that can get to a ball a step and a half in the hole.

Anyone else think Nick Green is going to play a MUCH LARGER ROLE than just a utility man? Seems to be playing out that way. I think if Lowrie struggles Greenie is going to be the mainstay for atleast the rest of the year in our infield. Love to hear your thoughts and comments in the comments section