Monday, May 19, 2008

Multi-Year Deal Destroying Hanley?

"Look back to May 10, the day word leaked out that Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria was prepared to lock up his star shortstop for six more seasons, a pre-emptive strike against the ravages of arbitration.

"When the news made headlines that morning, Ramirez was batting .336 and right on track to match the 2007 numbers that made him 10th in the National League MVP voting, right behind the titanic Albert Pujols.

"Since that day, however, Hanley has hit just .194, including 1-for-4 in Sunday's 9-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals.

"His strikeouts are rising, too, with two coming on Sunday against Royals starter Zack Greinke, also 24. One of those came with runners at first and third and two outs in the third inning, before the game got completely away from the Marlins.

"Over the weekend, Ramirez whiffed on six consecutive official at-bats during one stretch, with only a walk to interrupt the misery." (SunSentinel)

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