If Hanley Hits a Homer, Does It Make a Sound?

Entering the fifth week of the season, the Florida Marlins ranked 19th in runs scored — good enough to be tied with the Yankees and Rangers. The real catalyst for this offensive surge has been Hanley Ramirez, shortstop extraordinaire. Ramirez has hit the ball safely in all but three games thus far, he’s already had a nine-game stolen-bases streak this season, and his power is off the charts. He’s rounding the bases and scoring runs like he left the stove on at home. Every night. Experts projected Hanley to end the season with 21 homers and 38 stolen bases. But at this pace, he’s going to end up with an obscene amount more.

All of this adds up to the simple fact that Hanley Ramirez is one of the most exciting players in baseball, and hardly anyone in town has taken notice. Ramirez has always been touted as a future MVP candidate. The future, it appears, is now. Come watch a true superstar-in-the-making Thursday at Dolphin Stadium, when the Marlins take on the Milwaukee Brewers. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m..
Thu., May 8, 7:10 p.m., 2008