There is some concern about Hanley Ramirez's future contract is causing some complacency.
All-Star Hanley Ramirez -- who leads NL shortstops with 20 errors and is hitting 36 points lower than last year's .332, and .216 with runners in scoring position -- insists his six-year, $70 million contract won't make him complacent. But one Marlins executive wants to see for himself. Marlins special assistant Andre Dawson said ''work ethic and hunger are telltale signs'' if a good player wants to improve. Does Ramirez have that? ''It remains to be seen, especially now that he's locked up,'' Dawson said. ``I'd like to see a bit more hunger. That's what makes you a team leader. His intensity is yet to reach that peak. And I want to see him cut his swing down in RBI situations. He's over-swinging.''
Considering that Hanley's OBP has increased this year over last season's and his home runs are on a higher pace than 2007, I don't think there is much cause for concern that he has lost his hunger.
If the season ended last night, Hanley would have a better average and OPS than he did in 2006. Also he already has more RBI and HR.
It is true that Hanley's BA has dropped with RISP but his OPS with RISP has increased over last season.
Sure, he is probably over-swinging at times, and that can be corrected. But Hanley is far from unproductive with runners on second and/or third.
Much more to say, but I'm out of time.