The Official Site of Hanley Ramirez

Tue, Apr 7th 2009, 09:49

Grand opening in third spot for Florida Marlins' Hanley Ramirez

Hanley Ramirez might not like the new team rules the Marlins set down about haircuts and jewelry.

But, so far, it looks as if he enjoys hitting third.

On Monday, the 25-year-old former leadoff man made his first Opening Day start batting in a spot usually reserved for heavy lifters.

And he was the same old Hanley.

Entering the first season of a six-year, $70 million deal, the All-Star shortstop hit his first career grand slam and doubled home another run in the Marlins’ 12-6 victory over the Washington Nationals at Dolphin Stadium.

More important, though, he didn’t show any signs that he won’t be able to handle the new role the Marlins are asking him to play.

‘‘You just got to be patient — that’s what a lot of guys told me I needed to do in spring training,’‘ Ramirez said. ``That’s all I’m trying to do. I think sometimes I was trying to do too much [with runners in scoring position]. I’ve been working at it every day.’‘

Entering the 2009 season, Ramirez was hitting .290 with a .777 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) in 221 career at-bats as a No. 3 hitter. Those numbers paled in comparison to his .313 average and .931 OPS in 1,534 at-bats at the top of the order.

There were fears outside the organization that Ramirez might change his swing hitting third this season. But he proved — at least Monday — whatever struggles he might have had as the No. 3 hitter this spring meant very little.

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