The Official Site of Hanley Ramirez

Tue, Nov 24th 2009, 15:16

Second to one: Hanley runner-up to Pujols

Of players not named Albert Pujols, Hanley Ramirez is at the head of the class.

Unfortunately for the Marlins’ All-Star shortstop, Pujols was on the list of contenders.

With that being the case, all the first-place drama of the National League Most Valuable Player Award vote was gone well before the decision was made public.

By a unanimous decision, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America on Tuesday selected Pujols as the NL MVP. In claiming his third top prize, the Cardinals slugger also received all 32 first-place votes.

For Ramirez, the vote was still rewarding. The 25-year-old finished second, followed by the Phillies’ Ryan Howard and Prince Fielder of the Brewers.

In terms of his value to the Marlins, Ramirez is the club’s clear-cut Most Valuable Player. There is little dispute from within the organization or those who follow the team.

Ramirez’s placement is the highest by a Florida player.

Only twice in their history have the Marlins had a player finish in the top five in the NL MVP voting. Miguel Cabrera placed fifth in 2005 and ’06.

Ramirez has experienced a top 10 placement. In 2007, he ended up 10th.

Had he won the MVP, Ramirez would also have had a profitable day. As part of the six-year, $70 million contract he signed in 2008, the Marlins’ sensation has a $500,000 bonus for being named the MVP. There is no bonus money, however, for second place.

With 32 first-place votes, Pujols racked up 448 points. Ramirez received 15 second-place votes, five third place and he had 233 points to outdistance Howard, who collected 217 points.

Fielder ended up with 203 points, and Troy Tulowitzki of the Rockies rounded out the top five with 172 points.

In terms of his value to the Marlins, Ramirez is the club’s clear-cut Most Valuable Player. There is little dispute from within the organization or those who follow the team.

For three consecutive seasons, the South Florida chapter of the BBWAA has recognized Ramirez as the Marlins’ MVP in its annual voting.

“Hanley is certainly deserving of being among the top vote-getters this year,” Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said on Tuesday. “He is one of the premier young talents in the game and should be an MVP candidate for years to come.”

In the eyes of many, it’s just a matter of time before Ramirez takes home the MVP. In terms of pure talent, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound shortstop from the Dominican Republic already ranks among the best in the game.

Blessed with the rare combination of speed and power, Ramirez has raked in a number of impressive honors in four full big league seasons.

Showcasing his versatility, Ramirez won the NL batting title this year, becoming the first Marlins player to do so. He’s also received the NL Silver Slugger Award for shortstops. In 2006, he was voted as the NL Rookie of the Year.

Primarily a leadoff hitter his first three seasons, Ramirez switched to third in the lineup in 2009 to emphasize his power. He batted a franchise-best .342.

For the second consecutive year, Ramirez captured the Silver Slugger Award, as he finished with 106 RBIs and a .543 slugging percentage.

“I’m thankful to God and to my family for their support,” Ramirez said after receiving the Silver Slugger in early November. “The Marlins organization and my great teammates, [I thank] for their help in my getting this award. It’s all a result of hard work and dedication, and I always strive to get better and to do what I can to help my team succeed.”

The face of the franchise, Ramirez helped lead the Marlins to a second-place finish in the NL East and an 87-75 record. The wins total was the third-most in team history.

Ramirez is the first NL shortstop to win the batting title since Dick Groat of the Pirates in 1960. Tulowitzki of the Rockies rounded out the top five with 172 points.