The Official Site of Hanley Ramirez

Wed, Mar 12th 2008, 11:15

Hanley to bat leadoff

The trade of slugger Miguel Cabrera might have suggested a lower spot in the batting order for Hanley Ramirez, but that won’t happen anytime soon. Maybe not even this year.

Ramirez is coming off a strong 2007 season, when he hit .332 with 29 home runs and 81 RBI.

ut, as it stands now, Ramirez will start the season in his usual leadoff spot, regardless of whether speedy prospect Cameron Maybin makes the team.

“We are going to leave him in that position,” manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “I think he’s comfortable, and he likes it there. If we feel like we’re struggling with that middle of the lineup, then we’ll address it like we did last year.”

Ramirez batted third in 39 games last year, batting .297 with six homers. But he hit .345 in 112 games batting first with eight homers to lead off games, a franchise record. He also stole 51 bases.

But even without Cabrera (.320, 34 HR, 119 RBI), the Marlins consider their lineup more potent with Ramirez at the top.

“Eventually he’s going to be a third hitter, when he loses that step, but right now, he’s too valuable for you leading off,” hitting coach Jim Presley said.

“He sparks that offense. He can lead off the game with a home run, but also he can get on base and steal a couple of bags and put a couple of runs up for you, not just with his bat, but with his legs.”

It didn’t take long for Ramirez to prove Presley’s point. Batting in the first inning of his first Grapefruit League game Feb. 28, Ramirez led off with a walk, stole second and third and scored when catcher Ramon Hernandez’s throw sailed down the left-field line. Just like that, the Marlins led 1-0 without a hit.

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