5 Players Who Could Replace A Legend

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Hanley Ramirez

Age: 30; Bats/Throws: Right/Right; Career Numbers: .300 batting average, 191 HR, 654 RBI

As far as offense goes, Hanley is the best shortstop available on the open market. As for defense… he’s the worst by far. Hanley Ramirez has morphed himself into one of the best hitters in the National League, but still struggles mightily with his fielding (one of the highest error totals in baseball) and injuries have constantly plagued him (only 86 games last season and 128 games this year).

So what about Ramirez (Likely getting $100 million dollars or more this off season) possibly replacing the Captain?  Well he’d be perfect batting in the three hole of the Yankees lineup, and his reputation as a perennial star would be perfect for New York. But can they take the risk of signing another injury-prone star and have them end up like Carl Pavano?

They did so with Jacoby Ellsbury this past off-season and he managed to stay healthy and have a productive year. Also, can Ramirez be a leader? Can he finally put behind any and all maturity issues and help lead the Yankees? His defense will probably never improve and that would just be something the Bombers would have to live with. If he can stay healthy, Yankee Stadium would love to welcome his powerful bat to the American League with open arms.