Two quick thoughts before heading into 2009.

Why not explore a trade for Hanley Ramirez? The Marlins would be foolish to make such a deal unless Boston was foolish in return and gave away a boatload of prospects.

If Boston traded Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz and who-knows-who-else, the Red Sox would likely have put Hanley in center field (Sea Dogs fans will remember him practicing the position at Hadlock Field, back when it was thought Edgar Renteria was the Red Sox solution at short).

Hanley Ramirez is a great talent. Why blame Boston for looking into a possibility? The reports on Boston exploring such a trade does give an indication that Buchholz could be dealt.

I don't think Boston would give up Ellsbury so easily, except to get an extraordinary talent.

As for that other Ramirez - Manny - what team is going to gamble and sign him?

Manny is said to want a contract of 4 years or more. Maybe he would settle for 3 years, although he would grumble.

But what if his best offer is two years and he is forced to take it. Manny will report to camp pouting.

And we know what a pouting Manny is capable of ...

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