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Sunday, January 4, 2009

Cleveland Indians should try and get Hanley Ramirez from the Florida Marlins before the Red Sox do...

Now is the time for Mark Shapiro to step to the plate and finally solidify his team by trading for Hanley Ramirez. Why Hanley Ramirez when the Indians have Jhonny Peralta? Because the Indians seem stuck between third and short when it comes to Jhonny Peralta and they could probably give Florida an interesting mix of players, and as an added bonus, they prevent Boston from getting even better than they already are.

How about Hanley Ramirez for Jhonny Peralta, Josh Barfield, Matt LaPorta, Edward Mujica, Tony Sipp, and perhaps some cash if necessary. The Marlins would instantly gain the best offensive shortstop from the A.L.. Jhonny Peralta's 2008 numbers are BETTER than Derek Jeter's 2008 numbers and he should have won the silver slugger award for A.L. Shortstops. Matt LaPorta is really a potential superstar who will probably be ready for the majors by the beginning of August. Mujica and Sipp will contribute in the pen, and Josh Barfield goes back to the National League where he previously flourished with the San Diego Padres.

The Indians FINALLY get a blend of speed and power from both the outfield AND infield positions, something they have been lacking for quite some time. This is the kind of trade that thins the Indians out for the long haul, but instantly elevates the Indians offense on par with anybody else's offense, and also keeps the Red Sox from getting Hanley Ramirez as well. The Indians are still short one starter but having a solid infield and outfield defense may add a few extra innings to the starters totals, which would help the bullpen get by on the days when the back end of the starting rotation is having a tough day.

It would be a daring trade for both clubs, and both clubs could end up benefiting from this trade as well.

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