Trade Target: Alexei Ramirez

Well that was a long hiatus! I'm back one night after I said Paul Konerko would be my final post. Well, unfortunately Jon Heyman decided to report a few minutes ago that the Pirates are in talks with the White Sox about Alex Rios and people close to the Pirates think those talks will expand to Alexei Ramirez. So I'm here to do an article on Alexei.

Alexei is a shortstop. I know, I know Jordy Mercer. But honestly, I'd love Jordy off of the bench as a utility man. So could Alexei be an upgrade? Well, this season, Alexei has 1 HRs, 21 RBIs, and a slash of .286/.311/.358 OPS .669. That's not stellar, but on his career he averages 15 HRs, 72 RBIs, and a slash of .277/.315/.403 OPS .718. That's not bad for a top of the order guy. His numbers with RISP are .254/.306/.333 OPS .639 currently but on his career it's .297/.339/.440 OPS .779. And I wasn't expecting that much from a lead off guy because he's the table setter, not the producer. Just like with Alex Rios though, I have tons of issues with Ramirez.

First thing is that his defense is not good. It's not awful but it's not good either. It's worse than Jordy Mercer but he could still play everyday. That's not a huge issue. Second problem is that his power is disappearing. He averages 15 dingers a year but only hit 9 last year and has the measly one this year. He's now 31 so his production could be declining. The final issue with him is again a huge contract. He's owed around $22 million through 2015 and has a hefty buyout for 2016. That's a ginormous price tag for a guy who's production looks to be dropping. Pair that with Rios' contract and that is a ton of dough the Pirates don't fork out.

After reading Jon Heyman's report, I don't get why the Pirates would do this. I think Jordy can cut it at short for now so Alexei wouldn't be necessarily needed. I also don't know why they'd take that much salary on. They'd have to get Chicago to pay Rios and Ramirez's deals. And at least half of the money owed. That means you're talking big prospects. I'd imagine Alen Hanson would be expendable since Alexei is here through 2015 at least. That leaves a lot of room. I'd think you'd have to give them Kingham too. Maybe even more. And that's just to start. Either that or you trade Gregory Polanco and I think he should be an untouchable along with Taillon. I mean, it's a nice idea and all but I just don't see a fit happening for a deal like this. If NH can prove me wrong, well power to him. We'll have to wait and see.