April 5th, 2013 at 6:07 am 
by Ron Cervenka With the Dodgers struggling in their season opening series against the hated Giants, it became very apparent very quickly just how much the Dodgers miss having Hanley Ramirez in their line-up.
Even though Hanley’s role was never really defined by the Dodgers during the first two weeks of spring training, Dodger manager Don Mattingly hinted that they wanted Ramirez to at least begin the season at shortstop. But regardless of whether he played shortstop or third base, Luis Cruz was and still is the best option to play wherever Ramirez did not – something that became painfully obvious during the second game of the recently concluded three-game series against the Giants.
When Ramirez injured his right thumb in the final game of the World Baseball Classic, speculation was that he would be out for at least six to eight weeks – an unfortunate thing because he was beginning to hit the ball well, both with the Dodgers and with Team Dominican Republic in the WBC. (He had a combined batting average of .270 with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs). Every indication was that Hanley was getting his timing down at the plate, something that takes time to do and something that he will have to start over again from scratch when he is able to resume baseball activities.
Ramirez waves to fans while doing wind sprints in the outfield prior to Opening Day ceremonies. He was also seen taking a few grounders at third base but is still unable to throw.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)
The six-week best case scenario thing puts Hanley back in business around May 3rd and eight weeks around May 17th. But even then, he would undoubtedly still need a couple of weeks of rehab work in the minor leagues to work on that timing thing. And even if only a two-week rehab assignment, the earliest that Ramirez would possibly return to the Dodgers would be somewhere around June 1st – and that is absent any setbacks.
For those who find comfort in saying “it’s still early” (which I absolutely do not and never will), is June 1st still early for you? I mean, there are only 50 games between now and then.
Last year the Dodgers also began the season mired with injuries. The big difference, however, is that Matt Kemp came out of the chute with one of the best months of April in MLB history with a triple slash of .456/.538/.911, 11 home runs, 18 extra-base hits, 29 runs and 29 RBIs. Through three game thus far this season, Kemp has yet to record his first hit in 10 at bats; and make no mistake about it – so goes Matt Kemp, so go the Dodgers.
Although there is never a good time to suffer an injury like Hanley’s, it couldn’t have come at a worse time – when the Dodgers absolutely need to come out of spring training guns a blazing. But it hasn’t happened, not yet at least, and the Dodgers are going to have to step it up (considerably) in Ramirez’s absence to stay competitive with the Giants. Because if they do not, their season could be in serious jeopardy by June 1st.
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I keep telling myself, don’t panic. It is only 3 games but the glaring hole that Ramirez left in combination with poor batting and suspect defense does make me uneasy. This series against the Pirates is important. They are not going to see a San Francisco-caliber pitching staff so hopefully they can have some good run-producing games to get the confidence back.
The 3B/SS problem is a little disconcerting because Mattingly seems to not sure what to do. Cruz is good enough defensively at SS but Uribe is not the solution at 3B. It kills me to watch his at bats. Apparently they are not willing to use Hairston there as well. I am not sure know why Mattingly hasn’t tried Punto. He has a great glove, made some incredible plays in Spring Training, and his bat can’t be worse than Uribe’s. What is apparent now is how shallow the bench is once an injury occurs. The Dodgers have way too many Swiss army knives and not enough meat cleavers.
Get out of my head 3B – I swear you and I are somehow connected (or had similar baseball coaches growing up).
Hairston started out doing a phenomenal job at 3B last season but he eventually lost his ability to throw with accuracy. My guess is that his hip was already bothering him.
Uribe plays a decent SS (his actual original position) but his range is not as good as any of the other options. He still plays a very good 3B, but he can’t even hit his weight (if he did, he’d be the NL MVP – 😆 ).
Hanley is the perfect guy for 3B and Cruz at SS (in my opinion). Mattingly can then use Hairston (and even Uribe) to spell Hanley (when he returns, that is) and use Schumaker to spell Cruz if he needs a day off.
You are right. Uribe is not a bad fielder and has a good arm. I was guardedly optimistic after he had a decent spring that the old “SF Uribe bat” would somehow magically appear. His at bat on Wednesday where he struck out on a pitch that appeared to bounce twice was painfully classic. I still hope I am wrong. If he could somehow hit just a little bit this issue would go away at least for the moment.
Punto, to me, is not given much respect. He made some incredible defensive plays this spring and has plenty of experience over the years at SS – not to say he should play there – but having a third baseman with SS hands is a great asset. Do you hear me Hanley?
I have to say, it is a little depressing to be discussing these guys at this point in the season but here’s hoping someone steps it up and surprises us until Hanley comes back.
RT @Think_BlueLA: New post: Hanley Ramirez can’t get back soon enough: http://t.co/5d4tPQTl7G #Dodgers #Dodgerfam
@Think_BlueLA Would argue that Ramirez suffering that injury after the trade deadline would be worse. But yes, the Dodgers really need him.