The experiment of Hanley Ramirez in left field is coming to an end, eventually. Ramirez was seen taking grounders at first base Monday and then we saw this report, via the ballclub:
The Red Sox signed shortstop Hanley Ramirez to a four-year, $88-million deal last offseason. Of course, his defense was suspect and they have promising young shortstop Xander Bogaerts. Ramirez had experience at third base, but the Red Sox also signed Pablo Sandoval to what appears to be an ill-advised deal. Thus, Ramirez was moved to left.
 
Hanley Ramirez to move to first base by 2016
 
Needless to say, he's been a disaster out there. We could run through a parade of range stats or simply note the eye test. He can't play left field, especially not in Fenway Park with the Green Monster.
Not only that, but the Red Sox outfield of the future appears to be Rusney Castillo, Jackie Bradley and Mookie Betts, all of whom have great defensive upside.
Meantime, Mike Napoli had a terrible year at first base and is now gone. Rookie Travis Shaw has been playing first and is hitting .329/.376/.600 in 93 plate appearances, but that's a small sample and he's only a career .261/.359/.445 hitter in the minors and couldn't get to the bigs until age 25. Also, Hanley has the huge deal.
Overall, the smart money is on Ramirez opening 2016 as the Red Sox everyday first baseman.
Matt Snyder/CBS Sports
 

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