Why and Where One of the Best Shortstops In Baseball Could Possibly End Up?

With the MLB Trade Deadline approaching, fans and players a like are waiting to see the big deals. Many stars including Padres Closer Heath Bell and Mets Outfielder Carlos Beltran are expected to be wearing new uniforms when August hits. Marlins Shortstop Hanley Ramirez is someone who didn't expect to here rumors about him moving. However, the rumors have circulated  that he will be moved.

Hanley Ramirez is not a favorite of the Marlins Front Office,
is this a sign of a trade yet to come.

How? Jeff Conine appeared on The Dan Le Betard Show show Friday. Conine is a special assistant to Marlins President David Samson. When asked about if he would trade Hanley, Jeff said, "If it were up to me, probably." It didn't stop their, Conine continued to talk about Ramirez, which included him say he gets frustrated with Ramirez "on a nightly basis" and "I think there are some nights where he doesn't try as hard as he should." 


What does this mean for the 3-Time All-Star. Does he stay in Florida or does he move on. There is no other news on Ramirez moving on. His contract is a problem. Hanley is in the 3rd year of a 6 year, 70 million dollar deal. He makes 11 million this year and then 15 million next year, 15.5 in 2013, and 16 in his final year. Who can pick up that contract and who would take that risk.

Will the Pirates be the next home of Hanley Ramirez?
I believe it is the best fit for Hanley.

One team come to mind as a perfect fit, the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates are in the pennant race for the 1st time since 1992. They need a bat to add to thier line-up that has no power hitter. Pittsburgh only has one hitter who has  more then 10 HR's (Pirates Star Outfielder Andrew McCutchen with 14.) Hanley could be that bat. He has had 20+ homers the last 4 years. 


The starting Shortstop for "the Bucs" is Ronny Cedeno. He is batting .256, 2 HR's, and 24 RBI's. Hanley, who is coming off a bad start to the season is starting to heat up. Even thought he is having an off year, Hanley is a big upgrade to the Pirates.


The Pirates have one of the best farm systems in baseball and I think they would be willing to give up prospects for Hanley.


All in all, if Hanley Ramirez is going to move teams I think the Pirates are the right place for him.