Monday's Bunts and Boots--The Other Ramirez (Not Manny)

When the White Sox signed Alexei Ramirez over the winter, the move generated few headlines, even in the Windy City. By most counts, Ramirez was a project, a former Cuban League shortstop whom most scouts tabbed as not being ready for the major leagues. By most accounts, he was going to have to learn a new position--possibly the outfield--and would probably need to start the season in Class--AA ball. If Ramirez was to have an impact, it appeared that it would have to wait until at least 2009, possibly 2010.

Thankfully for the White Sox, Ramirez proved himself able ahead of the projected schedule. Though he started the season in a less defined utility role, he eventually became Chicago's regular second baseman, played acceptable defense while learning a new position, and clubbed 21 home runs, including a crucial grand slam in Monday's must-win over the Tigers. Ramirez' sixth-inning blast broke a 2-all tie, pushing the White Sox to an 8-2 victory that will force a one-game tiebreaker against the Twins on Tuesday night. (With four grand slams on the season, Ramirez also established a record for major league rookies.)

On the surface, Ramirez doesn't look all that impressive. Nicknamed the "Cuban Missile," he's listed as six-three, 165 pounds, but, in reality, he can't possibly weigh an ounce above 150. He doesn't appear to have lifted a single dumbbell (or even a ten-pound plate) in his young life. He's also not very patient at the plate, having drawn only 16 walks all season. (His strike zone is about the same size as Manny Sanguillen's. Translated: he's a free swinger.) Well, only a nitpicker would make a major issue out of his lack of patience--or his 1960s middle infielder frame. Ramirez hits with power, steals bases, and flashes good range at second base, helping the White Sox solidify a position that had become a trouble spot since the trade of Tad Iguchi. Though he won't win the AL Rookie of the Year--that will go to Evan Longoria--he may pick up a couple of votes. And thanks to his Monday night heroics, he has given the Sox a chance to play another day.

The White Sox will now face the Twins on Tuesday night, in a game that will decide the champion of the AL Central. The Sox appear to have the advantage on two counts--both the ballpark and the pitching matchup. Thanks to a coin toss, the Sox will host the tiebreaker at U.S. Cellular Field. They'll also have John Danks pitching against Nick Blackburn, with the former's ERA about seven-tenths of a run better than the latter. The fact that Danks throws left-handed is a bonus; perhaps he'll be able to counteract Minnesota's two MVP candidates, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. 

I also happen to think that the White Sox are the more talented team, though that will hardly matter in a one-game, winner-take-all situation. Heck, the Twins have been defying the odds all season long, showing us how they still know how to win games after the off-season departures of Torii Hunter and Johan Santana. They'd just better pitch carefully to Alexei Ramirez.