A Fish Out of Water

Florida Marlins short stop Hanley Ramirez has proved to be one of the elite players in the Majors. Unfortunately his brain and common sense are as developed as that of an infant.

During yesterdays game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tony Abreu popped a ball up that fell into a Bermuda triangle in short left center field. After the ball fell Hanley proceeded to accidentally kick the ball into left field and then lolly gag to retrieve the ball. Ramirez allowed two runs to score on the play and Abreu moved to third base.

Prior to this play in the game, Ramirez was hit by a pitch on his ankle, but he remained in the game. This type of effort makes me sick, especially after the new six-year, $70 Million contract. Baseball players should never dog it.

Manager Freddi Gonzalez did the right thing and benched Ramirez after the inning was over, like any respectable manager should do.

Then the fireworks ensued.

"It's his team. He can do whatever he [expletive] wants," Ramirez, referring to his benching, told reporters Tuesday.

Oh but that is not it, Ramirez exploded and was very colorful in attacking the situation and even his teammates. When asked if he was going to apologize to his team he had this to say.

"We got a lot of people dogging it after ground balls. They don't apologize."

But that's not all, he even attacked his manager for taking him out of the game.

"That's OK. He doesn't understand that. He never played in the big leagues."

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!

First of all Gonzalez played six years in the minors and knows how to play the game that is why he is a coach. Second of all, how dare Hanley Ramirez take shots at his leader, that is completely uncalled for and disciplinary actions MUST take place both on the field and monetary.

Manager Freddi Gonzalez responded to Hanley's comments.

"Hanley left the game because we felt -- he got smoked in the ankle -- but we felt whether he was hurt or not hurt or whatever it was, we felt that the effort wasn't there that we wanted. There's 24 guys out there that are busting their butts."

"There are some injuries there, but we expect an effort from 25 guys on this team and when that doesn't happen, we have got to do something," he added.

"You guys call him a marquee guy," Gonzalez said. "I got 25 guys all wearing the same uniform with all of the same Marlins insignia on the front and I think it's disappointing if anybody did it, not just one guy."

When asked whether there would be any additional punishment for Ramirez, Gonzalez responded: "You mean more embarrassment than being taken out of a major league game?"

Gonzalez did infact sit Hanley Ramirez today, but we don't know if more disciplinary action will be taken.

I commend Coach Gonzalez for "checking" Hanley's massive ego, and I expect more to be done, he should be made an example of.

And if this continues, do not be surprised if Ramirez comes out and asks for a trade.