MVN - Most Valuable Network

Kenny Williams – Take a Bow for Landing the “Cuban Missile”

White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams made a number of great moves in the off-season, including the additions of Carlos Quentin, Nick Swisher, Orlando Cabrera, Scott Linebrink, and Octavio Dotel; but it is beginning to look like the signing of Alexei Ramirez may have been the best one.

In January, the White Sox and Ramirez agreed to a four-year, $4.75 million dollar deal, which is a steal by today’s contract standards.

So what did the club get in return for their purchase?

Well so far…

Dazzling defense, a true hustler, a .311 average, speed on the basepaths, and unexpected power with seven home runs in just 231 at bats.

“The Cuban Missle” has been an amazing surprise and once again, Kenny Williams has to be credited with the signing.

It was a wild weekend in Arlington and the Sox lost two out of three, but their lone victory was saved by an amazing defense play by Ramirez. 

On Saturday night, the Rangers continued their hitting parade in the bottom of the ninth inning and just when it seemed Josh Hamilton smashed a game tying single up the middle, Ramirez darted to his right and made an amazing throw to get the all-star outfielder by a step and end the game.  (Swisher should also get some credit for a nice stretch at first.)

It was one of many great plays by Alexei Ramirez who is solidifying his position in the White Sox infield for years to come.  Although he is currently playing second base, he may end up at shortstop in upcoming years.  As long as he keeps his motor running at the current pace I don’t care where he plays, as long as it is on the White Sox.

On a final note, the All-Star break is upon us and the White Sox finished up with a wacky 12-11 loss to Texas yesterday in which the teams combined for 39 hits.  It was an ugly game to watch, and the White Sox once again proved they never give up.

The starting pitching has been pretty shaky over the last few weeks, so let’s hope the All-Star break provides some much-needed rest for a strong second half.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 14th, 2008 at 6:16 am and is filed under Alexei Ramirez, Octavio Dotel, Nick Swisher. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.