Marlins probably not eager to give Hanley Ramirez to Reds

Q: How about getting Ramirez here for a year or two and put him at the top of the order with Drew Stubbs and you have two guys who can get on base? — Matt, Columbus.

A: Ramon? Manny? Hanley? The Reds already have Ramon, but he's a pitcher, and Manny will be a free agent but the Reds can't afford to give him the Carew Towers and 12 Skyline Chili franchises. So I assume you mean Hanley Ramirez of the Marlins, a shortstop. Well, last week he got hurt and he got into an argument with teammate Dan Uggla. Yes, he is a heck of a player, which is why I think the Florida Marlins aren't interested in getting rid of him.

Q: Have you had any dealings with John Kruk? He looks as if he'd be a perfect speaker for our club. — Robert, Kettering.

A: Kruk and I both played first base, him far better than I, and we're both from West Virginia. Other than that, no interplay. I loved it during the 1993 All-Star game when he tried to bat from almost outside the batter's box and Randy Johnson's first pitch, a 98 miles an hour fastball, nearly took Kruk's helmet off. He struck out feebly. And if you watch Kruk on the four-letter sports network you know he blurts out whatever he is thinking.

About the Author