Agent rebukes reports
Calls story about Ramirez ‘reckless,’ ‘irresponsible’
RED SOX NOTEBOOK
Hanley Ramirez’ agent yesterday blistered a report from Friday that his client was associated with a state and federal investigation involving drugs.
“The reporting on Hanley’s involvement in this matter was reckless and irresponsible,” wrote Adam Katz in a text. “It’s unfortunate that one careless, inaccurate story can generate such widespread negative and damaging coverage. Hanley is pleased to be absolved from wrongdoing and having any involvement in this matter.”
On Friday, the reporter Michele McPhee tweeted that Ramirez “has some... well, issues. Being eyed in connection with an ongoing federal and state investigation. Stay tuned.” McPhee made multiple radio appearances after the tweet but to date has not published a story on the matter.
Regardless, the tweet stirred a hornet’s nest. The Sox stated they were unaware of any criminal investigation involving Ramirez and also that their decision to designate him for assignment on June 1 was strictly a baseball decision.
Katz also responded on Friday that Ramirez was completely unaware of the allegations and was unaware of any investigation.
Yesterday afternoon, the Boston Globe reported that a friend of Ramirez was stopped by police in April and that person admitted that he name-dropped Ramirez in order to avoid arrest for transporting drugs, including fentanyl.
“Ramirez is not under federal investigation and has not been linked to any drug ring,” according to sources familiar with the investigation, the Globe reported.
The Sox did not immediately have a reaction to the Globe report.
Three-piece suits JBJ
Jackie Bradley Jr. had a teamhigh three hits yesterday to raise his batting average to .189.
That’s obviously well below what the team hopes for in Bradley, but the Red Sox and Bradley have taken the long view when it comes to putting in the work and that the results eventually will show. Bradley does have a low BABIP (batting average of balls in play) at .247, about 50 points below the median for big league hitters.
“It’s not hard to not feel frustrated but it is frustrating,” said Bradley. “Just have got to continue to keep working, I guess, keep swinging at pitches in the zone. Hopefully good things come out of it. That’s what you want to hit, balls in the zone, be aggressive with those pitches.”
Bradley has maintained a positive attitude. To have his hits fall in rather than be hit hard and find gloves is rewarding, especially after victories.
“It always feels good to contribute, to help the team win,” said Bradley, who also stole a base. “I think that’s what it all boils down to. When you as an individual get results, ultimately you’re helping the team, that’s the way I felt today.”
Said manager Alex Cora: “It’s good to see him running around the bases, stealing a base. It’s good to see him find a few holes. That’s the most important things. One thing for sure is he’s staying with the approach.”
Just winning series
With the 5-0 win over Seattle, the Sox took two-of-three against the Mariners. The Sox improved to 5-2 in rubber games this season . . . .
The Sox are 20-5 (.800) in day games, the best record in baseball.
Chris Sale’s scoreless start was the eighth time he has struck out 13 or more and held an opposing team to four hits. He’s done it five times with the Red Sox. The only other pitchers with eight or more such starts are Nolan Ryan (17), Randy Johnson (10) and Sandy Koufax (nine).
Mitchy three bags
Mitch Moreland did not triple but he did hit a home run, his 11th of the season. He has homered once every 18.55 at-bats this season, his best career rate.
That Moreland has more triples (four) this season than in his prior 922 career games (three) is no more than a statistical quirk to Cora.
“Make sure he stays healthy, I’m not sure the triples will help him out,” said Cora. “He’s putting out good swings, it seems like he’s got that alley down and going to the gaps which is great. Much better at-bats. He’s been good the whole year. Not only offensively but defensively. Staying short to the ball . . . . We’ll make a decision how many he plays but keep him fresh is very important.”
Betts leads things off
The Sox have no plans for Mookie Betts to exit the leadoff spot in order to knock in more runs.
“How many runs scored does he have?” said Cora. “People talk about the leadoff hitter is a run producer or scores runs. Because if we move him from there then the question is who’s setting up the table for the big boys.
“He’s doing a great job, he’s getting on base, he’s driving the ball, he’s scoring runs, I like it that way. Do we need the bottom third of the lineup to get on base? Of course. He’s been setting up the table for the other guys. Our second hitter has (50) RBI and then J.D. (Martinez) is leading the league in RBI, so I think it’s working.”