Hanley To Make Boston Debut?

There is obviously a hole (offensively, at least) at second base for the Boston Red Sox. 2004 playoff hero Mark Bellhorn (never forget those clutch home runs) has not produced at the plate for the Sox and it's getting a little late in the season to be waiting for him to "bust out." On top of that, Bellhorn hurt his finger against the Yankees on Sunday night and he may be out of action for a while. He may even have to go on the disabled list. The list of immediate replacements for Bellhorn is short. His current back-up, Alex Cora, isn't capable of handling the full time gig at second. And the option of playing Kevin Youkilis at third and moving Bill Mueller to second is moot for two reasons. One, Youk is in Pawtucket and he can't be recalled for another few days and two, Mueller won't play second because of his balky knees. A trade is a possibility but do you really want Tony Graffanino? And Alfonso Soriano's price tag would be too high. That leaves us with a promotion of a top prospect. Dustin Pedroia, currently at Pawtucket, would be the obvious choice except that he isn't on the 40-man roster and he is playing through a wrist injury. But have no fear. The top prospect in the organization, Portland short stop Hanley Ramirez, has been playing some second base recently. Ramirez could be the guy the Sox will promote to replace Bellhorn for the next few weeks if that need be the case. Maybe those Tampa Bay tickets will carry a little more meaning now, you could be witnessing the debut of the "next big thing" for the Red Sox.