A Modest Proposal

If Martin Luther King, Jr. were a Red Sox fan in 2009, here is what his famous "I Have A Dream" speech might sound like: "I have a dream today ... that one day ... little Kevin Youkilis' and little Dustin Pedroia's will be able to join hands at home plate with little Jacoby Ellsbury's and little Jason Bay's. I have a dream today. I have a dream that the Red Sox will give hope to a Nation where they will be able to watch Hanley Ramirez drive in runs, play a flawless shortstop, and win multiple World Series championships." That's right, TheBostonInsider is back again with another plea (and trade proposal) for the Red Sox to acquire Hanley Ramirez from the Florida Marlins. For the Red Sox to win the 2009 World Series, they desperately need another big bat for the heart of their lineup. David Ortiz just isn't good enough to be the savior anymore and needs to be dropped in the lineup. Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, and Jason Bay are terrific hitters but they alone won't be enough to win a third world championship in six years. That big bat is playing before small crowds in Miami. He is a former Red Sox uber-prospect who was traded to the Marlins before the 2006 season in a deal that landed the Red Sox Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell, two heroes from the 2007 World Series champs. It was a good deal for both teams then and it could be an even better deal for both teams now. The Sox don't just need a bat, they need a shortstop as well. The one big knock on Theo Epstein as a general manager is the constant state of confusion the shortstop position has suffered since he took over in 2003. First there was Nomar, there was almost A-Rod, then there was still Nomar, Orlando Cabrera (and his intricate handshakes) replaced Nomar, Edgar Renteria was signed to replace Cabrera, Alex Gonzalez came in for one year, Julio Lugo took over in 2007 (with help from Alex Cora) and 2008 before an injury paved the way for Jed Lowrie, Lowrie and Lugo both got hurt early in 2009 creating a job for Nick Green, now Lugo is back at shortstop. Confusing enough for you? Lugo is not the short term answer and is not the long term answer. Theo needs to get a good shortstop and there is no better alternative -- at the plate and in the field -- than Hanley Ramirez. Ramirez would not come cheap but the Red Sox have done such an outstanding job of developing young talent that they could probably meet the Marlins asking price. The Red Sox could begin their offer with Manny Delcarmen, a proven relief pitcher at the major league level who has the potential to be a very good closer. They could spice up the offer with Michael Bowden, a starter at Triple-A who has major league stuff but lacks an opportunity in Boston. Adding in Lars Anderson, a power hitting first baseman, would give the Marlins even more reason to consider. The Sox could also add in Lugo, along with $8-10 million to almost pay off what is owed on his deal that expires after the 2010 season, giving the Marlins a shortstop. The Marlins, who are always in a state of rebuilding and trying to cut costs, would add a power arm for their bullpen, a starting pitcher who could help them immediately, a big time prospect at firstbase, and a veteran shortstop who they would have to pay short money for one-and-a-half seasons. The Red Sox would add an All-Star shortstop who would fit into their plans for the next decade, ending the constant turnover at the position and giving them the big bat they need so much right now. Imagine the delight of Terry Francona if he could make out this lineup every day. 1. Jacoby Ellsbury - CF 2. Dustin Pedroia - 2B 3. Hanley Ramirez - SS 4. Kevin Youkilis - 1B 5. J.D. Drew - RF 6. Jason Bay - LF 7. David Ortiz - DH 8. Mike Lowell - 3B 9. Jason Varitek - C That is as deep of a lineup as you will see in the major leagues. A 6-7-8 of Bay, Ortiz, and Lowell would match most teams 3-4-5. It is a lineup that can get on base, hit for average, run the bases, hit for power, and drive in runs. The bullpen could also absorb Delcarmen's loss. Justin Masterson will return to the 'pen when Daisuke Matsuzaka returns to the rotation and the flamethrowing Daniel Bard was called up to the Red Sox on Sunday. I beg you, Theo, bring Hanley Ramirez to the Red Sox!!!