As the New York Yankees prepare to face the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Championship Series, manager Aaron Boone has made it clear he holds Cleveland star Jose Ramirez in extremely high regard.
Boone couldn’t hide his admiration for Ramirez, acknowledging the star’s impact on the field and refuting any notion that the Guardians’ standout is underappreciated.
“He’s the complete package. I get on people all the time. If I hear another how underappreciated, underrated he is from somebody on a network or something, I want to rip my arms off and throw it at the TV,” Boone said.
“He’s not underappreciated. He is not underrated. He’s a great on track Hall of Fame player, and everybody knows it, including everyone sitting out here.”
Ramirez, who hit .279 in the regular season with 39 home runs and 118 RBIs, has been a central figure for the Guardians throughout the past several years.
However, he’s faced some struggles at the plate during the postseason. Even so, Boone and the Yankees are keenly aware of the threat he poses, particularly given his stellar track record as a six-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger.
Yankees fans will get an up-close look at Ramirez when the ALCS kicks off at Yankee Stadium this evening.
Boone and the Yankees have their own hurdles to overcome as they attempt to win their first World Series title since 2009.
There is some encouraging news for New York, as first baseman Anthony Rizzo is set to return to the active roster after missing the ALDS due to injury.
Rizzo, a key defensive player and a vocal leader in the clubhouse, will provide a boost to the Yankees’ lineup (although he’s clearly not the same player he used to be).
Another significant factor for the Yankees will be the performance of Aaron Judge, who was a powerhouse during the regular season, smashing franchise records with his bat.
However, Judge has struggled mightily to replicate that form in the postseason, admitting that something has been off with him.
Needless to say, for the Yankees to advance, they’ll need Judge to rediscover his rhythm at the plate.
As Boone and his team gear up to slow down Cleveland’s offense, particularly with Ramirez at the center, the series promises to be a battle of strength and strategy.
While the Yankees are the better team on paper, you know the Guardians will surely put up a fight.
Ramirez’s importance to Cleveland is undeniable. He’s been a key figure for the Guardians over the years, including twice joining the prestigious 30-30 club.
What are your thoughts on Boone’s comments?
He’s correct in saying that everyone in the baseball world is fully aware how clutch and dangerous Ramirez is. Having said that, he still is clearly underrated and underappreciated in many circles.
More importantly, what is your prediction for the series? … Do you think Cleveland will give the Yankees more trouble than expected???