Things have not gone the way the Marlins hoped this season, particularly in the month of June. After beginning the year with an impressive 31-23 record, Miami has dropped 15 of its last 18 games and dipped below .500. Sometimes a team has to hit rock bottom before a player steps forward and tries to be a leader, but rarely do we ever see a guy like Hanley Ramirez assume that role.
According to the Palm Beach Post, Ramirez called a players-only meeting after Saturday’s 7-1 loss to Toronto. One veteran player said he was “impressed” and that Hanley “said all the right things.” What Hanley are we talking about here?
“I don’t like to talk too much,” Ramirez told reporters on Sunday. “I joke a little bit but I don’t like to speak. But sometimes there’s a time when you have too many things in your heart and you just want to say it.
“The past is in the past. We have to start today. It has been tough. You cannot just keep adding loses and losses every day. Clean your mind and let’s start from today.”
It’s worth noting that the Marlins dominated the Blue Jays on Sunday with a 9-0 win. While we’ll need a few more games to determine if what Hanley said may have actually helped, he’s looking good so far. Players calling closed-door meetings during rough stretches is not a new concept, but it’s surprising to see a guy who is better known for showing up late and running his mouth stepping up to rally the team. Good for Hanley. Somebody had to do it.
H/T Hardball Talk
Photo credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE
