November 18, 2008 The Dallas Morning News predicts catcher Max Ramirez will be an opening day starter for 2009, but not with the Rangers.
Our View:The Marlins are among the clubs who have talked to the Rangers about acquiring Ramirez, who could develop into one of the top offensive catchers in the majors. In the event the Rangers trade both Gerald Laird and Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Ramirez would share catching duties with Taylor Teagarden, while getting some action at DH for Texas.
November 5, 2008 The Marlins have talked to the Rangers about acquiring catcher Max Ramirez, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View:The Rangers have a surplus of talented catchers and are looking for young pitching, something the Marlins are able and willing to offer. The Marlins are believed to be interested in dealing Scott Olsen, so he could be part of a deal for Ramirez.
July 27, 2008 Max Ramirez has been optioned to Double-A Frisco, according to the AP. The team activated pitcher Kevin Millwood from the DL as the adjoining move.
Our View:Gerald Laird has returned to action, and Ramirez was viewed as expendable as he only hit .233 over 43 at-bats with the Rangers.
June 25, 2008 Max Ramirez picked up the first two hits of his major league career and one of them was his first home run that led to a 3-2 Rangers victory over the Astros.
Our View:Ramirez was hitting .363 with 17 home runs for Double-A Frisco this season before being called up, so it's clear he can hit and he should be a nice bonus as a back up catcher for the club.
June 21, 2008 Catcher Max Ramirez will get his first major league start tomorrow, but it will at first base, according to the Dallas Morning News. Manager Ron Washington said he will play Ramirez at first, DH and catcher while Gerald Laird is on the DL, but Jarrod Saltalamacchia will get most of the starts behind the plate.
Our View:Ramirez's numbers at Double-A were insane. He is worth a pickup in AL-only play even though he's likely to get only a couple starts per week.
