Hanley Ramirez
With David Ortiz retired, it’s up to Hanley Ramirez to provide the offense in the middle of Boston’s lineup (Jim Davis Boston Globe)

No one will miss David Ortiz more than Hanley Ramirez. Han-Ram idolized Ortiz during his time with the Red Sox viewing Big Papi as a father figure of some sorts. During an interview upon his arrival at Red Sox spring training, Ramirez had some interesting things to say.

It’s safe to say that Ortiz is officially retired but he sure does love Ramirez. Even with Ortiz retired, Ramirez said he talks with Ortiz every single day. He has completely changed Hanley’s perception as a bad locker room guy during this past year as he was one of the best first basemen in baseball last year. Big Papi gave Hanley some advice on filling his shoes at DH during the upcoming season.

“He told me that someday, you’re going to get crazy because all you can do is hit, and when things are not going good, what can you do?” said Ramirez. “You just go out there and try not to think about it until your next at-bat. Honestly, he told me at first it’s going to be a little hard, because when you can play defense, you can help the team in two ways. But DH, it’s pretty much just offense, but I’ve just got to find a way to separate between those at-bats and cheer from the dugout.”