Cleveland's Jose Ramirez first MLB 3rd baseman to reach 250 home runs, 250 steals

[Auggie]

First primary third baseman.

He did it May 1st in the tenth inning of a 4-3 victory over the Twins. The stolen base was instrumental in winning the game. It wasn't just a stolen base, but a smart stolen base.

If he played for the Yankees, Mets or Dodgers, his fame would rank with the likes of Juan Soto and Mookie Betts.

This six-time All Star quietly toils away for the payroll-challenged Guardians. Damn shame they can't provide him with better protection in the line-up.

[True Dough]

1. He's okay

Probably makes it to Cooperstown someday. Probably!

[Diamond_Dog]

2. We love Jos here in NE OH. We appreciate his heart and his grit and his loyalty.

He got hurt in the game in Toronto last night …. He hit a ground ball to the pitcher, who picked it up and threw wild to first base and hit José in the back while he was running, knocking him off balance and causing him to trip over the bag and sprain his ankle. Manager Vogt says they are optimistic José won’t be out too long, it’s a mild sprain. Usually you have to hog-tie him to get him to sit out a game.

You’re right about his fame if he played for the Dodgers or the Dark Side.

José has committed to a career in Cleveland, stating that the team was the only ones who’d take a chance on signing him him when he tried to break into pro ball, since he wasnt a real big guy. Lucky us!

Here’s what happened last night, Auggie.

https://www.mlb.com/video/stephen-vogt-provides-an-update-on-jose-ramirez

[Auggie]

4. Not good, though he will get some rest

There’s no one in the organization that come close to substituting for his bat.

[brush]

3. All this attention means is Cleveland will trade him like they did...

Rocky, Manny, Julio and Thome and the rest.

[Auggie]

5. He is signed long-term

They could possibly trade him if they felt the minors were lacking in talent, but it’s not. There’s a lot of high draft pick potential very close to being ready for the show. I don’t think they’ll trade him.

Kwan? Yes. I can see him headed back home to the West Coast for a huge free agent payday with the Dodgers or Giants.

[Diamond_Dog]

6. I love Kwan

But he’ll be gone…..

[Auggie]

7. Best lead-off hitter since Lofton?

Better than Lofton?

[Diamond_Dog]

8. Wow, tough to compare.

It’s hard to argue against Lofton. Excellent on base percentage, good eye at the plate, once he was on first you knew he was gonna get to second stealing. Great defensive talent, too.

Kwan hasn’t played as many years as Lofton, obviously. He’s about as consistent as of a hitter as they come. He can get a base hit even off a bad pitch. Does he get as many walks as Lofton? Not sure at this point. He’s speedy but hasn’t developed into the threat Lofton was on the basepaths. That could still come.

Hard to come up with a definite answer, but I’d say Lofton has a slight edge, only because he played longer at such a consistently high level. Kwan can definitely do the same, we will see. Best since Lofton, absolutely.

Your thoughts, Auggie?

[Auggie]

9. My thoughts are ...

that you nailed it.

[Diamond_Dog]

10. Great minds ....

[ProfessorGAC]

11. Impressive

As a Cub fan, I knew none of our 3rd baseman did it.
In my lifetime, we've had more than few 3rd baseman whose time from first to second could be timed with a watch with no second hand.
Santo, Matthews, Cey, Ontiveros, Ramirez...
Some sssalowwww dudes at that position for us.
Some really good hitters, but no way we're those guys going to steal 250 bases.