Jose Ramirez’s Impact to Play for Dominican Republic at WBC
Jose Ramirez is the franchise player for the Cleveland Guardians. He’s emerged as a leader for this ball club. Ramirez signing the extension with the Guardians caught many by surprise. We thought he would play somewhere else, but he wants to retire and win a title in Cleveland. Ramirez recently decided to play in the World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic. How will Jose’s impact participate in the World Baseball Classic? Should the Guardians be worried?
The World Baseball Classic is like the miniature Olympics or the Spring version of the Olympics. Players want to represent their country. It’s a prideful thing. Dominican ball players are very proud of their country and they carry the flag with a lot of dignity. The Dominican Republic baseball team is loaded with talent: Sterling Marte, Juan Soto, Manny Machado, Julio Rodriguez, Rafael Devers, Gary Sanchez, Jeremy Peña, Framber Valdez, etc. The team has the offense and pitching to win it all. Having Ramirez in that lineup will add more firepower to that team.
The Guardians’ front office might have concerns because they don’t want Jose Ramirez to get hurt during the competition since they are investing in him. Guardians are looking to repeat as American League Central Champions but will have to go through the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins. Guardians lost to the Yankees in the ALDS, but they are very optimistic about their future with their young core. The Guardians should put their faith in their best hitter and let him enjoy playing for the Dominican Republic. The DR team will start their task against Venezuela on March 11th.
Ramirez signed a 5-year, $124 million extension with the Cleveland Guardians, which includes a full No trade clause, back in April. Last season, he led the major leagues with 44 doubles and 20 intentional walks.
