Hansen, Ramirez promoted to Boston

Craig Hansen and Hanley Ramirez have been activated by Boston and will be in uniform in Tampa Bay for tonight's game against the Devil Rays. Hansen and Ramirez were both promoted from AA Portland, who lost its final game in the Eastern League Championship on Saturday.

Craig Hansen, tabbed Boston's closer of the future by some scouts, was a first round draft pick by the Red Sox this June. Prior to the draft, Baseball America tabbed Hansen as the closest player to the major leagues of all draft eligible players. He signed in Augtst and pitched for a short stint with the GCL Red Sox before being promoted to Portland. After pitching a full season at St. John's and his stints at GCL and Portland, he has struggled with a tired arm over the last two weeks. Despite his ailment, Hansen returned and pitched for Portland through the playoffs. Over the course of the regular season, he did not allow a run, while striking out 14 with only 1 walk in 12.2 innings. While Hansen has the arsenal to contribute immediately, look for him to be handled carefully by skipper Terry Francona.

Hanley Ramirez has long been considered one of Boston's top prospects since signing in the summer of 2000 at the age of 16. While his stats weren't stellar in 2005, he still possseses the highest ceiling in the organization, and projects very well as an everyday major league shortstop. In 122 games in Portland, Ramirez hit .271 with 6 HR, 52 RBIs, and 26 SBs. He has played multiple positions over the course of the year for the Sea Dogs, including SS, 2B, 3B, and CF. Ramrirz may see some action as a pinch runner, but in all likelihood will only be utilized in blowout games or after the playoff seedings have been established.

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