Red Sox GM on Ramirez's struggles in LF: 'We've just got to continue to support him'

Hanley Ramirez's defensive display in left field at Fenway Park has gone about as poorly as predicted.

While he's shown flashes of being a capable option in front of one of baseball's most intimidating defensive obstacles, the Green Monster, Ramirez continues to demonstrate that there's plenty of work to be done.

An infielder for his entire career, Boston Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington rolled the dice by trying to convert the three-time All-Star into an outfielder this season and is sticking with the decision for the time being.

"We believe he can handle the transition to left field," Cherington told the "Dennis & Callahan Show" on WEEI. "He's worked really hard at it. He's got a great attitude about it."

Already playing with an injured shoulder caused by running into a wall while tracking down a fly ball, Ramirez completely botched a throw back to the infield on Wednesday that allowed Texas Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin to stretch a double into a triple.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

"He's got a lot of games where he's played well, too, particularly on the road," Cherington said. "Fenway is the tough place. There's a wall and I know from being out there myself it can sort of seem like the wall is hanging over you. So we've just got to continue to support him and work with him.

"He's working hard. Over the course of his contract, we know the reason he's here is to help our offense win games. He came here because he wants to win. So right now, he's our left fielder and we're confident he'll continue to improve out there."

Luckily for Ramirez and the Red Sox, his offence has made up for his transgressions with the glove. In 36 games this season, the 31-year-old is hitting .266/.311/.504 with a team-leading 10 home runs and 22 RBIs.