Ramirez is showing a more compact swing during his early spring training at-bats, the Boston Herald reports. "It's more of a line-drive approach. And I think as you look at the way he finishes with swings, it's more of a two-handed finish rather than the release of the top hand. It's enabled him to be more compact," said Red Sox manager John Farrell.
The approach is different than the swing we witnessed last year, when Ramirez's swings were often uncontrollable hacks designed to hit homers. After a 2-for-2 performance Sunday, Ramirez is 4-for-8 this spring. While we aren't excited about hitting .500 off pitchers that are throwing mostly fastballs, the approach and athleticism Ramirez is showing is encouraging. His shoulder is healthy; he's less bulky; and Ramirez has taken to the coaching he's getting from hitting coach Chili Davis.