The Dodgers have yet to decide if Hanley Ramirez will play third base or shortstop in 2013, MLB.com reported Thursday.
The decision primarily rests on two factors: Ramirez's defense and Dee Gordon's ability to hit in the majors. Ramirez never has been considered a particularly great shortstop, and the Marlins were eager to move him off the position as soon as they acquired Jose Reyes via free agency. Gordon, however, has hit just .260/.299/.315 in 143 games (563 plate appearances) in the major leagues.
If the Dodgers decide to send Gordon back to the minor leagues to develop, Luis Cruz likely will handle whichever left-side infield spot that Ramirez doesn't play. Cruz has significant minor-league experience at both positions, and he endeared himself to both Dodgers fans and the club brass with a .297/.322/.431 season as the Dodgers' primary third baseman in the second half (78 games). Cruz did play 24 games at shortstop as well, making just two errors.
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