As I sit here on New Year's Eve, trying to get through Mamma Mia with my relatives, I thought I'd start a debate -
The Red Sox recently tried to trade for the Marlins' Hanley Ramirez. Ironically, he was originally a top Boston prospect - he was eventually part of the package that netted Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell. Florida wanted some combination of Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz and other prospects, but a trade was never finalized.
My question is: what would you give up from the Yankees' system to acquire Hanley? His numbers are just sick (career 135 OPS+, 137 SB), especially considering he's a shortstop and just turned 25. His defense is often criticized, but it's more reputation than fact - he was three runs above average this year (by comparison, Derek Jeter was four runs below average.)
Where might he play? If Robbie Cano is part of the package, problem solved. If not, he could probably make a decent transition to center-field.
The only player I wouldn't give up is Joba. Cano, Phil Hughes, Jesus Montero and Austin Jackson are all available for a player of Hanley's quality. He's an established perennial All-Star at 25, and is more valuable than another (recent) Marlin, Miguel Cabrera, because he plays defense, runs, and seems to be in shape.