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Report: Red Sox are in 'advanced conversations' with Hanley Ramirez

Jayne Kamin-Oncea / USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox are attempting to take a major dip in the free agent pool. 

Having already made an offer to third baseman Pablo Sandoval, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports is reporting that the Red Sox are trying hard to also land shortstop Hanley Ramirez. 

The Red Sox are said to be in advanced conversations with the 30-year-old and the deal "could come together quickly," one source told Alex Speier of WEEI.  

While Sandoval serves as a much needed upgrade at third base for Boston, Ramirez's fit in the lineup is a bit more of a mystery. The Red Sox already have Xander Bogaerts at shortstop and remain high on the 22-year-old despite a subpar rookie season. 

The Red Sox were reported to have interest in a reunion with Ramirez earlier in the month and Heyman notes those talks have grown more serious in recent days. It's believed Ramirez is open to discussing playing another position. 

Originally signed as an amateur free agent by Boston in 2000, Ramirez represents one of the top position players on the open market but his ability to stay healthy does present some cause for concern. He's appeared in over 130 games once over the last four seasons and missed 34 games in 2014 due to numerous ailments. However, when healthy, the three-time All-Star is one of the top offensive players at the position. 

Year GP HR RBI AVG/OBP/SLG
2014 128 13 71 .283/.369/.448
2013 86 20 57 .345/.402/.638
2012 157 24 92 .257/.322/.437
2011 92 10 45 .243/.333/.379

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