John Danks is rightfully getting a lot of credit for the Sox 4-1 win over Oakland Thursday. But there were several defensive plays made behind him that should make the nightly highlights.
Alexei Ramirez made a play Thursday that I've never seen a Sox outfielder make before. Oakland's Emil Brown hit what looked like a sure double in the second inning. Ramirez cut the ball off in the right-centerfield gap, did a 360 speed turn and blindly rifled a throw right on the money to second base. Shortstop Orlando Cabrera put the tag on Brown, who looked stunned that he had been thrown out.
There are probably only a handful of outfielders in the American League who can make that play. It takes speed to cut the ball off and a cannon arm to do something like that. Few players possess both those skills. Ichiro makes it look routine, but he's a freak anyway. By mortal standards, Ramirez's play was incredible.
In addition, Joe Crede made a diving stop to rob Mark Ellis of extra bases. What else is new? Crede should have won a Gold Glove by now. In addition, Carlos Quentin robbed Brown with a leaping catch at the wall in the seventh.
Tough day for Emil Brown, but a great day for John Danks and the Sox.
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