MIAMI -- The conversation before the Red Sox' 7-3 win over the Marlins lasted about five minutes, starting with remembering that trade after the 2005 season that sent Hanley Ramirez to Florida and ending with the boldest of proclamations.
"I think this year I'm going to be better than '09," Ramirez told WEEI.com, with the 34-year-old referencing what was perhaps the best year of his career, hitting a National League-best .342.
First, it was the goal of hitting 30 home runs and stealing 30 bases, now this.
But, as is the case with Ramirez, the predictions and confidence are what we have come to expect. Even witnessing his fifth-inning homer and second stolen base of the season doesn't elicit too much eyebrow-raising. It's everything else which always surprises, a reality that was on full display throughout the rest of the pregame interview, along with one heartfelt moment within the game.
What we uncovered this time around was how Ramirez actually approaches his world, and why he does it in such a manner.
So, when you were traded, what were your thoughts?
"I don't think too much. I was just happy to be here. I don't think. I don't think. Right now I don't think about tomorrow. But I never did. I don't plan. Never. That's me."
You don't analyze the situations?
"I can't work like that. Thinking. You have a plan. You know what the pitchers throw. What they're trying to do against us. That's it."
How can you take that approach?
"I've always been good. I was born being good."
Have you ever been jealous of those who do think a lot?
"[Expletive] no. It's not good for your head. Ask Mookie, what happens when you think too much?" (He has now turned to Mookie Betts at a nearby locker, who responds on cue, "I get out every single time.") "Yeah, because he's good. He's got the ability to play the game. He doesn't need to be thinking like other guys. It's different. A different ability."
Have ever had a time you did think?
"I think that's what happened to me. I started to think too much. It [expletive] me up after my second surgery (in 2012). Everything changed. I was thinking too much about the pitcher. When you lead the league in high school, college you don't think. You just go out and hack an have a plan and let things happen."
Do you ever want to think more?
"[Expletive] that [expletive]. Stop thinking too much. Do your routine. Have a plan and go out there and do your thing."
How can you be this way?
Not everybody can be that way. Not everybody can be like me. If you want to be like me you're going to have to ask my dad." (He then turns and points to his young son.) "I was raking, like my son. He's raking. Except he's got a little more pop than me."
How do you plan if you don't think?
Prepare yourself. Have a plan. When I say I don't think, it doesn't mean I don't have a plan. I put it this way, the game is going to tell me what to do. We're playing at Fenway, 1-1 game. You think they're going to throw me fastballs right down the middle? No. Man on second, no outs. What are they going to try and do? Pitch me in. The game is going to dictate what I do. Just wait for your pitch, and do the job.
And that's what Hanley did a few hours later.
He saw a disabled young man just prior to the game, promising that if he hit a home run the young man could have his game jersey. So, Ramirez hit the home run, crossed home plate, climbed in the stands and gave the shirt off his back.
Remember ... "The game is going to dictate what I do."
We may never quite figure out Ramirez before he leaves town, but Monday night seemed to be a step in the right direction.
