Hot Stove Lunch: Hanley wants to keep playing; Red Sox believe in sharing

It seems Hanley Ramirez isn't done with baseball just yet.

Ramirez, who was designated for assignment by the Red Sox late last May and sat out for the rest of 2018, is playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic, hoping to catch the eye of some major league teams.

It seemed strange that Ramirez either wasn't interested in playing elsewhere after being let go in Boston...or didn't receive any interest. Then again, Ramirez was due about $15 million for the Red Sox whether he played elsewhere or not and perhaps he wanted to take the rest of the season off to relax.

Even as he readies to return to MLB, Ramirez is keeping a relatively low profile. Through his agent, he has politely declined a number of interview requests. He was supportive of his former team throughout the postseason -- even as they faced the Dodgers, for whom he played parts of three seasons.

Taking part in winter ball must be a humbling experience for Ramirez, who, according to BaseballReference.com, had earned almost $160 million over his career. It's unlikely that, at 35, he's going to earn a big deal this winter. He may even have to accept a minor league deal and an invite to spring training.

It's likely Ramirez would be limited to an American League team, where he could contribute at DH. If the Seattle Mariners succeed in unloading Robinson Cano, and lose another power bat in Nelson Cruz to free agency that could be a landing spot for him.

The Sox open their 2019 season in Seattle. Wouldn't it be something to have Ramirez in the opposing lineup that night?

Elsewhere....

AL EAST

Why the Yankees and Bryce Harper make sense.

The Yankees made a roster claim.

What would a successful 2019 look like for the Orioles?

Former manager Joe Maddon weighs in on the Rays.

The Blue Jays made a change to their coaching staff.

AL CENTRAL

The Indians stand to have more than few big losses in free agency. Can they survive?

The Twins claimed C.J. Cron on waivers.

Should the White Sox think about Robinson Cano?

A closer look at Conner Greene, whom the Royals obtained Monday.

AL WEST 

After two seasons with the Astros, Brian McCann is going home.

Heisman Trophy candidate Tyler Murray, an A's draft pick, isn't forgetting about baseball.

The Mariners have at least two players who are untouchables.

The Rangers have had a revolving door when it comes to their hitting coaches.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

It was a busy Monday for the Atlanta Braves.

HOT TAKE I MIGHT SOON REGRET

The Red Sox handed out 66 full postseason shares, more than any other team involved in the 2018 postseason except one (the Dodgers handed out 67 full shares).

Each share is worth $416,837.72. The Sox also awarded 10 partial shares and eight cash awards.

Veteran players typically determine how a team's postseason cash pool is going to be divided up in the closing weeks of the season. The pool is made up of gate receipts from the MLB postseason.

Given that the Sox had just 44 players appear in games during the season, it would appear that the team rewarded a lot of support staff (trainers, clubhouse attendants, even coaches) with full shares.

And good for them. While the full share may not mean much for players already making millions, the money can be life-changing for those making more modest salaries.