Hanley Ramirez hopes to remain in left field for Red Sox next season

Despite numerous misadventures and misplayed balls, Hanley Ramirez is hoping to remain in the Boston Red Sox outfield in 2016.

"Left field," Ramirez told reporters when asked what position he aims to play.

Appearing almost exclusively at shortstop for the first 10 years of his career, the Red Sox gambled by moving Ramirez to left field to start the season. The move has been a disappointment, however, as the 31-year-old ranks as one of the worst defensive outfielders in the majors.

Though Ramirez has struggled to adjust to his new position, he does credit the move to the outfield for his increased durability.

"Because what I was trying to do (in previous seasons) was just stay on the field," Ramirez, who has appeared in 93 of 106 games, said. "I was having problems with that. I was getting hurt a lot. And I think playing in the outfield, that gives me a better chance to just stay on the field."

Designated hitter David Ortiz is expected to return to the Red Sox for a 20th season next year, but Ramirez could eventually replace the slugger in the exclusive hitting role before his contract expires in 2018.

(Video Courtesy: MLB.com)