There is a scene from the film “Moneyball” in which Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt, tries to talk skeptical ex-catcher Scott Hatteberg into playing first base.
“It’s not that hard, Scott,” Beane says, gesturing to his travel companion. “Tell him, Wash.”
Not missing a beat, the actor who portrays straight-shooting infield coach Ron Washington deadpans, “It’s incredibly hard.”
Hanley Ramirez chuckles at the mention of that line. He understands the meaning of it now.
Six weeks ago, Ramirez reported to spring training with the Boston Red Sox and dismissed his impending positional switch to first base as “nothing hard.