 12/24/2004 8:00 AM ET
Ramirez ready to deck the halls
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| Horacio Ramirez tries to convince John Smoltz to become a Lakers fan. (Erik S. Lesser/Getty Images)
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Looking to prove his shoulder is sound and that he can make significant contributions to one of Atlanta's most talented starting rotations, Horacio Ramirez anxiously awaits the start of Spring Training in the manner that many children are awaiting Santa's arrival.
Growing up just a few miles from the Los Angeles Airport (LAX), Ramirez never realized what a White Christmas was like. But as he spends this holiday season with his family once again in Southern California, he doesn't feel the least bit cheated.
What is one of your favorite Christmas traditions?
We've done the same thing for a long time. We always go to one of my uncle's houses on Christmas Eve and have a barbeque. Carnitas are always available and we wait until midnight before opening our gifts.
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Holiday Q & A
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Christmas Day we always go to another uncle's house and have another feast. He's always got a fire going in the back of his house and a lot of the men sit back there and just talk or whatever.
This year, I'm pretty sure I'll be in front of a television watching that Lakers and Heat game on Christmas Day.
What's the best gift you've ever received for Christmas?
I can't think of one that stands out. I know I always loved it when my parents got me boxes of baseball cards. They came with like 10 packs in them. I always wanted the 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey, Jr. card and never did get it.
If you had to buy a gift for one of your Braves teammates, who would it be and what would you buy him?
Well since Johnny Estrada is such a big Raiders' fan, I'd get him a Denver Broncos jersey.
I'd also have to get John Smoltz a Lakers jersey. He's got to get rid of his Pistons stuff.
What is your favorite Christmas movie?
I've always liked "Home Alone." Just the first one though. The sequels weren't nearly as good.
Being a California native, have you ever wanted to experience a White Christmas?
I'm happy when it's 74 degrees out there. It's a lot better than finding out what a White Christmas would be like.
If not at home, where would be the best place to spend Christmas?
Probably in Jalostotitlan, Jalisco, Mexico, where my grandparents live.
What do you want for Christmas this year?
I want Kobe to dunk on Shaq. That will make my Christmas. Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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