Hanley Ramirez Traded to the Dodgers
Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reports that the Marlins have traded third baseman/shortstop Hanley Ramirez to the Dodgers for Nathan Eovaldi and a minor leaguer. The Dodgers also get Randy Choate in the deal. Crasnick says the minor leaguer going to Miami could be Scott McGough.
It does not appear as if the deal includes the Marlins absorbing any part of Ramirez’s contract. He is due to make $15.5 million next season and $16 million in 2014. He is owed the remainder of his $15 million this year as well.
The Marlins were in deep discussions with the A’s in regards to Hanley Ramirez, but the money issue was probably a
deal killer. The A’s did not seem willing to take on Ramirez’s full contract. If the Dodgers are in fact doing so, the move is better for Miami. The Marlins have decided to basically sell-off their entire team and in doing so, they will need to get young players in return while opening up payroll space. If they had to eat any part of Ramirez’s contract, that would have hindered them.
Ramirez is a career .300/.374/.499 hitter, but he has struggled his last two years. Last season, he hit just .243. This season, he’s hitting .246. His power numbers have increased this year over last as Ramirez has 14 home runs through 92 games. He had 10 home runs in 92 games last season. Ramirez was Rookie of the Year in 2006 and is a three-time All-Star. He’s been known to have attitude problems though, and the Marlins acknowledged that with this trade. They are not getting much in return for the player who most thought would be a franchise cornerstone for that organization.
The Dodgers are sending Eovaldi to Miami, which means they will be on the lookout for another starter – and the rumors are picking back up about them and Ryan Dempster. Eovaldi is just 22 years old, but has 91 Major League innings under his belt. The righty has started 10 games for the Dodgers this season and has posted a 4.15 ERA.
If Scott McGough is the minor leaguer that will be sent, the Marlins are getting a young reliever who could one day be used in a closer role. He has a 3.48 ERA in his minor league career and has picked up 15 saves.
With Dee Gordon on the disabled list, the Dodgers will likely play Ramirez at shortstop. When Gordon returns, they may shift Ramirez to third where they’ve received very little production from Juan Uribe.
For more on the Dodgers, be sure to check out Lasorda’s Lair.
For more on the Marlins, be sure to check out Marlin Maniac.