Dodgers Acquire Hanley Ramirez
The Dodgers made a huge splash and gained a gigantic boost to the left side of its infield by acquiring Hanley Ramirez from Miami, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reports.
Los Angeles also acquired lefty reliever Randy Choate in exchange for starter Nathan Eovaldi and advanced-A reliever Scott McGough. Ramirez’s disappointing slash line of .246/.322/.428 made the Marlins want to get rid of the contract, the ego and the attitude but the Dodgers had money to spend and put a headliner next to Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier who has the ability to be a superstar.
Ramirez is being paid $15 million in 2012, $15.5 million in 2013 and $16 million in 2014 so there is certainly financial risk. Miami continued its payroll purge after its uncharacteristic spending spree last winter prior to its move into the new stadium.
The Marlins dealt lefty starter Anibal Sanchez and infielder Omar Infante to Detroit on Monday for a package headlined by top pitching prospect Jacob Turner. With Cole Hamels now locked in with Philadelphia and Milwaukee still weighing whether to re-sign or trade Zack Greinke, Josh Johnson could be the top available arm via trade if Miami makes him seriously available.
