Wed, Jul 25, 2012 at 10:35am

DODGERS ACQUIRE HANLEY RAMIREZ

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired infielder Hanley Ramirez and pitcher Randy Choate from the Miami Marlins for pitchers Nathan Eovaldi and Scott McGough.

What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers felt the need to add another potent bat for their lineup. Enter Ramirez, an uber-talented but uber-mercurial player with a lot of baggage. Initially, the Dodgers will play Ramirez at his natural shortstop position (where regular Dee Gordon is currently on the disabled list). Once Gordon returns, the plan is for Ramirez to play third base ahead of veteran Juan Uribe. However, Ramirez has balked at moving off shortstop in the past, so this is a risky proposition for LA. One with great potential reward, though. As for Choate, he'll be a situational lefty for the Dodgers. LA didn't give up much here, so it's a good risk to take.

What does it give the Miami Marlins
It's a bit of a mystery as to what the Marlins' current game plan is. On the one hand, they appeared to be going for it with the acquisition of Carlos Lee earlier this season. Now, they appear to be in typical fire-sale mode. Ramirez came with a lot of issues, so it's not entirely surprising he was dealt. In fact, his days were numbered the moment he balked at moving from shortstop to third base when Jose Reyes was signed. The Marlins receive a decent young starter in Eovaldi, who should get better now that he's no longer in a pennant race. They also get a bullpen arm in McGough, who has some upside as a late-inning reliever.

Fantasy impact