A-RAM HEADS BACK TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired infielder Aramis Ramirez and cash from the Milwaukee Brewers for pitcher Yhonathan Barrios.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have issues on the left side of their infield with both 3B Josh Harrison (thumb) and SS Jordy Mercer (knee) currently on the 15-day disabled list, so bringing back Ramirez makes sense at this time. After all, the 37-year-old Ramirez is expected to retire at the end of the 2015 season. An original Buc, 'A-Ram' could be a factor in Pittsburgh's attempt at catching the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central division.
What does it give the Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers are non-contenders in the NL Central division this season, so moving out veterans should be the plan for the rest of '15. Ramirez was an obvious candidate to be sent to a contender, since he should retire at season's end. Without him, the Brew Crew will use the rest of the season to evaluate their third base prospects. In Barrios, the Bucs land an intriguing bullpen arm with good stuff (but extreme wildness).
Fantasy impact
Ramirez could be a decent fantasy pickup down the stretch, but he might wind up on the bench once Harrison returns. Barrios may have some long-range fantasy upside but his raw arm will need plenty of time to develop fully.
