Ramirez Makes Dodgers Favorites in the NL West

It was a solid debut in Dodger Blue for Hanley Ramirez.  Seemingly un-phased by his new surroundings, Ramirez stepped up to the plate in St. Louis, batting fifth, and delivered a triple, eventually turning it into a run.  He followed that up with a sac fly, and an RBI single in a 3-2 loss to the Cardinals.     

While the Marlins are unloading talent, the Dodgers are more than willing to accept it.   

The Los Angeles Dodgers proved active leading up to the trade deadline, trading for Miami Marlins veteran infielder, Hanley Ramirez, in a four player deal Wednesday. 

The acquisition of Ramirez pairs him with fellow All-Stars Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, while also giving the Dodgers one of the most exciting 3, 4, 5 batting trios in the majors.  Ramirez’s talents will with out a doubt provide swagger for a Dodger team that currently sits two games out of first, behind NL West rival San Francisco.    Not only does this addition add to the Hollywood flare the Dodgers are seeking under new ownership, but it also makes them the favorite to recapture the NL West crown. 

Ramirez needed a change in scenery; a new stadium, name, and uniforms weren’t enough to get him back in the grove.  Despite the shift from the old Marlins to the new Marlins, Ramirez never settled in.  Miami brought in free agent shortstop, Jose Reyes, which in turn forced Ramirez to play third base, a switch he seemed OK with.  Throw in an ocean of outfield grass in the new Marlins ball park and maybe too much change was at play.  Ramirez’s power numbers were falling drastically in the new park which can only be attributed to its gigantic dimensions.  It’s obvious that he would welcome the trade to LA.  A smaller outfield and the potential to play some shortstop, has to make him feel good about the situation.   

Ramirez had become a staple for the Marlins organization and their fans.  He voiced his disappointment for not having delivered any postseason action for the club in an ESPN.com report; "I leave with some regret, not having helped bring a championship to Miami," Ramirez said. "But otherwise, I just keep positive memories of my time with the team." 

Ramirez’s words reflect the professional that he is and his willingness to yet again deal with change in 2012. 

Now Ramirez has a whole new club to adjust to and the Dodgers hope this latest change can give his career the jolt it needs.  A career with a resume that is highlighted by a .300 average, a 2006 rookie of the year award, and ’08-’09 Silver Slugger honors, LA has to believe that their newest investment can help lift them into the World Series, sooner rather than later.  Tonight’s debut performance was a fine start and perhaps a sign of things to come.