Dodgers Trade Eovaldi, to Miami for Hanley Ramirez, and Randy Choate

The Dodger’s new ownership has finally made their first steps towards improving the Dodgers, and I am loving it. Tonight it was announced, that the Dodgers have traded right handed starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi, along with minor leaguer Scott McGough to the Miami Marlins for shortstop/third baseman Hanley Ramirez, and lefty reliever Randy Choate. We learned this just after hearing that Adam Kennedy will be going on the disabled list with a groin injury, that he re-aggravated during the end of last night’s game. With Eovaldi traded, and Kennedy going to the DL, two roster spots open for Ramirez, and Choate.

We were all so blindsided by the annoying Ryan Dempster saga, that this came out of nowhere. Sure we knew the Dodgers were looking for a third baseman, or first baseman, starting pitcher, and or left handed reliever.  But it looked unlikely the Dodgers would get anything with their lack of top ranked prospects and overall depth in the farm system. This gives the Dodgers two of those, in one fell swoop. Or one trade I should say.

Eovaldi was scheduled to start Friday night in game one of the series at San Francisco, and now the Dodgers will have to scramble to find a late replacement. It could be minor leaguer Stephen Fife, or it could possibly even be Dempster himself, who apparently vetoed his own trade to Atlanta, because he wants to play for the Dodgers.

Eovaldi is 1-6 this season with a 4.15 ERA in ten starts with the Dodgers. Scott McGough was pitching for Rancho Cucomonga in single A ball.  Meanwhile, the Dodgers get a big upgrade at third base, and some power in the lineup. Ramirez is 28 years old, and has two more years remaining on his contract. He is making 15 million this year, with 5.7 remaining for 2012. He’ll make 15.5 million in 2013, and 16 million in 2014. The Dodgers are responsible for the remainder of the contract, and no cash is being exchanged between the two clubs.

Ramirez this year is hitting  .246 with a .322 OBP, 14 home runs, 47 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. Ramirez was moved to third base this year, after the Marlins signed high price free agent shortstop Jose Reyes. The Marlins are in sure fire sell mode after their disappointing season long suckfest.

The Dodgers are hoping a change of scenery does wonders for Ramirez, who won the rookie of the year award in 2006, three time all-star, and 2009 NL batting champion (.342). Ramirez is a career .300 hitter, with a .373 OBP, and has hit 148 home runs.

Randy Choate is 36 years old and is out of San Antonio Texas. Choate has pitched with the Yankees, Dbacks, and Rays, for 12 seasons in the majors before signing with Miami this season. Choate led the league in games pitched (85), in 2010, and has a 2.49 ERA in 44 games with the Marlins this season. The lefty has whiffed 27, and walked only nine, and picked up one save. Lefties are hitting just .150 against Choate this year. He is making 1.5 million dollars in the final year of his contract. He is a free agent next season.

In a vacuum I love this trade. I’ll miss Eovaldi though. However this move had to be done. The Dodgers just can’t go on any further with Juan Uribe at third base. They just can’t. We had to trade the only chips we have to trade, which is young right handed pitching. It had to be done guys. We also get a decent left handed reliever who can be a lefty specialist.

It’s a good trade for both teams. I’m sure some people will complain, and yes I am a bit bummed to lose Eovaldi, but we are gaining much needed offense at third base. Of course since Dee Gordon is on the DL, I am sure that Ramirez will play shortstop, and the Dodgers will platoon Luis Cruz, and Jerry Hairston at third base until Gordon returns. We still have a week until July 31, and we still could get Dempster. I’m lovin’ trade season now! The Dodgers begin a three game series in San Francisco on Friday night, and are two and a half games behind the Giants in the NL West.

However but what about when Ted Lilly returns in a couple of weeks? Another spot on the 25-man roster would need to open for him. Perhaps moving Todd Coffey to the 60 day DL? More moves are coming guys, and we will know more tomorrow. Will Juan Uribe get DFA’d Do we dare to dream? Things are about to get crazy guys. Buckle up Dodger fans, we’re in for a wild ride. Go Blue.