Dodgers Acquire Hanley Ramirez from the Miami Marlins

When the Dodgers' new ownership group took over earlier in the year, they promised to do whatever it took to build a winner.  They lived up to that promise today by acquiring Hanley Ramirez from the Miami Marlins.

L.A. gave up little to get Ramirez.  In exchange for Ramirez and left-handed reliever Randy Choate, the Dodgers sent rookie starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and minor-league pitcher Scott McGough to the Marlins.

Ramirez spent his first six seasons in Miami as a shortstop but moved to third base this season to accommodate Jose Reyes.

From 2006-2010 there was no better offensive shortstop in the game.  His power, speed, and high average were the envy of the league.

A shoulder injury in 2010 and growing discontent with the managers Fredi Gonzalez and Edwin Rodriguez led to a disappointing 2011 for Ramirez.  The power and speed numbers for Ramirez are decent in 2012, but the average is nowhere near what it was when he captured the N.L. batting title in 2009.

Despite concerns over Ramirez's salary and commitment, he is a huge upgrade on the left side of the Dodgers' infield.  He will likely play shortstop until Dee Gordon returns from injury.

A lot of people believe a change of scenery can help slumping ballplayers, and Dodgers fans certainly hope that will be the case with Ramirez.

Los Angeles may not be done as buyers.  The Dodgers hope to land either Ryan Dempster or Matt Garza from Chicago to shore up the starting rotation.