You know I wasn't really worried about the Los Angeles Dodgers being a threat in the NL West despite the fact that they are currently parked atop the division. The Dodgers just got a whole lot scarier. Manny Ramirez was traded to the Dodgers today just before the deadline.Reports are sketchy but it looks as if this was a three team deal involving the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and Dodgers. The Sox will get OF Jason Bay. L.A. now has a very jumbled outfield with decrepit guys like Juan Pierre and Andruw Jones taking up bench spots (and a significant chunk of the teams payroll. They also have up-and-coming guys like Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp who should be taking the call as starters.
This one could go either way for all teams involved. I think Manny will play hard with a change of scenery and will give them the power bat Andruw Jones couldn't. Boston will be set for the future with the OF trifecta of Bay, J.D. Drew, and Jacoby Ellsbury. Pittsburgh received prospects and will continue their perpetual rebuilding process and provide for a nice doormat to all other NL teams.
This trade also makes for a couple of VERY interesting potential World Series matchups. Joe Torre and Man-Ram's Dodgers against the Yankees? Man-Ram, Derek Lowe, and Nomar against the Red Sox? All the makings of an exciting postseason.
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