Dewan: Is Ramirez an upgrade for Dodgers?

From SABR member John Dewan at ACTA Sports on July 27, 2012:

With the Trading Deadline rapidly approaching, teams are deciding between going all-in for 2012 or building for the future. One buyer, the Los Angeles Dodgers, have the division title within their sights and decided to make a splash, acquiring Hanley Ramirez from the Marlins in an effort to shore up the left side of their infield.

Ramirez was one of the National League’s best players as recently as 2010, when he started at shortstop in his third straight All-Star Game. Since then, however, Hanley has been a shadow of his MVP-caliber self, batting under .250 with a significant power loss since the start of 2011. The Dodgers are hoping the former batting champion with 25+ home run power will reignite in Los Angeles.

Even if his bat rebounds in pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers may still have a problem on their hands. Even before his offensive struggles, Hanley’s defense has been a problem. According to Defensive Runs Saved (as calculated by Baseball Info Solutions), Hanley cost the Marlins 64 runs compared to an average defensive shortstop from 2006 through 2011. Using the rule of thumb that 10 runs translates to a win in the standings, Ramirez cost his team about a win per season with his defense.

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Originally published: July 27, 2012. Last Updated: July 27, 2012.