Dodgers Acquire Three-Time All-Star, NL Batting Champ Hanley Ramirez

"The addition of a hitter the caliber of Hanley Ramirez improves our lineup from top to bottom," said GM Ned Colletti

The Dodgers have come to terms with the struggling Marlins in a multi-player trade that sends 2009 NL batting champ Hanley Ramirez to Los Angeles, the team announced Wednesday morning.

The Dodgers will also get reliever Randy Choate while the Marlins will receive pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and a minor leaguer. The deadline to make trades without waivers is next Tuesday.

This Ramirez trade is the Dodgers' most high-profile since a trade involving another Ramirez -- Manny Ramirez. That Ramirez helped the Dodgers to two consecutive National League Championship series.

It also marks the most significant player swap of the Dodgers' new ownership group, which took over team operations this season after the Frank McCourt era.

"The addition of a hitter the caliber of Hanley Ramirez improves our lineup from top to bottom, inserting a proven run producer to go along with Matt (Kemp) and Andre (Ethier)," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti told MLB.com. "We're excited for Hanley to begin a new chapter in Los Angeles."

Ramirez is a three-time All Star who won the NL batting crown in 2009 and earned Rookie of the Year in 2006. He is hitting just .246 with 14 home runs this season, but the Dodgers hope he can add some punch to the offense as the team battles for a spot in the post-season.

Where there's smoke, there's usually a fire sale with the Marlins. The team sent pitcher Anibal Sanchez and infielder Omar Infante to the Detroit Tigers for pitching prospect Jacob Turner and two minor leaguers just two days ago.

After winning the 1997 World Series, the Marlins jettisoned high-priced stars Moises Alou, Kevin Brown, Al Leiter, Robb Nen, Jeff Conine and Devon White. They won the Series again in 2003, then allowed Ivan Rodriguez, Ugueth Urbina, Derrek Lee, Mark Redman, Braden Looper and Juan Encarnacion to depart.

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Entering Wednesday, the Dodgers were 2.5 games behind San Francisco in the National League West.

It's possible the Dodgers are not done dealing as the trade deadline approaches. The team also is believed to be working toward a deal for Chicago Cubs ace Ryan Dempster.

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