Analysis:Manny Ramirez Traded to Los Angeles Dodgers in 3 Team Trade

In a stunning move the Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez. The trade involved three teams; the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Los Angeles Dodgers. All three teams were looking to make moves for very different reasons.

Who Got What?

Boston Red Sox: OF Jason Bay

Los Angeles Dodgers: Manny Ramirez, $7 million from the Red Sox for the remainder of Manny's 2008 salary.

Pittsburgh Pirates: 3B Andy LaRoche and RHP Bryan Morris from the Dodgers. OF Brandon Moss and RHP Craig Hansen form the Boston Red Sox.

Why They Made the Trade:
Boston Red Sox: Manny Ramirez stated that the Red Sox didn't deserve him anymore. It was time to move on as hard as that may be. The Red Sox had seemingly locked in a trade with the Florida Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates but that deal fell through. It seems as though the Red Sox got very desperate in their attempt to unload Manny and took whatever they could get which was Jason Bay. They felt that they had to make a move to help the team move forward. But does the trade help more then it hurts their chances down the stretch?

Los Angeles Dodgers: Why the heck wouldn't they it's Manny freakin Ramirez! The Dodgers did not need another outfielder but they do need offense. Remember the game the Dodgers won against the Angels 1-0 without a hit? Well it was painful to watch even though they pulled off the W. The Dodgers desperately needed a power hitter and they got one of the best in the game. Question: How do you steal Manny Ramirez. Answer: The Dodgers just pulled it off! Andy Laroche and Bryan Morris for Manny Ramirez? I'll take that any day of the week. Dodgers GM Ned Colleti should be throwing the largest party in the State of California tonight.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Poor Poor Pirates. They can have all the talent in the world and still have a losing baseball team. They are in rebuilding mode again and were happy to receive four prospects for Jason Bay. The Pirates were in a nice situation because it didn't matter to them if they made a trade or not. Either way they are not a playoff contender. Sometimes it pays to just sit back and wait for the phones to ring. If you make a trade you better the team, if not you still have Jason Bay. Win/Win scenario. The Pirates decided to go with a change and it appears at the moment to be a good one.

2 Winners, 1 Loser
The Dodgers and the Pirates both made out like bandits in this deal. The Dodgers just got a hall of fame power hitting outfielder and the Pirates got four glimmers of hope that someday their baseball team will make the playoffs. This trade could not have gone any better for the Pirates and Dodgers. The Dodgers will now make the playoffs and the Pirates....well the Pirates solidify their roster and farm system for the future.

The Boston Red Sox lost big time in this deal. They lost Manny Ramirez, $7 million, and two solid prospects....all for a lesser outfielder in Jason Bay. Are you serious? I know they were desperate but a police report should be filed because the Red Sox just got robbed. Expect the "Manny Curse" to haunt beantown for a few decades.