Almost 12 years to the day Aramis Ramirez was traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Chicago Cubs, the third baseman came back to town wearing the familiar P and black and gold jersey.
The Pirates acquired Ramirez and cash considerations from the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday in exchange for Yhonathan Barrios.
“This is a good situation,” Ramirez said. “I’ve played my whole career in the [NL] Central, I’m familiar with the teams, the pitching and this is a pretty good team.”
Ramirez did confirm what he stated at the time of the trade to Milwaukee reporters that this will be his final season. The trade satisfied him.
He also mentioned that his goal was to make the playoffs with a hope to play in a World Series for the first time. Ramirez has been in the playoffs on three occasions.
“I think this is a really, really good team,” said Ramirez. “I was in last place in Milwaukee. Now I’m on a team that’s leading the wild-card race and has a chance to win the division. I couldn’t ask to be in a better situation.”
Recalling the trade from 12 years ago, Ramirez was first given the news by then Pirates General Manager Dave Littlefield and recalls being surprised.
“I was 25, and you never expect to be traded when you’re that young,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez has played 2,064 total games at third base and is likely to bat cleanup in the Pirates lineup.
“I believe in the pedigree of the player that we brought into the clubhouse,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “I believe in the swing, I believe in the run producing ability, I believe in what I’ve seen the last weeks and what I’ve seen against us for a long time. It gives us a chance to get other guys back into positions where they can be more themselves.”
Ramirez was introduced to his new teammates and Jared Hughes expressed his pleasure with the addition of the 17-year veteran.
“I went up to him and introduced myself,” Hughes said. “I told him I was honored to play with him. He has so much experience and has been in the middle of the lineup in the NL Central for a long time. He’s been one of those guys I spent hours preparing to face. Every time you make a mistake he’s going to crush it so it’s really good to have him here.”
To make room for Ramirez the Pirates designated Brent Morel for assignment.
“It’s fun especially being in a pennant race, that’s all you can ask for as a player,” said Ramirez. “This was a team that gave me that opportunity so I’m glad to be back.”
Photo courtesy: Jared Wickerham/Getty Images
