Hanley Ramirez Blindsided by Trade to Dodgers

Fitzgerald Cecilio

Third baseman Hanley Ramirez admitted that he was blindsided by the Miami Marlins' decision to trade him to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"Never. Never. I never felt I was going to be dealt," said Ramirez after receiving the news that he and reliever Randy Choate were dealt for pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and minor-league pitcher Scott McGough.

"It's my family. I've been with the Marlins for seven years in the big leagues. I was hoping to stay here my entire career. It didn't happen, but they're always going to be part of my family," he added.

But Ramirez blames no one but himself for the trade as he failed to deliver what was expected from him this season.

"What can I say? I didn't do what they expected me to do. I think that's what happened in my opinion. I don't think they just gave up. I didn't do what I was supposed to do on the field," he said.

Ramirez also understands that trades are part of the sport and teams will do anything to improve and contend, including giving up best players.

"At the end of the day it's a business. You try to do the best you can to improve," he said.

For the second consecutive day, the Marlins have unloaded key players after trading second baseman Omar Infante and pitcher Anibal Sanchez to the Detroit Tigers Monday.

The 28-year-old Ramirez is batting.246 with 14 home runs and 47 RBIs for the Marlins. The Dodgers will assume the $38 million remaining on his contract through the 2014 season.

In the off-season, the Marlins moved Ramirez to third base from shortstop after acquiring Jose Reyes from the New York Mets, but he denied the move has affected his play.

"Not at all. I don't like to blame anything. I was just struggling at the plate. I was struggling, but the last couple of days I've been feeling better and everyone told me I looked better at the plate," Ramirez explained.

Ramirez said he will cherish all the memories he had with team and the city he called home for seven years and the fans that supported him through thick and thin.

I want to thank the Marlins for the opportunity they gave me to play in the big leagues and believing in my talent, young talent, and having me here for seven years. They're always going to be my family. It's one of the hardest days in my life for me and my family," Ramirez said.

Right now, Ramirez is trying to move on and focus on helping his new team, and ultimately win championship rings with the Dodgers.

"I'm just looking forward to going to LA and do what I didn't here, win championships," Ramirez said.

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Hanley Ramirez Blindsided by Trade to Dodgers