This could be the beginning of the “re-build” or just a blip on the radar screen for the Milwaukee Brewers, nevertheless, one of “Cream City’s” fan favorites is going home. Not back to the Dominican Republic, but, Pittsburgh, the team he broke in the big leagues with in 1998.

Ramirez the early years

Thursday, the Brewers completed a deal that sent their third baseman Aramis Ramirez to the Pirates for a minor league pitcher and cash. Ramirez came to the Crew by the way of free agency in 2012 from the Cubs to fill the same hole that it looks he is going to fill in Pittsburgh…fielding stability and a clutch bat. During his tenure in Milwaukee he was a MVP candidate in 2012, and All-Star in 2014.

Ramirez day one as a Brewer 2012

The 37 year old third baseman who said at the beginning of this season that it would be his last, put up solid first half numbers for Milwaukee, batting .247 in 81 games with 18 doubles, 11 home runs and 42 RBI.

Ramirez will fortifie a hole at third in Pittsburgh, and will be a solid bat off the bench when needed. Truthfully, he deserves to go to a contender after 18 years of service and his last year.

As for what the Brewers got, General Manager Doug Melvin aquired a minor league right-hander who had been coverted from an infielder. Yhonathan Barrios is a 23 year old Colombian who has the velocity to be a major league pitcher but needs work on his command. Since 2013 when Barrios made the move in positions, he sports a 3.12 ERA and 1.84 strikeout to walk ratio in 1092/3 innings.

The acquisition Barrios

Best of luck Rami you deserve it and will be missed.

**side note the Ramirez trade came EXACTLY 12 years to the date that he was first traded from Pittsburgh  to Chicago (7/23/03).