Ramsey traded

The Wild Things are off to the best start in franchise history but manager John Massarelli isn't about to stand pat with the roster. Washington made a somewhat surprising roster move Saturday by trading third baseman Ben Ramsey to Traverse City for a first-round draft pick in 2008. Ramsey was batting .333 and was tied for the team lead with six doubles. His nine RBI were tied for fourth on the team. Ramsey's defense was solid as he committed only one error in 11 games and showed a strong throwing arm.

So why trade Ramsey? Washington did have a logjam of third basemen with Ramsey, Robbie Knapp, Justin Gregula and Eric Earnhart, yet Ramsey seemed to have more of what scouts call "upside" than the other four.

Massarelli said the move was all about fit.

"When I put the team together in the offseason, it's not necessarily about getting the 24 most-talented players," Massarelli said. "It's about finding the 24 who fit together the best. Ben Ramsey can be an all-star in this league. He has a lot of ability. But it's the 24 players who fit the puzzle that I'm looking for."

Massarelli said third base will be handled by a platoon of Gregula and Earnhart. Washington will fill the open roster spot next week. With Earnhart now playing third base, expect the new player to be an outfielder.