Shaw completely revamped his swing and learned a new position, as well. So it cuts both ways. He's still hitting better than Smith and at 900 PA's, he's getting worse, not better.
I think the point is that while I like Ramirez, the Cubs don't just trade guys who go off an make you regret the trade under Hoyer. So whether it's Ramirez, Harthshorn, Ayers...whatever, the Cubs probably deserve the benefit of the doubt that they aren't giving up the next major deal, and that who they get back will help the club.