Editorials

ESPN’s Jim Bowden Believes He Has Answer For Dodgers Rotation Need

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

It’s no secret the Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation is hurting with Hyun-Jin Ryu’s return unknown and essentially pushed back, and Brandon McCarthy out for the season due to Tommy John surgery.

The organization has been shuffling through Triple-A to round out the backend of their rotation, and although this has not been entirely detrimental to their success thus far, the team will eventually need a more stable answer to their rotation problems.



According to Jim Bowden of ESPN, Oakland Athletics starter Scott Kazmir could be a good fit for the Dodgers rotation in exchange for Chris Heisey and Zach Lee:

2. Los Angeles Dodgers
Possible trade: Kazmir for Zach Lee and Chris Heisey

The Dodgers are dealing with the shoulder and back issues of Hyun-Jin Ryu as well as the Tommy John surgery that has left Brandon McCarthy out for the year. They could use another solid pitcher to go with Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke at the top of their rotation, particularly for the postseason. Kazmir would be a perfect rental fit for the remainder of the season.

The Dodgers might be willing to reluctantly part with Lee, a top pitching prospect who has never lived up to his potential but is off to a fast start in Triple-A. The Dodgers, who have the game’s highest payroll, need a proven starter much more than they need to develop a young one. Lee’s four-pitch repertoire is just a tick above average, but he still has time to develop into a decent middle-of-the-rotation starter. Heisey would give the A’s a right-handed power hitter who can play all three outfield positions, a necessity if you’re going to wear an A’s uniform.

Kazmir is in his final year of his two-year, $22 million contract with the A’s making him a plausible temporary replacement for the Boys in Blue. The 31-year-old left-hander is 2-0 on the season with a 1.62 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP and could sit well behind Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke.

Lee opened the season in Triple-A and is 3-2 with a 2.79 ERA. The 23-year-old right-hander has been a highly promising starter in the Dodgers farm system, but he’s yet to advance past Triple-A in his career.

Heisey also began the season with the Oklahoma City Dodgers, though he was called up for a start against Madison Bumgarner and the San Francisco Giants. Heisey again joined the Dodgers Thursday in what presumably will be another short stint in the Majors.

The 30 year old can play all three outfield positions and currently has seven home runs and 13 RBIs in 61 plate appearances in Triple-A. Heisey appears to be more expendable than Lee, but the duo could propose a fair trade value for a solid starter the team desperately needs.

[divide]

Brett Anderson Encouraged By Health And Results


Please enable Javascript to watch this video

Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

9 Comments

  1. I say great trade ,yes ke be a rentel 4 now but as we all know we got that $$$$$flow going on and can sign 4 at 2 to 3 yrs seeing what happen’s this year I say lelet’s do this and now

  2. I would rather see the Dodgers trade off these two than Guerrero and anyone else in a trade. There going to have to do something no doubt about that so go for it I guess. Up in the air over it as you can probably tell

  3. It’s all going to depend on how Frias and Anderson pitch. Frias throws hard, but lacks off speed stuff, and Anderson is above average if he stays healthy. We don’t really need a 5th starter. Obviously Ryu coming back would be huge. We really have no need for Heisey, and I’m ok parting with a pitcher who’s upside is a number 3 or 4 starter if need be.

  4. Quit giving stiffs like Bolsinger, Huff, Baker and Wieland starts, while Lee rots in the minors. Call him up and see what he can do. I just don’t get it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button