Trade Deadline Roundtable: What To Expect From The Dodgers On July 31
With the trade deadline just two days away, the Dodgers are in a great position to add to the bullpen and not need to make a blockbuster deal.
We asked Dustin Nosler of FeelinKindaBlue, Scott Andes of LasordasLair and Pedro Moura of the OC Register what they thought the Dodgers would do at the deadline.
Here is what they had to say:
Dustin Nosler, FeelinKindaBlue.com
I know we all want the Dodgers to make the big move. This year, the big move would be Cliff Lee (and maybe Chase Utley). Unfortunately — and no fault of the Dodgers’ — they probably won’t acquire either of the Phillies’ stars. Instead, a reliever is more likely.
The market is thin for everyone except relievers. With the Brewers actually getting a usable prospect for Francisco Rodriguez on Tuesday, I fear for what it might take for the Dodgers to land a guy like John Axford.
Axford is probably atop my list because he has great stuff, can get the strikeout and would be the perfect sixth- or seventh-inning complement to guys like Ronald Belisario and Paco Rodriguez. I think the most I’d give up for Axford would be Chris Reed. If you know anything about me, you know I’m not Reed’s biggest fan, so I wouldn’t view it as a loss.
Other names bandied about include Steve Cishek, Jesse Crain, Mike Gonzalez, Luke Gregerson and Glen Perkins. Cishek would be solid, Crain will be expensive, the Dodgers don’t particularly need another lefty, the Padres probably won’t deal Gregerson to LA and Perkins could be costly.
If the Phillies make Lee and/or Utley available, I’d hope the Dodgers go after one or both of them. Instead, I’d expect to see a reliever (at the minimum) added by Wednesday at 1 p.m.
I believe the Dodgers are going to stand pat at this season’s trade deadline. You won’t see the same kind of mega-trades that you saw last season which shaped the current roster. The Dodgers have done most of their shopping last summer, and need very little help at this point. I say if it aint broke why fix it right? The Dodgers are winning and there is no reason to mess with the team chemistry now just because you can.
Another reason the Dodgers will stand pat would be that the trade market is horrible this season. When Matt Garza and K-Rod are the best pitchers available on the market, well I don’t think I need to tell you how bad that is.
But if the Dodgers were to make a move, I would think it would either be for a third baseman, and or for another reliever. Adding an extra reliever seems more likely, considering the resurgence of Juan Uribe.
Two such names floating around are Chicago’s Jesse Crain, and Milwaukee’s John Axford. Axford wouldn’t cost as much as Crain, but still could demand at least a mid level prospect. Axford is super affordable too. He’s a super two player, and eligible for another season of arbitration next year. This season he is only making five million dollars.
The July 31 trade deadline is fast approaching. The Dodgers may add a reliever or two, but that should be the extent of their wheeling and dealing this season. Most seasons Dodger fans are scared that GM Ned Colletti might mortgage the future. They should feel safe this season. Secure in the knowledge that the Dodgers are already set for the stretch drive roster wise and there are very few if any game changers on this year’s weak trade market.
Colletti told me Sunday that the current trade market is the worst he has seen in eight years as the Dodgers’ general manager, but he also indicated that better players could become available between now and then.
The other piece I could see the Dodgers trading for is a starting pitcher. Jake Peavy of the Chicago White Sox makes some sense, but I don’t think any pitcher the Dodgers could acquire — save Cliff Lee — would provide a noteworthy upgrade over the likes of Chris Capuano or Stephen Fife.
The Dodgers have quite a bit of talent in the middle of their minor-league system that teams find desirable. Obviously Joc Pederson is the name bandied about a lot, but guys like Garrett Gould, Ross Stripling, Chris Reed and even Matt Magill and Jose Dominguez are attractive pieces who could net a solid set-up man.
Basically, plan on Colletti to add one more piece to his roster this week, but not a big piece.
I don’t think the Dodgers are going to make a jaw-dropping move at this year’s trade deadline as the market doesn’t look to be all too enticing.
Yes it would be great to have Cliff Lee to go with Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke, but Phillies GM Ruben Amaro seems stubborn in admitting they’re sellers.
What most likely will occur will be a trade for a relief pitcher to help the bullpen. While they’ve been better of late, knowing Carlos Marmol could get into a close game isn’t comforting whatsoever.
Names like John Axford, Steve Cishek and Matt Lindstrom have been mentioned as possible trade candidates in recent days.
While it was conceivable not too long ago that the Dodgers needed to upgrade third base, Juan Uribe has proven that he’s capable of playing there everyday, even if he doesn’t get a chance to.
Prospects Joc Pederson and Zach Lee won’t be going anywhere and rumors of the Dodgers trading an outfielder for say Joe Nathan, seem to be overblown.
All and all it should be a quiet trade deadline for the Dodgers as they just need to tinker with the bullpen and not partake in another blockbuster deal.
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In case you missed it, be sure to find out the latest on Matt Kemp’s ankle injury.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWEMv0JKINE
