Dodgers couldn't match up with Mariners in deal for ace Cliff Lee

It screamed "bad match" and it played out that way.

Cliff Lee is a great pitcher and the Mariners obviously wanted -- and got -- a lot in return.

More than the Dodgers had available in prospects, and more than they could reasonably give up in major league talent for a pitcher they would essentially have for less than three months.

So on Friday Lee goes to the Texas Rangers, which at least keeps him out of the National League, for first baseman Justin Smoak, reliever Mark Lowe and three well-regarded minor league prospects.

The Dodgers were one of several teams to talk to Seattle. One source said the Mariners asked  for prospects plus James Loney, and when that was rejected, they inquired about Chad Billingsley.

Both proposals were turned down, and Seattle wouldn’t accept a package consisting only of players from the team’s depleted minor league system. There’s just not much there that’s close to major league-ready.

Lee would have given the Dodgers the ace they’ve needed all season, but he’s in the last year of his contract and set on testing the free-agent market. As much as the Dodgers may covet Lee, you don’t give up a Loney (26) or Billingsley (25) for a rental player.

Houston’s Roy Oswalt is the other ace available, but he has at least $25 million coming to him on his  contract. And currently the Astros want the other team to pick up almost the entire amount.

Right now, the Dodgers  probably are being forced to play a waiting game. Wait for the Astros to change the parameters of any potential deal, or for other clubs on the cusp of playoff contention to decide to become sellers.

 There are three weeks left for things to shake down before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline.

-- Steve Dilbeck

Comments

[These Dodgers Suck!]

I'm betting that the GM for the Mariners hung up when Colletti asked if they'd be picking up the remainder of Lee's contract ....

[LV Blue]

Just another reason to not make the trek from Vegas to LA to see a game. I will enjoy watching on Primeticket and listening to Vin. Just gotta keep convincing myself the money I pay Cox does not go to Franks wallet...

[Rick]

After two good drafts in 2003, 2004 the Dodgers system has been pretty mediocre, we've developed a few good players and a lot of hyped-then-failed prospects. That has been McCourt' biggest sin - all the talk of developing from within has sounded hollow for quite a few years now. We should have had the surplus prospects to get Lee.

[LO]

The new Dodger philosophy...there's no money, so there's no harm in talking up trade possibilities, getting the hopes of fans up and pickpocketing fans who know no better than to pony up twenty bucks for parking and five bucks for a wiener. The Dodgers can't seriously look at their pitching and/or hitting and see it sizing up to those who'll be there in first or wild cards at the end. It's all smoke and mirrors and the die hard Dodger fans will take it like they usually do and McCourt will scour the bowels of the stadium to maintain a status quo on the field that turns LA into the KC of the west coast...nice stadium, mediocre talent, full of hope for the future ---then we wake up and the players are all in their mid thirties, tired arms, tired faces, worn out hopes and dreams.

[Todd K.]

I remember when Dodgers fans were told to wait for the kids to mature. Now that the kids have matured and need one or two players to complement them, we get these crummy excuses instead. Let's not forget the reason for the lack of prospects is because the McCourts did not spend any money on draft picks in the last five years. The Dodgers play in the 2nd largest market in the league, yet the Dodgers are 11th in payroll. Obviously, when the McCourts tell you they are doing everything possible to bring a championship to their fans, that's a lie. Total mismanagement of the current potential of a very talented team. Our Dodgers deserve better ownership. Blame Selig. Worse. Commissioner. In. Sports.

[Jim McVeigh]

Are you insane or inane? Are you a spokesman for the slickest owner in all of sports? There will never be a good match! The Manny Ramirez thing happened because he stole him and after Manny put up those great NUMBERS and the fans fell in love with him, the CHARLATAN was forced to shell out some money or Manny would have been gone. As long as we treat the Dodgers as a night out and something to do and keep filling those seats and they keep winning in the worst division and We keep this man in money and he is able to live in the style that we have made him become accustomed to.He will never improve the team unless he can do it on the cheap. If you want a World Series Winner and a true represuntatuve of L.A. then it is time to show some tough love and quit the Dodgers until he gets the message and sells the team or pours money into it. As long as we fall for all their lies and keep going to games , He will laugh (at us) all the way to the bank. TOUGH LOVE

[Mike Dudnikov]

While I wanted to see Cliff Lee play for us, I very much agree that there is a limit to what you pay for a rental player. Hopefully things will be resolved concerning Cathy and Heathcliff and we will be able to sign Lee in the off season. And it won't even cost any signing penalty, we can just pass on the two prospects we received for losing Randy Wolf. Oops, there was no compensation. Way to go Ned and company. Great decision there back in January or thereabouts.

[Socal74]

A deal would only have made sense if the Dodgers would have signed Lee for multiple years, giving up Loney or Chad for a rental would not have been a good deal. But LA still needs a number 1 and if a deal is not done, we will have another playoff exit, if we even make it.