What could be next now that the Dodgers have added an outfielder and Roy Oswalt has moved on?
Now what, ye lovers of Boys in Blue?
The Dodgers acquired a needed outfielder in Scott Podsednik, and if the masses have done less than cartwheels (more on that later), at this moment he is a useable piece on a team in need of several pieces.
The most needed piece all season has been an ace.
Those, of course, tend to be in short supply. The Big Three approaching Saturday’s non-waiver trading deadline -- Cliff Lee, Dan Haren, and now apparently, Roy Oswalt -- have all moved on.
There is no other known pitching stud now available. Which leaves the Dodgers trying to determine whether they will go for the next tier: Ted Lilly, Paul Maholm, Jake Westbrook.
Any of these would be an upgrade from Carlos Monasterios or John Ely. But how much of an upgrade and at what cost?
General manager Ned Colletti has a limited number of prospects and money to deal with. Lilly has nearly half his $13-million salary still coming this season and Westbrook almost half his $11-million. Both are in the last year of their deals. Maholm is at $5 million this season, with $5.75 million due next season.
Since Colletti said after the Podsednik deal that he was turning his focus to pitching, it’s safe to assume he’s seriously looking at the second tier of available pitchers.
But unless they come unexpectedly cheap -- and apparently the Indians want to be wowed with prospects -- it might be best at this point to look for bullpen help.
In Wednesday’s loss to the Padres, the only reliever who did his job was beleaguered George Sherrill. Otherwise, the Dodgers are carrying a whopping eight relievers and can count on only two of them: Jonathan Broxton and Hong-Chih Kuo. Kenley Jansen is exciting, but far from proven.
One reliever may be sent down when Podsednik joins the team, returning the Dodgers to a more practical 12 pitchers.
But they are expected to bring Ely up Saturday, and at that point may have a more interesting decision to make. Podsednik is left-handed, as is Garrett Anderson. Xavier Paul could be sent down, but at this point the Dodgers would be better served waiving Anderson, a good guy who’s been bad at the plate. And it is almost August.
Meanwhile, picking up Podsednik has underwhelmed the blogosphere. None seem up in arms, they’re just less than excited.
-- Pauloberjuergue.com fears it was done simply so the Dodgers could claim they did something.
-- Mikesciosciastragicillness.com -- which is also opposed to adding a starting pitcher -- is wavering on the deal, though would like it more if Anderson is released.
-- ESPN/LA.com’s Jon Weisman said "this guy helps your team, but not a ton."
-- Memoriesofkevinmalone.com’s Chad Moriyama calls Podsednik a short-term upgrade, but thinks the Dodgers gave up too much.
-- Then from the other side, KingofKauffman.com’s Michael Engel is giddy with excitement over the deal.
My quick take: Look, it doesn’t figure to be the deal of the postseason, but at least for this year Podsednik figures to be very helpful. Particularly with the uncertainty surrounding the return of Manny Ramirez and Reed Johnson.
And don’t forget, Manny is gone after this season, so it’s not impossible that the Dodgers will even keep Podsednik around for the final year of his contract.
It’s not like Lucas May, 25, and Elisaul Pimentel, lower Class A, were real prospects.
-- Steve Dilbeck
The Dodgers acquired a needed outfielder in Scott Podsednik, and if the masses have done less than cartwheels (more on that later), at this moment he is a useable piece on a team in need of several pieces.
The most needed piece all season has been an ace.
Those, of course, tend to be in short supply. The Big Three approaching Saturday’s non-waiver trading deadline -- Cliff Lee, Dan Haren, and now apparently, Roy Oswalt -- have all moved on.
There is no other known pitching stud now available. Which leaves the Dodgers trying to determine whether they will go for the next tier: Ted Lilly, Paul Maholm, Jake Westbrook.
Any of these would be an upgrade from Carlos Monasterios or John Ely. But how much of an upgrade and at what cost?
General manager Ned Colletti has a limited number of prospects and money to deal with. Lilly has nearly half his $13-million salary still coming this season and Westbrook almost half his $11-million. Both are in the last year of their deals. Maholm is at $5 million this season, with $5.75 million due next season.
Since Colletti said after the Podsednik deal that he was turning his focus to pitching, it’s safe to assume he’s seriously looking at the second tier of available pitchers.
But unless they come unexpectedly cheap -- and apparently the Indians want to be wowed with prospects -- it might be best at this point to look for bullpen help.
In Wednesday’s loss to the Padres, the only reliever who did his job was beleaguered George Sherrill. Otherwise, the Dodgers are carrying a whopping eight relievers and can count on only two of them: Jonathan Broxton and Hong-Chih Kuo. Kenley Jansen is exciting, but far from proven.
One reliever may be sent down when Podsednik joins the team, returning the Dodgers to a more practical 12 pitchers.
But they are expected to bring Ely up Saturday, and at that point may have a more interesting decision to make. Podsednik is left-handed, as is Garrett Anderson. Xavier Paul could be sent down, but at this point the Dodgers would be better served waiving Anderson, a good guy who’s been bad at the plate. And it is almost August.
Meanwhile, picking up Podsednik has underwhelmed the blogosphere. None seem up in arms, they’re just less than excited.
-- Pauloberjuergue.com fears it was done simply so the Dodgers could claim they did something.
-- Mikesciosciastragicillness.com -- which is also opposed to adding a starting pitcher -- is wavering on the deal, though would like it more if Anderson is released.
-- ESPN/LA.com’s Jon Weisman said "this guy helps your team, but not a ton."
-- Memoriesofkevinmalone.com’s Chad Moriyama calls Podsednik a short-term upgrade, but thinks the Dodgers gave up too much.
-- Then from the other side, KingofKauffman.com’s Michael Engel is giddy with excitement over the deal.
My quick take: Look, it doesn’t figure to be the deal of the postseason, but at least for this year Podsednik figures to be very helpful. Particularly with the uncertainty surrounding the return of Manny Ramirez and Reed Johnson.
And don’t forget, Manny is gone after this season, so it’s not impossible that the Dodgers will even keep Podsednik around for the final year of his contract.
It’s not like Lucas May, 25, and Elisaul Pimentel, lower Class A, were real prospects.
-- Steve Dilbeck
I'm even more depressed now..
Posted by: Janeenus | 07/29/2010 at 03:01 PM
With 30 stolen bases, some triples, even 5 homers, and a .300+ batting average, what's not to like? Plus, he has 2005 championship experience, which might give him some credibility in the clubhouse.
Neddie did well with this pick-up.
Is it enough? That's a different matter.
Posted by: Zen | 07/29/2010 at 03:45 PM
I like Podsednik a lot but was hoping he was the first in a series of moves that might bring in a bat and a decent pitcher. There are no "Difference Makers" left on the pitching front unless a Lilly or Maholm come in and pull a Padilla and perform beyond expectations. But if we're intent on scoring less than 2 runs a game even bringing back Koufax wouldn't be enough. The season is slipping away and there's nothing short of a blockbuster deal to save it.
Posted by: Philbert | 07/29/2010 at 04:37 PM
What could be next now that the Dodgers have added an outfielder and Roy Oswalt has moved on?
Nothing will be next; nothing of real consequence anyway. Right now the Dodgers are being run like a mid-market team. No room to take on any payroll.
Posted by: Doug | 07/29/2010 at 05:32 PM
Lucas May was AAA All-Star this year and a AA All-Star last year. No phenom, but what good is the speedy Pod really gonna do us this year?
Posted by: BlackBarth | 07/29/2010 at 05:51 PM
I am almost certain that Ned is going to use his famous line,
"We were in it 'til the end, in talks for _____________, but some other team stepped up at the last minute and offered something better" Come-on, that story is tired already. where are all these "prospects" you were reluctant to deal for Lee, Halladay and now oswalt. Prospects will always remain prospects, look at Laroche, 'nuff said!
Hey Ned & 'parking lot attendant', THIS-IS-L.A!!!!
Man, even the twins and padres are pulling off trades...
1988 is a looooooooong time ago, maybe Dr. Buss should talk to mc court and stop paying that russian witch doctor, by the way i dont get that one, paying some dude on the other side of the world to send "good vibes?" C'mon, really?
Posted by: gilbert | 07/29/2010 at 07:25 PM
Job one!
Trade Manny for a team's top peanut salesman and a security associate to be named later ...
Posted by: These Dodgers Suck! | 07/29/2010 at 07:50 PM
They should trade for pau gasol
Posted by: Miguel | 07/29/2010 at 08:04 PM
I fully expect the Dodgers in the Fall Classic now that they have locked in Scott Podsednik. I fully expect the Las Vegas bookmakers to recognize this in the odds tomorrow morning as well. What a brilliant strategic move by Dodger management, acquiring a lifetime .287 hitter with no power!
The bad news: Podsednik has more career stolen bases than RBIs.
The good news: His wife is a hottie. Maybe a little "Lima Time"!
Posted by: Big Jim Slade | 07/29/2010 at 11:13 PM
Unfortunatly this team is destined for mediocrity as long as "Cheap Frank Mc Court" and Jamie(wheres my body guard) McCourt suck the life out of this franchise !
Why cant MLB force these two type1 idiots to sell the team !
The team is talented, the atmosphere surrounding them is TOXIC !
Posted by: John B | 07/30/2010 at 06:15 AM
Now that the Dodgers have raised the white flag of surrender by pitching Sherrril in the ninth inning of an important game.......it is time to become sellers. Bye, bye Manny, Russel Martin etc. The only hope for the future of the Dodgers is if Mr. McCourt is forced to sell the team and a real owner takes over in the future
Posted by: les jakofsky | 07/30/2010 at 07:53 AM