Dodgers re-sign League

The Dodgers have re-signed pitcher Brandon League to a 3 year deal worth approximately $22.5 million. The deal includes a option for 2016 season that will vest if he finishes 55 games in 2015. The option will both worth between $7.5 million and $9 million based on games finished in 2015. He will also earn an additional $500k per year based on games finished.

The Mariners traded League to the Dodgers back in July after he lost his closer role to Tom Wilhelmsen. League served as a nice bullpen piece for the Dodgers down the stretch, and could serve as the closer next season pending Kenley Jansen's health. Overall, League finished the season with a 3.13 ERA in 74 appearances with Seattle and Los Angeles.

Analysis: Hmm. This is very interesting. League is a decent setup man, but I don't see him as a player deserving of $7+ million per season. Yet again, this new Dodgers' ownership has shown us that they are willing to do anything to keep the team relevant, and League will probably solidify that bullpen. So my final opinion is that it is a slight overpay, but whatever is necessary I suppose.

Dodgers decline options for three players

The Dodgers have announced that they have declined the 2013 club options for pitcher Todd Coffey, outfielder/first baseman Juan Rivera, and catcher Matt Treanor, making all three of them free agents.

Coffey's contract included a $2.5 million option, and he will now earn a $300k buyout. He posted a 4.66 ERA in 23 appearances with Los Angeles in 2012.

Rivera's option was worth $4 million, but he will now earn a $500k buyout. He hit .244 with 9 home runs and 47 RBI in 339 plate appearances during the 2012 season.

Treanor's option was worth $950k, and he will now earn a $150k buyout. He served as the team's backup catcher for some of the season, hitting .175 in 122 plate appearances.

Analysis: Coffey has had some success before, and I am sort of surprised that they did not exercise his option. He is probably not worth $2.5 million, but the Dodgers want to have a strong bullpen and have shown us that money is not the issue. Rivera did a nice job stepping up for a few injured players in 2012, but is definitely not worth $4 million. Treanor is a backup catcher and at this point in his career, is a defensive specialist at best.

Hawksworth elects free agency

The Dodgers have announced that pitcher Blake Hawksworth has elected free agency. Los Angeles outrighted him to Triple-A five days ago.

Hawksworth has undergone three major surgeries, two elbow operations and one shoulder surgery, in the recent years, and would have been arbitration eligible had he not elected free agency. He didn't appear in a single game in 2012, but posting a 4.08 ERA in 49 games during the 2011 season.

Analysis: Hawksworth has had a rough last few years, and the Dodgers would have obviously non-tendered him he he reached arbitration. He will probably sign a minor league contract with someone and try to get his career back on track. I really see him as an average setup man at best though.

Hawksworth, Angle, outrighted to Triple-A

The Dodgers announced that pitcher Blake Hawksworth and outfielder Matt Angle (pictured) have cleared waivers and will be outrighted to Triple-A.

Hawksworth did not throw a single pitch at the MLB level in 2012 and underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in August. Angle spent the 2012 entire season in Triple-A, hitting .303 in 447 plate appearances.

Analysis: It isn't surprising that Hawksworth cleared waivers because he is coming off of a big shoulder surgery that will probably keep him out for the majority of the 2013 campaign, plus he really never had any upside anyway. As for Angle, he didn't hit much for the Orioles last season and I thought that he was going to be a fourth outfielder at best in his career. He hit well in Triple-A, but perhaps a lot of teams don't believe that his good minor league numbers would translate into the big leagues as a starter.

Red Sox officially acquire De La Rosa, Sands, from Dodgers

The Red Sox have officially acquired pitcher Rubby De La Rosa (pictured) and outfielder Jerry Sands from the Dodgers to complete the blockbuster deal with the Dodgers from earlier on in the season. In a corresponding move, catcher Guillermo Quiroz was designated for assignment.

De La Rosa and Sands were already known as the players to be named later in the trade, but the two sides had to wait until the end of the season to make it official. The other two prospects in the trade, pitcher Allen Webster and infielder Ivan De Jesus already joined the Red Sox organization.

De La Rosa has missed most of the 2012 season following Tommy John surgery. but looked very good in the 2011 season, posting a 3.71 ERA in ten starts and three relief outings. Sands hit .244 with four homers in 251 plate appearances for Los Angeles over the last two seasons.

Quiroz spent most of the season in Seattle's Triple-A affiliate, where he hit .278 in 89 games.

Analysis: Well we already knew that these two prospects were going to the Red Sox, but they had to wait until the season was over to officially announce them as the players to be named later, literally. Both have some upside and I would imagine that they will be in the big leagues next year. As for Quiroz, he'll clear waivers because he honestly isn't anything special. His minor league numbers aren't terrible but no one is going to claim anyone on waivers now.

Phillies, Dodgers complete Victorino trade

The Phillies and Dodgers have announced that the Shane Victorino trade from a few months ago has been officially completed. Philadelphia will acquire infielder Stefan Jarrin from the Dodgers to finalize the deal. The Phillies originally acquired Ethan Martin, and Josh Lindblom in the trade.

Jarrin has spent the last two seasons in the lower levels of the minor leagues, hitting .211 in 175 combined plate appearances. He was selected in the 40th round of the 2011 draft by the Dodgers, and is a second baseman.

Analysis: Well, Jarrin doesn't really look like anything special. He isn't hitting at all in the minor leagues, and I wonder what Ruben Amaro Jr. sees in him. Anyway the trade is still looking good for both sides. Lindblom is a work-in progress for the Phillies, and Martin seems like a decent prospect who may be ready soon.

Billingsley officially shut down for rest of season

The Dodgers have annouced that pitcher Chad Billingsley has been officially shut down for the season after an MRI revealed a torn ligament in his right elbow. If Billingsley chooses to undergo Tommy John surgery, he will most likely be lost for the entire 2013 season as well.

Billingsley has had a nice season, posting a 3.55 ERA in 25 starts while striking out 128 hitters.

Analysis: Tough break for the Dodgers and Billingsley. It's a shame because now the Dodgers really don't have that much pitching depth, considering that prospects Rubby De La Rosa and Allen Webster are now in Boston's organization. This could now allow the Giants to creep up in the division and possibly take over the divisional lead. As for Billingsley, you hate when these things happen. Billingsley is one of the most underrated pitchers in the game, and if he chooses to get Tommy John surgery, he'll probably be lost for the 2013 season and will be a free agent after the 2014 season.

Red Sox, Dodgers, complete massive nine-player deal

The Red Sox and Dodgers have completed a nine-player trade that will sent Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, and Nick Punto to the Dodgers in exchange for James Loney, and four prospects. The four prospects are Allen Webster, Ivan De Jesus, Jerry Sands, and Rubby De La Rosa. Boston will pay just $12 million of the over $270 million owed to Beckett, Crawford, Gonzalez and Punto.

Adding these four players will definitely be a big financial commitment by the Dodgers:

• Gonzalez will earn $21 million per season through 2016, and will earn $21.5 million in 2017 and 2018. 
• Beckett is set to earn $15.75 million per season through 2014. 
• Crawford will earn $20 million in 2013, $20.25 million in 2014, $20.5 million in 2015, $20.75 million in 2016, and $21 million in 2017. 
• Punto will earn $1.5 per season through 2013. 

The Dodgers have made several deals over the last few months, and have added $300 million in future payroll obligations in the process. The club now has a $193.75 million payroll for 2013. The Red Sox, on the other hand, will have a payroll of $45.6 million for the 2013 season.

Both Beckett (10-and-5 rights) and Crawford (no-trade clause) had to approve the deal. Los Angeles claimed both Gonzalez and Beckett off of waivers yesterday, and Punto and Crawford cleared waivers last month, making them eligible to be in the deal. 

Gonzalez has hit .300 with 15 homers this season. He is actually having a down year, considering that he usually hits 30+ homers annually. Dodgers' first basemen have hit just .244 this year, so Gonzalez is a huge upgrade. 

Beckett has posted a 5.23 ERA in 21 starts with Boston this year. He has battled several thumb and back issues. Dodger Stadium is generally considered as a pitcher-friendly park, so Beckett should find a way to have some success there. Beckett also has post-season experience, and that gives Los Angeles a player with a proven track record down the stretch. 

Crawford had Tommy John surgery two days ago and will miss the remainder of the season. He hit .260 with 14 homers and 23 steals in 161 career games with Boston. He is expected to be ready for Spring Training next year, meaning that recently-acquired outfielder Shane Victorino will likely leave via free agency this fall.

The Dodgers recently lost Jerry Hairston Jr. for the remainder of the season, and he served as a super utility man while he was in Los Angeles. Punto will take his spot on the roster, and provide much needed depth for the infield. He has hit just .200 with 5 stolen bases in 148 plate appearances for Boston this year.

Loney has spent his entire career with the Dodgers, and has hit just .254 with four homers in 359 plate appearances this season. He will be a free agent in six weeks, so he'll probably be a temporary stopgap first baseman for Boston. 

Webster posted a 3.55 ERA in 121 1/3 innings in Double-A this season. De Jesus, has been a top prospect for the Dodgers for several years, and has been up and down between Triple-A and Double-A over the last few years. He has hit .295 in 243 plate appearances in Triple-A this year as shortstop. Sands has had a few cups of coffee with the Dodgers over the last few years. He has hit .291 in nearly 900 career Triple-A plate appearances. De La Rosa just returned from Tommy John surgery this year, and posted a 3.71 ERA in ten starts and three relief appearances for L.A. this season. 

Analysis: Wow. That's really all I have to say. This is easily one of the biggest trades of this decade, and will seriously impact both teams. Lets start with the players going to the Dodgers. So, obviously Gonzalez is a huge upgrade over Loney, but the problem is that he has a gigantic contract that the Dodgers are going to have to deal with. I'm sure he'll play well with Los Angeles. As for Beckett, I'm surprised that they are taking on his big contract. Beckett is washed up and has an attitude problem. However, like I mentioned earlier, he has post-season experience, so that is appealing to the Dodgers. Next is Crawford, and I'm assuming that the Dodgers didn't want him, but Boston kind of threw him in to facilitate a deal. He is owed a lot of money over the next 5 years or so, and I doubt that he will return to the player he once was with the Rays. Also, Punto is a nice throw in because he will fill in the role that Hairston Jr. left once he went down for season with a hip injury. I even said that Los Angeles was going to go after a utility player. Now, for the players going to Boston, I'll start with James Loney. Loney isn't your typical first baseman, because he is a contact hitter and only hits about 10 homers per season. He'll just serve as a stopgap, and I'm sure he'll get a multiyear deal from someone in the off-season, despite his poor performance. Who knows, he could return to the Dodgers and serve as the club's backup first baseman, but that is unlikely. Next is Allen Webster, who is a nice prospect to have. He isn't anything overly special, but he might serve as a serviceable starter in the big leagues in the next few years. I don't understand why Boston wants De Jesus, considering that they already have prospect Jose Inglesias set as their shortstop of the future. They could move De Jesus to second base, then they would have to trade their All-Star second baseman Dustin Pedroia. Jerry Sands seems like a decent outfielder, and he has some pop to his bat. He should be yet another outfielder that should get an everyday gig with Boston next season. Finally, Rubby De La Rosa seems like he is actually an above-average prospect, throwing in the mid-high 90's and still very young (23 years old.) Overall, good trade for both sides but even better deal for the Red Sox, who free up about $260 million in future payroll obligations. 

Hairston Jr. to undergo hip surgery, out for season

The Dodgers have announced that utility player Jerry Hairston Jr. will undergo hip surgery, and will be out for the remainder of the season. Hairston Jr. has been on the disabled list since August 13.

He has hitting .276 with four homers before the injury. He also played third base, second base, shortstop, and left field for Los Angeles this year.

Analysis: Terrible news for the Dodgers. Hairston Jr. has been very good for them this year and he provided a lot of versatility. Now, with Juan Uribe struggling, look for them to make a move to add an infielder. The Dodgers are slowly fading away, and they are going to need to add another utility player in order to stay in the race.

Phillies acquire O'Sullivan to complete Blanton deal

The Phillies have acquired pitcher Ryan O'Sullivan from the Dodgers to complete the Joe Blanton trade. The Dodgers acquired Blanton earlier this month.

O'Sullivan was a fourth round pick in the 2011 draft, and has posted a 3.05 ERA in 88 1/3 innings at the Single-A level this season. Baseball America ranked him as the 23rd best prospect in the Dodgers' farm system entering this season.

Abreu clears waivers, outrighted to Triple-A

The Dodgers have announced that veteran outfielder Bobby Abreu has cleared waivers and will be outrighted to Triple-A. He has decided to accept his outright assignment.

Abreu's power has completely disappeared, but has continued to get on base at an above-average rate. He hit .246 in 236 plate appearances with the Angels and Dodgers this year.

Gywnn Jr. outrighted to Triple-A

The Dodgers announced that outfielder Tony Gywnn Jr. has cleared waivers and will be outrighted to Triple-A. Gwynn was designated for assignment by Los Angeles three days ago, and has accepted  his outright assignment.

Dodgers designate Gwynn Jr. for assignment

The Dodgers have designated outfielder Tony Gwynn Jr. for assignment. This move allows Los Angeles to recall Jerry Sands from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Gywnn has hit .232 in 277 plate appearances this season. He has missed a good amount of time this year with a shoulder injury. He is currently in the first year of a two year, $2 million contract.

Antonini clears waivers, outrighted to Triple-A

Dodgers minor league pitcher Michael Antonini has cleared waivers and will be outrighted to Triple-A. Antonini was designated for assignment by the Dodgers after Los Angeles acquired Brandon League and Shane Victorino.

Dodgers awarded claiming rights on Cliff Lee

The Dodgers have been awarded the claiming rights for Cliff Lee. The Phillies can now pull Lee off of waivers, assign his contract to the Dodgers, or work out a trade with the Dodgers.

The Dodgers have shown willingness to take on about $95 million left of Cliff Lee's deal. Lee has pitched to a 3.73 ERA in 125 1/3 innings so far this year.

Dodgers designate Abreu for assignment

The Dodgers have designated outfielder Bobby Abreu for assignment. The move allows newly-acquired outfielder Shane Victorino to be added to the 40 man roster.

The Angels released Abreu earlier in the season after a disappointing opening month. The Dodgers signed him to a minor league deal about a week later. Abreu's power has gone away, but he continues to get on base, posting a .347 on base percentage in 236 plate appearances this year.

Dodgers acquire Shane Victorino

The Dodgers have acquired outfielder Shane Victorino from the Phillies in exchange for relief pitcher Josh Lindblom and pitching prospect Ethan Martin. Victorino is the fourth player that Dodgers GM Ned  Colletti has acquired this month.

Victorino has $3.3 million remaining on his contract and he will be eligible for free agency after this year. He has hit .261 in 431 plate appearances for Philadelphia this year. He will probably play left field with Los Angeles, even though he has less than 200 innings played at that position. For the Phillies, Domonic Brown will come up and get the everyday left field gig.

Victorino was drafted by the Dodgers in the sixth round of the 1999 draft. The Dodgers previous front office let Victorino leave twice via the Rule 5 draft. The Phillies claimed him in 2005 and didn't even think about letting him go back. He went on to become a star in Philadelphia, getting three Gold Glove Awards, two All-Star appearances, and even a couple MVP votes.

Martin, the Dodgers first round pick from 2008, owns a 3.58 ERA in 118 Double-A innings this year. Baseball America ranked him as the 17th best prospect in the Dodgers organization right out of high school. They wrote that Martin "maintains the ceiling of a No. 2 starter but has a long way to go."

Lindblom has a 3.02 ERA in 47 2/3 relief innings this year. He doesn't have much big league service team, and is under team control through the 2017 season. He was once considered one of the Dodgers best prospects, but was made expendable once Los Angeles acquired Brandon League from Seattle last  night.

Analysis: I called this trade, but I'm sure many of you saw this from a mile away. Victorino is a perfect fit for Los Angeles, and Lindblom was as good as gone once they acquired League. I really like this deal for both sides. The Dodgers are turning themselves into an elite team, but they are practically giving away their entire farm system. Victorino is going to thrive in Los Angeles. As for the Phillies, everyone knew that this move was going to happen eventually. Martin is a decent prospect and Lindblom seems like a good relief pitcher.

Dodgers acquire Brandon League

The Dodgers have acquired closer Brandon League in exchange for prospects Leon Landry and Logan Bawcom. Earlier today there were several reports that said that plenty of teams recently showed interest in acquiring League.

League is owed about $1.85 million for the remainder of the season. He is set to become a free agent this winter. He has posted a 3.63 ERA in 44 2/3 innings of work this year, but lost his closer job early in the season. The Dodgers lost Matt Guerrier and Todd Coffey to injury this season, so League will be a welcoming addition to the Dodgers bullpen.

Landry has hit .328 with eight homers and 15 triples in 376 plate appearances at the Single-A level this year. He has spent most of his playing time in center field.

Bawcom has a 2.03 ERA with 11.1 K/9 in 48 2/3 relief innings between Single-A and Double-A this year.

Analysis: This is an excellent trade for both sides. The Dodgers get League, who isn't elite by any means, but is definitely an above average closer. He will probably be their setup man. I am curious to see what happens to pitcher Josh Lindblom now. League has now basically taken his spot in the bullpen. I could see them trading Lindblom for maybe a player like Victorino, or even Ryan Dempster. He could certainly be used as trade bait now. As for the Mariners, they got a nice pair of prospects here. Landry looks like a keeper and will probably get even better. He looks like he may even be a five tool player, but it might be a little early to say that. Bawcom looks very solid, and hopefully he rises through the Mariners' system very quickly.

Dodgers, Cubs have talked about Soriano, LaHair

The Dodgers and Cubs have had discussions about the availability of Alfonso Soriano (pictured) and Bryan LaHair in a possible Ryan Dempster deal. The Dodgers have made it clear that they want to make a few more moves in the next couple days.

The Cubs are "desperate" to trade Soriano, who will earn $18 million per season through 2014. Chicago has offered to pay for most, if not all, of Soriano's salary in order to get a good prospect in return.

Soriano has hit .274 with 19 home runs this year. The Dodgers have also talked to the Twins about possibly acquiring Justin Morneau and Josh Willingham.

Dodgers acquire Hanley Ramirez, Randy Choate

The Dodgers have acquired shortstop/third baseman Hanley Ramirez and pitcher Randy Choate from the Marlins in exchange for pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and pitcher Scott McGough. Miami will not send over any money to help cover the salaries of Ramirez and Choate. Dodgers GM Ned Colletti said he couldn't pass up the chance to get a star like Ramirez.

"The addition of a hitter the caliber of Hanley Ramirez improves our lineup from top to bottom, inserting a run producer to go along with Matt and Andre", Colletti said. "We're excited for Hanley to begin a new chapter in Los Angeles."


Plenty of teams were interested in Hanley, however he has $37.3 million remaining on his contract and he is under team control through 2014. He has hit .246 this year, and his trade value is nothing like it used to be.

Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly has told Ramirez that he will probably play shortstop until Dee Gordon returns from the disabled list, then he will have Ramirez slide over to third base.

Choate has had an excellent year, posting a 2.49 ERA in 25 1/3 innings for Miami. He will earn $1.5 million in his final season of a two-year, $2.5 million contract he signed. The Dodgers had been actively searching for a left handed reliever.

Eovaldi started ten games for Los Angeles this year, posting a 4.15 ERA in 56 1/3 innings. The 22 year old hurler ranked as the 96th best prospect in baseball before the season started, according to Baseball America. In five minor league seasons he has posted a combined 3.28 ERA with 7.4 K/9.

McGough, also 22 years old, has a 3.88 ERA with 9.1 K/9 in 34 innings at the Single-A level this year. He has averaged more than one strikeout per inning since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2011 draft.

Analysis: The Dodgers got a steal in this trade. Ramirez's value is so low right now and Los Angeles capitalized on it. I know he is having a rough season but I can certainly see him playing well with the Dodgers. They also got Randy Choate, who has been an excellent left handed specialist this year and last year. He is a solid pickup. The only problem is that Los Angeles now has to pay for Hanley's big contract, but with the new ownership i'm sure they'll find a way. As for Miami, what a collapse. They went from being talked about as World Series contenders to bottom feeders in the NL East. They got fleeced in this deal. Eovaldi could be a great pitcher someday, and we don't know too much about McGough. It seems like the Marlins front office just wanted to get rid of Ramirez and his contract at whatever the cost may be.