During tonight's game, Vin Scully announced the Dodgers have acquired both Jim Thome and Jon Garland. Jim Thome comes at the expense of a player to be named later, as does Garland. Those "player to be named to later" trades sometimes involve a player buried deep within the organization, so it doesn't appear the Dodgers are giving away their first born or anything, though Colletti was extremely tight lipped during his interview on air after the game regarding which players it might be.
UPDATE: Via Dodger Thoughts..."Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports that Dodgers gave up 26-year-old Class A non-prospect Justin Fuller for Thome and cash."
The acquisition of Thome gives the Dodgers a legitimate power bat off the bench, but not much in the way of a platoon with James Loney (Colletti admitted this much on Dodgers Live after the game). A lot of people might complain that Thome strikes out frequently; however, he is averaging 100 walks over the past thirteen seasons, so it's not as if he's blindly hacking away at the plate as evident by his .375 OBP. Considering what was given up, this is certainly a win for the Dodgers.
As for Garland, we've covered him before, and absolutely nothing has changed. I'm not expecting much from him for the remainder of the season. However, if Garland teams with Vicente Padilla and Charlie Haeger to provide some rest for Bills, Kershaw, and Wolf as they prepare for the playoffs then that should ease some of the concern over this move. But if it turns out we gave away anyone of value then I'll be singing a different tune.
Oh yeah, there was also a Dodger game today. But let's not talk about that.
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2 comments:
Considering the D-Backs are paying his contract and buy-out, and McCourt has given away top talent for not having to pay contracts before, I'm scared shitless at what we'll give up.
To be honest, both of these moves are odd. Acquiring Thome might be more of a defensive move than anything. The Giants were in need of a big bat and Dodgers knew it. However, Thome provides much necessary pop off the bench, even if it is only for 1 AB per game.
Jon Garland is puzzling as well, considering the Dodgers might be giving up Tony Abreu for him. But, Garland is an innings-eater and has pitched in big postseason games (Game 3, 2005 ALCS vs. Angels, complete game win) & (Game 3, 2005 WS vs. Astros, 7IP, 2ER).
Maybe Kuroda is hurting more than the Dodgers are letting us know. Garland could easily take his spot in the postseason.
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