Despite Hiccup In Kemp Deal, Jimmy Rollins Trade Set To Be Completed Regardless

Matt Kemp’s rustiness nearly blew the trade, but the Dodgers and Padres are set to complete the Kemp/Yasmani Grandal trade anyways. Adrian goes over some of the problems and possibilities with the trade here. And no, the Padres are not trying to sabotage the deal.

It appeared that the Jimmy Rollins trade was dependant on the Kemp trade going through. One of the two prospects going back to the Phillies in the Rollins trade was one of the prospects the Dodgers acquired from San Diego in the Kemp trade.

The Dodgers are supposed to send pitching prospect Zach Eflin, and Tom Windle to the Phillies in exchange for shortstop Rollins. According to CSN’s Jim Salisbury, the Rollins trade is going to go through no matter the result of the Kemp trade, or his physical. If the Kemp trade does not go through for whatever reason, the two clubs have discussed other players.

Matt Kemp-Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Apparently the Padres found out that Kemp now has arthritis in both of his hips, during his physical. Not one, but both. Kemp had a great second half of last season, and appeared poised to reclaim his former all-star status that was robbed from him after he sustained a myriad of injuries since the 2012 season. Now it looks like he has a new injury problem to deal with.

We should all know by now, that Kemp’s rustiness could strike at any time, in any way. Nearly every part of his body has suffered from some kind of injury/rustiness. His shoulder, ankle, hamstring, and now hips have been riddled with injuries. It remains to be seen if this new Hip arthritis will hamper Kemp going forward.

But it is no longer the Dodger’s problem. It looks like the trade is going to go through, and should be finalized soon, according to Tim Brown. if both of the trades were to fall through and not work out, it would be a bad blow to the Dodger’s roster rebuild this offseason. The Dodgers would then need to go out and find another shortstop and catcher. Fortunately, the two trades should be completed soon. Although the Padres reportedly did ask for more money. The Dodgers refused.

The original deal was agreed upon almost a week ago at the winter meetings. That was the trade that would send Matt Kemp, catcher Tim Federowicz, and 32 million dollars to the Padres in exchange for catcher Yasmani Grandal, pitcher Zach Eflin, and pitcher Joe Wieland.