Andre Ethier (17) for Ian Kinsler (13).

Lets see…

Juan Uribe is sure to get DFA’ed eventually. Matt Guerrier is not worth his deal. Aaron Harang is a useful, not effective, innings eater. Mark Ellis has his injury problems, though a very good defender and sometimes good batter. Dan Haren is a one time ace turned question mark. And Vernon Wells is a 4^th outfielder. The Angels save about 13+ million in this deal and the Dodgers get some coveted roster freedom. This deal works because they get something useful for Wells, which frees up the outfield and payroll to add Torii Hunter. The risk is entirely on the Dodgers here as they look to Haren to be a the #2 they need.

Andre Ethier is a grumpy right handed specialist with about league average defense. Ian Kinsler is coming off a rough season in Texas, but has proven to be an elite defender and very good hitter. This works because it looks like the Rangers want to move Kinsler to make room for Jurikson Profar. If they move Kinsler, they would likely look to replace him with the loss of Josh Hamilton. This works on so many levels for both teams. Risk is taken by LA again, as Kinsler might be on the downside of his career. If he returns to his pre-2012 form, we get a bargain. But it would be risky.

These types of trades almost never happen. But the Dodgers are flush with cash. They can take on almost any player and contact and still look to free agency to fill gaps. Gurrier was a mistake from the moment he inked the deal as was Juan Uribe. I’d miss Mark Ellis (never thought I’d say that), but welcome Ian Kinsler happily. I’d also miss the grumpy Ethier, but this would also open the door for Victorino and Puig. Victorino trumps Ethier defensively. The two balance out in terms of on field value, though Victorino would cost the team less. Maybe LA gives Victorino a “qualifying offer” to stay one more year.

Like the title says, this is a video game like trade proposal. As it is, LA is looking to James Shields to be the #2 they need. I don’t know that they match up particularly well with Tampa. I’d rather buy low and sell high. It looks like that is what Tampa is doing. As we all know, the price for players has no boundaries in LA. At some point in time, all of this overspending WILL come back and bite the team in the rear end. Until then, lets enjoy being fans of billionaires with unlimited funds and while under-qualified personal leads them…

The Dodgers finally got their bat.  Unfortunately, his name is not Prince Fielder, Dan Uggla, Jose Bautista, or Adam Dunn. Ladies and gentleman, meet your new left fielder, Scott Podsednik .

The Dodgers sent minor league catcher Lucas May (Triple A) and pitcher Elisaul Pimentel (low-A) in exchange for the 34 year old speed demon.  Before you ask whether they really missed Juan Pierre that badly, it’s worth noting that Podsednik has had a fantastic year for the Royals.  Despite the lack of name recognition for the journeyman outfielder, Ned Colletti deserves credit for casting a wide net in his search for players that can positively impact the club’s hunt for the playoffs.  ”Pods” is an acquisition akin to that of Casey Blake, George Sherrill, and Jamey Carroll.  Ned is obviously hampered by payroll restrictions and accordingly, the price he has paid to acquire some of the aforementioned veterans has been extremely steep.  Yet, they have made an immediate impact for the most part (ok, not Sherrill so much).

Pods can do the same.  He’s hitting .309 on the season, with a solid OBP of .352 and an impressive 30 stolen bags on the season.  He provides tremendous speed in the outfield and is a big upgrade over the likes of Xavier Paul and Garrett Anderson, who could be the odd man out now.

I like the fact that Scotty has nearly identical numbers in 2009 and 2010.  It establishes a reasonable baseline of performance.  He’s actually been even hotter than that for the last month.  In 88 July at-bats, he’s hit at a whopping clip of .364 with a .404 OBP and .515 SLG %.  I like getting hitters who are warming up, not cooling off.  And frankly, I’m pretty tired of waiting around for that Manny guy.  I also like the idea of seeing Furcal and Pods wreak havoc at the top of the lineup with their running ability and potential to form a mean hit-and-run combination there.

Of course, Podsednik will have to undergo a bit of an adjustment by moving to the National League.  He could end up fading offensively, but his contact skills, speed, and defense will benefit the ballclub.  And it’s not like we’re giving up a stud such as Carlos Santana.  Lucas May is a decent hitting prospect, but is already 25 years old and a mess as a defensive catcher.  The young pitcher could end up becoming something solid, but he’s not close to being one of the team’s best pitching prospects. Thus, the  lack of downside in this trade is the main reason why I’m actually looking forward to the Scott Podsednik era in Los Angeles.