"Wow." Thats all Dodger fans are thinking right now. The Dodgers first trade of the deadline evolved into quite the ordeal. Rumors of medical problems, "just paperwork" and then a third team all arose, turning the day on its head, and exciting people around L.A. Lets Recap --
Who the Dodgers are getting:
From Miami:
1. Mat Latos :
Mat Latos was originally the centerpiece of this deal before things erupted. His stats don't look particularly strong, but a closer look might tell you otherwise. Latos currently owns an ERA over 4 (4.48) which is the main reason for concern. However, his FIP (fielding independent pitching) is just 3.40 which is a very solid number, and his 2nd best since 2011. Other notes on Latos include that he has had a +1.5 mph jump in his average fastball velocity in July. Also, Latos - in July - has an impressive 1.80 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched.
2. Michael Morse:
The reason for the inclusion of Morse was purely a contract dump for Miami, as he is owed 15 million dollars over the next two years. It would not be surprising to see Morse DFA'd upon arrival to the Dodgers, or even flipped in another deal later down the road. Morse could also function as a trade chip to a team looking for an experienced DH in the American League, or a good bench guy. Either way, Morse has no place in the Dodgers lineup, so don't expect him to stay with the team for very long.
Update 7/30 1:00pm 3. Bronson Arroyo: For reasons unknown to BLUEVIEW, Bronson Arroyo is also included in this deal. Originally thought to be sallary help, but he is coming with cash considerations so the reason is unknown. Arroyo had surgery in the offseason so he will immediately land on the 60 Day DL.
From Atlanta:
1. Alex Wood:
Wood is the new centerpiece of this deal. Alex Wood is 7-6 with a 3.56 ERA and has proven to be a very effective, and consistent, middle to upper rotation starter. He is under control through 2019 and has proved to be a key asset for the Dodgers. Something even more interesting to add though, is that Tigers manager- Don Dombrowski, loves Alex Wood, and has been pursuing him for years now. Wood could be the key piece in a David Price trade tomorrow.
2. Jim Johnson: Bullpen Help. Thank god. Johnson has had a very solid career and will be an excellent player all around. Should be a great 8 - 9 punch with Johnson/Jansen combo!
3. Jose Peraza: Peraza is a minor league 2nd baseman coming to the Dodgers likely as a replacement for Olivera. He was recently ranked as the league's number 25 prospect by ESPN, and is a very nice addition. He could function as a utility player as soon as next season, and will hopefully become the successor to Howie Kendrick. Peraza is only 21 years old, and already in triple A, so he is quickly moving through the system with success.
Update 7/30 1:00pm 4. Luis Avilan: Relief pitcher avilan is in fact included in this deal. Wonderful job by Friedman and Co. to get the lefty guy they were looking for.
What the Dodgers are losing:
To Miami:
1.2.&3. A trio of young pitching prospects are going over to the Marlins in this deal named Jeff Brigham, Victor Araujo, and Kevin Guzman. None of these prospects ranked inside of the top 15 in the organization, with Brigham being the highest (17th on one list). This was the smallest part of the deal for the dodgers, however, all three of these players were having decent years before getting dealt. They have a chance to impact Miami in the future as low end starters/ middle relievers.
Jeff Brigham
To Atlanta:
1. Hector Olivera: The Dodgers just signed Hector Olivera back in June for $62.5MM. Olivera was a star in Cuba, and was looking to continue his success in America. He was by-far the best player dealt by the Dodgers.
2. Zach Bird: Bird is ranked the number 5 Dodgers minor league pitching prospect pretty unanimously. He has a middle of the rotation ceiling, with a good fastball and above average change.
3. Competitive Balance Pick (No. 34): The Dodgers were originally rumored to get this pick from the Marlins but in the three way trade, the Marlins are dealing it right to the Braves. Its alright, I think the Dodgers are already competitive.
4. Paco Rodriguez: Paco had surgery back in June on his shoulder but was productive before then. Should be back in September.
Update 7/30 4:30pm The Dodgers did have to say goodbye to some some players in order to make room for all of the new acquisitions though. RP Chin Hui Tsao, SP Brandon Beachy, 1B Michael Morse, and OF Chris Heisey have all been DFA'd. Also expect moves to be made to fix the issues with the 25 man roster later in the day, or anytime up until tomorrows lineup cards are due.
Trade Grade: A+
More information once the trade is finalized. Don't expect the Dodgers to be done. Check the website for info on the Dodgers making a big run for David Price with some of the newly acquired players. Thanks for reading!!!