Dodgers Trade For Reliever John Axford
It was a banner trade deadline day. One of the smaller trade the Dodgers made was for veteran reliever John Axford from the Toronto Blue Jays. The Dodgers sent to Toronto, RHP prospect Corey Copping. Many on twitter reacted with puzzlement, but as the Dodgers front office has shown time and time again, his value could be higher than what it appears.
Second confirmation. https://t.co/a5XeZpZkuo
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) July 31, 2018
A Closer Look
Axford had a 4.41 ERA with 50 strikeouts and 20 walks in 51 innings in 45 games for Toronto this year. Copping pitched with a 2.52 ERA and a K/9 of 9.9 combined between AA and AAA this season.
Axford currently has a WHIP of 1.25 which is considered above average. He has good numbers against left-handed hitters this year. What’s more, the Dodgers have a knack for using relievers in key moments and improving their overall peripherals. Tony Cingrani was not a fan favorite in terms of acquisitions last year, but he turned out to be a vital part of our bullpen. The same could pan out for John Axford.
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What a surprise – another mediocre reliever, when a first rate guy, like Zach Britton, was our greatest need. Wait till next year – Brooklyn Dodgers anthem until 1955.
Britton was not even available! NY got him, no doubt outbid us. Trade deadline isnt like a trip to the supermarket, its cut throat competition against other teams that want to get better. Yankees needed him but also needed to keep him away from; Boston,Houston, Seattle, AZ, Chicago, Denver and LA. Lots of competition for players that were available. LA got Machado and Dozier, you win some you lose some.