MLB Rumors: Giants Feeling Pressure From Dodgers
For much of the 2014 season, either the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Francisco Giants sat atop the National League West standings. Beginning with the Dodgers’ first home series of the year, the Giants held the upper hand as they won seven of the team’s first 10 meetings.
Then in July, with the Dodgers trailing the Giants for first place in the NL West by 1.5 games, they completed a three-game sweep and never looked back. While the Dodgers clinched the division with a win over the Giants, it was their bitter rival who had the last laugh as they reached and won the World Series as the Wild Card team.
Although in different circumstances, both teams then fell victim to the Boston Red Sox in free agency as they signed Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez. The Dodgers and Giants were then eliminated in the Jon Lester sweepstakes, but one of the teams quickly rebounded.
With Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi at the helm and busy improving the roster, Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reported sources believe the Giants may soon get active due to pressure from the Dodgers’ flurry of acquisitions:
Sources: #SFGiants being aggressive on a few fronts. Moves may be coming soon, as pressure from #Dodgers may push things forward.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) December 11, 2014
On Wednesday the Dodgers completed trades with the Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, which landed them Howie Kendrick and prospects from the Marlins. Kendrick replaces Dee Gordon, who was dealt to the Marlins along with Dan Haren, Miguel Rojas and either cash considerations or a player to be named later.
The Dodger train didn’t stop there as they’re expected to sign Brandon McCarthy, and finalize a trade for Jimmy Rollins, with further moves not beyond the realm of possibility. Then on Thursday, the Dodgers traded Matt Kemp to the San Diego Padres and there’s a widespread belief there’s more to come.
As for the Giants, they are in need of a starting pitcher and third baseman. After being turned down by Lester, it was reported the Giants inquired on Ervin Santana and will make a play for James Shields, as Peter Gammons notes.
Hey, just to let you know……The Giants don’t feel ANY pressure from the Dodgers…and you can have Rollins…hes on the downside of his career.
no shit Sherlock……he is only there for a year to bridge the gap to Corey Seager…..that’s a given……
Uh, the Dodgers look to be worse from all of this. What pressure is there in that?
On the surface yes……I am not sure that the wheels are finished spinning…. But the one deal I really dislike is Kemp to SD….not smart to trade one of your best power hitters to a division rival…that’s gonna bite them in the ass
clubhouse chemistry is what I believe caused this trade. of course, his #’s will probably go down after this. that’s a huge ballpark!
His career numbers in that ballpark are off the charts.
Huge OF may affect his defense though….
hey no shit Sherlock matt kemp is garbage .. hey at least he won the bitch of the year award in 2014… if the dodgers thought he was great they would have not traded him to the padres…. you didn’t see the difference after he escaped not getting caught
hey kemp next time keep your mouth shut about what happen with the clippers…. your the luckiest player in the league not getting caught taking the juice …
what a great feeling the dodgers and st john bosco are toast