Trade Deadline: Grading The Dodgers’ (Lack of) Moves
Chad Qualls – Off the Market
In a bizarre move, the Houston Astros announced that they wouldn’t be moving Qualls prior to the deadline passing. This is a team in the midst of a decade-long rebuild claiming their soon-to-be 36 year old closer is off limits.
Then, they deal a 24-year-old starting pitcher.
Rene Rivera – Still Available?
I can’t imagine that the San Diego Padres are going to be overly possessive of their 31-year-old backup catcher. The Dodgers desperately need production behind the plate and Rivera would come pretty cheap. It makes a ton of sense and there’s still time to pull it off.
Cliff Lee – Not So Fast
Just when it looked like Lee could still potentially be moved in August, the 35-year-old lefty pulled himself from Thursday’s start with an elbow issue. Looks like Philly will end up hanging onto him for the rest of the season.
Bartolo Colon – Why Not?
The Dodgers need someone to come in and stabilize the back of the rotation with Dan Haren continuing to struggle and Josh Beckett pitching through a hip injury.
Colon has been surprisingly effective over the past few seasons and would be another cheap option in terms of prospects. He’s signed through 2015, which slightly complicates things, but he won’t prevent the team from making other moves.
Grade – Incomplete
The Dodgers did well to hold onto their top prospects, but didn’t address obvious holes in their roster (backend starter, relief help, catching). But, if the Nick Punto trade taught us anything, it’s that big deals can be made in August. And here you thought the speculation was over…
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Dodgers Nation Interview With Dee Gordon
This is Ned’s pattern. In the past it was acceptable because he didn’t have the funds nor the prospects. Then he waits for the August waiver wire to get another has been that will in no way help. I give Colleti an F for the k this BS move.