DePodesta took the Marlins to the cleaners with this one. In return for two expensive players (LoDuca and Encarnacian 7.5 million + for the pair)…both of whom as on the downward skid (LoDuca = 32 years old. Encarnacion = 28 years old) he got a top pitcher in Penny and a top 5 first basemen in Choi (and he’ll be cheap for at least 2 more years.
And the Murphy kid is having a pretty fine year in the minors. If he can get some control issues ironed out the Dodgers could have something there.
So LA got younger, cheaper and better by trading a 31 year old reliever (Mota), a not-old player who can’t really hit (lifetime OBP .311)(shades of Tom Goodwin!), and a good hitter who’s a prime candidate for getting old (a catcher at age 32).
Like it’s impossible? The Giants have spent a large hunk of the season in first place. They’ve slipped some, but they’re still in the running, especially in a weakass division like the NL West.
They have a better chance of catching the Cubs, who are getting hot and (perhaps) finally playing like they were supposed to. Good luck catching LA or CHI.
Well, almost a week after the trade and the Dodgers are 4-1. Wow, that trade just completely trashed their chemistry. How are they ever going to make the playoffs now. DePodesta should be fired.*
They don’t make :rolleyes: big enough.
*I actually think DePo should be fired by the Dodgers - so that he can replace Stoneman in Anaheim.
Bigger effect on chemistry - Paul Lo Duca or winning games?
I’ll also predict that within the next two weeks the Dodgers swing a trade for a middle of the road (but certainly better than what they have now) catcher that makes it through waivers. This is a team that seems to be making moves for this year and beyond which is nice to see in the era of instant gratification.
I look forward to them losing to the Cubs in the playoffs.
Which goes to show, even chemistry can’t overcome a .195/.217/.310 line in September.
Of course, instead of admitting they don’t know what they’re babbling about and how “chemistry” is just a euphemism for winning and not openly coming to blows in the dugout, the mainstream press is going to treat us to stories about how Beltre replaced LoDuca’s heart and about Finley’s veteran leadership.
How about those last three games? It’s like last year’s Dodgers. Amazing starting pitching and no offense. Last night was really crazy. Almost all of the offense came from the catcher’s spot.
Go Blue!
Even if they get swept by the Giants, they get a playoff spot if Houston loses at least once.
If Penny hadn’t come up lame, we would have had at least three or four more wins at this point and we would have cruised to first place. I think DePodesta pulled off a great trade.
My God, the Giants pulled a choke of absolutely Bostonian proportions.
If the Giants miss the playoffs, and with Chokeland having pulled their fifth straight colossal gagfest, the Bay Area will be the choking capital of the baseball world.
