August 2nd, 2016 at 6:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka Dodger fans who were hoping for a magic pill or silver bullet at Monday’s non-waiver trade deadline are probably disappointed with the end results. But Dodger fans who are hoping for a return to the postseason this year and a potential Dodgers Dynasty (for lack of a better description), they are undoubtedly ecstatic with Monday’s transaction or – perhaps more accurately – their non-transactions.
In it’s simplest form, the Dodgers came away with an upgrade – albeit only slightly – in Josh Reddick and absolutely hit an unexpected curveball out of the park with the acquisition of 36-year-old left-hander Rich Hill.
Oh sure, it’s easy to say that Hill is… well… over the hill in his MLB career, but the simple truth is that he is (was) currently the best pitcher in the American League with his 2.25 ERA. And even though he does not have enough starts to qualify for the current official MLB ERA title, he is 9-3 in the 14 starts he has made. He also boasts an impressive 1.09 WHIP and equally impressive 10.7 K/9 ratio and 3.32 K/BB ratio. But perhaps what stands out most about the Boston native and 12-year MLB veteran is that 10 of his 14 starts have gone six innings or longer – something unheard of for nearly every Dodgers starter not named Clayton Kershaw.
Hill was arguably the best starting pitcher available at Monday’s trade deadline even though he has, for the most part, flown completely under the radar this season. (Photo credit – Ezra Shaw)
As for the 29-year-old Reddick – who has been the Oakland A’s franchise player for most of his eight-year MLB career – he brings an equally unheard of (at least for the Dodgers) .341 batting average with runners in scoring position. This alone makes his acquisition – albeit as only a two-month rental – absolutely huge heading into the stretch run.
Although Reddick’s overall number may not be a huge upgrade of those of Yasiel Puig, his .341 batting average with runners in scoring position immediately puts him as the best on the team in that category.
(Photo credit – Lance Iversen)
There is no disputing that the loss of former first-round draft pick right-hander Grant Holmes, MLB-ready right-hander Jharel Cotton and rehabbing right-hander Frankie Montas in exchange for Reddick and Hill is a huge loss for the Dodgers. But what makes this deadline trade an exceptional one for the Dodgers is that they still have all of their top prospects in Julio Urias, Jose De Leon, Cody Bellinger, Alex Verdugo and Chase De Jong. They also still have rookie right-hander Ross Stripling, although he has been optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make room on the 25-man roster for Hill and/or reliever Jesse Chavez, whom the Dodgers also acquired on Monday in exchange for Mike Bolsinger and cash from the Toronto Blue Jays.
Although the trade deadline has now come and gone – at least the non-waiver trade deadline – it was not without it’s extremely tense moments. On Sunday, with less than 24-hours to go before the deadline, Dodgers top first base prospect Cody Bellinger and top outfield prospect Alex Verdugo were both scratched from the Double-A Tulsa Drillers’ starting lineup. And though it was being reported that this was merely to give the 21-year-old Bellinger and 20-year-old Verdugo a blow, both were suddenly and inexplicably inserted into the game (on direct orders from the Dodgers front office) to pinch-hit in the ninth inning of Sunday’s game. This clearly suggests that both were poised to be traded but the deal – whatever it was and for whom – had (thankfully) fallen through. At the time there were very strong rumors that the Dodgers were in talks with the Tampa Bay Rays to acquire right-hander Chris Archer and/or left-hander Matt Moore (who ended up going to the Giants), so there is every reason to believe that this was the likely destination for the two extremely talented young prospects.
And then there was the Yasiel Puig debacle. Fox Sports national reporter Ken Rosenthal erroneously broke the news that the controversial Dodgers right fielder had “stormed off” from the Dodgers clubhouse after being informed that since he hadn’t been traded, he was being optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City until a decision could be made on what to do with the 25-year-old Cienfuegos, Cuba native. But what really turned this horribly inaccurate information into a national frenzy was that after Puig had reportedly (by Rosenthal) “stormed off” from the Dodgers clubhouse, his current whereabouts were unknown, causing Twitter to absolutely explode, although with a rather humorous #WheresPuig” twist to it.
But this was anything but a laughing matter and (about) an hour later it was learned that Rosenthal had blown this story about as bad as a story could be blown when Puig’s agent Adam Katz issued the following statement:
“I’m told he never went to the park. The club informed me and the player understood clearly that they were making every effort to trade him and that if they were unable to come to terms with another club on a trade — and successful in acquiring another outfielder — that he likely would be demoted. My understanding is that transaction will happen tomorrow (Tuesday).”
Needless to say, not only had Puig not “stormed off” from the Dodgers clubhouse, he wasn’t even there. But alas, the damage was done and Puig will undoubtedly once again be vilified by the national media and baseball’s talking heads without any opportunity to personally tell his side of the incorrect story that Rosenthal single-handedly manufactured.
Lo and behold, it was Yasiel Puig himself – the villain, the incorrigible child, the clubhouse cancer, the monster who once gave a handicapped Dodger fan the very shirt off his back – who sought out Ken Rosenthal instead of vice versa, as it should have been. It was Yasiel Puig who took the high road; this in spite of the inevitable vicious media attacks that undoubtedly will come.
Yeah, that Yasiel Puig sure is a real jerk, isn’t he?
Shame on you Ken Rosenthal … shame on you.
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I don’t think anyone is unhappy about the trades. It’s the trades that weren’t made that have people upset.
Which trades were those? Should be obvious, after reviewing the trades, that Archer or Sale would have gutted the farm.
I agree, Dodgers didn’t do bad considering what a sellers market it was. I for one, am very glad to see 25 yr old Duffy and his 2015 4.9 WAR gone from SF. Looks like he could play some SS for the Rays. I don’t like the competition having that type of versatile player.
I see Nunez, the guy now playing 3rd base (instead of Duffy) for SF made a throwing error tonight, the error led to 4 unearned runs off of Bumgarner.
Keep it up Nunez!
The Dodgers basically traded a albeit immature 25 year old with immense long term potential for a 29 year old with slightly above average skills.
Personally I think this is a horrible trade!! I wish Yasiel only the best.
A sad lifetime Dodger fan.
Chissik1, are you aware that Puig is still in the Dodgers organization? He’s unavailable for 10 days, or less in the event of an injury to one of the 25. After that, and barring any future transaction, he’s only a phone call away.
“…..immense long term potential…..” Just how long can Puig ride that description? I’m hoping, without confidence, that he’ll finally get it. Maybe the realization that his team was trying to get rid of him but nobody else wanted him will sink in.
He’ll have to earn his way back. He can do it, it’s all up to him.
At this moment I would consider even a September call-up to be a long shot.
Here’s what the Dodgers got: A player who is a leader, not a distraction. A player who actually hits with RISP. They gave up “spectacular occasionally” for a blue collar guy who just shows up, steps up and shuts up! They gave up the “potential” of a Wild Horse for a Thoroughbred. I have always said that Yasiel Puig has more talent that any player I have ever seen. It is unfortunate that he is a knucklehead (although his “knuckleheadedery” has somewhat diminished) and has hamstrings made of catgut!
These moves were made with an eye on this year while protecting the future. If Clayton returns, this give the Dodgers a chance to win it all. Holmes may or may not harness his control issues and I actually see him as a reliever (I have never been a Grant Holmes fan). The same with Cotton and Montas. Essentially, we traded three relievers (IMHO) for a solid RF and a pitcher who has been as good as anyone in baseball this year. He’s strictly a rental and does not have a lot of innings on his arm this year. Sure, he’s a risk – so is everything!
Jesse Chavez should help the pen as a swingman and Josh Fields has good stuff – maybe he just needs a “tweek.”
The Dodgers kept their “core” of prospects intact in my opinion and improved their odds of winning THIS year as well as the future. I don’t see what there is not to like. I guarantee the decision to demote Yasiel Puig was not made in vacuum. I am sure Dave Roberts, the coaching staff and other players were consulted and it was a “collective decision.” Sometimes, it is addition by subtraction! This may make or break Puig, but I would guess that he is gone if I had to guess.
BTW, I will be posting on this site. I respect differing opinions except when your opinion is always the same: “FAZ made a trade – it’s horrible” “FAZ didn’t make a trade – it horrible.” Everything they post is based upon their own warped worldview. I read some of the stupidest stuff I have ever read yesterday. The other sites commentators have all became the same guy. It’s causing me to lose brain cells when I read such drivel.. and you know I can’t afford that!
FAZ ain’t perfect, but I like what they are doing.
Welcome aboard, Mark. Yes, that other site reminds me of a lawless “lynch mob”, everyone screaming to lynch FAZ, while ignoring “reason”. Kind of like the mob in Clint Eastwood’s, Hang him High”. My Dad, a career FBI agent, explained “mob psychology” to me at a young age.
While there was many dumb comments there yesterday. One stood out to me, blaming FAZ that TB traded Moore to SF. The person said, “If Friedman’s former team still liked him, why would they trade one of the pitchers that Friedman wanted, to a team that is in direct competition with Friedman’s team?” Makes you just want to say “HELLO, ANYBODY HOME IN THERE?”
I am bummed about Puig. He is capable of carrying this club. While his “knuckleheadedery” appears to have diminished, I have a feeling it played a big part in his demotion. Hopefully, he decides in a big hurry, he wants to be a Dodger and a star. Baseball careers are a gift and have a very short shelf-life. Wake up Puig!
Well stated, Mark. When I first heard of the trades yesterday I was in disbelief that the Dodgers gave up three popular “names” from their farm system. After reviewing their stats and seeing what the Dodgers got in return, I began to see why the deals were made.
After reading Ron’s well-assembled piece just now, it confirmed to me that the Dodgers got the most value out of the least in expenditure. Rich Hill is the most compelling acquisition, and Reddick immediately improves the “Puigless” Dodgers outfield.
If Yasiel can tame the “knuckleheadedery” and get that fire back in his belly while putting up some good numbers at AAA, he might find his way back to the big club at the end of the season. I’m guessing that the Dodgers have grown tired of his apparent abundance of entitlement. He has put that into check, somewhat, this year, but for whatever reason he still can’t seem to get into gear with his brain. Yasiel admired his second double the other night, albeit for a brief nano-second, but that’s the kind of stuff that his teammates have been complaining about for the duration of his four-year career.
I’d love to see Yasiel Puig continue to play in a Dodgers uniform, however I think Ron is correct in his assessment that Puig may have played his last game in a Dodgers uniform.
All-in-all, the Dodgers have made themselves stronger and positioned themselves for a playoff run. Get a few healthy pieces back, make a tweak here and there, and one never knows where this thing might be headed! The Dodgers did well without giving up the farm.
Go Dodgers!
IMO … No it is not. This does not take us over the top. Still missing pieces. @cubs all in. @dodgers holding back.
Agree, Cubs look tough, but, anything can happen in playoffs.
Trade deadline, is for tweeking, not building a championship team.
Give us a vintage Kershaw, Hill throwing like he has been for another three months, and I like our chances.
D’backs were all in in the off season. Padres were all in last year. Both are looking up at the Dodgers, Giants, and even the Rockies.
Dodgers are building for the long haul. That’s the way to do it.
I certainly am satisfied that they did not empty the farm. That might still be a concern over the winter or even with the waiver deadline but for now it is not.
Initially I was not all that enthused with the trades but much more satisfied when I realized Hill, Reddick and Chavez are all free agents after the season.
I agree that there might still be missing pieces. Acquiring them takes time and they must decide how to do it. Buy or build. We all know how well buying has done since 1988.
The Reddick trade reminded me of just how much Andre Ethier is missed. So much so that his twin Josh Reddick was brought in.
It all depends on CK. His return would be like acquiring a big name starter without giving up any prospects.
Difficult to not be happy?
Depends on your perspective. For me? Not difficult at all. I still see a few teams around baseball I find much better prepared to finish than us.
If you love what the FAZ has been doing for the last 2 years you are probably happy.
I like Reddick. But I fear in FAZneyland he is just another platoon player.
Does anyone know when Hill is supposed to pitch again? He’s been somewhat invisible the second half.
Badger, certainly not the news I was looking for either, but it appears the Dodgers have placed Hill on the 15-day DL.
From the LA Times article “Dodgers send Yasiel Puig to the minor leagues”
“The Dodgers also announced that they placed pitcher Rich Hill, who also came over from Oakland, on the 15-day disabled list.”
Hill was already on the 15 day DL. He’s eligible to come off today.
Drew Pomerantz, Andrew Cashner, Francisco Liriano, Ricky Nolasco, Wade Miley, Hector Santiago, Scott Feldman, Jon Niese, Ivan Nova, Drew Hutchison, and Matt Moore. These are the starting pitchers that were traded during the trading deadline, OTHER THAN Rich Hill. Talking about this year only, none of those pitchers are pitching better than Rich Hill. Matt Moore and Drew Pomerantz may in fact turn out to be better long term acquisitions, but the Dodgers did not want long term. They already have too many who may be blocking both Urias and De Leon (and Stripling, Stewart, Oaks, De Jong, Sborz and Sopko). Thus Friedman/Zaidi decided to improve this year without mortgaging the future. IMO their future lies with Urias, De Leon, Verdugo, Bellinger, Calhoun, and probably Yadier Alveraz. In addition to 2nd tier complimentary fill-ins, at least two and probably three would have been required for Chris Sale, and probably two for Chris Archer. No thank you. Until a blister put him on the DL, Hill was pitching better than Archer this year, and it is arguable as to whether Sale was that much better this year.
It is amazing how some of the back seat GM’s downgrade the Dodgers roster except when they want a Chris Sale. But then Puig, Kendrick, SVS, Barnes, Cotton, and C. Anderson are good enough to be packaged and traded for Chris Sale. I read one person state that the Dodgers could have had Sale for Puig, Barnes, and Holmes, and he called Friedman an idiot for not making that trade.
The Dodgers are not in the same position as the Cubs or Indians where one player can in fact make them WS favorites. Would Chris Sale or Chris Archer do that for LAD? The Dodgers have more holes than one stellar SP, so I do not think so (certainly not favorites). Josh Riddick was another addition that gives the Dodgers what they need most this year…contact with RISP. Riddick does not strike out much, so with runners in scoring position and he does get a bat on the ball, the chances that someone will score are enhanced immensely rather than a Puig or Pederson K. Take a look at the OKC roster and tell me who they could have called upon to give them Riddick’s production. The best of the position player prospects are at AA and below and not ready. Jay Bruce, Carlos Beltran, Melvin Upton? No thanks.
Yordan Alveraz may in fact turn out to be very good…MAYBE. But he is at least 4th in line at 1B; behind Cody Bellinger (21), Edwin Rios (22), and Ibandel Isabel (21). If Fields can return to 2015 levels, he will benefit the Dodgers this year. The Dodgers have a better chance to catch SF with Rich Hill/Josh Riddick/Josh Fields. They are also more improved than the Marlins or Mets or Cardinals for the Wild Card.
I needed that deep breath of sanity!
A couple of my brain cells have been restored!
OK, I admit I still am 3 fries short of a Happy Meal!
Mark, as an old friend may I say that I am happy you found a place that will bring you the sanity you so richly need.
I know some of us have opined (on the message board) that Yasiel has seen his last days as a Dodger. Is it possible that since he was an outfielder with options, plus a sore hammy, that it was best to send him to OKC, where he can DH until that thing fully heals?
I love the trades. Reddick and Hill are going to contribute. I much prefer Reddick over Jay Bruce because he brings stellar outfield defense to the club. Hate giving up on an exciting 5 tooler like Puig who has made strides in maturity this season. His tweet to Rosenthal is proof of that. I’m hoping that he is back with the big club shortly and that his days as a Dodger are not over.
I don’t believe they have the DH at AAA. Ron?
If they are playing an AL affiliate at their ballpark I believe that they do.
How good these trades turn out to be will all come out in the wash in the very near future.
Personally, I’m glad to know that Rosenthal’s original tweet was incorrect about Puig.
The very last player that needed that kind of inaccurate reporting attributed to their behavior was Yasiel Puig. That part of the story actually makes me feel sorry for him. But HUGE kudos to him for the absolutely right response to Rosenthal. I worry Yasiel may finally “get it” – if he ever does – AFTER his physical skills begin to diminish.
With a newly acquired right fielder, the best place for him is the minors where he can get a lot of AB’s and figure out what he needs to do IF it’s “figureoutable”
I like the Rich Hill/Reddick trade both for who we got/who we gave/and that we’re not saddled with long term deals. If Hill implodes for us, he’s gone. If he continues to be dominating like he was in the A.L. this year, we can re-sign him to a heavily incentive laden contract ala Maeda (I’d hope).
I totally agree with Mark that I’m sick of the beat-the-shit-outta-the-front-office mentality that is all over all the Dodger blogs. Clearly their load up on prospects approach served us well this season, so far. Right now this year looks good, not great but 2017 and 18 look REALLY potentially exciting.
I worry Yasiel may finally “get it” – if he ever does – AFTER signing with the Giants.
Actually I was hoping for Chis Sale and Babe Ruth, oh I mean Jay Bruce.
I was adamantly in favor of trading nobody. I’m looking at ’18 where we would, through FAZmensa trading and stacking policies have a system with 20 ML ready prospects and be looking at a Free Agent market loaded with young Harper Trout like talent and Kershaw in a walk year. I had it all planned. We trade half the farm for the right pieces, sign Hollywood worthy baseball talent and win everything every year until I’m 90.
Now I’m not so sure.
But, if Hill and Reddick bring us a championship, I’ll celebrate with some crow pie.
At what cost, Joe?
I realize the cost would’ve been high, but that’s what I’d hope the Dodgers would’ve done.
Well then… I’m glad it’s not up to you.
Nothing really wrong with the players they got, veterans having career seasons who may give us a boost down the stretch. But I don’t think they’ve addressed some of the teams’ real needs: the inability to hit LHP and the need for a #2 starter in 2017. And Chavez looks like another Hatcher to me.
“Jharel Cotton, rhp, Athletics. Cotton, part of the package that headed to Oakland for Josh Reddick and Rich Hill, came within one out Tuesday of a perfect game against Triple-A Round Rock before veteran Doug Bernier tripled in the ninth. Still, the Virgin Islands native finished with a one-hitter and a career-high 12 strikeouts in Nashville’s 3-0 win. Cotton now leads the PCL with 136 strikeouts in 112 2/3 innings. Cotton said he has worked with Nashville pitching coach Rick Rodriguez on his mechanics and now feels like he has more deception.”
I certainly wish Jharel well.