Trade Talk

The Dodgers' sole trade deadline move was an intriguing swap of utility infielder Wilson Betemit to the Yankees for reliever Scott Proctor. My initial reaction to the move was that the Dodgers had given up too early on the switch-hitting Betemit, whose on-base and slugging numbers weren't enough to make up for an early season slump that doomed his batting average.

To make matters worse, Proctor is generally considered to be overworked, a trait that has plagued the Dodgers' bullpen since the All-Star break.

However, after some thought, I believe the move could be beneficial under some circumstances. With Nomar blocking Betemit's way at third (and Andy LaRoche, for that matter), Ned Colletti wisely got something he could use for a piece that didn't seem to fit.

First of all, it opens up a spot that could be filled by LaRoche, who looks ready for another shot. The Dodgers called up Delwyn Young to fill the spot until Proctor arrives, and will likely keep Young once they get Proctor, but it will be hard to ignore LaRoche much longer.

The second thing is that Proctor may be really good for the bullpen. His 3.81 ERA will be welcomed by a group that has struggled to get to Broxton and Saito. Plus, he won't have to be (over)used like Joe Torre has used him the past season and a half.

Second Thoughts

I wonder why/if Colletti didn't try to deal LaRoche, who has always been highly regarded and whose stock has risen even more with his recent power surge, for a more significant pitcher than Proctor. Clearly there weren't starters to be had.

I seem to be the only one who thinks this, but I would have been a big fan of a deal for Matt Morris, as long as it didn't cost a first-tier prospect and the Giants paid some of his salary. From what I have read, the Giants were basically begging teams to take him, and the Dodgers have a bunch of desirable young players, some of whom appear to be blocked by veterans and/or other, better young players already in LA or in the team's plans in the near future.

Especially in light of the news that Randy Wolf may miss the rest of the season, Morris could really help as a fourth or fifth starter. He's really struggling this year, but he is durable, experienced, and could provide a veteran boost to the rotation.

I also wonder if Colletti is done dealing. The starting rotation is seriously lacking if Mark Hendrickson and Brett Tomko take the mound two out of every five days, and with the health of Wolf and D. Lowe in question, I find it hard to believe that Colletti won't try to find some established pitcher to help down the stretch.