It's a big day
Anyone looking to talk Dodgers today will have no shortage of material.
Start with today's non-waiver trade deadline, at 1 pm today. Mark Teixiera is reportedly headed to Atlanta with Octavio Dotel in tow, and it doesn't look like the Blue are in position to do anything big. But then again, Dotel still hasn't actually gone anywhere, and even if some of the bigger names are gone, the Dodgers might still be able pick from guys like Washington's Jon Rauch or Chad Cordero (at 6'11", the former could pair up with Mark Hendrickson to give L.A. the NL's best frontcourt) at a potentially lower price. Or maybe Wilson Betemit heads to New York for Scott Proctor? High cost in prospects will likely be enough to keep Jon Garland in Chicago... or at least out of L.A. Given the hit and miss track record of deadline deals for the Dodgers, the consequences of inactivity could cut either way. In his ESPN.com blog, Buster Olney (not surprisingly) puts the bullpen at the top of L.A's needs list, saying Proctor is probably the most feasible solution.
At least if the Dodgers are quiet, they'll have company. It doesn't look like the NL West will be heavily involved with any deal making. Of course, no matter what happens this afternoon, there will be plenty of fireworks tonight.
The Barry Bonds Traveling Circus comes to L.A., and it's fair to say Barry couldn't have found himself deeper in enemy territory if he tried. Fans have lots of lingering bad feeling towards Bonds, from the steroid allegations to his surly (to be kind) disposition to heartbreak he's delivered over the years. Plus, he plays in San Francisco. While the Dodgers and Giants have had many historic moments on the field, the Dodgers would just as soon avoid another one during this three game set. Barry says he'll welcome whatever reaction Dodger fans provide should 755 and even 756 fly off his bat into the night sky at the Ravine. Who knows? Maybe people will be nice to the guy. Or maybe they won't.
Maybe if you knew Barry like Rich Donnelly knows Barry, you'd have a different opinion. Then again, maybe not. Either way, if you see Bud Selig tonight at Dodger Stadium, give him a hug. He needs it.
The fun starts at 7:10, with Brad Penny (13-1, 2.41) facing off against Noah Lowry (11-7, 3.40) for the Giants.
You have questions. Ken Gurnick has answers.
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Well whose in favor of the Betemit for Proctor deal...I think it will help both parties.
Posted by: K T USN | July 31, 2007 at 10:35 AM
DONE! BETEMIT FOR PROCTOR!
Personally, I liked Betemit a lot, and I felt like we got a steal last season from Atlanta. (Also remember that Atlanta fans felt the same, saying they should have gotten more for one of their top prospects). Still, he seemed confused and uncomfortable all year long, while we all just sat waiting for him to blossom.
Verdict: Good move! Bring up La Roche!
Posted by: Steve M. | July 31, 2007 at 10:44 AM
mlb.com is saying Betemit is going to the Yankees for Proctor.
Posted by: wausroamer | July 31, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Make some moves!!! The season has wore me down with all these injuries maybe some new bullets will take me away from my fantasy football team! Is Wolf ever going to come back this year??? If he is done i dont want to ever see him in a dodgers uni again
Posted by: bigtaxdizzle | July 31, 2007 at 11:03 AM
i think we make this move since beimel's been shaky as of late as one of our go-to middle relievers. this will get saenz more at bats it seems and maybe let nomar get into a rhythm. that said, betemit was coming on strong as of late and it seems like there's potential. the big thing we don't know with betemit is whether or not he can deliver when it counts due to his inconsistency.
Posted by: luke | July 31, 2007 at 11:12 AM
Cordero would be a nice insurance plan if saito gets hurt or retires after this year. I am not all that confident with Broxton as the teams closer.
Posted by: A.C. | July 31, 2007 at 11:13 AM
OH, HAPPY DAY!!!!!!!
Posted by: Package | July 31, 2007 at 01:00 PM