Dodgers News: LA Pull Off Three-Team Blockbuster Trade

If you wanted to have a snapshot of the Dodgers 2015 season so far all you had to do was look at their game on Wednesday night against the Oakland Athletics. The Dodgers made an uncharacteristic come from behind win by outscoring the Athletics 10-7. If you looked at the Dodgers pitching on the night you’d see why this team has been on a .500 pace since starting the season 22-10.

More from LA Sports Hub

Dodgers starter Mike Bolsinger went five innings giving up two runs and leaving with a lead, but also showed how Dodgers starters not named Kershaw and Greinke struggle to go deep into games. The depleted Dodgers bullpen promptly gave up five runs over the next four innings, something Dodgers fans have become accustomed to over the last two years

May 16, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher

Mat Latos

(35) tosses the baseball after giving up a grand slam to Atlanta Braves second baseman

Jace Peterson

(not pictured) during the second inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Despite having a starting staff that ranks in the top half in ERA, shutouts, and strikeouts the Dodgers bullpen ranks in the lower half in ERA, saves, and innings pitched. This Jekyll and Hyde act had to be addressed by the Dodgers front office if the LA is going to finally end their 27-year World Series drought.

Thursday the Dodgers front office met the challenge of fixing their flaws by pulling off a three way trade with the Atlanta Braves and Florida Marlins. The Dodgers added pitching depth by acquiring Mat Latos from the Marlins and Alex Wood, Jim Johnson, and Luis Avilan from the Braves, the Dodgers also picked up the Braves top second base prospect Jose Peraza. Latos and Wood would slot into the starting pitching staff and Johnson and Avilan were brought in to shore up the bullpen.

Jul 21, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Alex Wood (40) delivers a pitch to a Los Angeles Dodgers batter in the first inning of their game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

In return the Dodgers sent 3 minor league pitchers to the Marlins and 30-year-old Cuban infielder Hector Olivera, left-handed reliever Paco Rodriguez and minor league pitcher Zachary Bird to the Braves. By taking on the contracts of pitcher Bronson Arroyo from the Braves and first baseman Michael Morse from the Marlins the Dodgers were able to get cash considerations from both teams as well.

Pulling off a deadline deal without giving up prized prospects like Corey Seager and Julio Urias, while getting a young cheap pitcher like Alex Wood are the kind of moves that indicate how strong and smart the front office is. On a media conference call Dodgers President of Baseball Ops Andrew Friedman indicated that the Dodgers were not done as the trade deadline would be ending Friday afternoon. There’s speculation about adding another starter and more bullpen help.

With a strong front-office and financial freedom due to Guggenheim’s big bucks the Dodgers are showing what brains and a big wallet can do for the franchise. Friedman explained the front office philosophy going forward,

"“I have tremendous amount of respect for the passion our fans have for our team, and we all share the exact same goal, which is to win the World Series. Everything we’ve done is with that goal in mind, but it’s also not just about winning in 2015, it’s about creating something we can sustain for many years and hopefully have a number of championship banners up.”"

The Dodgers are intent on avoiding to overspend for titles now and jeopardizing their future, they may have not made the “sexy” move by getting big names like David Price or Cole Hamels, but Dodgers fans should be happy with this trade and for what the future holds.

Next: ICYMI: Should Dodgers Send Puig & Pederson Down To Minors?

Home/Los Angeles Dodgers