Dodgers Fail To Address Bullpen With Chase Utley Trade

By Pablo Jacobo | Aug 21, 2015

In a puzzling move the Los Angeles Dodgers traded for veteran 2B Chase Utley. A surprising acquisition because it fails to address a more concerning need: the bullpen.

Since the All-Star break the Dodgers have had the worst pen in the majors. Countless blown saves and brilliant pitching performances thrown away because the bullpen failed to close out games. LA is in the midst of tough race to the playoffs with division rivals and defending champs the San Francisco Giants only 2.5 games behind.

I don’t completely hate the trade for Utley. I’m all for players returning to play for their home teams. Utley played ball at Long Beach Poly and UCLA. Any player with ties to my home town of Long Beach is good in my book.

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Utley is a proven bat with championship experience that if healthy can help the inconsistent offense. The 37-year-old will cover second base for the injured Howie Kendrick. What’s baffling to me is that utility player Enrique Hernandez has been playing well in the absence of Kendrick. At this point in time, Kike (.304/.353/.513/.865) is a better hitter and defender than Utley. His bat needs to be in the lineup.

The Dodgers also have Jose Peraza in their ranks who they acquired at the non-waiver deadline from the Atlanta Braves. Peraza can flat out hit the baseball and is an effective base stealer. He struggled in his two games with LA but more reps could be beneficial long term. His defense is still questionable but his youth and agility could be more of use defensively than an aging Utley.

Per ESPN’s Mark Saxon, the plan is to use Utley all over the infield when Kendrick returns to the lineup. He’ll get some time at third base and first to give Justin Turner and Adrian Gonzalez a rest. For now the former-Bruin will reunite with his longtime Philly teammate Jimmy Rollins which is a cool story in itself but it still doesn’t improve the bullpen.

Jul 25, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins (11) and second baseman Chase Utley (26) high five each other at the conclusion of a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 9-5. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Dodgers just lost two games against the lowly Oakland A’s thanks in major part to their pen, who could not sustain a lead. The offense shares some of the blame too, but the bullpen has been troubling since last season. This should have been a clear sign to bolster their relief options. They need someone that is able to get the ball to Kenley Jansen in the 9^th inning.

The front office tried to fix the issue in the off-season with Joel Peralta, Chris Hatcher, Juan Nicasio and Adam Liberatore but that has not worked out. They traded for Jim Johnson and Luis Avilan at the trade deadline which turned out to be a colossal failure. Don Mattingly will now bring Mat Latos from the bullpen to see if that works. Perhaps when Mike Bolsinger and Carlos Frias return they may be seen as options as well.

Dodgers’ closer Kenley Jansen reportedly held a meeting with the bullpen trying to rally his troops. Although I loved hearing Jansen taking the initiative to talk to his teammates, I don’t think pep talks are going to work.

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Besides Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke, who else do you trust? I can’t say my confidence is sky-high heading into the post-season with a shaky bullpen. Past blunders are a clear sign that the Dodgers are going to need more than just Kershaw and Greinke.

August 31 is the waiver trade deadline. We’ll have to wait and see what other moves the Dodgers make. Impact relievers like Francisco Rodriguez, Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman could be available; there is no news of them being put on waivers. They could add another SP like James Shields if Latos from the pen works out or trade for a younger arm like 26-year-old Addison Reed.

The Dodgers have 10 days to fix their bullpen woes. Unless Utley is pitching in the 8^th inning, I don’t think this move was wise.

Next: Chase Utley Is Heading To The Dodgers

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