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Dodgers news: Grading their off-season moves

By Evan Lovett

Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill (44) reacts after a strike out during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill (44) reacts after a strike out during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 23, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Howie Kendrick (47) hits into a double play on an RBI hit in the sixth inning against Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Howie Kendrick (47) hits into a double play on an RBI hit in the sixth inning against Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

. B-. . Dodgers Trade Howie Kendrick to Phillies for Darin Ruf and Darnell Sweeney .

Analysis: Kendrick is an affable teammate and all-around good ballplayer. He sacrificed his aspirations as second baseman to learn left field in 2016, and performed competently. That said, he was on the second year of a two-year, $20 million deal in 2017, and though the front office is not under a clear mandate to shed payroll, Kendrick was deemed expendable.

The two players acquired, Ruf and Sweeney, are each likely to start the year at AAA Oklahoma City, but both have Major League experience and could see time in Chavez Ravine this season.

Economics, a crowded outfield, and the need to fill the second base position with an everyday player were a strong trio of reasons to oust a very likable ballplayer in Kendrick.

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