Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made the first move of their trade deadline season with a trade for former Chicago Cubs closer Carlos Marmol. The Cubs get Matt Guerrier from the Dodgers and the boys in blue get Marmol and a couple hundred grand in international signing dollars. There are additional financial considerations but that isn’t what matters in the deal. The big question is why the Dodgers would trade for Marmol and was it a good move?
It might come as a surprise but I think it was a good move for the Dodgers. I’ll explain why. The Dodgers were about as happy with Guerrier as the Cubs were with Marmol this season. Basically, Don Mattingly would have put Yasiel Puig on the mound in a pressure situation before he put Guerrier out there. That makes the first point. The Dodgers lost someone they didn’t want in the first place.
Point number two goes to the problems of Marmol. The Dodgers coaching staff things they have spotted a few problems including one with his arm slot that could be fixable. Some might have forgotten now but Marmol was an All-Star closer just a few years ago and has plenty of time left in his arm (age wise). If he reports, enjoys his change of scenery and hits it off with the coaching staff, they actually might be able to fix him up and get some good relief out of him down the stretch.
In summation the Dodgers traded someone they knew they didn’t want for someone they think they might be able to fix. Because they lost basically nothing it is a deal where the Dodgers have nothing to lose. If Marmol bombs out and they designate him within a month they could bring up a hot minor leaguer to fill some innings or take a stab at another reliever before the deadline. This move being made now will give them time to gauge whether or not they need a lot more help before the end of July trade deadline or a little. Good move Dodgers.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
