Dodgers trade for Scott Podsednik
The LA Dodgers have traded for Kansas City Royals outfielder Scott Podsednik on Wednesday night, a move that gives the Dodgers offensive options once Manny Ramirez and Reed Johnson come back from the disabled list.
The Dodgers made the move to bolster the outfield with no definitive timetable of Ramirez’s and Johnson’s return. Podsednik’s signing does come at a price however, with Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti giving up his top catching prospect Lucas May and class A pitcher Elisaul Pimentel for the 34-year-old and Colletti is pleased to get his man.
"He has been a World Series champion with the Chicago White Sox [in 2005],” Colletti said.
“He brings speed, he is a good hitter, he can play left field or center field if necessary, and he can drive in runs. With Reed Johnson and Manny being out and not knowing exactly when they'll be back and not knowing if they will have additional issues the rest of the season, this is a safeguard against them having any trouble staying on the field.
The outfielder comes to the Dodgers after batting .310, five home runs, 44 RBIs and 30 stolen bases and will add a left-handed bat to the line-up. Podsednik has in the region of $750,000 left on his $1.75million contract he signed with Kansas last off-season and also has a club option of $2million for next year. That option becomes a mutual one if he reaches 525 plate appearances meaning he could become a free agent again this winter.
"It was tough [to trade May]. He is a great kid, and he is one of those kids who loves to play and will do anything he can to help you win a game. But he was a converted shortstop, and he was working his way through that transition. Even though he has a chance to be a really good hitter, catching is tough. At this point, and with where we're at, this is the way we decided to go,” Colletti said after the trade.
Podsednik is expected to play for the Dodgers on Thursday night.
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