According to ESPN.com, the Kansas City Royals will receive minor leaguers Lucas May (catcher) and Elisaul Pimentel (right-handed pitcher) from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers Get:
Scott Podsednik is one great insurance policy, with Manny Ramirez on the DL with a strained hamstring. The early word is that he is at least a week away from beginning a rehab assignment. If he is able to return in a few weeks, the Dodgers end up with an extra outfielder, already with Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier on the roster. I’m sure the team will rest Ramirez some, but Podsednik will become the odd man out. That’s a long ways away, however, so we’ll worry about that when the time comes. At this point, Ramirez has proven that he is no sure thing to stay healthy.
Podsednik entered the day hitting .309 with 5 HR, 44 RBI, 46 R and 30 SB. He doesn’t walk much (6.7% walk rate), however, so the OBP isn’t amazing (.352). That helps to explain his lower then expected runs total, as does playing in a below average lineup.
Then again, where he hits in the order is going to play a huge role as well. Podsednik spent most of his time in the leadoff spot in Kansas City, a role filled by Rafael Furcal in LA. Podsednik will likely work in the No. 2 hole, which should not hurt his ability to score or steal bases. Of course, he may be used to bunt Furcal over a few times, but being in a better lineup offsets that.
In the long run, the deal hurts his value because he’s likely to become a role player. For now, he likely sees an increase in value, bringing his scrappy play to the top of the Dodgers lineup. Use him with confidence while you can.
The Royals Get:
Lucas May is currently at Triple-A, hitting .296 with 11 HR and 45 RBI. Of course, it is in the Pacific Coast League, so take it with a grain of salt. He entered the year a career .257 hitter in the minor leagues, though he did show signs of some pop. Still, he’s not likely to make a major impact, though the Royals could give him a look in September over Jason Kendall.
Elisaul Pimentel is playing in Single-A, going 9-3 with a 3.49 ERA and 97 Ks over 90.1 innings. The 22-year-old would appear to have some potential, but he’s a year or two away.
The deal also signals that both Alex Gordon and Rick Ankiel will likely receive regular ABs going forward. That certainly gives them both value in all five-outfielder formats
What are your thoughts on the deal? Who is the big winner?
Make sure to check out our other trade analysis:
- Yunel Escober for Alex Gonzalez
- Alberto Callaspo traded to the Angels
- Dan Haren traded to the Angels
- Jhonny Peralta to the Tigers
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