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Shane Victorino to Dodgers: Phillies Reportedly Trade Veteran to LA
July 31, 2012
The Philadelphia Phillies finally pulled the trigger on a deadline deal, sending soon-to-be free-agent outfielder Shane Victorino to the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports.
Phillies have traded Victorino to Dodgers for Lindblom and Ethan martin
— Tim Brown (@TBrownYahoo) July 31, 2012
Of all the players that have supposedly been on the trade block for the Phillies, Victorino always seemed like the most likely to be moved because of his impending free-agent status.
The Phillies seem to believe that they can still be contenders next year because of their starting rotation and a full year from Ryan Howard and Chase Utley—though it would be foolish to plan on him being around for 140 games.
Earlier this season, Victorino told Todd Zolecki of MLB.com that he would like a five-year contract. At 31 years old, that would be very risky for any team to take on, much less a Philadelphia team that is already loaded with overpaid, past-their-prime players.
The Dodgers have been looking to upgrade their lineup for months. Matt Kemp is great and healthy. Andre Ethier is good and healthy. A.J. Ellis has had a terrific season, but his .363 BABIP suggests a lot of luck.
Victorino had a career year in 2011, hitting .279/.355/.491 with 17 home runs. He has regressed to .261/.324/.401 in 101 games this season, though that is still a lot better than what the Dodgers are getting from Bobby Abreu (.253/.361/.343) and Tony Gwynn (.235/.280/.298) in left field right now.
The Dodgers are tied with San Francisco atop the National League West and see their window opening right now with Victorino and recently acquired Hanley Ramirez in the fold.