What we learned from Tuesday's game (8/2/11)

Kuroda in 1914, the last time the Dodgers provided him with any run support.

Overview: Hiroki Kuroda learns what it takes to get a win.  Kemp does more great stuff.  Dodgers win, 1-0.

Pros: Fun fact- five of Hiroki Kuroda's seven wins have come via shutout.  Look, I think we were all a little disappointed when Kuroda invoked his no trade clause prior to the trade deadline, especially when it came out that the horrifying deadline trade of Trayvon Robinson (he's wearing a Tacoma Rainiers jersey in that link, which I guess means that whole thing wasn't a nightmare I had while laid up with a strained ligament and hopped up on my mother-in-law's arthritis meds) was kind of his fault.  But it's hard to be angry with him when he's pitching shutouts.  Matt Kemp shockingly provided the only offense for the Dodgers by knocking in Dee Gordon in the fourth inning.  Javy Guerra nailed down his ninth save- and yes, saves are overrated, and yes, Javy Guerra is probably not a great choice to be our closer long term, but dammit, he's a rookie who's been a bright spot this season, and I'm happy for his success.

Cons:  Outside of Gordon (2 for 4! get ready for your Profile in Courage, Dee!) and Kemp, no Dodger reached base more than once.  Also, they didn't work a single walk.  Mat Latos is a solid pitcher, but damn.  That's kind of embarrassing.  Good thing our new hitting coach has fixed everything.

What we learned:  Same story, different day.  If teams ever learn how to pitch around Matt Kemp, the Dodgers are screwed.  One interesting thing to note- Andre Ethier sat, with Rivera getting the start in RF.  Mattingly said he was frustrated after a tough game Monday and needed a breather.  But it certainly sounds like the frustration runs a little deeper than that- Roberto Baly of Vin Scully is My Homeboy had some first hand contact with just how frustrated Ethier is/was.  Sounds like those of us hoping to lock up Ethier long term might be out of luck...

Well, that came out of left field. And by that, I mean Trayvon Robinson.

You mean that was today?  Oh, shit. Guess I better trade my one good Minor League piece.

Right as the trade deadline passed, reports started coming in about Erik Bedard going to the Red Sox.  A strange pickup, considering he hasn't been healthy and is notoriously press and attention shy, but whatever.  I nodded and continued my write up about how the Dodgers blew their chance to acquire some IF/C prospects by spinning off their veteran pieces.

Oh, how stupid of me.  Why trade veterans when we can get rid of our highly regarded minor leaguers instead? The Dodgers have traded Trayvon Robinson in a very confusing three team deal that brings Boston C prospect Tim Federowicz and Seattle Mariners Red Sox pitching prospects Stephen Fife and Juan Rodriguez.

I'm just freestyling here, as info is still coming in and there hasn't really been time to adequately process this information, but my initial reaction to this deal is WHYGODWHYHAVEYOUFORSAKENUS?

Sorry about that.  This is just so ridiculously ill-conceived that I don't even know what to say.  Trayvon Robinson has improved every year he's played in the minor league system, going from org. depth to fringe prospect to legit future piece of the big-league future.  I don't think he was ever going to play in an All-Star game, but he profiled as a decent hitter with plus defense that could play all three outfield positions.  He was going to allow us to move Jerry Sands to move to first base to replace Loney and free up money to address our infield disaster.  He was cheap, young, productive, and healthy, things this team needs desperately.

And the return?  We get a guy that projects as a backup catcher, and two pitchers I can't even find scouting reports for.  

Look, I know that Ned's idea here was to deal from our strength in an effort to shore up a very weak position in the organization.  And maybe details will emerge that paint Fife & Rodriguez as more than just minor league cannon fodder.  But I can't help but see this as yet another example of Colletti's massive ineptitude towards his farm system.  You don't trade a plus prospect for a middling prospect.  Or two.  Or three.  You trade off guys with expiring contracts for middling prospects.  At least, that's what a GOOD GM does.