Dodgers Make Some Moves

The Dodgers acquired slugger Jim Thome from the White Sox and right-hander Jon Garland from the Diamondbacks on Monday after both players cleared waivers.

"I think it's made us stronger," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said after a 5-3 loss to the Diamondbacks. "We have a threat off the bench now, and in Garland we certainly have someone who knows how to pitch." ESPN

The Dodgers made some necessary moves in order to pull away from the Giants and the Rockies who have both been on fire of late. Jon Garland is nothing special, but you know what you will get from him (6-7 innings, 4er) and it looks like Thome will be coming off the bench because he really can't play first anymore. Either way it brings some depth to the pitching rotation and one of the greatest sluggers of this era coming off the bench.

D-Backs Ink Garland

the Diamondbacks agreed to terms with starter Jon Garland on a one-year deal with an option (likely mutual) for 2010. Garland's guaranteed money is believed to be in the $6-8MM range. The Diamondbacks probably could've re-signed Randy Johnson for a similar amount; did they make the right decision? MLBTraderumor

Jon Garland is not good, and never has been for the exception of one year. Don't expect a better record than 11-11 this year with a high 4 era. With all the better options out there, it pains me to see Arizona feeding on this bottom feeder.