Thursday, January 14, 2010

Dodgers Considering Swallowing Looper, Garland?

Get it? Looper Garland?

The LATimes' Dylan Hernandez said that, in addition to considering Joel Pineiro and 2009 Dodger Vicente Padilla, the Dodgers have also contacted the agents for Braden Looper and 2009 Dodger Jon Garland. Thanks to MLB Trade Rumors for the link.

If we're going back to the well to further investigate Padilla (whom we picked up after he pissed off everyone in Texas, then did decently well for us until his third and final game in the playoffs, in which he gave up 6 ER over 3 IP), or Garland (another mid-season pickup, who went 3-2 for us over six starts with a 2.72 ERA, but was left off the postseason roster), I can only assume that (a) discussions with Pineiro, reportedly a two-horse race with the Mets, aren't faring well; and (b) we aren't that creative in considering other options. (MLB.com's Ken Gurnick estimates that Padilla is ahead of Garland in the Dodgers' chase.)

Looper, who went 14-7 with a 5.22 ERA last year (ERA+ of a woeful 77), doesn't seem to be close to Pineiro's level, either. Given the funding challenges facing the Dodgers (even though they won't admit to them), I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.

photo swiped off of oregonzales.blogspot.com

12 comments:

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Ugh! I think Padilla is probably our best shot.

Steve Sax said...

Return of the Spock! Nice, neeeebs!

Anyway, at the rate we're going, I'm shocked that James Baldwin and Scott Erickson haven't entered the discussion yet. Oh crap, please don't read this, Ned.

Josh S. said...

"Padilla (whom we picked up after he pissed off everyone in Texas, then did decently well for us until the playoffs, where the bloom came off the rose)"

"Until the playoffs" is a bit misleading. He was decent until he was overused in the playoffs. His first two playoff starts were great.

Steve Sax said...

Josh S: fair point, edited.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I'll die before I let Braden Looper on my team.

Nostradamus said...

@MLASF

I can't disagree with your assessment of the situation, but if it's between him and the former Giant whose name we dare not speak, I'll be loopy for Looper, al the way.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I'd rather have J-Mac and L-Bert anchor the rotation than Loony Looper. If it comes down to Looper, I say pass. Inexperienced talent beats veteran crapiness any day of the week.

Kyle Baker said...

I recall us looking forward to seeing Looper on the mound because we knew he was infinitely hittable; a guaranteed 4-5 runs before he was pulled. Sooooo...were Dodgers scouts and management not also noting the same thing? Did they lose their "Jesus this guy sucks" database?

Fred's Brim said...

is that Annette Bening munching those loops?

Orel said...

Actually, it's her love child with Hilary Swank.

Steve Sax said...

DB, not to get religious or anything, but I'm not so sure Jesus sucks. Last I heard, he leads the league in saves.

Josh S. said...

"Mommmmmmmmmmm....stay out of my rave stuff! God!"