Trade Thread: Rottino in the Brewers' Past(a)

Dodgers trade Claudio Vargas to Brewers for minor-league catcher (Dodger Thoughts)

So long, Claudio Vargas, we hardly knew ye. Is this a setup for a future trade?

From a Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced that they have acquired minor league catcher Vinny Rottino from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for right-handed pitcher Claudio Vargas. Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti made the announcement.

Rottino, 29, has appeared briefly in the Major Leagues for Milwaukee in each of the past three seasons and was named to the Pacific Coast League All-Star team last season when he posted a 24-game hitting streak. The Wisconsin native has made the PCL All-Star team each of the past three years and has been named to his league’s All-Star team in each season dating back to 2004 when he recorded a team record 124 RBI for Single-A Beloit. [...]

Rottino is expected to report to Double-A Chattanooga.

Game 80 Thread: July 3 @ Padres, 7p

CLAUDIOWATCH: 0 GAMES
DODGERS' RECORD WITHOUT CLAUDIO: 50-29

Hiroki Kuroda (2-4, 3.77) vs. Chad Gaudin (4-6, 4.97).

COMMENTS: He's baaaaaaaaack! That's right — Claudio Vargas, who has been on the 60-day disabled list with right elbow tendinitis as of April 6, is likely to be activated today! This is a real treat for Dodger fans, who have been looking forward to seeing what the pitcher can do in Dodger Blue after compiling a lifetime record of 46-40 for the Expos (!), Nationals, Diamondbacks, Brewers and Mets. Even Padres fans want to experience that old Claudio magic, as PETCO Park is sold out for tonight's game. There is certain to be a heavy media presence shadowing Vargas' every move. Enjoy the circus, everybody!

photo by Tony Gutierrez/AP

Ned Colletti Finally Snares The Big Name For Our Rotation

Dodger fans worldwide could hardly contain their unbridled elation following the blockbuster news that Dodger GM Ned Colletti, having missed out on signing CC Sabathia, today signed 30-year old Claudio Vargas, "in a move that could help [the Dodgers] restock their starting rotation." (I kid you not, this clause is taken straight from the dodgers.com article; I had to check the date to make sure it wasn't April 1 after I read the implausible text.)

The Dodgers, of course, are down two starting pitchers following the loss of Brad Penny and the imminent loss of Derek Lowe. Bring on the Vargas, says Ned!

What? You've never heard of Claudio Vargas? Well then maybe you've heard of his statistical peers, Paul Abbott, Jeff Robinson, and Steve Parris (the latter of which is not to be confused with the lead singer of Journey). Oh, Sherrie! But hey, let's welcome journeyman Vargas and his mediocre 4.62 ERA with the Mets last year, spanning a whopping 37 total innings pitched:

The team reportedly reached a deal with free agent Claudio Vargas, a 30-year-old right-hander known for his deliberate pace, who twice was designated for assignment in 2008 after posting double-digit win totals the previous two seasons. The agreement was reported early Wednesday morning on the Los Angeles Times' Web site.

According to the report, Vargas will earn the Major League minimum salary of $400,000, but can add an additional $1.4 million with incentives.

Vargas' best season was with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2006, when he went 12-10 with a 4.83 ERA in a career-high 30 starts (plus one relief stint). He was part of a six-player trade between the D-backs and Brewers after that season and went 11-6 with a 5.09 ERA in 2007, then reported to camp in 2008 as one of five Brewers pitchers vying for three open spots in the starting rotation.

Yeah, I feel a hell of a lot better about our starting rotation now. In fact, I might as well pencil in Jason Schmidt for that last spot and call it a day.

Good hunting, Neddie.