For the Los Angeles Dodgers to win the National League West they need to keep the San Francisco Giants away in the standings. To do that they needed to make a move to bolster the team and they did just that.
According to Gordon Wittenmyer from the Chicago Sun-Times, the Dodgers have acquired right-handed pitcher Mat Latos and first baseman/outfielder Michael Morse from the Miami Marlins for three prospects. The Marlins are also sending compensation pick #34 to the Dodgers.
The Dodgers have needed a back end of the rotation guy, and Latos fits that description. Latos has been consistent this year as he has a 4.48 ERA and holds a record of 4-7. The 27-year-old is also striking out eight batters per nine innings. He will be depended on being as consistent as he has been all year long and as has his whole career. This is the second trade that Latos has been involved since the end of last year. He was traded to the Marlins from the Cincinnati Reds in the offseason.
Mike Morse could also be a decent pick up for the Dodgers. He can face very strong lefties and is decent as a back up first baseman. He can also play a little bit of outfield as well. The 33-year-old is hitting just .214 with four home runs as this has been a disappointing year for Morse. The team could also just designate him for assignment or flip him in another deal. The Dodgers getting the compensation pick could mean they could flip the pick for one of the big guns on the block.
The Marlins will receive three unknown prospects. This move is just a salary dump for the team. Latos was owed $9.4 million this year, while Morse was owed $16 million over the next two years. The Marlins had signed Morse and traded for Latos hoping they could count on some veterans to help out they youngsters on the team, in hopes of making the playoffs. Obviously, that is not the case as the team is 16 games under .500.
This move is very good for the Dodgers as they look to not only win the NL West but also get all the way to the World Series.