The Dodgers have acquired right-hander Matt West from the Blue Jays in exchange for cash considerations, reports Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register (on Twitter). Toronto had recently designated West for assignment.
West, 26, was the Rangers’ second-round pick in 2007 and was claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays in January. The Texas native made his big league debut with the Rangers last season, allowing three runs in four innings of work. West was originally drafted as an infielder but converted to the mound full-time in 2011 and has been impressive at the Double-A level this season. In 12 1/3 innings, he’s allowed just one unearned run on nine hits and four walks with 17 strikeouts.
rxbrgr
If these relief pitchers who are 40-man discards are like cheap candy, than the Dodgers are the fat rich kids who take Benjamins, not pennies, to the candy store. They don’t know any better, they’re just hungry and it’s the only bills they have.
Mackster248
Fairly certain Friedman knows what he’s doing.
dieharddodgerfan
I think what Zaidi and Friedman are trying to do is to build cheap organizational depth. They are essentially using the 40th spot on the 40 man roster acquire DFA’s players that they can maybe turn into playable depth down the road.
They acquired Nicasio from the Rockies on the cheap in the offseason, mainly because he was going to be a bit expensive for them, and now he’s turned into a useful mid-relief piece in the pen.
Its about using the market advantages they have (mainly deep pockets) to their advantage.
fred-3
What’s the point of this trade for the Jays? Don’t they need relief pitching?
Tim Sproule
Needed to clear a 40-man spot for Scott Copeland and decided to designate West for assignment.
fred-3
Yeah, a little strange since he’s going on the Dodgers 40 man.
johansantana15
They got cash and West is highly unlikely to stay on the Dodgers’ 40-man
Warren
Dodgers have sent West to AA Tulsa.
Douglas Hemphill
Why the hell are we selling pitching when we have such a terrible staff in the show? I think AA is selling everything he can to add some much needed dollars to the salary account. Bet he tries for Cole Hamels after he tops up the piggy bank high enough.
Joe Cool
I agree something might be up.
Andrew van Laar
You really think $50,000 is going to help him land a starting pitcher? I don’t think so…
Douglas Hemphill
%0k for that first baseman, 50k for this dude, next step is Dear Mr. Rogers CEO we have been trying to acquire cash to pay Cole Hamels but we’re a little short. can you help a brotha out?
Terry Grey
That’s a bit ridiculous, Doug.
kevin 24
jays should get a pitcher
BigGameJames
That sucks for Cash Considerations, it seems like LA trades him every week. If you’re selling young pitching depth Friedman’s buying. I hear he’s shopping a 3B too, I wonder if he includes cash in that deal.