Month: August 2009 (Page 3 of 54)

Teams are continuing to make transactions left and right as we head into the final 30 games of the MLB regular season. We’ve seen all the contending clubs trying to solidify their lineups, whether that means cutting busts or taking a chance. It’s been both successful (Matt Holiday and the Cardinals) and a let down (Alex Rios and the White Sox). Though not as huge a story as other recent pickups, earlier today the Dodgers acquired utility man Ronnie Belliard from the Nationals in exchange for prospect Luis Garcia and a player to be named.

“He gives us some offense,” manager Joe Torre said. “He can play around the infield, probably all positions but shortstop. It gives me the ability to spell these guys. He gives us a little more depth with experience coming off the bench.”

Belliard started at second base for St. Louis during its 2006 World Series championship, batting .240 with four RBIs during the playoffs. The Dodgers will have to make a roster move to open a spot for him on Monday.

“It’s a compliment,” Belliard said, after the Cardinals beat the Nationals 2-1 in St. Louis to complete a three-game sweep. “Now I have a chance to win another one. I helped the Cardinals in 2006 witih my defense and some lucky hits that I got in the playoffs. Hopefully I can do that in LA. That’s why they traded for me.”

Nice confidence there, Ronnie. I’m sure that’s exactly what Joe Torre wants to hear when he calls on you to pinch-hit during the NLCS. “Hopefully I’ll get a lucky hit.” Belliard has shown he can be a capable player, recently batting .290 with the Nationals in 2007. He’s been a starter for most of his career, which has included time with the Brewers, Rockies, Indians, Cardinals, and Nationals. However, the Dodgers will primarily use him to give Orlando Hudson and Casey Blake some rest.

With Belliard’s acquisition, the Dodgers will need to send somebody down to make room on the roster. Unfortunately for Juan Castro, all signs point to him, despite his solid play.