Dodgers Acquire Shane Victorino from the Phillies

The Flyin’ Hawaiian just went from last place to a pennant race.  Shane Victorino was traded by the

Phillies to the Dodgers yesterday before the deadline for Josh Lindblom and Ethan Martin.  Victorino has been a mainstay of the Phillies, but Philadelphia is going a different direction and trying to rebuild without spending too much more money.

Victorino is a two-time All-Star and a three-time Gold Glove winner.  He is hitting .261/.324/.401 with 9 home runs this year.  He hit 17 home runs last season.  In his career, Victorino, a 31-year old outfielder, has hit .277/.342/.434.

Victorino is a free agent at the end of the season and the Dodgers will owe just about $3.5 million of the $9.5 million he is making this year.

The Dodgers gave up Lindblom, a 25-year old reliever with a 2.91 career ERA, and Ethan Martin, a 23-year old minor league pitcher.  Lindblom has tossed 47 2/3 innings this season and has a 3.02 ERA.  He’s already been worth almost 1.0 WAR according to Baseball Reference.  Martin has pitched in four minor league seasons.  This year, he has started 20 games and has a 3.58 ERA.  In his minor league career, Martin has a 4.91 ERA.

The Dodgers, under new ownership, have been spending plenty to improve their team this year.  They had already acquired Hanley Ramirez and Brandon League prior to yesterday’s deadline.  Now, with Victorino’s addition, they have again improved their offense.  Los Angeles is in the midst of a three-way pennant race with the Giants and Diamondbacks in the National League West.