Dodgers acquire Scott Podsednik for two prospects

The Dodgers acquired Scott Podsednik from the Kansas City Royals for C Lucas May and RHP Elisaul Pimentel.

Podsednik has put up solid numbers this season: .309/.352/30 stolen bases (caught 12 times). He isn't much with the glove, but he certainly couldn't be any worse than Manny Ramirez in left field. He should be the Dodgers' starting left fielder for the forseeable future. Podsednik also has an affordable 2011 option at $2 million ($100,000 buyout) which voids at 525 plate appearances. If he voids the contract or the Dodgers don't pick up the option, he could be offered arbitration. As a Type-B free agent, that would net the Dodgers a supplemental first-round pick if another team signs him.

I had Pimentel rated in my top 20 midseason prospects list. He just turned 22 years old and is in pitching in the Midwest League.

This is the second time the Dodgers have traded a Pimentel to Kansas City, as they traded Odalis Perez, Blake Johnson and Julio Pimentel for Elmer Dessens in 2006.

May is a fringe prospect at 25 years old (26 in October) who has put up solid numbers in his last two years in the minors. He had a solid 2007 season at High-A Inland Emipre before busting in Double-A the next season. The Dodgers' catching depth gets thinner, but the team still has A.J. Ellis in Triple-A.

So why did the Dodgers feel a need to add Podsednik? Well, maybe they believe Manny Ramirez won't be able to offer much help the rest of the season. The Dodgers were also rumored to be interested in Tigers' outfielder Ryan Raburn, which could lead to a Garrett Anderson release.

Grading the Trade: B
- The Dodgers didn't give up any impact prospects for a guy who can help the team as a starter and reserve for the rest of the season. I made a post stating the best move for the Dodgers would be no move. However, since no great prospects were traded, this isn't the worst deal in the world. Also, the Dodgers are paying all of Podsednik's remaining salary -- perhaps the biggest shocker of all.

I'm still holding out hope for a Roy Oswalt deal in the next couple of days, but hope is diminishing each day.