Podcast: 'Dugout Blues' episode 52 - Dodgers still good, Ramirez, Jansen

On this episode of "Dugout Blues," Jared Massey (Dodger Diamond) and I talk about the still-good Dodgers. Is there anything this team can't do? They beat everyone's favorite pitcher Matt Harvey on Tuesday night, so this team is basically invincible.

Hanley Ramirez is slated to start on Wednesday night. It'll be interesting to see how his shoulder impacts his play on both sides of the field. Matt Kemp is getting healthier and could be back by September.

Kenley Jansen, despite a little hiccup last night, is doing amazing things on the mound. He's arguably the best reliever in the game and is finally starting to get the recognition he deserves.

Jared and I touch on the now Miguel Sulbaran-for-Drew Butera trade -- a clear loss for the Dodgers. I went over it in more detail on the podcast and here.

Onelki Garcia was promoted to Triple-A Albuquerque and pitched on back-to-back days for the first time in his career on Monday and Tuesday. I'm thinking he could be in line for a September call-up -- if not something more.

Chris Anderson has been dominant in his professional debut. His path through the minors will be interesting to follow and he could get on the fast track.

Jared talks a bit about the Perfect Game All-American Classic. He fawns over a guy the Dodgers have virtually no chance of drafting in Tyler Kolek. Good luck with that, Jared.

We finish up with some listener questions. Keep 'em coming, folks. We love it.

Libsyn link
Direct link
iTunes link

Look for new episodes of "Dugout Blues" every Wednesday. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and review us on iTunes. We want to make this the best podcast we can so we're always looking for suggestions and ways to improve.

If you have questions you'd like us to answer or certain topics/players you want to hear more about, feel free to email us (ladugout@gmail.com or feelinkindablue@gmail.com) or send us messages on Twitter (@Dodger_Diamond or @FeelinKindaBlue). You can also "Like" the podcast on Facebook. We always welcome audience participation.

Image credit: Joe Martin

Dodgers foolishly send Miguel Sulbaran to Twins to finish Butera deal

The Dodgers on Tuesday completed their acquisition of Drew Butera from the Minnesota Twins for left-hander Miguel Sulbaran.

You read that correctly. Just when it seemed the "old" Ned Colletti was gone, he sprouts up again.

Sulbaran, 19, was signed as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2011. He was one of the Loons' most consistent pitchers this season. In 92 2/3 innings, Sulbaran had some impressive numbers:


3.01 ERA
1.25 WHIP
0.3 HR/9
2.6 BB/9
8.3 K/9
2.76 FIP

He compares favorably to Julio Urias -- physically. That's pretty much where the comparison stops. He's 5'10, 185 pounds, but doesn't have the velocity and command of multiple pitches the now-17-year-old does.

Look, I understand Sulbaran is probably nothing more than a reliever in the majors -- if he even gets there -- but the fact the Dodgers traded him for one of the worst hitters in MLB history is mind-boggling.

Seriously, Butera has the third-worst OPS+ among players with 500 or more plate appearances in MLB history. Some in this exclusive club include Kevin Cash (2002-10, 37 OPS+), Donnie Sadler (1998-2007, 39) and failed former super prospect Brandon Wood (2007-11, 40).

It doesn't have anything to do with the fact the Dodgers traded Sulbaran. He's a decent arm whom I ranked at No. 20 (and No. 30 before the season). His 87-91 MPH fastball isn't going to blow hitters away, but he controls it well enough to go with his low-70s fastball, a changeup and an extremely fringy slider.

Butera, 30, will probably not don a Dodger uniform, so the Dodgers effective gave away Sulbaran for a no-hit (literally) catcher. Do not like.

Photo credit: CourtneySilvia, Flickr