Apparently, the Los Angeles Dodgers are not content to wait out Clayton Kershaw's postseason struggles as the catalyst for a World Series run.
The Dodgers executed a major shakeup in a lineup that produced back-to-back National League West titles and a 2013 National League Championship Series appearance.
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New president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Farhan Zaidi made their marks with the team in a big way on Wednesday. The Los Angeles Times reported that the Dodgers unofficially have acquired shortstop Jimmy Rollins from the Philadelphia Phillies, second baseman Howie Kendrick from the crosstown rival Los Angeles Angels.
Later, they were closing in on a deal to land New York Yankees pitcher Brandon McCarthy, the Times added.
The moves cost Los Angeles second baseman Dee Gordon, who led the major leagues with 64 steals and 12 triples, and starting pitcher Dan Haren.
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The 36-year-old Rollins, who had spent his entire 15-year career with the Philadelphia Phillies, agreed to waive his no-trade clause to replace Hanley Ramirez. Ramirez left for the Boston Red Sox in free agency. Rollins serves as a bridge from Ramirez to top shortstop prospect Corey Seager, USA TODAY Sports reported.
The Dodgers then dealt Haren and Gordon to the Miami Marlins for top pitching prospect Andrew Heaney, reliever Chris Hatcher, utilityman Enrique Hernandez, and minor league catcher Austin Barnes, the Times reported, citing multiple media outlets.
Gordon's .300 on-base percentage and four walks after the All-Star break could have been a factor in the Dodgers' willingness to trade him. They dealt Heaney to the Angels to acquire Kendrick, whom the Dodgers hope gives them more bang for their buck.
The 31-year-old Kendrick batted .293 with 75 runs batted in, 85 runs scored, 33 doubles, a .347 on-base percentage and a .397 slugging percentage, the Times reported.
Both Rollins and Kendrick have one year left on their contracts and become free agents after the 2015 season, but the Dodgers have shown the past couple of years that they are willing to do what it takes each season to get to the World Series.
Friedman and Zaidi have bought into that "Win now" mentality.
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