Dodgers Snag Jim Thome, Jon Garland

The Dodgers bolstered their rotation and lineup by acquiring Jim Thome from the White Sox and Jon Garland from the Diamondbacks, squeezing the deals in just before the deadline for both players to be eligible for Los Angeles' postseason roster.

The Dodgers reportedly sent infielder Justin Fuller to the White Sox in exchange for Thome and cash considerations. Fuller, a former 11th-round pick, was hitting .254 with four homers as a 26-year-old at Single-A, so he's not much of a prospect. The move amounts to a dump for the White Sox, while the Dodgers are looking for Thome to provide some pop to their lineup.

They acquired Garland for a player to be named.

More Coverage: Rockies Land Contreras From White Sox

Thome, 39, has hit .249 with 23 homers for the White Sox. He was the designated hitter in Chicago, so he'll obviously have to play first for the Dodgers. Thome has not played regularly in the field since 2005 with the Phillies. The Dodgers will also have to figure out how to split time with Thome and James Loney at first. Loney, 25, was hitting .275 with nine homers prior to Monday's game.

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti said that Thome will come off the bench.

The Garland deal was less of a surprise. The Dodgers have been looking to add a veteran presence to their rotation for a couple months. Garland, who will turn 30 later this month, is quietly one baseball's most dependable pitchers. He's 8-11 with a 4.29 ERA for the Diamondbacks, including a 3.45 ERA over his past 12 starts.

Garland ranks sixth in the majors in starts since 2002, and he's on his way to his eighth consecutive season of 30 or more starts and 190 or more innings.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

9-01-2009 @ 1:31AM

qongquest said...

sounds like the chicago white sox have become quitters.

9-01-2009 @ 1:59AM

dbgoodman5 said...

go tigers

9-01-2009 @ 2:01AM

now if the twins will getv rid of m and m we can finally look forward t othe post season

9-01-2009 @ 2:02AM

as well they should

9-01-2009 @ 5:23AM

David S. said...

Geez, how much did they pay for the 39-year-old? Thorne's glory days are behind him, not in front of him.

9-01-2009 @ 5:27PM

zemog44 said...

Dude, Thome has 23 homeruns this season in the American League! With the softer pitching in the National League, he is really going to help the Dodgers as a spot starter (DH against AL teams) and more importantly, as a pinch hitter! Currently their "best" pinch hitter is a guy named Loretta who makes an out almost everytime up! If he can help the Dodgers this year and probably next year, he can retire with a World Series ring!

9-01-2009 @ 8:03AM

buseye4life said...

The White Sox are busting up their own team.
Why is it when a team wins a World Series that sooner or later afterwards they start dismantling and showing lack of progress during the next seasons?

9-01-2009 @ 8:55AM

dongo4345 said...

gonna help out my tigers for sure thome been a tiger killer for years like dye come on detroit lets win the central

9-01-2009 @ 9:08AM

oldknight said...

This was a good trade and I ain't got a dog in this hunt but it seems to me they still will have to go through St. Louis. Don't see that.

9-01-2009 @ 11:00AM

tjstieg said...

To the owners of the ChiSOX: "Your proctologist just called--he found your head."

9-01-2009 @ 11:39AM

eckerteky said...

Manny and Thome together again. Who would have thought. The Tribe thumpers of the past, only this time they will get more rings for their efforts. Go Dodgers, maybe the Tribe will get their again soon.

9-01-2009 @ 11:46AM

Jim said...

Well at least now Manny will have someone to share his steroids with. I Guarantee you Thome's name is on the 2003 list and everyone will see when it is published. Look at his rookie and second year with the Indians. Look at the pictures. Not much difference between him and Barry Bonds when he was with Pittsburgh and then went to the Giants. Before and after pictures don't lie. Neither does a pretty nimble 3rd baseman all of a sudden becoming a lead foot first baseman one year later. Check the pictures!

9-01-2009 @ 3:07PM

Phil said...

I think Garland, not Thome is the key player in the Dodgers trade. He can become the 5th starter, or spot starter. And he can help in middle relief.

9-01-2009 @ 5:34PM

When Garland became a free agent last year after winning 14 games for the Angels, I really thought the Dodgers would make a major effort to sign him. But no, they didn't even try and he went to Arizona. I guess the Dodger owner realized what a big mistake he made and he didn't let Garland get away this time. Garland is going to help the Dodgers BIG TIME, I guarantee it. He will also help the young pitchers on the staff like Kershaw and Billingsley with his considerable baseball knowledge. Great pickup, Dodgers!
P.S. Jim Thome is an excellent addition as well! He should hammer National League pitching.