3:06pm: The Dodgers also have interest in Tigers outfielder Ryan Raburn, according to Stark (via Twitter).
2:37pm: The Dodgers are considering a second outfielder, along with Podsednik, according to Rosenthal on Twitter. Earlier in the afternoon, Rosenthal reported that the Dodgers are “in conversation” with the Royals regarding Podsednik (via Twitter). A second source tells Rosenthal that the Giants are still in on Podsednik.
1:23pm: The Dodgers are moving closer on Podsednik, tweets ESPN's Jayson Stark.
WEDNESDAY, 12:43pm: The Dodgers are making the strongest push for Podsednik, tweets Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle, but the Giants remain involved.
MONDAY, 10:40pm: NL West teams are bombarding the Royals with interest in Scott Podsednik, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (via Twitter). Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star confirms the report (via Twitter) and so does Ed Price of AOL FanHouse. Rosenthal suggests the Giants, Padres and Dodgers could be fits. The Giants and Padres have been linked to outfielders for weeks now and Dodgers GM Ned Colletti recently said he wants to add outfield depth.
Podsednik, 34, has a .309/.353/.399 line with 29 steals in 41 attempts. It's a carbon copy of the season he put together last year, when he batted .304/.353/.412 with 30 steals in 43 attempts. Teams know what they're getting in Podsednik: a speedy left fielder who can play center and get on base.
The Royals signed Podsednik to a team-friendly deal that guarantees the outfielder $1.65MM this season (about $580K remains). The team has an option for 2011 worth $2MM, but Podsednik will likely be able to void it. He had 421 plate appearances entering today's action and needs just 525 to neutralize the option.
Don’t count the Braves out, either. We all know how much Dayton Moore loves his Atlanta players, and Pods could replace Nate in CF.
Braves need a right handed hitter, and they need more power. The same reason they didn’t go too hard after DeJesus.
Anyways, I like how everyone trashed Dayton Moore when he made the signing. They said he can’t play defense (his defensive statistics mirror last years, which show an average fielder. Not below, not above), they called his 2009 season a fluke, and so on.
Have to say, from the way the farm looks, Dayton Moore is the king of drafting.
That….or they have had top 5 draft picks every year for the past 25 years.
Actually, John Lamb, Mike Montgomery, Chris Dwyer, and Danny Duffy were all picked in the supplemental round or later.
This. Wil Myers was a third rounder, too.
Seems to me that Pods is an upgraded Nate McLouth – LH hitter, speed on the basepaths, guy that gets on base to utilize said speed, etc.
If Frank Wren was banking on Nate solving all the Braves’ problems, he could get Pods to actually solve them. Anything would be better than Nate “can’t spell McLouth without OUT”, and Pods is one of the few available CF.
yeah and pods also gets thrown out a ton, 29 for 41…not very good…yes he is fast, very fast, and yes he is clutch, but his defense is suspect(he will cost more runs than creating them) his arm is horrible and he is just simply not very smart on the base paths anymore…im a whitesox fan i love pods….he was one of the key pieces in 05 and is a very good player but nothing to write home about
Im still befuddled as to why people are so stuck on this thing about the Braves needing a RH bat. Our lineup currently has
4 Lefties (Heyward, McCann, Hinske, McLouth)
3 Righties (Prado, Glaus, Gonzalez)
1 Switch Hitter in Chipper.
We also have Matt Diaz who platoons with Hinske. We dont NEED a RH Bat.
you are gonna bench “your star” cf?
yeah because he sucks that’s why we sent him to triple a.
Padres would be a nice fit.
dont know why this hasnt been more of talking point. I think Podsednik is a better fit for the Padres than Werth or Hart. We dont need warning track power in petco, we need a guy who smack the ball around, get on base, swipe a couple bags and play good defense. Seems like Podsednik is a perfect fit
Scotty had a monster series against the Yanks! Talk about great timing right before the trade deadline.
ughh price might be crazy on him now.
Dayton Moore is certainly enjoying life right now. Has a chance to fill Wilmington, Burlington, and NW Ark with even MORE prospects. By the way, John Lamb, still filthy tonight!
I don’t think anyone is going to seriously overpay for Scotty Po
I don’t think anyone is going to seriously overpay for Scotty Po
“plays CF” should be used very loosely and with a bathtub of salt.
Yeah, I wouldn’t play him in CF. His speed allows him to be “average” in LF.
He’s horrible in left.
No, plays any outfield that has a wall should be used loosely.
i would love to have him on the pads. put him at the top of the lineup with eckstein, and you’d have the all-scrappy team 1-2 punch. plus he shouldn’t cost too much in prospects either
“plus he shouldn’t cost too much in prospects either”
Well, if Ned Colletti is the trading partner, he’ll bring the Royals more than Haren brought the D-Backs.
At first I thought this was funny. Then I thought about it…
its not that hard to get more than the d’backs got for haren, they sold EXTREMELY LOW on him probably because the angles were the only team that Haren him self Ok’d….hell i could give the d’back more than they got from the angles…a bar of soap, a ps3, mlb the show 10 and a 5 dollar foot long should just about equal what they got
Royals fan here, been watching Pods all season. He’s been a fun vet to watch, but his baserunning has been absolutely atrocious. Sure 30 steals is nice, but when you’re only swiping 70% of the time you’re hurting your team more than helping it. And without pulling up his UZR I can tell you he’s been pretty mediocre in left field. That being said, he gives great AB’s, sees a lot of pitches, and with a better lineup hitting behind him he could definitely be an asset to a contender.
Watched Pods all of 2009 with the Sox. It wasn’t just his base stealing percentage, but his basic lack reading a pickoff move. I can’t count the number of times he was nailed leading off 1st. I’ve never seen one player get picked off more.
The funny part was that at least 3 times they caught him running early and threw behind him, but the throw to second was wild and usually hit him. He was given the stolen base for that 3 plus times.
One of those tricky things the stat books won’t show….just the SB. It’s like he was distracted on the basepaths. Reminds me of the old scout (can’t remember his name) who was asked who the best baserunner he ever saw was. I think the expectation was that he’d say Lou Brock, or Rickey Henderson….the obvious players. This scout said Larry Walker. Not because of his stolen base ability, but because of how he actually ran the bases. He could go from first to third better than anyone…..so said the scout. This scout said, during his Rockies days, Larry Walker won quite a few games a season for them with baserunning skills alone.
Seriously, there has to be very real detrimental value to getting picked off regularly or running the bases poorly. It’s one thing to make an out while batting….but to make that out while on base..thus taking the bat out of your teams hand while you’re 90-180 feet closer to scoring…that will cost very real ballgames. I’d have to say that Pods baserunning alone in 2009 cost the Sox 3 games alone. His other skills probably made up the difference plus…but still. Could the Sox afford a -3 in the win column in 2010…..on something as basic as baserunning aptitude? That would cost them the division for sure.
I read an article about base stealing and this year and last Pods cost his team more with his stolen base attempts than helped them (not including pickoffs). I guess because he’s fast he feels the need to try to steal, but he’s just not really an efficienct base stealer, and is nowhere near a good baserunner. Hawk said something similar to the scout when he called AJ Pierzynski the smartest baserunner on the team, and at the time he probably was.
You just described DeJesus as well.
This might be why DeJesus has never developed into the stolen base threat that many projected him to be. If he can’t read the pitcher….he also can’t get a good jump on a regular basis. There’s also something to be said for injuries hampering a player.
Many in the Royal fanbase and others in baseball thought they were getting the next Johnny Damon with DeJesus. Which is funny, because I can remember sitting in Wichita watching Damon play AA and hitting for the cylce with 2 homers and 2 triples I believe……and he was the next George Brett.
Who’s the next Tony Pena Jr.? That’s who I’d like to weed out
Dejesus v Damon
guess whose line is whose.
3355 ab .289/.360/.427 971 hits
3701 ab .286/.346/.425 1059 hits
DDJ is 1st.
Those stats are very close. DeJesus is aprox a seasons worth of at bats behind him. DeJesus might be slightly better given those stats. What do the basic stats say? I’ve always felt that DeJesus played better defense and hit with more power.
One of the missing keys here that go beyond the stats is what batter you want in what situation. Who would be the better #2 hitter….who has the best contact rate and then you’d want to see the spray chart. Equal stats might not make equal at bats. If one of them is advancing runners more often with well placed hits..that would have real value.
But yea…those lines are very similar. DeJesus might have the benefit of age. Seems like teams are always targeting him so they can plop in that #2 hole.
SAME HERE also the fact the pick off’s from 1st and from 3RD…REMEMBER THAT LAST SEASON! dont count towards stolen base %….he is simply bad….I dont like the idea of him as a lead off maybe a #2…or even lower in the line up
Gotta love how Sabean continues to build his ’05 white sox model.
In all seriousness his on base skills are pretty solid for a leadoff hitter and he obviously has plus speed but he’s often a disaster on the basepaths (got picked off of 3rd with one out in extra inning vs Seattle last year) and gets bad reads and takes bad routes on balls.
I don’t even want to know what would happen if Gary Matthews Jr. was on the 05 White Sox. By the way, danks50, hey man.
How goes it spandemonium?
I’ve been okay John. I’m sure you’re having a great time watching the Sox win every single day. (come on Twins)
He’s also better than Juan Pierre
Juan Pierre is either completely underrated or the luckiest player on Earth. His teams always seem to win with him on top of the lineup card. What intangible quality does he present? Or is he the player that proves all leadoff theory wrong? I mean, this dude just just screams 4th outfielder/pinch runner.
I didn’t even realize that, you’re right, he has been a winner for most of his career. There are some intangibles he seems to bring. One, he never misses a game. There was a stretch where he played 162 games in 5 consecutive seasons! He has to be looked up to for that. He’s older now, but he’s still missed just one game. He also makes the pitcher throw a lot of pitches in almost all of his at bats. He seems like a nice enough guy, but it’s hard to call him a productive offensive player. He was productive when he regularly hit .300, but now he’s been near the .250s. His defensive is still good though. But the team is winning with him leading off everyday, so it’s tough to really complain.
The fact he never misses a game just means he’s making even more outs for the club he plays on.
It’s commendable that he’s durable, but teams are stupid for playing him over superior players with higher upsides.
Damn you Dodgers for being so stupid.
not at all, yes he is hitting for a better average right now but first lets look at defence in terms of fielding percent juan is at a .994 pods a .985 stolen base juan 37 and caught 12 times pods we all know pods right now is 30 with 12 caught, so yes same about of caught stealing but juan has more stolen in total… pierre has 1 error and pods has 3…pods uzr -1.7 juan pierre +15.1….thanks to fan graphs pods does has a slightly better WAR…so your getter a little better offence from pods but much better defense from juan….so I dont know how far i could go with pods being better than juan….dont forget juan started out really slow, like the rest of the whitesox
The problem is Juan’s OPS is around .600 while Pods has one around .750. That’s a huge difference. It’s true Pierre is better at baserunning and defense but it doesn’t cancel out the huge gap in offense.
“His on base skills are pretty solid for a leadoff hitter?” He has a career .341 OBP and .326 wOBA. He is a below average offensive player for his career. If he’s on your team, he’s certainly not the kind of player you want hitting leadoff. He’s really a 4th OF who is overrated because he can steal bases.
I wouldnt mind the Giants trading for Podsednik. They need some more speed. But they also have to trade for someone who can knock in runs. Im hoping for Garrett Jones from the Pirates but theyll probably end up with Jose Guillen from Kansas City.
Garret Jones: .270/.333/.422 (this season) .273/.342/.474 (career)Jose Guillen: .271/.333/.457 (this season) .271/.323/.443 (career)Guillen is having the (slightly) better season, while Jones has the edge in career OPS, but really, they’re both mediocre.
Well Jones has nobody batting around him. Also he’s younger and a better and more versitle defender.
Because Guillen has that monster lineup around him?
And saying he’s more defensively capable than Guillen isn’t saying much. Look, I’m not saying Guillen is better, instead what I’m saying is that they are both average at best and not going to put any team over the top.
Well he has had Podsednik, DeJesus, and Butler hitting around him. All Jones has is McCutchen. I also meant to say is that Jones is a left handed hitter, which the Giants need. Also Jones is much cheaper and is under contract for 3 or more years. So Jones just makes more sense to trade for. That is if he is available.
Anyone think if the Pads get Pods lol, that Tony Gwynn Jr. would be part of the deal going the other way or he will get cut or sent to AAA? Pods is what everyone wishes TG jr would be…..and with Podsednik on the Padres Gwynn would not be of much use with every single outfielder on the team being a much better all around player then he is…..anyone else think that?
Blanks….Gwynn Jr. has been doing well in the outfield. His defense has been outstanding, sure he isn’t producing at the plate as much as dad did, but still…2 inside the park homers, and dazzling plays in the outfield makes him a win in my books. I think that there will be some AAA players gone…I am curious to see if Green and Willy Mo will get called up in September…but signing 2 middle infielders during the “Trade Season” could mix into the deal. Maybe Jerry Harriston Jr….or Evereth will be moving. Only time will tell. 4 days left…hopefully they can get an offensive lift…I want to see more games on MLB Network so I can watch more than a Rockies-Padres series…I guess that’s the cost of living in Denver….
I don’t think Hairston or Cabrera are going anywhere. Cabrera has too much upside for the Padres to give up on him so quick and with Eckstein out and Cabreras struggles this year Hairston is far to important to the Padres to deal as well.
I rest my case with Cabrera…5 batters left on base to this point….he was streamlined to the majors too fast. Just like Greene…Im sorry…we need someone middle infield to replace him…he would be a good pinch runner….but i think he needs some more training…and attention to detail…
I agree he needs some work, but I don’t think they should give up on him all together. He is still very young and probably should be sent to AAA, but with Eckstein out they really have no other options. If they could get Theriot on the cheap, I would send him down to get his confidence back up. Batting him leadoff to start the year didn’t help matters any, too much pressure on such a young guy.
ya but Scotty Pods is a faster better hitter who does play really good defense too… so I dunno maybe Stairs will be released or something…I really hope we get Pods!
wait, what? didn’t the dodgers just trade a scott podsednik in the offseason(juan pierre)?
Scott, please don’t run into any fences during today’s game. Just let the hits go.
A Concerned Royals Fan.
Someone besides the Angels needs to makes some trades already, all this talk an no swaps is getting boring.
Like the Rangers? And the Mariners?
As a Braves fan, I know I’m in the minority that Nate McLouth can turn it around in the minors. Now if Pods can be had fairly cheap (for a Chris Resop, perhaps), then I’m all for the Braves picking him up. It’s doesn’t hurt that his wife is a former playmate.
Why would Resop have any trade value?
I think the Angels should look to trade Juan Rivera for Pods straight up. The Angels need some more speed at the top of the lineup and better defense in LF. Rivera can provide some power but lacks speed. If the Angels think they can’t get Crawford in the offseason then this would make sense. Just a thought.
why would KC do that?
If KC loses Guillen and Pods which they might, they could use another power bat in the outfield. Rivera would be had at a good price the organization can afford and will provide much need power IF Guillen goes as expected.
Why the hell would the Angels do that? Seriously?
what other options are the dodgers looking for outfield
what other options are the dodgers looking for outfield
Dodgers? What? Why?
Dodgers? What? Why?
Sooooooo, the Dodgers need a left-handed, slap-hitting, marginal defensive 4th outfielder type who’s fast? Why did they eat so much money to send Juan Pierre to the Sox again? Granted Pods is having a better year but this reeks of a step forward after a step backward. Or in this case, moving Pierre was a step forward, so is acquiring Pods a step backward?
Does the front office in LA have a plan???
The Dodgers were fine with Pierre on the team. They traded him as a favor to him so that he could play everyday. It was obvious that Pierre as our #4 worked very well. Garret Anderson as our #4 is a giant leap back. Podsednik would help return our bench to what it was when we were very successful.
The Dodgers were fine with Pierre on the team. They traded him as a favor to him so that he could play everyday. It was obvious that Pierre as our #4 worked very well. Garret Anderson as our #4 is a giant leap back. Podsednik would help return our bench to what it was when we were very successful.
Pierre was sent off at his request & NedCo granted his wish. Sure LA would’ve loved to keep him. But they’ll take Pod’s salary
Pierre was sent off at his request & NedCo granted his wish. Sure LA would’ve loved to keep him. But they’ll take Pod’s salary
Actually, I think the Dodgers will end up okay getting Ely and Link for Pierre. They got salary relief (I believe like a third of Pierre’s remaining contract) and Ely will make a serviceable 5th starter and Link should end up a serviceable reliever.
Getting Pods does not jeopardize the future at all for the Dodgers as long as the cost in prospects is not much.
Sooooooo, the Dodgers need a left-handed, slap-hitting, marginal defensive 4th outfielder type who’s fast? Why did they eat so much money to send Juan Pierre to the Sox again? Granted Pods is having a better year but this reeks of a step forward after a step backward. Or in this case, moving Pierre was a step forward, so is acquiring Pods a step backward?
Does the front office in LA have a plan???
Xavier Paul is going to be furious when he reads this … 2 outfielders? really? They want Ankiel as a throw in?
Xavier Paul is going to be furious when he reads this … 2 outfielders? really? They want Ankiel as a throw in?
The dodgers must not want to win the NL West Podesnik is not even average..I think it’s hiliaous the Padres trade Peavy and sign Jerry Hairston jr and they are the best in the NL go figure..
On a Side note does Eric Byrnes on The MLBnetwork ruin it for you guys and make you not want to watch because he’s such a clown.. the Mariners one of the worst teams in the ML if they don’t want you pretty much means you have no business playing baseball… not to mention he was never any good anyway..
The Dodgers must not want to win? Based on what? Potentially getting Podsednik? Currently the Dodgers 4th outfielder is Garret Anderson who can’t even manage to get his average above 200, and their first two bats off the bench all year have been Anderson and Belliard. You’re kidding yourself if you do not think Podsednik is an upgrade over them. Paul has potential for the Dodgers, but he’s still hitting around 250 and looks lost at the plate due to his lack of experience. Hell, just last week he cost the Dodgers in a big way by dropping a fly ball that plated two runs vs the Giants. Podsednik is not a star player by any means, but the Dodgers need depth in the worst way possible and adding Podsednik not only helps with depth but is a HUGE upgrade over what they currently have. If you cannot see that then you are blind.
The Dodgers must not want to win? Based on what? Potentially getting Podsednik? Currently the Dodgers 4th outfielder is Garret Anderson who can’t even manage to get his average above 200, and their first two bats off the bench all year have been Anderson and Belliard. You’re kidding yourself if you do not think Podsednik is an upgrade over them. Paul has potential for the Dodgers, but he’s still hitting around 250 and looks lost at the plate due to his lack of experience. Hell, just last week he cost the Dodgers in a big way by dropping a fly ball that plated two runs vs the Giants. Podsednik is not a star player by any means, but the Dodgers need depth in the worst way possible and adding Podsednik not only helps with depth but is a HUGE upgrade over what they currently have. If you cannot see that then you are blind.
Padres are winning because they have a former Mike Scioscia coach managing them. Maddon did it with the Rays. Oh, I wish the Dodgers kept Scioscia.
LOL. I actually like Eric Byrnes on MLB Network, especially when paired with Harold Reynolds. They are hilarious. I know this sounds bad but sometimes it is too serious (like Joe Magrain or Barry Larkin). That’s probably why I like Mitch Williams too.
Mitch Williams is fine but Byrnes doesn’t belong there.. he needs to go to ESPN and being annoying like that douche-turd Stuart Scott
Yeah, and now they have added Preston Wilson. I like Preston Wilson personally but he wasn’t very good as a commentator. He was bland and no personality. Very little insight too. It was, however, his first night so I should probably wait to pass judgment until I see him again.
The dodgers must not want to win the NL West Podesnik is not even average..I think it’s hiliaous the Padres trade Peavy and sign Jerry Hairston jr and they are the best in the NL go figure..
On a Side note does Eric Byrnes on The MLBnetwork ruin it for you guys and make you not want to watch because he’s such a clown.. the Mariners one of the worst teams in the ML if they don’t want you pretty much means you have no business playing baseball… not to mention he was never any good anyway..
I hope the Tigers trade Ryan Raburn. If I were Dombrowski I would try to move him for 20 Louisville Sluggers…Ok I’d take 10.
I am not sure what the Dodgers interest in Rayburn is all about? I guess he would come cheap, but, so what?
GARRET ANDERSON is why
I understand about replacing Anderson but Rayburn is a right-handed hitter. I would rather get Pods who is a lefty and can serve as a lefty pinch hitter, pinch runner and a 4th OF.
my thoughts exactly. a truly unique utility man who sucks defensively at every position he plays. plus he can’t hit.
Raburn sucks a dead dogs balls. if they were smart they would designate him for assignment and let him be a FA because he would never find work in baseball again