Los Angeles Dodgers @Dodgers OFFICIAL: @Dodgers today acquired starting pitcher Joe Blanton from @Phillies for a player to be named later.
Don't get fooled by the ERA, going from Philly to LA is gonna help him a LOT cause the HRs are killing him. He's a good innings eater, averages between 6-7 innings per game. His xFIP (which is basically FIP but for neutralized for ballparks) is 3.39 this year, 3.15 last year. He doesn't walk many people, and strikes out a healthy amount (an amazing K/BB rate) I really like this move. He'll get better at Dodger Stadium, is MUCH better than what Fife will do, and has postseason experience or wtv.
Cool article on Blanton: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/joe-blanton-is-having-one-of-the-weirdest-seasons-ever/
Yep, I agree...I like this move too...but it is the wrong Philly SP we are to get. But yeah he is better, how would we compare him to Harang?
This is a fantastic no downside move...He's having a nice year and moving to DS is going to make him better.
IMO, he's better than Harang especially in LA. Blanton was getting killed with the HRs. Harang puts up shiny ERAs cause of Petco/DS and his pitching to contact works. However, Blanton Ks more people, walks significantly less people and gets more groundballs What basically kills Blantons ERA compared to Harangs is that Blantons fly balls go out of the park more often than Harangs do. Another thing this does, is if Lilly is healthy (and we make the playoffs) we can match up our team based on the opponent. We have 3 lefties, 3 righties. You assume without a doubt that CK/Bills are in the rotation but the last two spots can be dictated by how well the team does against righties or lefties. Sure, it isn't Cliff Lee but it isn't Stephen Fife. If anyone really thought Fife was a better option than Blanton then well, idk...
Stephen Fife in 16.2 innings has given up 16 hits and 9 walks with 7 Ks. You can't really think this team has a good chance of winning a game with him on the mound from a possible 3-8 more times from here on out? I get being disappointed it's not Cliff Lee but it's a solid move that makes the team better. I'm not thinking it makes us WS contenders or anything but it helps get us to the postseason which is extremely important.
I have to say that given the situation we are in, this is a pretty good move. He will eat some innings and give the bp a rest.
I wanted them to go after Blanton; even if for only him no longer totally dominating us at least once a year. Seriously, I like this. Not as good as Dempster of course. In 4.1 INNINGS, 8 ER, 2 HR isn't bad at all his first time out. Is it?
I saw an interview with Ruben Amaro...he was asked about "how much interest in Lee was there"? He said "no one asked about him". ??? IDK whether he was serious or not, but it certainly seemed it.
JIM BOWDEN @JimBowdenESPNxm Dodgers will be responsible for the remaining $2.9m on Blanton's contract. :boobflash:
Reports everywhere said that the Phillies wanted the other team to take on full salary AND get premium prospects. So, er, maybe that's why they hung up Ruven.
Good to see you a little more positive and happier than usual my friend. I totally agree too, this is a good move. The more I think about it the better it is. now if we could somehow send Harang and an armored car full of cash for Cliff Lee...I'll REALLY be happy!
