Ned Colletti Never Ceases to Amaze

Ned Colletti is probably the worst GM in all of sports unless you still count Isiah Thomas. He has signed numerous horrible contracts and made many head scratching moves over the years, but he had always held on to his young players (even though he wouldn't let them play) until now. Today Colletti traded two solid prospects for journeyman Casey Blake. Blake is 34, in the last year of his contract, and a notoriously poor fielder. This would be one thing if he hit like Ryan Braun or Chipper Jones, but his OPS is only .830. Now, being an Indians fan I have liked Casey Blake, he has been a very pleasant surprise since Shapiro picked him off the scrap heap in 2003, but Shapiro just sold at the absolute high point. Blake may still re-sign with Cleveland. He is a fan favorite and seems to like it there so that makes this deal all the better for the Indians.

The Indians got pitcher John Meloan, and catcher Carlos Santana (no, not that Carlos Santana). Meloan was absolutely nasty as closer in AA last year, and was good in AAA. This year, the Dodgers attempted to convert him into a starter seeing his hits and walks skyrocket. He is still striking out batters and not giving up homers, so it looks like he might just be better suited to relief. He will probably get a shot to close in Cleveland next year, a position where they could use
some help.

Santana would be a great addition even if he had no baseball skills because hey, his name is Carlos Santana! But he may turn out to be the best part of the deal. He was converted to catcher last year from outfield/3b and struggled throughout the 2007 season. This year has been a different story as he has just torn it up posting a stellar .318/.424/.563 line at long A ball. This could give the Indians a logjam at catcher, which of course is never a bad thing.

Back to the Dodgers end of things, the age old question applies: WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!?! The Dodgers defensively, at least for the short term, will consist of (Dr.) Jeff Kent, Nomar, and Blake. This is an infield only a fly ball pitcher could love. Lowe and Kuroda of course are not.

The lineup has not improved much, the defense has gotten much worse, and the farm system is weaker. This will not be the trade that puts them over the top. This one may have, but they turned that down. Good job Ned.