In reshaping the Dodger lineup by subtracting strengths and adding questions and whiffing on Randy Johnson, Dodgers rookie general manager Paul DePodesta could be a genius. Or he could be Edward Scissorhands.
We won’t know the results until October.
The week started with the NL’s best team since July 1 needing one ace starting pitcher to have a legitimate shot at a championship. It ended with the Dodgers getting an almost-ace starter, a slumping first baseman and an aging outfielder in trades that sent away a clubhouse leader and fan favorite, an important bullpen bridge, and the team’s best speed in Dave Roberts.
All would have been fine if the guy coming back was the Big Unit. DePodesta made Friday’s deal with Florida only because he thought it would lead to Johnson. But once Arizona gained leverage, it made additional demands (Edwin Jackson?) that made the trade unworkable.
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Looks like the rookie general manager put the cart before the ace. Like he got snookered?
“No, I would have made that deal with the Marlins anyway, it put us in a real good position, we needed to have a starter to get us through a five- or seven-game series in October, and we have that,” he said.
But at what cost? Will they now have enough to even get to October?
“The last 36 hours have been extremely emotional,” DePodesta said.
Thirty-six hours which will be judged by the next two months, all of which DePodesta will spend on a tightrope, his daring, his triumph, his tumble.