The deal is finally complete, and for the Los Angeles Dodgers, it turned out to be quite a mess.
On Monday, the Dodgers acquired outfielder Anthony Jackson from the Colorado Rockies in return for Octavio Dotel, which finalized the trade made last September.
Not only did Jackson cost the Dodgers Dotel, but Los Angeles also sacrificed starting pitcher James McDonald and prospect Andrew Lambo to the Pittsburgh Pirates in order to land Dotel last July.
According to Baseball America, Jackson isn’t listed as one of the Rockies’ top 30 prospects, and hasn’t elevated past the Double-A level in five minor league seasons.
Jackson, 26, is primarily known for his quickness and speed. In his five years with the Rockies organization, he played all three outfield positions as well as seeing limited time at second base and shortstop.
In 2010, Jackson appeared in 122 games for the Tulsa Drillers, hitting .251 with 67 runs scored, 109 hits, two home runs, 40 RBI and 33 stolen bases.
It’s speculated that Jackson will report to either the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes or the Great Lakes Loons—both Single-A affiliates in the Dodgers’ farm system—in early spring.
The Dodgers made the deal for Dotel just before the 2010 trade deadline in an effort to strengthen the bullpen with hopes of a possible run at the playoffs.
Needless to say, in terms of improvement, the trade was far from beneficial, as the Dodgers quickly found themselves falling from contention not long after the trade deadline passed.
During his brief stint with Los Angeles, Dotel appeared in 19 games and posted a 1-1 record with a 3.38 ERA. He logged just over 18 innings, and surrendered 11 hits, 11 walks, three home runs and was responsible for one blown save.
With the Rockies, Dotel was 0-1 with a 5.06 earned-run average in eight games and five innings of work.
On November 3, the Rockies declined Dotel’s team option for 2011, and as a result were forced to buyout his contract for $250,000. Dotel is currently a free agent and will turn 37 on November 25.
On the other side of the country in Pittsburgh, Pirates managers and coaches are pleased with the progress of James McDonald and are looking forward to him maintaining a second or third slot in the starting pitching rotation next season.
While with the Pirates in 2010, McDonald started 11 games and compiled a 4-5 record with a 3.52 ERA. He struck out 61 batters while logging just over 64 innings of work.
In 26 games for the Altoona Curve, the Pirates Double-A affiliate, outfielder Andrew Lambo hit .275 with two home runs and 10 RBI, but once acclimated, hopes to play a more prominent role in 2011.
Fans across Dodgertown can’t help but have sour tastes in their mouths. Only a few weeks ago, they learned that Scott Podsednik, also acquired just before the 2010 trade deadline, won’t be returning to the team, as he declined his 2011 player option.
In order to obtain Podsednik, the Dodgers dealt the best catcher in their farm system, Lucas May, along with pitching prospect Elisaul Pimintel, to the Kansas City Royals.
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