Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Victorino to LA

July 31, 2012

cinncinati.com
The Dodgers acquiring Shane Victorino, as reported by numerous sources earlier in the day, is now official.


The Phillies dealt Victorino to the Dodgers in exchange for reliever Josh Lindblom and minor league pitching prospect Ethan Martin.

The Flyin' Hawaiian spent eight seasons in red pinstripes and was a key player during the Phillies' stretch of five straight NL East titles and the 2008 World Series victory.

Victorino was the everyday centerfielder here in Philadelphia, but he may be moving to left in Los Angeles, as Matt Kemp and Andre Either have center and right field covered respectively. It is expected that Victorino will be leading off for the Dodgers in the batting order.

The 31 year-old Victorino is in the last year of his contract and will make $9.5 million by the end of the season. If they did no trade him, the Phillies were expected to let him go anyway in order to free up salary.

It has been an extremely tough year for the Fightin' Phils, and it is very sad to see a fan favorite in Victorino go.

His most memorable Phillies moment is most likely in game one of the 2008 NLDS when he hit a grand slam off of C.C Sabathia. It was one of the many memorable moments of the Phils' run to the World Series.

As far as what the Phillies got in return, they will get relief help from Lindblom. The 25-year old has a 3.02 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP in 48 appearances this year.

As for Martin, they will have to wait until he is Major League ready.



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