Maddux as a Dodger

My master and I saw it on the crawl on ESPN Monday night (you know, those news bits that scroll across the bottom) "Maddux traded to LA Dodgers for two minor leaguers and cash." Something like that. I guess this shouldn't be a surprise to Padres fans. It's August, they're 17 games out and, oh, run up the white flag.

For the Dodgers, what a spree lately. First they got "Man-Ram" (that still sounds weird to me, Jim Rome) from Boston, and now Maddux. Maddux replaces injured starter Brad Penny (shoulder) and LA only gave up two minor leaguers "yet to be determined" according to today's Mercury News. How could that yet to be determined? If this is some shrewd Padres trade, isn't that the key part of the equation? These guys should be studs, dammit, whoever they are.

The Dodgers are one game out and I would say, headed to the playoffs if they can gel in the next few weeks here.

The only other thing I have to say, because I'm ready to rest my jaw on the ground and take a nap here, is about the Billy Wagner situation in Mets land.

Teams that won't make the playoffs (read: Giants) ought to consider trading a reliever or closer to the Mets, who seem desperate. Could the Giants afford to get rid of a Brian Wilson? His stock is as high as its going to be (leads the NL with 33 saves) so why not try to get some promising minor leaguers or something. The Giants farm system seems to have shown squat lately, with the exception, obviously of Lincecum and a short list that follows.

The problem is Giants GM Brian Sabean doesn't have the cojones.

On a good note, San Jose's finest Kevin Frandsen was spotted dressed in the Giants dugout last night, nearly back from the ruptured Achilles. We're rooting for you, Kev.

See you at the dog park,

Jax