Dodgers add Blanton in deal with Phillies

[Auggie]

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers have bolstered their starting pitching by trading for Philadelphia right-hander Joe Blanton in exchange for a player to be named, the club confirmed Friday.

While fans and columnists were urging the Dodgers to claim teammate Cliff Lee and his nine-figure contract commitment from the Phillies, the Dodgers claimed Blanton and worked out a deal that included picking up the remaining $3.5 million on his $8.5 million deal. He will be a free agent after this season.

According to Fox Sports, the Dodgers claimed Lee off waivers, which means the Dodgers would be responsible for the remaining $100 million of his contract if Philadelphia wanted him gone with no players in return. But Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. indicated he would revoke the waivers.

SNIP

Despite Blanton's stats this year, his pitching has improved lately. Six of his last eight outings have been quality starts, including a July 16 win over the Dodgers when he allowed two earned runs in eight innings.

LINK: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120803&content_id=36054570&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

[KamaAina]

1. So the Phillies' implosion takes the Giants down with them

AND turns former favorite Shane Victorino into evil incarnate.

[cherokeeprogressive]

2. Giants rocked in Denver tonight though!

Just heard Vinnie announce the score but didn't hear it clearly. Something like 16-1?

Gonna be an interesting couple of months.

[Auggie]

3. Rockies pitching was bad and they made mistakes

at the worst times.