Sun, Aug 30, 2009 at 12:00am

BELLIARD TO THE DODGERS

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired infielder Ronnie Belliard from the Washington Nationals for pitcher Luis Garcia and a player to be named later.

What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
Belliard is a clutch veteran infielder with a lot of experience and versatility. He should be useful in various roles for the Dodgers (as a pinch-hitter, defensive replacement, spot-starter, etc.) as they make their playoff push, and his contract is manageable.

What does it give the Washington Nationals
Belliard had become more of a utility guy for the Nats this season, and with young Alberto Gonzalez playing more regularly at second base, the Nats save money here by moving Belliard as they move forward with youth. Pete Orr is also in the mix to take over at second base for Washington. Meanwhile Garcia, a righty from the Dominican Republic, is a while away from the bigs but has pitched well in low Single-A ball this season, going 5-3 with five saves, a 2.92 ERA and 55 K's in 71.0 innings for Great Lakes.

Fantasy impact

Player focus

Washington Nationals

Victor Garate P

player to be named later - Victor Garate

Luis Garcia P

Los Angeles Dodgers

Ronnie Belliard IF