BLAKE TO DODGERS
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired infielder Casey Blake and cash from the Cleveland Indians for pitcher Jon Meloan and catcher Carlos Santana.
What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
With the Dodgers still in the thick of the NL West race, adding Blake gives them a versatile veteran bat who may be able to step right in at third base. While third baseman-of-the-future Andy LaRoche has been hitting well lately, the Dodgers obviously want a veteran option down the stretch and Blake's ability to play several positions makes him a valuable add.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
In terms of raw talent the Indians may have made out like bandits here. While Blake is a leader on the field and a useful player at several positions, Santana and Meloan are blue-chippers. Santana is that rare offensively-gifted catcher, and he's tearing it up at High-A Inland Empire this summer. He is a superb depth add considering Victor Martinez's injury history, and may rocket through the Cleveland system. Meanwhile Meloan was last year's Minor League Baseball Reliever of the Year, and while his conversion to the starting rotation at AAA hasn't been stellar, he has a fantastic arm and may eventually become Cleveland's closer (if he doesn't stick as a starter). The exit of Blake also might mean long-time prospect Andy Marte finally gets another shot at winning and keeping the Indians' third-base job.
Fantasy impact
