DODGERS ADD VETERAN STARTER BLANTON
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired pitcher Joe Blanton from the Philadelphia Phillies for a player to be named later.
What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have been looking for starting pitching for a while, so adding Blanton post-non-waiver trading deadline makes sense. They courted Ryan Dempster, who went to Texas instead. They've spoken to Philadelphia about Cliff Lee, but had to settle for Blanton...who may get a boost pitching half the time at Chavez Ravine.
What does it give the Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies tried to deal Blanton earlier to the Baltimore Orioles, but that fell through because of financial considerations. However, Philadelphia finally found a taker in the Dodgers. They will replace Blanton in the starting rotation with Kyle Kendrick, and essentially retool for the rest of 2012 (since the Phillies are a playoff long shot).
Fantasy impact
Blanton's numbers this season aren't bad, and they could get even better pitching at Dodger Stadium down the stretch. Therefore, he's worth picking up in deep fantasy leagues.
