Welcome to the Blue, Tony Watson!

Wow!

Just when I thought the Dodgers would be standing put they go ahead and complete a flurry of trades just before the end of the non-waiver trade deadline.

As shocking as this news has been, I am far from dismayed. In fact, they ended up trading a bunch of prospect (none of whom are considered our best) and a former Dodger bench regular for three pitchers who aim to help the club during the final stretch.

First of all, the Dodgers received left-handed reliever Tony Watson from the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-handed pitching prospect Angel German and infield prospect Oneil Cruz. He began the season as the Pirates closer but was removed in June when he blew consecutive save opportunities.
Per a Dodger press release:

Watson, 32, has posted a 5-3 record with 10 saves and a 3.66 ERA (19 ER/46.2 IP) in 47 relief appearances with the Pirates this season. He has struck out 35 batters against 14 walks in 46.2 innings this year. Since the 2013 season, Watson has been one of the top relievers in the National League, ranking among the best (min. 250 IP) in wins (24, 1st), strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.72, 290 SO/78 BB, 3rd), ERA (2.42, 4th), WHIP (1.05, 4th), opponents’ batting average (.227, 7th), opponents’ OPS (.623, 7th) and saves (30, 9th).

Watson has a 31-16 career record with 30 saves and has posted a 2.68 ERA in 450 games in seven seasons with the Pirates (2011-17). He has held hitters to a .223 average, while striking out 380 batters against 121 walks in 433.0 career innings. The Sioux City, Iowa native was selected in the ninth round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Nebraska.

Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

Watson, 32, is the Pirates' former closer in his seventh MLB season and he is eligible for free agency after this season. He has 10 saves but also a 3.66 ERA, the highest since his 2011 rookie season. A 1.521 WHIP is the highest of his career and lefties are hitting .303 against him.

In celebration of Tony's addition to the club I made the above fantasy Baseball card. I used the 1982 Topps Baseball card design with a pic taken by Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY and found at a story at VAVEL.

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