Dodgers lose their closer for at least 6 weeks

[Reds Fanatic]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3491451

LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers closer Takashi Saito will be sidelined until at least late August with a sprained elbow ligament in his pitching arm.

Saito, 38, was diagnosed Tuesday by team physician Neal ElAttrache, who has ruled out surgery for now. Saito is headed for the 15-day disabled list and will rehabilitate his right arm for six weeks, then be reevaluated, the team said.

He is 3-3 with a 2.18 ERA in 39 appearances. Saito has 17 saves in 20 chances.

General manager Ned Colletti said it is difficult to replace a closer.

"As far as trading for a closer, it's a lot like trying to acquire a shortstop -- it's a premium position and most teams don't carry an excess," Colletti said from the All-Star Game in New York.
Manager Joe Torre said Sunday that Jonathan Broxton would be the team's closer until further notice. But Torre was unsure who would take over for Broxton as setup man.

Broxton said he's ready for his new role.

"I just look at it like it's the eighth inning. I come out and get outs," Broxton said. "It's no different for me."

Saito, an All-Star last year, had his ninth-inning stint Saturday night against Florida cut short because of tightness in the elbow.

[RedsManRick]

I wonder if Weathers and/or Affeldt would be on their radar? I think Broxton easily takes the closer role, but they're in need of a setup guy.

[RichRed]

I wonder if Weathers and/or Affeldt would be on their radar? I think Broxton easily takes the closer role, but they're in need of a setup guy.

Majewski's up to the task.

[princeton]

Jeff Shaw for a cheap young Paul Konerko

[corkedbat]

I know he has a no-trade, but if something could be worked out I'd deal Coco (+) for Broxton, Kemp and a prospect.

Don't see that happening, so I'd definitely be on the phone to the Dodgers pitching Weathers, Affeldt and/or Majewski

[redsmetz]

I clearly think Weathers is a good solution - he's not your classic closer, but he's performed the role and has recent success. Their need gives us, I think, a little better price for him, one would hope.

[Jpup]

I'd rather have Broxton anyway. The Dodgers need a 3rd baseman. Edwin might draw their interest.

[red-in-la]

I still want Kemp. I could see the Dodgers going for Weathers and a prospect for Kemp. The question is, would you be willing to send them Burton and a porspect for Kemp?

I would do this since I think the Reds are sellers right now. Roenicke could replace Burton and the Reds would have a nice LF/CF for the post Dunn and JR era.

[M2]

If you're making a deal with the Dodgers, try to get some Chin-Lung Ho on the menu. He can't hit ML pitching for squat at the moment, but he could be a plus offense-defense SS in another two years.

[RedsManRick]

If you're making a deal with the Dodgers, try to get some Chin-Lung Ho on the menu. He can't hit ML pitching for squat at the moment, but he could be a plus offense-defense SS in another two years.

I think Keppinger would have to be the bait if you want Hu back. The Dodgers would want a SS they can plug in today and he's the only one we've got. While I like Keppy quite a bit and think he can be a big asset, Keppy and Weathers for Hu and a prospect probably isn't an unreasonable offer.

[OnBaseMachine]

If you're making a deal with the Dodgers, try to get some Chin-Lung Ho on the menu. He can't hit ML pitching for squat at the moment, but he could be a plus offense-defense SS in another two years.

What he said.

[Highlifeman21]

Brian Fuentes will soon be wearing Dodger blue.

I doubt the Dodgers have any interest trading with the Reds.

[Redhook]

I still want Kemp. I could see the Dodgers going for Weathers and a prospect for Kemp. The question is, would you be willing to send them Burton and a porspect for Kemp?

I want Kemp too.

I would give them Weathers, Burton, and a prospect. Kemp could be a cornerstone to the outfield for years to come. The Reds desperately need a right-handed outfield bat. I'd be willing to part with a lot to get him.

[red-in-la]

If you're making a deal with the Dodgers, try to get some Chin-Lung Ho on the menu. He can't hit ML pitching for squat at the moment, but he could be a plus offense-defense SS in another two years.

I have seen this kid play a little and have NOT been impressed. Seems to me that his very, very top end is Pokey Reese. Just my opinion.....can anybody post his basic history?

[red-in-la]

Brian Fuentes will soon be wearing Dodger blue.

I doubt the Dodgers have any interest trading with the Reds.

I seriously doubt Fuentes would go to the Dodgers.....wouldn't the Rockies see themselves now right where they were last year? 8.5 back of the division lead (especially when the leader is under .500) is not the time to trade teams in front of you just what they need.