OT: Twins "Fire Sale" Continues. See Ya, Brian...
https://www.mlb.com/twins/news/twins-trade-brian-dozier-to-dodgers/c-288208342
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins made their fifth and final deal before Tuesday's non-waiver Trade Deadline, sending second baseman Brian Dozier to the Dodgers for veteran second baseman Logan Forsythe and prospects Devin Smeltzer and Luke Raley.
Dozier,
perhaps the club's most popular player over the last five seasons, had
become one of the faces of the franchise, along with Joe Mauer,
after developing into a power-hitting All-Star second baseman and a
clubhouse leader. But he will become a free agent after the season, and
the Twins weren't going to re-sign him, so they decided to move him.
Dozier joins Eduardo Escobar (D-backs), Ryan Pressly (Astros), Zach Duke (Mariners) and Lance Lynn
(Yankees) as those sold prior to the Trade Deadline, bringing back 11
prospects and Forsythe. Pressly was under contract through next year,
but the rest were all going to be free agents after the season. The
Twins hung onto closer Fernando Rodney, as they have a $4.25 million club option on him for next season, and right-hander Kyle Gibson, who remains under team control next year.
Dozier,
an eighth-round pick in 2009, was a success story in Minnesota, winning
the organization's Minor League Player of the Year Award in 2012 before
unexpectedly becoming a power hitter in the Majors and a fan favorite.
He participated in the Home Run Derby in '14, was an All-Star in '15 and
hit a career-high 42 homers in '16. He had expressed interest in
signing an extension prior to this season, but the front office never
approached him or his agent about a potential new contract.
Raley,
23, is the headliner for the Twins, as he ranked as the Dodgers' No. 19
prospect, per MLB Pipeline. The left-handed-hitting first
baseman/outfielder is having a solid year at Double-A Tulsa, hitting
.275/.345/.477 with 17 homers, 17 doubles and 53 RBIs in 93 games.
Smeltzer,
22, has posted a 4.73 ERA with 67 strikeouts and 19 walks in 83 2/3
innings at Double-A. He had been starting early in the season but moved
to relief in July.
Forsythe, 31, was included in the deal because
he's making the same salary as Dozier this season at $9 million and the
Dodgers wanted to avoid going over the luxury tax. He also gives the
Twins a veteran infielder for the second half, but he's hitting
.207/.270/.290 with two homers and 13 RBIs in 70 games this season.
@"HappyViking" said: Dozier is a great guy and player. A real talent that Twins fans will miss. Enjoy him FanO!
I think we will Hap...he just hit a 3 run HR....
Happy to see Fano back again! Maybe I just missed your posts but I have been wondering how and where you are! good to hear from you. You, me and KB and the others around our area here have to take in a game sometime.
So another home run, another double and four more rbi in his second game. Brian probably couldn't be happier with his start with them... and the fans that weren't so thrilled might be a little more so now huh.
this resurgence of Doziers in LA has me wondering WTF is going on in Minny. granted 2 games doesnt mean anything, but players that can kill it in AAA and cant do dick in the show.... players that struggle in minny and then get right on another team? something seems to be amiss. maybe the clubhouse or management is to blame, but this team will never get over the hump until its resolved.
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