Dodgers Talk: Vicente Padilla

The Dodgers have been linked to Vicente Padilla according to Kevin Baxter of the LA Times. While this isn't much of a surprise to anyone because the Dodgers should be linked to any available pitcher on the market right now. There is no doubt the Dodgers need pitching. Here is the question, is Vicente Padilla the answer? That's what this section of Dodgers Talk is all about. We will look at the facts and then open up the comment section for all of you Dodgers fans to hand out your opinions.

Here is what we know so far. Joe Torre was quoted recently saying "If we're going to need a starter, we'll get a starter," So that means the Dodgers will get a starter because we all know they need one but thanks Joe for clearing that up.

Vicente Padilla cleared waivers in June with no takers. He was then designated for assignment on August 7th. The only teams so far to be even mentioned as interested are the Dodgers and Brewers. Earlier today Brewers GM Doug Melvin said he has no interest in John Smoltz, Mark Mulder or Padilla. Padilla is 31, and has allowed 120 hits and 42 walks in 108 innings, striking out 59 for an ERA just under 5.00. No official word if Padilla has cleared waivers in August but there is no reason to believe he won't.

The common consensus is that Padilla and the Dodgers are a good fit. There is no doubt a change of scenery to a winning team, in a pitcher friendly ballpark would do him some good. Torre is a great coach and can bring this guy around and correct any clubhouse issues.

The bottom line is this, a move to Chavez Ravine and the National League will give Padilla a boost. This will help out his very misleading ERA as his stats are in my opinion somewhat inflated. The Dodgers need a pitcher that can pitch 7 consistent innings, while keeping the walks to a minimum and limit offenses to 3 or 4 runs. I think Padilla can be our guy and the best thing is the risk is very minimal if we wait until he clears waivers. The Rangers are putting a lot of energy into ridding themselves of Padilla currently, and he has become a cancer on and off the field for the Texas ballclub.