Los Angeles, CA - The Los Angeles Dodgers made a pair of deadline deals, acquiring four-time Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux from the Chicago Cubs and shortstop Julio Lugo from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

The Dodgers decided to make the moves to revamp the team after laboring to a 4-13 record since the All-Star break.

Maddux, who signed a free agent contract with the Cubs before the 2004 season, was traded to the Dodgers in exchange for infielder Cesar Izturis and cash considerations.

__________________
"Coffee is for closers." -- Glengarry GlenRoss

I'm surprised the Dodgers haven't been more competitive in recent years. They consistently have a top five payroll. If they weren't in laid back Los Angeles, I guess their Dodgers' futility would be more of an yearly story.

I'm one who thinks the Dodgers need to be a perennial playoff team for MLB to be healthy. They aren't the Yankees, but there's something special about a Yankees-Dodgers World Series. I remember seeing several of them as a child. Such classic matchups.

Maddox should help, I imagine. Lugo replaces Izturas at shortstop. Lugo doesn't have the fielding ability of Izturas, who's a Gold Glove winner. Lugo does add pop to the lineup, because he's a better hitter than the man he's replacing.

Go Blue!

Greg Maddux didn't allow a hit over six innings in his Dodgers debut. But he didn't return for the seventh after a 46-minute rain delay as Los Angeles went on to beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-0 on Thursday night.

Maddux, acquired in a trade with the Chicago Cubs on Monday, faced one batter over the minimum through six innings. He had no regrets that he missed out on a chance at getting the first no-hitter of his 20-year, 328-win career.

Things are looking up for the Dodgers.

__________________
"Coffee is for closers." -- Glengarry GlenRoss