The Dodgers have filed for bankruptcy after Major League Baseball refused to allow the new TV deal, that would have given the team the cash to make their June 30th payroll. I realize some Dodger fans, and baseball fans are upset with Selig for not allowing that deal to occur, but I think he made the right move.

Frank McCourt’s TV rights deal was a bad deal for both the Dodgers and baseball and only was made to benefit Frank McCourt and ensure he could maintain possession of the team. His deal sacrificed the Dodgers TV rights at a below market value for a longtime, and would have been a bad deal for a low market team like the Royals much less an iconic team in the 2nd largest TV market like the Dodgers.

While some people have some sympathy for McCourt’s situation, I believe he is the problem for this team and don’t think that the Dodgers should have to pay for their mistakes. McCourt’s bad financial decisions on and off the field have led the Dodgers to the point where they need to be monitored by Selig. He has approved bad contract after bad contract, that has led to a ton of ‘dead money’ over the last few years. From 2009-2014 the Dodgers will have spent over $60 million in players for not to being on their roster. That is just unsustainable to sign all of their actual players, while paying for players they don’t want. In addition if the reports are true the McCourts have borrowed at least $100 million against the Dodgers, but not to pay for team operations. That is completely irresponsible and one of the biggest reasons for why L.A. is in the hole that they are in.

Now I don’t like the idea that the team will need to make bad baseball decisions simply because the ownership can’t afford to pay his bills, but let’s be honest they were making bad baseball decisions long before this occurred. And while it is a bit unfair, it wouldn’t be fair for the Dodgers 5 years from now to have a lower payroll than they should because they gave up their TV rights at a well-below market rate. Hopefully for the team’s sake McCourt will look to sell a majority stake of the team, but giving his impending divorce proceedings it will be harder to find a buyer. If the Dodgers do have to start selling players, the good news is that they have some players with value (Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Jonathan Broxton etc.) that should allow them to both save money and acquire some quality prospects. It could make the next year or two rough in Dodger Town, but it is the best for the team as long as McCourt is at the helm.

Last year the Chicago White Sox added Alex Rio through a straight wavier claim, and while at the time it was considered a risky move (committing over $55 million to a struggling player) it has paid off nicely for Chicago. Now the White Sox hope they can add another bat without having to dip into their struggling farm system. Chicago won the waiver claim on Manny Ramirez and it appears they will get him without having to give anything up but money.

The White Sox desperately needed to add a bat as they have fallen 4.5 games out of first place (and basically out of the Wild Card hunt. While overall they are a good hitting team they lack production from both their DH and LF spots (Pierre’s average and OBP are okay, but a .673 OPS from your left fielder will kill you), two areas Manny can help the White Sox. Now this isn’t the Manny Ramirez of old, but he can still be a solid run producer in the middle of the White Sox lineup. And considering Chicago is only having to give up $3.8 million it is well worth it for the offensive upgrade.

The White Sox though need to hope Ramirez is enough for them to restart their playoff run which has fallen fast this past month. At the trade deadline the White Sox added Edwin Jackson (who despite missing a start has been excellent for them) to their rotation, but they left their lineup alone. Potential deals for Adam Dunn and other offensive upgrades fell through, and now the White Sox are scrambling to catch up to the Twins in the Central. Ramirez might end up being too little too late for the White Sox.

While some might fault the Dodgers for just giving Manny away, I really don’t think L.A. had much choice. Despite adding some talent at the trade deadline the Dodgers have fallen 10 games out of 1st place and more than 6 games out of the Wild Card race. In addition Ramirez has said that he didn’t want to return to L.A. next season (and it is quite likely the Dodgers didn’t want to bring him back as well) meaning the Dodgers needed to cash in now to get any return for their one time star. While they didn’t get a prospect back the Dodgers did get some extra money. And while maybe that isn’t important to most fans, hopefully the Dodgers will use that money to supplement their payroll or draft budget next year allowing them to bring in additional talent. It’s not an ideal move for Los Angeles, but it really is the best they could hope for at this point.

As we await for the news of a Roy Oswalt-Phillies trade, there were a few minor deals completed yesterday:

Tigers Grab Peralta From Division Foe: The Tigers filled their need for an infielder by trading for Indians 3B Jhonny Peralta. The Tigers gave up Low-A pitching prospect Giovanni Soto. The Indians are paying the majority of Peralta’s salary this year, but do save on his buyout for next year. In return they receive a young prospect, who isn’t considered a top guy, but his youth and results work in his favor. The Tigers get Peralta, who at one time was considered a major part of the Indians franchise but has seen his production decline of late. Peralta can still help out a major league lineup and since the Indians are paying the majority of his salary it won’t hurt Detroit’s bottom line.  Tigers win this trade given their need, and lack of giving up a quality prospect.

Dodgers Add Podsednik to Their Outfield: Dodgers added the speedy and versatile Scott Podsednik for C Lucas May (AAA) and RHP Elisaul Pimentel (A-).

Podsednik is having another solid season with a .310/.353/.400 line to go along with 30 stolen bases. He brings average defense, and the versatility to play every outfield position. The thing the Dodgers probably liked the most was his price tag, not in terms of prospects, but in cash. Podsednik is only due another 600K this season and will likely be a Type-B free agent after the end of the year, meaning Los Angeles can recoup a draft pick.

For the Royals, they picked up two solid prospects with for 2 months of Podsednik. Neither is considered a major get, but they add to the depth of their system. Lucas May is the better of the two prospects and could develop into a solid starter. His bat is nearly major league ready, but he just switched to catcher 3 years ago so his defense is still a work in progress. May might be ready by the start of next season as a back up and could make Buck expendable down the line. Pimentel will probably project as a middle reliever by the time he makes it to the show, but he has a couple interesting pitches that get results.

All-in-all it is a solid return for Podsednik who is a nice player, but not really a difference maker. The Dodgers got the outfield depth they need, but really didn’t change their status as the third best team in the N.L. West. They gave up some nice prospects but nothing major so that is good, but they will need to make another move if they hope to cement their playoff chances.