Photo: Wikipedia Commons.
Aloha, bruddah.
According to numerous reports, it looks like Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino has been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In return, the Dodgers will send over RHP Josh Lindblom and another player.
When it seemed that the Reds were highly likely for Victorino, the tables turned this morning. Reports came in that the Reds were out of contention to acquire Victorino. According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, the Dodgers were in serious talks with the Phillies regarding Shane Victorino. It's reported that the Phillies were asking for relievers for Victorino.
Looks like they got their reliever(s). Lindblom, 25, is 2-2 with a 3.02 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP in 48 appearances with the Dodgers this season. Lindblom is also eligible for arbitration in 2015 and won't be a free agent until 2018.
Victorino was originally drafted by the Dodgers in 1999, but failed to make it to the big club. Victorino was then selected as a Rule 5 draft pick in 2002 by the Padres, played 36 games, but was eventually returned to the Dodgers. Victorino was again selected in the 2005 Rule 5 Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. He again failed to stay with the major league club, and was offered back to the Dodgers. The Dodgers declined, so the Phillies retained his contract and assigned him to their minor league club.
In 2005, Victorino made his debut with the Phillies. Over the years, Victorino played a key role in the Phillies' repeated NL East division titles as well as their 2008 World Series run and return to the Fall Classic the following year.
It's going to be tough seeing a fan favorite leave this city, but it's the last year in his contract and it's almost certain the Phillies would not be able to re-sign him in the off season with the price he's looking for and honestly – he has not had a great contract year. Victorino is batting .261 with 9 home runs, 17 doubles, five triples and 40 RBI in 101 games with the Phillies this season.
We leave you with this great memory.
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