Dodgers Acquire Carlos Ruiz

The Dodgers made a shocking move, swapping backup catchers.

The trade deadline may have passed, but trades can still be made through waivers. The Dodgers took advantage of this, strengthening their backup catcher position.

I’m going to break this down unbiasedly first, then get to emotions.

Carlos Ruiz joins Chase Utley as career Phillies to be traded to the Dodgers in August. Last year, Utley was acquired and struggled for the most part down the stretch. Ruiz has lost playing time over the last couple years, but when he’s been playing and healthy, he’s produced. In 193 plate appearances this season, Ruiz has a .261/.368/.352 triple slash. His power is concerning, especially considering the ballpark he plays in. However, as a backup, he is solid.

A.J. Ellis going to the Phillies. Ellis has also lost playing time with the acquisition and emergence of Yasmani Grandal. When Ellis has played, he hasn’t been very good. In 161 plate appearances, Ellis has a .194/.285/.252 line. Obviously, limited reps can cause that, but he’s been an automatic out for the last few years.

Tommy Bergjans is a pitcher at Rancho right now. He was drafted in the eighth round last year and hasn’t fared very well. He owns a 4.98 ERA in 21 starts for the Quakes. He’s not the important part of the deal.

The Dodgers could have used an upgrade at backup catcher and Ruiz is solid there. As a player, no one should doubt that Ruiz is better than A.J. However, there’s the unquantifiable clubhouse/chemistry angle. Not that Ruiz is a clubhouse cancer- it’s quite the opposite. However, all reports point to Ellis being one of the most beloved players on the team. His humor and ability to work with the rotation is unmatched, and many (myself included) think he will make a fantastic bench coach or manager when he retires.

Furthermore, Ellis’ best friend is a somewhat important member of the Dodgers. Obviously, Clayton Kershaw is a professional and he’s not going to protest this move. However, he probably isn’t happy about losing his best friend.

On the field, this trade is a win for the Dodgers. However, when you have a guy like Ellis, you never know how taking him out of the clubhouse will impact the team. Ruiz is two years older than Ellis. Ellis is a free agent in the offseason, Ruiz has a team $4.5 million team option for next year with a $500K buyout. With Austin Barnes waiting in the wings, there’s a good chance Ellis wouldn’t have been back anyways.

No game preview today as I’ll be leaving before lineups are posted, but in other news, Andre Ethier will surprisingly begin a rehab assignment in Rancho today.