Victorino is coming back to LA

The Phillies have officially declared themselves as sellers, and the Dodgers are more than willing to take advantage of that.

In the latest deal, the Dodgers have acquired Shane Victorino in exchange for Josh Lindblom and minor league starter Ethan Martin.  Victorino was originally drafted by the Dodgers back in 1999, and after playing with them off and on in 2003 and 2004, really took off when he went to the Phillies in 2005.

Victorino is hitting .261 this season with a .324 OBP, 14 2B, 9 HR, 40 RBI, and 24 SB.  His averages are a clear dip from his career numbers, which are .277 and .342.  He already has more stolen bases this year than last (24-19), but his power numbers are a bit down. 

What he still has going for him is his defense, which is excellent.  He's a three-time Gold Glove winner in center, and has a career .995 fielding %.  Over the last two seasons covering 536 total chances, he's committed only one error.  That's outstanding.

The Dodgers clearly wanted an upgrade at the top of their order, and Victorino is the best guy available.  Dee Gordon, who's still on the DL with a thumb injury, has been given every chance to leadoff, but he has a horrible .280 OBP.  The 30 steals are great, but when you're not on base, it's hard to steal and score runs.  Or so I've been told.

Victorino can switch-hit, provide a lot more pop, and steal bases at the top.  He's not as fast as Gordon, but who is?  While I've never been a big fan of his (see: NLCS, 2008), I do like this addition.  An outfield of Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and Victorino is really good, as each has a Gold Glove already, tallying six in whole.  Even Kemp has said he'll move to left if necessary, though I doubt that will happen.

Assuming there's no more impact hitters coming in, here's what the lineup could look like:

1) Shane Victornio - LF
2) Mark Ellis - 2B
3) Matt Kemp - CF
4) Andre Ethier - RF
5) Hanley Ramirez - 3B
6) James Loney/Juan Rivera - 1B
7) Luis Cruz - SS
8) A.J. Ellis - C

That's a much-improved lineup from the beginning of the year.  Now the bench will have Gordon, Jerry Hairston, Bobby Abreu, and either Loney or Rivera.  Those are some good options to turn to late in games.

While people can debate giving up on Lindblom and Martin for a rental, the Dodgers know they can win the West, or at the very least, get one of the Wild Card slots.  And when you're trying to make a good first impression after buying a team, Magic's Suits know they have to make an impact.  That's why they want to win now.