After being in a holding pattern for a week, the trades announced at last week's Winter Meetings became official today. Matt Kemp is now on his way to play for the Padres, and Jimmy Rollins will be the Dodgers' new starting shortstop.
Here's what went down in both deals:
The Dodgers send Kemp, $32 million of his remaining $107 million salary, and Tim Federowicz to the Padres for catcher Yasmani Grandal, pitcher Joe Wieland, and pitcher Zach Eflin.
In turn, the Dodgers then flipped Eflin and pitcher Tom Windle to the Phillies for Jimmy Rollins and cash.
The holdup for the past couple of days was the physical taken by Kemp on Tuesday. Supposedly the Padres found that he has arthritic hips, and all sorts of reports were floated that it could be a deal breaker, or not an issue at all. Then it was reported that the holdup had more to do with the Padres demanding more money. The Dodgers said no.
So in the end, we're right back to square one, which was the original deal agreed upon by both clubs last week.
It will be really, REALLY strange seeing Kemp show up Opening Day in Dodger Stadium wearing the opposing team's uniform. That will be one of the highlights on baseball's grand opening for the 2015 season. I fully expect, and certainly hope, Dodger fans give him a great ovation in his first at-bat. And if he then hits a home run, boo him from there on out!
But seriously, let's hope Kemp and Rollins can contribute on the field so these trades work for both sides. Kemp is the one who has more years left in him, while Rollins is looking for one last run at a second ring. This will all be a lot of fun to watch.
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