LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - If Eric Gagne is not ready to start the season, the Los Angeles Dodgers now have a highly capable insurance policy.

 

The Dodgers acquired All-Star closer Danys Baez and reliever Lance Carter from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Saturday for righthander Edwin Jackson and minor league lefthander Chuck Tiffany.

 

The 31-year-old Baez went 5-4 with a 2.86 ERA and 41 saves last season with the Devil Rays, allowing just 66 hits in 72 1/3 innings. Although his eight blown saves tied for the American League lead, the Cuban righthander converted 22 of his last 23 chances and 36 of his last 38.

 

Baez's 96 saves over the last three seasons rank sixth in the major leagues. His 123 games finished since 2004 is second only to Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees.

 

Baez likely will be the Dodgers' setup man next season in front of Gagne, although he could get some save chances at the beginning of the campaign if Gagne is not fully recovered from "Tommy John" surgery.

 

Carter, 31, went 1-2 with a 4.89 ERA in 62 appearances last season. The righthander made the All-Star team in 2003, when he recorded a career-best 26 saves.

 

"The opportunity to add two relievers of this caliber to our bullpen fills a big need for us," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said. "Danys is one of the top closers in the American League and Lance has had success in the major leagues as well."

 

Baez and Carter will replace Duaner Sanchez and Steve Schmoll, who were dealt to the Mets for starter Jae Seo.

 

Considered one of the top prospects in the Dodgers' organization, the 22-year-old Jackson had a 6-4 record with a 5.50 ERA in 19 appearances with Los Angeles over the past three seasons.

 

Tiffany, 20, was a 2003 second-round pick and went 11-7 with a 3.93 ERA for Class A Vero Beach last year. He has 279 strikeouts in 212 1/3 innings in his minor league career.

 

"Danys and Lance have meant a great deal to the organization both on and off the field," said Tampa Bay executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. "In Danys' case, it takes a player with his talents, character and accomplishments to create an opportunity to acquire such talented pitching prospects."

Great deal for Tampa for the D-rays but not for Dodgers. While neither Edwin Jackson or Chuck Tiffamy are top 10 ten prospects in the LA farm system in many others systems they are in the top 5. The Drays rape another team again though this team has the best farm sytem in baseball. If Beinfest is smart he stays away from Gathright or any player that Tampa has.

I think both teams made out. If the Dodgers have that plethora of talent to give away....why not get two established players that did very well for a crappy team? Now the D-Rays get a future star and a possible one.

The drays have been shopping him forever and finally pulled a string.. Not a bad deal for them either... I think Gagne will be alright this season so I guess that would put Baez as the setup

It prevents the Mutts from getting him as well

Edwin Jackson was once a #1 prospect but now he's trying to find his groove. If Tampa can get him back on track, hell of a deal for them. For now, a split.

I doubt the ability of the D-Rays to advance a pitching prospect, although it does seem like a good trade. If they do happen to get an Olsen type prospect for Gathwright, they could develop a reasonably good rotation ina few years. Check that, a reasonably good team because that offense already appears to be ready if they can keep some players.

Great trade for both teams.

 

Dodgers are trying to win this year, and this probably gives them the best bullpen in the NL if Gagne is healthy, maybe all of baseball.

 

Edwin Jackson becomes the new pet project for Tampa and Tiffany could be dominant in a couple years.

I don't know what to make of Jackson. No one really is sure why him and other Dodgers' pitching prospects have sunk recently. I'm inclined to believe the move will be to his benefit for that reason, but maybe not.

Love this deal for the DRays they get another stud SP to go with their great crop of hitters and Tiffay had a good year at A and who knows he could become a good pitcher as well that teams system is sick

I think the Dodgers got the better of the deal. Tampa has more prospects but LA got great bullpen help now that Gagne is no longer invinceable.

Dodgers got the better end of the deal, talent wise at least. I'm not too high on Jackson as he hasn't done much in his 3 years in the majors and they pickup a rock solid closer and decent middle relief guy.

I think Carter's a better asset to the Dodgers than Baez

Carter over Baez? You've been in the sun too long.....get back in the house.

 

This is a good trade for both teams. The Dodgers now have Gagne and Baez at the end of games, and the D-Rays get a pitcher that goes right into their rotation in Jackson. The D-Rays biggest weakness is their starting pitching, and Tiffany will be their in a couple of years.

 

The Devil Rays next moves could re-vamp their whole pitching staff. Trading Gathright, Huff and Lugo could fill up the rest of the rotation for now and the future. Orvella and Mori make Baez and Carter expendable.

 

I think the DevilRays are on the right path.....but the division is wicked.

Say what you will, but Carter just gets the job done everytime he goes out there.

Say what you will, but Carter just gets the job done everytime he goes out there.

 

 

1-2, 4.89 ERA.....that's not every time.