5 moves the Dodgers should make at the MLB trade deadline

Jul 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; American League pitcher David Price (14) of the Detroit Tigers throws against the National League during the fourth inning of the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 26, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) reacts after recording a save in the ninth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Braves 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

To say that Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon is upset with the losing situation in Philadelphia would be an understatement.

"“That’s not what I signed up for,” Papelbon told ESPN. “I signed up with a team that won 102 games, and I expected certain things. It didn’t happen, and I’ve tried to ride that ship and keep my mouth shut as much as I can. But it’s time for the Phillies to you-know-what or get off the pot.”"

It is easy to understand why Papelbon is upset, even if his antics are somewhat unprofessional. He left the Boston Red Sox to join a Phillies team that was thought to be a perennial playoff contender. Since his arrival, however, the organization has entrenched itself at the bottom of the National League East.

A trade to a contender like the Los Angeles Dodgers would give Papelbon exactly what he wants.

But do the Dodgers need him?

Not exactly. But if they fail to land one of the elite starting pitchers available at the MLB trade deadline, adding a reliable arm to the bullpen would be a nice consolation prize.

Although the Dodgers already have a solid closer in Kenley Jansen, it is no secret that the team’s struggles at starting pitcher are beginning to take a toll on their relievers. Also, for a team that faltered in the playoffs a year ago in large part due to their bullpen, it would be a nice luxury to have a closer with World Series experience on the roster.

Papelbon’s polarizing attitude would lead many pundits to question whether or not he would accept a role in which he was not the everyday go-to guy to close the door in the ninth inning, but if winning means as much to him as he says it does, this would be a chance to prove it.

As for the Dodgers, a trade for the disgruntled reliever would not cost a fortune, and they may even be able to do so without unloading one of their most coveted prospects. The Phillies need as much improvement to their farm system as they can get, and making a trade involving an array of good prospects could be just as intriguing as one that nets a single big name.

Next: Trade Yasiel Puig to the Reds for Aroldis Chapman and Jay Bruce

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