Deadline Stunners

Wow! These moves were totally unexpected.

I purposely waited until there was confirmation before I posted anything here because I couldn't believe they had actually pulled off not just one of these deals, but both of them.

So, here they are in a nutshell.

The Dodgers announced a few moments ago that they have acquired future Hall of Fame first baseman/designated hitter Jim Thome from the White Sox for minor league shortstop Justin Fuller.

Moments later, we saw Arizona pitcher Jon Garland in the Diamondbacks dugout on TV saying his goodbyes to his teammates because he, too, has just been acquired by the Dodgers, for the infamous player to be named later. Garland simply went into the Arizona clubhouse, and after a quick shower and change, walked across the hallway to his new team.

We started hearing rumblings about Thome being traded about an hour ago, but I don't think anyone in their right mind thought he was going to the Dodgers. In fact, my first guess was the Giants, but as it turns out, his role would have been the same there as it will be in L.A. We also heard rumblings about two teams being interested in Garland, but the two teams we heard about weren't even in the mix. As it turned out, we found out the Dodgers were making a hard push to get him. And then it all happened.

Just moments before the 9pm PT deadline, we heard that it was in fact the Dodgers who had nabbed Thome, and then the Garland deal was announced moments later.

Not a bad way to end the month. Now if the Dodgers can hold this lead and get a win, the night would be perfect!

(More in a bit on how the two deals will affect and help the team.)