When the Los Angeles Angels traded for Danny Espinosa, suddenly Cincinnati Reds’ second baseman Brandon Phillips looked like a better option for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Angels gave up two young pitchers that many thought were in their future plans. Espinosa will provide more power than the Angels had once Howie Kendrick left.
The trade took another option off the market for the Dodgers. The free agent options are thin and markedly without offensive upside. Until Justin Turner signed, the Dodgers had two holes and only one solution.
Phillips suddenly is among the top options for the Dodgers.