The Dodgers have acquired Ronnie Belliard from the Nationals, presumably to be another veteran pinch-hitter off the bench for the stretch run and playoffs. Chico Harlan of The Washington Post reports the Dodgers are sending Low Class A pitcher Luis Garcia and a player to be named later to Washington.
The 34-year old Belliard, a utility infielder, is struggling this year, hitting .247/.297/.396, but from 2007-2008, the righthander hit .320/.385/.557 against lefthanded pitching. From Ned Colletti:
Ronnie can play three infield positions and gives us another quality hitter off the bench who adds versatility to our club. He also has postseason experience and played a key role on a World Championship team.
The last time the Dodgers acquired a hitter from the Nationals at the end of August, in 2006, we were treated to Magic Marlon Anderson, aka the greatest hitter in Dodgers history (before Manny arrived, that is). I've often thought Belliard looked like a mini Manny Ramirez anyway, so why not add to the collection?
CanuckDodger had Garcia ranked as the 22nd-best Dodger prospect in our True Blue LA midseason prospect report.
Ken Gurnick of MLB.com tell us that, as expected, Belliard will arrive in Los Angeles Monday, and a corresponding roster move will then be made.
UPDATE: Per the wonderful Cot's Baseball Contracts, we see that Belliard's 2009 salary is $1.9 million. There are 35 days left in the season, so the Dodgers will be on the hook for roughly $363,388 for Belliard's services.