In a minor deal, Milwaukee – desperate for arms following the loss of Jeff Suppan to the DL – brought back a pitcher who had some success there two years ago, Claudio Vargas.  Vargas had missed three months to elbow soreness but has been successful in a limited role out of the pen for the Dodgers.  For him, the Dodgers receive minor league catcher Vinnie Rottini.  As fun as it is to have Rottini on team associated with Tommy Lasorda, the truth is that Joe Torre doesn’t like to use any catcher other than Russell Martin, no matter how much it shortens his career.  Rottini looked like he might hit some, but I don’t see him as a long term prospect.  He’s already 29, and his batting stats have gotten worse over the last four years as he got passed over for shots with the big league roster.

Winner:  Claudio Vargas, who gets a chance to contribute and should never have left Milwaukee.  Okay – it’s better for Milwaukee, but only if Vargas wins five starts down the stretch.