Welcome to the Blue, Ryan Madson!

Will this be the move that saves our bullpen?

As you know, earlier this week the Dodgers claimed Nationals reliever Ryan  "Mad Dog" Madson and had until today to work out a trade. That trade has now been completed, via a tweet by Ken Rosenthal, The player we sent to DC is minor league righty Andrew Istler. Per a Dodger press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired right-handed pitcher Ryan Madson (#50) in a trade with the Washington Nationals in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Andrew Istler.  

Madson, 38, has made 49 relief appearances with Washington this year, going 2-5 with four saves and a 5.28 ERA (26 ER/44.1 IP). The Long Beach native has been a member of two World Series championship clubs (2008 & 2015) in 13 Major League seasons with the Phillies (2003-2011), Royals (2015), A’s (2016-2017) and Nationals (2017-2018), posting a 61-48 record with 91 saves and a 3.45 ERA in 731 games (18 starts).

Blog Kiosk: 3/6/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Spring Odds and Ends

Dave Roberts has taken his position as manager of the Dodgers to new heights.  Not only has be got the ear and respect of the clubhouse, but he also takes seriously the role he plays as a representative of the diversity sought by Jackie Robinson.  Per Fabian Ardaya at MLB.com:

In an event on Friday with children from elementary schools throughout Glendale, Ariz., at the Dodgers' Spring Training complex at Camelback Ranch, Roberts sought to echo the legacy of Robinson -- perhaps the most notable figure in the history of the franchise.

"He paved the way for all of us," Roberts said. "[His teammates] used to talk about what Jackie went through. A lot of times, what Jackie did was, beyond being a great baseball player, he was a guy who was just so tough."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1938 the Dodgers received first baseman Dolph Camilli from the Phillies for an outfield prospect named Eddie Morgan.  In 1948 the Dodgers traded second baseman Eddie Stanky to the Boston Braves.  Stanky is famous for yelling at Phillies coach Ben Chapman during a game the prior season due to his racist insults directed at Jackie Robinson. 
• Happy Birthday, Frank Gatins, John McMakin, George Mohart, Doug Podbielan, Greg Hannahs, Terry Adams & Marcus Thames!