Brett Tomko Just Doesn't Cut It

I'm tired of seeing Brett Tomko's face on the preview section of the dodgers' MLB homepage

every five days.  There were too many pitchers being thrown through waivers that could have been an upgrade that the GM should have jumped at.  They could have taken a chance at Jose Contreras, Kei Igawa, David Wells, Josh Towers, Steve Trachsel, and Fernando Cabrera (not really since the Rays claimed him before the dodgers had a chance to).

Player              Starts          IP            ERA           ERA+        Whip         Age

Cabrera            0                 33.7         5.61            78              1.782         25   

Contreras        21              128.3        6.24            73              1.621          35

Igawa               11               62.3         6.79            63              1.684         27

Trachsel          22              120.7        4.85            92              1.624         36

Towers            15                99.0         5.36            86              1.374         30

Wells               22              118.7         5.54            74               1.593         44

Tomko             13                95.0         5.49            81              1.547         34

None of these guys are great choices.  However the dodgers desperately need their rotation shaken up to end this losing (just my opinion).  If I were picking up a guy to shake up the pitching staff that needs shaking to try to win a few more games in the short term I'd pick up Josh Towers or David Wells.  Wells because of his intangible mojo in postseason play, competitiveness, and familiarity with the division (see my other post about Wells for why I like him down the stretch for the blue).  Josh Towers because he statistically is pitching the best out of everyone except for Steve Trachsel this season, but if I were a GM I wouldn't expect Trachsel to continue to pitch like that given his age and career numbers so I'd pass on him in favor of Towers.  Bringing in another pitcher also could have the effect of raising the game of the current dodger pitchers, especially Hendrickson as he posted much improved numbers after being sent to the pen last time.  Tomko seems to be a poor reliever.  Moving Tomko to the pen in addition to Hendrickson could allow the dodgers to insert Proctor into the rotation as a 4'th or 5'th starter, which considering the dodgers pitching, that may be a great move that could turn around the dodgers fortunes. 

Thinking more long term I'd go for Igawa just because of the low cost high reward the guy could still offer on the Yankee's dime.  Maybe he's just one of those guys that can't pitch in New York.  It's hard to imagine this guy forgot how to pitch on his flight over to the U.S.

I can't wait for when rosters expand in two weeks and we may see guys like Tony Abreu (if he can get healthy), D.J Houlton, Zachary Hammes, Chin-Lung Hu, Andy LaRoche (if he can remain healthy), James McDonald, Jonathan Meloan, Chad Moeller, Eric Stults, Wilson Valdez, and/or Delwyn Young playing.