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Breaking News:

Dodgers deal for Indians' Blake

By Tom Withers, Associated Press

Published July 26, 2008 at 7:32 p.m.

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CLEVELAND — Looking for an upgrade at third base as they make a push for the playoffs, the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Casey Blake from the Cleveland Indians for two minor leaguers Saturday.

The Indians, who also sent cash to the Dodgers as part of the trade, received catcher Carlos Santana and right-hander Jonathan Meloan.

The versatile Blake was in Los Angeles’ starting lineup Saturday night against the Washington Nationals, playing third base and batting sixth.

“He’s the type of player I think that can help this ballclub,” Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. “We’re not necessary looking for some blockbuster move, but a piece that can really add to what we’re trying to do. And the more people you can acquire that have the work ethic that he does, I think it’s got to be a positive.”

The Dodgers have been looking for a dependable bat for weeks, and Blake’s name first came up when they were in trade talks with the Indians for ace CC Sabathia, who was dealt to Milwaukee.

“There were quite a few rumors out there,” said Blake, playing for his fifth big league club and first in the National League.

“Nothing like this has ever happened to me, so it’s all a new experience. A lot of emotions hit me at once and I didn’t really have a lot of time to let any of them soak in. I kind of got anxious real quick.”

This was the first time Blake has been traded since making his major league debut with Toronto in 1999. He was claimed off waivers three times, eventually signing with the Indians in December 2002 after stints with the Blue Jays, Orioles and Twins.

“It’s kind of tough, because I’m not mentally attached to this team yet but, hopefully, it won’t take long to get to know these guys,” Blake said. “I played against them a month ago, and you could tell they seem like a great bunch of guys and a great team.

"They should win this division. You couldn’t ask for a better situation.”

Los Angeles began the night one game behind first-place Arizona in the National League West. Blake, who also has played right and left field, is expected to play third exclusively for now because the Dodgers haven’t gotten what they needed from rookies Andy LaRoche and Blake DeWitt at that position.

DeWitt was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas to make room for Blake.

“I like the idea that Casey does play a number of positions,” Torre said. “But right now, we’re just thinking third base, knowing that whatever future decisions we make will be based on his versatility. I watched him for a number of years when I was over in the other league. He was a guy who gave them a tough out, especially in key situations, and he’s got a grinding attitude.”

Blake, who will turn 35 on Aug. 23, is batting .289 with 11 homers and 58 RBI, and he has been Cleveland’s most clutch player, hitting .398 with runners in scoring position. He was batting only .234 through the end of May but is hitting .352 in 45 games since then with 29 RBI.

“I’ve had a pretty good approach for a couple of months now,” Blake said.

During the three-game interleague series the Indians played at Dodger Stadium from June 20-22, Blake had an RBI in each game and went 4-for-13.

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