Dodgers, Phillies Complete Joe Blanton Trade with Prospect Ryan O'Sullivan

Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies Complete Joe Blanton Trade: Prospect Ryan O'Sullivan

The Phillies and Dodgers completed the Joe Blanton trade today, Los Angeles sending pitching prospect Ryan O'Sullivan eastward to Philadelphia. Let's see what the Phillies have here.

Ryan is the younger brother of pitcher Sean O'Sullivan. Ryan was drafted in the 10^th round in 2008, but didn't sign with the San Francisco Giants and went to college at San Diego State. He hurt his arm in 2010 and missed almost the entire year with elbow problems, then transferred to Oklahoma City University for 2011. However, he was academically ineligible and had to sit out the season. The Dodgers drafted him in the fourth round last June, but he signed for just $100,000 after some problems showed up in his physical exam.

He's been healthy this year, pitching 71 innings for Low-A Great Lakes in the Midwest League with a 2.92 ERA and a 43/23 K/BB, followed by 18 innings for High-A Rancho Cucamonga in the California League, with a 3.57 ERA and a 12/8 K/BB. Overall, he's combined for a 3.05 ERA with a 55/31 K/BB in 89 innings, with 73 hits and a 1.76 GO/AO ratio.

A 6-2, 190 pound right-hander, O'Sullivan features a low-90s sinker, and he mixes in a good slider, adequate changeup, and fringy curve. His arsenal is diverse enough for him to start and he did open nine games for Great Lakes, but with his health history he probably fits better in the bullpen. He needs to sharpen his command and prove he can stay healthy.