Dodgers acquire versatile Blake for boost in NL West race

"Casey Blake is a gamer," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said. "His experience and character will be a plus as we head down the stretch."

When Sabathia was traded, Blake moved into the left-hander's old locker in Cleveland's clubhouse. Now, he's on the move.

Blake played the infield and outfield for the disappointing Indians. He struggled at the plate with runners in scoring position last year, batting just .190 and was often a target of Indians fans, who never seemed to appreciate his all-around value.

This year, Blake was one of Cleveland's most reliable players. He signed a $6.1 million contract at the start of the season, and the Iowa native has said he would like to finish his career with the Indians.

Shapiro said the Indians are assuming a sizable portion of what remains of Blake's salary this season. The GM said Cleveland will pursue Blake in the offseason if he becomes a free agent.

"I have a lot of great friends over there and I loved my experience in Cleveland," Blake said. "I have a lot of fond memories, but it's part of the game and you've got to move on.

"I still have a chance to finish my career there. I mean, this isn't it after this season, so we'll see. But I'm here now and I'm happy to be here. I don't ask why things happen."

Cleveland came within one win of the World Series last year and was favored to defend its AL Central title. But costly injuries and underachievement by some top players dropped the Indians back in the division and forced general manager Mark Shapiro to begin retooling for the future.

"This was a tough one emotionally because of what Casey meant to our clubhouse," Shapiro said. "We weren't determined to trade him. We had to be compelled to make a move and we felt this was compelling.

"We're in a situation we didn't want to be in, but we're committed to taking advantage of it the best we can," he added. "There's always a conflict of emotion, but you have to separate from that emotion and make good, solid decisions for the organization."

Meloan pitched in five games as a reliever for the Dodgers last season. The club converted him into a starter this year, and the 24-year-old right-hander was 5-10 with a 4.97 ERA at Triple-A Las Vegas. The Indians have transferred his option to Triple-A Buffalo, where he will pitch in relief.

Shapiro said Meloan could join the Indians this season.

Santana, a 22-year-old switch hitter, batted .323 with 14 homers and 96 RBI at Class-A Inland Empire. He led the California League in RBI, on-base percentage (.431) and runs (88). Since June 26, he's batting .393 with six homers and 30 RBI in 28 games.

"He has the rare combination of plate discipline and run production at a premium run-producing spot," Shapiro said.

The Indians said Santana will report to Class-A Kinston.