This Deal That Wasn’t Turned Out All Right

The Dodger megatrade that collapsed Tuesday wasn’t the first big deal the Dodgers were involved in that wasn’t completed. In fact, one deal that fell apart worked out quite well for them.

In December 1982, the Texas Rangers decided they wanted to trade All-Star catcher Jim Sundberg. With Steve Yeager nearing the end of his career and Mike Scioscia still unproven, the Dodgers were interested and quickly made a deal with Texas, acquiring Sundberg for three pitchers and a spare outfielder.

However, at the last minute Sundberg decided he wanted his contract renegotiated, and the Dodgers said no, so the trade was canceled.

The players the Dodgers were going to send to Texas? The first three aren’t too surprising: Pitchers Burt Hooton and Dave Stewart would have gone to Texas along with outfielder Mark Bradley.

But the last player included would have had a tremendous effect on the Dodgers’ future if he had been sent away: Orel Hershiser.

That’s right, the National League Cy Young Award winner and World Series hero of 1988 was moments from becoming a Texas Ranger in 1982. Whenever Dodger fans think about the 1988 season, remember to thank Jim Sundberg for wanting more money.

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-- Houston Mitchell