Both Dozier and the Twins, a struggling team, were traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the most beloved franchises in baseball. Dozier is now a Los Angeles Dodger. Lynn is now a New York Yankee. Lynn and Dozier, both former Southern Miss standouts, will become free agents after the season. They may not be wearing their new uniforms long. The Yankees and Dodgers traded Dozier and Lynn for the belief that they could help them win pennants, and possibly advance to the World Series. Dozier, a power-hitting Gold Glove second baseman from the Twins, was traded to the Dodgers in exchange for Logan Forsythe, second baseman and prospects Devin Smeltzer, and Luke Raley. In exchange for Tyler Austin, infielder, and Luis Rijo, Lynn is traded to the Yankees. Dozier’s deal with the Yankees will not be popular in Minnesota, where Dozier, a Fulton resident, was the team’s face. Dozier was drafted eighth from USM in 2009. He has 167 home runs over seven major league seasons. This is a lot of power for a middle-infielder. He was also an All-Star in 2015. Dozier also hit 42 home runs in 2016, a record, and won the American League Gold Glove Award in 2017. Although his offensive numbers have dropped this season, he still has 16 home runs and 21 RBIs. Dozier, who currently lives in Hattiesburg and was being pursued by the Dodgers, had been interested in the Twins as early as last season. The Twins refused to sign the deal. The Dodgers didn’t give up. Dozier will be sharing second base duties in Los Angeles with Chase Utley, a veteran who was one of Dozier’s childhood heroes. Utley, 39 is a veteran of 16 years in the final stages of his career. Dozier will likely be in the starting lineup tonight when the Dodgers take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium. Although the Dodgers won 1-0 on Tuesday night, Dozier’s last-minute flight arrangements from Minnesota didn’t allow him to arrive in Los Angeles in time to play. After the game, Dozier was available to speak at a press conference. Dozier stated, “You’re going get 100 percent from us, whether we’re playing every day or off the bench.” “… “Whatever I can to help this ballclub win and get into the postseason and have the chance to win the World Series is what I’m for, I’m all in.” Dozier will be an important upgrade to LA’s second baseman position. Forsythe was batting.206 with two homers. Utley is batting.240 with one hit. Dozier used the word “excited”, three times, in the first minute alone of his press conference. He said, “When you say Dodgers Mississippi, it’s quite a big deal.” “I have to take a step back.” The Dodgers are a half-game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks in National League West. The Yankees are five games behind the Boston Red Sox in American League East. Lynn has a history of pitching well against the Red Sox. He gave up two runs during a six-inning stint against Boston Red Sox last Friday night, while pitching at Fenway. In extra innings, the Twins lost 4-3. Lynn appears to have been signed by the Yankees to add depth to their already strong pitching staff. Lynn will initially be used as a spot starter and in the bullpen, but could eventually move to the rotation. Lynn had a remarkable 72-47 record in five seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals before joining the Twins. The right-hander is a tall and heavyset and has a 5.10 earned run average and a record of 7-8 in Minnesota. The Yankees were most interested in his recent pitching performances. In his 12 last starts, he has a 6-4 record with a 3.74 ERA. He also has a 1-0 record in quality starts against the Red Sox.