Dodgers Rumors: Ian Desmond Makes Sense, per ESPN

The consensus about these Dodgers is that they can still improve their bullpen, offensive production and there’s still a hole at second base that needs filling. The front office is still working on the bullpen (however creatively) and offends tends to be expensive.

Which leaves second base.

The front office has repeatedly stated they feel comfortable moving forward with Chase Utley and Kike Hernandez at the position until it proves to be too big an issue. This hasn’t stopped people from wondering about the possibilities if the Dodgers do wind up making a move.

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Case in point: ESPN’s Jim Bowden, who says Ian Desmond is a good fit both on and off the field.

Dodgers: The Dodgers presently have Enrique Hernandez and Chase Utleypenciled in at second base (just think, they could still have NL hits and stolen bases leader Dee Gordon if they hadn’t traded him). Signing Desmond to play second base would certainly be an improvement, and his clubhouse presence would help too.

First, it was really nice of Bowden to bring up Gordon, despite the fact that Hernandez and others wouldn’t be here without the trade, but hey! False equivalents!

Howie Kendrick has been very popular name for people to bring up, given what he provided last year when he was healthy, but the front office reportedly prefers the pick attached to him should he sign elsewhere.

The Dodgers would have to give up a pick to acquire Desmond, making this speculation somewhat nonsensical, but this front office likes to find value wherever they can, and if Desmond’s price drops low enough, the Dodgers could take a longer look at the seven-year veteran.

Desmond hit .233, with a .290 OBP (both career lows) and .674 OPS. He hit 19 home runs with 62 RBI and 13 stolen bases. One thing the Dodgers have shown is a proclivity towards buying low on players, and Desmond certainly qualifies as such.