Dodgers Rumors: Orioles Have Interest In Trading For Andre Ethier
With the winter meetings set to start tomorrow in Orlando, Los Angeles Dodgers GM Ned Colletti expects to be a busy man with several holes to fill along the roster. Third base, adding an infielder and possibly another starter plus relievers seems like the plan for the Dodgers this week.
However, its the Dodgers outfield that’ll receive a lot of attention as Matt Kemp’s agent, Dave Stewart is flying to Florida due to the constant rumors surrounding his client. Another one of the Dodgers outfielders, Andre Ethier, is reportedly generating interest from a team according to Jim Bowden of SiriusXM and ESPN:
Orioles are in on Andre Ethier, Raul Ibanez and not in Morales or Tanaka if posted
— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) December 8, 2013
Bowden was talking to Orioles GM Dan Duquette about their needs at the winter meetings and a left-handed outfielder was high on his priority list. Teams like the Orioles, Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners all have interest in trading for an outfield bat, but Kemp, not Ethier has generated most of the interest.
In 2013, Ethier showed his versatility in playing center field as Kemp was sidelined due to various injuries. He hit .272 with 12 home runs and 52 RBI as the power seemed to disappear for the 31-year-old outfielder. He also missed most of September and was limited during the postseason due to a leg injury he suffered against the Colorado Rockies.
Yesterday, Colletti discussed the idea of trading an outfielder and said it wouldn’t be done as a salary dump, but that the organization has to feel the deal will help in the present and future. The idea of trading for prospects was also mentioned as trading an outfielder doesn’t need to net the Dodgers big league players.
Talks surrounding the Dodgers outfield situation appear to be fluid as the possibility of one of them being traded continues to increase.
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Do not trade with the M’s unless they are giving up Cano or Felix
I’d be ok with an Andre for Manny trade with the O’s. That would provide a solution to two problems: an overcrowded outfield and a hole at 3rd base.