The Los Angeles Dodgers aren't going to commit big money or years to any free agent this year, and in fact, there is only one player that it would make sense for the Dodgers to offer a decent sized contract.
But, they've already announced they won't sign John Lackey and there isn't another free agent the Dodgers should be interested in that would cost a lot of money or require a lot of years.
Pitching, as we know, is the area of emphasis and there are names like Erik Bedard, Ben Sheets, Pedro Martinez or Rich Harden that would probably require short-term, relatively cheap deals.
So what do guys like those mentioned above all have in common? They aren't the ace the team needs. That player, if he is to become a Dodger, will be acquired by trade. The team has already been tied to a number of quality players, which makes me wonder if a big move is coming.
The most recent, and biggest, rumor is that the Dodgers and Blue Jays are talking Roy Halladay. This, of course, would be huge. Chad Billingsley, Russell Martin and/or James Loney would be okay to include in this trade package, but Clayton Kershaw, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier need to be off limits.
With Halladay, the Dodgers are the best team in the National League. If Bills is part of the deal, they would still need two more starters and you can expect a guy like the one mentioned above, or a Chien-Ming Wang to fill in the back of the rotation.
There has been talk of bringing back Edwin Jackson. He's not Halladay, but he would be an amazing boost to the staff.
The rumor that piqued my interest the most, other than Halladay, was the talk of trying to get Alberto Callaspo. He plays in obscurity in Kansas City, but this little second baseman is a good hitter, he's fast and he's got a little pop. He'd be perfect in the second base void.
I would also be happy to see Mark DeRosa in a Dodger uniform. He'd get to play nearly every day at one position, second base, and his numbers would probably benefit from doing so. He'd be a nice addition to the lineup.
They've been tied to Javier Vazquez as well, and we know Atlanta is going to need to trade a pitcher for a bat.
Whatever the move is, it needs to happen. This team can't just add a few mid-level or talented but injury-prone free agents and expect to compete for a World Series.
I don't think a major move is coming. I see a series of little moves, good enough to keep them in contention and not be good enough to win a WS. Frustrating. I think Mark DeRosa is about the biggest move we'd see.
I agree with Dodgerfan...ned will keep the team afloat and try and make his big deal at the July trade deadline