MLB Trade Rumors: 5 Los Angeles Dodgers That Could be Dealt
5 Los Angeles Dodgers That Could be Traded
There's no doubt that the Los Angeles Dodgers season to date has been anything but ideal. Don Mattingly has seen his scary lineup go from great on paper to sub-par on the field.
Guys like Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez have been great additions to the team, both batting over .300 and contributing to most of the team's offense. The Dodgers rank second to last in the MLB in runs scored while ranking in the middle of the pack in ERA.
Los Angeles is going to need guys like Hanley Ramirez and Matt Kemp to either stay healthy or step their game up big time. Ramirez has only appeared in four games all season long, seemingly failing to take a step without hurting something. Kemp has been mediocre so far by his standards. He is hitting just .266 with one home runs and 15 RBI.
That number is far off for a guy that has hit about 30 homers and about 90 RBI for the past four seasons. He has been one of the best hitters in baseball and even made a few bids for the league MVP.
However, it's not just Kemp that's underachieving, it's most of the team. While Kemp may be an untouchable when it comes to the trade deadline, others aren't so lucky.
The pitching game has been a bit better for the Dodgers, but that doesn't excuse the fact that they still need some help in the bullpen and even the rotation.
One thing is for certain, Clayton Kershaw is not going anywhere any time soon. The young pitcher has been phenomenal and single-handedly kept the Dodgers pitching game afloat.
Here are my top five Dodger players that are likely to be dealt at the trade deadline or before.
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
Andre Ethier
Andre Ethier has been a solid left-handed bat for the Dodgers for years, but the 31-year-old right fielder may have a new home come the trade deadline. He isn't quite living up to expectations this season, hitting just .257 with three homers and 13 RBI. The Dodgers may be looking to rebuild after a last-place start to the season in the NL West.
Brandon League
Brandon League has made 15 appearances this season, striking out just seven batters and having an elevated 5.87 ERA. He has some solid years ahead of him as a relief pitcher, but the 30-year-old may have already worn out his welcome in LA.
Hanley Ramirez
Hanley Ramirez was brought into Los Angeles to help the Dodgers' offense out big time. So far in 2013, the 29-year-old superstar shortstop has done anything but help. He has played in just four games and his injuries have become an issue. Trading him just as fast as they picked him up may get themselves some solid young talent that they desperately need.
Josh Beckett
Josh Beckett's career has recently gone awry. He went from one of the league's best pitchers to an aging veteran with diminishing stuff. Beckett has been placed on the disabled list recently after an 0-5 start with a 5.19 ERA and 41 strikeouts. He could be a solid starter for a team that isn't contending this season, making for some solid clubhouse experience and wisdom.
Skip Schumaker
Skip Schumaker is one of those rare guys in baseball today that can play almost every position — even pitcher. Schumaker is, however, struggling at the plate with an average under .200 and just six RBI. He has the ability to hit .300 and could give any team an extra boost at any position. If the Dodgers aren't contending in a couple of months, they may want to consider moving him.
