Clarifying the Dodgers Trade options

I think most of you are at least as frustrated as I am with this trading situation. Torre wants some additions, Frank, Logan, and Ned can't agree on anything, and the best news we've had all week is the return of Juan Pierre, who is a topic for another post. But from MLBTR, Tony Jackson and dodger dugout, as well as a few e-mails with Ken Gurnick himself, this is what I'm coming up with.

The Dodgers need a leftside of the infield bat.

Frank won't allow payroll to go up via trade.

Logan seems reluctant to trade off his dodgers.

Ned needs to get something done, but has said it's not about saving his job.

Joe expects help by the deadline.

The Diamondbacks already strengthened their weak bullpen, and are said to be the frontrunners in a possible Teixeira trade should the braves decide to be sellers, which hinges on the next two series. They are beating the Phillies in the 9th as I write this.

Blogs have mentioned the Dodgers are trying to acquire...

Hank Blalock - Shot down by Tony Jackson.

Christian Guzman - signed an extension with the Nats.

Adrian Beltre - MLBTR points to Beltre's blocking of a return to the dodgers, which he is contractually within his rights to do.

Orlando Cabrera for Derek Lowe. This makes sense for Frank McCourt, as both will be free agents at year's end, Lowe is being paid $10mil on the year Cabrera $9mil. Also, we don't give up any of Logan's guys, but this doesn't make sense to me as Lowe has been consistently good and Cabrera is hitting .265 in 100 games with the Sox. He'd be an improvement at short, and while we're deeper with starting pitchers, it's not a fair trade, just a desperate one.

Casey Blake - I can't seem to get a read on this one, except that we tried to get him with a Sabathia deal, but that was said to have been shot down by Frank for payroll reasons. I don't see why we couldn't have salary dumped Lowe after we acquired Sabathia, I'd imagine we could net a few prospects without eating salary since Lowe is bargain for anyone not playing their home games in Florida. Blake seems to be highly sought after, and thus we may have to slightly overpay.

Dallas McPherson - Marlins prospect, formerly an Angels prospect. He's mashing again...in AAA. Not really great hopes of him helping the club this year. And We've got two good young players at the hot corner anyway, although I personally think McPherson has more upside than either, if less consistency.

David Eckstein - Ugh, I've always hated this guy for crowhopping his throws from short. Lets just buy Juan Pierre an infielder's glove.

Jack Wilson - They all said the Bucs are asking way too much for any of their guys, but they just gave up Nady AND Marte for a couple of Yankees minor leaguers with only one centerpiece guy, and he not being Kennedy/Hughes. With that being the case, Wilson might be more affordable than previously thought, even if he isn't more talented than previously thought.

Edgar Renteria - I get it. I get that Angel Berroa isn't going to hit .235 this year for the Dodgers, so these kinds of guys who have been mentioned will be an upgrade. But seriously, can't we just ride Nomar till the wheels fall off and keep our prospects for a real trade?

I think we all agree that the current roster is a longshot at doing anything in September, but with the stalemate in the front office we don't have a lot of options other than speculating and watching the wires.

Somewhat unrelated, my hope is that Blake DeWitt sticks around as a 2nd baseman next year (his old position), as he plays the game the right way, I'm fairly confident his numbers will come around, and that would leave 3rd base to someone with more power. At any rate, it should be an intersting week. Here's hoping we keep James McDonald!