The Los Angeles Dodgers have a number of needs they'd like to answer through trades, but they're finding it to be a tough market, according to a report from the LA Times (via MLB Trade Rumors.) A starting pitcher, help on offense, and another left-hander in the bullpen are things Dodgers GM Ned Colletti points to the team needing. More on those needs and what Colletti is doing to solve them after the jump.
Previous years have seen the Dodgers stumble trying to make trades:
The Dodgers aren't expected to encounter the kind of roadblock they did in 2008. That year, they worked out a deal to send a package of prospects to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Sabathia, third baseman Casey Blake and utilityman Jamey Carroll, but owner Frank McCourt vetoed it because he couldn't afford to take on their salaries. [...]
The following year, the Dodgers thought they were in prime position to add former Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee. This time, it wasn't a shortage of cash that scuttled a potential deal, but a shortage of top-tier prospects in their minor league system. The Cleveland Indians traded Lee to the Philadelphia Phillies, who offered a superior package of prospects.
A list of some of the names that may end up on market as things develop:
Colletti said potential sellers have so far indicated they are inclined to move only impending free agents, which further shrinks what already figures to be a seller's market.
Hitters who fit that category include first basemen Carlos Lee of the Houston Astros and Justin Morneau of the Twins and Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin. Lee or Morneau would be an offensive upgrade at a position where James Loney has driven in only 21 runs for the Dodgers.
The list of soon-to-be free-agent pitchers includes Ryan Dempster of the Cubs, Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum of the Milwaukee Brewers, and Brandon McCarthy and Bartolo Colon of the Oakland Athletics.
The Dodgers farm system is still light on prospects, but Colletti did point to a surplus of pitching prospects they would be willing to deal. With the Dodgers at 42-26, Colletti can afford to make sure the deals he makes are the right ones.
For more on the Dodgers, stick with SB Nation Los Angeles, or head over to True Blue LA.