And now for something really different and slightly zany -- anyway, you would like to hope -- comes news the Dodgers might trade Andre Ethier (pictured above during the All-Star break).
Yeah, yeah, I know. It’s that time of year. All kinds of things get thrown out there. Sounds completely ridiculous. Could never happen.
Except, the only thing that makes this more intriguing than your typical wild pre-trading deadline speculation is … this one comes from Peter Gammons.
That’s Peter Gammons, Hall of Fame baseball writer, former ESPN baseball analyst and current MLB Network commentator.
Benmaller.com found a transcript of an interview Gammons gave Boston radio station WEEI on Friday discussing the Red Sox and possible trade acquisitions, when he suddenly just volunteered Ethier’s name:
"The one team I keep wondering about if they drop a few games back, if the Dodgers start dropping back, would they talk about Andre Ethier. He’s going to make $10-$12 million next year, the coaching staff feels with their bizarre ownership situation, they don’t want to pay Ethier and might trade him now. That would be a fascinating guy to go after."
Not sure how fascinating everyone in Los Angeles would find it. For the record, Ethier will make $9.25 million next season.
Ethier had not heard about the interview, but seemed almost amused when I told him.
"I’ve never heard that before," Ethier said. "I just think there’s a lot of speculation about what’s going on out here, just for the fact that there’s not a lot of information being put out.
"I know my salary is pretty hefty, but I think it’s the going rate for a corner outfielder."
Ethier is having an outstanding 2010 season. Despite going on the disabled list with a broken pinkie and struggling when he first returned, he is fourth in the National League in batting (.318) and fifth in slugging percentage (.547).
He was voted in as a starter on this year’s NL All-Star team. Despite going on the DL, he’s second on the team in home runs (15) and RBI (55). And he’s only 28.
"I wouldn’t say it’s a bargain basement price I’m offered at next year, but at the same time I still feel like I’m getting better every year and still have room to improve," Ethier said.
"People come up with their own things. Whatever it is, it’s all fun speculation to sit around and look at, but at the same time I’m still a Dodger and like playing here and being here."
Ethier is the kind of player the Dodgers are supposed to be building around, not floating in trade speculation, so all logic says it’s a rumor that should be quickly dismissed.
Other than it comes from Gammons, and centers around the uncertainty of the McCourts’ divorce. Just enough there to make a Dodgers fan slightly nervous.
-- Steve Dilbeck
Photo credit: Lisa Blumfeld / Getty Images
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