Andre Ethier trade news

While there continues to be talk about the White Sox trying to acquire Juan Pierre, Andre Ethier is getting just as much trade attention. Here's 2 teams that want him: the Rangers and the "Don't Call Me Devil" Rays. Being a young, left-handed hitter with some starting experience is working in his favor.

The Rangers outfield right now is Frank Catalanotto, Marlon Byrd, and Nelson Cruz. Boy, that oughta be sending shivers down their opponent's spines! They had a combined 30 home runs last season. That's even more pathetic than I thought. Assuming they don't resign Sammy Sosa, who wants way too much money and is pretty much a DH these days anyway, I can see why they think Either is an upgrade. They don't have any good starters, but they do have 3 studs in the bullpen: Akinori Otsuka (2.51 ERA, 1.08 WHIP), Joaquin Benoit (2.85 ERA, 1.57 WHIP) and C. J. Wilson (3.03 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 12 SV). Getting any one of those guys would be nice if the Dodgers are unable to land a good enough starter. Any one of those 3 combined with Broxton and Saito would be sweet.

The Rays are the other option, and they have Carl Crawford, B. J. Upton, and Rocco Baldelli back in a starting role after Delmon Young was dealt to the Twins for Matt Garza. I've got to think that Either would be in competition with Baldelli for the starting role. Looking at the starters, Scott Kazmir would be untouchable. Jamie Shields is an intriguing option, as he had a solid year (12-8, 3.85 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 184 K). He could be a good addition. Al Reyes is their closer, so he probably wouldn't be offered, but much like the 3 guys talked about above from the Rangers bullpen, he would be a great addition.

I like Ethier, but he is expendable. I think Matt Kemp has more of a star potential. If the Dodgers can get a #2-3 starter or a top-end reliever, then I would pull the trigger.