After being unable to land Nationals slugger Adam Dunn, the White Sox turned their attention to another target in the hours leading up to the Trade Deadline: Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez. The conversation reportedly didn't last long as Dodgers GM Ned Colletti essentially told White Sox GM Kenny Williams, "Thanks, but no thanks." Reportedly, the Rays made an inquiry of their own as well.
As they sit a surmountable seven games back in the NL West, the Dodgers made moves at the deadline to improve themselves in the short-term. Octavio Dotel and Ted Lilly were brought aboard and younger players with upside and team-friendly contracts like Blake DeWitt, James McDonald, and prospect Andrew Lambo were shipped out. However, the club's goals can change very quickly if they are unable to make up ground or even tread water in the coming weeks.
The enigmatic superstar has spent a good deal of time on the disabled list this season but has still managed to put forward a .317/.409/.516 slash line and eight homers in 61 games. For a team still in the playoff hunt, the 38-year-old could be very attractive, even for the roughly $7MM he is owed for the rest of the year. If the Dodgers can't keep their playoff dreams alive, one has to imagine that Ramirez will be an August trade target. The White Sox, Rays, and other contenders will certainly be keeping an eye on the club.
