The Dodgers have the best record in baseball at 25-13 and they currently lead the NL West by six games over the Giants. GM Ned Colletti told Dylan Hernandez of The Los Angeles Times that if he needs to make a move to improve his club at the trade deadline, he expects to have the financial flexibility to do so.
"If we have a chance to improve our club, [ownership is] open-minded to doing it and everything that it entails," said the GM.
Guggenheim Baseball Management's first major expenditure could involve retaining one of their own, however. Colletti acknowledged that he's spoken to the ownership about parameters for an Andre Ethier contract extension, and in fact the two sides have been talking since last month.
"I'm not going to get into where it is, but we've discussed it," he said.
Los Angeles has already picked up Bobby Abreu on the cheap, but Colletti could look for reinforcements at first base, third base, and as always, on the mound. Although the GM acknowledged that they will have to deal with Dee Gordon's growing pains – .207/.247/.264 this year – the club could potentially look for an upgrade at shortstop as well.
What a difference a year makes.
I remember all the negativity just last year around this time.
All I have to say, is I told ya so…
I can still live with Loney/Rivera at first, at least for now, since both are starting to contribute. I also still believe in Gordon. But we must have help at third — a big bat with good fielding skills. As the Mets fall out of contention, we should make a big run at Wright. Then, in the off season, go after Hamels and, if Loney/Rivera have not continued to produce through the last half of the season, get the best available player there.
ansolutely totally agree
to Robert Kaufman–I have been saying the same thing since spring training–Go after David Wright first–Yes Hammels next year–I have always thought Loney was fine as long as he hit–his defense is underated–Rivera is fine also==Gorden will be fiI actually think if they got Wright they may not need anything else-With-Van Slyke and Sands and the top notch rookie pitchers they have-I just think they will be fine–Also absolutely sign Eithier—So there you go
Question is always what do you give up to get these guys at the deadline?
I agree with Robert Kaufman. Now if they can just figure out how to get Billingsley to pitch like he’s got a pair. He’s gutless.