You can choose which rumor to believe, but Steve Henson at the Times is saying that not only were the Dodgers not against bringing Adrian Beltre back (per the ESPN story I linked to here), they have been trying to pry him away from Seattle.
Considering his 2006 season was, despite an awful first half, still better by far power-wise than our two best guys, and third base is a position we could use some power in, maybe seeing him back in Dodger blue isn’t out of the question.
A high-level source told me the Dodgers had inquired about Beltre last summer at the trading deadline and asked the Mariners again about his availability at the winter meetings. Both times they were rebuffed. Seattle, it seems, doesn’t want to part with the third baseman, even though he hasn’t hit nearly as well for them as he did for the Dodgers in 2004.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti makes another call to the Mariners before spring training. The Mariners need starting pitching and the Dodgers have a surplus.
What about our future 3B prospect, Andy LaRoche? If I recall a story I read last year correctly, he could move to 2B once Kent goes bye bye.
Update
Speaking of Seattle, in the Post-Intelligencer yesterday: “Mariners may not be done dealing”
The trade route might be a little more promising, but only marginally. Seattle probably would have to trade away members of the starting lineup or give up on touted prospects such as catcher Jeff Clement or outfielder Adam Jones.
The club isn’t going to trade for Randy Johnson — the Yankees are listening to trade offers — but right-handers Rodrigo Lopez (Orioles) and Brad Penny (Dodgers) might be available.
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