June 24, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier (16) doubles in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Ethier was inked to a contract extension just six months ago, but this is already the second time this off-season that his name has come up in trade rumors. The Dodgers owe the left-handed hitter at least $85 million through 2017 and the expectation is that the club would have to absorb a good amount of that number in order to move him.

The seven-year veteran has been extremely productive over the course of his career having posted an OPS below .800 only once, in 2011, and producing a career OPS+ of 124. He has averaged 18 home runs and 76 RBI per year since making his debut in 2006.

There are conflicting reports about how serious the Dodgers are about dealing Ethier. Ken Rosenthal cites a rival executive who told him that it’s not the Dodgers pushing to move Ethier, but that a pair of American League clubs have called Los Angeles to inquire on obtaining the two-time all-star.

As Rosenthal notes, Ethier has struggled against left handed pitching, making it unlikely that any club would want to pay the entire freight on that new extension he signed.

But, in the words of one source who has been in contact with the Dodgers, “I wouldn’t put anything past them. They’ve got so much money, they don’t care.”

Translation: The Dodgers could pay a significant portion of Ethier’s contract to facilitate a trade. The Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners are among the teams that could be in the market for outfielders.

It’s hard to fathom a franchise, any franchise, being so full of wealth that they could simply eat the vast majority of an $85 million deal and then go out an fill the hole they just created by signing another free agent. Michael Bourn is a guy that Rosenthal says would seem a great fit in LA, as the team lacks a lead-off man and would like to move Matt Kemp to right field.

Of course, Carl Crawford is more than capable of hitting at the top of the order, so I don’t see as clear a fit for Bourn, but I don’t doubt that shifting Kemp over to a corner spot is something the club would like. If nothing else, it should help to keep him a bit more healthy.

What is true, however, is that the Dodgers do have enough money to facilitate virtaully any deal they’d like. They are working toward finalizing a new local TV contract that would pay them between $260-280  million annually. Consider that the new luxury tax threshold that takes hold next year is set at $189 million. The Dodgers are playing with Monopoly money.

If this converasation were happening in early November, I’d give it a lot more possibility of actually happening. Now that many of the biggest free agent names are off teh board, however, it seems a lot less likely. Unless the Dodgers have a real jonesing for Bourn, moving Ethier doesn’t make much sense. The next-best free agent outfielder is Nick Swisher, who would be a downgrade from Ethier, who is still in his prime as a player.

I don’t doubt that Ethier will be traded at some point, but I think it’s highly unlikely that it happens before the end of the 2013 season.

R.A. Dickey could cement Toronto’s rotation as one of the most intriguing in baseball. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-US PREWIRE

Dickey has been the hottest name in baseball when it comes to rumored trades, and he is an extremely interesting target for teams wanting to add an impact starting pitcher. Then again, most everything about Dickey is interesting. He’s a 38-year-old who just so happens to thrive with a knuckle ball. He spent his entire Major League career from 2001 to 2009 as a relative nobody, bouncing around between the Rangers, Brewers, Mariners, and Twins before finding a home with the Mets.

But then something changed. Dickey started generating tons of ground balls, stopped walking anyone, and put together a pair of nice seasons in 2010 and 2011. Those two seasons featured 383 innings authored by the 6’2″ right-hander, and he managed an eye-popping 3.08 ERA and 2.3 BB/9 rate in them. As nice as Dickey’s late-career run looked, there were still reasons to doubt his ability to keep up his newly-established pace; after all, he wasn’t missing bats. and who really knows what to expect from a guy who relies so heavily on a knuckler?

That all changed went Dickey went nuts on the National League in 2012, putting up a 2.73 ERA, leading the league in innings pitched and strikeouts, and of course taking home what was most certainly his first Cy Young trophy. There will always be at least a bit of skepticism surrounding Dickey because of the methods he uses to succeed, but with two good seasons and one great one in the last three, he has to be considered one of the better pitchers in the game at this point whether anyone is comfortable with it or not. He seems like a good bet to make whatever team has him in uniform proud even if his next season looks more like 2011 than 2012. Add in the fact that Dickey is only slated to make $5 million in 2013, and you have a tantalizing trade chip.

With the Blue Jays set to pick up Dickey in a package centering around top prospect Travis d’Arnaud (.333/.380/.595 for AAA Las Vegas in 2012) if a trade gets finalized, he could make a huge difference for a Toronto team that seems on the cusp of contending for the first time in forever. Dickey would join new acquisitions Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle, Brandon Morrow, and Ricky Romero in a rotation that is simply brimming with talent and potential. There is certainly risk to be found throughout the rotation, but there’s also a whole lot to like.

Johnson, when healthy, is one of the best pitchers in baseball. He’s had his share of injury concerns, but he bounced back well in 2012 even if he didn’t put up the lights-out season many expected. Johnson was still good for 191 1/3 innings of 3.40 FIP ball, and he was worth 3.8 WAR in the process. That WAR figure tied him for 20th in all of baseball among starting pitchers, even with guys like Matt Cain and Anibal Sanchez. Buehrle, Johnson’s former Miami teammate, is a different sort of pitcher, a consistent mid-rotation cog made to eat up innings, limit walks, and provide stealth value. He’s dependable and really helps solidify a rotation with so many high-impact, high-risk arms.

Brandon Morrow and Ricky Romero are different in that they have, in a sense, proven themselves to be lottery tickets. Morrow is already very good despite his reputation as a work in progress, he just hasn’t been able to keep himself away from the disabled list. He’s only 28, and his third-straight quality season was limited to just 124 2/3 innings in 2012. Morrow has proven he can miss bats with the best of them (career 9.63 K/9 rate), and his walk rate in 2012 was down to 2.9/9 from his career mark of 4.2/9. If he stays unbroken, Morrow will join Johnson as one of the best starters in either league once again.

Romero is still just 28 and had three very good seasons under his belt before dropping his strikeout rate and forgetting where the strike zone was in 2012. Romero’s career BB/9 rate was an acceptable 3.5 going into last season, so it wasn’t expected that he would suddenly lead the league in walks (105) and post a BB/9 rate of 5.2. He’s certainly still young enough to turn things around again, but his leash will almost certainly be a lot shorter going forward.

The exciting thing about this 2013 Blue Jays rotation is that there are no dead ends in the bunch. If Dickey becomes a Blue Jay, he joins Johnson and Morrow to form an extremely formidable front three if everyone stays healthy. Buehrle represents the anchor of the staff, while a resurgent Romero could mean there isn’t a single weak link in the chain. The Blue Jays have a chance to do something special next season, and R.A. Dickey could go a long way toward helping the team’s rotation be one of the best in either league.

If Brian’s writing strikes your fancy, read his work at StanGraphs and follow him on Twitter at @vaughanbasepct.

According to three major league sources, the Rangers were in advanced talks with Philadelphia about a deal for the 36-year-old Young that would include the Rangers eating more than half of his remaining $16 million in salary. The Rangers would likely receive a young major league reliever along with a lower-level prospect.

Image: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Young is a seven-time all-star and has experience playing all over the infield, but the Phillies would plan to install him as their everyday third baseman. Though he has spent the past two years as a utility infielder and DH, Young was a primary third baseman in 2009 and 2010. He is signed through 2013 and the Rangers, it seems, have been in discussions about trading him every off-season for the past several years.

He’s been one of the more consistent hitters in baseball throughout his 13 year career, at one point putting together five consecutive seasons of at least 200 hits, but his 2012 campaign was well below average at the plate. Young posted his worst slash line in a decade at .277/.312/.370.

There certainly is the very real possibility that age is simply catching up to his, but Young is also just one year removed from an eighth-place finish in the MVP vote stemming from a league-best 213 hits and .854 OPS in 2011. Though his home run power has rapidly vanished, Young did collect 58 extra-base hits in 2011. That number fell all the way to 38 last season and his slugging percentage dropped more than 100 points as well.

The Phillies have employed Placido Polanco as their third baseman for the past three seasons, so they’re no strangers to having a someone who lacks the power that position is traditionally known for. Young has full no-trade rights as a 10-and-5 player, but indications are that he would approve a trade to Philly, notes Jim Salisbury.

If they can get the Rangers to eat as much of Young’s salary as Grant indicates, this might not be a bad deal for the Phillies. He’s not an elite third baseman, but the rest f the market is very thin and they’d likely have to commit more dollars and more years to someone like Kevin Youkilis and probably get similar production.

Ellsbury is one year removed from a runner-up finish in the MVP balloting but was limited to 74 games in 2012. Image: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

When the Boston Red Sox gave Victorino $38 million over three years, the indication was that the veteran switch-hitter would be playing right field. Alternately, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports that the team is open to the idea of trading center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury. Buster Olney followed that report with a tweet offering much the same sentiment.

Sources: #RedSox are open to idea of trading Ellsbury, playing Victorino in CF and signing C. Ross or another RF. Keeping doors open.

— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) December 5, 2012

Abraham mentions free agent Cody Ross in particular and the Red Sox have reportedly not closed the door on bringing him back, even with Victorino on board.

Ellsbury’s is a name that has been floated in trade rumors once before this off-season, but it makes even more sense for Boston now. The Philadelphia Phillies, in particular, are in search of a center fielder and would like to spend significantly less money than free agent Michael Bourn is seeking. The Phillies could theoretically acquire Ellsbury in exchange for a starting pitcher.

This is all just speculation of course, but this kind of a deal does make sense for Boston. Ellsbury is under team control through the 2013 season but is represented by Scott Boras, making an extension unlikely. The Red Sox likely couldn’t get an elite starter in return based on Ellsbury’s contract situation, but a solid middle-of-the-rotation guy could probably be had for a guy that when healthy ranks among the elite at his position.

Sept. 28, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee (33) throws during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Phillies and Diamondbacks are discussing Justin Upton for Cliff Lee. Money coming to AZ would also be involved.

— Pedro Gomez (@pedrogomezESPN) December 4, 2012

Gomez notes that Arizona would be getting money in the swap, should it happen. The Phillies have a need for an outfielder, specifically one that bats from the right side, and that need has been accentuated with the Phillies being shut out thus far in their attempts to land a center fielder.

In Lee, the D-backs would be getting a true ace, but one that is owed over $100 million in the next four seasons. The money just doesn’t seem to come anywhere near matching up here with Upton owed a comparatively small $38.5 million.

According to Nick Piecoro, there is no truth to the Gomez rumor. I knew it was too juicy to be true.

Dbacks source tells me the Upton/Lee stuff “hasn’t been discussed” and is “off base.”

— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) December 4, 2012

Matt Ryerson-USA TODAY Sports

Splitting time in Double-A and Triple-A last season, Myers drove in nearly 110 runs with a monstrous .600 slugging percentage and 37 home runs to go with a .314 batting average. He is arguably the best hitting prospect in baseball and has all the tools to be an elite hitter in this game with his power and ability to hit to all fields. Myers’s pitch recognition is also something that deserves praise.

A potential trade involving Myers for Dickey isn’t the only thing the Royals and Mets are talking about, because the Mets biggest need this offseason is bullpen help. They have been actively discussing a deal to acquire a reliever from the Royals, but it is unclear how talks have progressed in this regard.

The Royals have made it apparent that they aren’t willing to part ways with Myers easily, given his enormous wealth of potential and incredible hitting capability. But I’d bet they’d be willing to discuss a deal with the Mets when it involves a pitcher the caliber of Dickey, even if the Royals would much rather trade a haul of less-heralded prospects.

In the end, I don’t think it’s in the best interest for the Royals to do this sort of a deal.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.

Dan Haren is just one season removed from being awesome. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-US PRESSWIRE

It wasn’t long ago that declining Haren’s option would have seemed virtually unthinkable for a team looking to compete in the short-term; in fact, such a move surely wouldn’t have been predicted even a few short months ago. Haren had a rough 2012, though, and the Angels seem adamant about parting with the 32-year-old hurler. Haren posted an ERA of 4.33, a FIP of 4.24, and an xFIP of 4.00 this past season. All of those figures represent career worsts, and yet those numbers still aren’t downright terrible. It’s almost certain that Haren ends up taking the mound for a team other than the Angels in 2013, so what exactly can his new employer expect?

Let’s look at Haren’s worst season in a little more detail. Haren’s always-solid peripherals remained intact, as he struck out 7.23 batters per nine innings while walking just a shade under two. The main issue seemed to be that Haren was simply getting hit a lot harder, as he allowed 9.7 H/9, saw his ground ball rate sink below the 40% mark for the first time, and allowed 12.8% of his fly balls to clear the fence. These are all troubling trends, but are they the result of bad luck, a fixable problem, or a decline in overall ability?

One notable change, and this has been going on for a while, is that Haren’s fastball velocity took another negative turn. For the third campaign in four, Haren’s fastballs were less fast than before, and the fourth season in that group featured an identical statistic when compared to the year before. With a heater now clocking in at an average of 88.5 mph, there’s little chance Haren is going to be blowing anyone away. Perhaps that drop in velocity has been playing a part in Haren’s declining strikeout rate, though it’s not like he still doesn’t know how to miss bats.

Still just 32, it doesn’t seem like Haren is by any means done being an effective starter. First of all, he’s never been the kind of top-of-the-rotation guy who relied on a big fastball to get by. Haren throws a wide assortment of pitches, and he’s always had outstanding control and heavy-enough movement to take care of the opposition. Per Pitch f/x data on FanGraphs, Haren’s cutter was significantly less effective and he went with his fastball a bit more than he did in 2011. It could be that Haren simply needs to continually adjust his approach as his radar gun readings wane and his age heads north. He’s proven himself an intelligent pitcher for nearly a decade, and he seems like a good bet to get back on track.

Keep in mind that Haren has looked a bit lost for most of a season before. In 2010, Haren had one of his worst seasons going before being traded from Arizona to Los Angeles. The problems he was having that season were very similar to what we saw in 2012; he was getting hit with greater frequency despite still showing the peripherals we all know and love. Once in an Angel uniform, Haren righted the ship and didn’t look back until his struggles this summer. And what about Haren’s second half in 2012? After establishing a 4.86 ERA and  allowing 122 hits in 103 2/3 IP during the first half, Haren logged a 3.58 ERA and gave up just 68 hits in 73 second half innings.

Dan Haren was worth just 1.8 WAR per FanGraphs in 2012, but he’ had never before dipped below the 4.0 WAR mark since becoming a full-season starter in 2005. He’s long been as consistent a starter as a team could wish for, and he has the repertoire to adjust with age and the decline of his stuff. Maybe Haren has worn out his welcome as a Los Angeles Angel, but I’m sure there are plenty of teams willing to bet on him going forward.

If Brian’s writing strikes your fancy, read his work at StanGraphs and follow him on Twitter at @vaughanbasepct.

Could Justin Morneau be heading to the Dodgers? According to CBS Sports, they have interest. (Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE)

Los Angeles.  They did, however, get Hanely Ramirez.  Ramirez is a nice addition as long as his bat heats up this year.  But it doesn’t seem like the Dodgers are done.  According to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports, the Dodgers are interested in the Twins’ Justin Morneau.

The Dodgers have been clearly on the prowl for another pitcher and have been heavily linked to both Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza.  It seems, though, Los Angeles is really pushing for everything they need to make a run to the postseason this year – their first year under new ownership.

Morneau has battled injuries the last couple seasons, including a concussion suffered in 2010 that kept him out of most of last season.  In 69 games last year, as Morneau tried to return, he hit just .227/.285/.333.  So far this season, he is getting back on track ever so slightly.  He is hitting .253/.314/.437.  His OPS is hovering just above league average.

Morneau is still just 31 years old, and as a first baseman has many years ahead of him.  These next few seasons should be his prime production years.  If the Dodgers are willing to take a chance on him, they could see a big return.

Morneau is a four-time All-Star and won the American League MVP in 2006.  He is a career .279/.350/.494 hitter.  Should he get back to 100%, he has a chance to start producing like he has in years past.

It’s not clear what the Dodgers may offer in a deal to bring Morneau to Los Angeles, but they will be getting him for at least a year and half.  He is not a free agent until after next season  Morneau is due to make the remainder of his $14 million this year, and he will make $14 million next season as well.

For more on the Dodgers, be sure to check out Lasorda’s Lair.  

For more on the Twins, be sure to check out Puckett’s Pond. 

Josh Johnson has been the Marlins best pitcher for years now. Will he be traded by the deadline? (Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE)

then sell off?  The only problem is this fire sale is happening in the middle of a season – the first season as the new Miami Marlins, in the new ballpark, with the new faces.  Expected to be part of that fire sale is Josh Johnson.  However, he may not be dealt until after the season’s conclusion.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post says teams that have checked in on Johnson feel the Marlins will only move him before the deadline if they get a top-of-the-line return.  If they can’t get a big haul, they will wait until the offseason.

This may be the case, and probably should be the case, but rational thinking does not seem to emanate from the Marlins’ front office.  Johnson is a free agent after next season.  The Marlins, if they are truly set on dealing Johnson, can wait until the offseason or even next year’s deadline.  However, they should really be looking at another long-term extension.  Johnson is currently making $13.75 million this year, and he will make the same next year.  With his struggles so far this season, the Marlins may be able to convince him and his agent to sign on for multiple years without increasing the per-year cost significantly.

If Miami is going to compete at any point in the near future, they need a pitching staff that includes players like Josh Johnson.  However, it seems they will not have said staff.  Instead, Johnson will likely be dealt.  It just might not be this week.  It may be in the offseason.

For more on the Marlins, be sure to check out Marlin Maniac. 

Josh Beckett may be on the market, but only if the Red Sox get a good return on him. (Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE)

most of the season.  They are not even truly in the Wild Card discussion at this point.  With that being said, some changes need to be made.  One of those changes could include Josh Beckett being shipped out.

According to Chris Cwik of CBS Sports and WEEI’s Rob Bradford, the Sox are listening to calls on Beckett.  There is nothing forming in the way of a concrete trade offer yet, but Boston is willing to deal him if they get the right package in return.

Because of Beckett’s salary, there are few teams who could truly pull off a deal for him.  However, teams that could include the Rangers, the Dodgers, and the White Sox.  This is not to say that those teams have been rumored to be interested in Beckett, but from a financial flexibility standpoint, they could take on Beckett’s $15.75 million/year contract.

Beckett is not a free agent until after the 2014 season, so if a team pursues him and can afford the contract, they will at least have him for two and a half years.

Beckett has an unsightly 4.57 ERA in 17 starts this season and has been sidelined by the occasional injury.  However, as our own Spencer Hendricks points out, there are certain players who are just unlucky.  This season, Beckett may be one of those players.  His FIP is a full run lower than his ERA at 3.52.  His BABIP is .299 when over his career he has held batter to a .290 BABIP.  Finally, he is stranding runners on base at a clip 5% less than his career average and 14% less than last season.

Beckett has value.  It’s just a matter of whether a team is willing to pull the trigger, give up the young talent, and pay the contract.

For more on the Red Sox, be sure to check out BoSox Injection.