Kuzul

The MLB trade deadline is almost exactly three days away, and so far the only acquisition the Dodgers have made is the re-acquisition of veteran infielder Juan Castro on Tuesday. Castro will be making his third tour with the Dodgers, and many analysts see Castro’s addition in many different ways.

Castro may be trade bait, or he may be insurance should the Dodgers move other veterans such as Jamey Carroll, Ronnie Belliard, and/or Garret Anderson.

Even though the Dodgers have been quiet so far, it may be the calm before the Ned Colletti storm. As we have seen in recent years, the Dodgers’ general manager has pulled off headline-leading moves, and there are still some rotation arms to be had.

Cliff Lee and Dan Haren are already off the market, having made their transitions back to the American League.

These slides discuss the whispers going on around the league that are focused on the Dodgers and their potential trade moves, given the remaining talent to be had.

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With the latest installment of Hall of Fame inductees being honored Sunday, the concept of current players with the ability to make it to the Hall of Fame is once again on the minds of fans around the league.

The Dodgers have a talented outfield and some well-known names in the infield. There’s a “sure thing,” a “quite likely,” and a “possibly,” on the Dodgers roster when it comes to the Hall of Fame, and some big names that may not make it.

Here are three players I feel have a legitimate chance at finding their way to Cooperstown, and some honorable mentions that might just miss the mark.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are quickly letting the 2010 season slip away. They have few options for trade bait and haven’t been seriously included in many trade talks.

Perhaps the biggest name on the roster, left fielder Manny Ramirez, is currently sitting out with his third stint on the disabled list this season, diminishing his trade value even more.

It is clear Ramirez is showing his age. At 38, his legs can no longer stand up to the vigorous workout routines and long fly balls encountered by MLB outfielders on a daily basis.

So, the questions remain:

Are there any teams in the American League that would be willing to employ a designated hitter with a $20 million contract?

Even if there is a trade possibility for the slugger, would the Dodgers get players that will contribute significantly to the 2010 campaign?

Here are five teams, in no particular order, that may at least have a remote chance of inquiring about No. 99, and what they have to offer in return.

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The MLB trade deadline is just two weeks away and talks are beginning to heat up around the league.

This year’s deadline is sure to be filled with sellers as a lot of teams are looking to free up cap room in an ever-struggling economy. Despite a meager bank account and not many prospects for improvement, the Dodgers view themselves as buyers.

The lack of a solid starting rotation has prompted the Dodgers to reach out to several teams regarding pitching, but the Dodgers seem unwilling to part with core talent. However, with pressure mounting and GM Ned Colletti sweating, those “No’s” might just be “Not yet’s.”

Here are a few possibilities for Dodger trades, although any talks of the Dodgers making moves may be like panning for gold in a tar pit.

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After watching Monday’s Home Run Derby, I couldn’t help but notice the names on the board just didn’t carry the anticipation and ambiance of years gone by.

David Ortiz certainly has his place in history as a clutch power hitter in one of the most storied venues in all of baseball. However, he must have had the same feeling Yao Ming has standing amongst his fellow countrymen.

Ortiz stood a head and shoulder above the competition, and although the other competitors hit some deep dingers, there has certainly been some premiere, although likely juiced up, sluggers who outrank this year’s competition.

Here is a list of the Top 10 Home Run Derby participants of the last 20 years who made the event more exciting than it is today.

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With Andre Ethier and Jonathan Broxton already named to the 2010 All-Star game, and Rafael Furcal recently added to replace Jose Reyes, there is one Dodger who would fit the role just as well, if not better.

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman James Loney is having an above-average season while quietly floating under the All-Star radar.

Loney is certainly one of the premier fielders in the National League, with only two errors and a .997 fielding percentage. His fielding abilities have saved several runs from being scored already this season, but his hitting has been equally impressive.

The first baseman is hitting holds a .305 batting average with 59 RBIs and 102 hits in 334 at-bats.

It is widely believed that the All-Star Game has turned in to a popularity contest, with most season achievements being recognized by coaches adding players to the roster.

However, two of the three Dodgers that have punched tickets to Anaheim have spent significant time on the disabled list.

Ethier spent over two and a half weeks on the DL after a freak accident in pre-game batting practice resulted in a broken pinky. His numbers steadily declined following his return, yet he will be starting for the National League on Tuesday.

Rafael Furcal has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball since his return from the bereavement list. However, he has missed 31 games, which significantly limits production. Who knows what could have happened in those games? Had he stayed healthy, he could be leading the league in batting average, or finding himself struggling to stay above water.

Loney has been a workhorse all season, playing in all but one of the Dodgers’ games. His main problem? He plays in a league that features popular first basemen and perennial All-Stars Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Los Angeles Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti has built a reputation for pulling off sensational moves at the trade deadline, and this season looks to be no different despite funds being tied up in a bitter divorce and ownership dispute with the McCourts.

The list of players acquired or dealt by Colletti before the deadline over the last five years has some big names on it:

2006:
Acquired pitcher Mark Hendrickson and catcher Toby Hall, dealt Sandy Alomar Jr., Odalis Perez for Elmer Dessens, got Greg Maddux and Julio Lugo while only giving up Caesar Izturis and prospects, also acquired Marlon Anderson.

2007:
David Wells, Estaban Loaiza, Mark Sweeney and Scott Proctor were added with essentially just Wilson Betemit departing.

2008:
Casey Blake, Angel Berroa, Greg Maddux again, and then the big one: Manny Ramirez in a three-team trade just minutes before the deadline.

2009:
George Sherrill, Vicente Padilla (via free agency), Jon Garland, Ronnie Belliard, Jim Thome.

2010:
?

With the above rapsheet as evidence, expect the tenacious GM to pull off some big moves. But who will be on the trading block in the upcoming weeks?

It may take some big name position players to land an A-Type starting rotation pitcher, as most of the former talented prospects have found their way to the Major League roster.

The Dodgers appear to have some talent below the Triple-A level. However, most teams are looking for immediate impact players when dealing at the deadline, so it may be tough to acquire pitching relief without losing key positions in the line-up.

To see the possibilities, click on the big orange box below.

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Professional baseball has been around for roughly 150 years and the result has been memories and moments that will last forever, talent that shines above the rest, amazing revenue for the national government, and some crazy rules that just don’t make much sense.

Baseball is a game of tradition and honor (minus steroids). Therefore, it can take years to change even the smallest rules in Major League Baseball, and most rules are not important enough to change.

However, here are 10 of those rules that generate confusion and shrugged shoulders.

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The Dodgers activated RHP Cory Wade and out-righted him to Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday. 

The move was largely an attempt to avoid making more moves, as Wade is not occupying a 40-man roster spot while in the minors.

Wade stepped on the scene as a rookie in 2008 and was immediately effective.

In 71.1 innings, Wade finished with a 2.27 ERA. However, he was persistently hampered by shoulder problems, and his ERA ballooned to 5.53 while allowing 17 runs in just over 27 innings.

Wade will join a slew of familiar names on the Isotopes roster, including Kiko Calero, Charlie Haeger, James McDonald, Claudio Vargas, Jesus Colome and Jack Taschner. 

The backstock of pitchers at Triple-A may be a sign pointing to the intentions of the Dodgers to make moves at the deadline. 

Having proven veterans at Albuquerque means, should the Dodgers receive requests for major league level pitching in return for a big name starter, they may be more inclined to accept. 

Other than a pile of names in the bullpen, the Dodgers are thin at the major league level in real estate for trade bait, unless General Manager Ned Colletti caves and trades his young core nucleus of talent (i.e. Matt Kemp, Andre Eithier, James Loney, Russell Martin). 

The Dodgers will need young pitchers, possibly including Wade, to step up and be as effective as they have been in recent years to maintain a playoff run. Wade might be at Triple-A to get more game-time experience before filling a vacated roster spot due to trade loss. 

The trade deadline is just over four weeks away, so trade moves will surely abound shortly.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Dodger Stadium has always been the perfect venue for celebrities to make public appearances while cheering on the Boys in Blue from Tinsel Town.

This is a compilation of the hottest bodies to wear the hottest uniform in Major League Baseball, men and women.

There is no shortage of famous people to add to the list of appearances at Chavez Ravine, so this list is debatable and suggestions are welcome!

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