2010 MLB Trade Rumors: Top Five L.A. Dodgers Most Likely To Be Traded

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.

5. Ramon Troncoso

Troncoso has struggled mightily this season in relief for the Dodgers. He was recently sent down to Triple-A to work on his effectiveness, and hopes to be called up if he can sharpen his control.

There are a few theories as to why he was demoted: One is that it is possible that he is nursing a sore arm due to manager Joe Torre calling on him so often as the injuries mounted.

But it is also possible that the Dodgers are grooming him as trade bait. If he can work on his arm and prove he has the ability to be consistent, he may be added in to a trade to acquire a starting pitcher.

Justin Miller and Travis Schlichting have filled in with the absence of bullpen mainstays, and the Dodgers are running out of options quickly. They may be added to this list, or kept to fill in for departing bullpen running mates.

4. Manny Ramirez

I debated putting the infamous slugger on this list for quite some time. Who would want a $20 million plus designated hitter on their roster?

However, I have to add him simply because there is a small chance, and more of a chance than most other Dodgers.

Manny can still be productive at the plate, and moving over to the American League will allow his ailing legs to see more rest while he sits on the bench.
His high contract figures are a major put-off, but there are a few teams, such as the Yankees and Angels that may be interested in boosting their lineups in the middle of a pennant race.

The feeling when it comes to Manny, based on Dodger fans' comments and reactions, is one of pride and admiration turning into disgust and regret. Dodgers fans are beginning to grow tired of not seeing their slugger in the lineup, and his diminishing numbers make that $20 million dollar price tag feel like a blister on the back of their heel.

Manny said the obvious at the beginning of the season— he won't be in L.A. after 2010. However, he may be gone sooner rather than later.

3. Dee Gordon

This prospect currently plays for the Dodgers Double-A affiliate, the Chattanooga Lookouts. He is a middle infielder with tremendous speed, a strong throwing arm, and a decent on-base percentage.

The Dodgers have a recent history of keeping prospective talent, so he might not be on the move necessarily.

Nonetheless, with the farm system now providing the bulk of the Dodgers' big league roster, L.A. may have some room to trade young talent for a pitcher that will solidify the rotation and bring the team to playoff caliber contention.

Most experts and Dodger's fans view Gordon as the potential replacement for current everyday starter Rafael Furcal, but it is possible after this season the Dodgers may be able to sign a big name shortstop to a larger contract in the absence of Manny Ramirez.

Still, that is up in the air. But if the Dodgers can get a solid player, Gordon's name might be kicked around.

2. George Sherrill

Whether it be updated scouting reports, a flaw in mechanics, or just a mental block, veteran closer turned set-up man George Sherrill is just no longer performing at the level the Dodgers expect from him.

Sherrill has been ineffective all season, and it is evident Torre no longer has faith in him, using him in limited situations while fellow lefty Hong-Chih Kuo has been seeing serious innings.

I mentioned in an earlier article that some pitchers experience success when switching leagues, and Sherrill did just that when coming over from the Orioles in 2009. Should a team feel that a move back to the American League could help fix his mechanical flaws, he may be solid trade bait.

1. Ronnie Belliard

When Belliard came over from the Washington Nationals last season, he immediately won the hearts of Dodger fans with his clutch hitting and friendly personality. He eventually replaced Orlando Hudson in the lineup because of his offensive production.

But with the 2010 offseason acquisition of Jamie Carroll and the emergence of Blake DeWitt as the Dodgers' starting second baseman, Belliard finds himself as the odd man out.

Belliard's limited playing time is in direct correlation with his inability to adapt to new positions, and Carroll's hot hitting and defense as of late.

The stalky second baseman still has plenty to offer other teams, and can be a starter on several other rosters. He may not be a big enough name to lure a major pitcher to L.A., but he may aide in getting bullpen relief for a team that needs any solid pitching desperately.