Los Angeles Dodgers Quiet as Trade Deadline Nears

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.

Cody Ross, RF, Florida Marlins

Believe it or not, the Dodgers are chasing outfield talent on the trade market. As reported earlier here on Bleacher Report, the Dodgers have inquired several times about Florida Marlins outfielder Cody Ross, a former Dodger.

The main theory here revolves around the idea of Manny Ramirez missing significant time and the Dodgers needing a seasoned veteran to replace him.

When looking at the Dodgers roster, however, there are a couple of veteran back-ups. Garret Anderson and Reed Johnson have seen some playing time in a crowded outfield that already includes Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, with Xavier Paul recently seeing significant starting time.

Two subplots come into this novel as well. With Manny Ramirez on the disabled list, theorists say it may be a ploy to buy more time to deal the slugger, perhaps to an American League team in need of a designated hitter.

The more eye-popping theory includes trades involving Matt Kemp, who has been struggling at the dish as of late and may find himself as the odd-man-out in a newly crowded outfield.

Ross could provide some power in the middle of the line-up, but more importantly, he is a reliable outfielder that can play every day.

The problem: Do the Dodgers have anything to give the Marlins?

The Marlins would likely ask for pitching in return. With the mid-season call-up of Mike Stanton, the Marlins have enough outfielders to deal Ross, but pitching and offense production have been the setback for the Fish all season. The Dodgers may not have enough room to deal pitchers, unless Kenley Janson or an established bullpen pitcher are included.

The price the Marlins put on the table for Ross may be too high for the Dodgers to pay, but the Dodgers may trade for him, anyway.

Ted Lilly, SP, Chicago Cubs

It's no secret by now the Cubs are looking for power and range in return for their lefty starter, Ted Lilly.

The Dodgers have been rumored as included in the sweepstakes for Lilly. The 34-year-old is a career 100-game winner and would solidify a Dodgers rotation that currently only has four established starters.

Colletti has shown, when bringing over a big-name pitcher at the deadline, it pays off for the Boys in Blue.

Esteban Loaiza, Greg Maddux (twice) and Jon Garland are examples. Each provided a boost to the rotation and the process may repeat if the Dodgers get Lilly for prospects or a current roster position player.

By the way: Loaiza is once again on the market, having been released by the Chicago White Sox on Friday. Loaiza has struggled to stay healthy this season, but he recently finished his rehab before his release.

The trade for Lilly looks doable for the Dodgers, but again, the Dodgers appear to be short-handed in position players to deal this season. It is not likely the Dodgers are ready to part ways with their young outfielders, and the Cubs already have a first baseman in Derrek Lee, so James Loney isn't likely to move to Chicago anytime soon.

Roy Oswalt, SP, Houston Astros

And finally, the long shot.

All recent publications have said the Phillies and the Cardinals remain the front-runners for Oswalt's expensive services. The Dodgers remain the darkhorse in this race, and the main reason they aren't the star in this derby is what fuels America: money.

The Dodgers are short on funds, but reports say owner Frank McCourt has increased Colletti's allowance by nearly $3 million, with the hopes to save face and satisfy fans fuming over the divorce between McCourt and estranged wife Jamie.

What does that $3 million mean? Well, not much. The Dodgers now have the ability to send a little cash along with a big-name player. However, the money woes for L.A. don't end there.

If the Dodgers were to acquire Oswalt, they would have him for a couple more seasons, and they would owe him a large portion of the remaining $24 million on his contract.

Also, Oswalt has recently stated that if he were to waive his no-trade clause for any team, he would want a guarantee that the team he goes to will pick up his $16 million contract option for the 2012 season.

Once again, the price seems high for the Dodgers and this trade, and it is not likely the Dodgers will be able to pull it off in the next three days. However, recent history suggests fans and analysts shouldn't write off MCCourt, Colletti, and the Dodgers just yet.