Andre Ethier Trade Rumors: 5 Teams That Should Call the Los Angeles Dodgers ASAP

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a bevy of moves last season—both to try to capitalize on a postseason berth right away and to fortify their team for the future.

Apparently, they're not done with possible blockbuster deals.

ESPN's Buster Olney tweeted late on Monday that the Dodgers could be open to dealing right fielder Andre Ethier.

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Sources: Dodgers are open to the idea of dealing Andre Ethier. He signed a five-year, $85 million contract during the season.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 30, 2012"

It certainly seems counter-intuitive, especially since they just inked him to a long-term extension. But as we saw last season, the Dodgers will be bold in order to reach their objectives.

With this possibly being the case, who are the likely suspects that would find this news enticing?

Here are five teams that might have raised their eyebrows when seeing this tweet.

1. San Diego Padres

How about a move just down the coast?

The San Diego Padres will be looking to make their team competitive in the 2013 season. That's the edict from new ownership.

While the Padres are more likely to work on bolstering their starting rotation, the thought of adding outfielder Andre Ethier to their lineup has to be enticing.

Ethier and Carlos Quentin in the corners would certainly add to an offense already featuring Chase Headley, catcher Yasmani Grandal and first baseman Yonder Alonso.

If prospect infielder Jedd Gyorko can successfully transition to second base and his bat is as good as projected, the Padres all of a sudden have a scary lineup to contend with.

2. Detroit Tigers

After being swept out of the World Series and seeing their bats go completely silent, the Detroit Tigers are still reeling.

Owner Mike Ilitch did all he could to bring a championship to his city, and he'll likely continue to do so in order to reach his goal.

Adding Andre Ethier in right field could be a move that gets him closer to that goal.

Avisail Garcia is a promising young talent, but Ethier is a proven talent who would add offense and great defense.

With designated hitter Victor Martinez back in the fold next season, adding Ethier would give the Tigers a lineup of potency, power and tremendous potential.

3. San Francisco Giants

On Wednesday, the San Francisco Giants will be parading on Market Street on their way to City Hall in front of hundreds of thousands of adoring fans.

Celebrating their World Series triumph, the Giants will take a couple more days to revel in their accomplishments.

But one has to wonder if general manager Brian Sabean didn't see Buster Olney's tweet on Monday night and consider the possibilities.

Adding Andre Ethier to the Giants outfield would be an interesting thought.

Ethier has played 210 games in left field during his career, so he could transition there, leaving Hunter Pence in right.

If the Giants re-sign Angel Pagan, that's an outfield with speed, power, solid defense and the ability to get on base consistently.

4. New York Yankees

The New York Yankees are likely waving goodbye to right fielder Nick Swisher after his four seasons in the Bronx.

While the Yankees have talked about being cost-conscious, they're also not going to cut payroll at the expense of missing the playoffs.

Adding right fielder Andre Ethier to the mix in New York certainly has to be an intriguing thought for GM Brian Cashman.

Adding a Gold Glove defender with the ability to hit 20-25 HR and hit .290 wouldn't be a bad replacement for the departing Swisher.

5. Boston Red Sox

Come on, you had to know the Boston Red Sox would be on this list, right?

After all, they've already pulled off one blockbuster deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers—what's another one between friends?

It's no secret the Red Sox need outfield help. The only lock right now is Jacoby Ellsbury in center field. The Sox will try to re-sign Cody Ross and Jerry Sands will try to make his mark in Boston. Ryan Kalish, Daniel Nava and others will vie for playing time as well.

But adding a proven veteran like Andre Ethier would certainly take care of a need to add more offense this offseason.

New manager John Farrell could employ an everyday outfield with Ellsbury, Ethier and Ross, if Cherington can be successful in bringing Ross back into the fold.

The carousel that was the Red Sox outfield last season would stop, and Farrell wouldn't have to spend countless hours at night pondering over which combination would work best.

Ethier has the ability to spray the ball to all parts of the field, is a solid defender and by all accounts a good clubhouse guy.

Sounds like a deal that works.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle.

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