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March 1, 2008

Inge to Dodgers?

By Mike McClary in Fungoes | 0 comments

ThirdBaseXSmall.jpgAccording to Rob Neyer [$] according to Danny Knobler there’s some trade talk simmering between the Tigers and the Dodgers about disgruntled-yet- still-fan-fave Brandon Inge.

New Dodgers manager Joe Torre is familiar with Inge from his time in the American League, and Torre and new Dodgers third base coach Larry Bowa are said to be Inge backers.

Third base is one of the Dodgers’ big questions heading into the season.

Torre’s options at third base are Nomar Garciaparra, who hit .283 with seven home runs last season, and Andy LaRoche, who often looked overwhelmed in 35 big-league games last season.

Garciaparra has refused to discuss the competition at third base this spring, saying, “I don’t have any thoughts about anything. I’m just getting ready for the season.” Torre said he recently spoke to Garciaparra about the situation, telling him that he had the “inside track” to be the starter because of his experience.

Ridding themselves of the bitter Inge is probably a bigger priority than Dave Dombrowski is letting on. And the guess here is that if he does deal Inge you can bet it will be for more than spare parts.

As for the Dodgers’ interests, Neyer thinks Inge at third in Chavez Ravine make zero sense.

The Dodgers already have two third basemen. One of them (Garciaparra) can’t really play and apparently the other one (LaRoche) is handicapped by his new manager’s unfamiliarity. What to do then? Of course: Trade for an American Leaguer who the manager is familiar with. Oh, and maybe pay him $6.2 million.

That’s this year. Inge also earns $6.3 million next year, and $6.6 million the year after that.

You read that right. The Dodgers already have a young player who’s significantly cheaper than Inge and better, and yet they’re reportedly considering spending $19.1 million to ease Joe Torre’s spring dreams.

At any rate, it’s buzz worth tracking.

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