The LA outfielder may be available in trade, but is he worth it?
Los Angeles Dodgers' Andre Ethier might be available in a trade, and the Red Sox could be a suitor.
The Dodgers might be willing to trade Andre Ethier. Should the Red Sox pursue him?
Chad Finn of Boston.com gave a pro-and-con argument for Ethier, but perhaps surprisingly, drew the conclusion that he wasn't worth the pursuit unless LA was willing to kick in some money. That doesn't really address whether Ethier is the type of talent the Red Sox need.
He is a "name'' player, the likes of which have been absent from Boston's shopping. He is also an outfielder, and the Sox still need one.
Ethier was also a college pal of Dustin Pedroia. Hey, if the Red Sox are collecting Drew family members, why not a few friends of their own family?
On the other hand, the lefty-hitting Ethier struggles mightily against lefty pitching, and he's too substantial a player (and an investment) to platoon.
He signed a five-year, $85 million extension last June, and is signed through 2017 with an option for 2018. That doesn't sound like a fit for the New Red Sox.
One scenario has the Dodgers dumping Ethier because they want to sign Nick Swisher to play right field. The Red Sox are also chasing Swisher, and might need him even more because Swisher can play first base.
If Boston's Mike Napoli deal falls through because of health concerns by the club about Napoli, Swisher will be even more appealing.
The Dodgers deny they are shopping Ethier. Whether that would hold up against a good offer remains to be seen.
With all trades, the question of what Boston would have to offer is paramount. That is not addressed in the otherwise complete Boston.com analysis.
Bottom line: don't expect Ethier in Boston. But it is fun to talk about in December.