Dodgers Rumor Round Up: Joc Pederson, Pollock, Harrison

Whether they are frustrating, surprising or none of the above, the Dodgers have re-entered the rumor mill. Some rumors small and other much larger, Andrew Friedman’s relative silence this winter could be coming to a close.

First, the hot stove was centered largely on what wasn’t and what would never be. Bryce Harper’s connection to LA was presumed strong to start the offseason but as the months went by, so did Harper. His likely landing spot, once the Dodgers, is now Philadelphia.

Then the rumors shifted from Major to Minor League. The Dodgers made a flurry of farm system transactions, adding players like Josh Thole and Markus Solbach to the system.

Then the trades. The Dodgers parted ways with fan favorites Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig as well as Kyle Farmer and Alex Wood in a trade with the Reds to cut salary. Russell Martin was acquired and now we’re here. Still waiting, yes, but growing ever closer to another move.

Here are the most recent transactions the Dodgers have been connected to.

Puig was traded a month ago yesterday. The Dodger favorite now a Red left the Dodgers with just four listed outfielders on the roster, Pederson one of them.

Joc’s ride in Los Angeles was interesting from the get-go: lots of power, a knack for striking out and defensive capability that changes like the seasons- some campaigns its excellent and others quite the opposite.

On offense, that power was undeniable but from day one it came with a clause: the team only got it when he was facing a right-handed pitcher. Against lefties, Joc is non-existent.  Perhaps that is the motivation the team is looking for. If they trade Pederson away they get rid of a bat that is only serviceable against one side of the mound, the other being his kryptonite.

Let’s address the rumors. As it stands right now the only verified rumor is that of Ken Rosenthal who said the White Sox along with a few other teams were discussing Pederson although he had no report of how advanced the talks were.

If the Dodgers do choose to trade Pederson it will leave them with a limited outfield group until they sign a right-handed bat, the move that is presumed to follow any trade in which Pederson is involved.

The Dodgers have expressed reported interest in utility infielder Josh Harrison. They are among a large group of teams to express interest in the 31-year old.

Harrison has played the entirety of his career in Pittsburgh where he became known for his flashy defense and unparalleled ability to avoid a tag on the base paths.

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For the Dodgers, Harrison could make sense if he was willing to play in an Enrique Hernandez type role and for a rather inexpensive contract.

Harrison is not at all what the Dodgers are looking for in an offensive player but his versatility is certainly attractive.

Like every week, I like to add my own opinions on the last slide.and the Josh Harrison situation allows me to do that but in a broader sense.

The Dodgers need to make an addition and Harrison falls into the category of the type of player the team needs. They need a right-handed bat.

Whether that is Pollock or Harrison or any free agent on the market I firmly believe it needs to happen. The Dodgers are a left-handed loaded team right now. The most prominent bats in the lineup are lefties and that does not bode well for a team in the most analytical era of any sport.

So, signing Harrison is not an issue in my eyes it actually solves one. It re-diversifies the handedness of this team and that will be crucial.

I’ll conclude with this. I don’t think the Dodgers are a star away from being a World Series team for the third straight season. I think they need to make a few small moves and one of them is to add a righty.