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Dodgers rumors: Andre Ethier, Nick Swisher

Los Angeles is reportedly shopping Andre Ethier, which could put them in the hunt for the switch-hitting Nick Swisher.

Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

UPDATE 10:30am ET: Two American League teams have asked the Dodgers about acquiring Ethier, sources have told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Rosenthal adds that LA has "zero intention" of trading the veteran outfielder, but that they will listen to offers.

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ORIGINAL: After months of stating that their outfield was full and that no one would be moved to make room for a free-agent outfielder, the Los Angeles Dodgers have changed face and started shopping veteran right fielder Andre Ethier, reports Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News.

The 30-year-old Ethier is owed $85 million over the next five seasons -- so moving the lefty-slugging outfielder will not be easy -- but with the way the Dodgers are throwing money around they may not balk at covering a significant portion of his remaining salary in a trade.

Ethier hit .284/.351/.460 with 20 home runs in 2012 -- and has always had a solid bat -- but has had terrible defensive numbers throughout his career.

If the Dodgers are able to send Ethier away, Feinsand believes that it could make them major players in the pursuit of veteran switch-hitter Nick Swisher. Several teams -- including the Indians, Phillies, Red Sox and Orioles -- have shown serious interest in the 32-year-old outfielder, but none boast the financial leverage that the Dodgers would have if they entered negotiations.

Swisher is reportedly seeking a five- or six-year deal, but he may have trouble getting that many years now that the biggest free-agent outfielder, Josh Hamilton, settled for a five-year deal with the Angels.

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