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Dodgers Rumors: LA Inquiring on Position Players

May 21, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers injured outfielder Matt Kemp watches from the dugout in the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field.  Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE
May 21, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers injured outfielder Matt Kemp watches from the dugout in the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been "calling around about possible trade targets", according to Buster Olney of ESPN. Olney reports that the Dodgers had been looking outside the organization for help before Matt Kemp’s injury and that the club is interested in "adding positional" players.

Positional help is as specific as Olney gets, and he doesn’t list any targets the Dodgers are currently pursuing.

The Dodgers have only had three positions produce a combined OPS north of .760 this season; center field, right field and catcher. These positions are occupied by regulars Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and A.J. Ellis. Beyond this trio, LA figures to be on the hunt for improvements across the board.

The Dodgers offense ranks in the top half of the league in runs scored (221), batting average (.272), on base percentage (.343) and slugging percentage (.406). This has helped the club get off to their surprising start, resulting in the most wins in baseball and a five game lead in the National League West.

Still, the club has slumped a bit recently as they were swept by the Milwaukee Brewers yesterday and have now lost six of their last eight. LA has scored three runs or less in five of those eight games and MVP candidate Kemp is out for the foreseeable future.