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The Los Angeles Dodgers are asking teams about possible first baseman, reports Buster Olney of ESPN. The Dodgers have previously been tied to Boston Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis and Toronto Blue Jays first baseman/designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion.
The Dodgers are thought to be looking for an upgrade for their corner infield positions. It’s been speculated that, if the Dodgers look to acquire Youkilis, it would be as a third baseman. This would then allow the team to platoon Juan Rivera and James Loney at first base.
Loney was once regarded as the team’s first baseman of the future. Unfortunately, the 28-year-old has failed to develop into the impact bat many were expecting, especially after his promising rookie campaign.
This season Loney has only hit at a clip of .260/.330/.359 with two home runs. The former first round pick owns a career OPS of .772 but hasn’t reached this mark in a season since 2008.
The Dodgers have also been tied to starting pitching, specifically Chicago Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster and Washington Nationals southpaw John Lannan, as well as relievers.