Dodgers Rumors: Bryan LaHair and Jeff Francoeur

The Los Angeles Dodgers are searching for a middle-of-the-order bat, but there are incredibly few options on the market, reports Buster Olney of ESPN.

There are incredibly few options for LAD as they search for middle-of-the-order thumper--either fringy players or overly expensive hitters.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) June 28, 2012

Olney notes that the Dodgers have scouted Chicago Cubs first baseman/outfielder Bryan LaHair. While, like other teams, LA has concerns regarding LaHair’s defense, they may look past it due to his solid production this season.

LaHair, 29, has flourished in his first significant stretch of major league playing time. Over his 203 at-bats with the Cubs, he’s hit at a clip of .281/.364/.532 with 13 home runs, 12 doubles and 28 RBIs.

Beyond LaHair, the Dodgers have been tied to Houston Astros first baseman/outfielder Carlos Lee and Edwin Encarnacion of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Unfortunately for the Dodgers and other teams looking to add offense this summer, Olney notes that most of the players currently available are either "fringy or overly expensive."

Olney uses Kansas City Royals outfielder Jeff Francoeur, who’s rumored to be available, as an example. The 28-year-old, who’s owed $6 million this season and another $7.5 million in 2013, has only hit at a clip of .264/.300/.404 this year.