Dodgers Rumors: Brian Dozier Trade Looking Less Practical

Last night Ken Rosenthal reported the Twins have reservations on Dodgers prospect Jose De Leon. L.A. has insisted on a deal highlighted by De Leon with contradicting reports of their willingness to include more. Whatever that “more” may be, Minnesota isn’t buying it.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweeted unless the Dodgers make a power play, Dozier is staying in the Twin Cities.

The #Twins have not taken Brian Dozier off the trade block yet, but unless the #Dodgers increase their offer, Dozier will open year w Twins.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 10, 2017

Rosenthal echoed the report.

Sources: #Twins, #Dodgers at impasse on Dozier. No momentum toward deal. 1/2

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 10, 2017

Impasse on Dozier does not preclude future talks, but #Twins had wanted to give Dozier heightened peace of mind on status with club. 2/2

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 10, 2017

Minnesota is being affected by a lack of suitors, if reports are to be taken seriously. The Dodgers are the lone team with the incentive and top prospect to make a trade, but the Twins are still in a position to demand their ideal return. Dozier is under contract for two more seasons for $15 million total. He’s the team’s best bat, a solid clubhouse presence for a young roster and a fan favorite. They aren’t under pressure to move him, though that doesn’t give them leverage.

[graphiq id=”gj05Lu7w2tD” title=”Brian Dozier” width=”600″ height=”601″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/gj05Lu7w2tD” link=”http://baseball-players.pointafter.com/l/4371/Brian-Dozier” link_text=”PointAfter | Graphiq” ]

The Dodgers are also interested in Logan Forsythe and Ian Kinsler as external second base solutions. Though they may become less likely themselves as we approach spring training, giving the Tigers and Rays chances to assess their rosters before moving either player. The Dodgers could also re-sign Chase Utley or bring in another stop-gap to play with Kike Hernandez until prospect Willie Calhoun is ready.

Without either side having leverage, desperation or a reason to budge, talks will remain in purgatory until they die off completely. That is, unless L.A. blinks.

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