Dodgers Rumors: MLB Analyst Doesn’t See Tim Anderson Fitting into LA Plans
Despite a mini two game winning streak, it’s becoming clear that the Dodgers will need to make a trade or three by August 2nd to get the roster championship ready. One area of obvious need is the shortstop position. It seemed like it would end up that way as soon as the team lost Gavin Lux for the season but the hope was that Miguel Rojas would at least be league average with the bat in his place. Instead, Miggy has barely been on the field for LA as he battles various nagging injuries.
Mookie Betts got his first start at the position on Sunday, but it feels like the Dodgers are less inclined to want to go the Mookie route long term.
A name that has been linked to LA pretty much since Lux went down is White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson, who seemingly would be a nice fit in Dodger blue. T.A. was a topic of conversation between DodgersNation.com’s Doug McKain and MLB Network analyst Alanna Rizzo on a recent edition of the Dodgers Dougout Podcast. While Doug sees the fit, Alanna isn’t as sure.
“No, I don’t. And not for reasons of athleticism, obviously he’s incredibly talented. I don’t know Tim Anderson very well — I’ve interviewed him a couple of times — he just doesn’t seem to fit the mantra of what the Dodgers are like as far as a chemistry standpoint. … and who’s to say the White Sox are even out of it by that point … I don’t even know that Tim Anderson will even be available… No, I don’t see him in a Dodger uniform.”
Via DodgersNationTV
Now, we’re not going to add to any thoughts that aren’t our own, but instead, we’ll explore the way he’d best fit on the team. He’s an All-Star caliber player that can handle shortstop and hits around .300 or better year in and year out. There’s a spot and a need for someone like Anderson on this team, and the Dodgers have the prospect capital to get a deal done, but the White Sox have playoff hopes themselves and play in a mostly bad division.
We have a few months to learn whether or not the two-time All-Star will be available. But, if and when he does become available, the Dodgers should consider jumping all over a deal.
Throw in Lucas Giolito, who’s from Burbank, along with Anderson. It’s a win win.
I don’t see it. Lux will return next year and Mookie appears more than capable at the position. In fact with OFs Busch, Pages, and DeLuca all close to the majors, it’s questionable whether a move is necessary. Get Busch some ABs in the majors and figure out the bullpen. Those are the pressing needs.