Jul 22nd 2008 6:45PM by Andrew Johnson (author feed)

- Sometimes with trade rumors, it’s just a matter of connecting the dots. The Dodgers have a scout in Tampa Bay for this week’s Rays-A’s series, and with Los Angeles tied with Arizona atop the NL West, you can bet he isn’t there to check out Evan Longoria. Back in Tinseltown, manager Joe Torre announced his intentions to give Andy LaRoche plenty of time at third base over the next few weeks.

Even considering Ned Colletti’s apparent antipathy for young players, LaRoche is the one prospect who seems to have been jerked around the most. Oakland GM Billy Beane appears willing to deal just about any of his established big leaguers, and the Dodgers could use help just about everywhere. Reliever Huston Street is the obvious target, but shortstop Bobby Crosby and starting pitcher Justin Duchscherer could also end up on the move. LaRoche would be a more than handsome return for any one of those players.

- Brian Fuentes continues to be hot commodity on the relief market. According to Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News, scouts from seven different teams have watched Fuentes pitch over the last few days, including almost all of the big boys from the American League. Fuentes gave up five runs in a loss on June 30 and since then has been utterly dominant, striking out 13 and walking none in his last seven appearances. Elsewhere, the Cardinals are reportedly stepping up their interest in Baltimore closer George Sherrill.Continue Reading