Torii Hunter In and Andre Ethier Out?

The Hot Stove is burning up with Dodgers news.  There are several rumors centering around Andre Ethier and Torii Hunter.  Several outlets including ESPNLosAngeles.com and The L.A. Times  are reporting the Dodgers are interested in signing free agent Torii Hunter.  Mark Saxon of ESPNLosAngeles.com is also reporting the Dodgers are willing to discuss trading Andre Ethier.  Despite what Saxon is reporting, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports and Dylan Hernandez and Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times are reporting the Dodgers will not be trading Andre Ethier.

Saxon:

"The Dodgers' thinking is to use Hunter as an insurance policy as left fielder Carl Crawford's recovery from elbow surgery crosses into early next season, but they also have made it clear to other teams that they would consider trading Andre Ethier."

Hernandez & DiGiovanna:

"The Dodgers’ widely reported interest in Torii Hunter appears to have been overstated.

The team met with Hunter’s agent at the general managers’ meetings at Indian Wells this week. But it was Hunter’s agent who initially reached out to the Dodgers, not the other way around, according to a person familiar with the talks who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The Dodgers aren’t shopping Andre Ethier, meaning that if Hunter were to sign with them, he would be doing so to be a fourth outfielder since the team also has starting outfielder in Carl Crawford.

Asked on Saturday if that’s something he would consider, Hunter said, “That’s tough. I’m not ready for that. I have too much energy and fire for that.”

But Hunter said he would like to play with Matt Kemp, whom he called “my little brother in this game.”

Rosenthal via Twitter:

#Dodgers not trading Ethier. Hunter would need to accept lesser role if he signed with team. He’s close with both Kemp and Crawford.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 10, 2012

Sources: Hunter prefers to play every day. Ten teams have contacted him, including #Dodgers, #Tigers, #WhiteSox, #Rangers, #Mariners.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 10, 2012

If the price was right, I wouldn't mind the club signing Hunter as an insurance policy for Carl Crawford.  He's a good guy to have in the clubhouse but at 37 years of age, his best days are behind him.  I don't think trading Andre Ethier is a good idea.  New ownership has done a great job building its relationship with Dodger fans and getting rid of a productive player with a big following isn't the best idea.  You either love or hate all the rumors that are flying around this time of year but you have to admit, some of these rumors are interesting.

True to the Blue!