RADIO
The longest tenured Los Angeles Dodger is trying to find himself a way out of Southern California.
Outfielder Andre Ethier told the media on Tuesday that he wants to be traded if he is to open the season as the club’s fourth outfielder. Ethier, 32, has been playing for the Dodgers since 2006. Last season, he was a part of a crowded outfield that included Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig, and Carl Crawford. Kemp has since been shipped far, far, away to… San Diego. Rookie Joc Pederson figures to take his place early on in spring training, according to ESPN’s Marc Saxon.
Ethier had 380 plate appearances last season, which happen to be the fewest of his nine-year career. He also had the worst offensive season of his career in 2014, batting .249/.322/.370. He doesn’t figure to have a rebound year coming off the bench.
“I want the opportunity to play every day,” said Ethier. “My mind hasn’t changed from when I told you guys a couple months ago.” It seems that Ethier might just be venting his frustrations to the media, but it is very early on. Injuries happen, and opportunities present themselves. Pederson is unproven at the Major League level, and it is unknown how long it will take him to get comfortable.
However, Ethier isn’t getting any younger, and he isn’t endearing himself to manager Don Mattingly by voicing his displeasure. It seems that if Ethier secures a starting job, it might not be in Los Angeles after all.
