Dodgers outfield situation...

Because the Dodgers outfield situation could impact the Mets in several different ways, I wanted to recap several points of interest that have occurred the last 24 hours.

The biggest item is Manny Ramirez will exercises his 20M player option and return to the Dodgers for the 2010 season ( source LA Times).

Not only is Ramirez out of the mix for the Mets left field job but he has also more then likely blocked the Dodgers from engaging in the Holliday sweepstakes. Matt Holliday had listed the Dodgers as one of four places he would like to go to.

Currently the Dodgers outfield consists of Manny Ramirez, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Jason Repko and Juan Pierre. Last year the Dodgers were rumored to be shopping Juan Pierre after signing Manny Ramirez, however; that plan was sidelined when Ramirez was suspended for 50 games and while filling in Pierre hit .328 in 259 ABs, making him too valuable to trade. However, with the return of Ramirez despite his great first half Pierre was relegated to the bench only having 121 ABs ( .264 BA).

Once again rumors are swirling that the Dodgers will look to move Pierre who is owed 18.5M over two years. Even if they move that money I can't see them getting in on Holliday or Bay but Pierre might be appealing to the Mets. Luis Castillo is owed 12M for the next two years and the Dodgers may need a 2B, what about flipping Castillo for Pierre with the teams splitting the difference in salary. Then the Mets could go after Dan Uggla who is rumored to be available, Uggla could be the power that should come from LF and Pierre would replace Castillo as the tablesetter...

With Ramirez back, the Dodgers can resume searching for a team to which they could deal outfielder Juan Pierre, who has two years and $18.5 million left on his contract. source LA Times