Now, one of those position players might be trying to get Epstein’s attention.
Andre Ethier is reportedly interested in joining the Red Sox, according to SI.com’s Jon Heyman.
“He’s got his best buddy, Dustin Pedroia, telling him how great Boston is,” a person “close to Ethier” told Heyman. “In Andre’s mind, [the Dodgers’ situation] is embarrassing, and Boston has a different [vibe] right now.”
The Dodgers, in the middle of a dreadful season and the financial turmoil of owner Frank McCourt, are in a bad place right now, and Ethier, who’s not eligible for free agency until after 2012, may want out sooner rather than later.
“He loves L.A., but he wants to play for a winner, and he wants to be associated with a team with positive things surrounding it,” the source told Heyman. “Matt Kemp‘s a guy who won’t let it bother him, who’ll just say I’ll play my game. Andre isn’t like that.”
Ethier, 29, is hitting .313 this season with seven homers, 42 RBIs and an .833 OPS. Red Sox right fielders have just a .646 OPS this season, second-worst in the majors.
