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Ned Colletti Protecting Dodgers Farm System As Trading Deadline Nears


LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com/AP) -- The Dodgers could be idle at Thursday's trade deadline, with general manager Ned Colletti saying the team isn't close to making any deals.

"But the sun comes up and the world changes, sometimes," he said. "There's always August, too."

He said Wednesday night they have been actively looking for pitching, but has found there is not much available. Starters Josh Beckett and Dan Haren have struggled recently.

The Dodgers were reportedly close to acquiring Phillies ace Cole Hamels, but apparently they wanted three high profile prospects in return - Joc Pederson, Corey Seager, and Julio Urias. Colletti quickly said no to the deal.

CF Pederson, 22, is hitting .318 with 22 home runs and 25 stolen bases in Triple-A Albuquerque. SS Seager, 20, owns .353 batting average with 18 home runs and 71 RBI between Single-A and Double-A.

The 17-year-old Mexican Julio Urias, who is the least likely to get traded, is one of the most talented pitchers in all of baseball's farm systems. He is ranked No. 1 in MLB's LHP pitching prospects.

"At this point in time, we don't want to trade any of the three -- period," Colletti added.

Another high profile pitcher that could come to Los Angeles is David Price. If the Dodgers are able to work out a deal by giving one prospect of their big three, Price could become a Dodger.

Colletti tamped down speculation that the Dodgers are trying to trade right fielder Matt Kemp.

The Dodgers have been mentioned as a possible destination for Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester, who is said to be on his way out in Boston. But to swing a deal Los Angeles would likely have to give up two top prospects and Colletti says he's opposed to letting any of the organization's top three prospects go.

The first-place Dodgers have won a season-high five straight.

Trading deadline is Thursday at 1PM Pacific Time.


(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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