MLB Trade Rumors: Are LA Dodgers Willing to Deal Matt Kemp, Chad Billingsley?

The Dodgers have spent over $80 million so far this off-season, and in a city like LA, they can't afford to bring second rate talent to the plate in 2011.

It's been a rumor for years, but once again, Matt Kemp has been a subject of trade rumors. He's only 25 years old, and with his contract taking him through the 2012 season, only the perfect trade would be a viable option.

Chad Billingsley was a trade topic in the summer, and with back-to-back seasons with a 12-11 record, Billingsley is certainly not immune from a deal that would net the Dodgers some talent.

But, however the deal could go down, the Dodgers would like to replace the 750 career strikeouts that Chad has notched in Los Angeles.

In perhaps one of the most intriguing options I've heard for the Dodgers this year, such a trade would be of monumental value for both teams.

Chase Utley is a solid second basemen, and with the loss of Jayson Werth, the Phillies would be primed to make a run.

The question is—Is it as good for the Dodgers as it sounds for the Phillies?

The answer is no.

But keep in mind, it's the resurgence—the new names that are the most important for the Dodgers.

If the team were in any other city market, we wouldn't even be having this discussion.

This was a topic of discussion in the early parts of 2010, and with Cliff Lee returning to Philadelphia, it would certainly be surprising if they were to break up the so-called "best rotation of all-time."

However unlikely it might be, the addition of Billingsley in his 2008 form would be amazing for the Phillies. Hell, why don't they just package Oswalt and Utley for Billingsley and Kemp?

If it does happen, remember where you heard it first.

It's a shot in the dark, but with the lack of production happening in the Cubs rotation, it's not a for sure dismissal.

Soriano has been abysmal over the last couple of years, and Fukudome could be a nice addition the Dodger squad.

However unlikely it is, Soriano is the at least of 'big name' status, and can attract fans to Dodger Stadium.

Hold on baseball fans, I know this is a shot in the dark.

OK, it's a blind shot, with all blanks, at the bottom of a cave in the jungle.

However unlikely this would be, imagine the tailwind that would transpire.

Matt Kemp would join a Yankee franchise that loves guys of his caliber.

With Andy Pettite on the fence, Billingsley would literally fill the void.

It's an almost perfect trade for the Yanks.

But for the Dodgers?

Robinson Cano is one of the most heralded players as far as future potential goes. He could step in and make an immediate splash, especially with the departure of Orlando Hudson.

The Mets need pitching, but the real question is if Rafael Furcal or Jose Reyes can play second base.

Both guys are shortstops, and if a trade as such were to go down, one of the two would need to play second.

Recently acquired Juan Uribe is penciled in as the leading candidate at second for the Dodgers, but the question of his effectiveness will be answered shortly this season. Keep in mind, he is a veteran nearing the end of an illustrious career.

Jose Reyes has been shopped by the Mets, but it's pretty clear that they will keep him around at least until mid-season 2011. Could Billingsley be enough to sway their belief?

Perhaps if Juan Uribe were thrown into the mix.