Dodgers could use Garciaparra's bat

0 Comments | USA TODAY, December, 2003 | by Chuck Johnson

The Los Angeles Dodgers might yet be a key third party in facilitating an Alex Rodriguez-for-Manny Ramirez trade between the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox. But, then again, they might not.

As talks between Boston and Texas continued, Dodgers general manager Dan Evans declined to address speculation that Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, a California native, could be dealt to the Dodgers if Boston is successful at acquiring Rodriguez.

"I've never talked about a potential deal with another club, and I'll continue that policy," Evans said Wednesday. "I will say we've made a lot of phone calls the last few days following up on things we discussed at the winter meetings."

It's no secret the Dodgers' mission in New Orleans last weekend was to shore up an...