Trade Deadline looms with lots of interest in Kuroda, others

We're one week away from the Trade Deadline and Hiroki Kuroda is one of the hottest commodities available.

As many as six teams have reportedly called the Dodgers about him: Diamondbacks, Indians, Rangers, Red Sox, Tigers and Yankees.

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer tweeted earlier the Indians are increasingly interested in the right-hander's services.

"#Indians have talked to Dodgers about Kuroda. Don't know if it has reached stage where Kuroda has been asked to lift no-trade."

On Tuesday, I looked at what the Dodgers might be able to get for two months of Kuroda. The Indians' deal included Jason Kipnis, whom the Tribe just recalled from Triple-A. He's an offensive-minded 2B and fills a need in Cleveland right now. I'm not sure the Indians would be willing to include him in a Kuroda deal (or a Kuroda/Carroll deal).

The Red Sox are "keeping tabs" on Kuroda, while the Rangers had an observer at Friday night's game.

Danny Knobler of CBS said the Brewers are a team to add to the interested list.

"Dodgers think Kuroda may agree to go somewhere for 2 months, but if he pitches in US in '12, would be in LA. DET, MIL, others interested."

The most interesting part is he said he thinks if Kuroda plays state-side in 2012, it'd be in Los Angeles. This could end up being the best of both worlds for the Dodgers. They acquire some young talent in exchange for Kuroda and Kuroda re-ups in L.A. in the winter. It makes too much sense not to happen.

We'll see what happens, but it's looking more and more like Kuroda will get dealt, as long as it's where he wants to go.

Speaking of the Brewers, they are the team that's been most interested in Jamey Carroll. Carrol, a free agent after the season, signed a two year deal before last season. I was not a fan of the deal when it first went down, but it's actually been a great signing. The Dodgers could hope to get a C-level prospect in return for Carroll. Just someone -- anyone -- with any upside would be fine in my books.

Rafael Furcal could draw some interest in the next week, as the shortstop market is wafer-thin. Despite his injury concerns and struggles this season (.176/.240/.218), teams could still be interested in him.

A trio of NL Central teams could be in on him: Brewers, Cardinals, Reds. The Brewers probably wouldn't acquire both he and Carroll, while the Cardinals would prefer to move former Cub and Dodger Ryan Theroit to second base. The Reds would just like to replace the lackluster combo of Paul Janish and Edgar Renteria.

Jim Bowden of ESPN said Furcal still has the bat speed and teams are hoping he can get on track for a playoff run.

At least GM Ned Colletti finally came to the realization the Dodgers are sellers and certainly not buyers.