Update 12/18 15:38pm: Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times Tweets:  Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti on talks with Cincinnati: “That’s all but dead.”

Update 17:39:  Tim Brown of Yahoo Tweets:  As for a possible Harang deal between Dodgers and Reds, said a source from one of the clubs: “Not happening.”

Update 12/17 15:35pm: ESPN’s Jayson Stark reports that the talks between the Dodgers and Reds have gone beyond the, “tire-kicking stage”.  Starks goes on to say, “One requirement that’s almost a certainty, given the Dodgers’ financial limitations, is that L.A. would want the Reds to pay a major chunk of the $12.5 million Harang is due in 2010. The 31-year-old righthander has a $12.75-million option for 2011, or a $2-million buyout.”

12/16:  According to the Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times, the Los Angeles Dodgers are exploring a trade with the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Aaron Harang.

The Reds are asking for one or two players on the Dodgers’ major league roster in return.  The Dodgers would want the Reds to pay for a portion of the $15 million Harang would be guaranteed if he is traded.

Harang is owed $12.5 million in 2010 and has a $12.75-million club option for 2011 with a $2-million buyout. If Harang is traded, the option would become a mutual option worth $14 million and the price of the buyout would increase to $2.5 million.  You can see Harang’s contract details and complete statistics here.

Harang, 31, has a 75-80 record and 4.24 ERA in 8 seasons with the Athletics and Reds.

What are your thoughts on this possible trade?  Who are expendable on the Dodger’s 25-man roster to make this happen?  Is Harang worth the $12.75 million plus whatever the Dodgers have to pay?