Are the Dodgers seriously attempting to obtain a legitimate ace or are they just trying to satisfy the disgruntled fans who are upset that the owners divorce has forced the Dodgers to lower payroll to pay attorney fees (not really)?  Ken Gurnick of MLB.com is reporting that the Dodgers contacted both the Mariners and Astros about their respective aces (Cliff Lee and Roy Oswalt) to see what it would take to get them in Dodger blue.

Both teams told GM Ned Colletti that the players were not available BUT if the players do become available they would contact him about possible players they are interested in and trade scenarios.  Colletti said the Dodgers would decide their willingness to assume a large salary on a case-by-case basis.

Currently, the Astros are 16-30 and are 10 1/2 games back in their division and 10 back in the wild card.

The Mariners sit at 18-28 and are 7 1/2 games back in their division and 10 back in the wild card.

The Astros currently occupy the National League basement while the Mariners have the third worst record in the American League.  Both teams should be making a decision fairly soon as the more Cliff Lee and Roy Oswalt you get, the higher the ransom will be.

Even though no trade has been made yet, Dodgers fans should be encouraged as the Dodgers are even considering doing something that would benefit the team.