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Dodgers need to do right by Jamey Carroll and trade him

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Jamey Carroll is 37 years old and has had two career playoff at-bats. He’s been a marvelous find for the Dodgers the last two years. He’s played hard, played all over the field, filled in for injured players and led by example.

He’s done everything they’ve asked while suffering through two of the Dodgers’ most difficult seasons ever. All for the bargain price of $3.85 million.

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Now it’s time to do something for him.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports tweeted the Dodgers have placed Carroll on waivers. At this time of the year, hardly a surprise. Teams place tons of players on waivers before the Wednesday trade deadline. If they clear, then they’re in position to work a trade.

But there is a strong likelihood Carroll will be claimed by a contender. Then the Dodgers would have 48 hours to either work out a trade or withdraw him from waivers.

Work the deal. Get what you can, even if it’s precious little.

Carroll deserves the opportunity to play for a contender, to make a real postseason contribution. At his age, he may not get another chance. The Milwaukee Brewers had reportedly talked to the Dodgers about Carroll prior to the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline.

The Dodgers’ season is now about the future. They need to get a longer look at infielder Justin Sellers. Shortstop Dee Gordon will return soon, and the Dodgers will want to see Sellers play second. They need to call Ivan De Jesus Jr. back up when rosters expand Thursday.

At this point, they have no real need for Carroll. His contract is up at the end of the season. And if they wanted him back next season, they could sign him the same as any other team. They could also try to return infielder Aaron Miles, who’s almost three years younger.

Until James Loney’s recent streak, Carroll has been third on the Dodgers in hits this season. Not bad for a guy who was originally signed to share time and mentor Blake DeWitt at second. The model of consistency, he hit .291 last season and is hitting .291 this season.

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Now it’s time to give Carroll a shot at more than those two hitless playoff at-bats he received with the Rockies in 2007. He’s earned it.

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