Andy LaRoche Eyed as Jeff Kent Replacement

With Jeff Kent's batting average fallen more than 30 points this month, The Dodgers are comtemplating making room for prospect Andy LaRoche at second base.

Manager Joe Torre was reported by The Los Angeles Times as having discussed moving LaRoche to second base intermittently because Kent is missing time with spinal pain, and because LaRoche has some experience there. The team wants to find playing time for LaRoche in order to shore up offensive shortcomings.

LaRoche -- a third baseman -- appears to have lost his position at least for now to Blake DeWitt, who has been hot since LaRoche went down with a thumb injury. LaRoche has since returned to action for Triple A Las Vegas, where he is being tried at first base with the idea of spelling mildly slumping James Loney once LaRoche returns to Los Angeles.

Torre also mentioned LaRoche as a possibility playing the outfield.