Dodgers Shopping List Dwindles

The trade for utilityman Skip Schumaker, expected to be announced after he passes a physical exam, will leave the Dodgers needing only a left-handed reliever and a backup corner infielder from their stated off-season goals. The recent signings of Zack Greinke and Hyun-jin Ryu loaded up the starting rotation and Schumaker becomes the fourth outfielder who not only has the center-field skills to back up Matt Kemp, but will receive added at-bats when second baseman Mark Ellis needs a rest. Still needed is a bullpen replacement for lefty Randy Choate and a right-handed hitting corner infielder who can spell Adrian Gonzalez at first base and provide insurance for Luis Cruz at third base. The Dodgers also want to add a veteran catcher at Triple-A., as rookie Tim Federowicz will back up A.J. Ellis in Los Angeles. — Ken Gurnick