Dodgers Waivering On Pitching

It's been beaten into the ground for quite some time; however, allow me to drive the nail further. THE DODGERS DO NOT NEED TO SIGN A WAIVER WIRE PITCHER IN ATTEMPTS TO BOLSTER THEIR STAFF. But that hasn't stopped the rumors...

With Chad Billingsley questionable for his next start Wednesday in San Francisco and with the Dodgers unsettled on a permanent fifth starter, Manager Joe Torre said Sunday the team continues to look outside the organization for help.

"They're looking," Torre said of the front office. "We talked about the waiver wire. There is a possibility that something can happen."

Vicente Padilla and John Smoltz, both mentioned as possible candidates in the article linked above, would serve no purpose on Dodgers. Padilla is loaded with character issues, not to mention a declining arm. Smoltz on the other hand is an aging veteran battling through injuries, and still hanging on in hopes of re-inventing himself. Didn't the Dodgers just get rid of a guy like that?

With the abundance of serviceable pitching already within the organization there's no need to reach out when you've already got the likes of Eric Stults, Scott Elbert, Charlie Haeger, James McDonald, and even Jeff Weaver lingering around. It's true none of those guys are going to tear it up, but we're talking about a fifth starter, not a front line guy. Each of those pitchers have had their moments this season, and could easily fill the duties of the fifth spot in the rotation.