Mlicki Is Prepared for Trade

Dodger pitcher Dave Mlicki hears the rumors, and he acknowledges the situation must be resolved.

Mlicki, 30, is the odd man out of the starting rotation, and he figures he will be traded before opening day. Although his status is unclear, Mlicki has been upbeat during the first week of spring training.

“Obviously, we have six starting pitchers here, and someone is going to have to go,” Mlicki said. “Hopefully, I won’t have to go anywhere, but it looks like I’m the guy who might right now.”

Mlicki finished 8-7 with a 4.57 earned-run average last season, matching his career high in victories established in 1997. He was 7-3 with a 4.05 ERA in 20 starts with the Dodgers after being acquired from the New York Mets on June 4 in the Hideo Nomo trade.

Mlicki was especially effective from June 12-28, pitching 28 1/3 consecutive innings without giving up an earned run. He is scheduled to receive $2.2 million this season in the final year of a two-year deal, a cost-effective contract for most clubs in search of pitching.

The Philadelphia Phillies are among the most aggressive teams expressing interest in Mlicki, who would be a No. 3 starter in many rotations.

“I’m hearing that a lot of teams are interested in me, and that’s real flattering,” Mlicki said. “I think this is going to be a great team, and I would love to stay here, but you never know what’s going to happen.

“I hope I’m in the plans here because I know I can contribute to this team, but the Dodgers are going to make the best decision they can for the organization. It’s just business.”