3 team needs for the Dodgers leading up to the trade deadline

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American League Team Needs

Tigers | Yankees | Orioles | Royals | Angels 

National League Team Needs

Pirates | Brewers | Reds | Giants | Nationals | Braves

The Los Angeles Dodgers sit atop the National League West and are tied for the most wins in the National League. Their rotation is one of the best in baseball and closer Kenley Jansen appears to have returned to his former self after some early season inconsistencies. 

Don Mattingly's squad has battled injuries throughout the course of the season though the organization own the assets required to make a splash prior to the deadline - if their willing to part with prospects. General manager Ned Colletti said in recent days that his team might not make a move. Despite that, their has been increased chatter regarding outfielder Matt Kemp being swapped to the Boston Red Sox for Jon Lester - the rich get richer. 

If the two team's don't rock the baseball world with another blockbuster, here are three additional areas in which the Dodgers can afford an upgrade. 

1. Catcher 

The Blue Crew have received embarrassingly poor offensive production from their catchers this season. Drew Butera, Tim Federowicz and Miguel Olivo - who was released for biting part of Alex Guerrero's ear off -  have combined for a .186 average, while starter A.J. Ellis continues to decline, and is hitting .199/.343/.247 with just seven extra-base hits and 10 RBIs in 48 games.   

Dodgers' catchers rank last in the league in average (.191) and home runs (3) and second last in RBIs (28) and OPS (.555). Despite a powerful lineup that does a good job at masking this glaring weakness, the team could use an upgrade prior to the deadline. 

2. Add a veteran reliever while subtracting another 

The Dodgers have no shortage of veterans in their bullpen as Brian Wilson, Chris Perez, Brandon League and J.P. Howell have logged a combined 1,750 major league innings, however they could afford an upgrade over at least one of them. 

Both Wilson and Perez have struggled in their roles, as the two former closers each boast an ERA over 5.00. Wilson has been especially bad over the last month, as he's allowed four runs off five hits and six walks in his last five appearances, forcing Mattingly to use him sparingly. 

3. Jon Lester

While it's not necessarily a need seeing how impressive the rotation has been this season, the Dodgers would be seen as immediate World Series favorites should they acquire Lester. 

Dan Haren and Josh Beckett have been valuable weapons for Mattingly but their longevity should be questioned. Haren, who has pitched 122 1/3 innings already this season, hasn't thrown more than 177 innings since 2011. The same could be said for Beckett, who has pitched 107 1/3 innings this season, and has averaged just 133 innings over the past four seasons. 

Even if the cost is high for Lester - seeing what the Giants gave up for Jake Peavy, it likely is - the Dodgers window to win is now, and having the opportunity to land a two time World Series winner in Lester seems to be a deal the Dodgers need to strongly consider. 

Potential postseason rotation: