Andy LaRoche (AP)

Blake DeWitt was finally shipped to the minors this afternoon.

DeWitt, who got off to a nice little start and earned Rookie of the Month after a solid May, has provided the Los Angeles Dodgers absolutely nothing at a key offensive position, batting .257/.324/.364 with only five home runs. So, if you are scoring home, that leaves the rookie infielder with a .688 OPS, one of the lowest marks at his position in the majors. It was actually not a poor debut for the former first-round pick, considering that he posted a .306 on-base percentage in Double-A-the highest level that he has reached prior to joining the Dodgers-in 2007.

All the while, Andy LaRoche has been available, even auditioning at multiple positions while rehabbing in the minors before rejoining the Dodgers on June 10. LaRoche, who has battled injuries over the past two years, has been regarded as one of the best third base prospects in the game for some time. He has a great approach at the plate and 20-homer-plus power potential, but the organization has done everything that it can to prevent him from getting a real shot, until DeWitt's struggles hit a breaking point. Sure, he has not posted great numbers in his brief time at the highest level, hitting .217/.348/.316 with only three homers in 152 career at-bats.

However, that is too small of a sample size to justify overlooking LaRoche, who posted a .987 OPS with 18 homers before getting called up last summer. For some reason, Ned Colletti, who has made some horrendous personnel decisions (Juan Pierre, anyone?) in the recent past, does not see him as a major player in the Dodgers' future, and short-term, success.

According to the Los Angeles Times, LaRoche is on the trade docket yet again. Perhaps this is in his best interest, because he has the skill set to flourish with another franchise.

Los Angeles added another player to block him, sending two minor leaguers to the Cleveland Indians for Casey Blake on Saturday. Blake, who has been among the most productive hitters with runners in scoring position so far, adds another temporary fix for the Dodgers, who are looking to take the division crown in the wide-open, lowly National League West. The soon-to-be potential free agent cost the club minor leaguers Jonathan Meloan and Carlos Santana. Currently batting .293/.368/.470, he should certainly improve the Dodgers' offensive attack the rest of the way, with the acquisition prompting a demotion for DeWitt, a fan favorite.

Still, though, why would Colletti, after failing to land a shortstop for injured star Rafael Furcal, add Blake when he has a potential impact corner infielder in LaRoche?

Blake is an average defender, only adding another aging veteran, along with 40-year-old Jeff Kent, to an infield defense that has struggled since losing Furcal. The Dodgers rank 19th in the game in defensive efficiency-the rate at which balls put into play are converted into outs-and the veteran infield is not going to help improve that mark, by any means.

LaRoche will get his chance, potentially turning into a star. It is clear now, though, it will most likely not be in Los Angeles. If he does, indeed, become an impact run producer after being dealt, Colletti will hear about it for years.

Update: LaRoche was optioned to Triple-A on Sunday as well.

You can reach Tyler Hissey by sending an email to TylerHissey@gmail.com.