White Sox trade rumors: Low, sustained heat around Andre Ethier

Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY SportsPlus: Mark Buehrle could sit out the start of the season, and Matt Thornton could join him

The Andre Ethier rumor survived and advanced through a third day on Wednesday. No new sources joined the fray -- it's still just Phil Rogers backed by Bruce Levine -- but no reporters have shot it down, either.

For instance, the Los Angeles Times' Steve Dilbeck allowed that the annual Ethier rumor might have merit this year:

Ah, finally a real Andre Ethier rumor.

Inevitable as a spring blossom, but seemingly made more so this year because it can be argued this time the Dodgers need to trade him before his 10-5 rights kick on April 21. After that, they can’t deal him…