The Dodgers exercised their portion of Scott Podsednik's mutual option for 2011, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com. Scott Podsednik has 48 hours to accept the $2 million option, or become a free agent. There is a $100,000 buyout, but it is unconfirmed whether or not Podsednik would receive the buyout if he is the one to decline the option.
While the Padres were busy at the trade deadline giving up relatively nothing to get an actual major league hitting outfielder in Ryan Ludwick, the Dodgers dealt two prospects (admittedly lower level ones, in Lucas May and Elisaul Pimentel) to Kansas City to acquire Podsednik. Podsednik was largely ineffective as a Dodger, hitting .262/.313/.336 in 39 games, and was slowed by a heel injury that eventually cut his season short about three weeks early. Ludwick didn't hit much after the trade either, by the way, hitting .201/.301/.330 for San Diego, but I know which one I would bet on in 2011, and it isn't Podsednik.
The 2011 option was originally a club option, but it became a mutual option once Podsednik reached 525 plate appearances last season. To be fair, having Podsednik back at $2 million would be fine in an abstract sense, but the fact that he would likely be an everyday player makes the deal more unsavory.
I think Podsednik will decline the option, and test free agency. He parlayed one decent season in 2009 into $1.85 million guaranteed, and then had a very similar year in 2010. I see no reason why Podsednik can't get at least $2 million or more from some team.