Wednesday, January 7, 2009

More bullpen depth could be added

In addition to trying to lure in Trevor Hoffman, the Dodgers are looking at making over their bullpen even more. Not a bad idea considering that Chan Ho Park, Scott Proctor, Joe Beimel, and Takashi Saito are either gone or will be gone.

Jayson Stark of ESPN reports that they've offered a deal to righty Dennys Reyes, recently of the Minnesota Twins. He's a former Dodger from 1997-1998, his first 2 seasons in the Bigs. Last season with the Twins, he posted great numbers of a 2.33 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. Seems like a great addition to me.

Another man in consideration is another ex-Dodger, righty Guillermo Mota. He once had a very promising career, but it seems to have taken a downhill turn ever since the Dodgers traded him in 2003 as part of the Brad Penny-Paul Lo Duca deal. Last season with the Brewers, he posted mediocre numbers of 4.11 ERA and 1.40 WHIP. Maybe a return to LA would get him in a comfort zone again, I guess.

The last man rumored is righty Juan Cruz. He's done very well the last couple of years in Arizona, highlighted last season with a 2.61 ERA and 1.26 WHIP last season. He knows how to get a strikeout, with 71 in 57.2 IP. Seems like a solid addition to me.

So that leads me to ask one question, which is what about getting a lefty? Right now, they only have Hong-Chih Kuo, who's dominating, but can't pitch everyday because of arm problems in the past. With Beimel looking to be gone, they need someone to come in and pitch an inning each night. Maybe Scott Elbert or Greg Miller could do it, but they're young and unproven. But, maybe the Dodgers have confidence in them to get it done.

Looking at the candidates, it looks like either Reyes or Cruz would make great additions. Mota would be my last choice. Getting Hoffman and Reyes or Cruz would be fantastic. A Reyes/Cruz-Broxton-Hoffman trio to pitch the 7-9 innings would be great.

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