The Dodgers continue on their quest to build up their bench by signing utility man Alfredo Amezaga, and pitchers Jeff Weaver and Ramon Ortiz. All three were signed to minor league contracts, but will have cracks at making the big league roster.
Almezaga is coming off of microfracture surgery in his left knee that limited him to 27 games last season with the Marlins. He's a career .251 hitter with a .311 OBP%. His best year was in 2004 with Florida when he hit .263 with 105 hits and 13 stolen bases in 133 games.
Weaver has signed his second straight minor league deal with the Dodgers. He didn't make the majors out of Spring Training last year, but stayed for good when he was called up on April 30. From there, he had a very effective season, posting a 6-4 record with a 3.65 ERA, and seven starts in 28 appearances.
Ramon "Don't Call Me Russ" Ortiz is a journeyman. He last appeared in 2007 with the Twins and Rockies. He was with the Giants in Triple-A last season, going 5-6 with a 3.05 ERA.
It's always hard to tell how Spring Training will shake out as far as players there on a minor league invite. I would think Weaver will be back in the bullpen based on last year alone. He proved that he can be a spot starter and long reliever.
For Amezaga, his first issue is obviously his knee. He worked out for a handful of teams, and the Dodgers were the ones to nab him. Since he's a switch-hitter, if he impresses enough, he could have a crack at the team to give at least one lefty to pinch-hit.
As for Ortiz, despite putting up a good ERA in the minors last year, he seems like a long-shot to make the team out of the gate. Maybe he'll spend more time in the Triple-A, ala Shawn Estes of last season.
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