Editorials

2015 Offseason Free Agent Profile: Tom Gorzelanny

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

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While the Los Angeles Dodgers have made strides this offseason in addressing their bullpen with the additions of Mike Bolsinger, Chris Hatcher, Juan Nicasio and Joel Peralta, an argument can be made more retooling is in their best interest if not required.



Of the various shortcomings the Dodger bullpen had last season, their left-handed options faltering and wearing down was among them — an issue that hasn’t garnered the same level of attention as Brandon League’s inconsistency or Brian Wilson’s struggles.

With multiple lefties available on the free agent market, a reliever who has spent his entire 10-year career in the National League may be a viable option for the Dodgers.

Tom Gorzelanny

In his second season with the Milwaukee Brewers, Gorzelanny lowered his ERA from 3.90 to a minuscule 0.86. However, it should be noted he appeared in 20-less games last season than in 2013.

Dating back to 2007, which was Gorzelanny’s third season in the Majors, he’s appeared in at least 21 games each season and made a career-high 45 appearances in 2012 with the Washington Nationals.

Why the Dodgers should sign Gorzelanny

After beginning the season on the disabled list due to a clean up procedure on his shoulder, Gorzelanny appeared in 13 consecutive games (12.0 innings) without allowing a run. During that stretch he picked up 14 strikeouts to just one walk as opposing batters slashed .250/.280/.271.

However, also over the 13-game span, opponents held a favorable .353 BABIP, which was only slightly higher than the .344 BABIP against Gorzelanny on the season. While opponents fared well against the 32-year-old reliever, he managed to keep the ball in the stadium and limit extra-base hits — giving up just one home run and two doubles all year.

With experience pitching in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings, Gorzelanny could serve as another option for manager Don Mattingly, which in turn may play a role in preserving J.P. Howell and Paco Rodriguez — both of whom have battled fatigue over the last two seasons.

Next Page: Why The Dodgers Shouldn’t Sign Gorzelanny And More

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One Comment

  1. All I have to say, is I will be aDodger fan forever, even though I was born in Phila, now live in South Jersey. You need help management. My S on would turn this team in a year.

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