Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Ned Colletti Discusses Brian Wilson, Adding A Starter

Brian WilsonWith exactly two weeks until the GM Winter Meetings in Orlando, Los Angeles Dodgers GM Ned Colletti discussed where things stand with the team on AM 570 Radio this afternoon.

The Dodgers made their first signing of the free agency period this week, inking right-hander Dan Haren to a one-year $10 million after signing Cuban infielder Alexander Guerrero to a four-year contract in October. Talking with Petros and Money, Colletti talked about where things stood with the infield and rotation:



It won’t look as different (the Dodgers) as 2011 to 2012 or 2012 to 2013. We still need to make sure we have enough arms in the bullpen. We have to figure out the left side of the infield, whether it’s Juan Uribe or another choice. We got Beckett coming back and Billingsley coming back from Tommy John in May or June. Hence why we signed Danny and if the right starter comes available via trade or free agency, we’ll probably look at that.

As Colletti mentioned, the Dodgers currently have six starters under contract, but it would be shocking if another starter wasn’t signed as possible insurance since Beckett and Billingsley are coming off significant injuries.

The Dodgers have been linked to Japanese starter Masahiro Tanaka and with MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball discussing a revamped posting system this week, it’s safe to say The Guggenheim Group will submit a bid if a deal is reached. Another point of emphasis is third base as Uribe is reportedly seeking a three-year deal, something the Dodgers don’t sound too excited to do.

Guerrero could possibly shift over to third base, opening a hole at second base or Hanley Ramirez could move to the hot corner and the Dodgers could entertain the idea of signing a shortstop.

Meanwhile, set-up man Brian Wilson is a free agent and reports earlier this week suggested that he was closing in on a deal with the Detroit Tigers. However, Colletti mentioned that there’s still dialogue between the Dodgers and his representatives:

We’re trying to see if we can get Brian Wilson back. Hopefully we’ll be able to do that and if not, we have other names in mind.

Once hated, most Dodger fans are hoping the Dodgers find a way to retain the 31-year-old reliever as he and Kenley Jansen were a great 1-2 punch in the eighth and ninth inning last season.

Colletti continued to say the Dodgers have several holes to fill as the infield, rotation and back end of the bullpen continue to be areas of concern.

Here’s the entire audio from Colletti on AM 570 Radio earlier today:

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ICYMI: Here are all the details about the Dodgers signing starter Dan Haren to a one-year contract this week