Dodgers Rumors: Colletti Said Team Is Listening For Starting Pitchers

Starting pitching depth is one of the few things still on the Los Angeles Dodgers list this off-season and with Spring Training coming soon, something may be done soon.

The Dodgers lost out on Japanese starter Masahiro Tanaka last month, but haven’t yet been seriously linked to any other pitchers. According to Bill Plunkett of the OC Register, Dodgers’ general manager Ned Colletti discussed the team’s interest in bringing in another starting pitcher:

We’re still listening a little bit, Colletti said. When we got involved with (Masahiro) Tanaka and that became public, agents who represent starting pitchers that are still out there (on the free agent market) called. I guess I could have hung up the phone or not taken their calls. But we’re listening.

Bronson Arroyo has been a name mentioned as a potential candidate for the Dodgers, but Arroyo’s insistence on a multi-year deal has kept a deal from happening. Along with pitching, the team has also been searching for some infield help, especially after Michael Young decided to retire.

As of now, right-hander Josh Beckett is slotted in the fifth spot in the rotation behind Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Hyun-Jin Ryu and newcomer Dan Haren. Beckett is coming off a surgery to remove a rib and may not be 100% at the start of the spring. Pitching prospect Zach Lee will also be competing for that fifth spot, as well as Stephen Fife and Matt Magill.

Last season, the Dodgers headed into the season with eight starting pitchers before injuries led them to call in reinforcements a month into the season. Ervin Santana has also been remotely linked to the Dodgers, but signing him would cost the team a first-round draft pick and a long-term deal.

Pitchers and catchers report to Camelback Ranch next week and the Dodgers could find themselves with another arm joining the club.

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