Dodgers Rumors: Los Angeles Interested in David Robertson
The closer carousel keeps spinning, and the Dodgers are frantically searching for bullpen help in the event Kenley Jansen signs with the Miami Marlins or Washington Nationals. One name who has emerged is David Robertson of the rebuilding Chicago White Sox, according to Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times.
The Sox “won” the Winter Meetings, fetching major prospects hauls for stars Chris Sale and Adam Eaton. Chicago has engaged a full rebuild, and Robertson is the next name to hit the rumor mill.
The #Nats tried to get the #WhiteSox to include closer David Robertson in the Adam Eaton trade, but Sox refused, will deal separately.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 8, 2016
Robertson has garnered interest from both New York teams, Washington, L.A. and others. Chicago is once again set up nicely to add to their suddenly impressive farm. Fans often cite Andrew Friedman’s history as a reason the Dodgers won’t pay Jansen, but that same history works against a Robertson trade.
“The Dodgers have engaged in trade talks with the White Sox, who are conducting a fire sale that could include former All-Star reliever David Robertson. In Robertson, there exists an example of the perils of free-agent relief contracts. An elite set-up man with the Yankees, he has regressed into a solid closer in Chicago, across two seasons with a 3.44 earned-run average.” – Andy McCullough
#WhiteSox' David Robertson can block trades to: #Tigers, #Dodgers, #Mets, #Athletics, #Phillies.
— Devan Fink (@DevanFink) December 8, 2016
It’s notable the Dodgers are included in his no-trade clause. The Angels and Giants aren’t on there, so it’s hard to guess his logic. Either way, a chance to close for a contender might appeal enough for Robertson to waive the clause. Robertson is also owed $25 million through 2018, so there will be cheaper alternatives on a similar level that won’t cost prospects.
Until Jansen signs, every premier reliever will be linked to the Dodgers. Some of it may be posturing, but L.A. will turn over every stone to keep the bullpen one of the team’s strengths.
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Yawn…Dodger FO is “interested” in every free agent… as long as it doesn’t cost them anything.
Robertson may garner top prospects. I do not see them giving top level prospects. If they lose Jansen which is a good bet then I think they will get a mid level guy and go with the Farm guys and young arms they have.
Liberatore pitched lights out until he was hurt. Josh Raven was hurt but once back he throws 100 mph and had added some actual breaking balls. They have guys like DeLeon, Wood, Alvarez, Garcia, Baez, Stewart that gained experience last year and will be better because of it. They must speed Baez up he is like a slo motion machine out there and get him to throw a much better of speed with break.
If they can somehow fix Hatcher’s brain he has a great arm and stuf fbut seems to lack the killer instinct or confidence needed.
Stan has mandated this team will win with its Farm and not spend tons of money and that is what they will do….
don’t panic guys. friedman will find a 35 year old coming off Tommy John
Before spring to replace Jansen. he’s a master.