Dodgers News: Ned Colletti Announces Kenley Jansen As Closer
The Los Angeles Dodgers formally announced the signing of reliever Brian Wilson this afternoon after they agreed to a contract earlier in the week. Wilson agreed to a one-year deal with a player option for 2015 and will be paid $10 million with incentives for $700,000 this season and would make between $8.5-$10 million.
Signed last August, Wilson outperformed expectations in 16 games, going 2-1 with a 0.66 ERA and as the season wore down, looked like the closer that saved 163 games over four seasons with the Giants. Talking to the media this afternoon, Colletti was quick to say who the closer was going into the season via Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com:
Ned Colletti: “Kenley Jansen’s the closer, but you’re going to need more than one guy to close games over the course of the season.”
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) December 7, 2013
Jansen took over for reliever Brandon League and rewarded the organization by converting 28 of 30 saves. He also struck out an incredible 111 batters in 76.2 innings pitched and had a 13 K/9 ratio. Not only did Jansen put up these gaudy numbers, but he completed a relievers perfect game, retiring 27 batters he faced consecutively.
Adding Wilson to the mix was important, especially after the Dodgers non-tendered a contract to reliever Ronald Belisario. “The Beard” also provides insurance for nights when Jansen is unavailable or if he goes down with an injury during the season.
Colletti also mentioned how the Dodgers had to be patient with Wilson, since it was reported that he was in serious talks with the Detroit Tigers before ultimately re-signing. It also doesn’t sound like the Dodgers are done adding to the bullpen as Colletti mentioned he’d like to add three relievers to the group.
Signing Wilson was a top priority for the Dodgers and Dodger fans as combination of Wilson and Jansen late in games will be tough for opponents to overcome.
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ICYMI: The Dodgers and Brian Wilson agreed to a one-year deal earlier this week
