Dodgers Rumors: Brian Wilson Attracting Interest From Rockies

The Los Angeles Dodgers have 10 free agents of their own and for Dodger fans, retaining reliever Brian Wilson is a high priority. It was Wilson that became the set-up man at the end of the season as he only allowed one run in 13.2 innings pitched.

Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti took a chance on Wilson in July and after he signed, he became an instant fan favorite. However, while the Dodgers have been quiet in free agency thus far, the Colorado Rockies are targeting Wilson according to Troy Renck of The Denver Post:

They want power arms, and are casting a wide net that includes expressing interest in Brian Wilson and Grant Balfour. When Wilson was recovering from his second elbow ligament surgery last summer, the Rockies were among several teams that scouted the right-hander. He considered Colorado before signing with the Dodgers, who made the highest offer. The Rockies like Wilson, and were encouraged by his strong finish.

In his dominant end to the season, Wilson showed that his velocity was back as he was consistently hitting 95 mph with his fastball and his off speed stuff was much better than before. Prior to his stint with the Dodgers, Wilson was the closer for the San Francisco Giants and notched 163 saves from 2006-2011.

Always the hated rival, Wilson’s performance helped sway Dodger fans to want him to return for at least for next season as he and Kenley Jansen would form an incredible back end of the bullpen.

While Wilson returning isn’t out of the question, it’s likely that he’ll seek a closers job rather than sign a contract with the Dodgers to be the set-up man.

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