Editorials

Dodgers Rumors: Dodgers Had Interest In New Angels Reliever Joe Smith

Joe SmithIt’s no secret the Los Angeles Dodgers are in the market to adding arms to the bullpen with Brian Wilson and possibly Ronald Belisario a free agent if he isn’t tendered a contract by midnight PST tonight.

There was a rumor earlier today that they’re reportedly in the mix to trade for Baltimore Orioles closer Jim Johnson and on a conference call after signing with the Angels, reliever Joe Smith says the Dodgers reached out to him via J.P. Hoonstra of the LA Daily News:



Smith signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the Angels last week and it’s interesting to hear the Dodgers wouldn’t go the extra third year. If recent history is any indication, GM Ned Colletti loves giving relievers three-year contracts and it looks like he showed restraint when it came to Smith. First it was reliever Matt Guerrier in 2010 and Brandon League last year and it’s safe to say everyone knows how those two contracts worked out.

Meanwhile, Smith ranked seventh in the American League with 25 holds and if the Dodgers signed him to a contract, he seemingly would’ve taken over eighth inning duties. He went 6-2 with a 2.29 ERA in 2013, but had a low K/9 of 7.7 and only struck out 54 in 63 innings with the Cleveland Indians.

It isn’t known where talks stand with Wilson as he was reportedly in serious talks with the Detroit Tigers about their closer job last week. Regardless, it’s clear the Dodgers are in the thick of the reliever market and hopefully can sign a reliable arm or two.

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ICYMI: The Dodgers and Dan Haren agreed to a one-year deal last week.