Dodgers News: Colletti Intends To Sign Infielder In Next Five Days
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been desperately looking to sign an infielder after the departures of Mark Ellis, Skip Schumaker, Jerry Hariston Jr., and Nick Punto via free agency or retirement.
Michael Young was the main target for the last few weeks, but the 37-year-old infielder opted for retirement over coming back to the Dodgers. However, at Fan Fest this morning, Dodgers GM Ned Colletti said the team intends to sign some infield depth via Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times:
Colletti: #Dodgers expecting to sign utiltyman (minor league deal) and international player soon to increase IF depth.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) February 1, 2014
In previous interviews, Colletti has stressed his desire to sign a player that can both play third and first base, which narrows the field slightly. Free agents Justin Turner and Jeff Baker fit the bill, but the infield free agent market is incredibly weak. Emilio Bonifacio was designated for assignment this morning, but he’d have to be acquired via trade or waiver claim at first.
Meanwhile, the international aspect could mean the Dodgers expect to sign Cuban utility player Rusney Castillo, who isn’t a free agent yet. Colletti and Dodgers scouts attended a private workout of his in the Dominican Republic and he could be brought in to compete for a spot.
Questions surround Dodgers infielder Alex Guerrero who’s trying to transition from years of playing shortstop to second base. Chone Figgins was signed to a minor league deal while Dee Gordon, Miguel Rojas and Justin Sellers will battle it out during Spring Training.
Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in just one week and it sounds like Colletti would like to get his infield depth figured out by then.
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