Dodgers News: Don Mattingly Talks About Brian Wilson Signing
With less than 24 hours until the July 31 trade deadline, the Dodgers signed former Giants closer Brian Wilson to a major-league deal as he tries to make it back to the big leagues after two Tommy John surgeries.
It sounds like Wilson turned down offers from other teams to sign with the Dodgers as he wanted to sign with a contender. While Wilson won’t join the Dodgers immediately, manager Don Mattingly isn’t worried about his fit in the clubhouse according to Pedro Moura of the OC Register:
Mattingly on where Brian Wilson fits in Dodger clubhouse: “We’ve got a few characters in there. I’m sure he’ll fit right in.”
— Pedro Moura (@PedroMoura) July 30, 2013
General manager Ned Colletti maintained leading up to the trade deadline that he was interested in adding another arm to the bullpen, so he could be done shopping for a reliever.
Colletti already traded for former closer Carlos Marmol and starter Ricky Nolasco to try and help the Dodgers pitching staff as they’ve seen the bullpen improve significantly in recent weeks.
Speaking to J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles News Group, Mattingly touched on two topics in talking about Wilson:
Don Mattingly said he’s OK with Brian Wilson’s beard. Envisions him as one of the set-up men.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) July 30, 2013
With the Giants, Wilson was one of the most effective closers from 2008-2011 when he racked up 163 saves. If he’s able to regain some sort of form he had before the surgery, he should definitely help late in games for the Dodgers.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
In case you missed it, be sure to find out the latest on the Brian Wilson Signing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgZB69VfKWI&noredirect=1