Dodgers News: Ned Colletti Discusses Status Of Bullpen, Juan Uribe

The winter meetings are set to start Monday in Florida and Los Angeles Dodgers GM Ned Colletti spoke to the media today after the official announcement that Brian Wilson re-signed. Colletti was quick to say that Kenley Jansen was still the closer, but reiterated the need to have more than one person available to close out games.

Colletti also backed up the rumor that the Dodgers are still looking to add pieces to the bullpen as youngsters Jose Dominguez and Onelki Garcia would have places in the ‘pen if the season started today. On the call, the Dodgers GM talked about his winter meetings shopping list in the bullpen via Bill Shaikin of the LA Times:

Colletti wants to add a late-inning lefty, a late-inning righty and a long guy for the pen, ideally. #Dodgers

— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) December 7, 2013

Colletti mentioned that he and the representatives for left-handed reliever J.P. Howell have had “several” conversations as it’s clear that he isn’t done adding to the bullpen. Howell reportedly wants a three-year deal and it remains to be seen if the Dodgers are prepared to give him that long of a deal.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers would like third baseman Juan Uribe back in the fold, but Colletti mentioned that both sides started negotiations “markedly different” and have made a few offers to the 34-year-old third baseman. Via Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com, it sounds like talks are at a critical juncture:

Ned Colletti said Dodgers and Juan Uribe “started out markedly different” in FA discussions. LAD currently waiting to hear back from Uribe

— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) December 7, 2013

Uribe drew interest from the Miami Marlins a few weeks back and there were reports that they were offering him a three-year, $18 million contract. With Corey Seager waiting in the wings in the minor leagues, the Dodgers would prefer not bringing back Uribe on a multi-year deal, especially after he underperformed on his last contract.

The winter meetings figure to be busy for Colletti and the Dodgers as it’s clear he has a long list of items to shop for in free agency.

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ICYMI: The Dodgers and Brian Wilson agreed to a one-year deal this week