Dodgers News: Lavarnway Claimed By Cubs, Wilson Move May Be Next
UPDATE (Dec. 19, 7:15 p.m. PST): The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Friday night they released Brian Wilson three days after he was designated for assignment.
[divide]Friday was what’s become the norm for the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason — official announcements of signings or trades and more tending to the roster with other moves.
First, there was Howie Kendrick’s introductory press conference that was scheduled for a 10 a.m. PST start and that wound up taking place just under two hours after news that the Dodgers’ trade for Jimmy Rollins had officially been completed. With the Rollins news came the Dodgers designating Kyle Jensen for assignment — as he became the latest player to spend a short amount of time with the Dodgers.
Among the group of players with that unique qualifier is Ryan Lavarnway, who the Dodgers claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox on Dec. 5. Lavarnway was then designated for assignment on Dec. 10 after the Dodgers completed trades with the Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
On Friday, the Dodgers announced Lavarnway was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs. The 27-year-old catcher hit .283/.389/.370 in 62 games at Triple-A Pawtucket last season. He also saw minimal time with the Red Sox (nine games) last season and went 0-for-10. News of Lavarnway being claimed came after a conference call with Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, who said there likely would be news on not only Lavarnway, but also Brian Wilson.
Somewhat surprisingly due to the money owed in the final year of his contract, the Dodgers designated Wilson for assignment on Tuesday. He’s coming off an inconsistent season and in regards to the decision, Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi said the team didn’t feel he was one of the top seven options out of the bullpen.
Should they manage to make a trade, the Dodgers indicated they would be willing to pay a portion of Wilson’s $9.5 million guarantee for 2015. Sending cash considerations isn’t something the Dodgers have shied away from this winter as they’ve already done so in multiple trades (Dee Gordon and Dan Haren, Matt Kemp).
Dodgers Introduce Howie Kendrick — Part 1
Well we will see
Picking up Howie Kendrick is a stroke of genius. The man knows how to take the extra base on offense has a little punch. Plays smart baseball and he’s a leader. No he’s not flashy, not a power hitter. Just a guy that plays 150 games a year. Produces one way or another and is not disruptive.