Dodgers Rumors: Casey Janssen Has Dodgers On His List
New president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman will have the task of adding the missing pieces to the team that can help them get over the hump and into the World Series. Early on has been slow in the rumors department as the team has not been specifically linked to any names.
Free agent relief pitcher Casey Janssen could be linking himself to Los Angeles via MLB Network Radio:
Janssen: #Dodgers are definitely on the list. Playing close to home definitely interests me but it takes their side as well to want me
— MLB Network Radio (@MLBNetworkRadio) November 6, 2014
Janssen has spent his entire career with the Toronto Blue Jays, working as their closer for parts of the past three seasons. In 2014, he had a 3.94 ERA and saved 25 games in 45.2 innings. The right-hander has appeared in at least 50 games every year since 2010. He began the year on the disabled list last season before having one of his worst years in his career.
Last year the Dodgers had an array of former closers in their bullpen, including closer Kenley Jansen, Brian Wilson, Chris Perez and Brandon League. Jansen and League were the more consistent arms for the Dodgers, while Wilson and Perez struggled all year long. Perez is likely gone in 2015, but the rest of the right-handers will return.
While Janssen has not been linked to the Dodgers, his willingness and mention of the team could help them start conversations. The 33-year-old grew up in Orange and attended UCLA, meaning that the Dodgers would represent a homecoming.
