Ned Colletti Says Dodgers “Pretty Much Done” In 2014 Off-Season
The Los Angeles Dodgers finalized four contracts this afternoon with Juan Uribe, J.P. Howell, Chris Perez and Jamey Wright. Uribe and Howell agreed to their deals a week or so ago while Perez and Wright signed on just days ago.
With most of their holes filled, many expect the Dodgers to add at least another bench piece and there is some speculation that they could add Japanese sensation Masahiro Tanaka, if posted, or trade for David Price. Talking to Ken Gurnick of Dodgers.com, GM Ned Colletti discussed what his plans are moving forward:
Colletti said he's "pretty much done" for the off-season unless something "presents itself." A utility infielder is a possibility, he said.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) December 24, 2013
Michael Young looms as a possibility off the bench, but they could also add infielders Justin Turner or Ramon Santiago. Bench players Nick Punto, Skip Schumaker and Jerry Hairston, Jr. all moved on this off-season, leaving the bench rather thin.
There are reports tonight that Tanaka will be posted, but like it’s been for much of the off-season, there seem to be conflicting reports saying he won’t in the end. Currently, the Dodgers have Josh Beckett slated to be the fifth starter in the rotation with Chad Billingsley still recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Trading for Price also seems unlikely since it would cost the Dodgers top-tier prospects, something Colletti and Kasten are against. However, they did stress getting younger this off-season, something that possibly trading an outfielder could do.
Matt Kemp has seen his name in rumors all winter long, but trading Andre Ethier for prospects could be something that presents itself further down the line. Still, many believe the Dodgers will make a signature move this off-season in the form of either signing Tanaka or trading for Price to build an incredible starting rotation.
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ICYMI: The Dodgers and Jamey Wright agreed to a one-year deal yesterday