Roger Arrieta
As we inch closer to Spring Training, many fans have questions about what the Dodgers’ bullpen will look like on Opening Day. This offseason, in addition to re-signing J.P. Howell and Brian Wilson, the Dodgers added former closer Chris Perez and veteran reliever Jamey Wright to the mix on 1-year deals. Already with elite closer Kenley Jansen, young breakouts Paco Rodriguez and Chris Withrow, former closer Brandon League, and others like Javy Guerra, Onelki Garcia, Yimi Garcia, and Jose Dominguez vying for spots, it’s potentially a very crowded situation.
If you take a closer look, though, it’s really pretty simple. Typically, there are 7 relief pitchers kept on the 25-man roster throughout the year. Kenley Jansen, Brian Wilson, and J.P Howell are obviously locks to make the roster. Lefty Paco Rodriguez will make it due to his outstanding 2013 regular season (2.32 ERA). Brandon League will make it due to his large contract, as well as the fact that he cannot be demoted. In order to get rid of him, the Dodgers would have to pay the remainder of guaranteed money on his contract. It’s not going to happen. That leaves 2 spots, and while I’d love to see Chris Withrow or Jose Dominguez make the roster, it would require the Dodgers to designate either Jamey Wright or Chris Perez for assignment. That would make no sense after both were signed this offseason, so I don’t see that happening. Of course, too many pitchers is a great “problem” to have. It’s inevitable that someone will hit the DL, therefore the pitchers that don’t originally make the cut should resurface at some point during the year.
Regardless of this outcome, I believe the bullpen is easily top 5 in the league. I think Jansen and Howell will be great again, along with Brian Wilson picking up right where he left off last year. Paco Rodriguez did wear down at the end of last year, but he should be fine after a full offseason to rest and the added depth will take some pressure off of him. Chris Perez has late inning experience with 132 career saves, and Jamey Wright is a veteran that can provide solid long or middle relief. Brandon League is the X-factor. I know he’s a better pitcher than he showed last year, so hopefully he can regain past form! This bullpen really came on strong last year with a post all-star break ERA of 2.76, and with the new signings and everyone healthy to begin the year, I believe it will again be a huge advantage for the Dodgers!
