Roger Arrieta
It was announced that the Dodgers signed Brandon Beachy to a 1-year deal, with a club option for 2016. If you remember, Beachy hasn’t pitched in the Majors for over a year, recovering from his second Tommy John surgery. However, he has always been touted as a high-level prospect, but also injury prone. (He posted the fourth best strikeout rate for a rookie all-time, behind such no-namers as Dwight Gooden, Kerry Wood, and former Dodger great Hideo Nomo).
My first reaction to this was a huge smile. I am so glad to be a fan of this team post-McCourt (and post-Coletti), who isn’t afraid to use their financial muscle to take risks and increase depth. A year ago, we would be talking about how Coletti traded Scott Schebler, Darnell Sweeney, and a low-level upside piece like AJ Vanegas for a Colby Lewis-type pitcher. Instead, we’re talking about the likes of multiple swing-man options. The days of trading prospects for Roberto Hernandez and Kevin Correia are hopefully behind us!
Before you get ahead of me, I understand what you may be thinking: “How can we even be sure he can pitch anywhere close to the same level, given his two Tommy John surgeries?” I empathize, and I’m sure somewhere in my brain, I may think the same thing. It’s not unreasonable, given we watched the roller coaster ride that was Brian Wilson after his second TJ surgery. Here’s the difference, though: Wilson was looked at as a primary option. Beachy, on the other hand, is more like a fifth (sixth?) option at this point. He has no rush to return from his surgery, and can really work to return to his previous form before he’s needed, wherein he can become a more suitable option.
Here’s essentially how I think Beachy could be handled this year: According to Mark Saxon over at ESPN, Beachy could realistically be available in June. Let’s say the Dodgers are patient, and really work with him and develop his arm strength in a Jamey Wright or Carlos Frias-type role. A late July call-up theoretically could give us a very capable 6-man rotation. The fear of overworking Brett Anderson can then be lightened, as he and Beachy share innings. Or perhaps, he is simply used out of the bullpen, something we’ve learned you can never have enough options for. Either way, Beachy can lighten the load of a pitching staff on a team that is wanting to rely heavily on pitching and solid defense to win.
Once again, I completely understand the concern. However, the prospect of having a weapon like Beachy mid-season is a situation many teams would love to possess. Dodger fans, be glad for a thoughtful Front Office.
