Dodgers’ Friedman Faces First Test
Oct 6, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Brian Wilson (00) is removed from the game during the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in game three of the 2014 NLDS baseball playoff game at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Can the Dodgers fix their disappointing bullpen?
Maybe the most disappointing aspect of the Dodgers last year was their bullpen. After being one of the strengths of the team in 2013, the bullpen became one of the teams’ biggest weaknesses in 2014.
Despite paying large salaries to players such as Brian Wilson and Brandon League, the Dodgers’ ranked 22nd in bullpen ERA and never managed to find any consistency from the relief staff outside of closer Kenley Jansen.
Not only is a stronger bullpen necessary for the team to take that next step, it may also be necessary to help preserve the arms of aces Clayton Kershaw and Zack Grienke.
If the Dodgers hope to contend for a World Series in 2015, fixing the bullpen might be the most pressing need for Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi to address in these meetings.
The Dodgers were rumored to have been in the running to sign for Orioles’ pitcher Andrew Miller, before he signed with the New York Yankees.
While he is no longer an option, might his signing set the table for other relievers such as Luke Gregerson and Sergio Romo? Will these players be beyond what the Dodgers are comfortable spending given their current payroll? Maybe a player like Pat Neshek, who isn’t likely command the same kind of commitment likely required for players like Romo or Gregerson, would be a good target for the Dodgers.