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Dodgers news: Grading their off-season moves

By Evan Lovett

Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill (44) reacts after a strike out during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill (44) reacts after a strike out during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill puts on a Dodgers jersey at a press conference announcing Hill's signing a three year contract during the 2016 MLB Winter Meetings at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill puts on a Dodgers jersey at a press conference announcing Hill’s signing a three year contract during the 2016 MLB Winter Meetings at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Analysis: It is almost unbelievable at the extent to which Rich Hill has turned his career around. Andy McCullough’s piece in the L.A. Times really illustrates his journey, and the likelihood that Hill, like Jamie Moyer, could essentially start his career in his mid-30’s and pitch until nearly 50 years of age.

That is precisely what the Dodgers are hoping, as three-year deals nearing $50 million are not exactly commonplace for pitchers that will start the first year of their contract at age 37.

Hill, however, is a different breed and has minimal mileage on his left arm – and considering that the $16 million price tag is less than the MLB qualifying offer amount – ensuring that this is a team-friendly deal.

It was also a deal the team needed to make from a depth perspective, as Kershaw is the only sure thing in the pitching rotation that is as injury-prone as it is deep.

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