Dodgers not close to signing Randy Wolf
There are widespread reports out there on the web that seem to indicate the sides are close to an agreement on a one- or two-year contract. While that certainly could happen, and while Wolf is believed to be at the top of the Dodgers' list in their search for a starting pitchers, they apparently are NOT CLOSE to an agreement at this point. A well-placed source just told me that the sides haven't even talked in almost a week. But my guess is they will talk soon.
Are they close w/ anything? What is the hold up? Where is our power hitter and 2 starting pitchers? Can we have the Lakers Organization take over the Dodgers Organization? HA! Kidding...sort of.
Ew, please don't get close to Wolf.
ESPN is reporting the Dodgers are also talking to agents representing Jon Garland and Braden Looper. Garland might be a nice depth option. Mark Mulder is also a free agent and it can't hurt for the Dodgers' scouting dept. to take a look to see what he has left.
Tony, won't getting Garland cost us the #17 pick in the draft? And go to the Angels. I don't think the difference between Garland and Wolf & Looper is worth the 17th pick in the draft.
Don't the Dodgers see this.
Garland is a Type B free agent, therefore wouldn't cost the Dodgers their 1st round pick.
The Angels would only get a "sandwich" pick.
Wolf and Looper are Type B free agents who weren't offered arbitration, so their teams don't even get a sandwich pick. Marcel is correct about Garland, he is a Type B who was offered arbitration, and will garner only a sandwich pick. To my knowledge the only Type A free agent pitchers on the market that were offered arbitration are Oliver Perez and Ben Sheets. Andy Pettite is a Type A, but wasn't offered arbitration. Teams only get compensation picks if the player they signed (Type A or B) was offered arbitration.
As per Jon Garland's agent: he should be signed by the Dodgers by Sunday or Monday.
I prefer Looper.
Both Garland and Looper are inning eaters who's career ERA is near or over 4.00. Looper's ERA has ballooned by over a run since he became a starter a couple of years ago but he is a few years younger. This is a bit of a tough call. It would be interesting to see how those two have fared at Dodger Stadium. Anyone have stats?
The fact Ben Sheets hasn't been signed is certainly characteristic of the economic climate. He is injury prone but when he's on, he's fantastic. It can't hurt to start throwing numbers around with his agent on an incentive laden deal.
Buddy,
You said regarding Looper that "he is a few years younger." Actually, of the three pitchers that are reported to be talking with the Dodgers, Garland is the youngest and Looper is the oldest. Here are the birthdates and the player ages when the season opens:
Garland = 9/27/79 (29)
Wolf = 8/22/76 (32)
Looper = 10/28/74 (34)
Brooklyn D,
Got the dates reversed. Thanks for the correction.
Buddy