The Dodgers aren't stockpiling relievers to set up a trade, General Manager Ned Colletti said Tuesday after they officially announced the signings of Chris Perez, J.P. Howell and Jamey Wright.
Colletti said the Dodgers were 'pretty much done' with their winter shopping, other than perhaps looking for a utility infielder.
Colletti declined to say whether the Dodgers will pursue Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka if he is available. Tanaka was 24-0 with a 1.27 earned-run average this year in Nippon Professional Baseball.
'I'm not going to discuss that yet,' Colletti said.
The Rakuten Golden Eagles could announce as early as Christmas Day whether they intend to sell Tanaka to a major league team, according to Japanese news reports. If the Eagles let him go, the 25-year-old would be free to negotiate with all 30 major leagues teams. The team that reaches a contractual agreement with him would have to pay the Golden Eagles a release fee, which could be as much as $20 million.
Tanaka could offer stability to a Dodgers rotation that has uncertainty on the back end since Josh Beckett and Chad Billingsley are recovering from major operations. Beckett, who had a rib removed to alleviate a nerve problem, could be ready for the start of spring training. But Colletti said he doesn't expect Billingsley back until June. Billingsley is recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery.
Colletti was also optimistic about the progress made by Matt Kemp, saying he should be ready to play when the Dodgers open their season against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Australia on March 22. Kemp stopped wearing his protective boot about 10 days ago.
As for why he signed so many relievers this off-season, Colletti pointed to how the Dodgers used 20 of them this year. He also noted that closer Kenley Jansen, left-hander Paco Rodriguez and the since-departed Ronald Belisario all ranked in the top nine in the National League in appearances in what were categorized as 'high-leverage situations.'
'We have to spread it out more,' Colletti said.
Colletti also formally announced the re-signing of third baseman Juan Uribe to a two-year deal.
dylan.hernandez@latimes.com
Twitter: @dylanohernandez
Posted by Unknown on Tuesday, December 24, 2013 - Rating: 4.5
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