With the announcement that James McDonald will start the year in the bullpen, and with it being well known the Dodgers are seeking another pitcher for the starting rotation, the list of candidates to fill that spot is growing smaller.
Another name can be crossed off the list as well, with the Arizona Diamondbacks signing Jon Garland to fill out their rotation.
With Arizona, possibly the Dodgers biggest threat in the National League West, signing a quality arm in Garland, expect Los Angeles to give a pitcher a new home within the coming days. It doesn't seem like they can wait much longer.
Simply put, the list of feasible free agents is going to keep getting smaller, meaning the Dodgers might end up signing someone they are not rumored to be looking at too closely. Dodger fans might start hearing some names pop up they haven't heard associated with the team.
Here are the possibilities:
Pedro Martinez- Martinez is probably too much of an injury risk. Considering this team is already penciling Jason Schmidt into the rotation, Martinez would not be a smart play.
Ben Sheets- Health concerns still linger, but he has the stuff to be an ace. The Dodgers are already going into the season with risks in Schmidt and Rafael Furcal, so they probably won't be looking to increase the number of players with question marks.
Randy Wolf- Probably the Dodgers top option and perhaps safest bet. Wolf seems to be healthy and could be the guy they need to make 30+ starts. His second half in Houston last season may have shown he's all the way back.
Oliver Perez- Perez is probably going to cost too much and demand too many years for the Dodgers liking. I think the baseball people want someone more consistent, despite him having electric stuff from time to time.
Braden Looper- No thanks. The Dodgers need someone who can be more like a second or third starter, not a fourth or fifth starter.
Kris Benson- He can't be counted on, meaning he could be signed to start in the bullpen and fill in the rotation if someone gets hurt. Chances are he's not signing with a team that will put him in the bullpen to start the year.
Mark Mulder- Nobody has even whispered his name with an association with the Dodgers, but he is interesting to consider. He has a clean bill of health and word is he could be back to form. Would it be worth the risk?
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