The Dodgers remain interested in free agent pitcher Braden Looper, but they're not willing to offer him more than a minor league deal, according to MLB.com's Ken Gurnick. They would like to add the 35-year-old righty to the group of starters competing for the final spot in the team's rotation.
Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports hears that Looper could wait for pitchers to get injured before signing (Twitter link).
Agent Alan Hendricks tells Gurnick that Looper is staying in shape, waiting for an offer he likes. A few months ago Looper said he'd like to play for the Cubs. Since then, he has told the Nationals he's going in a different direction.
Looper made at least 30 starts for the third consecutive season last year, logging 194.2 innings. He struck out 4.6 K/9 with 3.0 BB/9 for a 5.22 ERA.
Like all teams, the Dodgers need all the pitching depth they can get. If the price is reasonable, and he has a pulse, he’d be a nice number 5.
He’d be a horrible anything. We have no money to spend, but we’re interested in Looper. Great…
He told the Nationals “hes going in a different direction”…hey Looper guess what your not all that ok. Get a major league deal and don’t throw teams out? They are throwing you out now and going in a different direction…ERA is 5.22 last year.
Oh yeah we are all lined up to sign you…wake up man..At least you would be able to start in a pitcher friendly park and if you did well you could make better money next year.
Sheesh…some of these guys…don’t they realize you can bring a kid up from AAA like 23 yrs old and he could give you 5.22? Unbelievable..hes a genius
Ew. Please no.
Washburn is the only FA pitcher I’d still be interested in as a Dodger fan (he is still a FA, right?). He’s the only guy that could potentially offer more than McDonald/Stults/Haeger/Elbert.
The guy had a 14-7 record last year. Wins is still a big stat regardless of ERA and all that other stuff. You get paid to win games not have a low ERA. He should be getting at least 5 million a year on a major league contract.
What is this? 1997?
Come on. Wins? ERA?
How about his crap strikeout rate and declining groundball rate? The fact that he’s never posted a WAR above 1.7? The fact that both his FIP and tERA marks were above 5.70 last season?
Back in the day, Looper’s primary skill was the ability to keep the ball on the ground and therefore in the park. During his peak as a reliever, his groundball rate was in the low-60’s. Now, it’s in the mid-40’s.
Sorry, but Looper is nothing more than depth in case of emergency at this point. Nice try though, with your wins and ERA and such.
Down with Sabermetrics. Traditional stats FTW.
Clearly nothing you just said is true. How did the stupidity of those words not hit you right in the face as you typed them.
“Waaait a minute…If I’m right, Looper would be signed for 5 million or more right now — or at least have a similar offer. Hmmmmmmmm…………..nah, nevermind. POST IT”
No. Check his homerun per nine innings ratio and see if you still think this
The Dodgers are willing to give looper a shot, his only other option maybe retirement. Of course as diluted as major league pitching is, someone will coming knocking on his door when they need some help.
He could have really helped the Nats. he is going to look so dumb for turning down their offer