JULY 10: The Dodgers have announced that they’ve released League. League is now a free agent, and the Dodgers remain on the hook for the rest of his 2015 salary.
JULY 2: The Dodgers have designated right-hander Brandon League for assignment, the team announced. League, who is earning $7.5MM in 2015, has not pitched this season due to inflammation in his throwing shoulder. He had been on the 60-day disabled list.
League, 32, is in the final season of an ill-fated three-year, $22.5MM contract signed prior to the 2013 season. Widely panned from the moment it was signed, the contract looked dismal in year one, as League posted an ERA of 5.30 with a greatly diminished strikeout rate (4.6 K/9). The 2014 season proved to be a nice rebound for League, who worked to a 3.40 ERA with a slight increase in strikeouts (5.4 per nine) and a drastically improved ground-ball rate of 67.5 percent.
League earned that three-year deal (which was issued by the Dodgers’ former front office, headed by then-GM Ned Colletti) by posting a collective 3.38 ERA with 7.1 K/9, 3.0 BB/9, 59 saves and one of the game’s best ground-ball rates in 320 innings between the Blue Jays, Mariners and Dodgers from 2008-12.
By cutting bait on League, the Dodgers are now paying a combined $17MM to a pair of relievers — League and Brian Wilson — that will not throw a single pitch for the team in 2015. The Dodgers will have 10 days to trade, waive or release League, though in the event that he’s placed on waivers, he’ll assuredly go unclaimed due to his salary and health issues this season.
17 million on 2 relievers that wont throw a pitch and they won’t go after a Papelbon. LOL.
The Dodgers already have one of the best closers in the game LOL.
The $17 mil. comes directly out of Ned Coletti’s pension fund.
The Dodgers need a guy like Chasen Shreve not Papelbon.. The answer to any team’s bullpen problems is not to go out and get an expensive one inning pitcher.. They need a young durable pitcher that can handle multiple innings.. Not an expensive mid 30’s pitcher with diminished velocity.. I still think the Dodgers and Yankees match up well in a trade.. Something like Guerrero for Lindgren.. That would take from both teams strengths and help fix their weaknesses.. Plus, I don’t think Guerrero would opt out since he would be going to another strong big market team..
Papelbon can be used as a setup guy or vice versa. Jansen has proven what exactly in a playoff race ?
That he’s a premiere closer?
In two postseasons: 3.38 ERA, 12 SOs, 1 BB, 3 saves. I guess that’s what you mean by “playoff race” but I am not certain. As far as Papelbon is concerned, we don’t know if he’d accept a setup role, and the other issue is his vesting option for 2016, which isn’t going to work so well on a team with an established closer. All of this of course has nothing to do with League. Have to assume in his case that he’s very close to coming off the DL but the Dodgers have no place for him on the roster. The timing suggests they have at least some some slim hope of trading him.
It said that they have completely released him and he is a free agent.. Based on his stats from last year I would have thought someone would have taken him in a trade with the Dodgers eating all but a small fraction of his salary.. But that is the problem with DFA.. Why even bother trading a low level middling prospect for someone who will be a free agent in 10 days and will be signable for the pro rated amount of the league minimum?
Depends on how much a team wants the player. In a trade situation they are negotiating exclusively with his current team.
So $13 million for a setup man? Plus, a $13 million option for next year that vests if he finishes another 19 games? That is basically throwing money away, even for the Dodgers who have made throwing money away an art form.. Plus, they will have to deal with Amaro who will want a top prospect for him.. Stupid isn’t a strong enough word for the Dodgers getting Papelbon.. Especially, since someone like Clippard will be available. He will be way cheaper, has better stuff than Papelbon, and will only cost a middling prospect.. The Dodgers will have so many better options than Papelbon at the deadline.. I have to ask why you would even suggest him? He isn’t even the best option on the Phillies for the Dodgers to chase.. Giles would fit their need way better and it would probably take the same prospect to get him as Papelbon and he is young and cost controlled..