Sources: Dodgers, Reds making progress on deal for Chapman
The Dodgers thus far have struck out on big-name pitching this offseason, seeing David Price sign in Boston and watching Cy Young runner-up Zack Greinke skip town and sign with division-rival Arizona before reportedly reaching a deal with free-agent right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma on Sunday.
But could it be that the three-time defending NL West champions are simply focusing their attention on the part of the pitching staff that ends games, as opposed to the part of it that starts them?
According to FOX Sports MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal on Sunday, the Dodgers are "making progress" on a trade with the Cincinnati Reds to acquire four-time All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman.
ESPN's Buster Olney reported later on Sunday that "There is growing confidence in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization" that the team would complete a deal for Chapman, 27.
Sources: #Dodgers in talks to acquire Aroldis Chapman from #Reds for prospects.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 6, 2015
Sources: #Dodgers making progress on Chapman deal with #Reds.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 6, 2015
Of course, any deal involving the Dodgers acquiring Chapman must include talk of Kenley Jansen, the Dodgers' current closer who has 80 saves in 87 chances over the past two seasons. Not surprisingly, neither pitcher is expected to accept being a set-up man.
Last season the Dodgers finished 19th in MLB with a 3.91 bullpen ERA and 20th with a .249 opponents’ ERA by the bullpen. The Dodgers' 21 blown saves were tied for fourth-most in the NL last season ... with the Reds. However, Jansen had only two blown saves last season, Chapman three, so a majority of the bullpen issues with both teams sat in the innings before the ball ever gets to the closer.
If #Dodgers acquire Chapman, will be interesting to see if they move him or Jansen. Both entering FA years. Neither will want eighth inning.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 6, 2015
