Dodgers sign pitcher Tim Redding, but still no answer to left-handed reliever need
The Dodgers signed another pitcher Monday.
Nope, he is not left-handed. He’s not even a reliever, really.
It’s Tim Redding, who turns 33 in February, a journeyman who last pitched in the majors with the New York Mets in 2009.
This is one of those take-a-flier signings; little risk, possible reward, some insurance. The Dodgers signed him to a minor-league contract with an invite to their major-league camp. The Dodgers made a similar deal earlier with Dana Eveland, who’s at least left-handed.
The Dodgers' bullpen remains devoid of a second left-hander after Hong Chih-Kuo, and they are in serious need of a situational lefty.
Left-handed, free-agent relievers are in short supply, and a wholly unimpressive group (ex-Dodgers Joe Beimel, Will Ohman, Dennys Reyes, or 40-year-old Ron Mahay). Unless you want to count ex-Angel Brian Fuentes, 35, who still wants closer money and years.
Time, though, is beginning to run out.
The main in-house candidate is probably Scott Elbert, who mysteriously left triple-A Albuquerque last season. Despite an encouraging performance in the Arizona Fall League, it would be chancy to count on someone who has mostly been a starter and missed half of last season for unexplained reasons.
So for now, the Dodgers are adding Redding, who pitched last season in the minors for the New York Yankees and Colorado Rockies. In August he was released to pitch in South Korea.
Redding has mostly been a starter during his eight-year career, going 37-57 with a 4.95 earned-run average while pitching for five teams. He looks like safety-value material, headed to Albuquerque and waiting to see if injuries befall the Dodgers’ rotation.
Meanwhile, the search for another left-handed reliever goes on, unpromising as it may be.
-- Steve Dilbeck
Beimel--let's give Beimel another chance. If he's good, he'll be very good. And a lot cheaper than Sherrill was.
Posted by: Ken Chavez | 01/03/2011 at 04:23 PM
We need a LF too. I don't know if Jay Gibbons or Jr. can do the job. I hope we can bring in a proven power hitter via trade. We have Loney, Blake, and Broxton to use for bait. Come on, Ned, let's solidify our outfield.
Posted by: Robert | 01/03/2011 at 04:56 PM
This is one of those take-a-flier signings..."
Ain't they all?
Posted by: Zen | 01/03/2011 at 05:31 PM
Tim Redding?
.
Heck, Uncle Neddy, why not sign Tim Belcher, Tiny Tim and Tim McGraw while you're at it?
Posted by: Tim Belcher's Mom, Miss Vicki and Faith Hill | 01/03/2011 at 07:13 PM
I hear Eddie Harris is available, his junk is stuff of legend. Jake Taylor had a great year in the Mexican league, his bat is still good, probably better than Ellis'. Word on the street is that Vaughn gets paroled April 11th, he'd be ready before Belisario.
Posted by: BlueSangre | 01/03/2011 at 07:13 PM
guys, i am left handed and will sign for the miminum. guess what i don't care who i pitch too, lefties, righties
Posted by: blue moon | 01/03/2011 at 09:57 PM
they are fine they had in essence on LH out of the pen. I cant believe I am sayin this but let Elbert compete for a spot. Lets see if he can finally live up to his billing
Posted by: realistic_dodger_fan | 01/04/2011 at 12:23 PM
Another McCrap/No Head Ned bargain bin has-been. Throw him on the heap with the rest of the Disgraced Dodgers crap pile.
Posted by: KoufaxFan | 01/04/2011 at 03:27 PM