Dodgers sign veteran reliever Mike MacDougal
File this one under … oh, file it however you like.
The Dodgers signed right-handed reliever Mike MacDougal to a minor league contract Friday, with an invitation to spring camp, which has been his modus operandi for the past three offseasons.
It doesn’t answer their need for another left-hander in the bullpen, but he could prove a decent arm to call up during the season when relievers start going down.
That’s a decent-sized could, MacDougal finishing last season with a 7.23 ERA in 17 games with the Cardinals, though he spent much of the year in the minors.
Once -- back in 2003 -- MacDougal was an All-Star for the Kansas City Royals, saving 27 games. Since then, a lot of up and down. He turns 34 in March.
He throws hard, but sometimes struggles with his control. Just two years ago, he appeared in 52 games for the Nationals and saved 20 games.
Unless something unforeseen happens, he doesn’t figure to make the team out of camp. The bullpen is already full, and it still lacks a second left-hander.
It’s a minor gamble, and possible insurance for later on.
-- Steve Dilbeck
another JOKE
Posted by: Blue Sangre | 01/28/2011 at 05:02 PM
I see Ned's dumpster diving again. Why? I don't have a clue.
.
Neither does Ned.
Posted by: Labeldude | 01/28/2011 at 05:45 PM
This should be the final piece to the puzzle. Where do I buy my world series tickets?
Posted by: Gsb | 01/28/2011 at 05:53 PM
This blog needs a little negativity. You guys are all way too upbeat on the Dodgers' chances.
The Dodgers will be a lot better this year than the angry, whining tone here suggests.
Posted by: Tom Daniels | 01/28/2011 at 06:00 PM
More tripe for the McCrap pile.
Posted by: KoufaxFan | 01/28/2011 at 06:01 PM
world series here we come !!
Posted by: IloveLA | 01/28/2011 at 06:39 PM
This clears the way to resign Olmedo Sáenz.
Posted by: skyharbor | 01/28/2011 at 07:45 PM
I like Gsb's post...now that's funny! Well, they say you can never have enough pitching. But really...Mike MacDougal? Another right-hander? Yeah, he once was an All-Star...eight years ago. I guess they know what they're doing...don't they?
Posted by: bob cuomo | 01/28/2011 at 10:55 PM
Washed-up has been gambles have become the Dodger's stock in trade. Perhaps it works once in a while, but a better farm system with a baseball academy would be a better call.
Posted by: McCourts should go back to Boston | 01/29/2011 at 12:11 AM
Colletti goes by the old adage, 'throw s**t against the wall to see what sticks'.
Posted by: StanL | 01/29/2011 at 01:54 AM
Joe Beimel just signed with Pirates.
Posted by: Hollywood Dodger Mark | 01/29/2011 at 02:01 AM
Steve,
I'd like to announce DODGE-THE-DODGERS-DAYS.
These will be certain games in 2011 when a a massive strike by Dodgers fans will present a nearly empty stadium for MLB and current Mismanagement to contemplate.
Specific dates: TBA
Posted by: Striker | 01/29/2011 at 11:37 AM
I will be having a combination 34th Birthday and Dodger Roster Cut Party for Mike MacDougal in March.
Posted by: Mike MacDougal's Mom | 01/29/2011 at 12:51 PM
MacDougal and Navarro would make great battery mates for our team in the Inland Empire.
Posted by: N.P.Krohn | 01/29/2011 at 02:27 PM
And I know what some of you are thinking - why get irritated with this signing? Yes, I know he doesn't have much chance of making the roster. Yes, I know that every team makes these kinds of moves. HOWEVER, these are just about the only kinds of moves Ned makes. It'd be one thing if we had a team with a bunch of solid performers whom you could get some filler type players on the cheap that wouldn't hurt you too much. But this team is made up of filler and fluff - Barajas, Thames, Navarro, Gwynn, Gibbons, Garland, Uribe... Stan L has the right analogy of the Colletti philosophy. And it's exactly this analogy as to why Ned comes up with a "gem" every now and then - he signs more crap than anybody. Even a blind squirrel will find an acorn now and then if he stumbles around long enough. Hell yes one or two of Ned's reclaimation projects make the team every year - it helps when most of the other "competition" for a roster spot(s) is nothing but filler too. Jeez Taco Bell could take a lesson in filler from Ned.
Posted by: Labeldude | 01/29/2011 at 02:54 PM
neddy must love trolling the rescue missions. I know franky does......
Posted by: Jim McVeigh | 01/29/2011 at 04:58 PM
McCourt better start watching what his GM is doing with his penny jar. 1000 has-beens really starts to add up.
Is Ned just being sadistic--to the fans? Somebody stop him before he signs again.
Posted by: Native Angeleno | 01/30/2011 at 07:44 AM
This ones titled: "A Meeting of the Minds"
Scene opens with Ned in small chair seated in front of huge desk and huge chair in which Frank is seated with his back to Ned, looking out the window, hands together under his chin with only the fingertips touching; in Mr. Burnsesque repose.
Ned: Er Boss, I think we need another arm out of the pen. A Lefty.
Frank: What if he were a right handed pitcher?
Ned: Well we have alot of those already but it could work. Any help helps. Right?
Frank: And what if he used to throw hard years ago but now only an average fastball? I think that could really mess with a batter's head. Is he going to throw me the fastball he used to throw years ago or is he going to throw me the one he's been throw lately? It could work like a change-up!
Ned: Yeah, i guess, er... you could be onto something!
Frank: And I want his medical history to read like War and Peace, I'm tired of reading all those scouting reports Logan keeps sending me. I want some new material damnit!
Ned:Certainly MacDougal from Kansas City?
The End?
Posted by: N.P.Krohn | 01/30/2011 at 12:56 PM
Ned is doing what every fantasy baseball owner does. Buy low and hopefully be able to reap the rewards. I can't say I blame him. He deserves credit for the payroll he has to work around.
Posted by: Anthony09087 | 01/31/2011 at 03:55 PM
Nice try, Steve, appreciate getting SOMETHING in the Bleacher Report ... but it is a sad indication that nothing is buzzing in Dodgertown. Sigh ... I remain a boy of summer, and the pitchers and catchers are <3 weeks away from an Arizona suntain session, so let's hope the team's core hasn't been dining on cheese and potato chips and comes in p'd off and ready to play hardball.
Posted by: fuelcelljoe | 02/01/2011 at 12:58 PM
How the hell did we not sign Beimel? How the hell did we ever let him go? We need another lefty in the bullpen and we continue to pass on the guy who gave up ONE home run in his last TWO YEARS as a Dodger. Nothing gets through to Ned, not even my loud screaming:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef4_R_Q3TWE
Posted by: Dodgerfilms | 02/01/2011 at 01:54 PM