The Dodgers finalized their three-year deal with relief pitcher Matt Guerrier today, locking up the 32-year old reliever through 2013. "Matt gives us depth in the bullpen as he’s proven to be a strong performer on a team that contends year in and year out," said general manager Ned Colletti. "He’s willing to take the ball in any situation and his track record speaks for itself. We’re excited to have him in the late innings for the next few seasons."
The right-hander signed for $12 million total, broken down as follows, per Tony Jackson of ESPN:
- 2011: $1.5 million
- 2012: $4.75 million
- 2013: $4.75 million
- 2014: $1 million (part of deferred signing bonus)
The Dodgers press release also noted that the last name of the new reliever is pronounced Gurr-ear, for those who were wondering (I thought his last name rhymed with derriere, for instance). Here's hoping Guerrier can help the back end of the Dodger bullpen, and that committing $12 million to a middle reliever won't bite them in the backside.
The signing of Guerrier gives the Dodgers 41 players on their 40-man roster, so a corresponding move will need to be made. That move (think, something like John Lindsey getting designated for assignment) has not yet been announced.
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Just in case the Dodgers need yet another pitcher, they are a finalist, along with the Giants and Rays, to sign reliever Guillermo Mota to a minor-league contract, per Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes.
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The Dodgers search for a left-fielder is down to Scott Podsednik and Bill Hall, writes Jackson, with a "strong preference" for the right-handed Hall.