The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to stockpile arms in defense of their Western Division title, signing Jeff Weaver and Ramon Ortiz to minor league contracts and inviting both to spring training.
Weaver, 33, is a familiar face to Dodger fans, having been a solid starter in the 2004 and 2005 seasons for Los Angeles, then returning last season after having been out of the majors for one year. Weaver was reasonably effective in a swingman role in 2009, posting a 3.65 ERA (108 ERA+) in 79 innings, spread in seven starts and 28 relief appearances, despite having a whopping WHIP of 1.519. Allowing only one hit and three walks in 24 bases-loaded situations helped hold down the ERA.
Per Rhett Bollinger of mlb.com, Weaver signed an $800,000 minor-league contract. Dylan Hernandez states that Weaver has a chance of earning "around another $100k in performance bonuses".
Ramon Ortiz last pitched in the majors in 2007. In his three major league seasons after being traded by the Angels, he has a 5.47 ERA (78 ERA+) over 466 innings pitched, allowing 81 home runs over that span. Ortiz pitched one season in Japan for the Orix BlueWave, then last season pitched in AAA for the Giants affiliate in Fresno.
Presumably Weaver will be vying for his swingman role, and perhaps the newest R. Ortiz is yet another longshot fifth starter candidate who might provide emergency depth in the minors.