The Dodgers are getting closer to rounding out their bench for 2012, reportedly near a deal with infielder Adam Kennedy, per Tony Jackson of ESPN Los Angeles. As Jackson notes, "Length and terms of the deal weren't immediately available," though it would be rather shocking if Kennedy got more than a one-year deal.
Kennedy made $750,000 with the Seattle Mariners last year after signing a minor-league contract before the season.
The Dodgers would be the fifth team in five seasons for Kennedy, who hit just .234/.277/.355 for Seattle in 2011. He would likely be the primary left-handed hitting infielder off the bench for the Dodgers in 2012, playing second base and third base as needed. A second baseman by trade, Kennedy started all over the infield for Seattle last year, starting 34 games at second base, 24 games at third base, and even 23 games at first base.
Kennedy was once a terrific defensive second baseman, though time will tell if he still is entering his age 36 season. Kennedy was rated as an above average defender, at least at second base, by both Ultimate Zone Rating and Total Zone Rating in three of the last five years, and subpar in both 2007 and 2009.
Kennedy's finest hour on the field was Game 5 of the 2002 ALCS, when he hit three home runs to lead the Angels over the Twins for the American League pennant. His finest hour off the field just might be this guest appearance on the television show She Spies: