The Los Angeles Dodgers have one of MLB's most feared rotations already, headed by three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw, but according to reports L.A. isn't finished tweaking.
In fact, they may be willing to shop another former Cy Young winner, 31-year-old Zack Greinke, in order to nab one of the top free agent hurlers on the market. According to WEEI.com the Dodgers have shown significant interest in left-hander Jon Lester.
Initially the teams in hottest pursuit of Lester were his former club, the Boston Red Sox, and the San Francisco Giants. As the offseason has gone on, Boston spent big money on third baseman Pablo Sandoval and Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez. It's unclear if their spending spree will continue, or if those adds represented the Sox' haul for the 2014 offseason.
There also remains speculation that outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is on his way out via trade; that could either net them the rotation help they desperately need, or free up the funds to go after Lester.
The Giants and Dodgers, on the other hand, had money freed up once their free agents fled to Boston.
The push for Lester on the Dodgers' part is curious; they already have a strong rotation with depth behind Kershaw. Greinke posted a 17-8 record with a 2.71 ERA in 2014, along with a 9.21 K/9 ratio. According to the WEEI report, however, the Dodgers value Lester's postseason track record.
Despite being the top pitcher in baseball Kershaw's postseason performances haven't lived up to his regular season billing and Greinke's remained level. Lester, meanwhile, has two World Series rings to show off.
Lester also had the best season of his career in 2014, going 16-11 with the Red Sox and Athletics with a 2.46 ERA and 1.10 WHIP.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
