Los Angeles Dodgers executive Andrew Friedman comments on Zack Greinke departure
Los Angeles Dodgers executive Andrew Friedman commented on star pitcher Zack Greinke leaving the team.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were seen as the favorites to retain star pitcher Zack Greinke, who opted out of his contract to hit free agency. The Cy Young candidate pitched a 1.66 ERA and 0.88 WHIP last season in his third year with the team.
The only other team that was expected to compete with the Dodgers for Greinke’s services was the San Francisco Giants. However, the Arizona Diamondbacks emerged late as suitors. They would end up shocking baseball by being the ones to sign Greinke, giving him six years, $206 million.
It clearly stunned the Dodgers as well because their president of baseball operations put out a statement on the departure, stating they made a “very strong offer.”
Statement from Dodger president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman on Zack Greinke: pic.twitter.com/edegqWjc2R
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 5, 2015
Now the Dodgers are tasked with acquiring a starting pitcher to slot behind rotation ace Clayton Kershaw. This will be a tough task, as he and Greinke made up one of the best one-two punches in baseball.
The player highest on the Dodgers’ list could be Kansas City Royals free agent pitcher Johnny Cueto. He is coming off a sub-par two months with the World Series winners, posting an ERA near 5.00. However, he pitched four straight years with an ERA below 3.00 with the Cincinnati Reds, so he may look to return to the National League.
Other targets include Scott Kazmir and Jeff Samardzija.
What move the Dodgers counter with next will be interesting. How can they replace someone like Greinke?