2012 MLB Free Agents: Dodgers Sign Jerry Hairston Jr., Aaron Harang
By Editorial Staff
The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their busy offseason yesterday, signing utility man Jerry Hairston Jr. and nearing an agreement with starting pitcher Aaron Harang. Hairston and the Dodgers agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal while Harang is said to be nearing a two-year, $12 million deal with LA.
Hairston has shown the ability to play all over during his major league career, and this is why Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti coveted the 35-year-old. Specifically, Colletti sees Hairston as “veteran protection” for the Dodgers at shortstop where the club will play a pair of rookies, Dee Gordon and Justin Sellers, in 2012.
Last season Hairston split time between the Washington Nationals and Milwaukee Brewers. Over his 120 games in 2011, Hairston hit at a clip of .270/.344/.383 with 27 extra base hits and 31 RBI’s. Over the past two seasons, Hairston has played every position except for first base and catcher.
When the Dodgers signed starting pitcher Chris Capuano many figured they had their 2012 rotation set. This was not the case, as LA decided to bring in Aaron Harang, another veteran starter, to fill out their staff. Harang and Capuano will team with Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley and Ted Lilly to give the Dodgers five starters who logged at least 170 innings in 2011.
Harang pitched for the San Diego Padres in 2011, logging 170 2/3 innings while maintaining an ERA and WHIP of 3.64 and 1.365. Over his 10 major league seasons, Harang has held an ERA and WHIP of 4.25 and 1.347. Harang’s addition could mean that rookie pitcher Nathan Eovaldi will be used out of the pen to start the season.
Many believed the door had been shut on former Dodger Hiroki Kuroda when the club signed Capuano. If that was the case, the door is now shut, locked and bolted. For less than the money LA paid Kuroda in 2011 ($12 million), the Dodgers have brought in a pair of veteran starters, Capuano ($5 million) and Harang ($6 million).
For more on the Dodgers, be sure to check out Lasorda’s Lair.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.