Brandon McCarthy is Now Officially a Dodger

Just in case you didn't already know, the Brandon McCarthy signing was made official this morning.  Via a Dodger press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the signing of free-agent right-handed pitcher Brandon McCarthy to a four-year contract.

McCarthy, 31, established career highs in wins (10), strikeouts (175) and innings pitched (200.0) last season with the Diamondbacks and Yankees, going 10-15 with a 4.05 ERA in 32 starts. He ranked ninth among MLB starters with a 5.30 strikeout-to-walk ratio and averaged only 1.49 walks per 9.0 innings, the eighth-best mark in the Majors. Beginning with his final two starts with the D-backs and through his 14 starts with New York following his July 6 trade, McCarthy was one of the game's best pitchers, going 9-5 with a 2.80 ERA (32 ER/103.0 IP) from June 27 to the conclusion of the season.

Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times also shared some contract details on twitter:

Brandon McCarthy will receive a $6 million bonus. $11 million a year in 2015 and 2016, $10 million a year in 2017 and 2018.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) December 16, 2014

And as I stated in a post earlier today, the Dodgers DFA'd Brian Wilson to make room for McCarthy on the 40-man roster.  Dodger GM Farhan Zaidi had this to say about it,

"We don’t want to be sort of tied down by financial obligations — we’re just trying to build the best team we can for 2015."

Well, this morning Zaidi held a telephone press conference today, and I had an opportunity to listen in on it.  Below are some brief notes on what was discussed:

• Brandon McCarthy made changes to his winter routine by doing some upper body lifting.  Zaidi believes that should make him a more durable player going forward.
• Last season McCarthy added 2MPH to his fastball; which is unheard of for a pitcher of his age.
• The 4-year contract to McCarthy was based on an interest in a long-term solution and in response to potential opt-out clauses to Kershaw and Greinke contracts.  Zaidi also mentioned that the marketplace dictated the length of deal.
• Zaidi continue to emphasize that McCarthy pitched 200 innings last season.
• Said Stan Conte was heavily involved in vetting the health of both McCarthy and Anderson.
• Zaidi refused to say whether they would be looking around for another starting pitcher, saying "we feel very good about where we are having five starting pitchers who give us a chance to win every time out."
• Farhan made the point of saying that when he was with the A's no pitcher made him more comfortable on the mound.  He knew McCarthy would execute their plan.
• With regards to pending trades, they have no worries or concerns.  They are just logistical issues; i.e. scheduling physicals, etc.
• Farnhan then stated the obvious, "On the defensive side of the ball, I do think that we've upgraded significantly."

At this point they announced that Brian Wilson had been DFA'd, and my mind went blank.  Like, really?  I just didn't think the Dodgers would walk away from his huge contract.  Of course, this is a different crew and they obviously want to quickly rid themselves of anything that might get in the way of their plans.  In fact, Zaidi stated that they just didn't consider Wilson to be one of their top 7 reliever options.

Later in the afternoon, Brandon McCarthy held his own telephone press interview.  Below are my notes:

• Was born in Glendale, but lived in Pasadena til 11. 
• Brandon idolized Orel Hershiser when he was a kid - he recalled running into him at Disneyland as a kid.
• Said, "there was nothing that didn’t intrigue me about the Dodgers.  I grew up 10 miles from the stadium. The Dodgers were what I knew."
• He looks forward to learning from Kershaw and Greinke.
• He did some heavy lifting over winter to emphasize strength in shoulders and his back; lifting heavy and lifting often.  Knows that runs counter to what most folks think a pitcher should do.
• He had a seizure after a head injury in 2013 and felt weaker due to a 13lbs. weight loss.  As a result, he decided to get into workout program to gain strength.  
• Said Brett Anderson ( a former teammate in Oakland) is a "good quiet guy." An "unbelievable competitor... Always envisioned himself as being great... It's been devastating to see him go thru all these injuries."  He looks forward to spending the season with him and seeing him perform.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *