Colorado Targeting J.P. Howell

This just in, the Rockies are trying to steal left hander J.P. Howell away from the Dodgers. This better not happen. The Rockies have been eyeing relief help for most of the winter. They’ve already signed Latroy Hawkins, and have been targeting other relievers. They had shown interest in Joaquin Benoit, and had tried to trade for Sean Marshall, apparently. Renck is reporting that the two sides have made “real progress”. Uh-oh….

Now according to Troy Renck, Colorado is trying to steal J.P. Howell away from the Dodgers. Ok, they’re not really trying to steal him away. I mean he’s a free agent, so he can’t be “stolen”. But this is annoying. Resigning Howell should be a priority for the Dodger’s 2014 bullpen.

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher J.P. Howell (56) in the eighth inning of the game against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium.-Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Howell was fantastic last season for the Dodgers as a left handed specialist. Howell posted a 4-1 record, 2.03 ERA, 1.048 WHIP, 54 whiffs, and 23 walks in 62 innings pitched in 2013. In 67 games, Howell posted a 7.8 K/9 rate, and a 3.3 BB/9 rate with a 6.1 H/9 rate.

I have no idea why Howell would want to pitch at Coors field, but Stacie suggested that the Dodgers may have or are low-balling him on an offer. Or perhaps they have yet to make him any kind of substantial offer at all? Damn the Rockies. Hopefully they don’t pry him away from us. Get on this Ned! We’ll keep you updated on this as it develops.