Because you can never have too much pitching.  The Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in another pitcher.  This time, they are looking at a closer, Joel Hanrahan.  The Pittsburgh Pirates' closer is not officially on the market, but the team has indicated to other that they would listen to offers.  One of those offers may come from the Dodgers.

According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Pirates may be more willing to trade Hanrahan now that they have reached a deal with Jason Grilli.  He also says the Pirates have already had talks with GMs at the Winter Meetings about Hanrahan.


Hanrahan could step in as the Dodgers closer from day one.  He has closed out games for the Pirates for the last two season, and he's done a pretty good job at it.  Last season, Hanrahan posted a 2.72 ERA with 36 saves.  The year before, he has a 1.83 ERA with 40 saves.

The Dodgers used Kanley Jansen as their closer for most of the year.  However, Jansen had to undergo heart surgery after he was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.  The procedure was successful and Jansen is expected to be ready for Opening Day, but the Dodgers are likely looking to reinforce their bullpen with a guy like Hanrahan.

Hanrahan himself had a minor injury scare early in the 2012 season.  He suffered a strained hamstring that kept him out for one game, but he ultimately avoided the disabled list.

If the Dodgers acquire Hanrahan, they would be adding about $5 million in payroll to their already bloated team salary.  Hanrahan is arbitration eligible and he made $4.1 million in 2012.  He is due another raise, and he will probably get around $5 million.
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