Monday, December 26, 2016

Report: Cardinals join Dodgers in pursuit of Brian Dozier

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 11: Brian Dozier #2 of the Minnesota Twins reacts to being called out on strikes against the Cleveland Indians during the fourth inning of the game on September 11, 2016 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Indians defeated the Twins 7-1. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
The Dodgers have made no secret about its interest in Twins second baseman Brian Dozier. The new wrinkle, though, according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN, is that the Cardinals are “very much in it” as well. Wolfson adds that the Nationals and Giants remain in dialogue with the Twins, too.
The Cardinals, of course, have a crowded infield as is with incumbent second baseman Kolten Wong. Wong played some outfield last season but it would make more sense if Wong were included in a deal that brought Dozier to St. Louis. Meanwhile, the Dodgers traded veteran 2B/OF Howie Kendrick to the Phillies and regular second baseman Chase Utley is still in free agency. If the season were to start today, Enrique Hernandez and Micah Johnson would handle the position.
Dozier, 29, had an outstanding 2016 campaign, finishing with a .268/.340/.546 triple-slash line along with 42 home runs, 99 RBI, and 104 runs scored in 691 plate appearances. According to FanGraphs’ version of Wins Above Replacement, only Jose Altuve (6.7) and Robinson Cano (6.0) were more valuable than Dozier (5.9) at the second base position.

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