By Dave Holcomb
Less than 24 hours after CBS Sports’ Scott Miller reported the Pirates and Giants were the leading teams in the Brian Wilson sweepstakes, the Los Angeles Dodgers stole the show and finally have a closer.
The contract that lasts through the remainder of the season is for a $1 million base salary according to Rotoworld.com, but the deal also includes large performance-based bonuses for if the closer pitches well.
Wilson has spent more than a year recovering from Tommy John surgery, for the second time in his career. The right-hander will report to the Dodgers minor league system and rehab for two weeks before joining the team. Yahoo Sports reports Wilson will set up for current Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen.
The former Giant won two championships while in San Francisco, but was on the disabled list during their playoff run last year. For the Giants’ first championship of this decade in 2010, Wilson was a major contributor with 48 saves and six in the playoffs, by far his best season.
The closer will take his ferocious beard to LA, his former team’s top rival, where two different relief pitchers have shared the closing duties this season.
Brandon League saved 14 games, but blew four before being replaced by Kenley Jansen, who also has 14 saves. Jansen also leads the Dodgers in holds with 16.
Brian Wilson, 31, pitched for seven years in San Francisco saving 171 games with a 3.23 ERA.
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