Dodger Bullpen Grows

Saying he never liked facing the Dodgers, Gregg Olson was only too happy to join them Wednesday. The right-handed relief pitcher signed a two-year deal, with the club holding an option for a third season, to work out of the Dodger bullpen.

Olson, who spent the last two seasons with the National League West rival Arizona Diamondbacks, figures to join Alan Mills and Terry Adams in setting up closer Jeff Shaw.

“The more people you have in that role, the less pressure there is,” Olson said. “It keeps everybody fresh.”

Dodger Manager Davey Johnson agreed.

“You’ve got to have guys who are comfortable in that role,” Johnson said. “The beauty of Gregg is that Gregg can also close. You’ve got to have people like that.”

Olson’s contract guarantees him $3.5 million but could pay him as much as $14.25 million with incentives and the option.

Olson, 33, will earn $1.25 million this season, $1.75 million in 2001 and would earn $2.25 million if the Dodgers pick up the option in 2002. If not, he would be bought out for $500,000.

He could earn as much as $3 million each season in bonuses.

Olson, the 1989 American League rookie of the year with Baltimore, revitalized his career in Arizona as a non-roster invitee with the expansion club in 1998 and went a career-best 9-4 with 14 saves and a 3.71 earned-run average in 61 appearances last season.