No Dope-Fiend Moves

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1. I do remember someone that called for the firing of Roberts because of his stupid moves.
   The Dodgers pen so far this season have come into games with 103 inherited runners on base and let 43 of those runners score or 42% which ties the Dodgers with Baltimore for next to last in the ML,only Washington at 44% is worst. but I´m very glad to see the Dodgers pen is getting better everyday.
   Should Friedman go and overpay for some relief pitchers that could improve the pen,I say no, and he will not, he will do the best that he can while dealing with GM´s who are going to say take it or leave it, and Friedman will leave it,good for him.
   Barnes has August to show improvement on offense before the Dodgers need to do anything with Smith, if Barnes is showing no improvement than Smith will have September to show the Dodgers what he can do.

   1. Barnes already has shown he cant hit enough all year and last year. He is a liability in the lineup and a black hole there is just painful to watch him at this point and cant throw out anyone at second. He is a very easy out might get some walks but just cant hit and Martin is about the same now. I say bring Smith soon. I do not know why Roberts likes Barnes so much. He would not be starting in any other team.

2. I am still sick after watching Kenley melt last night. Kenley looked great a few nights ago and horrible last night. Yes the defense didn’t help but his stuff was very hittable. I don’t have the answers, I’ll leave that to this board and the Dodgers front office but I do know the problem. We can hope to make it back to the World Series again this year but this time we had better be ready. These chances don’t roll around that often (1988).

   1. Jansen is so inconsistent now . The announcers at ESPN were talking about his velocity being at an all time low this year and he cant be trusted anymore. But also Pollock and Muncy did not help him on defense and Pollock look terrible on both balls hit to him and was not able to react on time but was a complete meltdown and Jansen the last 2 WS has been bad too. He also was hit on the foot and that might have affected but another thing that i saw was that he constantly was tying his shoes during the inning. He just seemed not focus and not intense on the mount. I know Pollock just came back but i think Verdugo is playing better CF than him at this point. Maybe they should move Pollock to LF. It was a terrible inning reminded me when Broxton blew it there in playoffs years ago. Dodgers need relief help badly but go for Vasquez or someone who can close.

3. Roberts will yank Hill without a second thought and let Kershaw and Jansen continue to pitch when there are obvious and big reasons to yank them. Maybe he doesn’t feel he has a suitable option for K and J but that doesn’t explain why he always feels he has one with Hill.

   Roberts needs a couple more relievers he trusts to help him with difficult decisions.

   1. Yes. If Kershaw and Jansen tells Roberts they want to pitch he will listen to them and let them pitch but both of them have been bad in both WS and have not delivered under pressure and being able get it done. They have been good in Playoffs sometimes but WS they have been terrible so far. Both have no velocity anymore and give up home runs a lot.

4. This is the first year (in a few) when I have not had the back end confidence in the pen. The cutter isn’t cutting like it has. It’s a shame because the team is so solid in all the other areas!

   Imagine if the 5-6 games this year we’ve blown late, were the wins we typically expect from this bullpen! 68-29, or something close. Last night was ouchy….

   I feel AF will feel obligated to do something because if I feel like this, he surely does!

   I just wish we had a couple dudes that could come from the farm and make it happen here. I hate to give up great kids but want the big prize. I trust our brain trust. Go be great…..

5. Greene comes with a “buyer beware sign” prominently displayed. In addition to his previous years as a batting practice pitcher, his fastball velocity is down almost 2 mph, his ERA is 1.06, but FIP is 3.65, and xFIP 4.04; Batted ball in play is .179, but in his career it is over .300. Do not drink the cool-aide and pass on Greene.

6. Relax.

7. In better news: Josiah Gray has been promoted to Tulsa. Nice first year in the organization.

   1. Josiah Gray could be our number one pitching prospect by mid 2020. The kid has only been pitching since 2017 (he’s a former shortstop) and has made unbelievable progress.
      I’ll bet he’s high up on the ask list for every reliever we’ve inquired about. I hope we hold on to him.

      1. Singing, I 100% agree with everything you said

      2. I really like converted shortstops.

8. Awesome news about Gray.
   Kenley gave up a 1 out double, and then a weak chopper that found a hole for a single. Can’t fault him for a seeing eye single. Can’t fault him for a high pop up that 2 players couldn’t get to. However, he grooved one to Harper. Maybe by that point, his ankle was bothering him, so he couldn’t locate the pitch.

   Either way, I think Kenley had been starting to look better and was fine yesterday until Harper’s AB. Give him few days off now to rest that ankle.

   Ferguson has crazy strike out rates in AAA. Lux has insane numbers so far in AAA! DJ Peter struck out 4 times yesterday; that’s more like it.

   The reports last week said Pitt would ask for 2 of Lux, May, Ruiz/Smith. I don’t believe it’ll take 2 of those guys when it’s all said and done. And it certainly won’t cost us Lux May AND Smith/Ruiz!! John Hand doesn’t excite me, but I would love Brad Hand!

   Haha, and whoever’s been suggesting Jake Diekman the past few weeks may be on to something. Now reports are out we’re discussing him as well. Maybe he’ll be come the new Cingrani?

   1. According to MLB.com insider Jon Morosi, Pittsburgh is still on the fence whether or not they would be willing to part with Vazquez, who is signed to a very team friendly deal for the next few years. But if the Dodgers really want the All-Star closer, expect a big return for Vazquez.

      “How high is #Pirates price on Felipe Vázquez? Sources say Pittsburgh likely would ask #Dodgers for *at least* two of the Keibert Ruiz/Gavin Lux/Dustin May/Will Smith group if talks ever advanced. (And one source said Pirates remain unsure if they sell at all.)

      https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2019/07/11/pirates-want-multiple-top-prospects-for-vazquez/

      posted 6 hours ago.

      I still believe it will take 3! They have him for 3 more years.

      1. I can’t see AF giving up 3 out of this group. I don’t think he would even consider 2. He might possibly give up Ruiz if he believes Will Smith can be the primary catcher until Cartaya is ready. I don’t think he trades Will Smith because Ruiz isn’t ready yet and there is an immediate need for a catcher.

         However, there’s no way the Pirates do a deal for Vasquez that nets just 1 top 100 prospect.

      2. Repeating old speculation. Sources are JP Morosi. The Dodgers need to get him if he’s available and also keep their playoff competition from getting him.
         ~
         Tough to watch Pollock’s defense with your best CF’s in LF and RF. Interesting series so far. We’ve seen Phillies fans boo their team after they didn’t know how many outs there were in Game 1. We’ve seen the Dodgers defend a Phillies pitcher then see the Dodgers get purposely plunked by a Phillies pitcher. The balls are flying out fo that stupid bandbox of a park. Kenley wasn’t sharp the moment he came in, but his defense hasn’t helped him. We can talk about DRS until we’re blue in the face but the fact of the matter is the defense has been putrid for a few weeks now..

   2. I was the one that made a PREDICTION that the Dodgers would trade for Jake Diekman.

   3. I was the one who made a PREDICTION that the Dodgers would trade for Jake Diekman.
      Roberts loves lefty/lefty match ups.
      Jake Diekman is the best lefty reliever that will come at a cheap price.

      I don’t necessarely want him, but its my PREDICTION.

      1. The Dodgers have been monitoring Diekman for over a month. You did make the prediction, and I agreed that you were probably right. Diekman is exactly the “project” AF likes to latch onto. If Diekman costs more than a DSL project, then I am more than fine if they walk away. But to consider any potential ML player for Diekman is silly. Of course he also fits in the role as he is a walk machine at nearly 5.5 per 9 IP. He does strike out a lot as well. He is nothing more than a journeyman reliever that can be effective in non-high leverage situations…sometimes. He was absolutely horrific last year in Arizona. I would much rather keep my prospect capital and ride the Caleb Ferguson train. But I want to do that already anyway.

         A more important question is will Scott Alexander be ready? Or is he done for the year? If there is a chance he can come back, then there is absolutely no need for Jake Diekman. I would rather have Scott Alexander and all of his misgivings.

         The team does not need projects. They need late inning high leverage solutions. If that means there are no late inning relievers available at a reasonable overpay, then go overpay for a starter like Trevor Bauer and keep Urias in the bullpen, and make him the LH closer. He needs to work into pitching in back to back games, and that is something I would start now to see if he can handle it. If not, another piece of the puzzle is solved, and that opens the door for a proven late inning pitcher.

         If you give up a DSL project for Diekman, no harm done, and if he does not perform, DFA him. But that should only be a secondary move. If they get Diekman then look at acquiring both Marcus Stroman and Ken Giles from the Jays. Stroman puts Maeda in the pen along with Strip. Jansen/Giles/Urias/Maeda/Strip/Baez/Kelly/and Ferguson or Diekman or Alexander whichever performs best. To Floro, Shaggy, Garcia, Sadler, and the two LHRP not selected…say thank you for the season, and see you next year.

         My prediction…Diekman, Caleb, and Quackenbush and a lot of hope for lightening in a bottle. Outside chance for Shane Greene for a 10-20 and a 20-30 prospect. None of the top Dodger prospects are going for a reliever. That is not how AF puts together a roster.

         1. Always Compete

            Diekman should only be used as a loogy if the Dodgers get him.

            No on Stroman.

            I’ve been advocating for Ken Giles for a long time now. But the price tag (who we have to trade) for pitching is very steep. If it’s an all prospect deal for Giles and it doesn’t cost us any of Ruiz, Lux, May, Smith, Gonsolin, DJ Peters then I’m all for getting Giles.

            If it includes any pitcher on the 25 man roster for Giles then it all depends.

            If it includes anyone from our incredible offense then no on Giles.

            1. You still ignore the fact that Ken Giles was an absolute train wreck in the playoffs when the team will need him the most. Is he a playoff pitcher? You say yes. A lot of others say no. I am not against Ken Giles, but only if the price is right. If you only want Diekman as a loogy then you still need a lock down LHRP and without another elite LHRP, that has to fall on Urias. If Urias stays in the pen this year, the team needs another starter for the playoffs. They can do much worse than Marcus Stroman or Trevor Bauer. Both RHSP who can be in the mix for next year if neither Hill or Ryu are with the team. I would rather have Stroman or Bauer over Maeda and very few other than me seems to like Strip as a SP. Both May and Gonsolin are going to need another year before they are summoned to the rotation. Gonsolin could find himself in the relief role next year, because it is looking clearer by the game that Jansen is no longer the closer he used to be, and may never get back to that level.

               I know you and others do not like the lefty/lefty and righty/righty matchups, but that is what we are going to get. Like it or not, that is how Doc manages and how AF will stack the roster.

            2. Always Compete

               I just don’t want any (as Mark would say) Dope Fiend trades to happen.

               Stroman and Bauer would be Dope Fiend IMO.

               I don’t think the Dodgers need a lock down left handed reliever.

               Giles stats against lefties is great, same goes for Baez against lefties.

               A combo of Diekman and Floro as lefty and righty specialists can eat an inning in relief if needed. 6th inning. Look at their stats just as specialists.

               If Hill returns Urias stregthens the bullpen.

               If Kelly figures it out, and I’m not holding out hope for that, but IF he does that adds to the bullpen.

               If Hill cannot return then Urias takes the 4th spot in the rotation but that will make the bullpen weaker, but still look at what I said above.

9. We should revisit highly debated trades and non-trades (but were proposed and discussed).

   Two that come to mind are:
   1. Kemp/Puig/Wood/Farmer for Downs/Gray
   2. JT Realmuto for Belli + top prospects

   #2 was a prime example of a dope fiend move that the Dodgers avoided. After losing Grandal, the desperation to get a really good catcher caused a lot of fans to insist the Dodgers overpay to get Realmuto. Realmuto is batting around .270 and has 11 HRs. Realmuto for Belli straight up would have been dope fiend. Can you imagine trading Belli PLUS 1 of Ruiz/Smith/May/Lux for .270 and 11 HRs?!

   Back to the trade that netted Downs/Gray. I’ve listened to a couple Reds games and the announcers seem pretty happy with Puig. He’s got a decent BA and he’s hitting home runs – which is not surprising given Puig’s work with Turner Ward and the ball park where the Reds play. I think Pollock is a better fit with the Dodgers, however. Plus, Verdugo is really playing well. Few had heard much about Downs and Gray but both are doing well – Gray in particular has advanced 2 levels after dominating on both the Loons and the Quakes. There are blogs that predict Josiah Gray will be ranked top 5 in the Dodgers system soon. True Blue LA is predicting that Downs will also get a promotion to AA soon. There’s a lot to like about this trade (and I was, and still am, a fan of Puig). It looks like a win/win – each team got something of value.

   Sometimes when we discuss trade proposal for certain players (e.g., Joc), many commenters interpret that as a knock on the player. They assume the only players we trade away are bad ones. First of all, bad players don’t bring anything in return – you usually have to give up something of value to get something of value. Secondly, sometimes you can find good players on the Dodgers who are covered by their depth. e.g., Joc is a power left hand outfielder. The Dodgers have a lot of power left handed hitters and more than enough good outfielders. Joc deserves more playing time. He won’t get it on the Dodgers. He will get it on many other teams. If the Dodgers do wind up trading him, I hope they get a lot of value in return because he is a really good player. If no one else offers anything that is of value in return for Joc, then it’s fine that he stay on and contribute in a platoon (note: even though I see improvement, I’m still not thrilled about the experiment at 1st).

   1. I am not one of those blogs, and as Mark often says, my pay is astronomical at $0.00. It’s probably being paid what I am worth? I digress. I am in the process of putting together my Top Dodger prospects. 10, 20, 30? Don’t know because after 10-15 they become totally subjective and personal favorites. A couple years back I put Melvin Jimenez in my Top 15. He was looking to be something special, but then bounced back down to earth. I am still a big believer in Jimenez, but the point is that at some juncture they become personal favorites.

      That being said, I already have Josiah Gray in my top 5. He was there before the promotion. I will be rating him over every Dodger pitching prospect not named Dustin May. So maybe I do not count as one of those blogs, but whoever they may be, I agree with them.

      1. I think an AC top prospect ranking would carry a lot of weight. I look forward to seeing it.

         Personal note on Melvin Jimenez. My son’s travel ball team was in Arizona for a high school showcase tournament. We stayed in a hotel near Camelback Ranch and there were many Dodgers AZ rookie league players staying there at the same time. My son saw one of those players in the hall on his cell phone talking with his family – he was very emotional and homesick. Later, my son’s teammates struck up a conversation at the hotel pool with some Dodgers minor league players and they told us that kid on the phone was Melvin Jimenez. He had just learned he was getting a promotion to Great Lakes and he was telling his parents. Ever since then, I’ve been rooting hard for him. These players are still just teenagers – many of the international players are dealing with being away from home in a different country dealing with different climates and trying to succeed in professional baseball. As fans, it’s easy to overlook how this adjustment can impact a player’s performance on the diamond.

         1. Good story Knights1. I was in A ball many, many years ago and we had a young very quiet latin player who was supposed to be 18 but no way he wasn’t 16. He was our only latin kid at the time. The first few days together we noticed Gus ordered “chop pork” or “hamburger” every meal at the Denny’s where we all went. Being young and naive we just assumed Gus liked pork chops and hamburgers a lot. After a few days it became apparent that…………..you guessed it, that was the only English he knew. Great wonderful kid with great hands and skills thrown right in the middle of small towns USA with no English skills. We ordered for him and he quickly got other stuff to eat; some he liked and some not so much. I often thought about this later in life and just how tough it must be. Even sadder was the scenario where these young kids played a few years and got released at like 19. They had all quit school, had no education and now no hope, going home a failure. Some I followed and they played in their home countries but for many that may not have been an option. Now teams have teams in the latin countries, have academys and try to prepare these kids before the jump to the states. But as mentioned here, it is still very hard.

   2. Was #2 really ever considered an option? I don’t think so. Just because someone on a blog floated it out there as the asking price by Miami. I always considered that nothing to see or discuss.

      1. The source was Ken Rosenthal on MLB Network. So yeah, take it for what it’s worth.

         https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork/status/1080861065578274816/video/1

      2. It was Ken Rosenthal on MLB Network. So yeah… take it for what it’s worth.

         1. I think the Dodgers would have laughed at that ask with a bunch of catchers coming up the pipeline. That’s why I never took that seriously.

10. Well I rolled outta bed this morning, feet hit the floor and immediately said thanks…
    Positioned my coffee near my computer and fired up a little Lynyrd Skynyard and Stevie Ray Vaughan… I am reporting that all is well with the world!!!
    Oh Ya…Dodger Baseball…
    BAD LOSS…Ugly… Defensive lapses.. Feeling bad for Walker….
    I’m one of those fans that doesn’t want to lose 2 of my top 4 picks, but on the flip side have absolutely no control what the FO will do… Just don’t want to be put over a barrel..

    1. Agreed. Every morning I wake up, it is a good day.

11. If AF would give the Pirates Lux ,one of the two catchers and a high end Low A prospect Vazquez would be out the door so fast he wouldn’t know what hit him. I don’t think Andrew will trade two of the four in that deal but I firmly believe he could get it done with Ruiz, Maeda and one of Estevez/Uceta/Sheffield
    Would it be wise to trade Maeda with Hill on the IL? I’m not sure how I feel about that but I think I would do it.

    1. This is an interesting proposal – Vasquez for Ruiz/Maeda/mid level prospect. I would prefer Stripling instead of Maeda since Maeda seems to be better out of the bullpen than Chicken Strip.

       In the end, even though the Pirates need a catcher, I don’t Ruiz will help their short term needs. Possibly if they trade both Barnes and Ruiz (along with Maeda or Strip + mid level prospect). For this scenario, I’m not sure AF would want to put the pressure of Will Smith having to contribute in the post season and Martin handling the primary load.

    2. In Kenta’s contract someone has to pay him a million dollar bonus if he is traded, not sure if its the Dodgers or the other team but it may make him a bit safer from being traded.

12. I have also thought about those players in a trade for Vasquez and I would make that deal. Kershaw, Buehler, Ryu with help from Stripling, Urias, and Gonsolin will get the Dodgers to the playoffs and from there will only need 4 starters. Hill might still make a contribution as well.

    Maeda could replace Vasquez this year and Sheffield next year with Maeda returning to the rotation. The Pirates need a catcher. It is a good trade for them unless they can get more from another team.

    I’ll go along with AC and save Estevez for a trade with the Giants.

    1. Estevez would be the perfect player for SF. If Donovan Solano is having a good year (and he is), I can only imagine what kind of player Omar could be there. He is a true gap to gap hitter with doubles speed and a good to very good (but not great) defense. I am not a Giants fan in any way shape or form, but I think Estevez will be a better all around player than Joe Panik.

       But the Giants are now tied for 3rd in the NL West and only 3.0 games behind in the Wild Card, and they have no problem playing the Dodgers. Are they really going to sell MadBum and Smith? Maybe they will move Watson and Dyson. If the Dodgers were in a position to get Smith, they should have done it before SF got back into the playoff picture. Ahhh hind sight again comes up 20-20.

13. More promotions: John Rooney and Guillermo Zuniga have been promoted to Rancho Cucamonga. Wes Helsabeck was released.

    1. I have expected the Helsabeck release for some time. He is 27 and still in A Ball. I hope he lands on his feet. He is a good guy.

       A couple weeks back I thought that both Rooney and Zuniga should get moved up. It’s about time that the Dodger FO starts listening to me. Now about that trade….

       1. I’m still puzzled as to why Friedman and his crew doesn’t call on you more often!

          I was also confused by an earlier comment you made – – are you saying we don’t get paid for writing posts? Yet another poor career choice I made . . . .

    2. They are being replaced on the Loons roster by 2019 draftees Oschenbein and Pepiot.

14. Another LHRP the Dodgers may pursue is Seattle’s Roenis Elias. He is another project AF loves to look for. He is making $910K and has two more arbitration years of control. Sounds like a match made in baseball heaven for AF.

    1. Maeda would have a welcoming fan base in Seattle.

       1. Not unless they throw in Haniger. That’s for you Bums.

15. A while back at LADT, a wise man once said, “you want to discover Felipe Vasquez before he becomes Felipe Vasquez”.

    That’s very interesting, because that’s exactly what I suggested a while back when in fact he didn’t even exist.
    He was plain ole Felipe Rivero back then, and I’d watched him throw a couple of lights outs performances against the Dodgers.

    I suggested trading for him then, and again at the TD last season.

    I put his name forward very early in this season, when it was obvious to anyone and everyone that our BP was going to be our Achilles Heal.

    Our own AC, wanted Christian Yellich while he was on the terrible Marlins.
    Imagine Yellich and Bellinger back to back.
    Or, in fact, with DJLM in the same lineup.

    And those are only 2 of the many suggestions that AC has proposed, that in hindsight would have improved the team.

    But AC like myself and everyone here is an Armchair GM. What do we know?
    Sure, to secure some of those players might have taken something from the core we have now. A Verdugo, a Julio or maybe a Jose de Leon or Zak Lee?

    The point is this. Would trading for any of Vasquez, Yellich or JDLM have been Dope-Fiend moves if they secured the 1st WS Ring since 88?

    Who’s to say AC wouldn’t have led us to our first win in 31 years if he’d been GM these past few years.

    To imply that us Armchair GM’s don’t get it, is wrong.
    We watch the games and can see the weakness’s.
    Ultimately, AF has had as much success as any of us so far. Maybe we could have done better?

    Dope fiend moves work both ways.
    Sometimes it’s the ones you don’t make that hurt you.

    I certainly hope that’s not the case again this year.

    1. I don’t believe Friedman has been extended yet Watford so there may be an opening. Are you willing to fill his chair and commute from the other side of the pond?
       I imagine if you ask him nicely, AC would be willing to join you. If not, I have some spare time.
       Let’s do it!

    2. I do remember when you first commented on Felipe Vasquez (Rivero). The Pirates got Vazquez in a trade with the Nationals for Mark Melancon at the 2016 trade deadline. In 2017, he started out on fire and became the co-closer as Tony Watson dropped down to setup. Can you imagine what the team would be like if the Dodgers had traded for Vasquez instead of Watson at the 2017 trade deadline? Never mind, it is too painful to think about.

    3. I am sorry if this seems to be a silly question, Watford, but how did Felipe Rivero become Felipe Vasquez?

       1. He paid the court somewhere between $150 to $500.00.

          You can legally change your name to Dodger Blue Mom for the same price.

    4. It was back in 2016 before Felipe Rivero was traded to the Pirates from the Nats that I suggested trading for him, but the Pirates traded Melancon instead. I have wanted him ever since, but now he’s over-priced,. It’s easy to spot the the best relievers, but finding them before they become that guy is the rub. It can be done: Blanton, Morrow, et al. Maybe we have the guy… Gonsolin?

       1. Gonsolin…maybe next year. Not this year.

    5. No, we could not have done better.

       But we can dream

16. Wow, the trade scenarios and possibilities are endless. This is going to be a fun two weeks. I really like the idea of targeting guys like Roenis Elias in addition to getting that second closer who is also preferably left handed.

    I read something about the Yankees considering trading Chapman. So toss another hat into the ring with Hand, Vazquez and Smith.

    Smith to the Dodgers seems like a match made in heaven. Farhan knows the system well and has a lefty closer with an expiring contract and a crappy minor league system. However, their best prospect is a catcher so we wouldn’t have to trades Mark’s favorite 20 year old. Plus you get the hole Will Smith pitching to Will Smith thing. I wonder if they would both have to adapt a middle initial on their jerseys? What fun is that!?!

    Maybe Farhan can raid us and take a flier on Alvarez or Kendall, and then pick up a high floor middle infielder in Estevez and pick up a major league ready hitter like Rios or Beaty? Worst case scenerio is two useful major leaguers and a lottery ticket! Kendell would be able to chase down a ton of fly balls in that HUGE center field. Alvarez might be a closer when they’re ready to need one again.

    1. The Dodgers Will Smith is referred to as Will D. Smith. So it has already begun.

17. Lol. Thanks Mark.

18. I like what 59 said:

    Trade Alvarez, Kendall, Rios and Garlick for Smith! It’s a crapshoot.

    1. My guess is that Alvarez and Kendall have almost zero trade value at this point. I’m thinking that Farhan gets at least 7-10 trade offers for Smith better than the above suggestion within the next two weeks.

    2. Not one of those players is going to get Will Smith. Rios in a package to Seattle for Elias or to Detroit for Greene is the best we can hope there. Rios is an AL player. Willie Calhoun is back at AAA because he cannot play a defensive position. He is the #6 OF. Not good for a 2B. Kyle Garlick is a bench player if not a AAAA. And Alvarez and Kendall are lost. Farhan is anything but stupid, and that trade makes some of Bums look great. If I am Farhan, I am hanging up on AF if that is the offer. There are too many teams that want Smith. He may be the most sought after player in any trade potential. Just my opinion.

19. The lineup is out. I guess Roberts wanted to give Turner and Verdugo a rest.

    1. He wants them available for pinch hitting.

    2. I would rather they rest guys after an 0 fer than after a 4 fer!

20. There are multiple opt out possibilities at the end of the season. Right now the one that most are talking about is Aroldis Chapman because one of his teammates allegedly said he is one million % sure that Chapman will opt out. He has since denied that. Other big names who can opt out are Stephen Strasburg, JDM, and Kenley. Here’s a crazy a– idea. See what the appetite is for Kenley for JDM. The Dodgers will need a closer, and there will be some relievers who the Dodgers may get. But maybe Mark is right and the Dodgers patchwork bullpen will get hot at the right time. Even Joe Kelly like 2018. It would never happen, but it is more likely than Alvarez, Kendall, Rios, and Garlick for Will Smith.

    1. Can’t I dream?

    2. I prefer Stephen Strasburg over JDM. I would risk trading Jansen to get him.

21. I brought this up yesterday but didn’t get a clear answer.

    The Dodgers are willing to take on payroll according to an article I read.

    Also I read the D-Backs and Mets would like to dump some payroll.

    So do you think the Dodgers could make a trade for DeGrom or Grienke by trading prospects that are not part of our top 5 prospects considering we would be taking on a lot of payroll?

    And would you make that trade?

    This would shore up our starting rotation for the playoffs.

    1. I would. Getting a starter allows Urias and possibly Hill to go to the pen. It would upgrade the pitching staff and cost less in prospects.

       1. MushersPop

          I would too. If all it costs is non top 5 prospects I’d definitely do it. It would not only help for the playoffs, but next year as well because Hill probably won’t get re-signed due to being injury prone and his age.

          1. BB, you were on top of the Diekman stuff. You may also be on to something here.

             Perhaps if relievers can’t be had, then we go a different route and get a dominant starter, effectively moving Urias, Strip, Maeda, etc to the pen fulltime?

             1. Bobby

                Yep that might be the ace up Friedman’s sleeve so to speak.

                With the high trade cost for elite relievers, Friedman might take the money he has available and land one of those 2 names I mentioned and keep our top 5 prospects.

                Genius.

22. Yeli vs. Belli reminisent of Sosa vs. Mcguire minus the PEDS…
    Going to be great to watch for sure…
    What a year!!!
    Go Blue…

23. Don’t look now, but if our bff’s the giants win today, they’d be 2.5 out of the 2nd wild card spot. All this “Will Smith to Will Smith with Will Smith in the stands” stuff may not get a chance to happen (at least this year!)

    The NL playoff picture is so tight that even Puig’s Reds are only 5 games out of a wild card spot. We may have very little reliever options come 2 weeks from today!

24. If you have a <500 record, an aging roster, a bad farm and a couple of expiring contracts that will help you rebuild and you decide to "go for it", you have a very dismal future.

    1. Farhan is a smart guy. A smart guy would completely agree with your statement 59. This streak the Giants are on will just make it a little easier for him to play games and issue a statement like the one he issued today which basically said that any time you have a chance to make the playoffs you can’t totally ignore it. Some GM (or maybe more than one) will read that and think OMG I’d better increase my offer.
       Come end July Madbum, Smith and probably Watson and Dyson will be wearing different uniforms than they are today.

25. How’s this for a black hole at the bottom of the lineup…. #6 — .176 #7–.171 #8–.164 Pitcher–.083
    Yep that’s the Phillies lineup.

26. Was reading an article on MLB. The reporter was saying don’t be fooled. As he said”Let’s say this slowly. The. Giants. Will. Sell. 59 and Singing can sniff the BS Farhan is throwing out there. Let the cat and mouse games begin. Farhan has 0 emotional attachment to these guys, an I think that’s part of the reason he was brought in,to make the tough roster decisions that have to be made this year with the core that won 3 rings. Glad it’s him and not me. Gonna be fun dealing with the Giant fan base after you traded a few of their icons.

    1. Farhan is probably pissed that they’re playing so well. If they had just had the horrible season everyone expected, he could have traded away just about anyone but Posey. Now if he trades Madbum and the relievers he’s sure to get some blowback from at least part of the SF fan base. Oh well, this is what he signed up for.

       1. Great point. It wasn’t that long ago that Giants fans were convinced that their team only had to just GET INTO the playoffs, then magic would happen. It’s been a while, but some of that same sentiment is still there. They will insist that the team REBUILD without tanking.

27. So far today, Gavin Lux in 2 at bats has 2 hr and 5 rbi

    Looking forward to trading him to the Cubs for Jesse Chavez

28. Totally agree, Singing, Farhan is gettin put into a corner. Have fun dude!

29. One could argue that the Dodgers could acquire Smith, Vazquez and Yates, but if they hot s whopping .600 OPS in the world series again it won’t make a difference.

    I think they’ll get a strong bullpen are. If they hit really well it may not matter

30. Will Smith was injured in the OKC game. Apparently, he got crossed up on a pitch and took one in the wrist. He air mailed some warm up throws into the outfield and was taken out of the game.

31. The defense just blew the lead again.

    1. Earlier in the season I had started to change my mind about Muncy – maybe he actually can be a plus defensive infielder. After watching him the last couple games, I’m back to thinking he’s not so great defensively.

       1. 3B is the worst place for Muncy. He will make more E’s than at 2B &1B. Problem is there is no one except Freese who can play 3B and I’m not sure the Dodgers want to play him there. He can do it, though. But they are relying on Dodger bats to make up for their defensive deficiencies. Good trick if it works, but expect more weak defensive play from the infield, especially. There’s not a GG among them.

    2. And this incredible offense regained the lead.

32. Freese can hit righties look up his OPS vs righties. Home Run Freese off a righty.

33. Kike missed that pitch by a foot lol

34. The Dodgers have allowed 5 hits in the last 17 innings against the Phillies.
    4 of them came in Kenley’s outing last night.

    That was another satisfying victory, and JK pitched well again.

    The Dodgers are head and shoulders better than Philadelphia.

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