Enjoying a Veterans Day weekend in Atascadero, CA celebrating my youngest grand daughter’s first birthday. Frankly, my thoughts are filled with her and not so much Dodger baseball.
Trade proposals have been flying around this blog with renewed fervor over the past few weeks. I admit those discussions have a certain excitement to them, much like anticipating that new toy you want for Christmas, all the while knowing that most all of what you dream for, discuss and propose will never happen. With that in mind, and making the assumption that the players discussed from outside the organization, are capable of being acquired by the Dodgers, I’m asking you today, to tell us who you would rather have, between the players listed, and tell us why. Some of you have already shared your thoughts as recently as yesterday (I had this written on Sunday before Mark posted yesterday, and I didn’t have the opportunity to read the posts until later at night. So please forgive me for the duplication.
Joc Pederson vs. Nick Castellanos
Both players will be 28 in early 2020. One is left-handed, the other right-handed and they are both outfielders. Statistically, other than batting average and RBI Joc wins this battle and that’s with him having 1,000 fewer at-bats. It’s well-chronicled that Joc hasn’t been able to hit southpaws. Castellanos can. Joc will cost about 9 million, Castellanos about $14.5 million. Personally, I think that a platoon of Joc and CT# would be a better alternative than NC. On the other hand, Joc becomes a free agent next year. If the Dodgers do not think they can sign him, then perhaps you trade him now for prospects or a useable asset and move on to Castellanos or someone similar. What do you think?
AJ Pollock vs. Nick Castellanos
Despite the fact that Pollock is a better fielder, this one is a no brainer for me. I like Pollock a lot, but he no longer appears to be a fearsome and clutch hitter. NC is. What think ye?
Rich Hill vs. Cole Hamels
At first blush, you would think that Hamels would win this battle hands down. Certainly on the basis of durability and age, Hamels wins this battle. But over the last 4 years, Hill is 39-19 while Hamels is 32-30. Do you take a 1-year flyer on Hill or Hamels? I say neither and instead, we let one of the young guns take his place. I vote for Urias. I think he will be good for 12 wins next year. Thoughts?
Corey Seager vs. Francisco Lindor
Mark and AC have provided statistical analysis comparing these 2 players in past posts and I won’t repeat them here. The only justification that I can think of for making this swap (I don’t mean player for player) is if the front office was convinced that they could not sign Corey when he becomes a free agent in 2022, or, if the return for Seager is so good they simply can’t pass up the opportunity. Even then, I would be hesitant to that, because the same situation exists with Lindor, as t free agency. Moreover, we still don’t know what we have in Gavin Lux. If Lux is the second coming of Pee Wee Reese, then he will be the shortstop and Corey could be used as a trade chip for other assets. Tell me why or why not for this swap.
Hyun Jin Ryu vs. Zach Wheeler
This would all come down to the money for me. I would choose Ryu on the basis of this past season, but moving forward, I would pick Wheeler. He is younger, but like Ryu, injury-prone. I just think Wheeler will be more productive moving forward. With that said, if the money was equal, I would stay with Ryu.
Justin Turner vs. Anthony Rendon
This one is easy for me. I would take Rendon in a heartbeat and move Turner to 1st base. Turner has one year left on his contract and while he’s the heart and soul of the Dodgers, his age is a concern and, I believe, Rendon will be good for several years.
Austin Barnes or Russell Martin or ???
Assuming Will Smith is the starting catcher, who would you rather have as a back-up? Russ Martin or a free agent veteran? I’m not convinced Will Smith can, or will, duplicate this year’s performance. I’m also certain that Russ Martin will remain at about the same level as last year. Picking between Barnes and Martin, I choose Barnes moving forward. Choosing between Barnes and ???, I would go with the ???. A veteran back up, with the capability of stepping in as a first-string catcher should Smith falter or be injured. Your thoughts?
Kike Hernandez vs Chris Taylor or Zach McKinstry
If you had to choose between these 3, tell me who you would pick. Kike becomes a free agent after next year. CT3 the year after. Kike is a year younger than CT3. As much as I like Kike, I think I would choose CT3 moving forward. Even though they are virtually statistical equals, and can play the same spots on the diamond, I think Taylor is the more consistent player (I use that term in relationship to each other). Perhaps we can use Kike as a trade asset and turn to someone like McKinstry as a utility player in the Kike mold.
Some Additional Random Thoughts
- Of the Dodger minor league free agents, the only ones who still intrigue me are Chris Nunn, Tyler Thornburg and Jesen Therrien (if only because AC deserves to see what we have in him).
- I wish the Dodgers would strike first in making a big “go bold” splash this offseason. I hate waiting.
- I think, barring injury, that Dustin May has the makings of something special.
- Does Pedro Baez have any trade value?
- I mentioned him before (as has AC and others), but Drew Pomeranz as a reliever seems like a perfect fit for the Dodgers.
- Is it possible that Brandon Morrow could become the Dodgers next Brandon Morrow?
I like this one 2D2.
Joc Pederson vs. Nick Castellanos. Both are flawed players, but Nick’s a better hitter. But, Nick can’t play defense. There’s something likable about Joc. But, we’ve been burned by platoons in the playoffs. No more platoons, so I’ll go with Nick.
AJ Pollock vs. Nick Castellanos – No brainer for me, I hate Nick’s glove. Pollock’s defensive numbers were historically bad last year, but they would have been seen as a good year for Nick. Second half triple slash lines for each player are not far off. I want to see one more year from Pollock before I call it a failure. Pollock
Rich Hill vs. Cole Hamels – I wouldn’t block our young starters for either of them. Rich should retire posting 58 innings last year. Cole is worse than Stripling. I guess I have to pick one, so Rich gets the nod. At least his 10-15 starts would be good ones, but he’ll need to pitch out of the pen some because he’s not getting any post season starts.
Hyun Jin Ryu vs. Zach Wheeler – I love Wheeler’s fastball, but Ryu is more effective and he’s our guy. I think the Dodgers can pull a little more out of Wheeler and I like the balance of having another righty in a post-season rotation. This is very close to a tossup. But, I’ll take Zach.
Justin Turner vs. Anthony Rendon – Even if I don’t cheat by choosing both and moving one to another position, I would Rather have Rendon and would send JT packing if I had to. Rendon.
Austin Barnes or Russell Martin or ??? – Do you think Grandal will re-sign to be Smith’s backup? If so, I’ll take him. I don’t think he’ll sign as a backup, so I probably stick with Martin over Barnes because he can continue to work with the young catchers. Martin
Kike Hernandez vs Chris Taylor or Zach McKinstry. I like CT3 better than Kike. I think CT3 is more consistent out of the two and Kike being silly all the time rubs me the wrong way. CT3
I can’t give McKinstry a MLB job with no experience, but if there’s room on the 40, he can take the plane back and forth and see if he can become the next CT3 or Kike.
Those minor league free agents are all former pros. All are intriguing to me as well, without knowing their injury reports.
May – 99 with that movement? Hell yeah he’s special. He’s just a baby going into his age 22 season.
Of course Pedro Beaz has trade value. Why wouldn’t he? It seems like the only times he ever pitched was high leverage against the best hitters on the opposing team. He seems to have the Kerchoke gene, but he’s still arguably our best, or second best reliever.
Pomeranz seems like the best reliever available and cheaper than Smith. I would have to agree with the Perfect Fit moniker.
Morrow’s ship has sailed. Not a chance. Got lucky once.
That was fun.
Joc Pederson vs. Nick Castellanos
Cannot for the life of me understand how NC fits on this team that values defense. He is awful by any comparison, although he surely improved. He also seems like somewhat of a headcase that would not fit into the good morale this team seems to have, looking from the outside. Refused to switch positions for the Tigers, etc.
No way, no how am I excited if this happens with signing NC.
I would MUCH rather keep Joc and platoon him with CT3
AJ Pollock vs. Nick Castellanos
See above but neither. AJ was a probably the oddest signing in 10 years for LA. Not needed, no spot, injury prone, FIVE YEARS??!!, etc. AJ proved last year he is a waste unless he can defy all odds and stay healthy, and get better with age.
Probably stuck with AJ going forward so it is what it is.
Rich Hill vs. Cole Hamels
Neither. Quite honestly it is frustrating that the Dodgers are mentioned in an option like this. Hill is going to be 40 and injury prone. Hamels is a shell of his glory days. Maybe a 5 starter on this team. Maybe. I just don’t understand why on either.
Corey Seager vs. Francisco Lindor
Lindor is the better player, a switch hitter, brings a true leadoff hitter to LA, and can steal bases. All that and plays Gold Glove defense. Taking home team bias out, there is no doubt that Lindor is the better option and a move I make in a second all things being equal. They are not equal however, lots of moving parts would have to align for this to happen but I would love to see them get that movement. Seager is a nice player, but already some major injuries, and has never been able to take pitches and adapt to that damn breaking ball low and inside. STILL!!
Hyun Jin Ryu vs. Zach Wheeler
Ryu has an amazing season last year for the most part. Can he repeat it? I would guess not by a long shot.
Wheelers market will be so large his cost will be through the roof for what he is. Essentially every serious team can afford him while there are only 3-5 teams that can be in on Cole and Strasburg.
Both are huge risks injury wise, but Wheeler will command more years so I would stay with Ryu if they can for 2-3 year. no way I go to 4
Justin Turner vs. Anthony Rendon
AR should be the main target. He changes the entire team. RH power bat, plus defense, whats not to like…….other than the price tag. This is the Los Angeles Dodgers. They can afford him. According to rumors, he doesn’t want to play forever so a high AAV deal for 4 years or so would be great. Kind of what they offered Harper (rumored). MUCH rather that deal with Rendon than Harper! 4/140ish
Austin Barnes or Russell Martin or ???
Of the two, Martin. he is what he is, but in a negative way, so is Barnes. AB has had his chance over and over and shown he can’t get it done. Martin can’t play at high prior levels, but he brings some intangibles that AB doesn’t.
I’d still rather find a better option, but I’d be fine with RM coming back.
Kike Hernandez vs Chris Taylor or Zach McKinstry
I prefer Taylor but Kike’s power is nice to have. CT3 is just a preference but they are essentially the same guy.
Great post 2d2 and sure to get lots of responses. Enjoy your time in Atascadero. I used to spend a fair amount of time in that area on business and stuffed myself at the Apple Farm in SLO on many an occasion.
Let me start with Rendon vs JT – Both. Move JT to first and then move either Muncy or Lux to left field. I am firmly convinced that both of them would do just fine out there. Pollock’s contract makes him hard to move but he would make a fine 4th outfielder.
Joc or Casty – neither. Joc should have some decent trade value. Trade him for a decent reliever or prospect or package him with Kike and Stripling for something even more useful
Which leads me to Hill or Hamels – We don’t need another number 3-5 starter but I think Hill could do a decent (and inexpensive) job replacing Stripling as a swing man, although Gonsolin could probably fill that position also.
Seager vs Lindor – in a vacuum I might prefer Lindor for his better defense and base running; however, I think it would cost more to get Lindor than we would receive for Seager, and I expect Corey to have a good year in 2020, so let’s keep Seager.
Barnes or Martin – I was going to suggest a left handed batting catcher until I checked Smith’s splits for last year. Surprisingly he hit righties far better than southpaws, so no real need for a lefty hitting catcher. Give me Martin, since he will make a good mentor for Smith.
Ryu vs. Wheeler – I think Ryu will cost substantially less because I think Wheeler will get more years so I’d be happy with either of them, but think we should be sure to get one of them because I don’t see us getting Cole or Strasburg and we need an established upper end starter to go with Buehler, Kersh and some combo of Urias/May/Gonsolin. I definitely think Maeda should be moved to the bullpen full time.
Kike or CT3 – I’ll take CT3 for his slightly better consistency and the extra year of control.
Baez – he probably has some decent trade value but not enough to get rid of him since he’s probably one of our 2 or 3 best relievers at this point and if we somehow go into next year with no changes to the bullpen, he might be the first to be called on if Kenley needs to be replaced. All the more reason to get a couple of high-end setup guys. Count me in on Pomeranz.
Joc Pederson vs. Nick Castellanos
I have no interest in Casty and I like Joc so a no-brainer for me. Besides, I want good defense everywhere.
AJ Pollock vs. Nick Castellanos
Same as above.
Rich Hill vs. Cole Hamels
I would like Hill if he were used and were good at a relief role and used like Miller has been used. Hamels is so yesterday.
Corey Seager vs. Francisco Lindor
I prefer Seager but believe he will leave as a free agent and I want another righty bat. If Lindor or Seager agreed to an extension, I would take the one who did. But, not knowing who else might be included in a Seager Lindor trade, can’t say what I want to do.
Hyun Jin Ryu vs. Zach Wheeler
Whoever signs a three year contract first at less than $21 AAV.
Justin Turner vs. Anthony Rendon
Rendon for 4 years would help the Dodgers more than Turner will for one more year. Change those years and I might change who I want.
Austin Barnes or Russell Martin or ???
Austin with no second thoughts.
Kike Hernandez vs Chris Taylor or Zach McKinstry
None of them.
Some Additional Random Thoughts
I think, barring injury, that Dustin May has the makings of something special. Buehler, Urias, May, and Kershaw make up a solid core rotation.
Does Pedro Baez have any trade value?
Yes.
Is it possible that Brandon Morrow could become the Dodgers next Brandon Morrow?
Yes.
I like the track you’re on and I am generally ok with your suggestions. Some thoughts on some of the players you mentioned:
1. We should keep Joc. He is a solid LH power threat and proven post season player. Defense is good too. I’m ok with him platooning with CT, Kiki or Pollock (if necessary).
2. I wouldn’t give up on Seager yet. I believe he can still have a monster year like Bellinger did – if he stays healthy.
3. Barnes should be history – he has no upside in my mind. Martin would be a good backup for another year.
4. We should also move on from Hill – he can’t stay healthy and he’s 40. With Urias and May, and possibly Gonsolin, we don’t need Hill.
Other thoughts:
Dodgers should get the checkbook out and aggressively go after Cole and Rendon. We need another power pitcher to go with Bueller, and we need a superstar RH bat in Rendon. We also need a new closer, Kenley can be a setup man. Bottom line – we can’t continue to do the same things and expect different results.
2D2, this is a great post. It should bring out a lot of diverse opinions. Some analytical and some emotional. I also want to applaud your priorities. Grand daughter over Dodger Baseball – Every day of the week.
Joc vs. Castellanos –
Like others have said about other comps, this choice cannot be made in a vacuum. The Dodgers are heavily LH oriented and need a more RH balance. I prefer Anthony Rendon as the RH bat over Castellanos, but neither is guaranteed. It is just as possible that there is a RH bat that might be available by trade. But If selecting in a vacuum, I would choose Joc. The team faces far more RHP than LHP so a platoon of Joc and Kike’ or CT3 or AJ is a good platoon. It will be hard to find a replacement of 36 HRs and a .876 OPS in 514 PA. In addition, Joc has not been the problem for the Dodgers in October.
I also see the value in trading Joc at his zenith one year before FA. I think it would be advantageous to know what Joc would accept for a multi-year extension knowing he would be a platoon player for LAD. The best trade opportunity would be Chicago White Sox. They believe they can contend for the AL Central and they could use LHH Joc Pederson. They have money and are considered a player for Gerrit Cole, as they were for Machado last year. The Dodgers might get top value from the ChiSox for Joc. But I would not give him away for lottery picks just to make sure the Dodgers get more RHH.
One other consideration, Joc loves being a Dodger. That counts.
AJ vs Castellanos –
I am not convinced that AJ will fully rebound, but I am not convinced that he won’t. I am however convinced that Castellanos is a born DH just as is JDM. I do acknowledge that South Florida might be a landing spot for Nicholas, but if not Miami, I see him in the AL.
Rich Hill vs Cole Hamels –
I am not going to block any of the kids for either pitcher. But if I have to choose, I would take Dick Mountain. He likes being a Dodger and if the Dodgers do need a swing guy who might be able to go 80 IP, I prefer Hill.
Corey Seager vs Francisco Lindor –
This is an emotional choice for me. I am a Corey Seager fan, and in his best year, his offense was superior to Lindor’s best year. Even in a down year, Seager had more RBI’s and hit much better in clutch than did Lindor. Hitting w/RISP is considered a problem for the Dodgers, and so many want to dismiss Seager for Lindor when there is no comparison in clutch.
2019 – RISP – Seager – .313/.386/.603/.989
2019 – RISP – Lindor – .202/.295/.312/.607
2019 – RISP w/2 outs – Seager – .322/.375/.661/1.036
2019 – RISP w/2 outs – Lindor – .167/.262/.241/.503
Career – RISP – Seager – .322/.404/.558/.962
Career – RISP – Lindor – .265/.339/.423/.763
Career – RISP w/2 outs – Seager – .326/.404/.558/.962
Career – RISP w/2 outs – Lindor – .213/.304/.295/.598
So many of you would prefer a player with a career .213 BA and .598 OPS with RISP and 2 outs vs. one with a 326 BA and .962 OPS. Not me. His last 28 games last year he hit .298/.330/.631/.960 with 7 HRs and 26 RBIs. That is more emblematic as to what I expect Seager to do in 2020, which is more resembling his 2016/2017 seasons.
I think Lindor’s base stealing acumen is real, but is overstated as the Dodgers do not run very much. An argument can be that LAD should be more concerned, but alas they do not. Finally, I cannot disagree that Lindor’s defense is superior to Seager’s. If the Dodgers could in fact make the trade for Lindor and keep Seager and play him at 3B, I think that could be a huge benefit for the team. How to make it happen is another story. I know Seager wants to stay at short, and so did Machado, before he agreed to play 3B for SD. Pay him, and Seager will stay at 3B if moved there.
Ryu vs Wheeler –
I am not convinced that Ryu can sustain a co-Ace role for 2-3 years. I am excited as to what Zach Wheeler can do. I was hoping that LAD would pick him up at the 2018 trade deadline, but did not. I think Wheeler is on the cusp of being a power house. With his velo and spin rate he could move to the #2 spot behind Buehler. I would pay the extra to land Wheeler and see what he can do in LA. He is going to be a candidate for multiple teams.
JT vs Anthony Rendon –
I do not think that it is an either or choice. If the Dodgers sign Rendon, JT moves to 1st. That is a simple decision. It only takes money. If Rendon wants a short term deal as he says, come out fast with an offer for 4-5 years and make it worth his while to sign early. Rendon seems to be the most realistic elite FA choice. Sure it may be a dope-fiend move, but what if it isn’t? If you do not try, you cannot get the elite player. The Dodgers do not have an elite 3B in their system just below MLB. Take a chance.
Austin Barnes vs Russell Martin –
I am an Austin Barnes fan, but I am not blind. Austin needs a new environment, just as Travis D’Arnaud did from NYM. Russell Martin knows the Dodger pitchers and is experienced with the new focus of the FO. He is an ideal mentor for Will Smith. I am in favor of re-signing Martin and would not plan on playing him more than 1-2 games per week. I would bring up Keibert Ruiz in September to also be mentored (even for short term) by Martin.
Kike’ vs CT3 vs Zach McKinstry –
I am not ready to cede the utility player role to Zach McKinstry. But I also do not see the need for two of the same player at $5.0MM+ for each player. I think CT3 is the more complete player, and handles RHP better than does Kike’. I have read that NYM favors Kike’ as a potential full time CF. Could he be packaged in an Edwin Diaz trade?
Some Other Random Thoughts –
Yes, I still believe that Jesen Therrien is an intriguing talent. I would love to see what he can do in a Dodger uni. My number one FA RP target is Drew Pomeranz. I am not sure Aaron Bummer is achievable without a massive overpay which AF will never do. I would not sign Will Smith for Craig Kimbrel dollars which many believe he will get, and surrender a #2 pick. Go after Diaz, Lorenzen, Lugo, or even Giles. I have never been a big fan of Mychal Givens who is being made available.
I think Morrow is more likely to sign a MiLB contract with SF. Zaidi likes him, and Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa is his home (SF North Bay). Seems like a perfect match, and Zaidi is not afraid to take a risk.
Great and interesting article 2D2. It was fun. Hope you enjoyed your granddaughter’s birthday celebration. Those times are special. I would like to make a small correction over a comment I made on the last blog. My father was not in a POW camp for 5 years. He was captured during the 1942 Dieppe Raid in France and was released after the war.
Now to baseball
I do not have any statisical analysis for my choices, just who I would like to see the Dodgers keep and play. So bear with me. Some of these players are my favorites.
Joc over Castellanos – Joc better fielder and one of my personal favs,
Pollock over Castellanos – AJ – better fielder
Hill and Hamel…..neither – use young kids
Seager over Lindor
Ryu over Wheeler
Rendon..please get
Martin over Barnes
CT3 over Herandez and McKintry – I love CT3
One day in a POW camp is a day too many!!!
Joc Pederson vs. Nick Castellanos
I’m a Joc Pederson fan. I think a platoon of Joc and Pollock will produce better results than any 1 player including a name being thrown around here Betts.
AJ Pollock vs. Nick Castellanos
See the above paragraph. Pollock.
Rich Hill vs. Cole Hamels
Neither. Don’t need either one and their best years are behind them and I’d rather go bold on pitching.
Corey Seager vs. Francisco Lindor
Why make that trade for a marginal improvement. I’m not really a Seager fan and some will not like what I’m about to say, but give Seager 2 months full time at SS and if he continues to not produce against lefties like last season platoon him with Taylor.
Hyun Jin Ryu vs. Zach Wheeler
Niether. Both have past injury issues and I’d rather go bold on pitching. Bolder than those two.
Justin Turner vs. Anthony Rendon
Obviously Rendon is the better player going forward but I wouldn’t spend the money on Rendon instead I would spend the money on pitching.
Austin Barnes or Russell Martin or ???
I don’t have another name to offer up. If Martin wants to come back for 1 more year at 1 million then Martin, if not then Barnes. To me they are basically the same.
Kike Hernandez vs Chris Taylor or Zach McKinstry
I’m not a fan of Hernandez and couldn’t care less what the Dodgers do with him. Keep him or trade him. Taylor is a keeper and could platoon with Seager (read the above Seager comment). If the Dodgers trade Hernandez and actually get someone useful for him and need to replace Hernandez then McKinstry will do as a last resort and pinch hitter. Basically keep Taylor and who cares about the other two.
I agree Dustin May could be special.
Baez has trade value, he was arguable the Dodgers best reliever last season among the guys that started the season with the Dodgers.
I’ll pass on Drew Pomeranz. His career OPS is not impressive and his 2019 OPS was horrible.
I’ll pass on Brandon Morrow. Very Impressive 2017 and 2018 but injured all last season. I don’t want to take a chance with a possible injury. Wouldn’t mind if the Dodgers could sign him to a minor league deal but otherwise I’ll pass.
Pomeranz as a reliever BA .165 OBP .226 SLG .278 OPS .505
I’m not arguing, just giving you info you might not be considering.
59inarow
Thank you for the heads up on Pomeranz. I didn’t look deep into his stats, I just did a quick look. I’m going to look even deeper into his stats, he’s a free agent so it will only cost money, which is a good thing.
After looking at Pomeranz stats more carefully and since he is a free agent. I hope the Dodgers get him. The link you provided the other day predicts he will land with the Dodgers on a 2 year deal at 16 million total. I’m all for that.
In the future I will look at stats more carefully.
You just pick and choose OPS as if it is the end all be all without looking into more detail. Pomeranz’s OPS was HORRIBLE last year as a Starter, but it was fantastic as a reliever. .165/.226/.278/.505. He had 6.25 K/BB ratio.
That is in 28 games and 28.2 IP. Your wunderkind Ken Giles was .188/.255/.319/.574 in 53 games and 53.0 IP. He had 4.88 K/BB ratio. And he failed miserably during the 2017 post season. He was scored on in 6 of the 7 games he pitched. In 7.2 IP, he allowed 10 runs on 12 hits and 5 walks with 10 K’s. He also allowed 2 of 3 inherited runners to score. That is not mediocre, that is pathetic. But even with that, I would consider a trade for Giles as long as it was not for a significant group of prospects. His stuff is worth a gamble even as miserable of a pressure pitcher as he showed to be. Pomeranz is just learning how to relieve. He could very well be the reincarnate of Brandon Morrow, a failed starter who turned to relief with SD one year before LAD signed him.
You would have passed on Morrow, on Andrew Miller,and Brad Hand, all failed starters. You would have passed on Kirby Yates who was worse than bad until he turned 30 and was traded to SD in 2017. Yates’ OPS in 2015 was 1.004, and not a lot better in 2016. Terry Francona knew that Miller needed to hit bottom and then make him realize that he needed to become a reliever, and that is exactly what happened. I can go through the stat sheets and find more relievers who were failed starters who you would have passed on because of their starter OPS.
So if you only want to live in a vacuum and rely solely on one metric, you will miss out on a lot of good players. Thank goodness AF does not rely on OPS alone. Look at all the peripherals not just OPS. You might find that Drew Pomeranz just might be a better option than your Ken Giles, and without the prospect price tag.
Like I said to 59inarow I didn’t look deep into Pomeranz stats, I just did a quick look, my fault.
Joc Pederson vs. Nick Castellanos
Joc is nothing more than a platoon player, Castellanos can hit but no defense, if the Dodgers don´t make a trade for another player I´ll go with a platoon of Pollock and Taylor.
Rich Hill vs. Cole Hamels
Time to let Hill go and go with Urias or May.
Corey Seager vs. Francisco Lindor
I could go with either, would want to see what the whole trade or trades brings to the Dodgers.
Hyun Jin Ryu vs. Zach Wheeler
I like Wheeler.
Justin Turner vs. Anthony Rendon
Rendon is the third baseman for the next 5 years for the Dodgers, Turner can move to first.
Austin Barnes or Russell Martin or ???
I would like to see the Dodgers use Barnes in a trade and keep Martin for one more year.
Kike Hernandez vs Chris Taylor or Zach McKinstry
Keep Taylor,move Hernandez,no to McKinstry
Joc v Nick? Depends on what I can get in return for Joc and Pollock. If Dodgers can get a very nice return for Joc, and a mediocre return for Pollock then do it and sign Castellanos.
Hill v Hamels – if that is my only choice I take Hill, when healthy he is the better pitcher at this point.
Seager v Lindor – when healthy Seager has been the better offensive player (check the stats). Keep Corey.
Ryu over Wheeler – better pitcher; Wheeler has a qualifying offer
Turner v Rendon – sign Rendon, keep Turner
Barnes v Martin – sign Martin, trade Barnes
Hernandez, Taylor, McKinstry – sign Kiké to an extension, trade Taylor; McKinstry at OKC just in case (if not lost in this year’s Rule 5 draft)
Very valid point on Wheeler and QO. Most here did not believe that AF would ever sign a player tied to a QO and yet he did last year (AJ Pollock). So he is not opposed to the idea. Whether he would for Wheeler sort of depends on the overall cost. I am just not sure that I would offer Ryu more than a two year deal with a club or vesting option for a 3rd year. I think Wheeler’s ceiling is higher than Ryu’s. I am not sure where the floors are for either as I do not have access to medical information on either player, but you know AF does.
I think AF will gladly give up this year’s pick (no, 29) for Rendon — but Wheeler is (IMO) a big gamble; he could be a great signing, or a guy we talk about for the next 4 seasons as wasted money.
For catcher, what about another Austin; Austin Romine?
My opinion, keep Martin who the pitchers are familiar with; he is good in the clubhouse, and a mentor for Smith and Ruiz who I believe will be playing for Dodgers no later than August
Romine would provide an offensive upgrade, though I’m not sure how his Yankees Stadium numbers would translate to Dodger Stadium. Defensively, he would be a step back. I would also have to think that he’s wanting starting catcher money.
Some great, insightful responses this morning. If anything ,it has shown that most all of you could write a post for this blog now and again. Reach out to Mark and give the man a hand.
I nominate SoCalBum. He is very informative and extremely knowledgeable
Thank you DBM for the very nice compliment.
Trade Joc. He is a platoon player. Put AJ in left, Verdugo in right and Bellinger in center.
No to Hamels. Sign Hill and use him in the pen and spot starter. May and Urias as starters. Move Maeda to the pen. Keep Baez.
Trade Kike, Barnes, and Garlick. Keep Martin.
I would like to see AF sign a #2 starter at an unreasonable price. It will never happen at a reasonable price.
Someone mention to switch Turner and Muncy. I like that idea. That would extend Turners life as a ball player.