It has now been 26 days since the Dodgers celebrated their World Series win on the field in Texas. 26 days of pure joy for most Dodger fans. Some bad vibes being aimed at Turner for coming back on the field to celebrate with his team mates, but mostly just joy and the biggest feeling RELIEF!
I have not gone whole hog getting World Series swag. I ordered a hat, and I have a t- shirt and of course a coffee mug so I can see it every day and not have to pinch myself. It will always be a cherished memory.
But part of reliving the memory has been watching the games on my MLB.tv account and realizing how many close calls there were getting to that point.
The first two rounds against the Brewers and the Padres were sweeps. The Brewers never really put up much of a fight, but the Pads were a different story. Game 1 was a 5-1 win, but game 2 was a squeaker. 6-5. Then in the clincher the Dodgers blew the game open scoring 12 runs and then they opened the NLDS against the Braves.
Game 1, the Dodgers went into the 9th inning tied at 1 and the bullpen imploded giving up 4 to the Braves to lose 5-1. It was not a pretty game at all. They did get 5 innings of 1 run pitching out of Walker Buehler, but 2 9th inning homers off of Blake Treinen and Jake McGee beat them.
Game 2. Braves jumped early and often to get out to a 7-0 lead going into the bottom of the 7th. The Dodgers plated 3 in the 7th to inch closer. In the 9th, Adam Kolarek gave up a HR to Albies that made it 8-3. In the bottom of the inning, the Dodgers mounted a rally, and had the tying run at 3rd with 2 outs when AJ Pollock hit a rocket that was fielded, and the game was over. Down 2 games to none, in game 3 they became the road team.
Game 3. No contest. The Dodgers scored 11 in the first on their way to a 15-3 win. Julio Urias went a strong 5 to get his 3rd playoff win. Corey Seager, Max Muncy and Joc Pederson were the offensive stars. Seager and Pederson drove in 3 and Muncy drove in 4.
Game 4. Atlanta used the Dodger playbook scoring 9 over their last 3 at bats aided by a little luck and some shoddy fielding by the Dodgers for a 10-2 win. Edwin Rios drove in both Dodger runs with a homer, and an RBI single. Kersh took the loss.
Game 5. Up 3-1 you can bet the Braves had been saying to themselves one more win, baby. In game 5, they jumped out to a 2-0 lead. They were looking for more with Ozuna on 3rd. A fly ball to RF that Betts caught at his shoelaces, and a huge base running blunder by Marcell Ozuna who left 3rd too soon kept the Braves 3rd run off of the board.
The Dodgers scored 1 in the 4th on a Seager HR, and then 3 in the 6th to take the lead when Will Smith hit a 3 run HR off of Will Smith. They added 3 more in the 7th on Seager’s second homer of the game and a hit by Betts.
Game 6. The Dodgers got 3 in the first inning on back to back HR’s by Seager and Justin Turner, and an RBI single by Cody Bellinger that scored Muncy who had walked. Buehler again shut the Braves down. But he walked 4 and there was a pivotal moment in the second inning when he gave up 3 consecutive hits. With the bases loaded, he managed to strand all three runners even though there were no outs when the bases were loaded. That set the tone for the rest of the game. The Braves did get a run off of Treinen, but were robbed again by Mookie who robbed Freeman with a runner on by taking away a home run ball.
Game 7. Again the Braves jumped out to a 2-0 lead. They scored 1 on a hit by Ozuna in the first, and then Dansby Swanson hit a HR off of Tony Gonsolin in the 2nd. They tied the game in the 3rd on a 2 run single by Smith. Austin Riley put the Braves back in front in the 4th with a single that scored Albies. In the bottom of the 6th, Kike’ pinch hitting for Pederson hit a HR off of Greg Minter to tie the game. In the bottom of the 7th, Bellinger took Martin deep for what proved to be the winning run. Close calls were the calling card of this series.
Urias who pitched 3 innings of perfect baseball got his 4th win of the playoffs. And they win the pennant.
It showed a lot of grit from the team and some solid fundamental baseball those last 3 games to overcome that 3-1 hole. We all know how well they played in the series except for that abysmal ending in game 4.
The Braves series was probably one of the most nerve racking series I have ever watched. Most of the games were hotly contested and they could have gone either way except for the 2 blowouts. My nerves are calmer now, that is for sure, and I am enjoying the glow of the win. But for a moment there, I was not so sure it was going to happen.
Nice recap Bear. This 4 year run has been great. in 17 against the Astros, I was very stressed watching. I had a sinking feeling for much of it especially after the game 5 debacle. I had no faith that Roberts wasn’t going to toss a game on any given night. In 18 against the Red Sox, we started the series by tossing a game mostly by stupid mistakes from Puig. After the marathon game, the win felt good, but I felt we were behind the 8 ball and the inevitable would happen. I was mostly mad and stressed during the series. In 19 I felt good getting the lead in game five, bur it never felt safe. We couldn’t add on and then the inevitable happened.
Last year was different for me. I don’t know if I was just getting used to watching it slip away, or if I new deep down that this team was different. I didn’t get stressed like I did the previous three year. I anticipated each game. Even during the Braves series I kept thinking, that we can take 3 in a row against any team. In our losses I felt that we hit the ball well and we were unlucky. This team was just different. More complete. Less platoons and less moving players around.
As you said, there were many close calls. Home run balls were robbed by Belli and Mookie it seems the entire post season. Weak balls hit through gaping shift holes were leading to runs. But, I always thought overall that our bats would get the job done.
Starting in 17, I thought this team’s core was very young and really arrived sooner than expected. I just kept thinking when these kids were 26 and 27 they would start to really shine. That’s where we are now and we just have to keep this going.
I was really elated to hear AF talk about wanting to be pigs and really go for. Yes, now is that time. Be pigs. This core is special. Let’s see if we can repeat and three peat and whatever comes next. We have a great chance at a dynasty. Spend the money, trade a kid or two if necessary and get that RH Bat and a new closer.
Be careful about keeping older players because you have an affinity towards them. Steve Garvey, Ron Cey and Dusty Baker were all cut loose before their age 36 seasons. As much as I love JT, I would rather upgrade to Nolan or Kris and keep this dynasty in tact for a few more years.
Here’s something that might surprise you dog, Justin Turner projects a higher OPS than does Bryant. Turner and Rios combined? Around 38 home runs, 110 RBIs, OPS over .800.
We don’t need Bryant or Arenado.
Hendriks and a starter and we’re done. If we need something to finish we can get it at the deadline. Give me the keys. I’ll drive it home by the winter meetings.
That’s right Badger. Keep it simple. Hendriks and maybe some other top end 7-8 inning guys on a one year contract. Maybe, we can find a starter after the initial FA passes who might sign for a prove it deal. Some say we are all set for starters. And we are, until we’re not. There will be injures. I thought about a RH bat, but if we sign Turner why the need? It worked out very well last year. Maybe resign Kiki if he can’t find a multiyear deal somewhere. Which is highly likely.
First, projection systems will use players past few years of performance to try to predict future performance. They set an algorithm and apply all the rules to all the players without looking into individual circumstances such as past injuries to which may have affected past performance, or lingering injuries / health / age that may affect future performance. If you looked at last year’s projections for players like Bryant, Arenado, Yelich, they would all have predicted the opposite of what actually happened.
Second, I’m not sure what projection system you’re using, but your argument is incorrect according to Zips which says both Arenado and Bryant will be better than Turner and Rios in 2021.
Zips 2021 Projections
https://www.fangraphs.com/projections.aspx?pos=3b&stats=bat&type=zipsp1&team=0&lg=all&players=0
Arendado WAR 4.6 OPS 934
Bryant WAR 3.9 OPS 875
Turner WAR 2.3 OPS 810
Rios WAR .5 OPS 740
RotoChamp Composites.
So, I guess it comes down to who you trust. Here’s RotoChamp OPS for the same players and the differences…
Arenado 908 -26
Bryant 841 -34
Turner 887 +77
Rios 842 +102
Looks like there’s relatively small variance between Arenado and Bryant while large variances between Turner and Rios. For this, I think the Arenado and Bryant numbers are more trust worthy.
Let’s do a quick check on Bryant and Turner. Bryant is going into his age 29 season and has 3 900+ OPS seasons in his 6 year career. JT is going into his age 36 season and has had 2 900+ OPS seasons in the last 6 years. Does it really make sense to you that that a 36 YO with a lifetime OPS of 838 beats a 29 YO with a lifetime OPS of 889?
I also think that Zips is a more trusted name than Rotochamp. But, for giggles and kicks, let’s split the difference…
Arenado 921
Bryant 858
Turner 848
Rios 791
Arenado and Bryant are sill better. So yes, if you cherry pick a stat and don’t do much analysis you can make an argument for pretty much any of your favorite players. A little more research, a little less hometown bias and some common sense you can make better arguments.
A little more analysis? That’s subtle.
What my less analysis did was combine Turner’s 400 plate appearances with Rios’ 300. The numbers you give of course support your argument but they represent 616 plate appearances for Arenado, 609 plate appearances for Bryant and 449 for Turner. We can get some outstanding production out of our third base platoon for a whole lot less money than Arenado or Bryant. Sign Turner, accept that he’s not an everyday player, and give Rios experience and a chance to get better. We don’t need a new third baseman.
The Dodgers have to bring back Justin Turner he is a lot better than any one Andrew Friedman may get. Keep numbet 10 for 2 more years, Justin Turner
He is what the team needs to talk to them and listen to the young guys in the team
I always felt they were never out of any game until the last out was recorded. Even when they lost 8-7 you thought they had a shot and with Cody on 3rd, they might at least extend the game. But they won, and that is the best thing that has happened in a while.
It may not have been pretty but it was the most beautiful thing I have seen in 32 years (except for my wife, of course -if she is reading). 😉
The relief was beautiful that is for sure and not having to listen to fans of other teams say well they lost again.
If the Dodgers re-sign Turner, I would bet that the platoon of Turner and Rios puts better combined stats than Arenado… even if he is still in Colorado!
I hope Arenado does not end up in LA because those of you who want him are going to find out the hard way that I am most likely right.
Agreed Mark. Turner and Rios is the way to go for 2021 and maybe 2022. I would like to have Arenado, but would rather the Dodgers use the money to keep our own players.
I’ll take that bet. McCallan 15? Only stats while playing 3B count. What stat are we using, OPS, Fangraphs WAR, BA WAR?
A weighted average of all of them.
LOL – Okay be specific and if you pick a stat we can agree on, we’ll bet. Saying I’ll bet you, without making a bet is like saying Verdugo is the next Tony Gwynn. 😉
See, there you go… making stuff up. I said he was Tony-Gwynne-eque.
My weighted version of Turner would be 190.
We already have Rios and Turner. Well, in my head we do. Turner is a Dodger dammit. Yeah, he f’d up at the celebration, but it’s not like he bowled over MLB security to get back out on the field. No harm no foul, I forgive him, move on. SIGN THE MAN. He wants to play here (I think) he’s a big influence on younger players and he projects well over .800 OPS. He and Rios look pretty darn not too bad to me. Arenado is a Rockie and Bryant? … we don’t need him.
Pitching. After we sign a late inning guy, sign another one, a starter then get more pitching. Right handed bat? We got them already. Betts, Turner, Smith, Pollock, Taylor, Barnes (or Ruiz) sign Hernandez and that’s one more. This is the best 2021 team in the Majors. We can cross the ‘22 bridge later.
I tend to agree. What Turner does isn’t just measured in the stats. MLB has to get this DH situation settled. I’m no fan of the DH nor am I going to change my mind just because it benefits the Dodgers at a particular moment. However it makes no sense to go back to pitchers hitting for one year then go to the DH the year after.
Arenado is not coming to la. His contract is excessive and no chance la takes it. Money talks so I don’t feel sorry for Arenado and trout. They had a chance to win or choose money and they both chose money. I am not blaming them for their choice because it is complicated. But, although Keyshawn gets a huge salary I think he could have gotten more elsewhere but being with a winning franchise won the day.
For the same reason I expect turner to re-sign. The Dodgers are the place to be for a winner. Now that we are over the World Series hurdle any player should want to be here. Those that are financially secure can afford to go for the win. Besides la will pay the best.
JT can be a Fixture for the Dodgers, as can Clayton, like Cey and Koufax!
The next generation of icons.
“Hey, I saw Clayton and Justin on the back diamonds of Camelback!”
It’s hard to know, but I think Clayton will retire when his contract is up. His kids are young and he is a different bird… Still you never know!
Yep, I can see CK doing something weird like taking one year deals at a discount if it looks like we’re still competing for rings, or just walking away when it becomes a burden. I don’t think he’s ever get paid $30M a season while with the Dodgers.
I agree. Kershaw is very wealthy and baseball keeps him away from for much of the day and totally when on the road. He could retire after next year and if not, he might sign one contracts with either Texas or LA.
My realistic expectation is that we resign JT, that we platoon JT and Rios (with the other being a DH often), and that those 2 could both have solid years.
But if we’re betting, then, count me in as well. I’ll take Arrenado’s numbers, whether in Coors, StL, or NY/DC, over our 3b platoon numbers. And I’ll put a Don Julio on it.
When Mark loses we’ll bring the bottles together and drink to Mark~!
Many are assuming if the Dodgers trade for Arenado they are not going to keep Seager’s payroll cost beyond 2021 and that seems to assume that they would not go after a similar salary to play shortstop.
If the Dodgers don’t want to give huge salaries to Arenado, Betts, Seager, Bellinger, and Buehler and be prepared to absorb arbitration results for Urias and others then somebody has to leave or never arrive.
I would like to have Turner back and while I trust his bat and glove, I do not trust his legs. To protect his legs he would have to jog around the bases. I see him as a Manny Mota pinch hitter deluxe and clubhouse presence. When he plays defense and has to run the bases, we will just have to accept he will be very slow.
The Dodgers need a righty bat regardless of where Turner winds up. Arenado, Bryant, Torres, or Lindor works for me. To get any of those players the Dodgers need to move payroll to the other team involved in such a trade (Muncy?)
I agree with last sentence Bum, which is why I suggested Bryant as cheaper 1 year alternative (either in LF 3b, or 1b)
We will have to see what the market is for Hendriks. He will be 32 next season and I cannot see AF giving him more than a 2-year deal. I think it will be the middle to the end of December before the market is open.
By the way, Jeff Kingston may be the next Phillies GM. In fact, I predict he will!
It seems like every time you make a knee jerk statement, it’s the kiss of death. Kingston might as well cancel his flights and get get some more Dodgers gear.
Maybe there was a time and place for Nolan Arenado. I’m sure the Dodgers would have pursued him as a free agent. But he chose to extend with the Rockies. Bad decision? Looking back, then at the present, probably a mistake.
But that time has passed. I’ve read if the Dodgers get Arenado, then Corey Seager would be gone, money and all. I don’t know that for a fact. None of the writers really know that either. Just a wild guess, based on … who knows?
But if that is the case, not saying it is, I wouldn’t touch Arenado. Seager is younger, had an incredible playoff and a really good season. He’s a difference maker. The Dodgers drafted him, developed his skill set.
Justin Turner, many ways the heart and soul of the Dodgers, wants to continue to play for LA. His teammates certainly want that to happen, the fans do too and I think management is leaning that way, just depends on the deal. Why complicate 2021? Trying to build a team using numbers may not be the best idea. There are the intangibles. Turner is a big time player when it counts.
Bringing him back, yes he’ll be older, won’t cost you more money, won’t cost you premium prospects, won’t mess up the clubhouse chemistry. Arenado decided to sign the big contract in Colorado, his choice, nobody forced the issue. There were plenty of rumors the Dodgers wanted him, he’s a SoCal guy. Again, he signed with the Rockies instead of pursuing free agency and a deal in LA.
A short time after signing, he began to complain, have issues with management, the direction of the team. Have you heard Mike Trout complain? Who exactly is Arenado? Would he be a good replacement for Turner in the clubhouse? Both Dave Roberts and Andrew Friedman have pointed to clubhouse unity as a big reason the Dodgers endured a pandemic and won.
Friedman points to the extensive background work they did on Mookie Betts before making the trade. Mookie added to the clubhouse. Numbers are nice, but often misleading. Sometimes intangibles matter more.
Good column today, Bear. Keep ‘em coming.
Sbuffalo your statment is complete,keep it simple I hope AF reads this column.
Arenado is clearly disappointed with the lack of success the team has had. Yep, he signed that contract, but he did it believing the team would surround him with better players. Should he have known better? Yeah, probably. Should he have signed for less? Of course not. So now what?
The article I posted yesterday, assuming you all read it, suggested he could opt out next year then sign another contract and finish his career where he wants to. Would he be walking away from near $200 million? Not all of it of course, but likely some of it. However a simple well stated argument could be made that living and working where you want to, going forward on $150 million, after already making $130 million might actually work out ok.
I think the article you’re referring to doesn’t say Seager would be gone but says acquiring NA would be insurance from losing Seager. They will have replaced Turner for the foreseeable future then can decide how they want to attack the free-agent market for a SS next year.
I wonder if all the talk about Linder etc is because seager has decided not to re-sign. Mb if boras is his agent the Dodgers realize the writing is on the wall. Or mb if AF is concerned about seagers health. AF is quite astute so he is not going to do anything to upset seager if he is staying. Mb AF is planning on playing Linder at second. Or mb he has know interest at all.
Lindor at second? According to fangraphs he was the 6th best defensive shortstop in all of baseball in ‘19. Seager? 16th.
I know but I was just saying that could be a possibility. It would not be the best defensive alignment at ss but it could be a way to co- exist for a year. If Linder is traded for he would not make the decision where he plays. The Dodgers might tell him up front for 1 year. Highly unlikely and improbable but I was just throwing out possibilities however remote they are.
I want both Seager and Lindor but if Seager can’t see the team is better with Lindor and short and him at third then he isn’t a team player and puts himself selfishly first. Don’t need that, don’t like that.
I think Lindor and Betts would be an all-world clubhouse tandem.
I think Lindor would add more to the clubhouse than would Seager.
I think Seager is a better hitter.
I think Lindor is a better runner and fielder.
Betts and Lindor would be very entertaining on defense, on the bases, and in the batters box.
Got it.
Of all the players we are talking about, including Seager, I wonder how many might actually want to play for the Dodgers. I believe Arenado does. A winnig, stable organization playing in perfect weather has to have some appeal. Lindor’s family moved from Puerto Rico to Florida when he was 12, but, how many stars actually want to play in Florida? We know Seager grew up a Yankees fan, but that doesn’t mean he wants to play there. Arenado and Lindor on the Dodgers sure sounds exciting to me. Put Seager at first and Betts at second and you’ve got a $120 million infield. Outfield: Ozuna, Trout, and Bellinger. Tax? Who cares? We’re the Dodgers.
I have a very humble baseball playing experience but I played shortstop more than any other position. I loved it. I played CF, 1B, 2B, and 3B as well and was relieved to move away from shortstop when it was clear I was no longer quick enough for that position. I wound up enjoying playing third base as much as I did shortstop because the glove was more important than the legs there.
Maybe Seager will see it that way as well.
In ’17 Lindor was 5th and Seager was tied for 2nd. Actually 2nd because the final number weights counting stats higher and Seager had less innings than Crawford. Maybe another year removed from injuries and Seager will be back towards the top.
I myself have no idea what AF’s plan is. I have watched the interviews and listened intently to what he was saying and it still sounds like double-talk to me. But what do I know? I am nothing more than a fan. I have no inside info to the workings of the Friedman mind. What I know is that my Dodgers are Champions at last, and now they have to defend said title against the raging hoard. Fans everywhere are opining on what ownership should do. I know I like Justin Turner and would love to see him come back. But not for the long term. As for Arenado, high priced contract aside, I think coming home is an elixir for some. They feel at home and become more relaxed and that leads to less stress which is always a good thing. Yeah, he has a huge deal and would LA consider taking on that contract? The answer seems to be yes since the rumors are still out there. The question is not are the Dodgers interested, of course there is interest. The question is, is the Rockies ownership willing to trade one of their superstar players to one of their biggest rivals, and what do they get in return? If I knew the answer to that, then I could give a definitive answer to the question. Since I do not know, I will simply defer. The Dodgers system is full of prospects. Some say we are waiting for Hoese. But since there was no minor league play this season, and we are still not sure what 2021 will look like, his arrival date cannot be accurately arrived at. Seager is a free agent after 2021, as are Kersh and Jansen. There will be a glut of good SS on the market after 21. What to do? There are Lindor lovers, and those who want to extend Seager. I do not think in my heart they will try to re-sign Jansen. Kersh will probably get no more than a 3 year offer and surely not for 30 mil a year. Seager on the other hand in my mind is a goner unless he is extended sometime in the next 6 months. If he goes into this season without a contract, he will leave in free agency. Oh, the Dodgers will give him the QO so they do not lose him for nothing. But Corey will leave if no extension is agreed on by May. I do not know what they will do, I can only sit here and watch.
USC finally had an easier game. No 4th quarter heroics needed. Utah playing it’s first game looked out of sync. And they lost their starting QB early. Lakers keep Pope. Lose Rondo, Bradley and Howard along with trading Green. Lots of players moving to the Nippon and Korean leagues with minor league opportunities lessening because of the reduction of teams. We will probably see some moving to the Latin American leagues that are available too.
Getting more serious, only a little more though, I propose Taylor and Muncy for Gleyber and play Gleyber at first. Taylor bridges the shortstop gap the Yankees will have in 2021 until they can go after one of the big free agent shortstops. Muncy will give them the power lefty bat they really need and could be used at second should DJLM not be re-signed by the Yankees or replace Voit at first if they trade Voit for pitching.
Dodgers get the righty bat they need.
Yankees would still need pitching. Maybe Price for Chad Green plus others could be part of the deal.
Thinking outside of the box now Bum. I do not think Price will be traded simply because if you trade Price, the Dodgers starting staff gets a whole lot thinner. Then you are counting on 3 guys who in essence are still rookies. Gonsolin, May and Gray. Unless you are going to sign a starter to a free agent deal, trading Price makes no sense at all, and the other question is do the Yankees even want or like the guy? And I have a feeling prying Torres away from NY would not be all that easy. They have to want the players you are dangling. And many times my friend, that just is not the case. Has Torres ever played first? Rios to me is a better option over there than Torres. So is Beaty.
Rios and Beaty both are lefty hitters, Torres is a righty. Isn’t the game trying to guess who the righty bat will be that Friedman gets?
Yeah, but if he wants a RH first baseman, why would he trade for Torres who has zip experience at the position? And a lead glove to boot. It just does not make sense. And there are guys who can hit any kind of pitching. And why would they even consider trading Muncy period? I just do not see it. But I will let you enjoy the fantasy, because in my book, that is all it is.
I got this one ….
no I don’t.
I traded Muncy for Arenado but I’m not trading him for some guy named Gleyber, though I think he could play first base just fine. He’s a shortstop. If he can make the Majors there, he sure as hell can play first base.
And I’m still not convinced AF wants a RH bat all that badly. We did pretty well with the bats we had last year. If you’re gonna add position players just find guys who can hack.
I don’t see AF taking on a big contract like Arenado’s. As others have pointed out, resigning our young core will be the priority. Cory Seager is now entering his prime. Resigning him will be expensive, but worth it in terms of the WARs he will achieve over many years. Bryant may be an alternative to Justin, if he will sign a short-term contract. I would love to see Justin stay, but it’s hard to know his “shelf-life,” given his age and legs. If there is a universal DH, then it may be worth keeping JT. If not, then better find a replacement. Don’t mean to be unsentimental. Sometimes, you have to be ready to move on.
How about we just resign Turner, and put Lux at second.Then sign two late inning bullpen guys and win another WS! Let all the drama begin after 21!
We are going to need to add another starting pitcher if we play a 162 game season. It may be somebody we already have or a 1 year deal. I don’t think kershaw can stay off the dl for a full season. Mb gray can fill in. We can start with Buehler, kershaw, urias, price, and May but we are definitely going to need gonsolin and 1 or 2 more to get through the season. Turner can’t make a season so we need to c what Rios can do. U know pollock cannot make a full season so we will need another rh bat for sure.
I don’t know why people r so down on Muncy. He is a very tough out, cheap, versatile, and a team player. He is a very tough player that I would hate to lose. He had an off year average wise but he definitely is a grinder. I think he will bounce back and he hits lefties and righties as does Rios.
The voice of sanity!
The rest of you need to put down the crack pipe!
I must’ve missed it. Who is “down on Muncy”? He had an off year, but maybe he can snap back. Just because I traded him for Arenado doesn’t mean I’m down on him.
Why are you so sure Pollock will not make it through a full season? Because of his history? That is all it is is history. It means nothing going forward especially with a player who realizes what he needs to do to stay on the field, and AJ did a lot to make sure that happens. You cannot just say he will be injured because no one knows. It is your opinion, and that is fine. Does not make it gospel. AF has already stated the needs. And starting pitching was not on the list. A RH bat and relief help are the biggest needs. Does Turner fit that? Somewhat. He has lost a step or two, and his power numbers were off because he was not at full strength. But from the way he spoke, it looks like AF is looking at an upgrade. Only time will tell. He might have 3 or 5 on his list already. He is if nothing else, prepared to do what needs to be done and all we can do is wait and watch.
Lakers signed Marc Gasol, Pau’s brother to a 2 year deal. McGee gets traded to Cavaliers to make room.
Good move.
The Lakers are a better team today than the one that just won the championship. Well done Pellinka. Of course he has to sign Davis
Just a matter of time, and will definitely not happen until after Thanksgiving. That little tidbit came from Davis himself. Supposedly various scenario’s are in play.
Clippers went out and got Ibaka. But they lost Harrad to the Lakers. Things have been pretty warm in NBA free agency. Unlike the MLB where you can hear the crickets.