It’s a little over a week away when the Dodgers’ Pitchers and Catchers are scheduled to report to Spring Training on February 18th. The rest of the squad is to report by February 23rd. I think that it will happen, but we are still in the midst of a pandemic, in case you haven’t noticed. While this is extremely tragic, let me put this in perspective. Approximately, 450,000 Americans have died of COVID-19 in the last year. The Spanish Flu killed 675,000 Americans when the population was much smaller. Like 200,000,000 smaller!
The fact is: this is very tragic, but no comparison. Could America have done a better job of protecting people, especially the most vulnerable? Absolutely, especially in California and New York, but it is what it is. The fact of the matter is that 30 to 40 million Americans have been vaccinated and by the end of March, nearly half of the population will likely have been vaccinated.
Players and team personnel need to be careful during Spring Training, but the risks are much less than last year. By April, May, and June, a vast percentage of the country will have been vaccinated. Still this pandemic and its death rate have been horrid. America was not ready for anything like this. It’s not a party thing – neither the Democrats nor the Republicans were prepared for anything like COVID-19.
Mask Up. Wash your hands. Be smart! This too shall pass… in time! But, be ready for the next time. By the way, wearing masks will likely continue until 2023, especially since it is unclear if the new mutant strains will be treated by these vaccines. Some say yes, some say no. If you haven’t had COVID-19, good for you. The first time I had it, it was bad. The second time, it took me three months to recover. But, I am back to 100% and life is good. Try not to get it. It’s a bitch!
By the way, I have put my retirement plans on hold. I feel great. I have amazing energy and I love what I do. If I decide to take tomorrow off, I can. But, I worked 13 hours yesterday. Well, it’s never work, if you love what you do, and I do love it!
I say all of this because Spring Training is upon us. David Price opted out of last season. He evidently is not opting out of 2021. I can give you $30 Million Reasons why not, but he will be there at Spring Training. I predict right here and now that David Price will be the Comeback Player of the Year in 2021.
Are we ready for some baseball? No DH in the NL… Runner on 2B in extra innings, 7 inning double headers? Bring it on. I do think it is plain dumb and very short-sighted not to have the DH in the NL. MLP and the Players Association have until Opening Day to change that. I doubt there will be fans allowed into Spring Training, but I don’t know that for sure. The thing is: you never know what you might see at Camelback Ranch… sometimes an old lefthander might be playing catch…
Dodger News
- Keith Law ranked the Farm Systems in The Athletic and the Dodgers are still a Top Ten Farm System. In fact, they came in at #10. The Padres are #7. Tampa Bay is #1 (as usual), and Cleveland is #2. The Nats are dead last – 2021 might be their last opportunity to compete for a long time, as the Farm is devoid of talent and many of their players are aging.
- Allegedly, the Dodgers have some interest in Garrett Cooper, a 1B and outfielder who just turned 30 on Christmas Day. He is a 6 foot 5 inch RH hitter whose splits are virtually neutral. He has 637 MLB at-bats with 21 HR and 30 doubles while slashing .281/.344/.793. He really has no position with the Marlins but could be a solid RH bat for the Dodgers. To me, this means that they are looking for alternatives to JT’s bat! If the Dodgers could get him for a mid-to-low-level prospect, he could be a nice role player… and insurance!
- I get two or three calls a week from people, companies, or investment groups who are interested in buying US Water Systems. We really aren’t interested in selling and when they ask what we would want, I always say “a lot more than it is worth.” Anyway, yesterday an investment group out of LA came calling and we talked for a while. The reason I am mentioning this here is that one of the lead investors is Kevin O’Malley, son of Peter O’Malley. Small world!
- Phil Jones made an excellent point yesterday. Ed Rios has worked extremely hard, re-shaped his body, and has vastly improved his play at 3B. In 123 AB’s he has hit 12 HR. What message do you send to your young players if you trade for Suarez or Chapman right now? If the Dodgers don’t re-sign JT, then Rios has to be given a chance to succeed or fail. If he succeeds then you are stronger. If not, make a trade at the deadline.
- I am very anxious to see how the youngsters have progressed. If MLB is smart, they will televise all the Spring Training Games and have in-depth coverage. Stay tuned!
The Dodgers should look into signing Ryan Braun as a RH bat off the bench, He is a local guy from the area or Kevin Pillar, another good choice..
I think I’d rather have Garrett Cooper than Braun. Definitely cheaper and better!
Last I checked Braun indicated he wasn’t even interested in playing baseball anymore. Where does he even play? The Dodgers already have two right handed corner outfielders who are much better.
Braun’s the guy that cheated Kemp out of an MVP. No way. Might as well trade for Altuve.
I don’t think that Ryan Braun would be a good fit in the club house.
Bought tickets to the Dodger – Mariners game in Seattle on April 20th. Taking my 13 year old grandson to his first mlb game. I hope it happens.
“Phil Jones made an excellent point yesterday. Ed Rios has worked extremely hard, re-shaped his body, and has vastly improved his play at 3B. In 123 AB’s he has hit 12 HR. What message do you send to your young players if you trade for Suarez or Chapman right now? If the Dodgers don’t re-sign JT, then Rios has to be given a chance to succeed or fail. If he succeeds then you are stronger. If not, make a trade at the deadline.”
I would include Rios in any trade for those two for that reason. I’m not sure that he’s ready to play for LA, but he’s already close to 27, so he either gets a shot at starting or he goes someplace where he will. Right now, Zips, Steamer and most of the other projection models have him at around 450 plate appearances, around 20-22 home runs, and a wRC+ of less than 100.
That’s just not good enough to replace JT’s production on a team that wants to win a WS again. Rios’s problem is his low walk % and high strikeout rate. That’s been his characteristic throughout his minor league career, and I don’t see that dramatically changing. It could be he’s a late bloomer, but if you’re already taking a chance on a rookie with Lux at 2nd, I don’t think it’s wise to rely on two unproven players starting in your infield. That, and you’d be replacing JT’s right handed bat with another left hander with big hole in his swing. That was Joc’s issue and Bellinger’s issue, and add to that Seager and Muncie, and it’s why the Dodgers have struggled for years against LHSP. You really have to replace JT with another RH bat.
Chapman is an absolute stud, and is on the verge of being a perennial All Star, but the Dodgers would have to empty out their farm system to get him, and AF doesn’t do overpays. Like Suarez, he’s under team control until 2024, and the As have a tendency of actually being a competitive team, so they’re going to want to keep him while he’s cheap.
Suarez is a little more obtainable and perhaps has a higher offensive ceiling than Chapman, but doesn’t have Chapman’s excellent defense (which I think would help better anchor the Dodgers already suspect infield defense), and, aside from a couple of breakout seasons, doesn’t have a sure bet track record. He’s under contract for a higher AAV than Chapman, and the Reds might part with him if they go into a rebuild and you include a much cheaper Rios, but he’s still probably under market at just under 10 million through 2024, so there’s not a huge inducement for the Reds to deal him right now.
Garrett Cooper has some potential, but has to play 1rst, which means Muncy plays 3rd, unless he’s there to platoon with Muncy, which would be more likely, but you’d still need a 3rd baseman if JT leaves. He’s cheap.
I think, in the end, JT signs a three year front loaded deal with the Dodgers. His defense has slipped and he’s injury prone and can’t play every day, but Rios could play against a lot of right handers for around 300-400 plate appearances.
Congrats on moving a mountain to build a successful business.
Patch, I agree that Rios needs to be traded if the organization has just considered him a placeholder to back up JT while waiting for Hoerse, McKinstry (both 24) or younger guys. In fact here was my quote from yesterday “Before ever giving Rios the opportunity to be the everyday guy, some folks want to go out right now and get Suarez or Chapman. If you do that you’d better include Rios in the trade. Otherwise, what’s his future?”
I believe that determination about Rios needs to made on the field and not based on “projection models”. I have trouble believing that the Dodgers lack the faith in Rios do to the job. But if they do, cut him loose in a trade.
I know it’s a production business and all the players know that. But there is a degree of respect that players like Rios deserve. The Dodgers are considered to be player friendly in their treatment and development of players. If the organization makes a habit of not giving prospects a shot and then drop veterans on top of them, it creates a lack of trust. These guys are not robots. As a player you have to develop a thick skin and a fatalistic approach. You try not to worry about things out of your control. But a player can lose respect for a team that jerks them around and doesn’t give them a fair chance. At 26, Rios has earned respect for his attitude and hard work. The best case scenario is to sign JT to plattoon with Rios until the DH gets approved and Rios becomes the everyday guy. But, if that doesn’t happen, he needs to get a shot or get gone.
You’re right that a determination has to be made on the field, but based on the small sample sizes, his minor league history and what he’s projected to do, I’m not ready to anoint him the 3rd baseman of the future.
As you mention, best case is to have him spot/platoon with JT at 3d for about 350-450 plate appearances to get a better idea how he produces, how pitchers game plan for him and how he adapts.
Just checked, and he actually has reverse splits L/R, so he’s less likely to fall into Joc platoon limbo, so that helps his chances to eventually be a full time guy.
Turner was a late bloomer!
”but if you’re already taking a chance on a rookie with Lux at 2nd, I don’t think it’s wise to rely on two unproven players starting in your infield”
I don’t think anyone had thought about that, at least I hadn’t read about it, and I agree with you, I think you’re right.
I like Rios, but I think it would be better for him and for his career if he is traded to American league (Maybe Boston)
I wonder if the 450,000 folks who have died and their Families and Friends gives a rat’s arse about the Spanish flu… I got it and I don’t look back…
Maybe the Warp Speed National Guard got lost on the way to Cali and NY…
I surely would have given the Dems a shot at it after 2 years or less… There’s good people on both sides!!!
M.T. I will be following your instructions to the T after my bout and not looking forward to taking it on again…
Not being able to go to ST will be a bummer for me… I was there last year for the ST finale..
Retirement… Damn near Nirvana… I worked a few too many of those 12+ gigs, but got paid well… I retired a lil early as the extra retirement $$$ wasn’t worth it…
People ask me what’s the best thing about retirement and I simply say “Sunday”!!
We just need to get Turner back if he is reasonable. There are enough at bats for turner and Rios. Then you could find out what you have in Rios and yet have Turner ready for the playoffs. Then, the following year you probably have the dh and you still have a place for both. The following year if u didn’t like Rios or needed another option mb Hoese? will be ready to figure in.
Wow, Rios is 26 and will be 27 in April. When he was 27, Justin Turner was in his second full season with the Mets. He hit 2 homers and batted .269. Rios at 26 hit .250 and had 8 homers in 62 fewer games. And just 2 RBI’s less. Point is, just because he is 27, does not mean he won’t get it and be a productive player. Turner did not even become a regular until he was 30. He has played 150 games or more once in his career. JT is valued more for his leadership in the clubhouse and on the field. He has slowed down some, but his defense in the playoffs was pretty damn good. More of a concern to me is the fact that he misses more and more games due to some ache or pain. I have seen a lot of bitching about Pollock and other players who have had injury problems in the past. But Pollock played more games last season than Turner did. He only did not play in 5 of the teams 60 games. To me there is too much drama around all of this, and to tell the truth, JT has no leverage. AF can let him walk and not even blink. But none of the teams who are supposedly still in on him are serious contenders. Especially if he sticks to his demand for 4 years. If he comes back, fine, if not, well, it just was not meant to be.
Another day, no Justin Turner. Most analysts expect him to re-sign with the Dodgers, but …
Yes, Cooper would be a good pick-up.
No question that Rios has improved. But what about the right handed bat? Third is one of those positions.
JT looks to be the best option.
I believe Gavin Lux will be very good, if they give him the opportunity to succeed. Probably depends on what happens in spring training.
Fans back at spring training? I read somewhere a couple of weeks ago they were working on a plan. Reduced numbers. But they would allow attendance.
Got to really like the Dodgers farm system. Expect a few players to help in 2021. They seem to have done well internationally so I expect that to continue. Had a pretty good draft last year. It will be nice to have the minor leagues up and running again.
History is important to understand the future and avoid mistakes. Unfortunately we seem to repeat mistakes of the past often. Interesting that during the Spanish Flu that Los Angeles implemented social distancing, but no masks. San Francisco did the opposite, masks, but no distancing. Both failed.
This time we implemented both, still failed. Schools still closed, no sports, high school or travel ball. My grandson is desperately wanting to play little league again. Still no word. Let Them Play is a movement getting a lot of notice in California. Community college sports programs resume in March (all sports). We should study what happened this time around in preparation for the next pandemic. Way too many mistakes made.
Expect fans to return to Dodger Stadium sometime in June, but Stan Kasten thinks the Dodgers will be the last team to have attendance. LA County, the problem.
Vaccinations are picking up, just got mine yesterday. County is opening 30 more sites.
So there is hope that we soon move past this.
Now sign Turner and move forward. I will be beyond disappointed if they don’t.
Good write-up, as usual, Mark.
Great write up on Kersh today in LA Times
Mark, like how you cherry pick your statistics. While the percent of people who have died was much higher let’s no forget a few facts. The Spanish flu was over a 2 year period. Epidemiology is far more advanced today. How would we fare with COVID is were relegated to science of the early 20th century?
Why must you always try to minimize COVID-19? As peterj says, who cares about the Spanish flu. Why interject this within what was a good read about baseball?
I am not sure you read my post, because nowhere do I minimize it. It is fact of life and it affects baseball, how and where it is played. Maybe you and PeterJ don’t care about the Spanish Flu, but those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. The Spanish Flu came in 4 waves, but you probably don’t care about that either.
Lots of things affect the game of baseball and this happens to be one. Vaccination progress is also affecting the game, so while you may not think it relevant, I do!
I do care about it Mark. It is you who tries to minimize COVID-19. You originally claimed it was no worse then the Hong Kong flu.
By the way, how’s hydroxycloroquine doing. You were such a strong proponent. Stick to baseball. Pandemics are not your strong suit; nor are probability and statistics.
Actually, there are lots of people who have received hydroxychloroquine, including my doctor who took it early on. Lots of people died because there was NO treatment in the beginning and ventilators generally made patients worse. In the beginning, hydroxychloroquine may have saved a lot of lives if taken early in the infection process, but with the advent of Regeneron and Remdesivir, there is no need for hydroxychloroquine. There are also studies that show Remdesivir does not work, but I beg to differ.
Claim whatever you want Mark.
https://www.henryford.com/news/2020/07/hydro-treatment-study
https://aapsonline.org/hcq-90-percent-chance/
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/coronavirus-covid-19-politics-hydroxychloroquine-treatment-research
There is lots of evidence for and against, but before the other drugs came along, I would have taken it over taking nothing!
Taking something because there is nothing else available is one thing. Claiming when it works when it doesn’t is something else:
Based on the available medical data at this time, hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are not effective for treating or preventing COVID-19. Though some small studies initially suggested that the medications may be helpful, many other larger studies saw no benefit.
Have a good night and may JT sign with LA this week.
Bauer apparently likes tacos. He gets more likeable all the time.
Everybody likes tacos. Have you ever met a person, you say, “let’s get some tacos,” they say, “Hell no, I don’t like no tacos”? Tacos are delicious. Tacos may be the most delicious thing on the whole damn planet.
Oh wait, that’s parfaits.
I need baseball. Now!! They better not delay ST.
Pizza is better than tacos.
My sources tell me Turner will be back in Dodger Blue by the end of the weekend
Are your sources those little voices that talk to you inside your head (just like my sources do with me) or are they people with real connections to do the Dodgers?
It’s my wife! But she’s very reliable!
Tell her she’s on the clock.
We a; hope that happens BUT if JT signs with another team(which he won’t) I’ll just say thanks for memories and I wish you well. As for who will play 3B I’d love to see Rios get a full chance against all pitching. ST should tell us a little about what he’ll do when it counts.
That being said there may be another 3B available that no one has mentioned….Gio Urshela from the Yankees. If I was a Yankee fan I would want Rios in return. Can you imagine with his “light tower” power how he would destroy that stadium? I believe LF &RF are about 320′ down the line.
So I have a two part question for Mark, Jeff or anyone. Assuming the roster stays as it is and nothing magic happens with younger players, I see two holes: third base and fourth outfielder. Looking at the Dodgers options I was surprised at the lack of outfield options we have beyond the starters and there are not many options for third base. My question is can Wil Smith or Gavin Lux (assuming he is hitting) play third base or left field? Wil could move if Barnes at least hits some and Ruiz can back-up. We have lots of options at second so could Lux play third or left? We must assume Pollock will be hurt at some time for probably a few weeks and I don’t see any minor league options unless Bush can hit enough to play left. I like Rios starting but if he strikes out too much we only have Taylor behind him now and we need him to be able to move around the infield and left.
Chris Taylor can play 2B and LF. I am sure Lux could learn LF if forced to.
CT3 could also learn 3B if he had to. He has played 25 games there and has the arm… Remember?
KP, to add to Mark’s answer with CT3 and Lux, I think Spring Training will be where the rubber meets the road for outfield depth. I would hope someone from the group of Beaty (27), Peters (25). Raley (26), Reks (27) and Cody Thomas (26) might step up and earned a roster spot. Filling these spots from inside the organization is the point of our player development. I’m sure the point hasn’t been to have a deluxe AAA team.
I have no doubt that CT3 can play 2nd, 3rd and left better than the average defensive player. We all hope Lux can earn his spot. I’m not looking at this deal like all of these guys are going to be busts and we have to trade for every position. The mid 20’s prospects seem to lost in the conversations. Where’s your faith in this organization? We need one or 2 guys to step up.
Cool image of Clayton Kershaw’s glove. After using the same mitt for his entire MLB career to date, he has finally retired it and it’s under glass:
https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3663b8a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024×4032+0+0/resize/1080×1440!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F36%2F13%2F92d6d44f46e99ed94be5c44c5458%2Fclayton-kershaw-profile-002.JPG
I wonder what he will use this year?
Won’t need one the way he’s gonna pitch this year!
All the fielders are just going to sit at their positions. The catcher is the only one involved.
Eddie Feigner of the King and His Court fastpitch softball started out with only Meade Kinser, his catcher and Eddie against 9 man teams. It soon became apparent they needed 4 batters to make a line up.
I seem to recall some here who wanted to move Yasiel Puig to 3B – hey, anyone can play the hot corner, apparently. Well, the Wild Horse is available and probably cheap.
Just kidding (yikes!).
Did he ever figure out how to hit lefties?
I wanted to have him workout at third. Although he will go after every pop up and ground ball.
Taylor and Kike’ never looked good at 3rd even though they could both play short very well.
Hallelujah – I got dealt a good hand today!!! 1st. Covid shot scheduled this friday @ 3:10 PM PST… The last month or so has been a test and the finish line is in sight….. Maybe chuck the mask and hugs (It’s an Irish thing) maningi by late ??? God is good…
I’m weakening on my JT stance and see giving Rios a baptism by fire… I only played 3B 3-4 times with a great arm but extremely gun shy, were talking double cup shy…
ST still bums me out… Why can’t the Dodgers show every ST game… I can’t see them losing $$$
Our 5 starters are are scary good If they stay healthy which the won’t we have a bundle of options…
JT this weekend??? I really like the possible scenarios come the trading deadline…
Great Peter. I get my booster this Friday. 1st one was a breeze. A little soreness and that was it. Benintendi getting traded to the Royals in a 3 way deal involving the Mets and Red Sox. Sox get 3 players. Franchy Cordero and Josh Winckowski are 2 of them. KC prospect Khalil Lee going to the Mets.
I am praying for you it really is a good hand with your Covid shot.
My aunt, 86 years old got her shot 3 weeks ago. Now she is dead. She had some heart problems for some time but nothing too serious. two days after the shot she complained about breathing problems, then she developed high fever. My uncled called the ambulance when she passed out, she was rushed to the hospital but never got her consciousness back. She died due to muliple organic failure 1 week later.
There are a lot of reports of people dying after getting their shots, many of them elderly people.
I am following this very closely after what happened to my aunt. Personally I would not take a vaccine at this stage of the development. Just not enough data available on those vaccines which were developed in record breaking time. No long time surveillance available.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Buehler signed for 2 years and 8 million per Rosenthal