Are the Dodgers Done?

Posted By on February 11, 2021

Should we stick a fork in them? Are they done? I don’t mean “Are they done as in shot.” I mean, are they done signing players one week before Spring Training is set to open? Everyone has been wondering the same thing. Will they re-sign Justin Turner or maybe Trevor Rosenthal?

I have the answer, and you can say you heard it here first. The answer is:

I have no clue!

At least I am being honest and not making stuff up. I think Andrew Friedman has told Justin Turner to get the best deal he can and them let him see if the Dodgers can match it. In reality, they probably won’t match it because they don’t have to. I am sure Justin Turner wants to end his career with the Dodgers, so all Andrew Friedman has to do is “get close”… unless someone like the Mets or the Braves, who are both trying to compete with the Dodgers, make a “dope-fiend” offer to JT. That could happen.

The Dodgers are prepared for this and as fans, we should be prepared as well. I hope Justin Turner returns to the Dodgers, but I am not “in love” with that idea and neither is Andrew Friedman. Be prepared. Keep your eyes wide open. Be prepared for life after Justin Turner, but keep the hope that he will return… under the right deal.

Remember that Justin will be 37 later this year. His best years are behind him. He will need more rest and it is likely the NL will not use the DH this year. If JT returns he may only start 100 or so games at 3B, so E-Rio (that’s his new moniker) would get the rest. E-Rio intrigues me: He doesn’t walk a lot and he strikes out too much (32%) but that can be improved because he is coachable. However “light-tower power” is not something that is taught. Not many have it. Very few do!

Rios will get his chance even if JT returns, but if he doesn’t return, if I were AF, I would stand pat. Stick a fork in me. I am done… at least until the trade deadline. Then, if E-Rio can’t cut it then, the Dodgers kick the wheels on about a half dozen other third-basemen.

Oh and what about Trevor Rosenthal?

The Truth About Clayton Kershaw

Several Dodger Blogs are reporting NEWS about Clayton Kershaw. For example, one blog wrote this: “Clayton Kershaw Unsure of an Extension With Los Angeles” The headline “implies” that Clayton is not sure if he wants to play for the Dodgers beyond this season when his contract is up. The true meaning is that Clayton is not sure he wants to continue playing anywhere after this season.

Photo Credit: The LA Times

Clayton has a wife and three beautiful kids. Clayton has made nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in his career. I am certain that he wants his kids to have a relationship and a life with their father that he never had. He is from Dallas, but has no baseball connection there. I suppose it’s possible he wants to pitch at home. but I think it is unlikely. In 2022, I think he will either pitch for the Dodgers or he won’t pitch. Clayton could also be primed for a very big season in 2021.

Jorge Castillo of The LA Times had a nice article on Clayton yesterday. It talked about Clayton’s exhausting workout regimen: 

"Kershaw was enduring the workout because he was weeks from reporting to spring training for his 14th — and perhaps final — season with the Dodgers. He’ll turn 33 next month. He’s one of the old guys in the clubhouse, and time doesn’t treat the best any better. 

So he has worked out six days a week to complement his offseason throwing regimen. Monday and Thursday are lower body, Tuesday and Friday upper body. Wednesday and Saturday are cardio. 

He sees a physical therapist twice a week and throws with a small group of professional pitchers at Highland Park High, where he starred down the road. Other than that, he does it all alone, inside the gym he and his wife, Ellen, added to their home a handful of years ago, when he’s not outside pushing the sled or throwing baseballs into the net in the driveway.

After a grueling workout this offseason, Clayton said this:

“I’ll tell you what: I would not be doing this if I didn’t play baseball,” Kershaw said. “I think about retirement workouts all the time. Straight upper body. Some crunches. Maybe mix in an elliptical every once in a while. In and out in 45 minutes, [then] straight to the golf course.”

Clayton is working his rear-end off this winter and still consulting with Driveline Baseball on conditioning and training. It sounds like he has figured out what he needs to do to keep pitching at a high level. I don’t think he’s ready to give up that “Ace” title just yet, but he has a lot of competition on the team.

Here’s reality: If the Dodger starters pitch up to their potential, this rotation could not only be the best Dodgers rotation ever, it has the potential to be the best MLB rotation ever! It should be fun to watch!

Dodger News

  • I am sure you all know about Fangraphs Roster Resource. If not, now you do. It’s a great “resource.”
  • Striker Buehler signed a 2 year/$8 Million deal with the Dodgers, thus avoiding arbitration. He will also be motivated by “escalator provisions”. He can evidently earn an additional $500K upon reaching each of six games started thresholds (14, 16, 18, 20, 24, 28). Cy Young voting outcomes can also bump the payday: $1.125MM for a win or $625K for a top-three finish. That’s a nice carrot.
  • The only player still facing arbitration is Austin Barnes. I think they will work something out. He wants a multi-year deal.

Sundown

This article has 61 Comments

  1. Well Mark, we all are in the same boat, waiting to dock. No one has a clue what is going to happen. At least the Buehler drama is over for the next couple of years. I would not be surprised if CK called it a career after this season. But I also think he would like to get to 200 wins.

  2. Professional sports across the land are at a crossroads, look at the ratings and the rapidly changing and declining numbers across many important demographics indicate some serious problems in the coming years. With all the “bubble and masking mandates” I think we will see quite a few players, like Kershaw, begin to bow out as their contracts expire, they have made their nut and don’t need to go thru all this drama and trauma. The bigger question is going to be will TV and advertisers continue to pony up big bucks for a rapidly shrinking audience, many if not most fans are not willing to have political views shoved in their face and down their throat in order to watch a sporting event. Time will tell but I think we are beginning to see the dinosaurs become extinct as the meteorites are starting to rain down on the surface of professional sports. So Mark your title of Stick a fork in them, they are done could very well be re-used for a blog on what I am speaking about.

    1. I think sports were/are declining. It doesn’t help that the country is so divided. Reminds me of a Lincoln quote.

  3. I’m with Bear, CK isn’t going to retire after the season. He’s got at least a couple more. It’s probably half posturing and half day dreaming. Even more than the 200 Win plateau. I think the 3000 K landmark is something that would be quite attractive to him. He’ll get there after 3 more seasons which would put him breaking that landmark at ager 35.

    A lot of talk about Rios, and well deserved. MT points out that ER has some work to do with walks and strikeouts. But, he’s right about the prodigious power. I’m not concerned about the “You have to trade him if you don’t play him” argument. It is in fact, the opposite. The team owns the player through the arbitration process. That is very clear and there’s absolutely no need to trade a player just because he can start somewhere else.

    I can’t see a scenario where JT leaves his home town team to play for the team that cut him. Sorry Mets. Same said for playing in Toronto. There’s no way he leaves sunny SoCal for the frozen tundra and higher taxes and crappy ballpark. Brewers? No a chance. He sits on top of the leaderboard for Dodgers post-season success. It think he’s going to want to continue to cement that legacy. I think in the end AF will make an agreeable deal to bring him back. Doc is still talking about bringing JT back and I don’t think AF is going to shut him out.

  4. I just think Kershaw will continue with baseball as long is he is healthy. Exercising 6 days a week is no big deal. Athletes and non-sports people work out all the time. Retirement for a 33 year old is ridiculous. He would like to spend time with his family is a great idea and I commend him for that. But playing golf everyday sounds good but will not fill the void over time. I believe he is a religious man so I believe God will direct him to a higher purpose in life. I predict he will sign another Dodger contract. If he does not I think it will turn out to be a huge mistake for him and the Dodgers. His passion and his gift of God given talent will win out.

    As far as turner I have been clear on my stance for turner. However, I do not know what AF knows. If Turner does not come back it will be a blow. I trust thatAF will find a way to soften the blow. Great to c The Buehler contract solved amicably.

  6. Whole lot of assumptions.

    All this could mean is the Dodgers haven’t sat down with Clayton and discussed an extension. I’m guessing a two year deal will come forth.

    People love to speculate.

    As to Justin Turner, everybody on the Dodger TV program last night expects Justin to return, including Jerry Hairston and Bill Plunkett, OC Register Dodger beat writer. I expect that to happen as well. Not just another player, the face of the franchise and a proven big time hitter.

    All things considered that will rule the day. Part of the community, big presence in the clubhouse.

    Still, there was the story in the LA Times that questioned whether the signing of Trevor Bauer might lead to end of Turner’s tenure with the Dodgers.

    I’m sure ratings decline and numbers are the reason that Rob Manfred is desperately trying to fix the sport, which honestly may not need all that much of a fix. The failure to take the long term approach, pull in the kids to build a long term fan base is a failure in box thinking. Baseball needs to think divergently. I believe there is a notion that while analystics, shifts and such may help a team win, it may not be the best approach when it comes to watching the game. Too many strikeouts, not enough balls in play. People like action. That’s why Marvel movies outdraw slow moving dramas.

    I wouldn’t go down the path of believing the pandemic has changed things forever. This will end and people will be anxious to go the movies, events, concerts and yes, baseball games again.

  7. Kershaw can already play golf pretty much any day he wants, just not the day he starts. And there are plenty of professional athletes in all sports that maintain a superb level of fitness after the age of 33. He will pitch if he wants to pitch. I believe he will want to pitch.

    Thanks to Mushers Pop for his posts yesterday.

    First model out for predictions I saw had the Dodgers at 102 wins, nobody else with 100. The prospect system ratings had 3 West teams above us, but that doesn’t concern me. We remain the best and are predicted to win it all again. Just don’t screw it up and we should get there.

    I’m still cautious about fans in stands. I wouldn’t go. I’m also still waiting on the VA. They are vaccinating vets over the age of 75 only. I understand people’s hesitancy but I’m going forward as soon as possible, as is most everyone I know. I expect better organization with the program now.

    1. I am probably waiting a month, as it has only been 3 months since I last had COVID-19. I have heard of a few adverse reactions with people who had high antibody levels and no one can tell me what the time frame is. My Doctor advised me to wait at least another 30 days, but I will take it and I prefer the Moderna one.

      The U.S. is behind where it had planned to be simply because the pharmaceutical companies have not been able to ramp up production as fast as they thought. Allegedly, they are up to speed now, but Astrozenica and others in Europe are really way behind. McKesson is at the forefront of this distribution. https://www.mckesson.com/Our-Stories/COVID-19-Vaccine-Ancillary-Supply-Kit-Operation/

      1. Do the antibodies only last for say, three months or so? That is what I read somewhere. Hope all goes well for you.

        1. I think it depends upon the person and level of infection. It is quite possible they may last up to 6 months or more . Tom Hanks and his wife had antibodies 9 months later. In my case, it did not last 7 months.

    2. “Thanks to Mushers Pop for his posts yesterday.”

      Timmons has the patience of a saint to be able to put up with the non-stop passive aggression.

      1. I appreciated the information and the presentation of it.

        Timmons a saint? Even he would laugh at that absurdity.

    3. VA called me yesterday and said I could be vaccinated today if I wanted. But I am already scheduled to get my booster tomorrow. I would guess the VA in Colorado is a little less strict about the age of vets getting the vaccine, I got the Pfizer and the first shot had no bad effects. I read where the second one can cause some illness for a couple of days, but I only took the shot because Pfizer does not use any active ingredients of the Virus.

        2. My friend Gary and his wife contracted it about 2 weeks ago. Same where they live. Gary is really at risk since he has severe diabetes and also has to have dialysis treatments. They right now are having the consistent coughing.

  8. Houston Mitchell of the LA Times has more on Clayton’s Future:

    On whether he wants to play beyond this year: “Yeah. Well, I say that. I don’t know. I talk to different guys, you know, that have retired that I’ve played with and it’s hard. It’s always a hard thing to figure out when you want to be done, right? Because if you still feel good and are having success, why would you stop? But you don’t want to go until you completely break, right? And you don’t want to pitch when you’re bad.
    “So I’ll just say, I don’t know. I have no idea. I do know that I still love it and I have a blast. I feel great and the number one goal this year is just to pitch good and win and next year will take care of itself after that.”

      1. Reading between the lines…If I can still pitch at a high level, have fun, and stay healthy, I’ll be back. I’m pretty sure at this point in his career, it’s less about money and more about how well he performs and where he’s comfortable. I just can’t see him signing a long term deal and I can’t see him leaving for a few million more per year. Which is basically the same for JT…

        Here’s Doc on the JT and Rios situation…

        https://dodgerblue.com/dodgers-news-dave-roberts-confident-in-edwin-rios-but-not-justin-turner-replacement/2021/02/11/?src=rss

        And the banger quote…

        “I do love the way we have Edwin Rios. Rios has kind of come of age, but that right-handed bat is something with need, and Justin is somebody I certainly value.”

  9. Dodgers have announced a press conference for this afternoon at 1:30. Probably to announce Bauer signing?

    I have gotten 1st COVID vaccine (as did my wife). Got Moderna. No side effects – not even a sore arm. So far, so good.

    1. My arm got a little sore, but it was gone by midnight. A friend of mine who got the second said use a heating pad on the area after the shot, and it did not swell or ache.

  10. Dodgers expected to have someone watching Chaz Roe when he does his showcase this weekend. Roe has been with the Rays the last few years.

  11. Clayton could pass Don Sutton in K’s this year. He needs 58 more wins to catch him for Dodgers wins. He should be much closer in my opinion. I’m sure the front office would love to keep him around to break those records. He needs 15 Wins this year to catch Dazzy Vance for 3rd all-time in wins. Two more to catch Brickyard Kennedy for fourth.

  12. DODGERS SIGN 2020 CY YOUNG AWARD WINNER TREVOR BAUER

    LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to terms with 2020 Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer on a three-year contract. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated right-handed pitcher Josh Sborz for assignment.

    Bauer, 30, won his first Cy Young award in 2020, receiving 27 of 30 first place votes by the Baseball Writer’s Association of America after going 5-4 with a 1.73 ERA (14 ER/73.0 IP) and 100 strikeouts in 11 starts for the Cincinnati Reds. The Southern California native finished 10th in the National League MVP voting after leading the NL in ERA, complete games (2), shutouts (2), ERA+ (276), WHIP (0.795) and hits per nine innings (5.1).

    The William S. Hart High School standout has been in the Major Leagues nine seasons with Arizona (2012), Cleveland (2013-2019) and Cincinnati (2019-20), posting a combined 75-64 record with a 3.90 ERA (516 ER/190.0 IP) and 1,279 strikeouts. He was an All-Star in 2018, going 12-6 with a 2.21 ERA (43 ER/175.1 IP) and 221 strikeouts in 28 games (27 starts) for Cleveland. He finished sixth in the BBWAA’s Cy Young Award voting that season and ranked among the American League leaders in ERA (2nd, 2.21), opponents’ SLG (.302, 2nd), strikeouts per 9 innings (11.3, 3rd), opponents’ BA (.208, 4th), quality starts (20, T4th), opponents’ OBP (.280, 5th), 10-strikeout games (10, 5th) and strikeouts (T6th).

    The Valencia, CA native was originally drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the third overall selection in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of California, Los Angeles after going 13-2 with a 1.25 ERA and winning the Golden Spikes Award and National Pitcher of the Year honors. He became the first Bruin ever to win the Cy Young, the first pitcher in the 140-year history of the Cincinnati Reds franchise to win a Cy Young, and joins teammate David Price as one of three players to have won the Cy Young and Golden Spikes Award (also, Tim Lincecum).

    Sborz, 27, made four appearances for the Dodgers in 2020, going 0-0 with a 2.08 ERA (1 ER/4.1 IP) and two strikeouts. In two seasons with the Dodgers, he pitched 11 games, allowing nine runs in 13.1 innings of work. He was originally drafted in the second round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out the University of Virginia.

  13. For those who have the MLB network, the upcoming Bauer press conference will be on that channel any minute now

    1. It is also on the Dodgers website. Another former Dodger to the Twins, they have claimed Kyle Garlick off of waivers.

        2. He did alright, but never really had a shot to crack the roster for any length of time. He was way better than Tyler White.

    1. According to Baseball-Reference, no major-league player has ever worn No. 80.

      Just tossing that out.

  18. Who will be opening day starter and in what order will others follow?

    Kershaw, Buehler, Price, Bauer, Urias?

    Who’s ego gets bruised?

      1. Opening Day will be Kersh so long as he’s a Dodger.

        But more importantly, Opening Day of Game 1 in October will be Walker Buehler

  21. Mets and Cubs talking Bryant. There just isn’t anywhere else for JT to go and win. Cmon guys just get it done!

  22. statman 2 hours ago
    ”My prediction … Bauer reverts to his normal 4-plus ERA this year (as opposed to his 1 and a half good seasons that he’s ever had in his career), gets boo’d while getting bombed mid-way in a game this season, chucks the ball into Chavez Latrine right field bleachers, blowing his arm out in the process, then flips off the fans on his way to the dugout.”

    These stupid comments made me laugh, and there are those who say that I am a little crazy for ” showing my hatred ” for some teams of assholes and clowns!

  23. Bauer’s agent, Rachel Luba, 28, is the youngest certified agent in baseball.
    She also reps Yasiel Puig as of last fall.
    Anyone could have gotten Bauer 85 mil over two years. Question is can she get Puig a one year contract?

    Actually, she’s pretty impressive. Was a gymnast at UCLA and then became a professional boxer. Worked for the MLB players union in arbitration cases and won a record -setting 12 cases in a row. Then started her own agency and Bauer signed with her when she had no other name clients. I guess he’s happy he did.

  24. Marwin Gonzalez signs with the Red Sox. One year deal, 3mil. Greg Bird signed a minor league contract with the Rockies. Indians are close to signing Billy Hamilton.

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