Since the deadline is just a few days away, I thought it might be fun to look back on some of the trades the Dodgers have made over the years. Some were significant in helping the team win, others, well they just were not all that good or popular.
Winter: 1958 On the 4th of December, the Dodgers sent Gino Cimoli to the Cardinals for OF Wally Moon and P Phil Paine. Cimoli had broken in with the Dodgers in 1956. In 1957 he hit .293. But he dipped to .246 in 1958. Moon, a former ROY in 1954. He also had a down year in 58, batting only .236. This was after 4 years of being over .290. Paine was 5-1 with the Cards in 58, but never pitched for the Dodgers. In fact, 1958 was his last season in the majors. On the 2nd of April, 1959 they received back SS Maury Wills from the Tigers. It was the second time Wills had been returned to the organization. In 58, he was returned from the Reds. It was not a huge move at the time, but it would become one of the best moves made.
In June, at the deadline, yes the deadline used to be June 15th, they traded Inf. Dick Gray to the Cardinals for OF Chuck Essegian, and P Lloyd Merritt. Another seemingly under the radar move that would have a huge impact later. Merritt would never don the Dodger uni. Meanwhile these 3 players, Moon, Wills and Essegian would be huge contributors to the 1959 World Championship team. With Reese retired and Zimmer having an awful year, Wills took over as the starting SS and he would stay there until he was traded after the 1966 season, winning an MVP award in 1962 and bringing the stolen base back to the game. Essegian cemented himself in Dodger history with 2 pinch hit HR’s in the Series. Moon, well he hit over .300, played LF almost every day, and became a legend for his HR’s over the screen at the coliseum. Moon Shots as Vinny would call them, became a part of Dodger lore.
In April, 1960 they traded Don Zimmer to the Cubs for minor leaguer Lee Handley, SS Johnny Goryl, and P Ron Perranoski. While this trade did not help the 60 team defend it’s title, Perry would have an impact as a closer in the coming seasons, and later, a long tenure as the Dodgers pitching coach. Another transaction of note came in July, when they released P Tommy Lasorda, and he began his climb to becoming the manager of the Dodgers. The Brooklyn connection was slowly moving on. None of the trades made in 1961 helped the team much, but Demeter, Essegian and backup catcher Joe Pignatano all were sent elsewhere.
The expansion draft in the winter of 1961 cost them 6 players. Most notable were Gil Hodges, Norm Larker and Turk Farrell. They sent Neal to the Mets in December. The only deal they made in 62 which would impact the 63 Champs was Stan Williams to the Yankees for 1B Bill Skowron. Skowron did not have a great year in 1963, but in the series he hit .385 with a 3 run HR. After the season he was sold to the Senators.
In the winter of 1963, they made another deal that would impact Dodger teams for many years when they again got a LH relief pitcher from the Cubs, Jim Brewer, for P Dick Scott. They also received C, Cuno Barragan. In April of 64, they made another deal that would impact a Championship team. Larry Sherry, 59 World Series hero, was traded to the Tigers for journeyman OF, Sweet Lou Johnson. Of course, at the time he was considered nothing more than a 4th or 5th OF. The other deal that would have a huge impact on the 65 team was made at the winter meetings in 64. Frank Howard, Phil Ortega, Ken McMullen, and Pete Richert were sent to the Senators for P Claude Osteen and SS John Kennedy. Dick Nen would be sent to DC to complete the trade on the 15th of December. The only addition that meant anything was when in May when they activated coach Jim Gilliam to the active roster. He would prove vital to the teams success playing 3rd base. Johnson became a regular in early 1965 because Tommy Davis had a horrific injury on a slide. Sweet Lou was a fan favorite and had some big hits. Pitching was the strength of the team with Big D, Sandy and Osteen leading the way and then winning a 7 game series with the powerful Twins.
In December of 65 they got Phil Regan from the Tigers for SS Dick Tracewski. The Vulture would be a big contributor to the pennant winners. But none of that helped in the World Series. They were rolled over by the Orioles in a sweep. The biggest loss after the 66 season was the retirement of Ace Sandy Koufax due to his arthritic elbow. Maury Wills, who had begged out of the Japanese tour saying his legs were really banged up, incurred the wrath of owner O’Malley when he found out Wills had been seen playing his banjo in a Vegas nite spot. So in December, he was traded to the Pirates for Bob Bailey and Gene Michael. Tommy Davis was sent to the Mets along with Derrell Griffith for Jim Hickman and Ron Hunt.
From 67 until 1973, the team never rose above 2nd place. And usually, except in 1971 when they finished 1 game back of the Giants in the west, they were not close to making it to the playoffs. Home grown players would be at the forefront the next several years, but two trades in December of 1973 would have a huge impact on the 1974 World Series team. First they traded Willie Davis to the Expos for P Mike Marshall. Then the next day they sent Claude Osteen and a minor leaguer to Houston for the Toy Cannon, Jimmy Wynn. They had made a blockbuster deal with the Braves in the winter of 1972 trading Frank Robinson, Billy Grabarkewitz, Bill Singer, Mike Strahler and Bobby Valentine to the Angels for Ken McMullen and Andy Messersmith. In April they made an under the radar trade that would pay dividends in later seasons. P Bruce Ellingson went to the Indians for Pedro Guerrero.
In May of 75 they traded for Burt Hooton. Then that winter they made another blockbuster deal with the Braves getting Dusty Baker and Ed Goodson for Jimmy Wynn, Tom Paciorek, Jerry Royster and Lee Lacy. Baker would be the left fielder for the next several years. 1976 would be Walter Alston’s last year at the helm. He left the team with a couple games left in the season and Tommy Lasorda took over. They made a trade in June with the Cardinals that brought Reggie Smith to LA and sent Bobby Dethridge, Fred Tisdale and Joe Ferguson to the Birds.
Smith would have a huge impact the next few seasons on pennant winning teams. In January of 1977, they made another trade that would impact pennant winners and a World Series champ. Bill Buckner, who had a serious ankle injurie earlier was sent to the Cubs along with Ivan DeJesus and a minor leaguer for Rick Monday and Mike Garman. They won pennants in 77 and 78 as we all know, and had a down year in 1979.
1980 was a bounce back year of sorts. They had received P Jerry Ruess from the Pirates for Rick Rhoden. They had signed over the winter a young lefty out of Mexico named Valenzuela. They got close, getting tied for the division and then losing a one game playoff. Which I remember well since I was in the hospital having an operation. They made no major trades during the 1980 season.
1981 would be a magical year. Valenzuela made an emergency start on opening day. He threw a complete game and Fernandomania was about to be born. They did make a trade in the winter of 1980 that brought Kenny Landreaux from the Twins. The chronicle of that year is well documented. And in a strike year they won their 4th title in Los Angeles.
Over the next several years they would get close to winning the pennant only to fall short. The infield was slowly traded away or left, as Garvey did via free agency. Smith and Monday retired. And the new blood from the farm began to arrive. In 1983 they made a trade with the Reds that I have always thought they should not have. They sent LH reliever John Franco to the Reds for SS Rafael Landestoy. Landestoy was mediocre at best, and Franco became one of the best relievers in the NL. Same year they traded another lefty to the Mets who I thought they should have kept, Sid Fernandez.
Not being in the race the next few years meant no significant trades. A lot of minor ones. Then in the winter of 1986 they gave up on Greg Brock and sent him to the Brewers for P Tim Crews and Tim Leary. They traded for John Shelby in the summer of 87. He would be important to the 88 winners.
They also got Jay Howell, Alfredo Griffin and Jesse Orosco in a 3 team deal during the winter. Orosco inadvertently would light a fire with a spring training prank and the rest is history. The 88 team won when every one thought they should not. It was truly magical to watch. Clutch hits, and even more clutch pitching.
After that, 32 years of waiting until 2020. A lot of trades made that did not get them to the dance until 2017. Heartbreak in the series a couple of times. Then finally the big prize again. No need to rehash the ones we wish they would not have made. We all remember sending Pedro Martinez to the Expos for Deshields. The Piazza debacle. Under the radar is maybe the Jeff Shaw-Paul Konerko deal. It was Lasorda’s only trade as GM. It was a need trade. They needed a closer and Konerko was the price. To me it was lucky he did not have the career he had for the Reds. He became the hitter he was when he went to Chicago to play for the Sox.
What will AF do this time? Me, I have no clue what so ever what he might have on his mind. Some trades when a favorite of mine has been sent away, I have been pretty upset about it. None more than when he traded Kemp. I personally thought he got fleeced. Mark and I had some spirited conversations about the trade. He was a huge supported of Yasmani Grandal. I held his PED suspension and his mediocre glove against him. I knew he had some power but not nearly the power and RBI bat Kemp had. He praised his pitch framing ability which I believed is a phantom skill. The lousy umpiring today showed me to be wrong. Game after game I see umps fooled by where they see the glove end up, and not where the pitch actually landed.
Grandal contributed to the 2017 team and was missing in the playoffs where Barnes seemingly took over the job. Kemp came back in 2018 and was a huge reason the team got off to such a great start. He also hit their 1st HR in the series against the Sox. Along the way I have said goodbye to a lot of favorites, Duke Snider, Willie D. Piazza, Karros, but a player rarely stays with the same team his entire career anymore. I hope Kershaw is a life long Dodger. If he leaves as a free agent it will be easier to stomach than seeing him leave in a trade. Same thing with Seager. If he chooses to go, it is on him. You cannot lament a trade that is not made. I remember in the winter of 2019 when everyone thought that Joc had been traded to the Angels for what seemed like nothing. Most fans were pretty POed. Then the trade was nullified and it was much easier to see him go via free agency. So sit back and enjoy the ride, The angst is just starting.
As I finish writing this, the Padres strike first, getting 2B Adam Frazier from the Pirates for 3 minor leaguers and cash. Will Friedman make a counter move? Going to be a very interesting week. Another trade went down with Andrew Chafin going from the Cubs to the A’s for two minor leaguers. Also it is being reported that Max Scherzer is willing to waive his no trade clause. Reports have the Dodgers checking in on Max, and Berrios of the Twins. Competition for both is brisk.
Another tough loss to the Midgets. Dodgers just can not get that key hit or key defensive play. MOF they find a 1000 ways to lose those close games. This time with Belli throwing it away.
Geez, another fine starting performance by JU wasted and now 3 back.
Need a healtyh Mookie and Cory back ASAP.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!
I do not hang last night solely on Bellinger. Yeah, he made the error that allowed the run to score, but Trienen walked the first two hitters. And as per usual lately, the offense stunk up the joint. Only positives were Bellinger scoring the run after getting a single and being moved to second on an infield out. And then McKinney driving in his first run as a Dodger. Raley getting a hit going the other way was progress. But the top of the order did not produce. And you score one run, you will lose 90% of the time.
I really do not blame Belli much at all. Frankly, you HOPE that does not happen, but you move a guy from center where there are typically the longest, hardest throws from the field, and it it semi-predictable the guy might sail one throwing in the infield, no matter how much he has played there in the past. 1st time at 1b all year. His mistake was even trying. Should have taken the double play w/ a runner on 3rd. Going from 1st & 2nd not outs, to 3rd w/ 2 would have been totally acceptable. Over thought that one big time.
cheers
pb+
Corey Seager played last night in the Arizona Complex League 2AB 1 single 1 BB, He played the field and was involved in 1 DP, no errors..
Surely they are waiting for a Seager version October 2020 but I think we will see a Seager version April 2021 where he was not playing good defense and the offense was good but nothing special, of course that is much better to see the AAAA guys
This is a Dodger team that can’t possibly win 60% the rest of the way. They just have too many flaws. The record in close games is a reflection of that.
Bellinger made what he thought was the right play, debatable, but screwed it up. Another unearned run and a loss. Posey was off the base but he wasn’t going home yet. I would have taken the easy out between first and second. If Muncy was in the way then why throw it? They had two guys hung out and got neither one of them. The previous half inning McKinstry cost them a run with an inexcusable swing at ball 4. Game after game, situation after situation, this team coughs up hair balls. Not easy to watch, nor is it fun to watch.
There’s obviously still plenty of time to turn this thing around. But it won’t happen with these guys. We need the first team in there and the sooner the better.
Yes, McKinstry trying to hit that ball was just plain bad baseball. But the contact play bit them in the ass again. There was no way Raley was going to score on that shot to first. Betts might have made it, but not Raley. Rather have runners on second and third with 2 outs than 1st and 3rd. Would not have mattered. Turner flied out meekly. Orel and Joe keep telling us how good the Dodger offense is, but they have scored 6 runs in their last 3 games.
Well, you know my position on that.
Did you notice SF had a chance and they didn’t use that play? Subtle difference between Kapler and Roberts. You never give up easy outs, especially at home.
I really don’t know what you guys are talking about. If Raley doesn’t run, it’s a ground out to first base and two outs anyways. The failure was Muncy not getting the ball in the air for the sac fly. So much harping about a play that had no bearing on the game.
I disagree. I think it had all the bearing in the world. With runners on second and third, a hit scores 2. With just the runner on third, they score 1. I dislike the contact play when there is a slow runner on third and the ball was hit that hard. Muncy did not get a pitch he could get in the air.
The point being made is not about Muncy, it was about the contact play. Bear’s right. It’s a bad baseball play.
Bear, go back and watch the game. Runners on second and third with one out when Muncy hit that ball to first base. The runner went and the second out was recorded at the plate. If the runner stays, they record the out at first. It’s two outs anyway you cut it and Justin flies out for the 3rd out anyway you cut it. It had ZERO effect.
I was watching when it happened. I do not have to watch the stinking replay to know it was a bad play. Who knows, with two runners still in scoring position, maybe the pitcher uncorks one, or maybe he pitches Turner a little more carefully. My point is and always will be, it is a bad baseball play especially with a runner like Raley on base. And the ball was hit sharply. He had two chances of scoring, slim and non existent. I have seen Taylor thrown out on exactly the same play. I dislike it, you try to explain it.
Totally agree with Bulldogs on the contact play. In this situation with a tie game in 8th inning and one out, the contact play is a good call. Sure in hindsight he was thrown out, but the contact play requires the runner to break immediately upon seeing a ground ball. He doesn’t have time to wait to see if hard contact or if directly at someone. And it forces the other team to make an additional throw under pressure. As you saw later, the winning run scored on a poor throw made under pressure.
Sure Raley is not the base runner that Mookie is, but it was still a good risk to take in that situation, in my opinion. And this decision had no virtually impact on the outcome of the game.
Sorry, I disagree. Always will. The ONLY player I have seen score on that play over the last couple of years is Mookie and he did it twice in the playoffs. I will never like that play. I think you are throwing a run away and a chance to put a crooked number up on the board. Especially with the infield in.
McKinstry needs to be sent to Oklahoma City. Strikes out way too much in key situations and defense is shaky at best. He has been overrated as a replacement for Kiki or Joc. Bring up Ruiz if he isn’t being traded. Andrew Friedman has a lot of holes to plug in the dam by Friday .We may have to accept it , that it just may not be our year.
Agree about McKinstry. He has not been the same since his long stint on the IL. Why in the world is Ruiz not up with the Dodgers when they need offense so bad?
Must be because he’s a catcher and we already have two catchers. We need an outfield bat. Joc or Kiké would be nice.
We need an outfield bat, so we’re gonna go out and get a guy with a 779 OPS or a 722 OPS? I sure hope we can do better than that! Joc and Kike? Might as well bring back Puig!
At least Duke brings up a valid suggestion. Starling Marte would be a nice pickup. Grab a young and controllable SP in the same deal in a package centered around Ruiz. I think I suggested that a week ago.
Well, the game was certainly winnable. With men on second and third with one out Muncy fails to get the sac fly and grounds into a fielder’s choice, 1st base to home plate. Damn, didn’t we just see this the other day? Deja vu all over again. Turner follows with a perfect sac fly, unfortunately with two outs already.
Treinen, who hasn’t walked anyone in his last 10 games, decides to walk the first two guys he faces. Then Bellinger, who hasn’t played first base in I don’t know how long, uncorks a wild throw to allow the go ahead run to score.
That’s when I turned off the TV and went to bed. Geesh! Wasted start for Julio for sure. The Giants get more gift wins than I care to remember. Typical Giants winning cheap. Typical Dodgers punching themselves in the face.
I’m so sick of all these split squad games, they’re getting very hard to watch.
I sure hope AF will swing a trade today to keep us distracted from falling further in the standings.
On the bright side, It will be that much sweeter when we finish on top. They’re really going to have to step on the gas and sprint to the finish line this year.
We started the month of July with four wins and have been sub .500 since. The Bauer effect? Maybe. No doubt the clubhouse has been soured some by it, but frankly our replacement players just aren’t good enough. There’s nothing that can be done about that. Our depth is what it is. We need our starters back. It’s going to be close with them. Without them we aren’t going to win this thing.
Too many injuries to key players, the Bauer debacle and signing mistake and AAAA players from the minors that have not done their job when called up to the MLB roster. All this adds up to a wild card selection and hopes of advancing. Not a strong position to be in without Drew coming up BIG by Friday, No bargain basement trades get it done. BIG!!!!
Badger, a short but concise analysis of what going on with the team. It’s so discouraging to watch Buehler and Urias pitch their hearts out and the Dodgers can’t take advantage. The AAA position call ups have been a major disaster. McKinstrey started out so well, but after his stint on the IL he has been awful on offense and defense.
That last AB last night was a pathetic effort and may have the reason for the loss. Bottom line, like you said, we must get the regulars back with them providing their expected results and the Dodgers can win. If this doesn’t happen no trades are going to help in the pursuit of a WS.
HA! exactly when I turned off the game too.
“Fue entonces cuando apagué la televisión y me fui a la cama. ¡Caramba! Un comienzo desperdiciado para Julio seguro. Los Giants obtienen más premios de regalos de los que puedo recordar. Gigantes típicos ganando barato. Los típicos Dodgers se golpean en la cara.” Pregunto B P, puedes conciliar el sueño ? porque yo no puedo.
I don’t know about BP, but I know for me it took a large load of cannabis to calm things down.
cheers
pb+
lol – flipped the channel and watched Friends reruns and fell asleep a couple of episodes later. I was already pretty “Drowsy” when the play occurred.
When we step up and sprint to the finish line will not happen this year. We just keep waiting!!!
They still have time. They have 5 games left with the Giants. They play the D-Backs this weekend. They get on a roll, and good things can happen. But I want to see what AF does at the deadline. Yardbarker had story that said that any trade for Berrios or Scherzer starts with Ruiz. That is who they are asking for. Well, the Dodgers have also said they are not trading Ruiz for a rental, so that keeps him from being traded for Scherzer. Unless they could work out an extension. Berrios would then be the target. But seriously, I think AF needs a bat. Badly.
Bear viste la propuesta de un tal Thomas Caramante o algo así; Kimbrel y Hendricks para Ruíz, Pages, Gray y Mayo, este tipo anda marhiuano hasta el tope.
Somebody here suggested that 2021 in Dodgerland may be remembered for the Curse of Bauer.
Sound right. I also think it’s just bad karma.
A championship team built of savvy draft picks, canny trades and polishing gems in the rough decides to open the checkbook for a talented pitcher who won a Cy Young Award–even if that Cy was in a 60-game season, and said pitcher’s record before then wasn’t exactly overwhelming. Why disrupt a winning formula? Why not invest in targeted contract extensions or international scouting?
Or, hey, how about an offer that would keep Jake McGee from joining the Giants? …Yes, I will beat that drum again… I understood losing Alex Wood when there was so much SP depth. But McGee? After he pitched so well and Dodgers always seem to need a lefty RP?
But now the issue is how, if possible, to shake the curse or alter the karma.
These last few weeks have me thinking even more that Starling Marte is part of the answer. He is a quality centerfielder with a good bat and speed. His presence would enable Cody to move to 1B, with Muncy manning 2B. Marte basically replaces Lux in the lineup–a big upgrade. When Seager comes back–that’s still a “when,” right? , and not an if–Taylor resumes his super-UT role. If Cody’s struggles continue, Taylor plays 2B and Muncy shifts back to 1B. (When I first thought about Marte, the big problem in the lineup was Lux–and Pollock hadn’t gotten hot yet.) Oh, Marte also helps if Mookie doesn’t come back strong. At any rate, he enables a lot of flexibility (and I think he was some 2B experience too.)
The pitching, both starters and relievers, has been much more reliable this year than the offense and defense. But given Bauer curse/karma, a premium pitcher or two would be nice. The dream “gets” would be Scherzer AND Kimbrel, but the cost might be too high. Starter is the greater need, but if AF can’t land Scherzer, I’d prefer Kimbrel to Berrios or other SPs.
But why not start with Marte? When the Dodgers are fielding an outfield with Luke Raley and Billy McKinney–and the offense is so pathetic — it’s obvious that an outfielder with a dangerous bat is a big need. And Marte is a guy who makes things happen on the basepaths.
Marte would be a great pick up. But is an outfielder a priority? With Mookie back our starting outfield is pretty much set. When Lux comes back Taylor goes to his utility role, and will play somewhere every day. As long as Kershaw is 100% our playoff rotation looks somewhat like it did last year. Losing May and Bauer really hurts, and that’s why we are talking Scherzer/Berrios. . I’m fine with giving Max an extension, in fact it better happen that way or he could end up back in Washington or on the west coast extended by a rival.
Man this feels weird. In the now we are a .500 club. In the later we could be fine. Or not. The good news is, we held the Division leader to 1 earned run. The bad news is, we lost. Again.
If we can add a quality starter, on paper we have enough to make the playoffs. Maybe that’s the goal. Get Mookie, Seager, Lux, Knebel and Kershaw back, add a starter and sprint to finish. If we continue to limp into August we are in trouble.
Dude, you said this
“Must be because he’s a catcher and we already have two catchers. We need an outfield bat. Joc or Kiké would be nice.” just about 15 minutes ago.
Are you okay?
I know you like to argue, but pick a side and stick with it. 😉
Huh?
I think you look for reasons to insult me.
Would I prefer to have Kiké or Joc over the outfield clown show we’ve put out there? Of course!
The reference to catchers was an answer to why we don’t bring up Ruiz.
Lighten up…. dude.
You get what you give. Just pointing out that you said we needed an outfield bat 15 minutes before you questioned whether an outfielder is a priority. I put the winky face to let you know my comment was light-hearted. Lighten up…dude.
You read what you want. With Mookie and Bellinger out we’ve tried different guys that haven’t worked. You say .779 like that’s a bad thing. You clearly haven’t looked at the OPS numbers of the replacement players we run out there.
Time to ignore you again.
Curse of Bauer! Like that.
A trade you didn’t mention (unless I missed it) was acquiring Bill Madlock to play 3b in 1985. He was awesome for us when we got him.
Imagine if there was no netting; Bellinger’s throw might’ve killed 2 people…. in the 2nd deck.
It had enough on it that had he thrown it from center he nails Posey at the plate.
Who would have guessed, eh? A centerfielder playing 1st making a centerfielder throw.
He was a 1st baseman first. Came up as one. But has not played there much lately since they moved Muncy there.
Time for Roberts to make his 2021 proclamation. “This ISN’T our year! Dodger repeat year looks a lot like the Lakers. Too many injuries to key players and the role players have flopped!
With two months remaining? You give up too easy Cassidy. Now is the time to make a big trade and motivate the players.
I’ve read a lot in the last few days that LA needs a starter and a reliever (which I agree to) but just be sure that those who arrive can pitch 9 innings without accepting runs, because it doesn’t matter who the pitcher is, with this horrible offense it is impossible to win, unless he throws a shutout.
The good thing is that Belli is still recovering from the operation, and once he gets his swing back, he will go back to being the MVP version, right?
This was irony, because he will never be a great hitter!
And by the way, Bauer has nothing to do with this, the team was already playing shit even when he was present, there is no curse, that does not exist.
Curse? that’s something totally stupid that people use to justify bad results or bad planning
I don’t think anyone actually thinks curses exist, nor that one has been applied to the Dodgers.
Karma doesn’t exist either, but providence does.
Oh contraire mon frere
Well if you ask people in Chicago or Boston, the two curses that were associated with those cities were real. Yeah, it might be nothing more than superstition, but since the earliest days of mankind, people have believed in all kinds of weird things. To the Red Sox, the Curse of the Bambino was real. And newspapers use those kinds of things, at least they did when people actually read a newspaper, to sell papers. And the curse of Mrs. Murphy’s goat was as real to Chicagoans as wild fires are a curse the state of California has to live with. Might be stupid to you and some other people. But real as hell to them.
The Dodgers lost Wood because he wanted to start.
McGee went to the Giants because he wanted to close.
If anyone thinks the Dodgers can sign CT3 now after the season he is having… they are on crack!
On the way to Vegas.
Last night you said you were in Vegas. Now you’re on your way?
You are the perfect leader for a Dodger blog. You too don’t know whether you are coming or going.
I’ve been thinking that about CT3 lately every time he comes up big. Not a good feeling. Like the more he shines the less chance he stays.
He’s making his bones, that’s for sure. Will he be paid by us? Maybe.
Huh…
It seems my most recent comments here–all simply baseball, have disappeared.
“Ghosted,” as my teenage daughter might say
Like my suggestion that Dodgers get Starling Marte to bolster the offense and deal with injuries, etc.
The only political comments have been made in response to the posed comments of others.
If people go there, I’m happy to contribute. If the don’t, I don’t.
Anyway, Billy Beane decided that Marte would help the A’s. The price was a young lhp named Luzardo, who seems kind of in the “well, maybe he’ll get it together” category.
But Marte is a win now move. Big time. As the A’s management pointed out, they’ve lost a lot of one-run games (sound familiar?) and a dynamic player like Marte could change that.
Nobody’s comments have been cut. The comment you referred to regarding Marte is still above. I just read it again. It was posted at 10.29 AM. Badger responded to it at 10:49 AM. Nothing disappeared.
BTW, would you have traded two months of Marte for JoJo Gray? Luzardo is a higher rated prospect than Gray. That does not mean that Luzardo will have a better career, but Gray is a steep price for a two month rental.
Both teams did well with this trade. NL East is not going to have fun facing the Marlin pitchers in 2022 and several years beyond.
Okay, no question the Dodger offense needs a boost. Mookie and Corey Seager need to return and stay healthy. Clayton will be back shortly. Corey Knebel not far behind.
But this may be a make or break week for the Dodgers. I really hate doing something out of necessity, usually doesn’t go well. Pedro Martinez traded because the Dodgers needed a second baseman, Paul Konerko traded because Tommy thought a closer would make a difference. Both deals cost the Dodgers and impacted future teams. Neither made the Dodgers champions.
Now Ned Colletti, when he was GM, and Andrew Friedman have been able to make deals without giving up the farm or key prospects.
What will be the value of Max Scherzer moving forward? Certainly he is an impact player and could make a huge difference in the playoffs. But if the Dodgers offense continues to sputter, that trade won’t be a difference maker in the NL West, at least not for the Dodgers.
In the last three games, the Dodgers won two, the offense has scored five runs. Maybe it’s just a bad run, but it has been consistently inconsistent.
You could argue that Craig Kimbrel would have been a difference maker last week against the Giants, LA gaining two games in the standings.
You could also make the argument that with Mookie and Corey returning, the offense may be ready to kick it into another gear. Once they get the cobwebs out, of course.
Can the Dodgers acquire both Scherzer and Kimbrel? Or maybe another starter, Jose Berrios (that would be costly) and a reliever? No easy answers. They do need another starter to provide solid innings, keep them in games. They can always use another piece in the bullpen.
The Giants have already indicated they won’t toss in Joey Bart on a rental. What the Padres do is anybody’s guess.
But wherever the Dodgers do, I hope it’s not out of desperation or need where we give up far too much and it impacts the team in future years. Will Keibert Ruiz will be thrown into one of those deals?
Good write-up today, Bear.
Maybe Bellinger needs to take a break for his mental well being?!
He’s not the only one Cassidy.
There are a few on here who could use the same break.
Scherzer is a difference maker. If we can get him, I’m all for it. But we shouldn’t waste our resources with an innings eater. No Tyler Andersons please.
Badger, I disagree with your position that we don’t need more offense. I’m convinced that Mookie is not going to be Mookie for the rest of the year. That hip impingement isn’t going to get better by playing. We may have him for a few games at “full Mookie” and then it will start bothering him again. A few days off, etc. etc. etc.
How can we be certain that Belli will regain any of his MVP form at all this year? We can’t be.
How can we be certain that after all this time off Seager will come back as the WS MVP? We can’t.
We need more offense. We need to get an outfielder. Bryant, Marte, Trea Turner (can play the outfield), Reynolds. We need a difference maker. If Belli and Mookie prove me wrong, how nice it would be to have to find a place to play the outfielder we got.
If you are right about Mookie and Seager then you’re right. But, I submit we can’t get both offense and pitching at the deadline. Too costly. If our first string doesn’t come back at 100% the odds are the goose is cooked, the game is in the refrigerator, the door’s closed, the light’s out, the eggs are cooling, the butter is getting hard and the jello’s jiggling.
Some good news – the giants shoulda lost last night. Those guys aren’t that good. Some bad news – even not that good they can beat us.
I’d trade Lux & Ruiz for Scherzer & Turner in a heartbeat. I’d throw in Raley, Peters and Beaty if that’s what it took.
But Washington wouldn’t. Why is it that fans think that every team wants LAD AAAA players for their stars? Why would Raley, Peters, and Beaty make a positive difference to Washington?
Jeff, would you trade Lux and Ruiz in a package for Scherzer and Turner, and if so, who else do you think we would need to include to finish the deal? Another question, can teams include future draft picks in trades like they do in basketball and football?
No future draft picks. That could possibly change with the new CBA coming up. But for now the draft pick stays with the team. As far as both Scherzer and Turner, that would be a very tough matchup. I have not thought about both of them together. Any deal I propose would sound outlandish. That normally would not stop me. All of my trade ideas are unrealistic. But this one is exceptionally difficult. I would not want to include Ruiz in any deal, except for maybe Luis Castillo. But, Cincinnati with Tyler Stephenson does not need a young catching prospect. I would prefer to package Cartaya and add. I would only include Lux with Turner coming back. But I would include Lux in a trade that included Turner.
I know that Jed Hoyer said he is more than willing to package Bryant and Kimbrel in a single deal, but I am not sure that Rizzo is willing to do so. Rizzo says Turner is available, but I am not sure he really is. I am sure AF is certainly checking on him. Rizzo thinks the Nats can compete in 2022, and will be in on any bid for Scherzer. That would make any deal for Turner a huge overpay. I think AF has a much better chance to grab Josh Harrison.
When we analyze past trades, we often overlook something. Somebody said the deal for Darvish “didn’t work out”–but it didn’t mostly because of the cheating Trashtros.
We have another nice and overlooked trade chip that could sweeten any deal: Edwin Rios.
Not that I don’t want to see what a healthy Rios can do… but…
I would love to land Scherzer and Trea Turner–and hey, why not Kimbrel and Bryant too?–but I don’t see that happen without some monster packages.
Guys like Ruiz, Rios and Graterol generate excitement because of their potential. Same with Lux, though his luster has dimmed.
So….
Ruiz + Lux + Rios + Pages for Scherzer + Trea Turner? … Or Graterol + Mitch White for Kimbrel?
Anyway, Billy Bean has now added Starling Castro to his offense, while Dodgers are relying now on Raley and McKinney and hoping that Mookie and Belli and Seager get their mojo back–and that Lux find some mojo somewhere.
Did the Dodgers bid for Castro? Would the Marlins really prefer Luzardo to, say, a package of Mitch White and Edwin Uceta? Maybe the Marlins think Luzardo is hiding some magic. Anyway, I think Marte could have really helped.
Oh well.
I am not trying to be a smartass, but do you follow other teams MiLB players? A legit question, because, respectfully, I do not think you really know who Jesus Luzardo is? There is no way Miami would take Mitch White and Edwin Uceta over Jesus Luzardo.
I am not going to criticize your trade proposals. I do not think it will happen. But that is my opinion. I think you are over-valuating a 25 year old swing pitcher in Mitch White. I can see Graterol going in a trade, and maybe it could be for Kimbrel. But it will take more than Graterol and White to get it done. Again, just my opinion FWIW.
No JR, draft picks are not tradeable.
Thank you Bear.
Appreciate your response as well Jeff. Thank you.
For clarification: You can’t trade picks in MLB as in the NFL, but I assume any prospect under contract can be traded.
Correct?
So if the Nationals, say, lusted after one of the newly signed Dodgers, could he be added to a package for Scherzer?
Just imagine it could theoretically tip the scales…
Duke, any player under contract can be traded, minor or major league. Remember Josh Hamilton? He was traded not long after he was signed.
Reds, Rockies Finalizing Mychal Givens Trade
The Reds and Rockies are finalizing a trade that would send right-handed reliever Mychal Givens from Colorado to Cincinnati, reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com (via Twitter). Givens would be the third bullpen piece acquired by the Reds in the past 12 hours, as Cincinnati also picked up Luis Cessa and Justin Wilson from the Yankees in a late trade last night
GM Brothers –
Great write up as usual. I agree we need another stick (know we’re getting guys back but with our injury history this year) , another SP (maybe two) and 1 more go-to RP (Kimbrell fits the bill).
One trade not mentioned that was a MONSTER – Manny in 2008 . Put team on his back and the BEST second half from Dodger hitter I’ve ever seen.
Have Great Day y’all – GOD BLESS !!
Yeah, I did not mention Manny. It resulted in a playoff appearance, the birth of Mannywood, and more dread lock wigs than I have ever seen before. Manny had maybe the greatest 53 game stretch in Dodger history.
A very winable game last night. Urias pitching is becoming elite! If his last two games were supported by just a handful of runs his record would be 16-3.
Cy Young front runner.
I enjoyed the review of past trades. Buzzie Bavasi didn’t make many trades, but they were almost all great ones. Campanis made some good trades, too. After that, not so many good ones for our side. Friedman’s trades are mixed, I think, but he rarely has given up a key piece. It’s harder to trade now, with free agency complicating it; also most teams have money, and you can’t often just buy players from them.
As to this team, the record of 1-10 in extra inning games stands out. That cannot be just an aberrant statistic or bad luck. It has to be a combination of general lack of clutch hitting, an unreliable bullpen, and Roberts’ poor decisions. For a team at .600 to be .091 in extra inning games is in almost incredible. It shows us what we lack as a team.
I know that Mark loves Keibert Ruiz as a player. My opinion has always been that outside of cases where you have a potential superstar in the minors, Kershaw or Seager, you have to be willing to give up your prospects for players who can help you win titles. We are not brimming with titles, we have one in the last 33 years. The Giants have three, the Red Sox have four. We sit with our prospects and turn down potential big deals during trade season. So we can sit with Ruiz, we will not win the title this year, and then we have Ruiz for some years, and what does that get us? A player who might hit .280 or so with some power, I guess he is an adequate catcher. We actually already have one close to that, but by all means, hold on to another one, and stick the first one in another position. This seems inane to me, holding on to Ruiz and not getting Scherzer, but it is too often the Dodgers’ way.
Mark believes that there is no way we can sign Taylor. We already expect Seager to leave. What kind of team do we think we will have next year without those two? 85 wins would be a surprise. After that? Well, we will have Ruiz, and whatever else is in the minors, which is not much; and then our usual collection of odds and ends like McKinney and McKinstry. If you do not have much talent in the minors, and your best players leave for other teams, you will not be good, no matter what logo you have. That is where we are going–but we could have a real shot at winning the title this year, even now, with Scherzer, and maybe Kimbrel. And then even next season, we could have a staff of Buehler, Scherzer, Kershaw, Urias as top four. That makes us a threat, if we could pick up a few more bats. But if we do little, we are absolutely non-competitive next year, and we fans will not enjoy it at all, though our rivals will.
To adapt Shakespeare, there is a tide in the affairs of teams which taken at the flood leads on to fortune. We have watched our franchise often overvalue, in terms of talent, and a wish to save money, our minor league players, so that we let other more risk-taking franchises pick up talent at seemingly bargain prices, as SD just did with Frazier, and others will do. But we want to keep Keibert Ruiz, a player who is hitting .300 in AAA, who plays one of the few positions which is set for the next four years. This makes no sense to me, at least if the goal is to win titles. If the goal is to make some people happy who love watching players develop, then it makes sense; but I personally have seen enough of those here who had average or lesser careers. And as this juncture, with next year’s team looking mediocre, I think that we very much need to add potential superstars now, despite their age, and even though we may lose a player or two who might be solid for the next ten years on some other team.
Right now, without a major infusion of top talent, we will be a wild card team which will not advance far; and then next year we will not be a major threat, nor perhaps for a few years after that. We simply will not have enough talent; though I suppose that Friedman will pick up some Pollock-type players to fill in. That is just my prediction, of course, but it is how I would want our organization to look at it, rather than comfortably overvaluing our prospects, and figuring that the fans will be loyal even if we have down years, and watch the Giants and Padres dominate the division.
Lots of implied assumptions, William. (is “implied assumptions” even a term? It sounded good in my head, looks less good on the digital screen…)
Who expects Seager to leave?
Who thinks the extra-inning record is anything but an anomaly or of insignificant? (Maybe not everyone, but I’d venture a majority of informed people….)
Who also really expects this team, under current management, to be an 80 win team?
Who also thinks this team is bereft of major talent? With the myriad of injuries it’s still, by record, the 2nd best team and, by experts, the top team in MLB.
Who thinks the Giants are going to dominate the division, even this year? It’s hardly been domination to date…
>>>Who thinks the extra-inning record is anything but an anomaly or of insignificant? (Maybe not everyone, but I’d venture a majority of informed people….)<<<
For me, trying to be a glass half full guy, I look at us having one of the best records in the league AND having lost a bunch of close games means we are always in it. Kind of hard to expect this team to be even as good as they have been, let alone if they had won half those games it would look like we were running away with it & this half of a AAAA team does not even deserve that distinction.
cheers
My responses, one-by-one.
—I expect Seager to leave.
As a personality, he’s something of an enigma. He grew far from LA and rooted for the Yankees as a kid. I’ve never seen any indication that he feels a strong allegiance to SoCal or the Dodgers. He was a top draft pick, so it’s not like the Dodgers revived his career. Justin Turner wears his SoCal heart on his sleeve, and Kershaw demonstrates community involvement and fidelity to the Dodgers. Plus, Seager knows the brass and fans like me would want to move from SS sooner rather that later. (See: Lindor rumors.) With Boras as his agent, Seager will follow the money. Now, LA might still offer the best deal because Lux is looking like a bust. But would I offer a better contract to Story than an injury-prone former World Series hero? I might. If Seager comes back strong, well, the calculus changes. But I’m not optimistic.
–Not sure if the extra-inning record is just an anomaly, but let’s add the one-run losses to that for a bigger sample. Seems more like a trend than anomaly. The anemic offense (due to injuries, etc) is the biggest problem, which is why I wanted Marte. But the emphasis on the BP, I think, is underscored by the designated runner rule for extra innings. I like the rule, but it means Roberts needs to better manage the bullpen throughout the game and a two-headed closer isn’t a bad idea.
–80 wins? I think nobody thinks that. But right now it’s very capable of losing a one-game Wild Card playoff. The goal is still to repeat as champion, and I think AF should act that way.
–A lot of major talent. The injuries have been difficult, but that happens to all teams to some degree. But no other team has a Bauer problem. This was avoidable, and I blame AF & Kasten for using the checkbook unwisely. Bauer checked the “major talent” box, but he carried some baggage. We didn’t expect the baggage to contain this stink bomb.
–Nobody expected the Giants to dominate. It was the Dodgers that were supposed to dominate, with the Pads at their heels. Big props to the Giants for stunning everybody, with a big help from recent Dodger champs McGee and Wood. The question isn’t whether to Giants will “dominate” but whether they will, as many have predicted, suddenly fade or collapse. Who still thinks that?
William, I can appreciate where you’re coming from on you evaluation of this year’s talent and next year’s talent. I have to disagree with your statement “Right now, without a major infusion of top talent, we will be a wild card team which will not advance far. We simply will not have enough talent”. So, Betts, Seager, Turner, Bellinger, Taylor, Smith, and Pollock is not enough talent? Yet, you look at the “talent” the Giants put on the field and consider it superior to our “mediocre” players.
Granted half the Dodger players I listed are injured, but when healthy are considered talented players. That’s the point and the problem that AF and the front office are dealing with right now. Why the need to infuse the team with top talent? Why? With all the games we have basically given away this year so far we still have the second best record in the NL and the fourth best in all of baseball. I would love to have Kimbrel, Scherzer, and maybe Bryant. But, the cost would be prohibitive in both prospects and payroll. If I were AF I would consider maybe a reliever like Ian Kennedy or someone along those lines. Most of the starters available that would be a difference maker are either injured or coming back from an injury. Why bother if that’s the case. We have enough of those. Ruiz and Gray are really our only major league ready players that would bring top line talent in a trade. But, again, most of the top trade candidates are rentals and there is no way I trade those two. In fact Gray would be untouchable at this point. But, Ruiz for Kimbrel? All day, everyday. Ruiz for Bryant or Scherzer? I don’t think so.
And, why the negativity for next year? Quote “And as this juncture, with next year’s team looking mediocre, I think that we very much need to add potential superstars now, despite their age, and even though we may lose a player or two who might be solid for the next ten years on some other team.” So, let’s trade our potential “average to star” prospects to other teams in order to add their potential “superstars”? What is despite their age mean? Are they young or older potential superstars? And, mediocre? William, I don’t think other teams are going to make those kind of trades especially with the Dodgers. Our current minor league system doesn’t have the potential stars to make trades like that. We’ve seen that with all are position player callups. Basically, zero contributions. Maybe, in two to four years some of the A and AA players hopefully will develop into the players you will be happy to trade away. We’ll have to wait and see.
Even with some FA losses the Dodgers will still field a very competitive team. The Giants have many old, veteran players hitting FA after this year and I doubt Farhan will resign most of them. Maybe Posey. And their pitching staff is most likely come back to reality by the end of the year. Next year, their staff will probably see a big turnover. The Padres? You never know what they will have for next year. For me, they have been the real disappointment this year. As we have found out this year injuries have a major impact on how a team does. Ask the second best team in the NL. It will be all good William!
Buzzie seemed very astute at trading players at what seemed just the right moment. Cimoli came up and was impressive that first season, but after the so called sophomore slump, Buzzie sent him to St. Louis for Moon who was huge in 59 and had some good seasons with LA> Cimoli played several more years, but never matched his rookie success. Campanis on the other hand had a reputation for over valuing his prospects. But he still traded his son to the A’s. Weird fact, two iconic Dodgers were traded at the end of their careers and refused to go. Dolph Camilli and Jackie Robinson.
Bear – Great write up as usual… Brings back so many wonderful times… Dusty B., Toy Cannon on and on… Already printed and saved to read another or more…
Anybody venture a guess how many $$$ CT3 will cost???
William kudos to you!!! For many the truth will hurt..
Thanks Peter. One thing I remember about the Baker trade was how awful he was his first year as a Dodger. Only hit 4 HR’s, batted in the low .240’s if I remember right. But the next season left field became Bakersfield.
The Dodgers have played 15 games this season with a tie score entering the eighth inning. They have lost 10 of those games.
Sounds like we need Kimbrel.
The Dodgers have allowed 54 unearned runs this year.
Sounds like we need a defensive wizard.
The Dodgers have lost, May, Bauer and Kershaw, Gonsolin has only thrown 21 innings in 6 starts this month, Price 12.2 in his last 3 starts.
Sounds like we need a starting pitcher.
Reks, Raley, McKinney, McKinstry.
Gulp.
Sounds like we need Marte.
As long as Mookie, Seager and Kershaw come back at 100%, Marte, Kimbrel and Scherzer/Berrios ought to do it.
Go get ‘em Andrew.
According to Craig Mish (Marlins broadcasts), the A’s are about to get Marte.
That means we won’t be getting him.
It also means the Giants won’t be getting him.
Looks like A’s about get Marte from Marlins.
STB beat me to it !!
Oh well, next idea. AF already said he doesn’t think he needs a bat. He probably feels like Mookie, Seager, Belli and Lux will find their health. He said that he would like a pitching to offset the risk to his current group. We’ll see if a bat comes along with that arm in a bigger deal.
Getting Marte cost the A’s. Jesus Luzardo is going back to Miami. Oakland is going for it this year. Miami is going to have the best starting rotation in MLB. With Rogers, Sanchez, Alcantara, and Lopez, they are now adding Jesus Luzardo. Great trade for what both teams are building.
The A’s are players every year. Too bad they are in Oakland.
They do make moves every year, but the last time they made this type of needle moving trade was in 2014 when they traded Yoenis Cespedes for Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes. As it turned out, it did not work, but they gave it a shot.
Great history again Bear. I really enjoy your stuff.
* In the third inning last night Joe made comments about a pitch clock and why he’s in favor. Many good points. Orel piped in about how a pitch clock is useful in the minors because the pitchers can’t throw strikes. That generalization is wrong. I see about 3 A+ games a week in my area and the pitching is good. Big kids with + velo and most without a 3rd pitch yet but I have yet to see a walk-a-thon. Orel has a tendency to believe that the only worthwhile baseball is in the big leagues.
* I thought Doc made a good pitching change going to Graterol in the 6th. For once it wasn’t based on pitch counts but the hitters showing that Urias was done. And again in the 7th. Nelson got 2 outs with absolutely no fastball and hit 2 guys.
* I am going to second guess decisions in the 8th that proved costly.
After Raley’s lead off single, McKinstry has to get him to 2nd, any way he can.
I would have preferred a bunt which Doc doesn’t do. You have to move the go ahead run to 2nd. We don’t. McKinstry had a poor AB ending in a K
So CT3 double doesn’t score the go ahead run.
Then, we run the contact play with Raley from 3rd into an easy out at home. I hate the play. Badger and I had just discussed the contact play a few days ago. We both don’t like the play. Some will argue it was a good play but Ruf or any player is going to make that throw home 999 times out of a 1000. I don’t see it as winning baseball.
It also gets JT to the plate with runners on 1st and 3rd instead of 2nd and 3rd. A base hit would score 1 instead of 2.
So no bunt and the contact play keeps the score tied and a missed opportunity.
* In hindsight, Bellinger should have just gotten the out at 2nd instead throwing to 3rd. But that’s a split second decision and he made a bad throw.
The part that set up the whole adventure was Treinen walking the first 2 hitters. That’s inexcusable to me.
* Any way it was another exciting game between these 2 teams that didn’t go our way. Better luck today.
Thanks Phil. I have one in the que about Leo the Lip.
Can’t wait. What a character. I’m sure it will be a great read. I just rewatched a great old clip of Leo managing the Major League All-Stars against the Hollywood All-Stars, managed by Milton Berle, in a softball game. Berle lifted James Garner for a relief pitcher who was supposed to be a new Western actor. It was Eddie Feigner, from the King and His Court and he promptly whiffed a parade of HOF’ers. I watched this originally as a kid with my dad who played with and against Eddie. Check it out on You Tube, Vin Sculley does the play-by-play. Lots of fun.
I remember seeing Leo in an episode of The Munsters. He arranges a try out for Herman with the Dodgers. Herman pretty much wrecks the ball field. He hits one ball that knocks down the scoreboard. Funny stuff.
McKinstry had moving the runner into scoring position given to him. He f’d it up. In the last month he’s hitting .119 with a .469 OPS. That’s horrible. I’d say IL him but there’s nobody worth a damm to take his place.
“Some will argue it was a good play”. And some would be wrong.
Bellinger made a bad play. Posey wasn’t going home – yet. He might have eventually but I doubt he makes it there before the dead duck between first and second is tagged out. The safest third out was to tag that runner with Posey 60’ from home plate.
This team does not play sound defense. In my eyes they never have.
Still see AF bring in Freese type come off bench play multiple positions
There are very few of those kinds of guys around now.
Crack? Seriously?
I believe the Dodgers will re-sign Chris Taylor. They would be nuts not to do so. He is a starter and plays at a high level. Where would the Dodgers be without Taylor.? This isn’t a Kiki or Joc situation. If Seager leaves, he may be the shortstop next year. Less certain the Dodgers will sign Seager. They need his bat, but staying on the field is key. Getting hit on the hand is certainly a freak injury, but earlier injuries may give the Dodgers pause. Obviously will depend on dollars and years. But how many of these big deals are actually working out for teams? Are they getting value in terms of the cost?
If Seager had produced a big year after earning MVP honors in the NL Championship and World Series, no doubt the Dodgers would sign him to a lengthy deal, but now, not so sure. Thinking his market value has dropped considerably. May depend on how he finishes the season.
As to acquiring a hitter at the deadline. Where would he play? Not exactly like the trade deadline will offer a chance to pick up a big bat. No Manny available. But the Dodgers cannot afford to run out the AAA line-ups we’ve seen lately. If Friedman actually doesn’t think a hitter is needed, then he must believe that both Betts and Seager will return healthy in the near future.
I know who’s a free agent after this season. It will be interesting but to me CT3 has been our most valuable player this year. I don’t know where we’d be without him. I think re-signing him is a top priority. I don’t know who his agent is but I’d like to get him a new contract so he doesn’t test the market, if possible. I don’t want to lose him.
“If Friedman actually doesn’t think a hitter is needed, then he must believe that both Betts and Seager will return healthy in the near future.”
That’s how I see it. Hope he’s right.
The problem with this team is that the AAAA players have not done the work on offense or defense, it is not the same to replace the injured with Kiké, Joc and Ríos (2020 version) than with the AAAA types, the Dodgers need to go for bench players.
I agree most of the time in Badger’s opinions when it comes to evaluating a player and breaking down the situations of a ball game and he gives a lot of importance to the defense which I totally agree, he is cold to do it and not let the stress and frustration of a defeat make you give the wrong opinions.
Really good recent Kyle Glaser chat:
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/kyle-glaser-mlb-prospects-chat-72721/
As you’d expect a ton of Dodger questions:
Paul (CA):Is Eddys Leonard a potential top 30 Dodgers prospect?
Kyle Glaser: Leonard is moving up. You can find out exactly where he is when the Dodgers Midseason 30 is released this week. He can really hit and the bat is real.
Justin (Tucson, AZ): Are there any players that have earned a change to their scouting grades this first half? Michael Busch has never hit above .245 as a pro yet his hit tool is graded as a 60. Is this still accurate?
Kyle Glaser: Funny you ask because I’ve been diving in on that. The plate discipline is elite, but yeah, hitting .245 in the minors does not equate to hitting .280 in the majors (the bar for a plus hitter). His grade is likely going to tick down a bit come Prospect Handbook time.
Secoh (Ohio): Dodgers have been very careful with Bobby Miller’s workload – is that concern going forward, and is he more a bulk reliever profile? How has he looked?
Kyle Glaser: The Dodgers have been careful of everyone’s workload throughout their entire organization. Miller was just one of many guys (really, all of their guys) who were capped at 4-5 innings per start early in the season. Obviously you need to see how he holds his stuff over longer outings before you truly know what you have, but right now it’s not a concern just because the Dodgers have done this with almost everyone. He’s looked nasty in those short outings for what it’s worth. He’ll be very high on the Dodgers midseason top 30 coming out this week.
Secoh (Ohio): Dodger’s Alex De Jesus struggled in May/June, but in July has more BB than Ks (from 24/68 to 21/17). Has something clicked or just a hot streak? His July OPS (.989) is impressive considered he was hovering in low .700 prior.
Kyle Glaser: De Jesus got into some really bad swing habits during the offseason and it has taken a few months to “unlearn” all the bad habits he picked up. He’s slowly but surely getting back to the hitter he was before.
Ray (La Verne, CA): What would you do with the Dodgers “Problem” of having Will Smith, Keibert Ruiz, and even Diego Cartaya in the system? which would you trade? Keep?
Kyle Glaser: Keep Smith, trade whichever of Ruiz or Cartaya gets you the best starting pitcher.
Brett (Boston): What is going on with Kody Hoese? I know he was injured for a bit this year but his numbers are pretty alarming, no?
Kyle Glaser: There was a lack of bat speed that was very concerning in opposing evaluators’ eyes, although the Dodgers say the intercostal strain was bothering him even before he went on the IL and that’s why the swing didn’t look great. I think we’ll get a better sense of who he really is once he comes back from this injury.
Ethical question for Jeff D.:
If you link to a site with a qualified paywall (i.e. 5 free articles, then $) is it OK to share content? I think yes, but I’m not convinced.
I would have no objection. BA is not hurting for subscribers, but they can always use more. They have been around a long time, and are not like what the Athletic was in the beginning with a new magazine. Maybe information that Kyle Glaser gives over podcasts might spark someone to get a subscription. I do not subscribe to USA Today, but I would love for someone to give me access to a story I have been researching. I do not mind bartering.
Houston is building their bullpen again. Kendall Graveman and now Yimi Garcia.
The problem with this team is that the AAAA players have not done the work on offense or defense, it is not the same to replace the injured with Kiké, Joc and Ríos (2020 version) than with the AAAA types, the Dodgers need to go for bench players.
I agree most of the time in Badger’s opinions when it comes to evaluating a player and breaking down the situations of a ball game and he gives a lot of importance to the defense which I totally agree, he is cold to do it and not let the stress and frustration of a defeat make you give the wrong opinions.
Without injured players getting healthy and producing we are in for a quick playoff exit. If we get healthy and produce we could win but our starting pitching might not measure up but could if all r on their game. Bauer and May could match anybody. Buehler, kershaw, and Urias mb.
Our bench is weak but if Betts and Seager get in we will be stronger off the bench. I said if our starters produce as expected which includes bellinger.
I don’t know how AF could do it but if the dodgers knew that Bauer’s salary would be abbreviated then scherzer would b the play. I don’t think anyone else added will b any better than what we have. Otherwise I would keep the farm in tact.
I think the Dodgers have time to win the division but I think it is unlikely. Somehow they need to start seeing themselves as underdogs. Take the pressure off of being the favorite and just fight hard to get in. They are not good enough to be favored. The Giants are definitely better right now. I believe the Dodgers will play better as an underdog.
I know most of us would like to wind up with Scherzer, Kimbrel and Trea Turner, but just talking around the edges, I’d love to see us get Daniel Hudson and Josh Harrison from the Nats.
Shouldn’t be a huge cost (both are free agents) but both are having very nice years. Hudson gives us another good, experienced bullpen arm and Harrison can pretty much play anywhere on the diamond except maybe catcher. He’s certainly a vast improvement over what we’ve been getting from Raley, Reks, Neuse, etc.
If healthy:
Starters
Betts rf
Seager ss
Turner 3b
Muncy 1b
Taylor 2b
Smith c
Pollock
Bellinger cf
Buehler p
Bench
Pujois
McKinney
Beaty
Barnes
Lux
Starters
Buehler
Urias
Kershaw
Price
Gonsolin
Relief
Kelly
Jansen
Gonzalez
Nelson
Graterol
Treinen
Bickford
Vesia?
Who goes if healthy? That doesn’t count Gray or anybody else I left out. I’m fine with replacing and/or trading Beaty.
You forgot Knebel.
Bickford and Beaty get sent to the minors.
Yes thanks
Uh oh, video leaked on TB.
https://v.redd.it/0a7sgjeotqd71
I do not know how “PC” it is, but I had to laugh. That was funny.
lol – That was funny.
Nats vs Phils postponed – COVID outbreak. Hows that affect trade deadline ?
Passan says Graterol is potentially a piece the Dodgers will move elsewhere.
Tonight’s lineup:
SS Chris
2B Max
3B Justin
C Will
1B Cody
CF AJ
LF Matt
RF Bill McKinney
P Walker
More McKinney,Cody,Beatty – OH JOY !!!
They scored 8 with those guys in the lineup tonight and they beat the Giants second best pitcher.
Rock and Rollers lost a legend today!!! ZZ Top bassist and R&R H.O.F. inductee Dusty Hill dead at 72…
They indoctrinated me into Southern Blues…
Now if there’s a R&R heaven, let it be…
Love ZZ Top. Watched a video on them on HBO Max
Per LA Times, the Dodgers “have committed 63 errors on the season, third-most in the league, have allowed a major league-high 57 unearned runs, are 13-18 in one-run games and 1-10 in extra innings.”
You’re supposed to end it with: GO DODGERS! Just kidding.
Damn, less that 48 hours away and still no trade? Let’s get something done now and have them in the game tomorrow.
Dodgers lack of urgency is giving me an ulcer. Andrew must have to wear extra large boxer briefs to accommodate those pterodactyl eggs!
Maybe he’s a NASCAR fan. It feels like we’re drafting, saving gas, getting ready to punch it.
Beaty in LF is always an adventure. But, for a guy that never played much outfield, I don’t see it as a big drop off from Recks and Raley.
Why not put Albert in at 1B and tell Belli to play like Beaty in LF? It would still allow him to nurse that hammy.
Giants and Dodgers in on Scherzer, Giants and Dodgers in on Berrios. It’s gonna be a dog fight!
There’s still 1/3rd of the season left to go. Stop panicking.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we ended up with a front of the rotation piece and a guy like Whit Merrifield.
Work your magic Andrew. I’m not pressuring you, but would like a status report every hour on the hour until your tasks are complete.
“Maybe he’s a NASCAR fan. It feels like we’re drafting, saving gas, getting ready to punch it.”
Good one! And pretty true of AF’s MO every year at this time.
Blake Snell gave up 7 runs to the A’s tonight in 4 innings. He started the first by giving up 3 walks and a grand slam.
For anyone who thought the Pads weren’t still in on Scherzer, you’d better re-think that. I think they may now be the favorites, unless they prefer Berrios.
As we consider what AF, Farhan and Preller are willing to do in order to bring in reinforcements the next 48 hours, we need to remember that for every major piece they get, it also deprives the other two of getting that guy. Hence, a reason to overpay a little bit more.
I’ll be curious to know if banning the sticky stuff is causing an up surge in walks or what we’re seeing is just normal.
Starlin Martes goes to atletics. I would have liked this player to Dodgers
All this trade deadline bolster the bullpen pick up a starter stuff caused me to have a horrible flashback to 2018 and a guy named Ryan Madson. But they did get him cheap.
Best GM in the game.
Go Dodgers
Eduardo Escobar to Brewers, they are going to be a tough out in playoffs.
MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM theorized earlier today that the Nationals would ask for Will Smith (not Keibert Ruiz) in a Max Scherzer deal.
What is the first reaction from the guys/girls on this board?
For me:
BWA HA HA HA HA HA
I’d be one less HA but probably one more BWA.
Hell no to trading Will Smith.
But then watch Washington trade Scherzer to somebody else for less than that. It seems to happen a lot. I would be in favor of offering Ruiz, Pepiot and some other minor leaguer. If we don’t trade Ruiz, I don’t see how we can make any kind of big deal, what else do we have to offer? Bellinger?
I would trade Ruiz only if Scherzer signs for an extra year. No rental. And I’d want a solid major league bat like Josh Harrison as well.
For a “big deal,” I’m wondering whether Lux still has much value. Definitely not dealing Belli; he’s proven what he’s capable of. But yeah, Ruiz is the best trade chip. Plus, with Barnes signed for another year and Cartaya coming up, Keibert is not essential. (The idea of keeping him and moving Smith to 3B or 2B is intriguing. Smith is a former SS. And let’s remember that Biggio was a catcher before he moved to 2B and collected 3,000 hits.)
At any rate, I hope the Dodgers keep angling for a defensive upgrade at SS. Seager would be better at 3B or 1B.
It’s less realistic than the trade from the simulator you posted yesterday.
That’s pretty unrealistic!
BUT, I could also read it as an invitation for another ludicrous trade from the simulator!
This one features Graterol AND Ruiz:
Twins get:
Graterol RHRP 11
Pages OF 12.2
Ruiz C 40.7
Pollock
Cash
Total Value: 63.90
Dodgers get:
Name Position MTV ($Ms)
Berrios SP 42.9
Buxton OF 20.5
(BTW: According to the great simulator Smith is the 2nd most valuable Dodger)
Buxton is hurt again like he has been for most of his career. I would do that trade though. The Twins were not able to extend Buxton so they might be willing to trade him but most likely during this off season.
Buxton could play CF next year and if Bellinger were included in a trade with the Nationals that included Trea Turner, Turner could play CF this year for the Dodgers and then move to SS next year. Seager would either move to third next year or move to another team. Justin Turner to DH next year.
I don’t make that deal. I would do Ruiz and a lesser valued prospect for Berrios. I don’t want to buy high on Buxton’s break out year for the cost of Graterol and Pages with only 1 arb year remaining. He’s hitting 369 with a career 247 BA. That should tell you something.
A lot of appropriately inappropriate invectives come to mind in response to that offer. No way trade Smitty!!!
Joey Gallo to NYY.
Glad that keeps him away from SD or SF.
SF has no limitations as to what they can do. It will be interesting to see how much more SD is willing to do. Supposedly they are a bout $2MM above the CBT. Padres ownership says they are willing to go past the threshold for the game changer. But they were in on Gallo, but wanted Texas to take Hosmer. They reportedly offered their 4th top 100 prospect, OF Robert Hassell III if they would take Hosmer.
Scherzer reportedly will add $10MM to the team’s AAV. That may be too much for SD. SF can absorb that without a problem. SF is in on Scherzer and in on Kris Bryant. Two rentals.
As I understand it Scherzer has considerable leverage in determining whether he would accept a deal–and precisely where he would go. I wouldn’t classify him as a “rental” like the younger guys, because he’d insist on a new contract.
I
Brewers never seem to be in the discussions for the so-called elites, but somehow they find ball players. Escobar will help them this year. Their rotation and bullpen is outstanding. They pick up Willy Adames to stabilize SS and has provided a huge bat for the Brewers. The cost was two relievers that the Brewers were not going to miss. They signed Kolten Wong who is providing GG 2B with a big bat. They stiff Seattle in a trade for Omar Narvaez (All Star C) for a 22 year SP in low A (now 24 in High A), and a 2020 supplemental round pick.
They have made mistakes like JBJ and Locain. They are a game and half behind LAD , and they have been without Christian Yelich basically for the full year. Even when he is in the lineup he is not playing well, even though it is better than Belli right now.
Woodruff (126 IP), Burnes 102 IP), and Peralta (102 IP) – 3 SP with a sub 2.3 ERA and sub 0.910 WHIP. An outstanding bullpen that ends with Josh Hader.
Most seem concerned about SF and SD and Milwaukee is very quietly putting together a championship contending team with a fantastic in-game manager in Craig Counsell.
I agree on Counsell. I would prefer him or Kevin Cash, but that’s not very likely.
I said it two days ago without having to consult BR: “Milwaukee will be difficult to beat in October, they have three very good SPs, their bullpen is tough and their players play very good defense”
Who cares Milwaukee? They are not a problem…
I am sure that Milwaukee feels the same about the Dodgers. Walker Buehler is far and away the Dodgers Ace. The Brewers have three starters who have better numbers across the board. I am not sure that you really care, but if you want, go check out Corbin Burnes, Freddy Peralta, and Brandon Woodruff numbers and compare to Walker. Urias is pitching well, but not nearly as well as the Brewers trio, and he is way above his most IP. Can he continue? None of the three Brewers pitchers have been hurt. How well will Clayton come back?
I may not like certain teams, but I respect every LAD opponent.
Not sure if you noticed AC, but 2 of 3 of that trio are in the same boat as Urias regarding IP. The third passed his previous high, but hasn’t blown past it. They’re all having very impressive seasons though, and aren’t to be taken lightly.
The scary part is that they have played us well in the postseason and have seen us a lot in the playoffs recently. Kinda reminding me of the Nats and we all know how that turned out.
If you think Milwaukee is not a problem then you have no idea what players they have
So the signing of Bauer would cost the team: obviously money, the second draft pick, to cover the hole he left in the rotation they have to lose Ruiz, Pepiot etc, etc that is too expensive, the team has to buckle up. the belt and eat the garbage that Bauer put them in, he has to stay as they are so as not to make the losses bigger and focus on getting a closer and two bench players so that AAAA players no longer have a single AB this season and wait for headline players to regain health
Lot going on in that post
Long sentence. But I think I agree with the point being made.
4 Nats tested positive, one of them was Scherzer so Nationals said they are anxious to send him west as soon as tomorrow.
Not true of course but I heard tonight misinformation is now it’s own industry and just want to do my part.
I must say pollock is a bright spot in the lineup. One thing I am surprised at his his going to right field. He is covering the slider better. AF please trade Beaty. He just doesn’t bring anything to the dish. No power, no speed, half swings ahead in the count, no defense, I just don’t c the need for him in the lineup. I would rather c pujois. U say pujois is a dp candidate. True, but so is Beaty. Now Beaty prove me wrong and hit a 3run double or just get on base. Taylor seems to b at his best when he hits the first pitch. The last 2 nights he takes the first pitch right down the middle then ks.
I was shocked to read how often turner struck out with 2 strikes. Half the time. He used to b one of the best 2 strike hitters in the game. I realize u can’t strikeout without 2 strikes. A couple of years ago u looked forward to turner getting 2 strikes.turner strikes as I write!!!
I am curious as to the percent of time a player has two strikes on him. The lower that percent is the higher the percent of striking out with two strikes would be. If Turner strikes out 18% of the time and only has two strikes on him 25% of the time….
I just heard on the broadcast that turner hadn’t struck out in 9 games so I just don’t associate him and strikeout. I don’t remember who posted that lux was another one who once he got 2 strikes he struck out a high percentage. Taylor not as much lately but in the past when had 2 strikes just write a k in the book.
Any of you guys remember when a strike was at the letters? How many strikeouts would there be if that was still the case?
Yeah but you’d raise it up to the top of the knees. That’s a more sensible strike zone. They call s*** now that’s unhittable.
Bellinger should be an automatic safety squeeze with runner at third with less than two outs!
In fact I’d have him bunting every time up!
Yeah, brilliant. That’s why you are not managing. He will be fine, everyone keeps forgetting how much time he has actually missed. And he missed almost all of spring training. What I saw tonight was 3 bad at bats and 2 good ones. He hit a ball to left that went to the warning track and then cracked his 5th HR in the 8th. He gets his timing down, you will be singing a different tune. I remember how worked up everyone was when the Padres traded for Snell. Most of that based on the way he pitched against the Dodgers in game 6. Well, Snell gave up 7 earned in 4 innings tonight against the A’s. He is 4-3 with a 4.93 ERA. His WHIP is 1.556. He has given up 11 HR’s and his K rate is barely 2-1.