Andrew Heaney will not be the first low-risk high-reward pitcher signing. It is pretty common to hear things like “Andrew Friedman signed another pitcher off the scrap heap” and similar things. I think some fans believe that Andrew is sitting at his desk randomly pushing the button that determines the direction of the Dodgers. I think that is abjectly untrue! The following interview should give you a little insight into the methodology of the Dodgers’ Braintrust:
There are a few takeaways from this:
- On the recuting call, the Dodgers had “7 or 8 people on the call including Doc.” This is a team effort and we are pretty sure that In addition to Andrew Friedman and Dave Roberts, Josh Byrnes, Jeff Kingston, Brandon Gomes, David Finley, Galen Carr and possibly others were on that call. To sign a player like Andrew Heaney in a collaborative “team effort” by the Dodgers’ Braintrust.
- The Dodgers have a “plan” with Andrew Heaney… and while some of it is proprietary, it is very clear that the Dodgers have a plan to possibly turn him into a Top-of-the-Rotation Pitcher.
- If you listen to Andrew Heaney, you see he is a stand up guy. He owned his bad season and is open to the changes the Dodgers are suggesting, but he also has a quiet confidence and humility. I like the guy!
The Dodgers Braintrust includes the names I mentioned earlier as well as the following advisors and coaches:
- Ismael Cruz
- Billy Gasparino
- Will Rhymes
- Chase Utley
- Pat Corrales
- Ron Roenicke
- Joel Peralta
- Jose Vizcaino
- David Hill
- Ralph Avila
- Clayton McCullough
- Conner McGuiness
There are certainly others as well. The point is that the Dodgers do not need to break the bank for Max Scherzer and if Clayton Kershaw retires as I expect, all they need are two or three pitchers like Andrew Heaney to make the bridge to Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin. Bobby Miller, Ryan Pepiot, Landon Knack, Clayton Beeter, and Company – the next wave, if you will!
Andrew Heaney has the potential to be great, but we also know he has the potential to be very bad. There is that fine line between genius and insanity. Jeff has suggested that possibly Steven Matz could be another prospect for the Dodgers Braintrust to sign, although I think it’s possible he would demand a multi-year deal. Jon Gray is someone that would intrigue me.
What are your ideas?
I also read Mark that Prior was in on that call. And the call itself excited Heaney. I think they might bring back Kersh only if he wants to pitch in LA another season, and on an incentive laden deal. Jansen is less of a lock. As for Scherzer, it depends on whether they really want to spend 100 mil plus on a 37 year old guy. I think bringing Duffy back is more likely. They have the resources to get whom ever they really want if they want to blow by the CBT. But do they desire to do that? No one knows. AF said the other day that he had flexibility as far as the payroll is concerned. I am not sure exactly what he meant, but it seems to me ownership cares more about winning since winning generates income. And they made money this season. As always, the elephant in the room is Bauer. Until Manfred makes some sort of decision, they are in limbo. And he has to be careful because there is a genuine chance the league will face a suit by Bauer should they suspend him without pay, or without being charged and convicted. In that case, the league would have to show cause, and a civil suit is not going to be pretty.
Not sure if it’s been mentioned before, but the AFL All Start game is on at 4pm today on the MLB network.
I believe we have 3 guys in the game?
And here I thought Andrew Friedman was just consulting with Alexa. Who knew?
Jon Gray is intriguing. Very good stuff, just seems to have an inning where he melts down. If the Dodgers could fix that, he could offer a pretty good starter moving forward. But that’s no doubt a multi-year deal.
The big decision for Friedman moving forward is how to build the rotation, create sufficient depth, being able to bridge it to the up and coming prospects, the return of Dustin May in August, all without clogging roster spots.
Do they really want to tie up $100 million on a 37 year old? What are the odds of Max Scherzer staying healthy for the next three years?
There are those who will argue the most important free agent, the only free agent that matters, is Corey Seager. Big time performer in the prime of his career. Clayton Kershaw, if he wants to return, will be back. The Dodgers will work that out.
That means it’s Seager moving forward. If the Dodgers bring back Seager and Kershaw, will anyone say they fell short this winter? No one expects the Dodgers to bring back more than two or maybe three of their free agents.
No question, Trevor Bauer is the elephant. It will probably get ugly. But when they originally signed the contract they obviously calculated how they would move forward with free agents like Kershaw and Seager. Since they apparently tried to extend Seager this summer, he’s no doubt the prime target. Listening to a recent interview with Friedman, he seemed to indicate he expects Dodger ownership to approve a budget that will again allow the Dodgers to do what they need to do in order to win another World Series.
Interesting column by Bill Plaschke today in the LA Times (Correa to Dodgers? Don’t trash the idea). A really good read, Plaschke makes great points. Hey, Juan Marichal did join the Dodgers. Anything is possible, highly unlikely, but possible. Okay, most people would hate the very thought of the idea.
I still believe the most likely scenario is Trea Turner sliding to short and the Dodgers trying to sign him long term. Indications are that Seager will sign before Dec. 1. He is apparently determined to play short moving forward and that will be a factor with any team that pursues him.
Good write-up today, Mark.
I am one of them No way I want that jerk in Dodger blue.
I think Seager is gone, but I really would like to sign him. He was drafted by the Dodgers, developed, became a big leaguer, playoff MVP and should be a Dodger for life. CK is only going to sign with the Dodgers or retire. We won’t see him in a different uniform.
Lux will be given the 2B job if Seager leaves, I think CT3 signs elsewhere and KJ is too expensive as well. AF will develop his BP with the likes of Joe Kelly on a one-year, Knebel on a two-year contract , Kahnle along with a return of V-gon, further development of Vesia and Clevenger and more young kids while using Treinen as the closer.
Some “swiss army knife” players like CT3 will be signed and then we hope for a return to health with Cody and Betts ready to play MVP caliber baseball.
If Bauer is not charged/suspended I think AF finds a way to get him back into the fold and will avoid a big contract for SP. If he indeeds gets charged/suspended and we re-coup some of that salary expense I think we will see some SP signings along the like of Max Scherzer.
One guy I think is a real possibility is Chris Bryant. Time will tell.
I watched that video yesterday and the thing that struck me the most was that he wanted to sign early with a team that had plans to help fix him. I felt like he had a lot of confidence with our pitching guys. This is one of the areas where the Dodgers can use resources to have a competitive advantage over other team. By spending money on scouting and coaching, they can identify players that have a high likelihood of becoming better with a better approach, or subtle adjustments to their mechanics. I was surprised that there were so many suitors initially, but he’s in the sweet spot for pitchers at age 30 and still has some gas from the left side. I’m hoping he’s a good pickup.
There was some chatter about another lefty to try to fix in former Met, Steven Matz. It makes me wonder how much interest they have in bringing Kershaw back with interest in these two lefties. I’m wondering how much they think they can count on Kershaw even if he comes back.
I’m holding out hope for Seager, but I think it’s ultimately his decision whether or not he’ll be back. I doubt the Dodgers will guarantee that he’ll remain at Shortstop for a certain number of years, but I also think he’ll be able to play to position for at least 2-3 more years with the Dodgers. If he re-signs, Trea stays at 2B and Lux is a super utility. I also don’t think it’s Seager or nothing at SS. The Dodgers have no problem in investing in elite talent. If another elite shortstop shows interest in playing with the Dodgers, I wouldn’t rule it out. I think the Dodgers are in the driver’s seat with potential shortstops with Trea and Lux on the roster. They can certainly pass if everyone wants too long of a contract and go with what they have. If they do, I’m sure they’ll pick up a right handed hitting utility guy that can play second to put pressure on Lux.
Starting Pitching will be handled in a similar manner as shortstop. They know they need some arms, but they don’t really need front of rotation help. If someone wants to sign a team friendly deal, they’ll go for it. Andrew was also quoted in a recent OCRegister, Bill Plaschke article saying “I think there’s going to be some really good pitching available through trades,” Friedman said. “There are some really talented pitchers that I expect will be available through trade.” That sounds to be that they’re probably interested in adding a full-time, reliable arm in addition to some of projects out there.
It’s too early to be really speculative, but this team doesn’t have a ton of actual needs except for enough starting pitching to bridge them to May and/or Bauer.
Rams lost Robert Woods for the year with a torn ACL, just days after they signed Odell Beckham Jr. Trouble in Lakerland???? AD rips team after loss to Timberwolves. A lot of no news out there as far as baseball goes. Alabama trounced NM> What in the world was NM thinking scheduling Alabama, especially mid season.
I have several favorite players on other teams, one of them was Trea Turner, the special players are the ones who are good on both sides of the game, on defense and on offense, the players who are only good at hitting that are not special players, just They are very good players, for me it was a dream that Trea was a Dodger and when it came true I couldn’t believe it.
Another favorite player I have is P Luis Castillo, he has incredible things, I have always been intrigued by what the Dodgers could do for him, they would take him to the next level.
Good news DH, Bob Nightengale is reporting that AF has discussed both Castillo and Gray with the Reds.
On the other hand, we can probably assume that at least 20 other teams have also had that discussion.
I can’t remember where Inread this but I believe both Josh Hader and Craig Kimbral might be available via trade. What say you guys?
Kimbrel is available and the ChiSox would want at least two top 10 prospects… maybe 3.
Milwaukee has two more years of control of Hader. The price would be very high – at least 3 top 10 prospects.
Neither player will be a Dodger.
The Dodgers had one of the best bullpens in baseball last year. Unlike many here, I think Kenley wants to stay in LA and will reach an agreement with them. The same with Joe Kelly. AF will try and sign Knebel too and with all the arms in the minor, the Dodgers do not need to trade for an established reliever.
As usual, Friedman will look for pitchjers like Vesia, Bickford and Cleavinger.