Can You Ever Have too Much Pitching?

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1. Thank you to all of you. I’ll hopefully be back. Long story short I was born with a disability and have been shunned by the other gender all my life and some cruel words have been used.

   1. Be back, and we have your back!

   2. Hell is other people.

   3. Hang in there Eric. People are cruel. I saw that myself when I was over 390 pounds. I had surgery and lost the weight, but I let my personality carry me through when I was that big. We all have had points in our lives when things were not hunky-dory.

2. Mark –

   I think your analysis of Dodger pitching philosophy and 2023 options is right on. I think this is the year to see who among the young pitchers is a “keeper” and who isn’t. I don’t think $40M+ per year for 40-year olds is good strategy (i.ie. Mets). We should be thankful for the pitching coaching staff throughout the organization.

   You also made a good point yesterday in one of your comments regarding Bellinger and his move to the Cubs. You pointed out that if he is able to regain his confidence and swing there it will reflect poorly on RVS, I agree and am rooting for Bellie to turn it around.

   Sadly, I can’t say I am impressed with the Dodger organization’s hitting instructors. Remember back in the 1970s when we had a home grown infield that hit more that their weight – Garvey, Cey, Lopes and Russell. Let’s give the young hitters in the organization (Vargas, Outman, etc.) the chance to show what they can do in 2023 and in the process evaluate Dodger organization hitting instructors.

3. Reports that padres offered Judge 10-400

   Wtf

   1. San Diego is going for broke to try and win a WS. Then they will blow it up and hoard prospects. Watch and see the suck for another 8 years!

4. Eric –

   As a veteran human being, I have navigated through some difficult times in my life as I am sure many others on this site have. It is easy to dwell on our problems and negative life experiences especially if we are isolated. Building your own support network is essential whether it is professionals, family, friends, etc. LADT is a one of those support elements because it connects you with contemporaries who share a common interest. Jim Valvano, a young, successful college basketball coach said it best in a 1993 speech just before he passed in his “Don’t Ever Give Up” speech. Google it and good luck!

5. Excellent write up Mark. The starting pitching will have some injuries during the year. With Gonsolin and Kershaw it’s almost assured. So, will AF add a veteran or go with the prospects? I think initially he will use either Stone, Pepiot, Miller, or Grove. I like Grove for the BP. He seemed to not be afraid to attack the hitters and threw strikes. It would be nice to have the Bauer conundrum resolved soon. If the youngsters aren’t effective then a trade or two might be in the cards. The price for pitching in the FA market is crazy. AF will wait until the madness stops if he wants to make a move

   I agree that Hendriks isn’t needed especially with the cost involved. There’s usually a reason a team is willing to trade a successful closer. He’s not going to be effective in the future. The Dodgers experienced that scenario last season with Kimbrel. Just read Kenley signed with Boston.
   Carry on

6. Welcome back Eric! All those in favor of doubling Mark’s salary say aye! What am I ever going to complain about next year now that Bellinger is a Cub. Help me out here B&P! In all seriousness, I wish him well and hope that he can find the magic once again. Just not at Dodger Stadium!

   1. Bellinger had multiple offers on the table and interest from about half the league. I guess half the league agrees that he’s too big a talent to give up on. He wound up getting a raise of $.5 M. No one knows if he’ll earn it, but it’s a good risk to bet on a 27 year old not being washed up.

      With that said, with the team as currently constructed, I’m sure you’ll find someone to focus your (negative) attention on. 😉

7. Kenley is a Red Sox

   2 years $32m

   World’s gone mad.

   1. Not a good fit for Kenley….but he got paid.

      1. $32 million is a great fit for Kenley! Good for him, proving there is a lot of life after the Dodgers–after many of us thought he was over the hill.
         He often made me nervous so I was fine with him moving on to Atlanta, especially because it seemed that Treinen would simply slide into the closer role. Then came the Kimbrel deal, and that didn’t work out so well.
         There is such a thing as too much pitching when management becomes overly committed to a bad move. They eventually concluded correctly that Kimbrel was a problem. He certainly lumbered down that runway a while…
         Hindsight isn’t always 20/20, but it makes criticism easy. It is not hindsight to say that AF blew it by letting the Angels nab Tyler Anderson.
         Some folks here criticized Anderson for not taking the QO, but Anderson had his reasons. What is AF’s reasons for not matching or upping? The fact that a few pitchers with lesser 2022 records have since scored better deals suggest both Anderson and AF underestimated that market for pitchers. The Angels’ gain is the Dodgers’ loss.
         Think about this some more: the Dodgers invested in Anderson, a mid-career guy who was thought of as a long reliever. The pitching coaches worked their magic and make Anderson an all-star. He rivaled Urias in terms of reliability and actually led the team in IP.
         And after all that…. AF let this investment slip away.
         A dope fiend move?

         1. No, I think he offered the QO because they wanted to see him do it again. Anderson has never been as good as he was last season. And they were not ready to offer him a three-year deal.

8. Judge stays with Yanks. 9 years 360

   Go Dodgers!!!!!!!

9. But of course, I am. They give me all kinds of freebies and pay me huge amounts of money to do that. Actually, I get nothing… not even a Christmas card anymore (I used to get them).

   So, if that makes me an ass-kisser, I guess you are just the ass!

   1. Really a very good retort and I think the first time I chuckled in days. December is not a good month for me…..often tragic time of year. But if I make it to January it’s likely I have another 11 months. Hey! the great-late Merle Haggard wrote that song. Do you know what an Okie baby’s first 3 words are?………….Mommie, Daddy and Bakersfield.

      1. There’s a street named after him in the Central Valley. I believe it’s in Oildale which is the not quite nice suburb of Bakersfield.

   2. You kiss mqarep’s ass? Did you just say that?

10. Peanut Gallery: a source of insignificant criticism.

11. joke or name-calling?

    1. Looks a lot like name calling to me.

       1. He has only posted twice here. Both are about how bad Roberts and Friedman were/are.

          He is obviously confused by reality!

          1. Troll. Contreras to the Cardinals for 5 years. Should have some stuff in the que by tomorrow. Been clearing up some scams on my cards.

          2. Could it be Scott?

             Too soon?

12. You would not have believed the posts he sent that I blocked. Ask B & P he saw them. It was the vilest of the vile.

    1. Yeah, Mark. It was as bad as I’ve ever seen anywhere. I don’t even think Marty McFly had that kind of animosity towards Biff. You would think you were his neighborhood bully that stopped by his house every morning before school, pissed in his cornflakes, kicked him in the nuts and finished him off with a glorious atomic wedgy to start his day.

       I’ve never seen such emotional vitriol in an Internet post.

       1. B&P, great reference skillfully placed. Made me laugh!

13. So much for peace on earth, good will toward fellow Dodger fans.

    Thanks Eric for your transparency, we care about you.

14. Thanks for the article, Mark.
    Dodgers are taking a very patient approach to the off-season so far, while the Padres and Giants are very active pursuing free agents. The Dodgers have lost significant talent from last year’s team through free agency and injury including:
    Staff ace and 2 other starters – Buehler, Anderson, Heaney
    4 everyday starters at SS, CF, 3B, and LF- TT, Belli, JT, Gallo/Pollock
    4 relievers including closer and setup man- Treinen, Kimbrel, Martin, Kahnle.

    These are significant losses and many were choices made by the GM to not bring back these players. And to date the Dodgers have done nothing to replace the talent loss.
    Alternatively, the team that eliminated the Dodgers have made offers of $342 million to TT and $400 million to Judge in the last 24 hours. They also added Soto, Hader, Bell, and Drury at the trade deadline while the Dodgers brought in Gallo! And the Padres have Tatis returning next year also.
    At this point, the Padres have urgency to win now while the Dodgers seem content to rebuild.
    Also, other NL teams like Phils, Mets, Cards, and Braves have improved their rosters more than the Dodgers so far.
    I understand that Friedman tends to wait out the overpays, but there is a risk that the market has moved away from him, and now other teams have larger budgets than the Dodgers.
    Hopefully, Friedman can find good replacements for the 11 players that have been lost from last years team, and put together a roster that can compete for the playoffs and World Series.

    1. I have been saying this since October 15th:

       Andrew is in no hurry to make a move. Why?

       Is it possible that Miguel Vargas will be better than Brandon Drury? I think he will be a lot better.

       Is it possible that James Outman will outproduce Cody Bellinger? It’s a bet I might take, and I am not a huge Outman fan.

       Is it possible that an LF Platoon of Mike Busch and Andrew McCutchen will outperform Mitch Haniger… for a fraction of the cost? It is!

       Is it possible that Urias and Kershaw will win more games than Verlander and deGrom combined? It is.

       I am not saying it all will happen, but it could and is not far-fetched.

       Tell me it’s not possible Gavin Stone will win 15 games next season.

       Who will have more saves next year – The Dodgers closer or the White Sox closer?

       The Dodgers won 111 games last year – more than anyone. They also lost more players than anyone, but they have a better farm system than anyone, which allows for promotions or using the playing as trade collateral.

       Will AJ Preller be the GM of San Diegon in 5 years? I say no!

       1. It’s not possible that Gavin Stone wins 15 games next season.

       2. Miguel was not better than Drury in 2022.
          A midseason deal for Drury instead of Gallo would have been the smart “win now” move–especially when both Muncy and JT were struggling. A bigger, bolder deal with the Reds could have scored Castillo + Drury. It was Seattle’s DiPoto who made the bold move to get Castillo–and it got them to the playoffs. Congrats to Seattle! And congrats to San Diego too for getting Drury and Hader down the stretch.
          I’d feel a bit better about losing Tyler Anderson if Luis Castillo had joined Urias at the top of the rotation.
          When I saw what Seattle gave up to get Castillo, I understood why AF decided to hoard his trade chips. But right now I’m also thinking that Seattle’s move suggested just how hot the market for pitching would become–and that is another reason not to let Anderson slip away.
          After getting Castillo, Di Poto locked him up to be their ace in the coming future, with about $100 mill for 5 years, I think. Rodon, a roughly similar talent, is now seeking a much bigger deal. What will it take to secure Urias for years?
          I wonder how much Kodai Senga will be getting…. and I find myself thinking he won’t be getting it from the Dodgers.

          1. Drury might have cost the Dodgers Vargas. Brandon had a career year and seldom is healthy for long, and he had bad seasons on offense between 2018 and 2021.

             Boy, to get Castillo and Drury, Friedman would have had to gut the farm. Drury didn’t do much in the playoffs, and unless Castillo could have hit, he would not have made a difference in the post-season.

             I hope Senga doesn’t get it from the Dodgers too. They do not need to do it.

             Urias will not sign early – His agent won’t allow it, and what would he want to do that? He will get a lot more on the open market… and YES, he is probably 50-50 to return in 2025.

15. Here’s my attempt at (and I say this with love and admiration) a Timmons-esque conspiracy theory

    Friedman is waiting until Dodgers fans become so impatient for a move that all predispositions to Correa are countered and the fanbase welcomes him.

    1. I think the only way the Dodgers get Correa is on a 4 year/$180 Million dollar deal.

       If they end up signing a SS, i think it is more likely to be Swanson.

       1. My guess is that Correa is Farhan’s fallback. That would be kind of fun, because it would it would be easier to hate on Correa in a Giants uniform.
          Farhan could also get Nimmo.
          Come to think of it, though, if you squint a little, Nimmo could be the Dodgers’ new Brett Butler. He’d be OK in CF and join Mookie at the top of the lineup. Great on-base guy.
          I keep hoping that AF will stun us, like he did in the deal for Scherer and Trea.
          But it would also be kind of stunning if he did pretty much nothing now. Maybe he’ll even pass on JT.

16. I like the youth movement that seems to be developing. My only ask is for a veteran SS to solidify an infield that might include Vargas and Lux.

17. Good questions Mark.
    I hope you are correct.
    Rosenthal just wrote an article on The Athletic claiming Dodgers are not pursuing Correa due to fan base concerns regarding his cheating with Astros, as well as uncertainty regarding the Bauer appeal. He claims that the back pay could be zero or as high as $100 million which would trigger the luxury tax.
    He suggests that Dodger moves will be limited to mid-range starter, CF like Kiermaier, and maybe a bat like JD Martinez. Also says Dodgers covet two players next year; Ohtani and Sasaki who is expected to be posted next year.

    1. Rosenthal also said the Padres did not offer Judge $400 Million.

    2. Bauer keeps making things both interesting and difficult.

       1. Public opinion has tilted towards the victim in that case: Trevor Bauer.

          I think Curt Schilling was wrong. But, he should still be in the HOF.

18. The Dodgers 3 players to Rule 5 in the first round – Out of 15 Players taken.

    1. Ryan Noda
    2. Jose Hernandez
    2. Gus Varland

    1. Losing a few guys in the Rule 5 draft seems like another symptom of a creative failure.
       These guys could have been throw-ins in a deal for Drury or ???.

       1. No

19. Masataka Yoshida signs a 5 year/90mil deal with Boston

    1. Wow. That is a lot for a guy who is not a power hitter with poor defense.

       1. Yeah, a stunner. Wow.
          Maybe Boston thinks he really is the second coming of Ichiro. He ain’t but he could be very good.
          I wonder if that number reflects incentives built into the contract. Perhaps the base salary is much lower.

          1. He got the same amount that Seiya Suzuki of the Cubs did. .262 BA .336 OB%.

             He ain’t no Ichiro.

             It’s a 5 Year- $90 Million Dollar Guarantee!

20. Ryan Noda will likely stick with the A’s – Good for him. He had no future here.

    Gus Varland could be a steal for the Brewers. A failed starter, they moved him to the bullpen the last two months of the season (Tulsa), and his fastball regularly peaked at 98 MPH, and he struck out 31 in 18.1 innings over the last two months of 2022. Of course, it’s a small sampling.

21. The Dodgers have 3 holes to fill on the 40 man roster not counting the elephant in the room with $31M below the cap including Bauer’s salary.

    I agree with Mark about the pitching. They don’t have a need there. The bullpen’s top 8 is as deep as it gets and the Rotation has Kershaw, Urias, Gonsolin and May to start with and 4 young pitchers just about every team would covet that are very close to major league ready in Miller, Stone, Pepiot and Grove. They have another tier of pitchers that are still very good, not quite as ready in Knack, Nastrini, Bruns, Kopp, Frasso and Sheehan. THen a few more, Duran, Hurt, Heubeck. The list seems never-ending. That’s not to say another project like Heaney or Anderson isn’t in order. And it’s not to say they can fix everyone, every time.

    All they really need to do is sign the bat to replace Trea Turner and are holding out for elite players. Judge might have been plan A, which could be why they haven’t signed anyone so far. Now, it’s time for plan B and then plan C or D if necessary.

    To me, it looks like they didn’t like Trea at that price. They talked contract extension while he was here, it was clear that he wanted to go back East. I don’t think the money would have worked for AF even if he wanted to stay. I was surprised they signed Mookie to the contract they did and I didn’t like it at the time and still don’t. But, that’s the world we live in. The one where 80 year old pitchers get 40M and taking 20% of the cap all to themselves.

    The Dodgers will spend some money, but don’t want to box themselves in on these long contracts if they can help. They’re probably trying to go high AAV and see if someone bites.

    Unlike Mark, I think Haniger would have been a good signing and was disappointed that the Giants would up with him. That would have filled a big hole in the outfield and his cost is reasonable. We don’t need him to play every day. Just be there in the postseason like Pollock.

    I wrote about this the other day. We lost The Turners and Belli. Outman and Vargas should be able to provide the offense that Belli and JT provided last year. We’re Even Steven. Get a bat that’s as good or better than Trea and we’re in business. We have 30M to work with. Much more if we want to catch the Mets and Yankees.

    When the Dodgers jump early in the offseason, it’s because they’re getting VALUE (Cheap, but possibly good) like Andrew Heaney last year, or Shelby Miller this year. They waiting it out for Freddie and Bauer. There’s plenty of time and talent remaining.

    1. A voice of reason. I would not be afraid to go into the season with what we have plus a SS, like Swanson, who is more of a traditional SS, who would bat in the bottom of the order. Providing he can be signed at a reasonable price.

       1. Lux 2B
       2. Betts RF
       3. Freeman 1B
       4. Smith C
       5. Muncy DH
       6. Vargas 3B
       7. Swanson SS
       8. Thompson/Outman CF
       9. Busch/Taylor LF

       They might be better than last year!

22. Can you provide an example of this bat that’s as good or better than Trea’s that you see out there?

    1. No, you improve in other areas and get a solid SS, not a star. You want to pigeonhole someone to a specific question. You don’t have to upgrade at SS if you can upgrade the team. It’s time to see what Vargas and Busch can do. If they can’t cut it – get someone else.

    2. I can tell by your tone that you don’t think there’s a better bat, and you want to argue about it. Correa is better and Bogaerts is off the board now. Pretty bummed to see Xander going to the Pads. Not a great offseason so far.

23. Anybody interested in an AJ Pollock reunion in left for the right price with Outman in center? Please no Swanson!

    1. Pollock at the right price- OK? Is he better than Taylor?

       Why the Swanson hate?

       1. 180 Ks

24. A few days ago I declared that Verlander would be AF’s marquee deal and that Lux would get a serious shot a SS.
    I still think I’m half right.
    With a lot of big names off the board–now including my crush Yoshida–here’s some semi-educated guesswork about what comes next.
    –Correa to Giants.
    –Swanson to Cubs
    –Bogaerts stays in Boston
    –Adames is not dealt
    –Rodon to Yankees
    –Senga to a team that is not the Dodgers
    –Nimmo to…. Giants? Blue Jays? (Not the Dodgers.)
    Given their history, AF brining in Keirmaier makes some sense. In interviews Roberts has signaled some serious doubt about who could succeed Belli in center.
    By the way, I remain annoyed that the Dodgers basically get nothing for Ryan Noda and others lost in the Rule 5 draft. An Oakland rep said they had been interested in Noda for a while–that his name came up in the Kolarek talks. They love his power and his walks. With Freddie at first, Noda was blocked.
    Before the Dodgers signed Freddie, I really wanted the Dodgers work a deal with the As for Matt Chapman. Getting a young gold glove third baseman with power seemed like a no brainer, because JT and Muncy could shift into 1B/DH roles and Vargas was still young and unproven. Perhaps Billy Beane wanted too much–but we now at least know that Noda could have been a sweetener.
    Even after Freddie was signed, I still wanted Chapman though it made a bit less sense.
    At any rate, it was the Blue Jays who got Chapman.
    He didn’t have a great season, but not terrible either, with a .757 OPS and 27 HRs over 155 games. (Pretty sturdy, right?) He was, as usual, a Gold Glove finalist, and probably won a couple games with the leather. (If Belli had put the offense that Chapman produced, he’d still be a Dodger–and not bat ninth.).
    Neither Muncy or JT were great defenders at 3B. And while their offense improved a lot in the second half, neither were as productive as Chapman. JT had a better OPS at .788, but only 13 HRs. Muncy finished at .713 and 21 HRs.
    A year from now, look for my post about why AF blew it on Yoshida.

25. Bogaerts just signed an 11-year deal with the Padres.

    1. Now all that’s left is signing Rodon.
       We are officially no longer favorites for the division title.

    2. Ridiculous

       1. Signing Bogaerts I mean

          Dope Fiend

          1. Pretty much. What it means is that they are going to move Tatis when he is reinstated to the outfield. Most likely center. I don’t think he is a MLB caliber top defender there yet. They also still have Kim. Bogaert’s protects them in case Machado opts out after the 23 season.

26. If the Dodgers are all out after Ohtani and Sasaki next year I am fine if they stay put this winter.

    it will cost a lot of money to get those two players.

    Padres are insane.

    Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

27. I don’t get why everyone thinks what the Padres are doing is insane. They are GOING FOR IT and the way I see it they have a pretty big window to win multiple championships. Yeah in 7 years some of these contracts will come back to bite them but if they win a world series or two doubt anyone in SD will care. Boegarts is also insurance in case Manny opts out of his contract at the end of the year. He can easily slide over to 3B if needed. There is more than one way to build a winner and even though I like the way the Dodgers go about it all we have to show for it is a Mickey Mouse shortened season Championship and a bunch of division titles. As of now Padres are easily the favorite in the NL West. Don’t be surprised if next year when Urias is a free agent if they throw a bunch of dollars at him too.

    1. Watch and Learn.

       That’s all I will say – let History be the judge.

       San Diego will be a trainwreck sooner than later.

    2. Dude are you even a Dodger fan?? Calling our World Series title MM??? Give me a fricking break guy….

       1. He’s more like a Troll.

          1. How do you keep track of whose who?

             I could have sworn that guy had never posted here before.

             1. Software!

    3. Except for:
       The weird denigration of the Dodgers success
       AND
       “the easy favorites bit”
       AND
       With the pre-condition that there is a stable business plan under it…

       I totally and completely agree!!!!!!!!!!!!

       MORE mid-market teams should emulate the Padres. Maybe not to the extent that SD is, but at least they are trying to bring a trophy to their fans!

       Good for the NL West. Great for MLB.

28. I think Swanson makes some sense. He needs to cut down on his K’s though.

    Im fine with Lux at SS also. Look Trea had great #s and all that but I really never saw him get any big hits for us. I dont have the #s to back that up but whenever he was up in big spots seemed like he failed to me. And his D was below AVG.

    To me thats not a huge loss or not as big as people make it out to be. We need guys to pass the baton, is that Swanson, I dont know. My guess is he stays in ATL….

    1. It’s pretty clear to me that Friedman is staying away from FA who have the QO attached. They will lose draft picks and International Signing money. I don’t think Swanson is part of the plan.

       I do think they will try and sign JT and maybe a LF’er.

       I am good with that. I hope I am wrong about Lux at SS.

       1. Lux SS
       2. Betts RF
       3. Freeman 1B
       4. Smith C
       5. Busch 2B
       6. Vargas 3B
       7. Muncy DH
       8. Taylor and/or Free Agent LHH – LF
       9. Outman/Thompson CF
       … and let’s see where we are at at the Trade Deadline.

       1. For me the #5 and #6 guys will be key. I want the real Muncy, we are going to need him.

          Vargas has a chance to be real good and we’ll need him as well.

          I also expect CT3 to rebound after a bad season….

          1. I think Muncy will be back to normal (.360 OB%/35 HR)

             Lux will be better after hitting .276 in 2022 – he might break .300

             Will Smith is still in his improving years.

             Miguel Vargas is a middle-of-the-order hitter and a “bread and butter RBI Man.”

             Busch is the wild card. His defense is solid, and I see him as a guy who will hit .230 with 30+ HR, but I am not ready to say he will do it in 2023. That said, sometimes, the best way to learn to swing is to get thrown into the water.

             CT3 can hopefully bounce back and then the Platoon in CF will be paramount.

             I will be more excited about 2023 than I have been about other seasons.

             1. Busch is the Bread and Butter RBI man. 108 rbi and 118 runs.

             2. Busch averaged an RBI every 5.1 ABs while Vargas was an RBI every 5.3 ABs, BUT he did it with TWICE as many HRs. I have repeatedly seen Vargas just place the ball to get runners home with two outs while Busch will be swinging for the Bleachers. We can use them both!

       2. This is the first time in many upcoming seasons that I can remember that Roberts will have to actually manage a team that is young and not filled with super stars at many positions. I don’t know if Roberts is up to the task to get us across the finish line. This will expose the real Doc’s manager abilities.

       3. Mark –

          I like this lineup – good balance of youth and veterans. I like our blend of young and veterans on the pitching staff too. First half objective should be to stay within striking distance by playing .500 ball and position ourselves for a STRONG second half run for the playoffs. Maintain the financial capability to get what we need (Ohtani, etc.) at the trade deadline to roll into the playoffs as the “hot team!!!” It is easy being an armchair GM…..

29. Andrew, great point on Doc, now we’ll see if he’s the whole package. I lean toward success.

    In Mark, I trust! Walk me off the ledge! The shiny toy is great, but I break it fast then I am sad.

    I have to trust the system. Integrate the well-developed young guys with strategically placed veterans and watch success. Maybe not flashy, but (hopefully) effective.

30. People forgets Doc dealt with Verdugo, Wil Smith, Lux, Edwin Rios. He induce confidence in players.

31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp5Rz0Iuudk

    Gavin, Gavin Gavin!

    Doc says they’ll get another outfielder. I don’t know where the hell they’ll get him from?

    Starting Pitching “Depth”. Someone they can fix?

    Possible JT return. Urgh. Too old.

32. Honestly, everything depends on the pitching, both starters and bullpen. I’m guessing AF adds some depth to the rotation.

    At this point, offensively, without Trea, the Dodgers are not nearly as good as last season. The Padres are a lot better, except the rotation where the Dodgers have an advantage, if the young pitchers come through.

    LA needs a CF. they said they will get one, perhaps add another hitter. I’d pass on Swanson. Gavin Lux has good range, it’s his natural position. Why not Dansby? The strikeouts. Just tired of swing and miss rally killers. Some times it takes awhile for young hitters to make the jump. No guarantees they step up and produce.

    We won’t have much longer to wait on Bauer. If they uphold the suspension, the Dodgers are clear. If they don’t they may have to cut a check for back pay and then pay tax on top of it. What a mess.

    What a nice gift for Christmas. Of course, I suppose he could solve any rotation depth issues, if he can actually pitch at an elite level after all this. Who knows?

    1. He’s tossing 97+ in his videos pitching at his facility. Might get a bump in game actions. Who knows?

       Weird offseason. I can’t believe all of the 11 year contracts. No other sport do you see that level of craziness.

       Maybe we’ll have some luck and these prospects will all do well like “The Infield”. Wouldn’t that be something?

       Right now, the lineup would be something like this…

       Mookie RF R
       Lux SS L
       Freeman 1B L
       Smith C R
       Muncy DH/3B L
       Vargas 3B/DH R
       Busch 2B L
       Taylor LF R
       Thompson / Outman CF R/L

       1. From what I recall hearing, labor security has historically led to a major rise in spending.

          Blame it on collective bargaining!

          Joke

       2. With the way the present Dodger roster is constructed barring any big moves by AF and BG, the goal is to make the playoffs and not overuse the pitching staff and hopefully have enough swing and miss pitchers in October by trade or from the our minor league system ,get hot at that time so we can compete and advance .Bering the best during the regular season and winning the division doesn’t assure you of a World Series parade.

33. Everyone seems to be talking up AJ Preller as a “genius.”

    To me, he is a real dumbass. Here’s why: MLBTR predicted that Bogaerts would get a $189 Million Contract. The Red Sox offered him a deal of less than $200 Million. Preller signed him for $280 Million – almost $100 million more than any other offer.

    Wait until Machado and Tatis see how little range Xander has at SS and start arguing they should be there. This has the ability to go south… with a quickness!

    AJ Preller is not a genius…

    

34. McCutchen is still out there and would be a good platoon piece in LF, as would Michael Brantley.. how about both?

    It would be nice to get Ross Stripling back, but the Dodgers do not need pitching.

35. We need a big RH bat in LF and keep Taylor in his utility role. And you have to be more than a little nervous with that young infield defense! McCutchen’s bat is no longer big.

36. I hear that the Bauer Decision is coming tomorrow!

    

    1. Wow, 5 years later..what’s the rush? 😉

    2. From the MLB arbitrator or from Judge Selna?

       1. Neither – A Wino on the street. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!

37. Dodgers Sign Jason Heyward To Minor League Deal

    So, ironically, Chicago could not fix Heyward and LA could not fix Cody. But the Cubs are paying $18 million for Cody and Jason is almost free for the Dodgers.

    1. Heyward’s last two years have been pathetic but as recently as 2018-2020 he had some decent numbers. Maybe he had an injury nobody knew about, or maybe he just needs to be in an environment where there is something at stake. I have a feeling this will be more than just a “nothing” signing. And if not, it won’t cost anything.

       1. Then there is this:

          https://www.si.com/mlb/2017/03/14/jason-heyward-world-series-game-7-rain-delay-speech-cubs

          If RVS and Bates could “fix” him, then you also get the vocal leader they need.

38. It looks like AF is under orders to reset the Luxury Tax FOR SURE!

    1. Stop this narrative.

       There are plenty of competitive reasons to get under the cap. Many of them signficiant.

       It’s not just a fiscal decision.

       1. The other reasons do not talk as LOUD as MONEY!

          1. For a company with an $8Bn local TV deal, I think we should not waste our time wondering about how loud reasons resonate.

             1. Like with his roster philosophy, it’s all about flexibility.

                Couldn’t find a fit with contract dollars and length for the top free agents, sit this one out. Still holding out for Correa.

                Test out the kids to start the season.

                Maybe fill a need at the deadline.

                Slip under the cap for a year and go back to normal.

             2. I find that it is much easier to spend other people’s money than my own. That’s what this is

             3. Yes, Bulldog.

    2. On the other hand they were talking with Verlander and Trea.

39. Please sign Benintendi for LF and a bit of CF.

    His .300 avg would sit nicely between Mookie and Freddie and be very affordable compared to what I’m seeing this week, so won’t hamstring us for years like I’m expecting from some of these GM moves.

    Remember we have Playoff Baseball every year, and it’s by not making these over long deals that allows AF to pivot in which ever way he chooses. The Preller’s of this world are closing down those options for themselves. By adding our home grown players it means we have more flexibility elsewhere. We are really in a great position tbh, not having to throw ridiculous contracts at these guys.
    The Asstros are the only other team to be in such a strong position, and possibly the Braves.

    Personally I’m very happy about where we are, and I think if we added Benintendi we would be set.
    Bauer coming back into the fold would be a huge bonus.

    Eric – hope you’re doing better my friend.

    1. I think it is time for Lux to lead off, and Betts to bat 2nd between the two LH’ers!

       1. Me too.

          1. Me three….

40. Most Mid-Market Teams cannot do what the Padres are doing. Reas this an you might get an idea why:

    https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2022/04/14/Franchises/Padres.aspx

    Petco and the Surrounding area are a destination. The Red Sox and Cubs, and Giants have some of the same pull.

    It’s much harder in Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, KC, St. Louis, and Cincinnati – to say nothing of TB & Miami.

    1. The cap and penalties are in place to keep the Dodgers and Yankees from outspending everyone, every year. It sucks to see the Padres out star us though.

       1. I kind of like it.

          Being the favorite means nothing… as we saw last year.

          Winning does.

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