If you could pick just one player that you thought would help the Dodgers win another World Series, who would it be? For most Dodger fans I have talked to, and judging from the posts I have read, that player would be Shoei Ohtani. Ohtani is a front-line pitcher, and he is an MVP-caliber hitter. He would probably be the DH, but he also could play some outfield.
I would think there would be an awful lot of opinions on this subject. But for me, if I could get just one player, I would love to have Mike Trout. One, he would cost less; two, the guy has 3 MVP awards, and three, he is one of the best defensive players in the majors. Another plus for me is that Mike is a power RH bat. I think he would love playing for a team that consistently contends.
But there are probably others. I thought a few years ago, when it looked like they might have a chance to sign Bryce Harper, that not only would he look great in blue, I could see a lot of his homers flying into the right-field pavilion.
But I also would like to see the Dodgers extend some of their own stars. I always thought they might do that with Urias. But it looks like he will for sure test free agency this winter, and I think he will be moving on because someone, the Padres, Mets or even the Yankees, is going to offer him a lot of money.
I really thought they should have re-signed Corey Seager. I was a huge fan of Corey. The guy can hit, that is for sure. But as has been stated numerous times, he would have cost the Dodgers close to 400 million to match what he is making in Texas where they have no state income tax.
I know they had no shot in all reality at signing him, but another guy I would have loved to see in Dodger Blue is Aaron Judge. Judge has awesome power. Would he hit 60-plus in LA? Probably not. No Dodger EVER has hit more than 49, and that was done once, Shawn Green. Beltre hit 48 in his walk year. Those both are records for Dodger hitters. The Judge could have freed up Mookie to move to the infield. Then Vargas would be at third.
Pitching-wise, well, Scherzer would have been nice, and so would Verlander. But Max made some comments that made him sound like a real jerk. Verlander visited and then opted for the big apple. I hoped they would trade for or sign a closer, but in retrospect, there really were none of the top guys available. Thor is a low-risk, high-reward type of signing that Freidman loves. I think he will do fine. Is he the 100 MPH guy he was?? Nope, but he really does not need to be.
Just for fun, let’s hear what the well-informed, always delightful, intelligent posters of LADT have to contribute. Have a ball and go get em.
OKC Dodgers
Game Summary: For a third consecutive game, the Oklahoma City Dodgers bested their opponent by one-run during a high-scoring game, claiming a 7-6 victory over the Las Vegas Aviators Tuesday night at Las Vegas Ballpark. Jahmai Jones continued his recent hot streak, hitting two home runs and picking up a total of five RBI. The Dodgers (3-1) took the lead with four runs in the second inning, including a two-run homer by Jones. The second baseman went deep again the fourth inning and poked a two-run double in the sixth inning. OKC led, 7-5, entering the bottom of the ninth inning. Las Vegas (1-3) scored one run and had the tying run at second base with one out before Dodgers third baseman Luke Williams turned an unassisted double play off a soft line drive to end the game.
Ohtani and he’ll be here in ’24.
As much as I would love to have Ohtani, I think he is going to get paid big time! A very good case could be made that as a pitcher, he is worth $25-$30 Million, and as a hitter, he is also worth $25-30 Million. So, do you think Andrew Friedman will give him $50- 60 Million for 6-8 years… at Age 30? Someone will, and that is way too much money to bet upon him staying healthy. Unless he wants to give the Dodgers a discount, I do not see it happening. Steve Cohen might give him a 10-year/$450 Million Deal. No way any sane person does that.
One injury and you lose 2 players with Ohtani and much more likely as he ages. AF is passing. It will be interesting to see who is his next long term mega deal will be. He doesn’t seem to like signing pitchers long term so ? with Julio and then there’s the Boras factor. Dodgers got a steal with the Freeman contract!
B&P would make that argument about Ohtani, and it’s actually a good one.
Here’s another wrinkle, though. If you had a stud at both pitcher and DH taking up one roster spot, that gives a team an extra one to play around with.
Yep, If the Dodgers get Ohtani, they would (sort of) have a bonus player. It would probably be an SP, since Ohtani has been pitching in a six-man rotation.
My guess is the Dodgers would platoon Ohtani at DH, just to provide him with extra rest and keep other hitters sharp. And if Ohtani starts on the bench, he could always come in as a pinch-hitter. That would scare opponents. And let’s imagine the Dodgers in the WS and the ability to turn to Ohtani as a closer. (Urias did the job well in ’20.)
I don’t see how Ohtani’s age is much of an issue. He’s in great shape and is obviously a disciplined athlete. Guys like Scherzer and Verlander are ten years older and still competing for Cys.
Remember: The Dodgers stupidly gave Bauer, a lesser pitcher, a contract with an AAV of $34 million. So Ohtani is easily a $35-million-plus pitcher and maybe a $20-million-plus DH. But he is more than player–he is a global star in sport that is trying to go global. That adds more to the pricetag. Anyway, Ohtani will blow away Trout’s AAV..
I’m all for the Dodgers pursuing Ohtani–and joining the bidding if the Angels entertain offers at midseason. It would be a massive package, of course, but now the Dodgers could include Jahmai Jones, a former Angel top prospect who is off to a great start in OKC.
Regardless of Ohtani, Jones is a guy to watch. OKC says it will try Busch at 3B, but I hope Jones, a second baseman, gets a look there too. I don’t know anything about his glove or versatility, but I think he and Busch are now competing with each other to get to LA.
Injuries derailed Jones progress with the Angels, but he could turn into one of those gemstones that the Dodgers turn into jewels, like JT, Muncy and Taylor.
There won’t be any money left over after signing Ohtani. But good point about the roster spot
Ohtani is ten years younger than Scherzer and Verlander–and those guys are still competing for Cys. Ohtani is in great shape and he’s a very disciplined athlete.
There are a lot of “win-now” contracts that pay players for 10 years. Or maybe it’s more like “win for the next 3 or 4 years” that pay out over.
Actually, $45-million AAV for Ohtani strikes me as low. Remember, Bauer got a $34-million AAV from AF even though he ain’t a hitter and Ohtani is the better pitcher.
A $50 million AAV wouldn’t surprise me at all.
How about 8 years at $53 million AAV? And then Ohtani could get another fat contract at age 38, just like Scherzer and Verlander.,
You are only considering the investiment, but have you considered the income, the profits that Othani would generate ???
These big-money renueves would come from all over the “baseball world ” no just them United States
Just noticed some other pitcher comps….
Scherzer is getting more than $40 million AAV in his current contract with Cohen. Ohtani is a similar caliber pitcher–but ten years younger.
The highest-paid DHs are Miguel Cabrera and Giancarlo Stanton, each earning more than $30 million.
So it’s easy to argue than Ohtani could command an AAV of close to $70 million.
The money in baseball is crazy these days, but I could easily imagine a team–perhaps even the Dodgers–presenting Shohei a $350-million contract for five years. Cohen would probably go higher with a longer contract.
If it’s only about $$$, then Ohtani heads to NY. But I doubt that Ohtani is purely mercenary. He prefers the West Coast, and he wants to win a championship–and the Dodgers are in the hunt every season. Ohtani’s marketing value is probably enhanced because the Dodgers’ brand already has global cachet. Ohtani + Dodgers +WS championship = $$$$$$
Given the depth of the farm system, the Dodgers are probably in the best position to snag Ohtani if the Angels entertain offers this season. I don’t think that will happen because the Angels should be contending for the Wild Card spot.
If they make they make the playoffs, and get a bit of luck–no, make that a lot of luck–maybe the Angels can hold on to Ohtani with a massive new deal. But the odds of all that seem slim.
We have one of the best relievers in all of baseball in Phillips so he can close if Roberts chooses. But say that you’re protecting a one run lead in the 8th and the heart of the lineup coming up. Wouldn’t you want your best reliever then and your next best to finish the 9th. I would
Agreed!
The question is what holes will the Dodgers have for the next few yrs.
A replacement if Urias walks
A RH hitter
A 3rd baseman
Ohtani only fills one of those holes, and having a full time DH isnt the best usage of a roster spot.
Trout is awesome, I would never turn him away, but if our current OF’s perform it’s not our biggest weakness.
A good hitting third baseman fills 2 holes.
In the offseason get a good starting pitcher and a good hitting, good glove 3rd base.
Just my observations.
Juuio Urias is now rolling out his new cutter, which he can use in key situations. He used it less than a dozen times last night and it was very effective. He worked on it over the winter, but did not use it in the WBC. He’s using it now.
The question is what holes will the Dodgers have for the next few yrs.
A replacement if Urias walks
A RH hitter
A 3rd baseman
Ohtani only fills one of those holes, and having a full time DH isnt the best usage of a roster spot.
Trout is awesome, I would never turn him away, but if our current OF’s perform it’s not our biggest weakness.
A good hitting third baseman fills 2 holes.
In the offseason get a good starting pitcher and a good hitting, good glove 3rd base.
Just my observations.
There’s an echo in here…
Funny enough I was only thinking about this earlier – who could we get to play 3B and hit RH for power?
Kris Bryant would be a good fit, providing his dodgy back is healed.
Would Colorado consider trading him?
Well he’s costing them a lot of money in a team that’s no where near contending in the near future, especially with SD’s emergence. They might be keen to move on after a very disappointing first year, and save a ton of cash. They’ve done it before.
For the Dodgers, they get a RH 3B at the peak of his powers for the next 6 years at a cost of about $28m per year – until he is 36.
That would be a core of Mookie, Freddie and Kris locked down for the next 5 years. Plus we’ve got lots of money coming off the books after this season.
what would it take? Not as much as you’d think if it helps Colorado – think of the steal that SL got on the Arenado deal.
Be good to get Mookie untracked – -but from what I’ve seen so far, I see Vargas as our lead off hitter of the future.He’s gonna be an All Star.
I don’t think Muncy is going anywhere, and Bryant is not an upgrade defensively. I never thought Aeranado would hit like he has outside of Colorado or I would have to AF to get him! 😉
The ship sailed on Arenado, but he would’ve been a nice fit.
There is really no one on the open market or trade potential that would work. Jose Ramirez is on a long-term team friendly deal and it would take too much to get him. I think, long term, Vargas would slot over at third. The longer he plays in the majors and gets comfortable, the more likely he’ll be to adapt to 3rd. At any rate, Muncy is here for at least another year, probably two.
Davis is almost a journeyman at this stage in his career. He’s below average defensively and has been a better-than-average but not a great offensive player after his two exceptional years in Chicago. He doesn’t move the needle. He projects at 2 WAR this year.
Matt Chapman will be a FA after this year.
Chapman works for me. He’s a gold glover with power. Off to a great start this season.
I wanted AF to trade for Chapman when he was with Oakland and Max was playing 1B. Don’t know if he tried, but the Blue Jays made the offer that got him.
When the Dodgers got Freddie, it pushed Max toward either 2B or 3B. I still wanted AF to get Chapman to solidify the infield defense.
Oh well.
Not sure where Chapman grew up, but he played a Cal State Fullerton (Go Titans!), just like Justin Turner and Tim Wallach. It would be fun to have another Titan playing 3B for the Dodgers.
Cool..
I wonder where newcomer Jahmai Jones would fit on the Dodgers own internal depth chart. He is off to a great start in OKC, playing 2B and delivering power.. A former top prospect with the Angels, injuries put him on a scrap heap, and now the Dodgers. Could be another reclamation project that pays off.
I don’t know if Jones has a good glove or not, or whether he has UT potential. But he might haa chance to reach LA this season.
So far into this young season the Dodgers lead the league in:
– WAR
– Runs
– ISO
– BB%
– Pitching WAR
– FIP
– BB/9 (they don’t walk many)
They could/should be 5-1 so far, but even at 4-2, that’s a 67% win rate, which would put them on pace to win 106 games.
I think they’re doing ok so far.
Also a good article about Miguel Vargas in Fangraphs
https://www.fangraphs.com/
At what point do you move him to #1 or #2?
2026?
Probably not after 6 games is my guess. Mookie also isn’t exactly struggling in the lead of spot. Keep Vargas comfortable down in the order and if he’s still raking and taking walks come mid-season you have to move him up. I guess this also leads to another questions….at what point does Outman replace Muncy as clean up hitter?
The Dodgers are averaging 6.3 runs a game and allowing 2.1 runs a game.
If they keep that up, I predict a good season. 😉
I tried motivating any of us who were negative about this then coming now happening season giving them the division field to bet me. So maybe deep inside they were not as fearful their mouths stated. Or maybe paying me would pain them more. With that my dig is my $ was in place with my words.
Will Smith is sure a sweet jolt confidence being more than he appears. And we get to see it.
And maybe make the plsyoffs?
Are we talking ’24 already? Sounds like it. If that’s the case I have no idea. Depends on what Outman, Thompson and Vargas do. And Urias. And Kershaw. And Lux.
I was clear on what I wanted this year. Didn’t get it. San Diego did. Scanning the ‘24 free agent list I see nobody at the top of it under 30. A few are over 40.
I agree with Mark about Ohtani. The Angels unfortunately got him through his arb years. Someone else will need that splash more than we do. He probably has 5 more years of damm good. After that his body could be worn out and whoever gets him might have a $40 million Shoehei Martinez for 6 years or so. The next 5? Yeah. Friedman knows how to do that doesn’t he.
Kinda early to talk trades. This is our ‘23 Dodgers, and barring anymore injuries, they are pretty good. Not run away good, but compete good.
One more thing, am I to understand Max Muncy doesn’t wear a cup?
There are some on this blog that want (wanted) to get rid of Heyward, Thompson, Taylor, Muncy, Doc, and even Gomes and AF. It’s kind of interesting that when those players have a great game (or 2) we never hear a word.
Same is true of Doc, Gomes, and AF. We only hear of the mistakes (easily acknowledged after the fact) but very rarely hear of the good decisions they make most of the time. I am very sad for people who are rarely satisfied and constantly looking for bad news.
Oh well, unfortunately that is human nature. I have said a couple of times I believe this is a 100 win team and I actually believe that more today after only 6 games. I am very much in Quasimodo’s camp. We’ll talk in October when the results are in.
I live in the Phoenix area and will be at the game tomorrow night.
JayB
I’ll only speak for myself.
There’s nobody to platoon with Peralta except Taylor because the other guys (Heyward and Thompson) are the same as Peralta, they only hit RHP. I wanted the Dodgers to find a platoon partner for Peralta besides Taylor. Most would disagree with me, but I’d like Taylor at SS permanently. That’s why I wanted either Heyward or Thompson gone and I still do even after what they’ve done so far. I like Taylor and Muncy by the way.
As far as AF, he’s a damn good GM.
As far as Doc’s mistakes and “easily acknowledged after the fact”, I’ve predicted some mistakes that Doc has made with bullpen decisions based on stats. And I’ve pointed out some dumb decisions with the offense like sending out Barnes to hit for Outman the other day. How did that work out? Doc isn’t infallible as much as you like to think he is.
I’m only speaking for myself.
JT drives a ball to right field and Mets score. His bat still got pop & he’s smart af. Mets taking care of an old friend (again).
JT plays for Boston. not the Mets.
Jeezus, I’m old. Red Sox Nation forgive me.
I spend 45 mins a nite watching MLB highlites. Got lost in the ozone on that one.
Point remains: He’s still balling.
JT will always be a solid hitter. But, he is the DH and part time 1st baseman in Beantown. He is not a full time 3rd baseman anymore.
Neither are Muncy and Martinez.
Yes, we have several p/t third basemen already.
JT might still have better hands than Muncy tho neither has range like Machado.
We’ll if he doesn’t wear a cup he should be better defensively! Protect the jewels!
Sandy Alcantara and old friend Kenta Maeda pitched great games in Miami last night.
Neither team hits very well, but it was a great game to watch if you like good pitching
Blunder, what ?
Maybe Sandy Alcantara
I want a shortstop who is young, controllable, has a very good bat and glove.
The Dodgers have to plan for Lux next year and will learn what they have in Outman, and Vargas.
I don’t want any of the 2024 free agents for one reason or another so for me the Dodgers will need to trade for the player that will help them most whether it is for 2023 or 2024.
Muncy is a 1st baseman / DH.
Like Elly de la Cruz / Reds
You posted something the other day Bum, a chart with league leaders in various categories, can’t recall exactly what it was, but not many Dodgers showed up on it. One who did was in a category that surprised me, it was “average home run distance” and the player who showed up on it was Lux. He may be the shortstop you are looking for.
I don’t think it was me. You might be confusing the post I made for cookie recipe. It had nuts in it just like Mark says we have in here. If you were a nut, what nut would be?
Might have been patch or Bluto
Looked something like this:
https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/statcast?type=batter&year=2022&position=&team=&min=q&sort=11&sortDir=desc
So Max doesn’t wear a cup? Say it ain’t so. I can’t imagine playing infield without one. But how do we know? Pitchers used to check during BP with a sawed off bat handle, while calling out “cup check”. Big fun for the pitchers hitting guys in the nuts. That was before that shit became hazing.
The Mookie – Heyward near collision is the reason some organizations have distinct rules for players on Texas Leagers. The retreating infielder can’t leave his feet. No diving toward the outfield. The incoming outfielder can slide feet first toward the infielder to catch the ball. No diving toward the infield. Sort of an old take-out slide technique. That can create shin to shin contact by the 2 players, one on his feet and one sliding. No head to head contact. Any collusion is scary but this creates the best of the worst.
So many variables, such as injuries.
Just a few months ago, some people were projecting Lux to bat leadoff and play CF…
It would be great if Vargas keeps his OBP up. He could slot into the 2nd spot or even leadoff. And what if Heyward keeps hitting?
So imagine….
Vargas
Freeman
Mookie
Muncy
Smith
Heyward
JDM
Outman
Rojas
My imagination doesn’t extend to Muncy hitting 4th
You can’t imagine a guy who hit 35 HRs three times batting 4th?
He’s off to a slow start. Max had an off year in 2022, coming back from a serious injury. But his last two months were strong, with OPS well about what Trea and Will Smith were delivering.
I don’t know that phil, but he took a glancing blow from the front and looked like he was in distress. The ones that hurt don’t typically come from the front, they come from underneath. Then Roberts said something about it and I found myself staring at Max’s man region as sometimes it’s easy to tell if a cup is in place. I couldn’t tell, but I can’t imagine players at that level, or any level for that matter, not wearing one. I wore one from age 11 on. Was never without it.
Agree about your pop up technique. Outfielders have to yell loudly and infielders must hear it and abandon pursuit. It doesn’t happen often but obviously still does. Mookie knows how it’s done out there. So does Heyward for that matter. Communicate guys.
Badger, I too lived with a cup on for 6 months out of each year from age 9 until I quit playing infield in softball many years later. I never considered playing without one. It took a lot of underwear techniques, vaseline and Cruex but I made it through without singing in the boy’s choir. Also never got my nose broken, which is a feat.
My worst fear as a shortstop on a flair was busting toward the outfield, finding the ball over the shoulder, and hearing NOTHING from the oncoming outfielder.
Maybe he wears a small cup.
I get it Bum; a penis joke. Are you talking about me?
AZ sped their way to win. Speed doesn’t slump.
I don’t understand the conditions of Mark’s question. So I’ll just assume that if I could snap my finger and get 1 player for the Dodgers it would be either Judge or Trout. I’m not a fan of what’s in LF this year, so an outfield of Judge or Trout, Betts, Outman would look very nice to me.
Freeing up Taylor to play SS permanently. I believe he’ll come out of his funk and out produce Rojas by a mile.
If it has to be a realistic trade for a superstar I wouldn’t do it because it would take a lot of top prospects (the future) and considering how the playoffs are nowadays (a lot of luck).
I guess I should explain about luck. The Astros got lucky that there was no team in the American League that got lucky and knocked them out. The Phillies got lucky to get to the World Series (no need to explain that).
If I’m ever convinced all decisions are made by algorithms and that playoffs come down to luck I’ll lose my over fifty years love of the game quick. Lucky for me no one on here or any fan for that matter could ever convince me of that
Algorithms are a tool. It is one part of the equation. There are lots of tools, of which the algorithms are but one.
Luck is a component of winning, especially in a short series. Also, momentum is a real thing that cannot be quantified. Another component is exposure. If I have to fight five guys, my chances of winning greatly diminish than when I only have to fight one guy. It’s the same thing in the playoffs. I would say that all of the following factors into winning a World Series:
Talent
Leadership
Decision-Making
Determination
Momentum
Luck
We have all seen a batter hit a 112 MPH Exit Velocity screaming line drive right at someone to kill a drive.
We have also seen a batter get completely fooled and hit a “dink” with 45 MPH exit velocity that scores three runs.
It’s not all luck, but luck is a component. Of course, to some degree, luck can be where preparation meets opportunity.
I do not believe that there is another sport where “luck” is so prominent. That’s part of what make this game so special.
Call it luck if you must but it’s really physics.
Balls, gloves, bats, feet move by physics not luck. If he hits the ball was it luck or physics?
Same goes for if he ran and caught it or didn’t.
I know 5 out of 4 will disagree but there is no such thing as luck. That’s my story and I’m sticking with it.
In think what you are trying to say is that according to quantum physics, the concept of luck is not applicable. The behavior of subatomic particles is determined by probability waves, and certain outcomes can be predicted with a high degree of accuracy using mathematical models. However, the exact outcome of a particular event cannot be known with certainty until it is observed or measured. This is known as the “uncertainty principle.” So, while luck may seem to play a role in certain situations, it is actually the result of the underlying quantum mechanical processes at work.
Nicola Tesla said, “IF YOU WANT TO UNDERSTAND THIS UNIVERSE THEN THINK IN TERMS OF ENERGY, VIBRATION AND FREQUENCY” which means that if we want to study this UNIVERSE then we should consider this whole universe as frequency and vibration. Many quantum physicists believe that NIKOLA TESLA wanted to grasp this term.
But still if we question about LUCK? Does it exist then DEFINITELY YES! Everything that happens in our life or about to happen depends on the FREQUENCY OF OUR BODY.Probably if we want to INCREASE the probability of LUCK , then we should INCREASE OUR VIBRATIONAL FREQUENCY. In this way we can consider ourself as LUCKY or We are very close to achieve anything what we consider sometimes as LUCK…
The mystics say it’s all karma. Action reaction.
Turtles all the way down
Sometimes the cookie crumbles, sometimes you eat the cookie
Is fate the same as luck? As a player I believed in fate. The things you can’t control that decide the outcome. As a player you control your effort and attitude. After that, it’s fate or luck? 3 outcomes; you get a break and run with it, you don’t get that break (maybe due to injury), or you get the break and don’t take advantage. Same with the game. Some the ball, go 0 for 5. 2 clinkers, great day. You just keep trying and how your fate improves.
It it fate or being unlucky when a team that won 111 games, and can’t hit their ass in the playoffs? The same behavior in July creates grumbling. In the playoffs it’s a disaster.
I wish a could bottle a remedy.
Mark, more like Newton’s Second Law : Force.
The acceleration of an object depends on the mass of the object and the amount of force applied. Or stated in an equation.
F = m*(V1 – V0) / ( t1-t0)
Now using this formula I believe the Dodgers will not lose tonight.
You are a Freaking Genius, except that the OKC Drillers play tonight too. 😉
Time to watch Gavin Stone!
Isn’t easier to say F= MxA?
Effin’ Newton never came up with a formula for luck.
You get a lot more lucky when you put the ball in play and don’t strike out! Subatomically speaking!
Just read all the week’s posts in one sitting and have come to the conclusion that you’re all geniuses! Quantum mechanics–who knew?
I’ve been in a funk suffering from blackout syndrome, thanks to both Dbacks and Rockies blacking out the first ten games of the season in southern New Mexico. Isn’t there a law against such things?
You’ve done such an admirable job of watching and commenting, I hope you can carry the load for the upcoming Dbacks series while I sit here blindfolded and fuming. You Gentlemen are the best!
Be careful who you call gentlemen…. 😉
04/04/23 Los Angeles Dodgers signed free agent CF Ben DeLuzio to a minor league contract.
04/03/23 Los Angeles Dodgers signed free agent 2B Dayton Dooney to a minor league contract.