Let me start this by telling you that I am not generally in favor of trading or signing Shohei Ohtani. He will be 30 years old next season, and the pure truth about pitchers is that in 2022, 51% of all MLB pitchers went on the IL for varying times. So, there is a pretty good chance that Ohtani, due to his age and due to being a pitcher, spends some time on the IL. So, even though you are getting two players in one, it is a real possibility that you could lose both players all at once. That said, the Dodgers may be forced to at least TRY and trade for him or sign him as a free agent.
I agree that Atre Moreno, the Angel’s owner, does not want to trade Ohtani, and he is especially resistant to trading him to the Dodgers. In order for that to happen, the Dodgers would have to engage in a huge overpay! I think most baseball people would agree that Ohtani chances of re-signing with the Angels are “slim and none.” He wants to play for a winning team, and if nothing else, Moreno has shown he is the “biggest loser!” If the Angels are out of contention at the trade deadline (and they will be), Moreno will be forced to let his baseball people trade Shohei Ohtani. Even though Shohei is a “rental this year, the Dodgers (especially) will be forced to “overpay” for him and partially “gut the farm system.”
The Dodgers have a plethora of right-handed pitchers, quite a few outfielders, several catchers, and few infielders. I would think that the Angels would want Busch and Vargas to be part of any deal. Most rational baseball people value both of those players very highly. Of course, it would take more than Vargas and Busch, but that would be the starting point. If the Dodgers can sign Ohtani as a free agent, they will lose some positions in the 2024 draft, but they would leave the farm system intact. For this reason alone, I would not trade for Shohei Ohtani this year.
Conceding the NL Championship
I think that there are two teams who are salivating to trade for Shohei Ohtani, and they are both in the NL West. They are the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres. Both would be willing to gut what they have of a farm system in order to get Ohtani, but one team has what might be the biggest trade chip: Juan Soto! If the Padres really wanted Shohei Ohtani, then Soto and prospects would trump any other team’s offer. The trade would likely re-energize the Padres and could very well carry them to their first World Championship.
I know many do not feel this way, but I like the fact that the Dodgers win every year – not the World Series, but their division, and they make the playoffs as well. They have won one World Championship in that time, although it should have been two, except for the cheating ASStericks! Many fans do not want to accept, let alone understand how difficult it is to win a World Series with so many rounds now. It is somewhat of a crapshoot, and maybe due to all the injuries, this is not the year to go “all in.” Maybe it’s time to know when to hold ’em and know when to fold ’em.
With an entire rotation on the IL and in the “year of transition,” maybe the smart money is to save the prospect collateral for something else and (if the Dodgers want Ohtani) sign Shohei in the offseason (if the price is not incredibly insane!). If Nolan Aeranado is truly available, he should not cost a huge number of prospects because it is a salary dump. If he is available, I would try and trade for him, even though he is getting on in years!
Maybe this is the truly the Year of Transition. The rookies are “baking in the oven” and yes the Dodgers will have to trade some or lose them to Rule 5. This list includes the following players:
- Landon Knack
- Yenier Fernandez
- Devin Mann
- Hunter Feduccia
- Carlos Duran
- Alec Gamboa
- Nick Frasso
- Ben Casparius
- Kyle Hurt
- Gus Varland
- Nick Nastrini
- River Ryan
There are others, like Edgardo Henriquez, Kendall Williams, and Ryan Ward, whom I think have no future with the Dodgers. That is a lot of collateral! Some of those players could be used in an Arenado trade, and you never know what could happen… even this season. I do not believe in “dope-fiend moves,” and neither does Andrew Freidman! I would not gut the farm for Sheei… especially this year. Let’s get “locked and loaded” in 2024… knowing full well that instead of chasing that butterfly, sometimes, if you play it right, the butterfly will land on your shoulder.
If the Padres were to get Ohtani, they might b the favorite to win the World Series. Shoot, even the Giants would have to be under consideration with Shohei on board. Forget the battle – Win the War! That’s my two cents.
Ohtani was taken out of last nights game due to finger sensitivity/nail. Ohtani said he didn’t know when his next start would be. I’d pass on a trade.
Agree on Ohtani. Go after him in free agency, do not gut the farm for a 3 months rental.
On that list you posted about prospects who will be available for the Rule 5 draft this coming winter are quite some blue chip prospects. I am all for using some of them in a trade or two come the trade deadline.
One thing about that 2017 WS lost to the cheaters: Yes, they cheated , but the Dodgers still could have won that series. Game 2 at home was a very very winnable game and the Dodgers let it slip away.
And in Game 7 we played at home and had the prized trade deadline aquisiton DArvish on the mound who imploded in both games he started.
Roberts in both games made very questionable moves to put it mildly. So Yes, Houston cheated and they should have stripped of the title but the Dodgers still had their chances to win it .
dePaula with two more hits plus two BBs yesterday at RC. Batting .270 now. Keep it up, kid!
Cartaya OTOH still in a season long funk. 0-4 and below the Mendoza line again. Maybe the Dodgers should use him in a trade package for a true difference maker. I am torn on this.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have no inside info, but I think Diego is dealing with something outside of baseball. I’ll just leave it at that, but these are people and sometimes they go through things that affect their performance at times. The Dodgers would be selling low as other GM’s would point out his down year. I believe in his underlying talent and always say “Progress is not linear!”
However, the Dodgers do have an abundance of Catchers.
Cartaya’s swing is much too long RN. it’ll remedy.
Interesting idea’s. I especially like trading for Arenado and bringing him home to LA. Fixes the third base problem for the next couple of years at least. Power RH bat who would probably re-ignite his passion for the game coming home, ala, Freddie Freeman. My take, they get Arenado, Muncy is expendable. I do not move him back to second, I keep Mookie there and at SS where he can spell Rojas. Use Taylor and Marisnick as RH outfield options to Heyward and Peralta. Cartaya at this point is overrated and underperforming. Keep Rushing and the other C prospect at A ball, and let Cartaya go in anything that brings a top pitcher back. I am thinking two pitchers in Chicago. Kendricks of the Cubs and Giolitto. Not a fan of Montgomery or Flaherty right now. Neither is pitching that well. Bieber has forearm problems. Buehler is supposed to be back by September and Roberts said he would be used only as a starter.
Oh now you think they can get Arenado when I mentioned it two weeks ago you jumped my case and said there’s no way we can get him. I say go for it get him at 3B trade Muncy to the Cardinals and keep Betts at 2b with Taylor and Rojas at shortstop. Merisnick and outman in centerfield Peralta I LF and Heyward in rightfield. Bring the hometown boys home Arenado, Gilotto, and Montgomery.
I say it now Bradley simply because it seems the Cardinals are shifting gears and might be amiable to trading him. But, he would not come cheap. Two weeks ago, that was not the case. I still think it won’t happen. And why in the world would the Cardinals want Muncy>? Montgomery is just off of the IL. No interest in getting that guy. Giolitto is more likely. I still believe they will target pitching more than anything else.
How about Julio last night?
Now if Gonzo can do the same thing, we have got something to think about!
Pepiot went two innings last night – Look for him about the first of August!
Seems like we have to deal some of the “worms” or risk losing them. Loved your bait and worms response last night Bear. No to Ohtani but I think AF has a couple of big moves up his sleeve this deadline. And Mark, once again your crapshoot analogy might resurrect some old friends. I still say Pepiot will be a big addition to our rotation. He reminds me of the Catman. His change up can be as good as Gonzo’s splitter
Exactly, Sir!
Say no to Ohtani…..for a trade.
No objection to going after him during off-season.
Very glad to see Julio back…we desperately need someone besides Kersh to lead us. I still believe Gonzo goes back on the IL…..all others are just kids.
One more thing….didn’t you feel better not seeing Vargas’ name in the box score? No disrespect to Mark….I just think we did him a favor for him to clear his head, breathe some, and get his head back on rightly.
If dodgers were to acquire Arenado, Mookie to second and then the outfield mix and match. Infield is set and Doc still gets to platoon! Giolitto and off we go!
I was thinking about what Bear wrote about the Astros and Dodgers’ last ten years’ Draft Picks and how the Astros had 77 players reach the majors while the Dodgers had 67. Think about where the Astros drafted the first 4 or 5 years of that period. Due to tanking, they drafted at the top while the Dodgers were winning and drafting at the bottom and being dropped spots due to overspending. That is pretty incredible!
Yeah, I forgot about that part. Pretty amazing considering where the Dodgers draft.
Kinda like the Patriots.
Angels should trade Ohtani and restock their farm. They are not going to the playoffs this year and if he walks all they get is a compensation pick. If I were them I would package Rendon with Ohtani to unload him and that ridiculous contract. I hope the Dodgers pass on an Ohtani trade. Too much prospect capital for a rental. I would pass on Ohtani in free agency also. Not because of the money, but, because of the length of the contract he and his agent will be seeking.
Sorry, Ohio Dodger,
For some reason, my software likes to put you in jail. I’ve got smarter people than me trying to figure it out.
Thanks.
Bieber to the IL with elbow inflammation. We pretty much know how this shakes out.
Scratch him off the Dodgers trade target list.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!
Didn’t see the game as I don’t have Apple TV in my summer house. Looks like Urias was great. Those who watched, what’s up with Verlander walking 3 straight in the 5th to set up a 3 run Dodger inning?
I can’t remember the name, but I saw another pitcher headed for Tommy John. The number of arms blowing up is unbelievable. We can all speculate as the the cause. Velocity is the leader in the clubhouse along with overuse, underuse, questionable mechanics, and bad luck. I have my theories but you’ve heard them before if you have been around long enough.
Jeff Passan wrote “The Arm” which many here have read – “Every year, Major League Baseball spends more than $1.5 billion on pitchers—five times more than the salary of every NFL quarterback combined. Pitchers are the game’s lifeblood. Their import is exceeded only by their fragility. One tiny band of tissue in the elbow, the ulnar collateral ligament, is snapping at unprecedented rates”
Passan wrote “The Arm” IN 2016!
One of Passan’s chapters death with research, or the lack of it. Real scientific, long term studies about injuries, especially arm injuries. Years ago there were attempts by researchers to accumulate data in sort of a “clearinghouse” fashion in order to get clear research to be used worldwide. Cool idea so what happened to it? It seems that individual teams scooped up the researchers and their data to use for their own benefit. They didn’t want to share. So each team is own their own to solve the puzzle.
And it hasn’t worked. Seems to me every team is amazingly similar in their handling of pitchers. It’s a copycat league and nobody seems to deviate from the norm. And the norm ain’t workin.
Maybe a clearinghouse of data could draw conclusions that would help. Maybe not. Maybe 100 mph+ exceeds the human limit that a UCL can take? Maybe the answer is TJ technique changes and a piece of steel cable is inserted as a new UCL?
I don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes of this league wide and worldwide problem. BUT I would think that MLB and (don’t laugh) the MLBPA would perhaps collaborate with funding to have a data clearinghouse with scientific research geared at this epidemic. It would be for the benefit of all of baseball and not just individual organizations trying to gain an advantage.
TJ after TJ is not sustainable for the future of MLB.
I’d love you hear your thoughts.
I think “spin rate” and the way pitchers contort their arms while throwing certain pitches is even more devastating than the speed, and as long as they stand to make hundreds of millions of dollars, they will continue to follow this path.
It’s like steroids; pitchers would be willing to totally lose their arms if they make hundreds of millions in the process. I think most people would also…
Mark – Interesting thoughts on increased spin rate being a contributing factor to arm injuries. Off the top of my head I would speculate that it would not have much effect on 4-seam, riding fastballs, except for the velocity. But maybe on any “twisty” action, even cutters, with the increased arm speed, there is more stress. Sliders and poorly thrown curves have always been suspect when they are thrown incorrectly. And maybe the 92 MPH sliders and power sinkers are a problem.
But this is exactly why we need more research. I can speculate til the cows come home but I’d like more data and research, my very point.
Sentzatela of the Rockies is going to have TJ surgery.
Meanwhile, with his grand slam in the 3rd inning today, Cody Bellinger is now hitting .304.
Wow!
The Dodgers Hitting Coaches are not perfect. This we now understand.
Would the Cubs trade Bellinger for James Outman?
Would the Dodgers?
Cubs no. Dodgers Yes.
Beilli really tearing it up lately. Now hitting .307.
I think he will go to the Yanks at the deadline.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Arent the Cubs hitting coaches from the Dodgers org/tree?
Yes… Dustin Kelly and Johnny Washington both worked with Bellinger in the Dodgers minor league system
And he passes Outman’s 11 long balls. Cody is hot. He is definitely a player the Cubs could move.
7:15 PM ET
Dodgers (52-38)
Mets (42-49)
SP Tony Gonsolin R
5-3 3.86 ERA
SP Kodai Senga R
7-5 3.31 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
2B Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
3B Max Muncy L
DH J. Martinez R
LF D. Peralta L
RF J. Heyward L
CF James Outman L
SS Miguel Rojas R
Partly-cloudy-day
23% Precipitation
81° Wind 10 mph R-L
Oklahoma City (AAA): RHP Ken Giles assigned from ACL Dodgers;
Rain delay
JT back at third and Muncy at 2nd? And throw in Belli and Stroman? Good for Belli. What a comeback. I think more than anything he needed a mental reset. The lower expectations in Chicago really helped him regain some confidence. Hopefully the same happens for Vargas.
JT is not coming back to play third. He does not even play there for the Red Sox. He only plays first and DH’s. He is not as good as JD as a DH. Not happening.
Cassidy, I’m with you on Bellinger getting a mental reset. The changes in latitude and changes in attitude.
Muncy is the same way. You can smell his brain burning as he seeks the perfect swing – every time. Analysis causing paralysis. Now Muncy is off and on with moving both feet as a trigger. It seems to unlock stuff to me but now it hurts his hamstring of something?
Bellinger’s swing is so much better now, for whatever reason. I’ve detailed the difference. Way less head dipping, better balance, shorter to the ball and a more controlled hack. All those long moving parts took timing and made him late. Now he’s on time.
And he looks refreshed like he’s having fun again and not grinding his ass off with a 1000 swing thoughts.
See ball – hit ball, sometimes is the best approach.
Could you imagine the lineup just by adding Arenado in it and the fire he brings in the clubhouse that’s what this team needs he would be like when the Dodgers got Gibson the piece they need. The one who gets in players faces if they have a problem. Might cost us Muncy but he has had his moments and we thank him.
Would cost LA a whole lot more than Muncy. Muncy has very little trade value at this point. Under the Mendoza line. Nobody cares that he hits homers. He strikes out too much and his defense is not all that great.
NOhtani
Not in a trade, free agency maybe.
Not likely. Some team is going to make a dope fiend offer for Ohtani. The Puds and G’nats come to mind. The Mets and Yankees will be right in there also. Personally, I would pass. Mainly because of the length of the contract he and his agent will be seeking. I think he can only sustain his current performance for another 3-4 years.
Probably right, but, Dodgers will definitely kick the tires. Makes sense they do.
First, I don’t think Arte Moreno will deal Ohtani, and I don’t think the Cards will deal Arenado.
But if they do, the Dodgers shouldn’t be standing on the sidelines.
Maybe it will take a dope fiend to get it done, but just imagine:
Betts 2B
Freeman 1B
Ohtani DH
Arenado 3B
Smith C
Heyward/Taylor RF
Peralta/ ??
Outman CF
Rojas SS
Getting Ohtani would eliminate the need for a frontline SP like Stroman or Giolito (though another might be nice to have.) Perhaps JDM could go into the package to the Cards to replace Arenado’s righty bat, if not his gold glove D. Perhaps Muncy could be part of the Ohtani package or go to the bench.
More likely, I think, is the Dodgers emerge with a quality SP like Giolito, an RP like Barlow and a righty bat like Rooker or Senzel. Or maybe Maraasnick will surprise us.
Here’s hoping that Vargas gets fixed in OKC. Perhaps he should get more action at 3B and in LF, because I think Mookie really likes playing 2B
This color guy next to Joe Davis tonight is horrible.
A. J. Pierzynski makes morons look smart!
Then can you get him to post here. I got to find somebody that makes me look smart!
he spent a damn hour blaming yet not blaming Francisco Lindor for that pop up.
Idiot
Wasn’t he voted one of the most hated players in MLB at one time?
https://bleacherreport.com/…
He is obnoxious, for sure!
Yes he was.
Now this is the Dodger team that I signed up to root for! Not even Robert’s could screw this up!
5-1 win on a comedy of errors by the Mets. Now two games in front. Syndergaard has pitched 5 full innings for OKC tonight. 2 runs, 4 hits, 6 K’s and no walks. Leads 3-2 in the top of the 6th. Vargas 0-2 with a walk. Mann is playing SS tonight. Busch 0-3 with 3 K’s. Giles relieves Thor in the 6th.
Mets managed to get 4 hits off Dodger pitching in the last 18 innings.
Two excellent starts by Julio and Gonsolin. The bullpen seems back on track. I was a bit surprised that Gonsolin was pulled after 5 innings with a low pitch count, but Dodgers are extra careful with him.
And Thor has a nice outing in OKC!
And how good has Mookie been lately?
Over the past 30 days, his OPS is 1.258. The BA is .354 and OPB is .441.
Over that period, he has a 10 HRs, 29 hits, 14 walks, 21 and 21 RBIs, all team-leading stats.
If he keeps this up, Acuna won’t be the MVP
If Acuna keeps playing like he is and the Braves keep winning, Mookie won’t be the MVP.
That’s a lot of money to spend on that sad excuse for a baseball team! Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy! Dbags lose and Pads get swept. It’s been a good night!
Love it when a plan comes together.
Really fun to see the Mets, Puds, Cardinals, and Yankees struggling. I wish the Asstros were on the list.
Especially the Puds.
If Arenado becomes available I bet the dodgers go after him. If the asking price is rookies down in the farm you go get him. Bring him back to the west coast where he grew up. I said Muncy because we wouldn’t need Muncy. Defense and bat of Arenado would be better.
Yes it would. The main obstacle is his contract. He is owed 109 million over the next four years. 15 million of that is being paid by the Rockies. So essentially, you have to take on 94 million dollars for a player who in the last year of that contract will be 36. Not ancient by any standards. Arenado right now has 20 homers, is hitting .283 with 64 driven in. He would probably be very productive in the Dodger batting order. Here is a rub, he hit’s RHP better than he does left. His BA is 31 points lower against lefties. Here is another shocker, they both have the same number of errors. In almost 100 less plate appearances, Max has one more homer and only 10 less RBI’s. Of course BA wise he is way behind. And here is one last thing to ponder. Arenado has not been a great postseason hitter. He is at .152. He has one homer and three RBIs in the post season. Muncy has 10 homers, 29 driven in and a .238 BA. He has walked 38 times and scored 28 runs. The final stat that bothers me just a little, he has not hit all that well at Dodger Stadium. Of course, he was facing Dodger pitchers. But it is a little concerning. .238 average. It is his worst average in any stadium in which he has appeared in more than 60 games. Problem with trading Muncy is that Max does not have all that much trade value.
Thor pitched and started for Oklahoma City last night.
5 innings, 6 K’s, no walks, gave up two runs, one of them a homer. Giles pitched one inning and allowed a game tying homer. But OKC won 7-3. Bruihl got the win, Busch and Dahl hit two run homers. Vargas 1-4 with a run scored and a walk. Mann played SS and got two hits.
Eric Karros said he believes that Ohtani is going to be traded to the Giants. Oh, I do not want that to happen.
For once Bradley is on spot! Arenado if available needs to be a Dodger! I like Max, but I’m so tired of watching him take first pitch strikes down the middle and swinging at balls. Out of the zone! Marisnick? I know another guy RVS can fix, good luck! Chris Taylor is an excellent defensive outfielder, too much swing and miss. Moving Mookie to second makes a lot of sense, his replacement not so much. Arenado makes too much sense, so they won’t do it.