… or so said most of the people on this board! Throughout this entire season, I have read ad nauseum that the Dodgers do not have the team to compete with the big boys, namely Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, New York (both), and Houston. I disagreed then, and I disagree now! I prefer vision over sight! I saw what JD Martinez could be when re-united with Mookie and Robert Van Scoyoc, and even though Justin Turner is having a nice year as a DH, there was no room for him on this version of the Dodgers, even though he is hitting .286 With a .832 OPS and 16 HR to go with 64 RBIs. Frankly, I am surprised at his level of success, but he is a DH or 1B only – he is no longer a regular player.
I thought that Will Smith would continue to evolve as a hitter, and he certainly has. It takes a special hitter to walk more than he strikes out, and Will Smith is all of that. That is why I have suggested a position change for him. That is so as to keep his bat in the lineup. The only question is, “When do the Dodgers do that?” Someone has to be ready to take his place, and that is not imminent!
I told you that David Peralta would be a solid player for the Dodgers, and after a slow start, he has been a real asset both offensively and defensively. He is currently 3rd on the team with a .284 BA. Of course, he is a platoon player, only playing against RH pitching, but CT3 is a nice platoon partner for him. I suspect that he will generate more HR than he has to date.
I did not envision Jason Heyward having an .802 OPS, but I was hopeful that RVS and company could do to him what they could not do with Cody Bellinger. Isn’t it interesting that sometimes it just takes a different “voice?” I also said that Mookie needed to “step” up and be the superstar that he has been in previous years. He has done that and then some.
Max Muncy appears to be close to returning to his old self. It is frustrating to watch him at times, and I could see the Dodgers moving on from him over the winter, but I think he has a pretty good shot at hitting 40 HR this year. He hits them in bunches. It’s not likely Nolan Aernado will be traded, but they might look at Chapman or fill the spot internally (Busch or Vargas).
Before the season, I saw James Outman as a 4th or 5th outfielder, but at the end of Spring Training, I called for him to make the team and be the starting Centerfielder. He came out of the gate like his hair was on fire, looking like an All-Star. Then they discovered his Kryptonite, and he tanked for two months, leaving us wondering if he needed to go back to OKC. To his credit, he came back and is hitting .306 in July. While not a great Centerfielder, he is improving, and I would not say that he cannot be a very good Centerfielder in the future. He is very adept at evolving.
In his first 183 at-bats of the season, Red Sox Rookie Triston Casas hit .197 with seven homers and 19 RBIs. In his last 88 at-bats, Casas is hitting .341 with seven homers and 16 RBIs. Progress is not linear. James Outman has shown that, and so has Miguel Vargas (although there are some other circumstances at work there). By the way, Vargas was 1-4 with a double and is OPS’ing .956. I know they will call him back up, but it may be after August 1st.
Kershaw will throw a bullpen today and then likely be called up by next weekend. His last bullpen was “outstanding.” Noah Syndergaard will be back in the rotation soon and will be given a chance. I feel the same way about him that I did about Heyward! The Dodgers are not stupid, so they must believe there is a decent chance of success. All he needs to do is be a #5!
Julio Urias is struggling with his release point, but I also believe that he will get back on track. There is nothing to suggest that this is not just a bad streak. There may be some pause about Tony Gonsolin, but I also will ride with him. Bobby Miller is pitching the way he is capable, and Emmet Sheehan will show what he has today. After August 1st, this will be the rotation:
- Urias
- Kershaw
- Gonsolin
- Miller
- Thor
- Pepiot
There’s also Sheehan and Stone, so I really can’t see the Dodgers trading for a starter like Stroman, and if they trade for an Outfielder, it will be one that hits RH, not Cody Bellinger. I heard that the Nationals are open to trading Lane Thomas, and he is just the type of player to platoon with Heyward in RF. He is hitting .383 against LHP and OPS’ing 1.063 against them. The only problem is that the Nats do not have to trade him so it will be an overpay! I will not speculate who the Nats value on the Dodgers, but it would likely take 2 top prospects and another couple of lower ones.
By the way, Keibert Ruiz is starting to show his promise. After a slow start, he is hitting .306 in July and now has a .244 BA with 11 HR. He is still much better against LHP (.303) than RHP (.220). At some point, maybe he will stop switch-hitting!
The Dodgers have come out breathing fire, and whether they win today or not, this road trip is a resounding success, whether it be 8-2 or 7-3. The D-Bags are fading, and along with the Giants, they are both four games back and along with the Padres, they will all be “buyers” at the deadline. Today will go a long way in determining Emmet Sheehan’s immediate future! The Dodgers, as a team, are “Too Legit to Quit!“
Do the Freddie
Bear suggested that I post this:
I think Doc for the most part has done his best job of managing this year! Still not 100% sold on some of his pitching decisions, but he’s done an excellent job with this team. No to the Kike rumors! Don’t need another .220 bat. Renfroe? Yes absolutely! Pham and Canha? Not really, but if Taylor is out for an extended period, another right-handed bat would be a priority. I do think a starter is more urgent than most. I’m in agreement with you mark from earlier, I don’t think he’s 100% healthy! Julio is essential to the success of a playoff run. I believe Clayton will be a beast! Miller can be if he can control his emotions! Syndergaard? Who knows, but a short leash is vital. Can’t roll him out there knowing he’s not going to make it through 4 innings! Walker frickin Buehler could be the wild card! Freddie is on another planet! I know Braves are happy with Olsen, but I’ll take Freddie every time!
I also think this has been Roberts best overall managing job. No coincidence he has a new bench coach. No to Kike in spades. Not only is he having a lousy year offensively, he has been a disaster in the field. Very un Kike like. Pham is actually having a decent year and would not command much in return. I doubt the Angels shop Renfroe, but they might. No on Canha. At the end of that video of the Freddie, it looks like the guy on his right is Trini Lopez.
Totally agree with you Mark.
Been amazing the adversities we’ve had to overcome so far, especially in the Rotation.
As I’ve said before, I’m enjoying this season more than any in some time.
To watch these young players take their opportunities has been incredible.
There’s definitely more enjoyment in watching homegrown players succeed.
We are very fortunate to have Mookie and Freddie tied up for a while, and if I was AF I would be talking to Will about an extension.
JDM might wanna come back for another year. He seems to be enjoying himself.
Havnt entered the Arenado debate as i simply do not see it happening but he is my favourite player not on the Dodgers and would love to see him in Dodger Blue.
That rumor pretty much squashed, Cards GM said he and Goldschmidt will definitely not be traded.
Ending a written piece with an MC Hammer reference is certainly a rhetorical choice.
Just for the record, Austin Barnes was the starting catcher with our only two losses after the break. Coincidence? He probably will be catching today’s game.
When you subtract Will Smith – that is a game-changer!
Taking Will out of the lineup really hurts the team.
Wasn’t those where the starts of Urias and Gonzo?
We have already a lot of catchers. If fed up with Barnes just bring someone,; then not cry or rant . Just saying…
Closest to being MLB ready is probably Feduccia. He is a lefty bat, so that would be a change, problem lies in that he is not on the 40-man roster, so someone would have to be moved. I vote Marisnick.
And Barnes did not disappoint. He was ofer again.
No matter what great to see Justin Turner an Cody having good years. Does Trayce Thompson fit into plans as righty platoon even though he failed in that role this year??
If he gets healthy, Trayce will get a chance. He crushed lefties in AAA last season, that was one of the reasons he was brought back in trade. But he had reverse splits last season. He has more power than Marisnick or Peralta. But it remains to be seen if he is even going to be ready. He is playing in rookie ball in Arizona.
Interesting point on the two losses and Barnes.
Also, while I know it probably will not happen – a new catcher at the deadline should be consider if we really want to upgrade the team. I do not have any names to offer, other than “anyone” would be an upgrade. Any rebuttal about pitcher preference etc are just excuses to not making a hard but correct decision.
Even if it meant not pursuing Otani, if made available it would be incredible if we could get Arenado.
I also agree that this year has been more interesting than previous years with seeing all the younger player getting chances.
Last, as a very infrequent poster, I really thank everyone that does post, as with many others this is the one site I pretty well read everyday.
As someone posted recently. Its as if we don’t try to win these Sunday games.
Make that three losses and Barnes. And in all of them they were never really in the game after an early inning. Cardinals GM stated neither Goldy or Arenado will be traded.
Barnes is awful, he’s done. What does it hurt the Dodgers to give Feduccia a chance at the show?
2:35 PM ET
Dodgers (57-40)
Rangers (58-41)
SP Emmet Sheehan R
3-0 4.91 ERA
SPMartin Perez L
7-3 4.84 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
2B Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
DH J. Martinez R
LF Chris Taylor R
3B Max Muncy L
CF James Outman L
SS Miguel Rojas R
RF Jonny DeLuca R
C A. Barnes R
In Domed Stadium
Martinez scratched.
Mark, Ilove to read your passion and daily reminders of how this team is better than you think. You are at times a voice crying out in the wilderness, and it seems like no one is listening.
I would love to see Will Smith be able to play another position if that is possible…. probably not. But I am concerned about the wear and tear of his body playing catcher so many games. Many of the real good catchers who can hit usually do find a place, if not a position, then the DH. At the very least he could DH and give JD a game off.
I’m not a believer in Thor Power so I will have to see it to believe. I am also not a believer in Outman being an outstanding outfielder. Just Okay may be the best to expect.
Miller has rebounded nicely…. I’m impressed.
I hope and pray Cody doesn’t end up in San Francisco. I don’t mind if he is a Yankee, but I’m not hearing any rumors NY is interested.
I am betting if he is traded, it is going to be to an American League team, Yankees or the Astros who need a left handed bat badly.
Smith is still young.
I want to see him playing catcher for years to come.
If the Dodgers have a better option coming up–maybe Cartaya or Rushing–then I’d like to see Smith moved on to a less taxing position. I’d also like to see the younger catchers get some training at 3B, since there’s no guarantee that they’ll be better than Smith.
Funny, at the start of the season I thought the Dodgers had great depth at catcher. Then Barnes basically disappeared. Would it make sense to trade for a catcher just in case Smith gets hurt?
I predict a fine second career as a coach, working to make Cartaya, Rushing and the rest better at the craft.
Saturday scores
Oklahoma City 2, El Paso 1
NW Arkansas 5, Tulsa 1
Lansing 2, Great Lakes 1
Lake Elsinore 22, Rancho Cucamonga 4
Sunday schedule
10:05 a.m. PT: Great Lakes (Justin Wrobleski) at Lansing (Jose Dicochea)
12:05 p.m.: Tulsa (Kyle Hurt) at NW Arkansas (Drew Parrish)
1:15 p.m.: Rancho Cucamonga (Christian Romero) at Lake Elsinore (Miguel Mendez)
4:05 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Gavin Stone) vs. El Paso (Nolan Watson)
Great road trip so far and now one more chance to get a sweep!
Tough matchup for Dodgers today facing a LHP on Barnes day. Not the best Dodger lineup and highlights the need for RH hitting even if just role players like Vargas, Thompson, Mann or Marisnick.
The 4-9 hitters are batting 208, 196, 244, 226, 250, and 108.
The 7-9 hitters have combined for 2 HR and 22RBI on the year and that’s mostly Deluca in his 36 AB this year.
If Dodgers find a way to win with this lineup, they are really on a roll!
Even though he is 7-3, the Rangers pitcher today, Perez, has an ERA close to five and is very homer prone. Outman hits lefties better than righties at this point. Freddie hits everybody. Muncy is hitting .128 against lefties. He does have six homers off of lefties. Maybe Barnes will awaken from his season long slumber and actually hit the ball hard somewhere. In the 2020 World Series he had a couple of big hits in this ballpark.
I believe in the law of averages, and that means Austin Barnes should hit .400 for the rest of the season.
As much as Kershaw loves Barnes, I’m sure he and the others would quickly get over it if we could get someone instead who might hit .240 and throw out a few basestealers
😉
Been adding something to your water Mark? Barnes hitting .400 is comparable to Sammy Sosas head shrinking! Too far gone! Like the 2 hall of fame guys today. Did it the right way! Billy Wagner belongs! Jeff Kent belongs! Andruw Jones belongs! Put them in! Maybe Barnes gets nicked by a couple of pitches today! Don’t hurt him! Just clip his jersey. Isn’t Muncy emergency catcher? Go blue! Broom time!
I believe Wagner does belong. He has two more years on the ballot and his last vote total was 68%. So, he could be elected next year. Jones is also still on the ballot and his last total was a little over 58%. Jones will be on the ballot for four more years. Biggest negative for Jones, his really bad stats his last six years in the majors. He is only a career .254 hitter. Not many of those in the Hall. He was probably the best defensive center fielder ever. Only 50 errors in over 2000 games as an outfielder. As for Jeff Kent, he is the career leader for homers by a second baseman. He can only be considered for election now by the Golden Age Committee. Jeff’s best showing was 46.5 % in his last year on the ballot. Much like guys like Albert Belle, and Bonds, he was not popular with the press.
* As we all speculate about what we need to add or trade by the deadline, the Dodgers are 11 & 3 in the last 14 games.
* Will Smith has evolved into a great player. I remember some here who speculated he’d be a .220 hitter. I always like his swing and predicted much better. I’m glad to be right.
* And Mookie and Freddie can ham and egg it like few can. When Mookie has a poor game at the plate, Freddie has a great game. And vice versa. In 2 of their 3 losses since July 3rd, the pair went 0 for 7 and 1 for 7. Otherwise one or the other has a good game.
* Freddie had an 0”for in consecutive games last Sat and Sunday. Prior to that, his last 0”for in consecutive games was June 23 and 24. Almost a month ago. In his last 21 games he’s at .372 / 1.175 with 10 doubles and 23 RBI.
During the same period Mookie’s hit .356 / 1.208. This is Ruth and Gehrig.
I plan on spending less time wondering who we need to acquire or trade and just appreciate the run we are on, led by Freddie and Mookie.
* Orel dropped a great statement yesterday that we all need to remember. When Prior made a visit to Bobby Miller, Orel was describing what Prior was likely saying, “It’s something positive. If you start that conversation with the negative, you lose your student”
From my experience those are words to live by.
* I hope Emmet has a good start.
* For all the folks wanting a pitcher by the deadline, Giolito starts today for the White Sox at Minnesota.
Good points Phil. So we don’t need a SS?
I don’t know, Bear. Ask Bradley.
Like to stir the pot much????
Indiana native and Dodger legend, Carl Erskine, was awarded the Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award today in Cooperstown. He was unable to travel, probably because he is 96 years old, so the award was accepted by his son, Gary. He did thank everyone on-screen in a pre-recorded video. The O’Neil award was in recognition of his contributions to the game and society after his retirement from the game. Congratulations Oisk! If anyone belongs in the Dodger Legends of Dodger baseball circle, it is Erskine. So far, the Dodgers have basically ignored their Brooklyn roots in their choices of players chosen for the legends of Dodger baseball. Only one Brooklyn player, Don Newcombe, has been so recognized. Dodger legends like Reese, Robinson, Erskine, Gilliam and Campy are not there. Neither are Snider or Hodges. Only Snider, Hodges and Newcombe have been honored with their own bobbleheads. Hodges got his second one after his election to the hall. Campy and Reese are in a double bobblehead depicting his night at the coliseum. And forget the stars they had prior to the 40’s. Wheat and Vance, both Hall of Famers have not been honored. Never forget your roots.
Carl used to be my banker, and I bought a 1984 Jimmie from Gary… well actually he was the banker!
Carl’s health is declining rapidly.
I said a few days ago, that we need one of, if not both of, Muncy and CT3 to wake up.
One good, one to go!
I read a report somewhere that Mookie has made it clear he wants a permanent shift to the infield. And I expect the Dodgers brass will accommodate him.
My guess is that it would be 2B, with SS as a possibility. Rojas and Taylor can cover SS this season, and Lux will be back next year. Pretty sure that both Rojas and Taylor would still be under contract next season.
Anyway, this has me hoping that Vargas plays a lot of 3B and LF in OKC. If he gets his talent in gear, he could come back in a platoon with Max and as an LF option.
It’s also possible that Vargas could be dealt, though his performance this year has damaged his value. Still, another team could be covetous. If the brass thinks Lane Thomas is the right guy for RF, Vargas could be joining his Keibert and Gray in DC…..
BTW, Houston Mitchell has argued that JD Martinez is one reason why the Dodgers shouldn’t trade for Ohtani. The Ohtani trade won’t happen, but it’s silly to see JD as an obstacle. JDM has been very good at DH, but Ohtani has been great–about 200 OPS points higher. If the Dodgers were angling to acquire Ohtani, they would also be exploring potential trade partners for JDM.
Hey, weren’t some people here predicting that we’d start seeing JD out in LF?
Seems that people only point out the predictions that actually come true.
Back in 2019, I predicted Kody Hoese would be an All Star.
So far, I might be a tad off on that one.
I said that Kody would be one too.
Just a bit outside.
I predicted that JD would play LF 15-20 times so that Will Smith could DH when resting. So far, JDM has logged three games in LF primarily because the Dodgers are afraid he will aggravate his back problems. Lots of fans think he cannot play LF defensively. He is fine there, but the Dodgers are afraid of injury… nd rightfully so.
Rojas has one year left and Taylor is signed for two more years at 15 mil a year.
Reading a report somewhere is a terrifying way to start a lengthy post.
Following it with:
And I expect the Dodgers brass will accommodate
Is even more curious
Sheehan needs to find his release point. Has now walked three in one inning pitched.
Might find himself being sent down with a Landon Knack call-up. Appreciate what the young man has done for the big club and he has a very bright future but he just might need to complete finishing school at OKC a bit more.
Marvelous Max continues to put up great numbers….HRs, RBIs, OPS.
Why would anyone want to get rid of him? Extend him now……whatever he wants, give him.
And then trade for Cody Bellinger so that we don’t have to hold our breath every time Outman is running to catch a ball.
Wouldn’t Ward be a better trade target for the Dodgers since he plays Leftfield for the Angels. Renfroe would be more power and could play Rightfield and pinchit off the bench that would improve the bench in the playoffs. I wish they would get a backup catcher from someone to that catcher that won the mvp at allstar game from the Rockies and like Gurchick would improve the bench for playoffs and keep the core players for the dodgers.
Ward and Renfroe are basically the same guy, Ward a slightly higher BA and Renfroe more homers. Renfroe playing right could move Mookie permanently to the infield which makes the team better, Renfroe is a free agent and would be a rental and not cost much. Ward is under team control and not a free agent until 2027. Elias Diaz has one more year after this season on his contract. He is the Rockies primary catcher, and they really have no replacement for him, so trading him is probably not an option. He would not like being Smith’s caddy. Randal Grichuk is hitting just under .300 with only 5 homers. But he has played in less than half of the Rockies games since they are at this point playing their younger players. His time has been split almost evenly between center and left fields. The Rockies backup catcher is Austin Wynns who spent a little time with the Dodgers. He is not an option as the starter. These are actually a couple of the best idea’s you have put forward in trades. And they are more based on need and availability than other things you have suggested. Good job.
Today’s game had a fitting ending. Barnes up with a runner on and a chance to set up Mookie with two runners on. A chance to deliver.
Then he grounds into a DP. Poor Barnesy. One of those times when a strikeout would have been better.
I think we are pretty much stuck with Barnes as Smith’s backup, unless he gets injured. He only played today because JD Martinez has a tight hamstring. If Barnes found his way to the IL, perhaps Feduccia will get a chance.
We are just speculating that the Angels might be willing to move Renfroe or Ward. If the Dodger brass thinks Lane Thomas is the real thing, he could be a good target. But the brass might just want a rental and reassess over the winter.
Austin Barnes is just painful to watch anymore. I like Lane Thomas, but he is going to cost a lot.
Sheehan just punched his ticket back to AAA. All his walks scored. Self-inflicted wounds!
Stone or Knack may get the call, but Stone may be the one because he is already on the 40-Man… depending on how he does today.
Barnes fouling off pitches! Oh well, we’ll get em next time!
Lol….poor Austin…..I’m sure this slump hurts him even more than it hurts us.
You can’t be a one pitch starter in the big leagues especially with no command! When he’s sent down he should only be allowed to throw off speed stuff and learn to develop his slider, slerve and change up. And Mark, Max isn’t waiting for his mid March deadline. Tho another K with runners second and third with one out! Frustrating
Sure looks like we need starting pitching at the deadline to me. Be shocked if AF doesn’t make a big move. Our young starters really need to work on their off speed stuff!
If AF does go big-trade, he’d better do it sooner rather than later ..or else those opportunities will disappear on him.
Rangers pounding the kid tight now. Get him out of there Doc.
No, no, no…..let him pitch all 8 innings….give the bullpen a day off. He’s going back down after this game so why care if the score is 8-4 or 18-4?
To the tune of Tequila Sunrise. It’s another Dodger dud Sunday, stretching out way to damn long.
CK is probably to be activated soon to take Sheehan’s spot in the rotation.
Still need to send him down, he shouldn’t get another start. Clearly not ready for the big leagues. Appreciate that he came up when we had injuries but he’s not ready.
Giants down 6-1 in the 9th inning, D-Backs losing by one run in the 7th. Hope those scores hold and we can come back in this one.
He knows Emmit is headed out after this. Saving the bullpen! For what? It’s the fifth inning! We’re still in this game!
So I guess this is the Muncy when he is BACK. Grand slam and three Ks
I’ll take it every game.
Nothing will change in the NL West standings as both the Midgets and Snakes both lost.
Plus the Padres lost too.
Damn, maybe Barnes IS a problem.
Ya think!
meebee 🙂
Dodgers go 6-3!on the road trip with the starters era at 6! What!!!!!!
Nice for now, but winning this way is not sustainable with a top heavy lineup devoid of enough reliable RHH’s in the bottom order.
Miguel Rojas has 0 homers.
He should not start another game for us.
DFA Rojas?!?!?!?!?
No, just dont start him
Rojas is not a home run hitter, never has been. He hit 11 in 2018 and 9 in 21. He had six last season. But remember he missed some time with injury. His career BA is 32 points higher than it is right now. But he has hit better of late. He is there for his defense. He was not supposed to be in this position. He was signed to back up Lux. At this point, who are you going to start in his place? Taylor is their Swiss army knife, he plays all over. Mookie can play there, but unless they get a RH power bat to replace him in right, you can’t shift him over there full time. The SS options on the market are not really known, and the Dodgers are looking for starting pitchers, not infielders. Someone suggested they bring Kike back, but his defense this season, and his bat, are way below what the Dodgers would like. Kike has 14 errors at SS this season already. Rojas has 4.
Damn, Johnny, you’re a tough grader.
Tell me again what Rojas is not doing? Oh, yeah, hitting home runs. let me count the defensive SS who didn’t hit home runs. Let’s start with Ozzie Smith and then there’s …………oh, that’s enough.
So, who should we start there?
Is there anything more fun than using a fake name to post 3-team trades before the trade deadline?
Comicon maybe, but other than that….
Dodgers GET:
Civale SP 25.9
Renfroe OF 0.6
Juan Brito 2B 8.7
Jake Madden 2.7
Angels Get:
Busch 2B 18.3
Frasso SP 9.3
Guardians
Grove SP 10.6
Ward OF 24.6
Who is Ward?
Taylor Ward?
Oh
Starting pitcher two at deadline a better hitting shortstop and a platoon right-handed hitting outfielder that’s what we need at trade deadline. Let’s see Adamme would improve hitting shortstop and how about Jessie winkler from the Brewers since most think we can’t get Yerich who by the way leads off for the Brewers so for those that said he can’t hit anymore why is he the leadoff hitter then with trading with Brewers they will want some major league talent so how about Busch pages and stone. Fair trade let’s look at what I said dodgers need a everyday shortstop that can hit check that off a platoon outfielder um get that with winkler or Yelich check that off okay now we really want to make a splash in starting pitching so we get Sherzier back from the Mets and Robertson reliever for the Mets we need both if those guys. And then we look at the cardinals and flip a coin either Montgomery or Flarethy from the cardinals oh an the have an outfielder there by golly named O’Neil so we use propects to get those pitchers and another outfielder. So we added two outfielders two pitchers and one shortstop and didn’t lose any of our players just moved pieces around and added for the playoffs these players to what we have.
Scherzer
Montgomery
Yelich
Addames
O’Neil
Robertson
DeLong
We lost these prospects
Pages
Stone
Busch
Vargas
Leonard
Rivers
Thompson
Pepiot
I think that’s what the fans want add so players with experience in the playoffs and then see what we can do in the playoffs
NO! But keep trying.
I read that AFTER taking a few hits.
Bradley’s ideas resonate differently when in another portion of the multiverse. I say let’s do it!!
Of course, I’d still prefer Ahmed Roario and the right handed Bellinger, but today’s idea works too.
Hey Bobby at least I give realistic trades then that of Ohtani trout and Rendon and Renfro like you put yeah let’s trade for two guys on the disabled list. Talk about smoking something. You said let the Angels trade all there good players for a bunch of minor league dodgers that can’t hit in major leagues. Yeah like that would happen. At least I come up with legit trades one Scherzer he wants out of ny two Robertson he is only signed for one year with Mets and we need relievers and Addames over Rojas yep much better hitter I care if he has three more errors then Rojas no how many homers does Addames have. And we need a Leftfielder that can hit Yelich would do great in LA. Problem is Brewers are battling with reds for that central division so I looked at Mets and cardinals and said yeah dodgers could get those players and yet my projection was dumb then yours. I don’t think so. Go smoke some more dubbage you tard.
Bradley,
How realistic do you see the above trade proposal of yours as being?
You might not care, but the Dodgers value Rojas’s defense. Rojas is also hitting almost 20 points higher than Adames. The Dodgers don’t need Yelich. They have 3 left-handed hitting outfielders already. Mookie is their leadoff hitter. And Bradley, why would Milwaukee be a seller when they are right there with the Reds at the top of the NL Central standings? You don’t give realistic trades. You just toss shit against the wall and hope it sticks. Scherzer, Dodgers are not going to trade for a guy who has a contract that big. He was here before and complained about the way he was used. Verlander, another overpriced old pitcher. Ohtani? Please. Moreno is not trading him to the Dodgers. Packaging him, Rendon, Trout and Renfroe is pure fantasy. Not one single bit of fact there at all. Trout stated he is going to do everything he can to keep Ohtani with the Angels. I think you read nothing but comic books because you sure as hell don’t read anything with any substance or truth to it. You get butt hurt when we pick your trades apart and give logical reasons they won’t happen then you come back the next day and suggest the same old lame bullshit again. The fact is the Dodgers do not feel they need to replace Rojas. They have 2 very able players stepping in for him now and then. They do not need a SS and certainly would not want Adames or Rosario. Adames provides power and that is about it. His defense it not all that great. Rosario provides a little better BA, but his defense is way subpar compared to Rojas. Get your head out of the clouds, make some solid suggestions like you did earlier today and forget about anyone who is playing on a team that is contending.
Right on Bobby! I swear in my Multiverse, Bradley is a fake – a SHILL. He’s screwing with all the people who care. It gets more weird daily and guys take the bait (you Baer) and respond logically. The guy is good, but a fake.
Bradley, of the names you listed, they might have an interest in Montgomery and Robertson. They have no interest in the rest. Their main pitching target is most likely Giolitto. O’Neil has been hurt most of the year, and they have no interest in a reunion with Scherzer. DeJong hasn’t even been discussed. Milwaukee is more likely to buy than sell. They are in a virtual tie with the Reds. So forget Yelich, Burnes, Adames and anyone else you might want from them. Most likely sellers are the Royals, A’s, Detroit, White Sox, maybe Seattle, in the AL. Red Sox looking for a lefty hitting infielder and would be willing to move Kike, but I cannot see a reunion with the Dodgers for him. He has been awful this year. In the NL sellers will most likely be, Rockies, Cubs, Nats, Pittsburgh, maybe the Mets, but only their really high-priced guys like Verlander and Scherzer. St. Louis will sell off the guys on expiring contracts like Montgomery, Flaherty and DeJong, none of their stars are on the market. At this point, the Angels are on the fence. They are only four games back for the second wild card spot. They may or may not trade Ohtani. I think they won’t.
Bear let me tell you they need two starters for the playoffs Flarethy and Montgomery and Tyler O’Neil are right there a guy that can hit.
So if Mookie is going to play second and Lux comes back next year at short( or switch the two around depending on Lux’s knee) then that seems to make Vargas available.
So if we are making up impossible trades I would send Outman and Vargas to the Cubs for Bellinger. And throw in some young pitcher.
Okay Dodgers go and get Montgomery DeLong and Tyler O’Neil for Pepiot Busch and Thompson there a realistic trade a infielder that can help and a outfielder that can help. Either that or Stroman Wisdom and Happ from cubs.
Bradley, in addition to being stubborn, and annoying, you are also a sucker.
During the offseason, many of us here–you know who you are– were strongly pushing the idea that the Dodgers should make a bold run at the Pirates’ Bryan Reynolds, a budding star who wanted out of Pittsburgh.
Seemed like a reasonable idea, because the OF then was Mookie and some question marks: Trayce, Heyward, Taylor and maybe the rookie Outman. (Peralta was signed later, probably because of the question marks.)
And because the Reynolds’ contract carried a few more years of team control, we knew the Pirates would ask a steep price. We amateur GMs advanced various trade proposals, often including Outman since the Pirates would need someone to replace Reynolds. And the Dodgers would probably want to sign Reynolds long-term, adding to the price.
But then the Pirates signed Reynolds to a $106 million extension through 2030, so he was out of the picture.
Anyway, Reynolds hit a HR against the Angels today. What surprised me was that it was only his 10th. Seems low, right? Shouldn’t Reynolds be playing like an all-star? Had an injury lowered his production?
I looked it up.
Nope, no long-term injury.
The 106-million-dollar-man has played 85 games, and is second on the Pirates in ABs at 328. He’s played to a .757 OPS, with a .259 BA and .324 OBP. With 10 HRs, he’s on pace to finish with about 17.
I assume that Outman is earning the major-league minimum—but his stats are remarkably similar.
He’s played to a .752 OPS, with a .241 BA and a .330 OBP. With 12 HRs, he’s on pace for about 20.
It’s impossible to know what Reynolds might have done with the Dodgers, of course.
But I’m glad the Dodgers didn’t make that trade.
Excellent point!
The need to trade for Reynolds was a big off-season topic. Sometimes the best trades are the ones you don’t make!
A few trade proposals I saw from back then for Reynolds were:
Busch, Pepiot, and Pages for Reynolds.
Will Smith for Reynolds.
Bobby Miller, Maddux Bruns, and Jose Ramos for Reynolds.
Stone, Outman, and Pages for Reynolds.
Stone, Pepiot, Outman, and Frasso for Reynolds.
Glad Friedman did not make any of those deals.
While Sheehan got a rough beating today, Max’s slam wasn’t the only highlight for the Dodgers.
The bullpen came through again.
Vesia, Phillips, Brasier and Bruhil combined for 4.1 innings of scoreless relief, with six Ks, one hit and zero walks.
Giolitto was solid today against the Twins. He threw five shutout innings, striking out 9. Gave up six hits and three walks–but most importantly kept them from scoring.
It was Graveman, also the topic of trade speculation, who lost the game, giving up 3 runs in an inning of relief
BTW, while Mark suggests that “most of the people on this board” said the Dodgers “shouldn’t be here,” I thnk the opposite is true.
By “here” I assume Mark means n first place in the West, or among the prime contenders for the postseason and ultimately the World Series. My impression is that most of the fans here have always been more optimistic than pessimistic about the Dodgers. To me the biggest surprise is how Mookie has energized and stabilized the team by moving to the infield–a great validation of Friedman’s decision to offer than $300m+ contract to take him through his career.
So yeah, it’s good to be a Dodgers fan.
Can you imagine how the Padres fans are feeling?
What do you think of Cincinnati’s Matt McClain? He does strikeout too much.
Been having a think, and if we want a deep run into the Post Season we’re gonna need another frontline Starter.
Now I know the obvious answer is that “they won’t trade him to the Dodgers”, but how about soon to be Free Agent Blake Snell?
If SD did trade him to us, it would only be as a Rental (we could sign him as a FA in the off season anyway).
There must come a moment soon where SD has to face facts and realise that this season is a bust and change direction and become sellers at the TD?
Everyone has a price, and surely if the Dodgers offered the best deal it makes commercial sense to trade with us?
I’ve always rated him, and I know his numbers this season are down, he has Post Season pedigree and would give us a much better punch in a short series.
I’ve looked around at the Starter Market and there’s not much to be had.
We need to trade some of our Prospects or lose them in rule 5.
Time to push some chips in.
I’ll be very surprised if Friedman doesn’t add a starting arm to the rotation at the deadline. We need at least three quality starters for a playoff run. Quality as in giving up 4 or less runs in min 5 innings work. Kershaw is the only one I feel confident about. Miller’s got a shot, but I don’t think the Dodgers want to depend on a rookie if they can help it. They’re probably banking on Urias coming through. I don’t think the 3rd guy is on the roster at the moment. Another reason for a trade, Mark has previously pointed out. Too many prospects, not enough spots on the 40 man.
Great introductory taste in the big leagues for Sheehan. He should come away feeling he exceeded expectations and his future is very bright in LA. As any athlete knows there’s a de-loading phase in training and Sheehan is still very much still in training. He’s going to set a personal high innings very soon, so I think the team sends him to AAA shortly and reduces his innings per start. If he fine tunes the command, I think he still makes the post season roster. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to seeing Stone get an extended second chance.
I watched Casey’s interview with Vargas. Interesting, he’s not making any mechanical changes, but rather hoping he’ll re-find his confidence with success down there. If that’s the situation, I’m not real confident he’ll be back this year. So far, the numbers are encouraging, but I don’t think it’s enough to disrupt the current splits they have going. I think they value defense and position flex at this point in the season- not Miggy’s strong points.
The Dodgers are not moved to fear of missing out on possible trades because of a so called ‘deadline’ we’ve all seen Dodgers shake the baseball world more than once with a blockbuster multi team trade after any deadline. And if you think about it there is likely better options further down the road if the Dodgers choose to get fancy. But I don’t think they are likely to make a reset more difficult to start next season. Pat seems the wise move now as it proved so starting this season. Things are moving along pretty damn smoothly I’d say.
So AF saying .
“The market is still developing, as there are a number of teams still on the fence, but we expect that to crystallize more in the next week,” said Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations. “We will be aggressive in our efforts to add to this roster, and there are different obvious and potentially creative ways to do so.”am will ‘be aggressive’ at deadline. So there you have it!!
So I think all those who predicted that team will ‘stand pat’, should now switch and start opining on their preferred trades.