Is it Verlander Time?

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1. Angele acquire Lucas Gialito

   1. Good for them. It cost them their #4 and #5 prospects.

      1. 2 and 3 prospects.

2. The Dodgers are allegedly interested in bringing Joe Kelly back.

3. “He must have photos of someone.” – lol

   Yes, Rosario a head-scratcher, but maybe he can play 2B instead of SS ?

   1. Rosario is a better hitter than Rojas. His defense has been porous to say the least. But maybe a change of scenery and playing for a team like the Dodgers will help him get better. He will be the SS. Rojas will be what he originally signed to be, the backup SS and late inning defensive replacement. Kike sucks at SS but is a passable second baseman. He only has one error there. But he will only play against lefties. He can also patrol center field quite well. Joe Kelly is being mentioned quite a bit in trade rumors. Since the first of June Rosario is hitting over .300. Kole Calhoun hit a grand slam in the top of the 9th to put OKC up 13-8. Second night in a row OKC has scored 13. Vargas no hits, 3 K’s. Suero in to close the game out. Vargas might realize he is probably not going to get called up again. Not with the Dodgers trading for two middle infielders. Yonny Hernandez will most likely be sent down. Duggar had a 3-run shot too.

      1. One thing I don’t like this year is too much platooning at too many positions – not a fan of doing this at more than 1 position.

         Vargas needs an off-season to rework his swing and strengthen his hands. If he does this, he will be the player everyone thinks he should be next season. I still like his future, IF the Dodgers don’t trade him in a few days.

         NO to acquiring Kelly.

      2. The Verlander idea is intriguing…. Does he have enough left in the tank?
         Certainly the Dodgers need someone, and we now know it won’t be Giolito.. I wonder how those Angel prospects would rank on the Dodgers? Down in the teens, perhaps? One report has the Dodgers targeting Lance Lynn, while the Cards’ Montgomery and Flaherty could be in the mix.
         Gotta hand it to the Halos for going all-in with Ohtani. If Trout comes back soon, they could still battle their way to a Wild Card. (Hopes for an October Freeway Series endure!) And since the Angels are buyers, the hopes of Renfroe or Ward being dealt have dimmed.
         I still have a teeny, tiny hope of an Arenado + Montgomery blockbuster.
         But it might be more like a DeJong + Flaherty deal, since the Dodgers are collecting shortstops now.

         1. Kike is no longer a viable option at SS. It is his worst position right now and he has made more errors there than Rosario, 14-11. Maybe they can pry Montgomery and Flaherty from the Birds. They definitely do not need DeJong.

      3. Vargas actually went 1-4 last night and is hitting ..273 with a .906 OPS

         1. 1-5 with 3 K’s.

4. Nope

5. I agree that we need an Ace and Verlander seems like the only possible solution.

   Cohen would rather pay down half his salary and demand more prospect capital from us. He doesn’t care about the money and he won’t sell just to keep from paying Verlander’s salary.

   The potential problem is that Verlander’s arm falls off the day after we get him…………………but I guess we may have to take that chance. We need to add a really good pitcher, one way or the other.

   1. I suggest Kyle Hendricks of the Cubs. Still a very good pitcher. Bellinger went 1-5. Now hitting .312 and he hit his 15th homer.

      1. I’m truly amazed Belli is batting over 300 at the plate. He’s all-star caliber again. Wish we had him now.

         1. Change of scenery and maybe a different approach. What I have noticed is that he is not chasing pitches he chased the last couple of years and he shortens his swing with two strikes. Still a great defender.

            1. It all begs the question why this change in approach was never tried by Belli over the entire 3 years he struggled at the plate with the Dodgers. Was the problem Belli or the hitting coaches? And no, I ain’t buying an “injury” kept him from changing his swing or approach during those 3 long years until he could finally “heal” and make those changes with another team. Maybe one day we’ll know the answers, but for now, someone or something went awry, and I call it a big GOOF on this organization.

            2. Not sure why he either resisted the change or was just convinced he could get back doing what he was doing. I disagree about how much the injury and surgery affected him. He had major shoulder surgery after the 2020 World Series. His shoulder was never really at full strength the entire 21 season. It had also affected his swing in 2020 before Kike knocked it completely out after his homer against the Braves. His performance in the World Series reflected that. Then, just as the season was getting going in 21, he broke his leg when he fouled a ball off of it. He actually hit .239 in 2020. But he only played 95 games in 21. He hit .165. He rebounded some and hit .210 in 22. So, he in reality did not have 3 full seasons of mediocrity. If you add 20 and 21 together, he played 152 games. His combined BA for that period of games was .202. He hit 22 homers and drove in 66 runs. More homers and just 2 less driven in than he would post in 22. So, he really only had 2 full bad seasons. Both of those as a direct result of not being totally healthy. He had dislocated his shoulder before Kike did it again with the shoulder bump, He has turned all of that around in 23. He really has no excuse for how bad 22 was. He was totally healthy. What I noticed was how often he chased really bad pitches and struck out. I am not sure if leaving the organization and a new start in another town is the main factor. What is relevant is that he is closer to the 2017 version of Cody than he is to 2022. Bellinger went 3-5 in today’s Cubs win and is now hitting .317.

6. Lynn got lit up again. We just got rid of Thor. I don’t have the stomach for another washed up SP. Verlander OTH, is an intriguing proposition.

7. No talk of a RH bat

   1. They just got two. Hernandez can also play the outfield. Thompson is rehabbing at OKC. Pitching is more of a need right now. Angels talking to DC about Candelario. AF might still have a surprise or two left up his sleeve.

8. Luis Rodríguez (20), Wilman Díaz (19), Josué De Paula (18) are doing very well !!!

   1. Yes, all three are having fine seasons. Wilman Diaz had two disappointing seasons since being signed but after his promotion to RC he is hitting the cover off the ball.
      And also keep an eye on Joendry Vargas in the DSL. Only 17 years old and tearing it up. Plus there is a young catcher Diaz who also is doing very well.

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

9. Trading Verlander would put the Mets in a better position to land Ohtani as FA, I don’t see the Dodgers loocking for Verlander because that situation.
   Andrew Friedman plays chess

   1. Excellent point

10. Hunter Feduccia is hitting .301 with a .913 OPS.

    1. Do they need to clear a spot for him on the 40-man roster?

11. After watching Gonsolin pitch yesterday it is apparent we need SP big time. I was hoping for Giolito, but if we can get Cohen to pay some of Verlander’s salary I hope AF swings that deal.

    I still think Arenado is a possibility that I put at 50/50.

    1. Actually, I was encouraged by Gonsolin. He made one big mistake, but still threw the most pitches he ever has. I think there is hope here.

12. I can only speculate about the Rosario trade, but it might be a combination of finding a way to get something for Syndergaard – and getting rid of Syndergaard solves a problem – and the Dodgers thinking they can resurrect Rosario. Rosario was once the 3rd highest rated prospect in all of baseball. He had a 65 FV rating from Fangraphs, who are stingy. He was always considered a defense first infielder, but his defense has taken a nosedive this year. He’s still only 27. Maybe a change of scenery might help. At the least, he’s a project, and even if he doesn’t make an impact this year, would be an infield option for next year if he can turn things around.

    I’d take a chance on Verlander. I like Mark’s thinking here. Yeah, his K rate is way down, and his BB rate is up, but if recent trends are an indicator, maybe he’s finding his feel for the strike zone again. His fastball velo is exactly where it was in 2019 when he went 21-6 and won the Cy Young, so it’s not like age and innings have finally diminished his velocity.

    Looking at that collection of pitchers, you realize what I triage ward the staff has been. Don’t hear much about Hudson, but guessing he doesn’t make it back – although it’s still a long shot, as is Trienen. Jimmy Nelson is pitching. He would be a huge boost if he came back throwing 94 MPH. He hasn’t pitched since 2021. The Dodgers are paying him 1.2 mil.

    1. Nelson gave up two runs on two hits and a walk last night at OKC. He got the blown save. His ERA now sits at 6.17. Rooney, who was just called up to OKC, gave up a run on a hit and two walks. Giles also got a blown save giving up 3 runs on three walks and two hits. His ERA is over 17. No pitcher for OKC last night had a clean inning. Kolarek walked one in his inning of work and gave up no runs. Sheriff, who was just signed, got the win with one inning giving up no runs and only a walk and a hit. Suero almost blew the game after OKC scored 5 to go ahead in the 9th, 13-8. They ended up winning 13-11. Calhoun hit a grand slam in the 9th to cap the scoring for OKC. Duggar added a two-run shot. Vargas went 1-5 but he struck out three times.

13. Barnes catches and another loss to add to the pile of losses when he does.

    1. Is this a trend? 😉

       Does the entire team give up when he pitches?

       1. But by going 1-3 he avoided going under the ‘Barnes Line’ of .100

       2. I do

       3. Smith being out of the lineup is one factor.

14. If Urias and Gonsolin don’t figure it out, then it won’t make any difference who we sign at the deadline. Who would have thought this of our starting rotation at the beginning of the year? Injured, injured, aweful, aweful and aweful!

    1. Totally agree! They’re both pitching like dog poop!

15. The pool of starting pitchers who are actually available. Lynn, Montgomery, Flaherty, Stroman, possibly Kendrick and Verlander. Mets have not made up their mind yet, Scherzer if Mets decide to sell, Rodriguez of the Tigers, Greinke, Hill, and possibly any other starter on the teams that are out of the race who is on a one-year deal.

    1. If I’m the Cubs, I might be thinking hard about being buyers. They’re the only team in that division with a positive run differential, and are only six games out, and 4.5 games out of a wildcard. Out of the usual names that come up as possible pitchers who could help a playoff team, Stroman is the only one who is good enough to move the needle.

16. Hey Matt, sorry if I came across as rude yesterday about our Kershaw topic.

    But, happy to debate October Kershaw anytime with you! Go Rams!!

    1. All good, I would just never disparage probably the greatest pitcher the Dodgers ever had.

       Had it not been for the cheaters Kersh has 2 rings and the narrative changes entirely.

       Ill take my chances with Kershaw any day of the week.

       Yes Go Rams!!

       1. In a game seven, I take Koufax every time. Kersh is great no doubt. But on any given day, Sandy could be capable of a no-hitter. And he struck out batters at a very high rate.

17. I like the Rosario trade. If only it got rid of Thor.
    The Verlander idea I support. We need an ace and if VErlanders arm holds up he is that ace.

    Angels holding on to Ohtani is a good thing for the Dodgers. First none of the other NL contenders get him and second we now can go after him in free agency without another team having the pole position because they traded for him.

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

18. I don’t know….it seems to me the dodgers are frantically scrambling to add missing pieces and instead are adding guys with baggage and not really much better than the guys we have.

    I for one am very happy with Rojas’ play this year. Great glove and does enough with the stick. Not doing much worse than Tre Turner with the stick.

    I’m okay with losing Thor but we do need pitching. If you are talking about 40:year old Verlander….why would you want his contract for next year let alone the remainder of this year?

    Like I said, it seems like our management is making moves just to show we are doing something. Kike and Rosario don’t seem any better to me than Rojas and CT3.

    1. I think the kike and Rosario trades are the precursor to something bigger including Vargas and/or Busch.
       Or maybe CT3 which I would like more than giving up on Vargas or Busch.

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

    2. Scrambling?!?

       These two moves seem perfectly in line with Friedman’s acknowledged strategy.

       For elite talent be aggressive.
       For everything else seek value.

       To me the shadow of Ohtani hangs over this period. We can banter back and forth if we would sign Ohtani and for how much, but everything I read says the interest is legit.

       Verlander or a similar acquisition would seem to not be viable in that light.

       Right?

       Delight.

       1. Why would we want Verlander’s huge contract? Isn’t he over 40 and just mediocre now? Do you really want to assume his $43 M for 2024 and $35 M for 2025?

          I know Gonsolin and Urias are struggling this year, but Verlander isn’t the answer. I’d rather pass on this year and load up for next year.

          This is the best we can do? And of course picking up V pretty much precludes picking up Ohtani next year in FA.

          1. That last point is mine as well.

             You made it better.

             1. If the Angels don’t trade Ohtani, and it looks like they won’t, then we have our chance, assuming we are interested, to make a pitch for him. I’d rather pay O $53 million rather than pay V $43 million.

19. The Nolan Arenado rumors are persisting. Maybe they will trade him if the return is right. Would the Dodgers be willing to pay that price? That would be the biggest trade deadline deal and would definitely shake things up.

    But unless things change, the Dodgers have a rotation problem. Verlander might help, if the Mets are inclined to trade him. Right now they seem content to keep him and Scherzer and play for 2024.

    But if not Verlander, who?

    Jordan Montgomery or Jack Flaherty. Dylan Cease, probably not. Blake Shell is doing pretty well, but the Padres wouldn’t trade him to the Dodgers. Then there is Eduardo Rodriquez, but that’s complicated. Marcus Stroman will probably be traded, but he’s been pretty bad in his last five starts.

    Perhaps the best available pitcher is Montgomery, a lefty from St. Louis. Package him with Arenado and you have something to talk about. Bad last outing, but previous eight starts were good. Lance Lynn, no way. I really like Flaherty, good outings in his last eleven starts. Or Michael Lorenzen, very good in July.

    I’m guessing the Dodgers will be very active. It would nice if Julio Urias figures it out and pitches well consistently. But I won’t hold my breath.

    On the hitting side, the Dodgers could use a right handed bat with big time pop. But that means Arenado. Otherwise you’re working the fringes of the trade market.

    1. I like Hendricks of the Cubs. If healthy, and it seems he is now, he is a very good pitcher. 4-4 at this point in 12 games with the Cubs. Good track record in the playoffs. Finesse guy with some wicked movement on his pitches. Would probably thrive with a change of scenery.

       1. No question, he might be a good solution, Bear.

       2. I’m in, Bear. Have always like Hendricks, but the Cubs may not sell.

          If they do, they’ll have a lot of potential guys to move and Hendricks would certainly be one of them.

          Maybe they’ll cooperate and lose every game between now and Monday to make a sell decision easier.

          1. At this point they look to be sellers.

             1. I’m not so sure about that…they’ve won 5 in a row and actually aren’t that far from Philly or Zona or Miami.

             2. True, but you have to look at it from their GM’s position and point of view, and most pundits agree the Cubs will move a player or two.

20. 1 – What Arenado rumors? There’s almost nothing about him except for wishful thinking from some on this site.
    2 – How does Arenado solve the Dodgers’ most pressing problems? They need starting pitching most. And they have a 3B already. What do they do with Muncy? Surely not 2B.
    3 – Kyle Hendrick hasn’t had an ERA below 3.55 since 2016. Last year he was 4-6, 4.82. 2021, he had a 4.77 ERA and led the league in hits allowed. This year he has struck out 46 in 70 IP. He’s not a big upgrade really.

    I still view this as a transitional year. The Dodgers don’t need to add payroll for 2024. They have half a lineup and half a rotation and shouldn’t go too far in the postseason anyway. They will probably lose Urias this offseason and no one knows if Kershaw’s coming back, if Buehler can return successfully as a starting pitcher after a 2nd Tommy John, if or when May returns from his second elbow surgery in 3 years. Even Lux is a question mark next year. And they don’t appear to have a 2B.

    Peralta, Heyward, and JD Martinez are free agents.

    In short, they will have to rebuild the rotation and outfield and the middle infield.

    So don’t do anything this year that screws up the ability to rebuild next year.

    1. Im glad you are not in the lockeroom.

       Did the 88 Dodgers have enough to win, did anyone give them a chance how about all those Wild Card teams that won World Series??

       We absolutely can win it all this year.

       1. Thumb Up!

       2. That team had Kirk Gibson. He was their secret weapon, and he challenged that team to be winners. But also remember the Mets were everyone’s favorite. They beat the Dodgers 11 times that year. But the Dodgers pitching out did theirs.

          1. I agree with Rick about Kyle Hendricks.

             Why waste any meaningful prospects on guys who look done? Hendricks looks done, Lance Lynn looks like a fat version of any pitcher we currently have ourselves.

             I’d rather Sheehan, Knack, or Grove pitch for us than Lance Lynn or Kyle Hendricks.

             Get an impact guy, or don’t do anything. But trading for someone having a horrible year and then just wishing and hoping he becomes good here won’t cut it. We saw that with Thor.

             1. Hendrick’s ERA is a full run below Lynn. He looked great his last start, Lynn has looked more done the Hendricks.

       3. Dodgerrick is right on some things he said, especially this one….

          2 – How does Arenado solve the Dodgers’ most pressing problems? They need starting pitching most. And they have a 3B already. What do they do with Muncy?

          HELLO PEOPLE….pitching wins playoff games. We sorely lack this. Besides, don’t you think we have plenty of bats? Our top 5 batters are all smacking that ball around pretty well….even Max with all his HRs and RBIs. And even Outman is chipping in nicely. Who knows, maybe this Rosario dude will get his act together and start producing with the bat too.

          Don’t you people realize, in order to acquire Arenado, we would have to give up 2-3 top pitching prospects. In case you forgot…Kershaw is I mired, Urias is inconsistent, and Gonsolin is ineffective and pitching scared (of more injury).

          But, if we only give up Sheehan, I’m okay with this.

          1. Arenado would be packaged with Montgomer or Flaherty.
             We can say that “pitching” wins games, but pitching is simply part of defense. Arenado would be a major big upgrade on offense and defense. Putting a better D behind every pitcher is not a small thing…

             Based on what I’ve read, the Cards could want SP prospects with years of control–and the Dodgers have several. You mention Sheehan, so how about Sheehan + Frasso + Nastrini? Or maybe the Cards ask for former first rounder Maddux Bruns?
             If I was the Cards, I’d insist on Cartaya or Rushing in the deal. Last I heard, the Cards have really missed Yadier Molina and could use a catcher. And perhaps the Cards give one of their outfielders back. Not hard to imagine a true blockbuster here, or perhaps a three-way trade.
             The LAT’s Castillo reports that Taylor and/or Muncy could be in the deal. And perhaps that helps explains why they acquired Kike and Rosario….
             Hmm.

21. Still loving those persistent Arenado rumors, mostly because there’s a logic to the last-place Cards doing a bold rebuild.
    If they deal Arenado, they shed more than $100 million in salary over the next four years, and their No. 1 prospect replaces Arenado at 3B. Their OF talent logjam gets eased.
    Most importantly, the Cards would get a handsome return for a star in his prime, which could start with Cartaya and 3 top pitching prospects with years of contract control. The Cards would get their payroll in check.
    The Dodgers would also seek Montgomery or Flaherty, and perhaps return Max, since he’d lose his 3B gig. Or maybe offer JDM, with Max sliding to DH. A lot of possible permutations. Dodgers could seek an outfielder, since Heyward and Peralta aren’t getting younger.
    Odds of something like this happening?
    Oh.. maybe 30-1.
    But it’s fun to dream a bit….

    1. I’d rather be surprised. I don’t think there is a snowball’s chance!

    2. If Arenado is really on the block, AF is surely trying to make your dream come true.

22. Just a few thoughts while waiting for Verlander….
    —A few times here I’ve criticized the notion that a team “gave up” on a player after a trade is executed. But the phrase seems perfectly apt for the Syndergaard deal. Last season, Thor was a decent back-of-the-rotation starter. The Angels traded Thor to the Phillies for former No. 1 overall pick Mickey Moniak, who has finally had his breakout season for the Angels. (Perhaps fair to say the Phils “gave up” on Moniak.) Thor pitched meaningful innings for the Phils, helping them get to the WS. Then signed with Dodgers hoping that Prior & Company could help him get back to his old dominant self. But here we are: The Dodgers desperately need an SP or two, and they must be 100% convinced that Thor isn’t that guy.
    –So flipping him and a few million bucks to Cleveland for Rosario seems like a pretty good deal. Rosario can platoon with Rojas and otherwise be a strong option off the bench against lefties. Last season, AF foolishly placed his faith in an untested rookie, Vargas, but it’s better to have tried-and-true veterans as role players. Rosario and Kike should be useful, especially against lefties.
    –While I cling to the dream of Arenado, my hopes for a Lane Thomas deal seem misplaced. That notion was predicated on the belief that Mookie would move to 2B full-time, with Thomas coming in to take over RF. So maybe the Dodgers just aren’t ready to move Mookie, although Mookie seems ready.
    –My hunch is that the Dodgers will deal for Lance Lynn, Jordan Montgomery or Flaherty and pass on Stroman or Eduardo Rodriguez, whose option clauses create financial uncertainty. Dodgers want to limit payroll commitments for the Ohtani pursuit. The exception would be Arenado’s contract, since getting a gold glover would make be extra incentive for Ohtani to wear Dodgers blue.
    –Ohtani can easily command at $65mm AAV. Maybe $70 mm. Hell, that’s about what Jaylen Brown signed for with the Celtics–and he ain’t a household name like Lebron or Steph Curry Look at the money the top soccer stars are getting. Ohtani is a global superstar and will obliterate the baseball salary records.

23. David Vassegh (informed source or not?) recently opined that the acquisitions of Kike and Rosario may be setting the table to trade Chris Taylor?

    Another indicator that the team is trying to get the payroll down? Idle speculation? Interesting trade component?

    1. 100% Agree!

       They have to do more than that though!

       Muncy and Peralta?

       AF has said that this is a transition season. Maybe Rojas and Barnes get traded too.

       We will find out soon.

    2. Vassegh really has an ear tuned to the clubhouse. I wouldn’t dismiss anything he puts out there.

       That said, there is no way Andrew is attempting to get payroll down. He’s going to add at least one pretty large contract by Tuesday, so dealing CT3 would just help to defray that cost, not bring payroll below the penalty level.

24. My point today is that if you can’t get a Top-of-the-Rotation guy, you stay home!

    All of the starters on the market today have warts. Stroman has a 7.00+ ERA in his last 7 starts.

    Lynn – 5.95 ERA in his last 7 games

    Flaherty – 4.91 ERA in the last 7 games.

    Jordon Montgomery is the best of that bunch, but he has always been a middle-of-the rotation guy.

    Those guys won’t make that much difference. Stay with what you have. But there is only one Ace who may be available – Verlander, and his ERA is 2.05 in the last 7 games.

    Go Big or Don’t bother.

    Rosario is just a flyer on an underperforming player and AF somehow got rid of Thor in the process!

    1. What Mark said.
       Verlander or stay put at the starting pitcher department. Better to bring in 1-2 big bullpen arms instead.

       Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!1

25. * This is really not my favorite time of the season. I’m a baseball guy and I like to watch games and root for the team. I’m not a GM and that is not a burning issue for me to speculate who’s coming and who’s going. I’m always relieved when we can settle back without all the rumors flying and try to enjoy some baseball on the field and try to win a Division.
    * That said it’s hard for me not to scratch my head over the few recent transactions. I have to think there will be a bigger deal in the near future. Other then ridding ourselves of Noah, I have no idea what Rosario brings to the dance? I scoffed earlier when Bradley was all over him. I also said Kike’s ship had sailed. What do I know?
    * Most of you who have read my posts over the years know that I like to comment on how the game is played, coaching decisions and especially issues from a player’s perspective. These guys aren’t robots.
    * Some, like Mark, like Kike and liked this deal. Not so much for me.
    Kike is 31. He’s batting .222 (66-for-297) with 11 doubles, six homers and 31 RBI in 76 games with the Red Sox. I assume he was acquired by the Dodgers to face LHP. He only has 77 at bats vs lefties but he’s hitting .260 / .652 with a homer. That would put him in the platoon picture vs LHP in the outfield with Mookie, Outman and CT3. So, his first start back is at 2nd and not in the outfield. I’d much rather have Mookie at 2nd and Kike in the outfield. Now add Rosario and my mind shuts down.
    * As mentioned, there isn’t much of a risk or financial cost for Kike’s deal so it’s like kissing your sister.
    On the flip side Jonny Deluca is the casualty. It was fortunate timing that Jonny pulled a hammie in the 8th inning of the game prior to Kike’s arrival. He could go on the IL and the Dodgers didn’t have to send him to OKC, which I’m sure was plan B, after the muscle pull. He’s gotten in 23 games and 40 at bats. He made some outstanding defensive plays recently and has nice speed. He’s been on the 26 man since June 7th and has hit .275 / .776 and has shown nice contact skills with a K rate of 20%. He’s hit .300 / .797 vs LHP, which has been his platoon. Not that bad.
    * On one hand, it can’t hurt and Kike helps us…….or doesn’t. On the surface it’s a harmless experiment. Something the organization loves to do.
    * On the other hand, it isn’t harmless for Jonny Deluca. Or other mid 20’s prospects waiting their turn.
    Are we, or are we not, committed to seeing the youngsters this season? This is now further compounded with the arrive of Rosario. Are we committed to giving our kids a fair look? Did Jonny get a fair look? I don’t see 40 at bats as a legit shot.
    * Are we in a Transition Year? Or half of a Transition Year.
    If the Braintrust is convinced that Deluca is another 25 year old AAAA player that won’t help us, then fine. Make all the moves you want at the deadline and we move forward. But, I’m not convinced. I think we are changing horses in the middle of the stream for no good reason. Why would we add expensive payroll now, with Verlander contract, when an obvious goal is to cut payroll? I don’t see that one.
    And I think it’s a disservice to say we’re going to see the youngsters and assess for their futures and then dump veterans on top of them.
    It’s not hard to be demoralizing if this was going to be your chance for guys like Deluca. Our prospects can easily think, WTF? Do I have a shot in this organization or not. It’s easy to figure why a prospect could think “screw it” with the Dodgers. Get me to an organization where I’ll have a fair shot to show my game.
    * Players will tell you they don’t think that way. They are resigned to FATE. They will say they don’t worry about stuff out of their control. That they can only control their own effort. It sounds so mature.
    They will say that in interviews to the public and try to convince themselves. All the while, I know that’s bullshit.
    I have zero clue what AF is up to. But I don’t know what he’s up to or what our identity is. We’ll know soon enough.

    1. I think the front office has every confidence that Jonny D can contribute as a Dodger regular, but I’m not sure they thought they would be 3-4 games up with a week to go before the deadline (and a full 10 games up on SD, their supposed main competition in the division). With that being the case, Andrew has decided to go for it. That means more vets and less rookies, but I feel very strongly that JDL will be given every chance to make the roster next spring just as Outman did this year.

       1. Well said.

    2. Great words here Phil. I too am somewhat taken back over the Rosario trade, but because it was only Thor, it’s not really a big deal with me.

       Kike playing 2B or RF instead of Vargas does make sense to me. Vargas had a long shot in LA and pretty much crashed and burned with it. Better luck next year, kid.

       As for DeLuca, like you, I have been pulling for him to succeed and have seen enough to feel hopeful and i believe he deserves a longer look….but maybe his hammy Injury necessitated the trade for Kike. I could live with that, and just call his Injury, bad luck. But I don’t think LA will completely give up on him, although I do think he probably lost his chance to prove himself for the rest of the year. I think the ball will stay in KiKe’s court from here on out.

    3. Absolutely outstanding post Phil! There are several losers with these two trades. 1. Miguel Vargas. I think it is safe to say the Miguel is going to most likely spend the rest of the year in AAA refining his skills. Next season when spring training comes, he can go into spring healthy with no restrictions and play his game. 2. Yonny Hernandez. The trade for Rosario makes him totally expendable, and DFAing him is the logical move. It immediately gives Rosario a roster spot. He is redundant anyway since Taylor and Kike are both multi-positional players. 3. Miguel Rojas. Despite his defensive deficiencies, Rosario is superior to Rojas as a hitter. Since June 1 he is hitting over .300. Rojas will now slide into the role he was obtained for in the first place, backup SS and late inning defensive replacement. He is a vet, so he will be fine with his new role. Deluca will return to OKC to continue his development meaning someone at OKC loses playing time. 4. Trayce Thompson. I have a feeling that the rehabbing Thompson just lost his chance of being back on the team when he is healthy. Both Taylor and Kike can play the outfield and since Thompson has reverse splits, his bat against RHP is not needed. I did not care for the Kike trade, since I really liked both pitchers they sent to Boston. I had seen both pitch several times at OKC. Also, although he is hitting .260 against LHP, Kike has not shown any power against them. 5 of his six homers have come off of RHP. Taylor, who has a lower BA against lefties, .216, has a higher OPS against them and half of his home runs. Kike is redundant. He is also terrible defensively in the infield. 15 errors.

26. Twitter got rid of the bird. The new logo for Twitter is X.

27. Carlos Santana is being traded to the Brewers. Pirates get a minor leaguer in exchange.

    1. Oye como va!

       1. Smooth…

28. Imagine an injury to Smith and Barnes having to play most games.
    Is Barnes just having a bad season or has age just caught up with him ???

    1. Yes

29. MLB named Landon Knack as the “Hottest Pitching Prospect in the Dodgers Farm System.”

    1. Excellent!
       That will come in handy between now and Tuesday.

    2. He gone!

30. The Pirates have double down on their desire to listening to offers on Bednar. With the market for top of the rotation starters being so weak.. Why not go all in on getting 2 shut down back of the pen pitchers (David Robertson and Bednar) instead.

    1. Pirates just traded their first baseman (Santana) so they’ll need a replacement.

       Busch to play first base.
       Plus two of Knack/Pepiot/Stone
       Plus Eddys Leonard

       For Bednar and Rich Hill
       Between injuries and the number of innings our rookies have pitched so far, we’re going to need arms to fill innings between now and September. Rich Hill can at least do that.

31. Lot of good discussion again today.
    1. I would not trade for Verlander. Cost is prohibitive. Dodgers seem to be sticking to the script they signaled in the off-season and that is holding down costs, clearing salary for 2023 and building from within. If signing Verlander makes it more difficult to sign Ohtani, more of a reason to pass.
    2. Their two trades to date have been in line with that approach. Two rentals at very low cost (in terms of prospects and money) to address a specific need vs. left hand pitching. A trade of Chris Taylor makes sense in light of these two acquisitions. It would reduce payroll for next season and they can cover his loss with Rosario/Hernandez. It seems in keeping with their approach this season.
    3. If I am the Dodgers I am trying to do enough to win the West and avoid the Braves until the NLCS. Maybe you catch lightning in a bottle. The Dodgers are up 3 on the Giants (who have a difficult August schedule coming up) and it seems the Diamondbacks are finding their level. Don’t think Snakes have the staying power to win the division.
    3. At a minimum, Dodgers need to get Kershaw back, get Urias to pitch more consistently, and figure out Sheehan’s spot in rotation. That could be Ryan Pepiot or it could be a trade for a more reliable starter. The Rays and Dodgers both have interest in Lance Lynn – two organizations with a history of getting a lot out of pitchers. Gonsolin has an ERA of near 8 in his last 6 starts. Whatever we think of Lynn or other options on market, they have all pitched better recently than Gonsolin and Sheehan. I am not as encouraged by Gonsolin’s start yesterday as Mark – gave up a lot of hard contact, ten base runners in five innings, fastball velocity was down again, and difficulty putting hitters away. Roberts’ comments after the game were pretty blunt, by his standards, but exactly right regarding Gonsolin’s performance.
    4. Hopefully Dodgers address the Austin Barnes situation after the trade deadline. Their margin for error is not so great that Austin Barnes should be catching every third or fourth day.
    He is batting about .100, has one of the weaker throwing arms in baseball, and his pitch framing and ability to handle a staff can’t possibly make up for his deficiencies. Once the trade deadline passes and the dust settles on the 40 man roster, maybe we see Feduccia in the majors.

32. Amazingly, MLBTR is reporting that teams are checking in with the Giants about their starters. I find that a little hard to believe that SF would even consider trading one of those guys.

    1. MLBTR is useful, but it’s not exactly a news source. It’s more an aggregator of news stories.

       1. True, but often they are right on target. Twitter actually has some sources, Passan, Rosenthal, Heyman, who are pretty reliable. I saw the Rosario deal there before anyplace else.

33. The acquisition of mediocre middle IFers like Rosario and Kike tells a bigger story. It shows the LAD front office has little confidence in our in-house options.

34. Not only does Barnes kill the bottom of the lineup it hurts the top also. With Will out of the 3 spot it kills any rally like yesterday in the first inning . 2 on and no one out, Will is the perfect number 3! JD and Muncey are not nearly as good in the 3hole. I know he needs a day off but that’s not just the issue. Another quality bat in that lineup would make a huge difference. Barnes is not providing anything offensively or defensively! I just don’t think he’s ever been an average catcher. Serviceable prior to this year, but needs to be replaced! At least give him some time on the injured list and give the kid Hunter a shot!

    1. For his career, Austin Barnes has a .215 BA, .322 OB%, and .660 OPS which is not bad for a backup catcher.

       His best year was 2017 when he hit .289 with a .408 OB% and a .894 OPS.

       So he was good at one time.

       It hasn’t been enough!

       Feduccia could not do worse and since he is LH, start him against tough Righty!

       Barnes only has trouble with pitchers who throw the ball.

       1. AF pointed out that Barnes was fine in the World Baseball Classic. He sure has cratered since, thought.

35. So, the LATimes and Jorge Castillo have an update. ($$$$)

    https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2023-07-27/nolan-arenado-dodgers-trade-talks-cardinals-mlb

    They indicate the Dodgers and Cardinals have engaged in talks, not sure how serious.
    Going BACK to St. Louis would be a package that INCLUDES Muncy and Taylor.
    This is to leave the opportunity to pursue Ohtani intact.
    Young pitching also included.

    Arenado’s agent is on record as saying that reports that Arenado has waived his No-Trade ONLY for the Dodgers as incorrect.

    1. Makes perfect sense why the Dodgers would get Kike and Rosario if Max and CT3 are traded.

       This AM I said a trade for Arendao was 50/50 but I’m now up to 65/35 it will happen.

       If we could get Arenado and a SP from the Cardinals and trade Max and CT3 I say YES!

    2. Hmmm.

       With Rosario, Rojas, Kike and even Mookie able to play 2nd, you don’t need Muncy there at 2nd. Creates a logjam, actually.

       I’ve heard Bobby Miller’s name thrown around. I’d be reluctant to let him go. HOWEVER, if the Dodgers are already planning on getting an elite right hander next year in the open market …

       I’d think they’d want the Dodgers to pick up some of the salary for CT3 especially.

36. Per MLTBR the Dodgers are talking to the Cardinals regarding N. Arenado.

37. I’ve only read that he is willing to waive, not that he has waived his no trade clause. I can see why his agent would want to clarify that. I’m sure his representatives will want to use the no trade clause as leverage; perhaps, negotiate additional years or higher salary?

    1. I think this rumor has teeth and I think it shows he wants to come home.

       “Willing to waive” effectively means he WILL waive it. There is no wordplay.

38. So…Game 1 of doubleheader vs DET: Ohtani throws complete game one-hit shutout. Game 2 of today’s doubleheader: Ohtani has hit two HR and counting.

    Then pulled out due to cramps.

    Cramps!

    1. Cards top prospect is a 3rd baseman who is playing OF because of Arenado. (I would love to get Arenado, but doubt the Cards will deal.)
       Cards could be interested in Max for DH, but it’s said that their priority would be SP prospects with years of contract control left.
       Your suggestion of Rosario came to pass, Bradley…. Kudos. I don’t think anybody else here saw that coming.

       1. They have engaged the Dodgers in talks about Arenado per MLBTR this afternoon.

39. All this talk about Arenado amuses me…..can he pitch?

    1. No.
       But he makes every pitcher better.

40. I heard the rumor Muncy Taylor pepiot and cartaya and Busch to cardinals for Arenado and Montgomery the dodgers get. Then Robertson from Mets and Bednar from the pirates but haven’t heard for which players. But that be a three headed monster in the bullpen with Robertson Bednar and the guy now closing games with Bednar taking that closer role. And maybe a right-handed outfielder like pham or Carlson who is a switch hitter centerfielder. So they could have a lineup like this
    Betts rf
    Freeman 1b
    Smith c
    Arenado 3b
    Martinez dh
    Rosorio ss
    Hernandez 2b
    Outman lf
    Carlson cf

    Pretty good lineup because it improve the seven threw nine batters who can hit for the top of the lineup . But is the bench deep with Rojas heyward Peralta Barnes Marisnick for a playoff run.

    1. I would give up those players for Arenado and Montgomery in a heartbeat. Cartaya simply isn’t an untouchable anymore. For me, Bobby Miller is.

       You “heard?” Where?

       Gonsolin and Urias are still stinking up the place. Why aren’t your rumors talking about better starting pitching?

       Robertson is doable. He’s an expiring contract.

       1. I have not seen that rumor. What I did see was a story on MLBTR that the two teams were talking. Bellinger 3-5 today and lifted his BA to .317. In the same game, Arenado went 1-3. Nolan is hitting .287.

    2. They do not need a center fielder. Carlson is not that good. .234/5/24. Heyward, Outman, Peralta, Betts, all hitting better than he is. Kike has more homers than he does and Kike can play centerfield. Kike has also sucked in the infield this year, he has not made any errors as a centerfielder.

41. If they keep on bringing back ex dodgers what about rich hill or Grienke or Kente Mantea. As a fith starter veteran for this playoff run would like those guys over Gonsolin and stone or Sheehan.

    1. Hill is most likely, I think.
       He’s fun to watch.

       1. I loved having Maeda in the playoff bullpen for those couple years. He was awesome.

          1. Kenta has been injured way too much the last few years, not really a viable option as a starter. Greinke has been terrible this season, 1-11 with a 5.49 ERA. He has given up 20 homers already. Hill is the best of that bunch right now, 7-10, 4.82 ERA. He has given up 14 homers. His WHIP is higher than Greinke’s. But he has at least shown that he can pitch competitively. Maeda is 2-5 in 10 starts.

42. I heard also Luis Severino of the Yankees is on the market why not him as a ace starter. The Yankees might want Muncy and I think the only way we get Arenado is if Muncy goes to St Louis. But really heard the reds might get Severino really for two prospects.

    1. According to most reports, the Yankees have not decided on what direction they will go at the deadline. Severino is FAR from being an ace Bradley. He is 2-4 with an ERA of 6.46. He has given up 14 homers in 54.1 innings of work. His K to BB ration is barely over 2-1. He is a negative WAR player. His WHIP is 1.730 Terrible. He has not been a very good pitcher since 2018 when he won 19 games. Hard pass my friend.

43. Randy Meisner, one of the Eagles’ founding members, is dead at 77.

    R.I.P. Randy!

    1. Close but not directly related:

       https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qg48Ic6qoxY

44. Angels DFA’d Jared Walsh.

45. 1. The rumor of Cartaya, Pepiot, Busch, Muncy, and Taylor makes no sense from Cardinal’s perspective. They have been very public about wanting young, cost-controllable, starting pitching. Jordan Walker may ultimately be a DH and Nolan Gorman will move to his natural position of third base and they just signed Wilson Contreras to a big contract to catch for them. The more reasonable rumor, to my mind, included three of Miller, Sheehan, Stone, and Pepiot plus Muncy and Taylor.
    2. I would be shocked if Dodgers traded for both Robertson and Bednar. Robertson makes much more sense since he is a rental and would not require much prospect capital. Ponying up two or three of your top 15 prospects for David Bednar is a bad investment, to my mind.
    3. If an Arenado and Montgomery trade is not possible, I could see Dodgers making a run at Blake Snell. He is the type of difference maker Friedman would spend prospects to get.

    1. Two chances Preller trades Snell to the Dodgers, slim and none. There are rumors they are putting Soto out there, but most think it is a smokescreen. If they trade Hader, Soto or Snell, it won’t be to the Dodgers. I also see Robertson as a more viable option than Bednar. The Cardinals want young controllable pitching. Pepiot, Stone, Sheehan, Knack, Grove, all fit that need. Bradley keeps talking about a RH hitting outfielder, well if they are looking for power, why not Adam Duvall from Boston. Would not cost much and is a pretty good outfielder. Much better choice than Carlson of the Cardinals or Pham, who seems to have problems in the clubhouse. I just read where Peter O’Malley’s wife died on the 19th of July. She was 81 years old. They married in 1971 in Copenhagen, Denmark. She helped Peter promote baseball globally. She also attended spring training every year and was a big part of the Dodgers having the feeling of being a family more than just a baseball team. She is survived by her husband, three children, her sister and eight grandchildren. RIP Annette O’Malley.

46. Ohtani now has 38 homers. with 4 days left in the month, he could finish July with at least 40 homers. It has been done 11 times so far, Ruth, Bonds, Sosa twice, McGwire, Maris, Luis Gonzalez, Griffey Jr. , Jimmy Foxx, Reggie Jackson and Matt Williams. Bonds, Judge, McGwire and Sosa are all tied at 42 for the most HR’s prior to August 1st.

47. Dodger Nation is saying that the Dodgers are also exploring backup catcher options.

48. Yonny Hernandez is back at OKC. He is starting at 3B tonight. Trayce Thompson is 2-2 with an RBI. Both hits were doubles. He is hitting .714 in his two games. Gamboa is in the game in relief of Nelson. Nelson went 2/3rds of an inning and issued 3 walks. Montgomery started and went 5 scoreless giving up 2 hits and a walk. Game now in the top of the 7th inning. 2-0 OKC. Rosario not yet listed on the MLB roster. That should change tomorrow. Looks like he might be wearing # 31. Tulsa, Great Lakes, and now Rancho all lost. Well Rancho is down 10-0 so they will probably lose. Nastrini lost for Tulsa and Bruns took the loss for the Loons.

49. Marlins just snagged David Robertson from the Mets. Another target off of the board. 2 minor leaguers back to the Mets per Ken Rosenthal.

    1. Mets officially sellers.

       Color me mildly surprised.

       1. They are out of it. No chance of catching the Braves and they are 7 back in the wild card and have to climb over five teams for the second wild card spot. I think they are cutting their loses and resetting. DC, the Mets, Cards, Rockies and Pirates all look to be sellers at the deadline in the NL. Royals, A’s, White Sox, Detroit, in the AL. Outside possibility, the Cubs.

       2. There are sellers and then there are SELLERS.

          So far, we only know they are willing to move players who will be free agents this winter.

          1. That is the case with most teams selling. Very few stars get moved if they are under contract. Might be a little different this season. Never can tell.

50. Getting pessimistic (and bored) about Arenado, et cetera. But I’m ready to name the 2028 lineup, which will be another “transition year,” featuring three rookies!(Another transition year.)

    Kendall George CF…. Purest leadoff hitter since Wills. Sprays the ball, dazzling speed.

    Freddie 1B The elder statesman at 38, closing in on 3,000 hits and a first-ballot HOF selection..

    Shohei DH The 34-year-old four-time MVP is expected to platoon a bit more this season, while still pitching every 6th game, angling for his first Cy Young Award

    Mookie 2B At 35, the de facto captain is already a 3-time all-star at 2B. The rare player who moved from OF to infield and from leadoff to cleanup

    Will Smith 3B Digging deep into LADT archives, the Dodger brass realized that Timmons was right and decided in 2025 o move Smith from catcher to make to make room for the two-headed monster that is …

    Cartaya/Rushing C A righty/lefty power platoon who occasionally give Ohtani the day off at DH

    Josue De Paulo LF A sensational spring has scribes calling this 22-year-old “the new Juan Soto.”

    Andy Pages RF Slowed by injury early in his career, Pages’ power and big arm have finally pushed Dodger brass to realize that Timmons was right: Outman is a 4th outfielder.

    Jeondry Vargas SS Just 22, the rangy 6-4 rookie “will get some runway,” Dave Roberts says.

    1. Dave Roberts won’t be the manager in 28. It will be Austin Barnes.

51. Catching help? How about VCaratini?

    1. Caratini is Contreras’s backup in Milwaukee. He is hitting .248 right now with 5 homers. So, he would be an offensive upgrade. But Milwaukee does not have any other catcher at the major league level. They have a couple at AAA doing pretty well. I did read a story, I think it was on Dodger Nation that one of the guys they were considering was Omar Narvaez, he is currently the Mets backup to Francisco Alvarez. Narvaez is a career .257 hitter, but he is not playing that much and is hitting .213. Mets have also used Nido and Gary Sanchez and Michael Perez.

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