Friedman could not fix Thor!

Posted By on July 29, 2023

Of course, when the Dodgers acquired Lance Lynn, many Dodger fans went ballistic because of well… his ERA and all that stuff. Then, on top of that, they acquired Joe Kelly, of all people, and gave up Nick Nastrini, Jordan Leasure, and Trayce Thompson. Rumor has it that the trade was so lopsided that the trade simulator went up in smoke as it short-circuited. Fans were throwing rotten tomatoes, rocks, and anything else of little value at Andrew Friedman and Company because they were expecting Justin Verlander and Jordon Montgomery and instead got Lance Lynn. They were expecting Lane Thomas and Nolan Aernado, and they got Kike Hernandez and Amed Rosario!

That’s like expecting a medium rare Filet Mignon and getting a well done Skirt Steak. Furthermore, Lynn and Kelly cost the Dodgers Five (count ’em 5) players:

  1. Nick Nastrini (he’s the headliner)
  2. Jordon Leasure
  3. Trayce Thompson
  4. Eddys Leonard
  5. Justin Bruihl

The first three were parts of the deal, but the last two had to be released to free up room on the roster for Lynn and Kelly. Of course, the Dodgers have a few days and can include one or both in another trade, but neither one has much value. Nick Nastrini was the prospect the White Sox valued most. Baseball America had him as the Dodgers #10 Prospect. I had him at #16. He overcame the “Yips” in college and has the stuff to be a #3 or #4 starter, but his biggest problem is control… or lack thereof. At Tulsa, this year, he was 5-3 with a 4.03 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. He was a good prospect but not close to being one of the League’s Best Pitchers. He was… and is a Prospect! The Dodgers have a plethora of RHP, and trading Nastrini will not hurt one little bit! Bobby said it best yesterday:

“Between Knack, Stone, Hurt, Ryan, and including Miller and Sheehan and Grove who are already here, Nastrini is likely on the bottom end of that list.”

— Bobby

Nastrini was in a rotation with Kyle Hurt, Emmet Sheehan, River Ryan, Nick Frasso, and Landon Knack (before his promotion to AAA). As a starting pitcher, he has probably been surpassed by all of them as prospects. I am sorry to lose any arm, but you have to give up something to get something. Jordon Leasure could also become a solid middle reliever – that is his ceiling! There is nothing to say about Trayce Thompson other than he had no place to play, and he is a great guy! I wish them all well!

That brings us to Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly. To say that many Dodgers fans were not excited to get him is an understatement. The next thing I heard was, “Maybe they think they can fix him… but they couldn’t fix Syndergaard!” I knew that was coming, but the truth is that Thor wanted to be “fixed,” and the way he wanted that to happen was for him to throw 101 MPH again. Lynn does not need “fixed.” He just needs a tweak! Actually, this also applies to Joe Kelly.

You should know by now that Andrew Friedman is a “value buyer.” Some of you will say that he is a “bottom feeder” or a “shopper at Dollar General.” That would be unfortunate because, in his time with the Dodgers, Andrew Friedman only had the best won-loss record in all of baseball! So, there is no arguing the fact that Andrew Friedman is pretty damn good! Yeah, he is not perfect, and the Dodgers could not fix Syndergaard for reasons we all know. However, he made lemonade because he brought Rosario back in a trade. It remains to be seen what he will do and what his role will be.

What to Expect From Lance Lynn?

Lance Lynn has been in MLB for 12 years and is 129-93 with a 3.71 ERA and a 1.272 WHIP. He has a 6.47 ERA this season and has given up 28 long balls. What was Friedman thinking? Thanks for asking! I’ll tell you exactly what he is thinking. Andrew Friedman is thinking: “Lynn is 10th in all of MLB in strikeouts, and yet his average fastball is 92.4 MPH (down from 94 MPH in 2020). The pitchers ahead of him are names like Strider, Ohtani, Cole, and Snell. He throws a cutter, sweeper, curve, changeup, sinker, and slider. Last year, he had a 2.43 ERA in 74 innings over the final two months. He is throwing more fastballs for strikes than ever, and hitters are waiting for it. If we can get him to mix in more pitches, he can dramatically improve on what he has done so far this year!”

Also, Lynn and Kelly were playing for a crappy team with some players who had “attitudes.” No names will be mentioned. “But these guys are professionals – that should not make any difference!” The last I checked, the game is played by humans, not robots, and when you play for a crappy team, sometimes you have a crappy attitude! The fact is, the Dodgers are banking on turnarounds for Hernandez, Lynn, and Kelly, and, to a lesser degree, Rosario!

The Dodgers are going to a full platoon with the addition of Hernandez and Rosario. Against LHP, Hernandez, Rosario, Betts, Rojas, and Taylor will play, and against RHP, Outman, Peralta, Betts, Heyward, and Rojas will play. Of course, there is always Busch and Vargas at AAA, and one or both could be a flight away if there is an injury or prolonged slump. Vargas and Busch are smoking hot at OKC. Miguel Vargas went 2-for-4 with a home run, double and walk last night and Michael Busch had a game-high and season-high four hits, including a home run and two doubles. On each of his doubles, Busch was thrown out attempting to advance to third base, preventing him from completing the cycle…Busch has now reached base in 23 consecutive games for the longest active streak by an OKC player and tied for the second-longest active streak in the PCL. During the streak, Busch is 30-for-96 (.313) with 14 extra-base hits, 24 RBI and 18 walks.

Right about next week, the Rotation should look like this:

  1. Urias – I’m leaving him here.
  2. Kershaw – He will be back shortly.
  3. Lynn – He will slot nicely here.
  4. Miller – Becoming a horse.
  5. Gonsolin – Unless he can’t cut it, but I think he (like Urias) will find it.

That puts Grove in the bullpen, Sheehan back to AAA, and Tyson Miller released. Of course, Verlander is still out there…

This article has 127 Comments

  1. I believe, and I hope so, that the Dodgers get another starting pitcher and use Gonsolin as a long reliever (The same thing Julio did in 2020) because he only works for 3 or 4 innings before falling into trouble. And if they get Arenado, and if Muncy leaves (hopefully not) then and only then would I go for Bellinger, to be the left-handed hitter it would take to level the lineup.

  2. Maybe Amed can become our “Rosario” for 2023. I’m sure you all remember what happened in 2021

  4. Most analysts believe the Dodgers are still in the market for another starting pitcher. That would be my guess too. Nolan Arenado is probably off the board, but Jordan Montgomery is available and perhaps Justin Verlander. Who knows, maybe Blake Snell.

    Obviously, Verlander or Snell could be difference makers, but would the Padres make a deal with the Dodgers? Maybe not, but some MLB pundits think it’s possible. Depends on the prospect return, I suppose.

    With a team like the Mets, no one is quite sure, but they did move a reliever. A chance to get younger with a better farm system may be appealing. Hard to buy championships in the free agent market. Who would have thought that Francisco Lindor would turn into a .220 hitter. The old guys like Max Scherzer would seem very risky. Apparently a lot more interest in Verlander than Scherzer and the interest in him has been described as mild. Expensive contract there.

    Still some helpful starters available and the finish to the trade deadline should be fun with teams finally deciding to part company with some of their players. Verlander could be a last minute deal or the Mets could keep him with a focus on next season. All things considered they would rather move Scherzer, who is now considered to be part of the problem. But Scherzer is costly and hasn’t pitched well so his trade value is far below Verlander.

    Obviously, the Dodgers tried to sign Verlander last spring and thought they had a deal done until the Mets owner added a few dollars more.

    But, if the Dodgers truly plan to go all in on Shohei Ohtani this winter, how would adding Verlander impact that pursuit. They do have $90 million coming off the books.

    Obviously, the Dodgers believe Lance Lynn’s numbers, the rate of strikeouts etc. look pretty good. Someone taking an inside look on MLB TV, believes he has been very unlucky, he has pitched far better than the ERA.

    I would agree that a change of scenery and going to a championship club will give him a shot in the arm.

    No matter what the Dodgers do next year, they do need to give Michael Busch a legitimate shot to start and play next season. In the past, Paul LoDuca, Davy Lopes, Maury Wills and many others have faced similar situations and have succeeded.

  5. Is CWS at least paying salary after this shitty trade.

    Hate that I have to root against Nastrini now. UCLA kid and a good one.

    For two retreads . . .

  6. Last week I said I thought Andrew would trade for Aernado and now I am more convinced than ever. The trades we made this week were not blockbusters but we’re part of the plan. Indeed Andrew plays chess while everyone else is at the Cracker Barrel playing checkers.

    I believe his plan goes beyond Aernado and this is a TRANSITION YEAR. I think the plan was to use our abundant minor league system to get Nolan and reset our roster. This helps our offense and defense but the transition will be complicated this winter with the acquisition of Shohei Ohtani. It’s only money and the Dodgers have plenty.

    In addition Hayward and Peralta will be free agents and that leaves Mookie, Outman and Deluca as our outfielders assuming Taylor goes in the Aernado deal. That leaves us a little short. So we sign a free agent outfielder named Cody Bellinger. It’s only money. With an outfield of Outman, Bellinger and Betts the outfield defense would be one of the best in baseball.
    All this gives the Dodgers a team with a 4 year window to win another championship or two.
    Andrew is going to school the Podres and Mets on how to build a winner.

  7. I seldom criticize management since we got Friedman and Roberts. I think they both are excellent and wouldn’t trade either one then for any other President or manager. That being said, help me understand why Muncy plays against left handed pitching. He is currently hitting .128 with an on base percentage of .240. Realizing there is bad luck involved like hard hit balls at defenders, .128 going into August is hard to comprehend.

    1. If they plan to trade him, they don’t want the platoon thing to diminish his value.

      1. I can buy that response. .128 isn’t much of a value unless the trade partner plan to platoon him. I believe that Muncy is a big part of the Dodgers. His power is undisputed, but being an average 3rd baseman plus not being successful against left handed pitching, a person could make a strong argument that he’s a liability against left handed pitching. On a positive note his average against lefties is better than Hayward’s. I love when the Dodgers face right handed pitching regardless of the pitcher. Against left handed pitching not so much.

        1. When I saw the lineup last night I was thinking maybe they should start Outman instead of Muncy. They could have had Hernandez play 3B.

          1. Kike? I do not think he has played there in several years. The other Hernandez, who has played 3rd was already back at OKC.

        2. Until recently, his platoon partner would be Taylor–but Taylor also gets platooned with Peralta and Heyward. Kike and Rosario are now in mix, so Max can be sat a bit more. (Rojas can play 3rd but wouldn’t be hitting much either.)
          Is Vargas getting reps at 3B in OKC? Still an option.
          Rumors persist about Pham or another OF bat.
          I’m fine with going big for Arenado, in part because I think AF has been economical in landing Rosario, Kike, Lynn and Kelly.

  8. Mark & Bear –

    I want to thank both of you for your knowledgeable responses to the critics of the Dodger’s trade deadline moves.

    As a daily reader of LADT, I spend my time on your site in hopes that it I will learn something new from the collective baseball expertise that exists here.

    I am rewarded for time spent on LADT with the dialogue generated here; in particular, how Mark provokes topics and responds to forum comments with his column pieces and how Bear clarifies on an individual basis some posters’ misinformation or missing context surrounding issues on Dodger baseball.

    I also spend time on forums for college football and basketball where addressing misinformation or missing context is not really part of the forum experience. The reason I spend more time on LADT than these other forums is because the learning process here is more complete.

    I thank both of you for sharing your time and expertise in my lifelong learning experience about Dodger baseball.

    1. Thank you, Tom, I am sure not all of our loyal readers and posters would agree with you. But it is nice to know that the effort and time put in coming up with topics is appreciated. I don’t believe the Dodgers are finished yet, indeed according to MLBTR, which is usually pretty accurate, they are kicking the tires on several players. Pitchers, Keller, Verlander, Montgomery, Flaherty. Arenado is still being discussed and according to some, outfielders Tommy Pham and Mark Canha are of interest to the Dodgers. Myself, I will be glued to MLB network on Tuesday watching as all the last minute deals are announced. Dodgers struck early this year. Usually AF waits. Only other time I remember him getting started early was 2018 when he traded for Machado right after the All-Star game.

  9. As I recall, doesn’t Outman hit lefties about equally or better than he hits right handers? So, why platoon him?

    Mark, I too appreciate the optimism with the 2 for 5 trade we just made. I don’t share your optimism but am open minded enough and hopeful enough to want to believe.

    This is brand new thinking for me so here goes……

    I now believe if we want to give us a decent chance to win it all this year, we should go after 40 year old Justin Verlander, and pay the man for the next 3 years whatever Mets don’t Besides, it’s not my money, so I will leave that out of the equation. But I’m now convinced Verlander would be our best or 2nd best pitcher as we enter the playoffs. We need at least 3 guys we can count on. I’m hoping Urias steps up to be that 3rd man but do not expect Gonsolin to. Lynn could be our 4th. I wonder if Gonsolin would be better off coming out of the bullpen for one inning instead of asking him to pitch 5-6 innings?

    So yeah, I’m saying it…..GO GET VERLANDER! Give up some over rated prospects like Stone, Vargas, Cartaya, whoever. Too often i notice those guys disappoint anyhow.

    1. I strongly believe that if we would trade Vargas, it wouldn’t age well. He’s going to be an above average MLB player for a long time. Picking up these rentals will relieve the Rule 5 pressure. A lot of the players we are picking up are bandaids and won’t be back next season. The rule 5 players that Friedman likes will be placed on the 40 man roster and the players that are on the fringe may be dangled. It’s easy to like the pickups they have gotten thus far. I don’t understand why Hernandez is playing the infield along with Rosario playing SS. When I first saw the Rosario trade I believed he would platoon at 3rd with Muncy. I have complete faith is what Roberts is dong, even if I don’t understand some of his moves.

      1. Vargas has the Tools to be an All-Star. So far, we have not seen it that much!

        1. Back in my coaching days we called players like Vargas Tee Shirt heroes. They would dominate in practice and then suck when the lights came on. I’m not putting Vargas in that category yet. I think we should withhold judgment on him until next year’s trading deadline, then we should see the real Vargas. If he has to be included to get Arenado, I’ll miss Vargas. Vivas is putting together a nice season. He will be a factor in two years if not next season. Maybe the Cardinals would take him versus Vargas.

          1. Vivas is a 2B… period. He does not have the power of Vargas,but he could be a nice player.

      2. Rosario getting some starts at 3B makes sense.
        What if the Cards demand Vargas in a deal for Arenado?

        1. It depends upon who else is in the deal. Vargas is still a prospect no matter what I think. He’s expendable in the right deal.

        2. With RISP, Rosario is hitting .350!

          Against RHP, I would roll out this lineup:

          1. Betts – 2B
          2. Freeman 1B
          3. Smith C
          4. Muncy 3B
          5. Heyward RF
          6. JDM – DH
          7. Peralta – LF
          8. Outman CF
          9. Rojas SS

          Against LHP, this would be it:

          1. Betts RF
          2. Freeman 1B
          3. Smith C
          4. JDM – DH
          5. Rosario 3B
          6. Kike 2B
          7. Taylor LF
          8. Outman CF
          9. Rojas SS

          I would not platoon Outman. Defensively, he isn’t the greatest (he is getting better) but there is no reason offensively to platoon him.

    2. TM, I can’t agree with you on Verlander but I’m in agreement about Outman getting at bats vs LHP.
      Mark laid out the “full platoon” scenario.
      Vs RHP – Outman, Peralta, Betts, Heyward, and Rojas will play. That’s pretty solid and predictable.
      Vs LHP – Hernandez, Rosario, Betts, Rojas, and Taylor will play. Based on batting averages, I’m not so thrilled with this group. Mookie, of course, Kike and Rosario (.304 v LHP), Rojas, not so much at .200, and I like Outman. He has reverse splits and was close to .300 in 70 or so ab’s, vs LHP.
      I’d like to see Outman NOT platooned.
      I’m still waiting for another shoe to drop. I’ve been opposed to big spending this year but I like the Arenado with a pitcher idea. For me, giving up Muncy and CT3 while the giving is good, in a package with certain prospects, might be a golden opportunity. I’ve said I would add payroll unless something falls in AF’s lap. This would be that for me. Take your shot about Muncy, Duke.
      Hey Bear, I’ve looked all over the net and can’t find a list of Dodgers who are Rule 5 eligible for 2024. Do you know that list? Thanks

          1. Damn STB, how did I survive all these years without this site? Great information.

          2. Yeah, he does a great job on the draft also.

            It’s just a really good source on all kinds of Dodger info. Glad I could steer you to it.

      2. Fair enough Phil…..but do you think we actually have a chance to succeed in the playoffs with the cast of characters we have throwing the baseball on our team today?

        And if you don’t think this lot is good enough….if not Verlander, who?

        TM

        2. “If not Verlander, who?” TM. My answer is NOBODY. Sort of like the original plan. Play it out with this group and see if we can get into the Wildcard and see what happens with all the youngsters getting a look. That would include Hunter Fedducia promoted to the 40 man and being the back-up catcher. I love Barnes but it’s time to move on without spending to get someone from outside the organization.
          I would absolutely not throw big money at Verlander or a rental type veteran. We may be in a better spot at this point in the season than many predicted but I’m not moving off the transition year plan.
          Play who we have and plan to evaluate our needs at season’s end. I think we should be planning on having a new set of faces next season. The exception for me is Arenado and a pitcher that could be kept long term.

          1. Phil –

            I agree with you on many of your points particularly not platooning Outman; no Verlander, keep the money and give the youngsters a look; and stick with the transition plan.

            I also think that Arenado is good IF the price in pitching prospects isn’t too high.

            I find your daily comments insightful.

          2. Phil….I’m okay with just playing it out with what we have, let the kids get some experience, and let’s see what we have…..but I don’t think AF is. He has already added 4 players and will probably add 1-2 more. Adding 5-6 guys at the trade deadline shows me AF does not think like you and is not considering this to be a transitional year. I think he thinks we score lots of runs, we’re in 1st place, so heck, let’s just win this whole thing with some positional tweaks and a few better pitchers….Lynn and Kelly so far……who’s next?

            Bottom line: I’m okay and would be perfectly happy with what you said and save our money for the off-season, but if we stay the course, I don’t see that we have much of a chance to win the big prize, let alone compete with Atlanta or Philadelphia (San Diego?) in the NL. I think AF is going for it and does not want to settle for winning the West and going out quietly. As I previously said, “I don’t think we have the pitching to win in the playoffs. “

            I wonder what # Verlander will wear in LA? Lol

      3. Looks like Arenado won’t be dealt, but I still think Arenado + Montgomery makes a lot of sense.
        Fun fact: Arenado, Muncy and Taylor are all 32 years old. The combined AAV salaries of Muncy and Taylor are roughly what Arenado makes. That would have made a revenue-neutral (or near neutral) deal pretty easy to do.

        The beauty of Arenado is that he improves the pitching staff. Max and Taylor have their moments with the glove, but Arenado is one of the best. And he proved that he can hit outside of Denver. He’s on a HOF trajectory. With Mookie, Freddie and Kershaw, the Dodgers could wind up with four future HOFers on the roster.

        Max is getting a bit more appreciation today, of course, but I’d much rather have Arenado.

        But I bet AF loves Max in part because he’s been such a bargain. How many guys heading toward their fourth 35-HR season are earning $13.5 million AAV, with a club option for 2024 at $10 million. Max should hire Taylor’s agent. He got four-year deal for $60 million.
        Kyle Schwarber, who in many ways is similar to Max but can’t play infield, is earning about $20 mil AAV. Joc is making $19.65 million.
        Max is just a great bargain. The Dodgers get a lot of bang for bucks from Max.

  10. I go to dodger bleacher report all the time! When not reading that I’m on here! Love all the trade ideas whether realistic or not! Mark and Bear always bring it! I’ve almost stopped watching mlb network, it’s gotten like ESPN, stupid! Can’t stand mad dog although I do listen Alana when she’s on, miss her doing dodger games! I like Harold Reynolds, Bill Ripken, Dan O’Dowd and Cliff Floyd. The rest, not so much . Miss Heidi Watney too. Saw miss Watson while we were at Orioles game, pretty girl, and she has gotten better. Saying little dodger prayers for Arenado! If not him go get Thomas kid from nationals. Don’t give Bobby Miller up in any trade, the potential 1-2 of he and Walker Beuler could be electrifying! Need a win tonight!

    1. Off the trade topic a bit…
      While I saw some silver linings in last night’s loss, the outs on the basepaths really hurt. When the Dodgers needed baserunners, Taylor made an out trying to stretch a single. (Our older guys just aren’t as fast as the Reds’ young guys.) Later, Taylor made an out at home, but it looked like Rojas was to blame by trying to get into a rundown. Two veteran players making aggressive rookie mistakes.

  11. I would not give up Vargas in a trade for Arenado or Verlander.
    I agree with those who see Vargas a future MVP. Neither VErlander nor Arenado are worth trading him.
    A few prospeccts IMHO should be untouchable: Vargas, Miller, dePaula, Cartaya, Joendry Vargas.

    Just my two cents.

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

    1. Mets are NOT looking for prospects from Dodgers. They are looking for major-league ready players. Verlander on the Dodger mound would be a star and lead them to the World Series. I really believe that. LA would have to part with players they won’t want to to get this done. Mets looking for bullpen help, 3rd base help and outfield help. They are looking for 3 players back.

  12. Can someone post the lineup today. I’m heading to Scarsdale NY to see my grandson in a baseball tournament?

  14. Injuries in baseball is something that happens every day, here are three scary situations that the Dodgers must prevent:
    1 W.Smith is injured and Barnes has to play most games.
    2 Kershaw still injured
    3 Phillips is injured
    Crearly Smith, Kershaw and Phillips, rigth now, have no one to replace them, the Dodgers must look for a good back up Catcher, a good SP and a good relieve.

    1. I think we need to look for more than one more SP.

      We don’t know when Kershaw will come back or if he’ll stay healthy once he does.
      Urias and Gonsolin are not themselves and may be injured. If they aren’t they’re pitching like they are.
      Pepiot hasn’t pitched at all this year so we have no clue what we can expect from him.
      Grove and Sheehan have now pitched as many innings as they have in any season and we still have two months plus the post season to go. That coupled with the fact that I’m not sure we want them starting playoff games.

      With all of that uncertainty, we could use 2 or 3 more starting pitchers.

      1. I would roll the dice with Verlander. Need an ace and not another innings eater. Lynn was brought in for that.
        With Verlander , CK, JU and hopefully Buehler we would have four big time starters for the stretch run and playoffs. Would enable us to use Bobby Miller and TG out of the pen in the postseason .
        Sheehan, Grove and Pepiot (if healtyh) can take down some innings to keep the others fresh.

        Plus i would make a concerted effort for Bednar to be our closer.
        Pitching is still the name of the game, especially in the playoffs. Our offense is fine for a WS run.

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

  15. If that catcher Diaz is available from the Rockies the dodgers should go after him . Just to have a back up catcher in case smith get hurt and one that can hit better to. Really, don’t give up on Vargas. Did you see how he hit in the majors he is another AAA guy who can hit pitchers in minors like trayce Thompson. But once in majors or the show he doesn’t hit. If he could hit he would be with the dodgers and he isn’t. They need Arenado to give a little sassy ness to this club. To many nice guys. With Freeman and Betts and Smith always laughing and joking with the other players. Now you got some nasty in that club house that will get in guys faces and say stop being pals out there with the other team. You know who brings that attitude to to the clubhouse Arenado Rosario and Hernandez Kelly four guys now added to the mix of Freeman Smith and Betts. It’s called get tough guys and ship some guys out. Because these guys now are to friendly to other opponents. The sleeper in all of this. Will be when they add Brent Rooker from the A’s. He is a clone of Muncy and the A’s would take just about anybody in the minors the dodgers have. So, my take on this and the dodgers will get they will add Arenado, Montgomery, Rooker, and Diaz that’s my guess. That’s only because I saw a potential trade of the Yankees getting Diaz.

    1. Don’t think Diaz is an option, Bradley. First, Rockies do not like to trade with the Dodgers and have not traded a player to them since they got Nicasio after the 2014 season. Also, Diaz is a starting catcher. He would not like being anyone backup. Disagree with you totally on Freeman Smith and Betts. They are the three best players on the team. Smith rarely smiles and I have never seen him talking to the other players. Players all around the league talk to each other all the time. Kike is the single biggest goof off on the team. His attitude as you call it is have fun. He is not a nasty player.

      1. But in a clubhouse you need a leader one who will speak up that’s Arenado Kershaw Kelly Betts they have been missing that with Justin Turner gone a guy who can say hey guys let’s focus and get your minds in the game. Maybe Freeman does that but I never see him in the dugout doing that raw raw stuff that’s what Rosario and kiki give a lift to the dugout you need that in a club house you have your players that keep the club loose and you have the guys that say knock it off and focus.

    2. Two things Bradley: (why am I doing this?)
      1. Freddie is the welcome wagon at first and Mookie talks to everybody. Both are friendly and will still beat your brains out. You don’t have to be an A-hole to be a competitor. It takes all kinds of personalities to make a baseball team. It isn’t necessary to force “an attitude” in the clubhouse.
      You saw it in golf. Jack was all business and Trevino never stopped talking. Players learn what serves their success the best.
      2. You add Smith in the group as “always laughing and joking”. I don’t see that at all. I don’t see him forcing any conversations at all with the opposition. He may behind the mask, but I doubt it. He may smile in the dugout but on the field he is all business.

      1. Phil I was saying Friedman is getting players on the team that loosen the team up or change the attitude of the team. Look who could be gone Thompson Muncy Taylor Vargas Busch and replaced by players like this Rosario Hernandez Arenado Montgomery Rooker Dejong Lynn Kelly. I am telling you it’s bringing in new faces that have a different attitude then the old one. Cleaning house bringing in a new attitude. Who is best at managing those attitudes Roberts. He managed all-star games he likes certain players and the players like him.

        1. Your wrong. Hernandez is the team clown; he does not bring attitude. Rosario was not that kind of player on the Mets or the Indians. Very low key and doesn’t speak much English. Now Kelly and Lynn, they bring. attitude.

      2. Mookie should be Mookie and Freddie should be Freddie and Will should be Will….
        But I think this team could use more competitive fire. That really seemed to be lacking during the last season’s playoff flop.
        Most of us remember how Kirk Gibson brought that quality to the Dodgers. Both Lynn and Kelly have some of it, I think. I
        On the present roster, I think Max has a bit, which showed when he barked back at MadBum. (MadBum had it in spades.) When there’s some brewing brouhaha Max is always one of the guys shouting from the dugout.

  16. Tonight’s lineup. Peralta LF, Freeman, 1B, Smith, C, Muncy, 3B, Martinez, DH, Heyward, RF, Outman, CF, Taylor, 2B, Rojas, SS, SP Sheehan. Betts scratched with right ankle soreness.

  17. Wow! Bradley you can spit em out! Arenado? Hell yeah! Make that trade Bradley! Bobby Miller? No

    2. No not Miller. But Muncy Taylor Vargas pepiot Sheehan Stone for ARENADO Montgomery Dejong on Monday or Tuesday. And Goldschmidt and Flarethy end up at the Giants.

      1. Goldschmidt is not going anywhere. Bank on it. They might trade Arenado and they might not. Why in the world would the Dodgers want DeJong? They have a stockpile of MLB ready SS and do not need another.

  18. Verlander is under contract for next season for the same salary he gets this year, 43,333,333. He has a vesting option for 35 mil that becomes a player option if he hits 140 innings pitched. He has won 3 of his last 5 starts going 6, 8, 5. 6 and 7 innings. He has given up 6 runs in those games. 3 of those runs came in his only loss, a 6-0 shutout to the Dodgers. His WHIP is 1.146, just a tick over his career WHIP. He is definitely better than most pitchers on the market. We still do not know if the Mets are seriously thinking about trading him and Scherzer. Scherzer criticized the Mets front office after they traded Robertson.

      2. He will end up with the Rangers watch and Bochy will be in another world series

        1. One pitcher didn’t make the difference for the Dodgers and his name was Scherzer. He will help their rotation, but their bullpen is horrible.

  19. Rangers and Mets in agreement on a trade for Scherzer pending Scherzer waiving his no-trade agreement per MLBTR and Michael Schwab of Juice Box Journal.

  21. Because Vargas will be traded watch they got rid of Thompson next Vargas maybe Seattle will want him or the Whitesoxs and we could get Grandal as the backup catcher. That would make Bear happy

  22. I’m pretty sure Vargas got some spending money to let Kelly to have 17. Happens a lot.

  23. Will Verlander be next?

    I’m not including Miller or Vargas in any deal.

    Listening to MLB radio, they explained how Arenado came up in discussions with St. Louis.

    The discussion was centered on pitchers Montgomery and Flaherty. The Cards were asking for premium pitching prospects. For that to happen, Arenado would have to be included. Thus the expanded talks.

    Whether they go anywhere is still up in the air.

    1. I would include Vargas in a heartbeat for Arenado. He may turn out to be good player, but Arenado is headed toward the HOF.
      Instead of Miller, I would offer any of the other young guns. Probably two of them.
      Vargas + Frasso + Knack for Arenado…
      In a heartbeat.

    1. Now I hope we got Joseph and not Joe. You never know which guy is going to show up? The guy who hates his fastball and throws 24 consecutive sliders or the guy who blows guys up with turbo, running fastballs at 98.

  25. Scherzer, to Houston on hold according to Mark Feinsand.
    Doesn’t mean it won’t happen But say are hurdles to clear

      1. According to MLB Network, it is very close to being finalized. Scherzer needs to waive his no-trade. But it is really close. Acuna’s brother, who is a SS and three prospects headed to New York.

  26. Vargas a future MVP? My money is on NOT. Remember where Verlander was at Detroit before Astros got him and what he did for them. It’s a big number but I just don’t see this rotation winning a WS as is. And he’s the only possible difference maker

    2. Who said Vargas would be an MVP? Walker Buehler.

      I said he would be an All-Star.

        1. I think he is All_star Material. MVP? Maybe… but first, he has to show he is worthy of being a MLB player. It’s that simple.

    1. I guess Scherzer put up a stink about trading Robertson so now management says, “F you buddy…you’re now next!”

  28. Heyman just reported the Mets sending Scherzer to the Rangers is now a done deal. All the problems have been resolved. Acuna and three prospects heading to the Mets, Scherzer and cash to the Rangers.

  30. DODGER PRESS RELEASE

    DODGERS ACTIVATE JOE KELLY

    LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers activated right-handed pitcher Joe Kelly and designated right-handed pitcher Phil Bickford for assignment.

    Kelly, 35, was acquired yesterday from the White Sox along with Lance Lynn in exchange for outfielder Trayce Thompson and pitchers Jordan Leasure and Nick Nastrini. He will return for his second stint with the Dodgers after going 7-4 with a 3.59 ERA (42 ER/105.1 IP) and 121 strikeouts in three seasons with Los Angeles. This season, he is 1-5 with a 4.97 ERA (16 ER/29.0 IP) and 41 strikeouts in 31 games for the White Sox. He has been in the Major Leagues parts of 12 years with St. Louis (2012-14), Boston (2014-18), Los Angeles (2019-21) and Chicago-AL (2022-23) and he is 52-37 with a 3.98 ERA (352 ER/796.2 IP) and 713 strikeouts in 439 games. He was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the third round of the 2009 First Year Player Draft out of the University of California, Riverside.

    Bickford, 28, appeared in 36 games for the Dodgers, allowing 24 runs in 42.0 innings. He was 2-3 with 48 strikeouts against 26 walks for the Dodgers this season and he is a combined 8-6 with a 4.40 ERA (76 ER/155.1 IP) and 176 strikeouts in 154 career games. He was originally drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the first round (18th overall) of the 2015 First Year Player Draft out of College of Southern Nevada.

    1. Kelly is a slight upgrade over Bickford. As bad as Bickford has been the past two years, he is a great guy, and I wish him well.

  31. I have been in Ft. Wayne most of the day. My daughter and three granddaughters were back-to-school shopping, so we met up for an early dinner. Ft. Wayne is really a neat, beautiful city. It used to be a shithole but man-o-man has it changed!

  32. Not Bickford!!!
    Seriously… Feel bad for the guy, who by all accounts is a great teammate. Rough business… Hope he finds a happier fate

  33. Obvious now, Dodgers need Verlander. It’s the only workable solution to solve the pitching issues.

  36. The bold statement by Mozeliak that they won’t be trading Arenado is probably because the Dodgers would not include Miller in a trade.

    The Cardinals need pitching with Wainright retiring and Flaherty being a FA, but they’ve apparently decided to keep Arenado.

    Verlander?

  37. Good on Sheehan. I would have sent him down after his last start. Good thing Dodgers don’t listen to moron posters!

      1. Get more value for Nolan.

        The best tactic is to just walk away and say I am not trading him.

        Then you are driving the train!

        1. So the Mets official announcement today on not trading Nolan would be rendered an outright LIE, if they end up trading him a mere few days later.

          Now THAT would be a dope fiend-ish move!

        2. True.
          Lets hope the Dodgers hold on to Bobby Miller. Kid has ace stuff and already proved he can get major league batters out regularly. Will only get better.

          I would like NA in a Dodgers uni but will he be the difference maker ? Doubt it.
          Offense is good enough for a long playoff run, the pitching has to be improved.

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

  39. Some horrible defense by the Dodgers. CT3 couldn’t make a backhanded play and Heyward had no business throwing to home to try and get DeLaCruz allowing the runner to take second on the bad throw home.

    Joe Kellly still giving fans heart palpatatiins when he pitches but is indeed throwing hard and got the job done

    1. Maxwell, swinging his silver hammer
      Kudos to Sheehan for coming back after a poor outing.
      Heart attack Kelly being himself

        1. I’d have been willing to put Sheehan, not Miller, in a package for Arenado and Montgomery.
          But it might be for the best that we keep both.

          1. I would not deal Max away to get Arenado. But the Dodgers still need a top-end SP, and a quality outfield bat for LHP. Taylor has a knee problem and he looks washed to me.

  43. When Muncy produces like this, it makes a potential acquisition of Nolan Arenado a want and not necessarily a need. I consider myself an Arenado fan and would love to see him in Dodger blue; however, I also don’t want the Dodgers to overspend on a player who is about to enter the wrong side of 30.

  44. Both Max and Arenado are 32. Both have several years of baseball ahead.
    Max gets roughed up a lot here on LADT, so it’s always gratifying to see him have a good game. Obviously, he’s streaky. When he’s slumping, people forget he’s likely to come around.
    He’s not nearly the player Arenado is, but he’s still very good. Max hit better when he played 1B, but slid over to 2nd and 3rd when Freddie arrived. Max’s versatility is another virtue that is overlooked by his critics. Most teams would love to have a Max.

    From Eric Stephen in TrueBlueLA:
    Muncy has been synonymous with patience ever since joining the Dodgers in 2018. Patience at the plate, with his 4.36 pitches per plate appearance entering Sunday ranked third in the majors. Patience when hearing fans and/or texting relatives bemoan why the Dodgers are starting someone with a batting average that begins with a one.

    Even patience in the form of Muncy’s 56 walks and team-leading 15.6-percent walk rate, fueling his above-average .333 on-base percentage despite the .199 batting average.

    Or perhaps even Muncy himself needed patience, if he was paying attention at all to multiple reports this week about the Dodgers and Cardinals discussing a possible Nolan Arenado trade. Not that Muncy couldn’t have adapted, as he moved off first base when the Dodgers signed Freddie Freeman before the 2022 season.

    Whether Muncy knew or not, Cardinals general manager John Mozielak was saying unequivocally earlier Saturday that Arenado would not be traded, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, at the very least ended that speculation.”

  45. A lot of us, I think, have noticed how Outman has stepped up his game in recent weeks.
    His stats over the past 30 days: a .290 BA, with an OBP of .424 (!) and an OPS of .873.
    He’s taking more walks and reducing the Ks. In 22 games, he walked 15 times and struck out 22 times. One strike out per game is not great, but over the same period JD Martinez had 30 Ks in 20 games and Max had 25 in 22.
    Outman’s OPS for the period is the 4th best on the team, exceeded only by Mookie, Freddie and Max. He also led the team with 4 steals, and was caught only once.
    Is it too much to think Outman has developed better plate discipline? He’s hitting for average against lefties and power against righties.
    Perhaps the next time Mookie is ailing, Outman should bat leadoff.

    1. A tempting idea for Outman to bat leadoff until Mookie returns, but I don’t think he’s ready for that yet. His batting is still a work-in-progress. But yes, he IS making progress both at the plate and in the field. Encouraging.

  47. Scherzer besides the money (and the Mets will pay part of it too) cost the Rangers only their Nr. 5 prospect.

    What does that say about Verlander who is 2 years older than Max and a potential trade ? Our Nr. 5 prospect is Andy Pages with NR. 4 being Stone and Nr. 6 Pepiot.
    If we could get Verlander for Stone or Pepiot straight up I would do it in a second.

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

  48. I will make sure my voice is heard here loud and clearly.

    I DO NOT WANT TO UNLOAD PITCHING PROSPECTS FOR NOLEN ARANADO.

    I’m content with Marvelous Max. 27 HRs and 70 RBIs compares pretty nicely with 22 HRs and 77 RBIs. I know Arenado has a higher BA and OPS, but I’m telling you again…PITCHING WINS PLAYOFF GAMES. We have enough bats, including Max’s.

    Don’t give up promising pitchers when most of your regular starters are damaged goods- Clayton, Walker, Dustin, Tony.

    SAY NO TO AREN-ADO!

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