What do the So-called Experts Know?

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1. Think Mookie was pumped after hitting that grand slam? Mookie drained the swamp in San Diego with that blast! Bob Melvin will be lucky to finish out their season! Tatis will become a New York Yankee after the season. Soto signs elsewhere., leaving Johnny hustle to lead the friars! Have to admit Kike looks rejuvenated back in LA! Gonsolin might not be on postseason roster! He is not pitching well enough for postseason. Freddie and Mookie should share MVP this season! Both deserve it!

   1. Soto has one more year on his contract and there are rumors that the Padres are going to try and get him to sign an extension.

2. Great article, Mark.

   I admit, I didn’t think the 4 guys we picked up would make that much of a difference, but so far, I’m very wrong. Just a few words about the 4 pickups if I may:

   1. Kike- one of my favorite Dodgers, was my favorite pick up. He brings much more to the team besides his baseball skills. I think the intangibles are equally as important. And that dance he has added after getting a hit is awesome.

   2. Lynn- what I like is that he is an experienced pitcher and has been a beast in the past. We have too many green pitchers now that still need MLB experience. He doesn’t. What I was concerned about…his high ERA and leads the league in giving up HRs- hopefully will go away. After two games, he is the only guy I can count on to go 7 innings.

   3. Rosario- I know we got him to platoon and beat up lefties, but what I didn’t want was to replace Rojas with him at SS. Rojas is a wizard in the field and his stick has improved as the season wears on. I’m glad Rosario is playing mostly 2B. And he really has exceeded my expectations.

   4. Joe Kelly- wow, what can I say about him? The dude is fearless and brings an edge that excites both the team and the fans. He is well loved in LA and I think he knows that too. I know he can be wild but I’m glad he’s back but I bet Tatis isn’t glad.

   Bottom line: I too under-evaluated these pick ups but not any longer. I apologize to AF for not thanking him enough for the work he has done for our team this entire season, especially at the trade deadline. And I thought for sure Vargas and Cartaya were going to be X-Dodgers…..not quite.

   1. Guys, we picked up 5 players not four. Everyone keeps forgetting about Yarbrough. He has only pitched once and that is probably the reason why.

      1. Lol….I did forget about him. Me bad…..I was impressed with his first game as a Dodger, so looking forward to seeing more.

   2. I think the “loser” tag stems chiefly on the fact that the Dodgers failed to land Verlander or Scherzer, and then had the Eduardo Rodriguez spectacularly blow up on the last day. That suspenseful whiff left a big impression.
      Before that, I think the consensus was that Dodgers did well to pick up Lynn and Kelly at a modest cost and flip the unwanted Thor for Rosario. The Kike deal was kind of “meh” but Kike has played well since coming “home,” as he put it. Lynn, Kelly, Rosario, Yarbrough–all have played well, perhaps beyond expectations.
      I’ll say this again:
      We’ve heard the reports that Rodriguez wanted some sort of extension to approve the trade. We don’t know who AF was willing to deal. Busch? Vargas? Knack? Frasso? We have no idea.
      At any rate AF refused to give Rodriguez the concessions he wanted. To me that means that AF saw Rodriguez as a rental who would exercise his opt-out and become a FA. Friedman, methinks, didn’t want to tie up payroll and a rotation spot for 2024 and beyond. . Why? Because he wants the financial and personnel flexibility to land Ohtani over the winter.
      And why wouldn’t he?
      Take a look at Ohtani’s current performance. As terrific as Freddie and Mookie have been on offense this year, Ohtani has been significantly better, with a 1.082 OPS, 40 HRs, a .308 BA and ,409 OPS. While JDM is an all-star DH, Ohtani could be an MVP as a DH alone.
      On the mound, Ohtani leads the majors with a batting-average-against of .186 and has K’d 160 batters in 124 innings over 21 starts. (On the injury-riddle Dodger staff no pitcher has thrown more than Kershaw’s 95 innings.) Dodger pitchers have a BAA of .246, and 944 Ks in 998 innings. Suffice to say that Shohei would be a major upgrade to the run-prevention half of the game as well–and he was proven more durable than Kershaw, Urias, Gonsolin and the rest.
      Playing for a .500 team, Ohtani has a 9-5 record with a 3.32 ERA.
      What would his numbers be for title-contender?
      Some folks here would rather spread the Ohtani money across four or five “good to very good” players rather than have it used to cover two positions with someone who is clearly one of the greatest players ever.
      My counter argument is that that is a false choice.
      The Dodgers can invest in Ohtani and still field “good to very good” players at every other position. The Dodgers are doing that now, aren’t they?
      But let’s say Ohtani spurns the Dodgers and decides to sign with the Giants or Mariners or Mets….
      Now you’ve got about a half-billion to invest in other players over the next several years.
      How much would you pay Julio to lock him up for 5 years? How about Will Smith? How much would you pay Matt Chapman to take over 3B?
      Any other FA targets on your radar?

      1. You echoed my thoughts if the choice is not Ohtani. Basically, let the “never-Ohtani” fans voice who they would go after this off-season, ..and for how much.

3. “Would you rather have one superstar who pitches and hits or four more really good players to go with your existing cadre of stars”
   Ask the Angels how many championships Mike Trout brought them.

   1. Great point, plus, Ohtani has been having issues with numbness in his pitching hand. Not a good sign. As a DH alone, he is worth less than half of that 500 mil mark.

   2. What are you saying? Baseball is a team sport?
      And here I thought it was like tennis or golf. Or bowling. Mookie is good at that.
      Ohtani is a superstar ace and a superstar slugger. He is a top-ten pitcher and top 5 hitter.
      Fortunately, Ohtani wouldn’t have to win the WS all by himself. He could get help from Mookie, Freddie, Will, Buhler, maybe Kershaw and some other fine players who’ve played in all-star games and won gold gloves.
      If anybody here on LADT can name four available players who would have a bigger impact on the Dodgers than Ohtani alone, let’s hear it.
      The list of pending FAs is easy to look up.

4. What’s cool is here are some of the players who could be helping us in 2024:

   Lux
   Vargas
   Busch
   Buehler
   Pepiot
   Knack
   Stone
   Feduccia
   Frasso
   Sheehan

   I mean, the deadline passed, we’re still in it, and we’re still loaded.

   1. Pepiot is almost ready. His last outing, he went 4 innings. He is getting close.

   2. Perhaps a blessing in disguise that the Rodriguez deal blew up. If Urias is back on track, and Kershaw comes back strong, the Dodgers are in good shape.
      My guess is that Busch or Vargas (probably Busch) would have gone to the Tigers for Rodriguez, and probably a pitcher too.
      I wonder if Busch wishes he’d been dealt. Right now he can see former OKC teammates Jahmai Jones on the Brewers roster and Kole Calhoun back in the majors with the Guardians. (A former gold glover with the Angels, Calhoun made a Superman-dive web gem the other day. Spectacular.)
      Unless there are a few injuries, Vargas and Busch may have a hard time getting back to LA this season. AF, whose midseason moves in 2022 mostly flopped (Gallo and Vargas), has fortified the roster with the versatile Kike and Rosario.

5. I don’t understand this fascination with Ohtani, I prefer to wait a year and try to sign Soto, although I know it wouldn’t be easy, but it would be better and much cheaper, or less expensive, and I think 5 years younger. Ohtani is not needed as a pitcher, he’s good, but not super spectacular, I think he’s a better hitter, and he’s not needed as such either, there are already a lot of good hitters in the Dodgers, they just need someone to be a complement, and not a leader, someone who help and don’t be the savior or the solution.

   But what the hell do I know? I’m just a simple fan.

   Now that one way to sign him would be to accept the plan to move him to closer after about 4 or 5 seasons.

   1. I agree. I’m not on my knees at night praying for Ohtani either.

      I’d be perfectly content with some much cheaper 25 year old PITCHER who doesn’t even hit and has yet to reach his full stride.

      I’m very content with Perralta, Kike, CT3, and Heyward rotating in the OF. I won’t be upset with an upgrade there but I’m not sure we have a RHB in the minors save DeLuca…who I believe needs a chance to play.

      1. The RH outfield bats are at a lower level.

      2. Which 25-year-old pitcher?
         Urias is only 26. How much would you pay for a 6-year extension?

6. I too am rather impressed with the trade deadline acquisitions but would have still liked to seen Flaherty wearing Dodger Blue. Joe Kelly, if he can keep throwing strikes, with that 101 MPH FB and devastating curve ball looks to be on a mission. Perhaps on nights where Phillips cannot pitch, Kelly gets the closer role. I love his attitude and infectious competitiveness.

   Dare I say Hudson might have a role on the Dodgers and may supplant Ferguson as a trusted LH RP if he continues throwing strikes. He did give up a solo HR but of the 30 pitches thrown in 2 innings of work, 23 were for strikes. Loved it when he struck out Machado.

7. Well, I think you honestly have to consider what elite or so called elite players are available at the trade deadline.

   Shohei Ohtani wasn’t and that means Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander were potentially the big dogs, the difference makers. The Dodgers pursued Verlander. There were several other slightly above average pitchers. So if you make a deal for one of the big dogs, you score well on the ratings charts.

   Or perhaps you land one of the up and coming pitchers who may or may not be considered an elite, but has flashed potential. Those types weren’t traded.

   Then there was a brief fling with a Nolan Arenado trade. Hey, everybody got excited, but that wasn’t going to happen.

   I’m not sure about chess or checkers, but I think Friedman and the Dodgers got lucky when Eduardo Rodriquez refused to waive his no trade clause. The more you read about him, the less there is to like.

   Lance Lynn didn’t cost much and the Dodgers needed a pitcher who could strike people out and eat innings. A change of scenery might kick Lynn into another gear.

   The late pick up Ryan Yarbrough was a slick move since he can start or do long relief. His numbers lately look pretty good.

   Okay, any trade sending Thor out of Dodger Stadium was a good move and Rosario is a useful player.

   Love having Kike back, his energy and versatility, not to mention right-handed bat give the Dodgers great flexibility and come on, seriously, who doesn’t like Joe Kelly? The inning yesterday was something to behold.

   As far as the future, I’m not sure which direction the Dodgers will go, but a visit to Dodger Stadium will reflect the most expensive trip to a baseball game in MLB. From parking, to food, merchandise and tickets, it’s all going to cost top dollar. The Angels are far less expensive.

   So when you consider the Dodgers approach to pursuing Ohtani this winter, maybe the organization is playing chess. Perhaps it’s about brand, the international market, generating new streams of revenue they don’t have access to and not just about signing a 30 year old two way star.

   Could there be something behind the curtain, something nobody is seeing because everybody is focused on the roster and player costs. Can the Dodgers or any other team actually afford Ohtani?

   Then again, the Ownership group brought the Dodgers from McCourt for two billion dollars, twice what the team was valued at, but they knew something others didn’t. That’s obvious now.

   1. Neither Verlander nor Scherzer were impressive in their debuts with their new teams. Scherzer gave up 3 earned early and put his team in a hole, they got him out of it and he got the win, but his ERA is 4.50. Verlander got the loss to the Yankees, 3-1. Scherzer was not coming back to LA and most fans were not too happy with the way he ended his last stint in LA. Not being available against the Braves when they needed him the most. Verlander preferred Houston. That was obvious.

   2. Can the Dodgers or any other team actually afford Ohtani?

      You can bet the Yankees and Mets will try!

      1. I guess the Mets could make Ohtani an offer he can’t refuse but would he want to play for a team that seems set to rebuild next year?

      2. After the trade deadline craziness, I’m not sure the Mets can be considered serious contenders for Ohtani. Every insider says he wants to remain on the west coast which means the Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Mariners and the Bay Area team.

      3. Doubtful on both counts.

         Especially on the Mets, who have basically said they are resetting next year.

         But doubtful doesn’t mean it won’t happen

         1. A survey of players found that a majority expect Ohtani to sign with the Dodgers.
            The players talk to each other. Several teams have Japanese players, and they talk to each other and their teammates as well.
            Should we assume this is just idle chatter?
            Meanwhile, Ohtani himself said the player that impresses him most is Mookie. Shouldn’t we assume that Ohtani would like to play with players he admires?
            And Mookie has assured Ohtani he’d be welcomed by the Dodgers.
            It’s really funny to me that some folks here think AF would not give Ohtani an AAV of $50 million—even though he agreed to pay Bauer $34 million per year.

            1. You are comparing Trevor’s deal which was for 3 years to what ohtani will want which more than likely will be 6+ years. C’mon now.

8. IMHO too early to judge the trade deadline winners and losers.
   A lot can happen between now and the end of the season. For all teams involved.

   I also would caution to declare the Dodgers ended the year for Seidler and his Padres.
   Friars still only 3 games out of the WC and we saw last season what can happen in postseason play.
   Padres still have a shot. Do not count them out prematurely.

   Big win yesterday and a huge series win though. The divsion should be out of reach for the Pads now that they are 11 back.

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

   1. 100% agree. They need Musgrove to get back quickly and with him, they have a good enough pitching staff to compete against any team. We saw that last year.

   2. Well, sure. But that’s no fun.
      We need to rush to judgment!
      I hope we can agree, however, that the Dodgers LOST the trade deadline in 2022.
      Adding RP Chris Martin for Zach McKinstry paid off, but Joey Gallo flopped, and AF trusted the untested rookie Miguel Vargas instead of securing a proven veteran like Brandon Drury, who won a Silver Slugger as UT guy in 2022.
      The trade winners in 2022 included the Padres, whose additions included Drury and Josh Hader, and the Phillies, who added Brandon Marsh and Thor. The Padres, of course, thumped the 111-win Dodgers and the Phils went all the way to the WS.
      Somebody here doesn’t like how I bring up AF’s whiffs in 2022. But I think those whiffs are part of the reason he was busier during this trade season.

9. Ohtani is not Soto or Chapman or Aaron Judge or Manny Machado….

   This is maybe a once in a lifetime player, he’s that good. I do know the Dodgers will be players for Ohtani in the off season but it will be on their terms.

   I think he takes a hometown discount to wear the Dodger Blue for the next 8 years.

   The money today will not be the same as it is in 5-10 years. The Dodgers can afford it and they will be in on him.

   Lets beat the Snakes.

   1. I think he takes a hometown discount to wear the Dodger Blue for the next 8 years.

      The strongest union in the USA is the MLBPA. No way will they allow that… unless the $$$$ are really close!

      1. ???
         How do you figure?
         You think the players union would somehow meddle in Ohtani’s contract?
         If you can you cite a single example of the players’ union meddling with an individual’s negotiation, that would be news to a lot of us, I’m sure.

   2. Yeah, I think Ohtani is who the Front Office has targeted.

10. Winners or losers? The only way to tell that is when the dust settles in November and the Champion is crowned. 2020 the Dodgers were winners because they had Betts. Braves in 21 on the strength of the pickups they made when they totally redid their outfield. In 22 the Phillies won the NL pennant when no one thought they should. They got Sosa, Marsh, Syndergaard, Robertson and Vazquez at the deadline. Syndergaard went 5-2 down the stretch, Robertson saved 6 games, Sosa hit .315 in 25 games, Marsh, a .220 hitter with the Angels, hit .288 in 41 games and played excellent defense in center. Vazquez was sent to AAA. Yep, it is way too early to judge the winners and losers. Houston is 3-2 since the deadline, Texas is 6-0. The Dodgers are 5-1. Not bad at all. Plus, after the 2 with the D-Backs, their next 10 are at home where they are. 34-20.

    1. If Verlander was ‘not impressive’ in his debut then I guess neither was Lynn. He gave up three homers and his team bailed him out. Same as Verlander

       1. No, Lynn was not impressive. But he did exactly what he was acquired for. He ate up innings, and none of the homers he gave up gave up the lead. He was not bailed out. He was ahead the entire time. Scherzer and Verlander both put their teams behind. Semantics David.

          1. Semantics like winning or losing the trade deadline. We got a few guys who were having mediocre to bad years, so they rated our deadline trades as ‘losers’. Certainly no one could have predicted the start that Kike and Kelly are having. But it is only one week. And AF is betting on all these pitchers coming back and being effective. If the Cubs go all the way, then they will say letting Bellinger go was a big blunder. But decisions made on what he did for past two years. And I guess he couldn’t figure it out in LA

             1. What AF is a master at is putting players in situations where they can succeed, like having Kike and Rosario only play against LHP.

                Lance Lynn has a 2.77 ERA and 0.92 WHIP as a Dodger (13 innings).

                Justin Verlander has a 2.57 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP (7 innings) as an Asstro.

                The key is Verlander wanted to go to Houston.

                I believe the players the Dodgers traded for are happy as hell to be Dodgers!

             2. I get it, but the point is, you were wrong. Lynn was ahead the whole time. The team got him the lead and he held it. Much better than playing from behind like they have had to the last few times Gonsolin has pitched. Putting your team, no matter how good they are behind early is not a desirable result. Especially when it is by multiple runs.

             3. How can anybody be unimpressed with Lance’s arsenal? I believe he has 6 different pitches and the Dodgers will only utilize that to keep opposition on a tightrope.

          2. Lynn was impressive.

             1. Pitched a lot better than he did in Chicago.

11. I agree Mark, Now if he lets Muncy sit against lefties……..

12. With the current players under contract and the anticipated arbitration raises for the players under team control, the Dodgers will be 137 million under the CBT for 2024.

    Can the Dodgers afford Ohtani? Sure sounds like it.

    The big question is whether he’s worth it. The Dodgers can win without him. But in terms of the big BIG long term objective of the franchise, I think it goes beyond just getting into the playoffs and winning a WS or two.

    If I’m the Guggenheim group, I’m wanting to maximize the overall value of the franchise. Owning a professional sports team is an investment, and the valuation of that investment isn’t necessarily measured in operational profitability or cash flow. A high attendance is great, but it’s only one component that contributes to the long term value of the organization.

    Baseball in the U.S. is stagnant. It’s not growing. It was overtaken by the NFL a long time ago, and probably basketball is more of a money maker now.

    For baseball to grow, it needs to grow internationally. The last World Baseball Classic showed us that there is international appeal for baseball. There is a huge market.

    Ohtani will help the Dodgers win. More importantly, he will make the Dodgers brand more recognizable and desirable internationally. It goes beyond selling Ohtani jerseys.

    The Dodgers are awash in money because they inked an insane exclusive local TV deal. Could you imagine how valuable the rights to broadcast Dodgers games in international markets would be? Ohtani’s star power would drive that.

    Ohtani is a transformational player. He’s the guy who can make MLB popular worldwide. His value goes well beyond what he does on the field.

    Ohtani – 55 AAV
    Kershaw – 20 AAV
    Muncy – 10 AAV
    Urias – 20 AAV
    Heyward – 7 AAV

    Who am I missing?

    1. Taylor

       1. Taylor’s already under contract, so the 13 AAV he’s owed is already factored in.

          https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/payroll/2024/

    2. Martinez

       1. He’s had a resurgent year. Even made it to the all star game. I imagine he’d want a 2-3 year deal for 12-15 AAV. Besides, with Ohtani as the DH he wouldn’t have a position.

13. I’ve been avoiding the Ohtani. My view is he will choose where he wants to go. If we are the choice, we’ll be happy to accomodate.

    Think about our long-term commitments. We have the franchise, Mookie, who Ohtani has said he likes. We have an affordable MVP-level guy in Freeman so we are assured to have two other stars to share the burden. Then aside from a couple more years for Taylor, we’re clear. AND we have a loaded farm system.

    Not a bad fit if he wants to sign up

14. Ohtani’s worth lies as a two-way player. It is a fact, he has been having problems with a finger, numbness, on his pitching hand. How long can he continue to be a two-way player, and at what cost? Unless he can pitch and DH, since he really has not played in the outfield or any other position, his value is diminished. He is 2-3 in his last 5 outings on the mound. Hardly Ace type pitching. He has given up 6 homers in 29 innings during that span. In his 3 losses, he went 5 innings or less. Lot of strain on the pen. His two wins were his complete game shutout of the Tigers, not impressive since they are horrible, and a 6 inning win against the Pirates where he gave up 5 earned runs. He has more value as a hitter than he does on the mound. He strikes out a lot, and he leads the AL in wild pitches. Freidman and the ownership have all the stats they need to decide whether to pursue him as a free agent or not. I think that he becomes a Dodger only if the ownership group feels he is that guy. They are the ones who have to approve a contract like that, not Friedman. If they feel they will get a huge benefit signing him, then it will happen. If they feel there is too much risk involved signing a player who turns 30 mid-season next year, it won’t. Ohtani is only a generational talent if he can keep pitching.

    1. Great points Bear regarding Ohtani value. He certainly is a great player right now and a modern day Babe Ruth. I think Ohtani was fortunate to have started in Japan where he was allowed to be a two-way player. There have been many college players who were not allowed to try to be two-way players because it just wasn’t done in MLB.
       Many could have. John Olerud had the ability and now the college two-way player award is named after him. Brenden McKay, Danny Hultzen and even Paul Skenes could have tried but were encouraged to choose one or the other. I bet Dave Winfield could have pitched. Now that door may have swung open because of Ohtani. Jac Caglialone from Florida may have a chance?
       Ohtani is remarkable. While it’s impossible to compare players from different generations, I’ll do it anyway. Babe pitched really for 6 season although he had 5 starts over 4 years with the Yankees. He had a 2,28 ERA and wasn’t a strikeout pitchers and had close to as many walks given up as strikeouts. Ohtani in 5 seasons has a 3.05 ERA and a 31% K rate and 9% walks. Babe Ruth quit pitching at 24 years old. Ohtani will be 30 this winter. Exactly Bear’s point.
       There is the rub for me.
       I’ve read here Matt mention an 8 year deal. I’ve heard 1/2 a Billion to do a deal. Really? I have no idea how much longer he can pitch effectively; 3 years, 5? 8? Effective at 38?
       When he’s done on the mound, is a DH worth $50 million a year?
       As a 2 for 1 guy, he saves a roster spot. By the same token, if he’s hurt you lose a starting pitcher and you DH.
       I’m sure he will break the bank and continue to be a generational player for a few years. But it would be for the Dodgers, if I had my way.

       1. That would be a WOULD NOT regarding Ohtani.

    2. Ohtani, as a pitcher, has the best batting-average-against in majors. He is a dominant power pitcher who Ks about 1.3 batters per inning and has compiled a 9-5 record playing for a mediocre team
       Ohtani, as a hitter, is producing at a level that exceeds Acuna, Freddie and Mookie. He is challenging Judge’s HR pace–and Judge is now earning $40m AAV.
       As a box office attraction, he has no equal. He expands the MLB market into Asia and other international markets, and the Dodgers could do more to ride that horse.
       Ohtani’s various aches and pains–or numbness or blisters–pale in comparison to the ailments that have limited Kershaw and other Dodger pitchers. Kershaw earns $30m AAV though he is now expected to miss several weeks each season. And Ohtani is several years younger than Kershaw–and also younger than Freddie and Mookie. He is clearly in his prime as a player.
       A radio yakker made a worthy point today: Perhaps Ohtani can’t succeed as a two-way player for the next ten years so he’ll have to chose whether to be pitcher or hitter. To me that’s simply an argument for bigger AAV over fewer years, which is what AF did with Bauer. I have another idea: Imagine that Ohtani eventually gives up the SP role and moves instead into a DH/closer role, usually pitching just one inning at a time.
       Mookie-Freddie is a great one-two punch.
       Now imagine Mookie-Freddie-Shohei….
       And the six-man 2024 rotation could be: Shohei, Kershaw, Buhler, Miller, Gonsolin, Stone/Pepiot/Sheehan/ ???

15. The Dodgers have two wonderful veterans that unfortunately can’t hit left handed pitching, Muncy and Heyward. If I was in management there would be a number of variables that would come into play when building a roster. Position depth, clubhouse presence, salary, etc. As a fan, I take salary out of the equation, not my money. If one was making a decision on which of the two to keep, I’d believe that management would have to decide who has a higher ceiling DuLuca or Busch. It’s a good practice to match the veterans with the new guys so the new guys can follow the veterans lead. That factor would play in the decision. I’d love the Dodgers to hang on to both Muncy and Heyward but is it worth one of the 26 spots to have a somewhat similar hitter. My pick would be Heyward because he puts the ball in play more. Of course that pick is without knowing what goes on in the clubhouse and road trips.

    I believe JD Martinez and his 10 million are up after the season.

    1. Actually John, career wise, Muncy and Heyward hit lefties better than most left-handed hitters. Heyward is .229 career wise and Muncy .228. By comparison, Joc Pederson is at .206 lifetime. Bellinger is at .246 lifetime against lefties. The reason most cannot hit lefties is because they usually do not get the chance. Heyward has only 14 at bats against LHP this year. I would think the more at bats he has, the closer he would be to his career average against them.

    2. And Peralta is just a little bit better than Max against lefties….
       Having a full-time DH limits roster flexibility. JDM has done a great job, but I think he’ll get bigger $$ elsewhere, even if the Dodgers don’t land that DH from Japan.
       Heyward and Peralta were often platooned. Now Muncy is being platooned too. Max stayed in the lineup more because he’s probably the team’s best option at 3B, and because of his power and ability to get walks. With Kike and Rosario on the team, Roberts has more options to spell Max. (We’ve had a Mookie/Heyward platoon in RF, with Mookie moving to 2B against lefties.)

16. * Gonsolin went from CatManDon’t to CatManDo with an 8 run forth inning.
    * The starting pitchers gotta love 59 runs scored the last 7 games.
    * Tatis displayed why I hate the Padres showboat style of play so much. In the top of the 9th Kike hit a routine fly ball to right. Tatis lazily cruised over, hot-dogged the catch as if was an inconvenience to bother and flipped some cross-body throw, Robbie Cano Style, back to the infield. He took a routine catch and turned into a flashing neon “look how cool I am” moment.
    He didn’t look quite as COOL a previous inning when he made a throw from right to home about 20 feet up the line. What a dick.

    1. Same goes for Soto and Machado both look at the ump when a strike is called. They both act as if they didn’t swing there’s no way the ump can call it a strike. On Saturday on the pregame David Vassegh made a point that the Dodgers play for the team and the Padres appear to play for themselves. Pretty accurate description if you ask me. I understand players need to be confident in their abilities the Padres just come off as arrogant instead of confident.

       1. Agreed 100%

    2. You mean Cat-Man Doo Doo.

17. NOhtani

    1. Yeah I wouldnt want the best player in the game on my team….no way no how….

       1. Best player? He is the best DH in the game, he is far from being the best player. His pitching is good not great. Acuna is much more valuable because he helps the team win. Ohtani has not been able to make the Angels winners. Acuna is a complete player; Ohtani is pretty much one dimensional.

          1. You seriously think Acuna is better?
             You seriously think Ohtani is “one dimensional”?
             Either you are joking or taking some really bad acid.
             You say Ohtani’s pitching is “not great” and yet he leads the majors in batting-average-against.
             He’s 9-5 and a roughly 3.3 ERA on a mediocre team with a mediocre defense.
             What would those numbers be on a good team with a good defense?
             Here’s a thought experiment for determining “greatest player.”
             Imagine that you can clone just one guy to fill out an entire roster.
             Would you really choose Acuna?

          2. This comment really doesn’t help your credibility. You may want to look at some stats. One dimensional….. WOW.

             I’m sorry Bear, but he is the best player in the game right now.

             1. Ohtani is four years older than Acuna, so I would sign Acuna to a 10-Year/$400 Million deal (and he will get that) every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Ohtani is rumored to be in line for $50-60 Million for 10 years. If so, I would rather pay $400 Mil for Acuna.

                I am very certain that Andrew Friedman is not going to pay 1 player 20% of his allocated salary! That’s felony stupid and Moreno has two guys who are boat anchors!

          3. “Ohtani is pretty much one dimensional.”

             Ohtani is tied with Ocuna for the MLB lead for offensive WAR at 5.8.

             He leads the league in home runs.

             He leads the league by a wide margin in ISO, which is a measure of power, at .365

             He leads the league by a wide margin in wRC+ at 186

             But that’s not all. His pitching also chipped in an additional 2.1 WAR, which brings his WAR total to 7.9. He would be an ace or #2 on nearly every staff.

             Just based on his total WAR, he is 36% more valuable that Ocuna.

             He really is the first true two way player (who’s exceptionally good at both) since Babe Ruth. Calling him “one dimensional” is a pretty bold statement (and wrong).

             1. … and I would still take Acuna for ten years and $400 Million vs. $600 Million and ten years for Ohtani! Too much exposure!

                Now, when it gets to the offseason, the Dodgers are going to act like they will sign Ohtani… but they won’t!

                Maybe “one-Dimensional” is not the word. It’s more like “too many birds in one basket!”

             2. He’s the opposite of one-dimensional.

             3. You guys with the salary concerns are missing the point. Ohtani is going to make you all of that money back just in worldwide sales alone. There is no one in baseball that can even touch the amount of $$$ this guy is worth to a franchise. Have you seen the top soccer contracts these days. My son was telling me there is a guy who just signed a $125 mil a year contract. Messi and Ronaldo’s teams do over $50 mil a year in merchandise and licensing. Ohtani can be just as big of a world wide sensation as the game has ever seen.

             4. If only it were that simple!

          4. The big concern for me as far as signing Ohtani would be a deep physical, with the cramping and numbness in his pitching hand I would be concerned about thoracic outlet syndrome. If I was looking to sign him and all was fine physically I would offer 5 years 325 million contract. If he gets better so be it and good luck.

18. 1. While I agree with Mark regarding Andrew Friedman, it may be too early to spike the ball. These same publications and sites that rate Deadline Winners and Losers the day after aren’t different than writers that grade NFL and NBA drafts the next day. Way too premature. I think the fact that Friedman and the front office targeted specific skill sets (innings eater in Lynn who takes the ball every fifth day, right handed hitters who hit left handers well, a reliever in Kelly with post season experience and a second starting pitcher in Yarbrough) and acquired these players for little cost in terms of money and prospects make it likely to succeed. It was a good plan, in my opinion, and well-executed. The early returns are promising.
    2. This Dodger team really has a great baseball character. They have shown that all year and it is a quality that makes them different than last year’s team. They are a very close baseball team that does appear to have everyone rowing in the same direction. There is no doubt that they added players at the deadline who would fit in this culture that exists on this team. And they seem to have fit in seamlessly. Guys have accepted their roles and are happy for the success of their teammates. Coming back from a five run deficit in San Diego on get away day when they had already secured a split of the series says a lot.
    3. I think the Dodgers will make a run at Ohtani but on their terms. I am fine with either outcome. Signing Ohtani at 30 years of age to a long term contract as a pitcher and DH is not the way AF has done business in the past. Ohtani wants to get paid as a hitter and a pitcher but if he is injured, you likely lose him as a pitcher and a hitter which means you need to replace him with two players. That is a greater risk in this signing than say, Soto after the 2024 season. But there is a return on investment that Ohtani brings to the Dodgers that no other acquisition would bring. This signing has implications that would go far beyond the on-field impact. Either way this goes, they are going to continue to be among the best teams in baseball for the foreseeable future. So with or without him, I am fine with the outcome.

    1. THIS a level-headed take on Ohtani and the Dodgers trade acquisitions.

    2. “Signing Ohtani at 30 years of age to a long-term contract as a pitcher and DH is not the way AF has done business in the past.”
       Well, of course not. No baseball executive has ever had such an opportunity before. This will be a first for any team that signs Ohtani.
       Plus, Ohtani is younger than Freddie was when Freddie signed his long-term contract with the Dodgers.
       Clearly, Ohtani is in his prime. He should be a very good two-way player for several years to come.
       Ohtani may well seek a 10 or even 12-year contract–or he may not. He may prefer a shorter deal with a higher AAV, or a deal with opt-outs.

19. Hyun-suk Jang;

    https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8LtnHUc/

    1. Who’s that chucklehead?

20. 9:40 PM ET

    Dodgers (65-46)
    Diamondbacks (57-56)

    SP Julio Urias L
    8-6 4.69 ERA
    SP Brandon Pfaadt R
    0-5 7.11 ERA

    Confirmed Lineup
    2B Mookie Betts R
    1B F. Freeman L
    C Will Smith R
    3B Max Muncy L
    DH J. Martinez R
    LF D. Peralta L
    RF J. Heyward L
    CF James Outman L
    SS Amed Rosario R

    In Domed Stadium

    1. There will be dingerz

21. DODGERS MINOR LEAGUE NEWS
    Gavin Stone, Yusniel Díaz, Wilman Diaz win player of the week honors

22. What a surprise!

    https://dodgersnation.com/padres-starter-seth-lugo-calls-dodgers-out-for-bush-league-move-after-allowing-8-runs-on-monday/2023/08/08/amp/

    1. Whether the Dodgers were doing it or not, it’s on the pitcher to ensure he’s taking all the necessary precautions to not give the opposing team an advantage.

       If he didn’t want a batter spying on his pitches from second base, he shouldn’t have allowed them to get there in the first place.

       Overall, though, this is a pretty sad excuse for a pitcher who got absolutely rocked on Monday and blew a 5-0 lead to a division rival.

       The Dodgers have one of baseball’s best lineups, and he wasn’t able to put them away after being given a 5-0 cushion.

       If it makes Lugo feel better to call LA out, then so be it. But there’s a reason the Padres are 55-58 and clawing for a Wild Card berth, while the Dodgers are looking to make the postseason for the 11th straight season

       1. Hey, Don’t they have that thing-a- ma-jig where you can automatically relay the pitches? Maybe he should lookinto that

          1. Seeing as they have the pitch com system it’s hard to know what pitch is coming. The only thing they can do is pick up location on second base that’s not really going to help to the degree they pounded Lugo. He was tipping his pitches. As soon as he came out the reliever shut the Dodgers down. Just another arrogant padre player that thinks he’s too great of a player to have a good team tear him a new one.

23. DODGER PRESS RELEASE

    DODGERS RECALL VICTOR GONZÁLEZ

    LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled left-handed pitcher Victor González and optioned left-handed pitcher Bryan Hudson.

    González, 27, returns for his third stint with the Dodgers and he is 2-3 on the season with a 5.32 ERA (14 ER/23.2 IP) and 22 strikeouts. He has been with the Dodgers parts of three seasons, and he is a combined 8-4 with a 3.52 ERA (31 ER/79.1 IP) and 78 strikeouts against 28 walks. With Triple-A Oklahoma City, he was 2-0 with a 2.60 ERA (5 ER/17.1 IP) and 19 strikeouts in 17 games. He has pitched in 156 minor league games (57 starts) and he is a combined 22-28 with a 4.26 ERA( 198 ER/418.0 IP) and 413 strikeouts. He was signed by the Dodgers as an international free agent on July 2, 2012 from Tuxpan, Nayarit, Mexico.

    Hudson, 26, pitched 2.0 innings, allowing one run on two hits yesterday against the Padres. He is 0-0 with a 7.94 ERA with four strikeouts in three games for the Dodgers this season. He is 5-0 with a 2.61 ERA (12 ER/41.1 IP) and 66 strikeouts in 36 games for Oklahoma City this season. He is a combined 36-27 with a 4.23 ERA (234 ER/498.1 IP) and 434 strikeouts in 186 career minor league games (74 starts). He was drafted by the Cubs in the third round of the 2015 First Year Player Draft out of Alton High School (IL).

24. I loved Aaron Boone’s act that got him tossed by Liz Diaz. It was right up there with some Tommy, Lou Pinella and Billy Martin acts. Diaz missed 19 pitches in the game. He called 17 true balls, strikes. That’s a 66% accuracy rate. Just slightly better than flipping coins.
    2 questions come to mind:
    How does Diaz keep his job?
    Where’s the ABS?

    1. I did like it when Boone drew a line in the batters box to show Diaz how far outside the pitch was. ABS cannot be implemented soon enough. There are some good umpires with good accuracy. Unfortunately they are few and far between.

25. The OKC Dodgers lost this afternoon to the Tacoma Raniers, but Busch was 1-3 with a 3-run HR and two walks, and Vargas was 2-4 with a walk.

    Montgomery got bombed to the tune of 8 runs in 2.1 innings.

26. 294 representing.

    Korea next season? Woohoo go P294!

    https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8LWtkch/

27. While talking about what the Dodgers do next season and the Ohtani talk, my concern is Will Smith. I’d take over any catcher in baseball at this point. Though Barnes has been much better offensively by playing small ball (which is a good role for Barnes), he still has difficulty throwing out runners because of a below average arm. How many more years are we going to play Smith at catcher? His bat, his approach, his presence is everything one would want on their team for a long time. Smith isn’t big in stature the grind has to take a toll on his body. Do we have anyone in the minors ready to step up and be able to not only catch but produce for the Dodgers a couple of times a week. Our minor league teams have potentially great catchers but they’re not ready for prime time. The free agent market for catchers isn’t good. I would love to know what the Dodgers plan with Smith is going down the road. Do they believe that one of the youngsters in the minors will be able to step up in a year or two? It’s been stated several times that eventually Smith will end up in left field or third base. I’m hoping one of our catchers develop or we take to our outstanding minor league system and trade for a high MLB ready catcher.

28. Bear, my home is about five hours from Denver unfortunately my job has me on the other side of the State for stretches of time. The last week of September the Dodgers are in Colorado in midweek. I have meetings on the 28th of September but they are late afternoon and early evening. I will be going to at least two of the games, not sure my body could handle a doubleheader. I’m hooked up so I can get us good tickets for any of those games. Let me know if you’re interested. The only way I won’t make it is if it gets cold which can happen in Colorado in late September. I’m not sure how I can reach out to you without making my email public, hopefully you can figure it out so we can make plans if your interested.

29. Martinez scratched from this game for the same groin/hamstring issue he’s had for a week now. His bad back and ding-ups remain a concern for the rest of the season.

    1. Let him heal.

       Hell, call up Busch.

       1. Shoot yeah, that’s what they should do! But for whatever reason, the Dodgers seem allergic to Busch in the show.

30. Just announced that we’ve signed Jang, the 19 year old Korean pitcher.

    1. Per Kiley M:

       Jang has four pitches for strikes, starter traits, and above average stuff. His fastball sits 92-95 and has hit 97 mph for some scouts.

       He compares to recent second or third round caliber prep pitchers.

       1. Can’t remember where I read it, but someone said he compared to a first rounder.

          The two guys we gave the White Sox were considered pretty good prospects. I’m thinking our front office people and scouts view him more as a first rounder or they might not have gone through all this effort to get him. Maybe just wishful thinking on my part.

          1. Feels like he’s firmly in the #5-#10 realm of Dodger prospects.

             1. Not too sure about that! But he’s a good long term asset.

             2. Talented, but young and developing.
                Probably will rise to top ten of pitching prospects after another year. Dodgers have a lot of good arms.
                But he could surprise everyone. Remember: Julio was only 19 when he reached The Show.

       2. Good signing.
          I thought I read somewhere he already reaches 100 mph.

          When will that Japan phenom Sasaki be available ? Would love to see him in Dodger blue.

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

31. I think he will soon slot in places 1-4!

32. Arizona was 50-34 on July 1st. Now at .500. Ouch! It’s a 162 grind and no one does it better than our Dodgers.

33. I’m really starting to like this “team” type play we got going on

34. Good news – Urias is turning the corner and getting better.
    Bad news – Vesia/Graterol/Phillips gave up 4 runs over the last 3 innings.

35. Yeah, when the SP is good, the bullpen falters sometimes.
    But Julio’s start is really encouraging. Now we wait on Kershaw….
    And let’s not forget Outman!
    No hits tonight, but also two walks and zero strikeouts. Good plate discipline. He followed his second walk with a stolen base. That set the stage for Mookie to drive him in with an insurance run that proved to be the winner.

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