NOTE: There was recently some discussion about the Rule 5 Draft, so we will discuss it right about now. On Tuesday, November 14, 2023, teams must add eligible minor leaguers to their 40-man rosters or risk losing them in the Rule 5 Draft by 5 p.m. CT.
Every December, the Rule 5 Draft allows clubs without a full 40-man roster to select certain non-40-man roster players from other clubs. Clubs draft in reverse order of the standings from the previous season. Players signed at age 18 or younger need to be added to their club’s 40-man roster within five seasons, or they become eligible for the Rule 5 Draft. Players who signed at age 19 or older need to be protected within four seasons.
Not every club will make a selection, but those that do pick a player must pay $100,000 to the club from which said player was selected. Rule 5 Draft picks are assigned directly to the drafting club’s 26-man roster and must be placed on outright waivers in order to be removed from the 26-man roster in the subsequent season. Should the player clear waivers, he must be offered back to his previous team for $50,000 and can be outrighted to the Minors only if his original club does not wish to reacquire him. A Rule 5 Draft pick can be placed on the Major League injured list, but he must be active for a minimum of 90 days to avoid being subject to the aforementioned roster restrictions in the next campaign.
Clubs may trade a player selected in the Rule 5 Draft, but the same restrictions apply to the player’s new organization. However, a club may also work out a trade with the Rule 5 pick’s original club to acquire his full rights, thereby allowing him to be optioned to the Minors under traditional circumstances. — That was taken directly from MLB’s site.
The Dodgers are in danger of losing some players to Rule 5 because of the depth of their farm system. Last year, they lost Gus Varland to Milwaukee, but he did not do well with the Brewers and was returned to the Dodgers later. He is still in the Dodgers’ system and still Rule 5 eligible, along with a plethora of other Dodgers. Here are the most notable Dodger Prospects eligible for Rule 5:
- Yusniel Diaz
- Carlos Duran
- Hunter Feduccia
- Nick Frasso
- Yenier Fernandez
- Alex Gamboa
- Edgardo Henriquez
- Kyle Hurt
- Landon Knack
- Jose Ramos
- John Rooney
- Jerming Rosario
- Gus Varland
- Mark Washington
- Kendall Williams
There are a couple dozen more players who are eligible, but there is virtually no chance they will be taken because they are not advanced enough to be able to be stashed on an MLB Roster. A couple are coming off of Tommy John Surgery (Duran and Henriquez) and have not pitched for a year. The players I think are most likely to be taken and, therefore, need to be added to the 40-man roster are the following players:
- Hunter Feduccia
- Nick Frasso
- Kyle Hurt
- Landon Knack
- Gus Varland
- Kendall Williams
Yesterday, the Dodgers announced their full list of option decisions, including the previously reported news that the club options on Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly, and Alex Reyes were all declined. Los Angeles also declined Daniel Hudson’s $6.5MM club option for the 2024 season, but the team is exercising its club option on reliever Blake Treinen. Treinen’s club option is allegedly $1MM.The Dodgers could also non-tender Yency Almonte and Ryan Yarbrough.
J.P. Feyereisen should also be ready to go by Spring Training, thus strengthening the bullpen. The bullpen is not a point of worry, although Shelby Miller could move on, as could Ryan Brasier. Today is the day the Dodgers decide whether to offer JDM the Qualifying Offer. For the record, I would do it. Why wouldn’t they? If he takes it, you can keep him or trade him after May, and if he doesn’t, you get a draft pick. I’d rather pay him $20 Million than pay Ohtani $450 Million!
At any rate, the show is about to start, and I see Michael Wacha and Sean Manaea as intriguing turnaround options. Let the Show begin!
None of the nominated Dodgers won Gold Gloves. Mookie lost out to Tatis Jr, and Kim as the utility guy.
As of right now the Dodgers 40 man roster has 36 players. In order to clear enough space for the 6 listed 2 more would need to be dfa’d or non tendered. Most likely would be Almonte , Yarbrough , Varland and Bryan Hudson.
Don’t know about Varland, but they might not protect him again.
It’s only a matter of “when”… not “if” with Varland. He is most certainly a bullpen guy.
I counted 35. They still have Hudson, Lynn, Reyes, and Kelly listed on the MLB site. But I counted three times and 35 seems to be the number.
Here’s what we can’t forget about some relievers: It takes a long time… sometimes… many times.
Remember Grant Holmes? The Dodgers took him in the 2014 draft. Oakland picked him up in 2016 and he bounced around their system until 2022, when the Braves picked him up.
Last year, he was the closer for Gwinnett and was perfect in 13 opportunities. He pitched 61 innings in 50 games and struck out 74 with a 3.54 ERA. He will be 28 next season, and right now the Braves are discussing whether to put him on the 40-man roster to protect him in Rule 5.
This is why I say “stats” are only a small part of player evaluation. What are the underlying facts and circumstances behind the stats? For example, what happened to Diego Cartaya? By all statistical analysis, he regressed, but if you watch him, you will be WOWED by his tools. There’s a story here and I certainly do not know what it is, but there is a story behind the statistics.
I mean, it could be a parent who is battling cancer, a girlfriend who dumped the player, or a mental health issue. Here’s an example of a sad case I am close to:
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2023/03/30/baseball-phenom-13-dies-by-suicide-his-parents-say-he-was-bullied/70034098007/
I am not saying that any of this applies to Diego, but when you watch him play, you are incredulous at how good he looks. There’s more to this story. This game is played by people… not statistics!
“This game is played by people… not statistics!”
Then Mark, why do people here including you post stats?
Then if Cartaya or anyone else gets effected by personal issues and it interferes with his baseball production couldn’t that tell you that whenever another personal issue comes up the same thing will happen or worse like Julio Urias? It’s a professional sport, be professional like millions of other sports players throughout the years. I’ve certainly heard the phrase…if it wasn’t for _____ he would have been some special ______ player.
Fill in the blanks with an issue going on and a sport.
Another thing is that we don’t know, so therefore take his stats as they are and don’t make excuses for him.
By the way, I made my own top 11 prospects list, it was suppose to be 10 but I like the guy in the 11th spot. I make my list every year in the offseason.
If you take out Yenier Fernandez from your list, the other 11 that you have in your top 12, are the same names in my top 11, not all in the same slots and I rely heavily, not all, on stats. There are other things I consider.
Post yours. I’d read it.
What a tragic story Mark. Almost wished you didn’t share that link, but it is a fact of life and the story needs to be told. You never know what folks are internalizing.
A bit off topic here, but I’ve volunteered to coach on my daughter’s softball teams the last couple of seasons. The league makes volunteers take background checks and complete a “SafeSport” training. During this training I learned that elite players are not exempt from bullying, but are often the target(s) for the “player hating” crowd. Not a term referenced in the training but was the first thing that came to mind.
Counsel not going back to the Brewers but according to MLB TradeRumors he’s going to a team that currently doesn’t have a vacancy.
Where does he go? Look at the Marlins job with reports Schumacher is unhappy with Kim
Ng being let go. Schumacher then goes to the Padres??
Interesting!
Staying in the division with the Cubs, interesting.
Curious move indeed
Steve Phillips said this morning he would offer JD a qualifying offer even though they are expected to pursue Ohtani. He said if they do sign Ohtani they could then try and trade JD. that will give them a fallback if Ohtani signs elsewhere though it’s possible JD doesn’t accept the QO. Although the Dodgers have interest in Japanese pitcher, some think they may pursue Giolita . After all they fix every pitcher they sign. I would not break the bank for Ohtani, but I would be very involved for his services. That bat would sure look good in the 3 or 4 slot. Then they could move Muncy down to 5 or 6 spot. I think they could put Lux back in that 9 spot, that would be great! When Lux leads off an inning, you would have Mookie, Freddie, Ohtani, and Will all in a row! Good luck opposing pitchers!
No way they were going to give JD a QO, not at 20.35 million. And they didn’t. Ohtani is going to get anywhere between 450 and 500 mil or more. That is the estimate. There are two Japanese pitchers of interest, Yamamoto and Imanaga. Imanaga is a lefty. And he is going to be a lot cheaper than Yamamoto. They don’t fix every pitcher they sign, look at Syndergaard.
DODGERS TO HOST MILITARY HEROES AT ANNUAL VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION
Chris Taylor to appear at event presented by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
LOS ANGELES – The Dodgers will host approximately 350 pre-selected active-duty service members of our nation’s United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force and veterans and their families on Friday, November 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Dodger Stadium for a special Veterans Day batting practice event.
“Every year we look forward to honoring the dedication and sacrifice made by American veterans and their families,” said Kristin McCowan, Senior Director of Government and Community Affairs for the Dodgers. “This year, we are reminded of the significance of the commitment that so many people make to serve our country every day. When that service concludes, they are still owed our gratitude. The Los Angeles Dodgers Veterans Day event, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), is just one small way to show our continued appreciation.”
Military members will enjoy a rotation of activities, including batting practice, photo opportunities with the 2020 World Series trophy, tours of Dodger Stadium, and activations in the Centerfield Plaza and bullpen. As part of the program, Dodger outfielder and 2023 Roberto Clemente Award nominee Chris Taylor will take part in a Q & A session hosted by SNLA’s Kirsten Watson. Dodger alumnus Billy Ashley, alongside his father, Billy Ashley Sr., who is a former United States Marine Corps Sergeant who served in the Vietnam War, will welcome the group and give guests pointers during their batting practice. Dodger great Steve Yeager will also be in attendance to greet guests. The Dodgers and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health will be presented an award by the United States Marines 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, for their recognition and work with veterans in Los Angeles.
“The L.A. Dodgers have been a tremendous partner in recognizing the different people and communities that make Los Angeles so rich in culture, diversity, and experience. We are proud to join the Dodgers once again in honoring our nation’s veterans with a day at the ballpark, specially designed and dedicated to them,” said Dr. Lisa H. Wong, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. “On Veterans Day and every day, LACDMH remains committed to providing mental health services and resources to L.A. County’s veterans and their families through our Veterans Peer Access Network (VPAN). Led by veterans for veterans, LACDMH’s VPAN is a community-driven support network that provides those who served with hope, well-being, and a greater quality of life.”
WHO: Billy Ashley, Dodgers Alumnus
Rhonda Higgins, Division Chief, LACDMH Veterans Peer Access Network (VPAN)
Kristin McCowan, Senior Director, Dodgers Government and Community Affairs
Chris Taylor, Dodgers outfielder
Kirsten Watson, SportsNet LA Reporter
Dr. Lisa H. Wong, Director, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
Steve Yeager, Dodgers Alumnus
WHEN: Friday, November 10
11:00 a.m. Welcome and introductions
11:10 a.m. U.S. Marines to present award to the Dodgers and LACDMH
11:12 a.m. National Anthem performed by U.S. Navy Chief Monique Staples and Color Guard by U.S. Air Force Edwards Air Force Base Honor Guard
11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Chris Taylor Q&A with Kirsten Watson and military members above the Dodger dugout
12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Lunch/Rotating stations (batting practice, stadium tours, photos, Centerfield Plaza activities)
3:00 p.m. Program ends
The Dodgers honor military personnel and veterans year-round with initiatives including the Military Hero of the Game on-field recognition that takes place during each Dodger home game. For details on the Dodgers’ military programs and ticket promotions, please visit here.
No Qualifying Offer to JD Martinez or to Clayton Kershaw.
Maybe they know something about JD and his health that we don’t, but it seems like a no-brainer to me.
Are you saying it seemed like a no-brainer to give him a QO?
That’s double his last year’s salary. He might have taken it. Then what do they do if they sign Ohtani? Play JDM in left field every day?
Or did I totally misunderstand what you were saying?
Must mean they’re all in on Ohtani. Couldn’t offer JDM in case he accepted.
Ohtani is going to get over $350 Million.
JDM may or may not have taken the QO. At any rate, if he wanted to stay in LA he could have taken a 2 year deal for a lesser AAV.
If he would have taken it, AF had a fall back if Ohtani signed elsewhere.
If Ohtani did sign, JDM can be traded.
It’s really simple. Hedge your bets.
Well, I guess Mark must now think that AF is a nincompoop, because the Dodgers did not give JDM the QO.
Here is what Mark wrote in the Book of Moron the other day:
“Today is the day the Dodgers decide whether to offer JDM the Qualifying Offer. For the record, I would do it. Why wouldn’t they? If he takes it, you can keep him or trade him after May, and if he doesn’t, you get a draft pick. I’d rather pay him $20 Million than pay Ohtani $450 Million!”
And he later added:
“JDM may or may not have taken the QO. At any rate, if he wanted to stay in LA he could have taken a 2 year deal for a lesser AAV.
“If he would have taken it, AF had a fall back if Ohtani signed elsewhere.
If Ohtani did sign, JDM can be traded.
It’s really simple. Hedge your bets.”
How strange that AF didn’t accept Mark’s sage advice and sign JDM for $20 million….
Why didn’t AF do it?
One possibility is that yes, in fact, AF would much rather pay megabucks to Ohtani.
Another is that, if he fails to land Ohtani, his Plan B for DH could be to make Max the primary DH and sign Chapman or Candelario to play 3B, or perhaps trade to fill the position. (Sure, Vargas or Busch are options, but neither are proven big leaguers, and neither get raves for their defense.)
Speaking of Max, I still wonder if Max’s agent is his brother-in-law.
Max is quoted extensively in TrueBlueLA today about how much he loves the Dodgers organization and wanted to be sure to stay in LA for the next two seasons. I hope he has a no-trade clause and maybe some performance incentives, because his contract is very team-friendly. I sort of admire that he doesn’t prioritize $$$–but I still think he sold himself short. Some lesser players are making millions more.
$20m hedge?
Baller
Only 7 players received QOs this year
Otani
Snell
Hader
Bellinger
Aaron Nola
Chapman
Sonny Gray
All options except Treinen’s declined.
Councell hired by the Cubs and Ross cut loose. Vogt gets the Cleveland job and Mendoza is taking over the Mets. He was the Yankees bench coach. You can forget about AF targeting any of those guys who got a QO except Ohtani. AF hates giving up draft picks. Garver not given a QO by the Rangers.
Of course, JDM could still come back to the Dodgers. He wanted to be here and likely still does. He is Plan B.
Flaherty and Giolito are on the Dodger’s radar as are Yamamoto and Imanaga (who is LH). The Dodgers could sure use a LHP… even if he is a #3 like Imanaga would be.
Then there is Burnes…
Milwaukee is officially re-building.
If it is just Burnes, fine, I do not want to see them have to take on Yelich’s deal too.
Seriously, I wonder if Yamamoto and/or Imanaga are hoping to play with Ohtani–or maybe don’t want to play with him. These guys probably talk to each other.
I think Yamamoto is clearly the best SP target, being just 25 with ace-quality stuff. He’s not a 5-6 inning guy like Snell, either.
Imanaga is a good fallback, but a mid-rotation guy. (Another undersized crafty southpaw! My son needs role models!)
If the Brewers are rebuilding, then definitely they should be talking to AF. A lot of trade potential.
Perhaps AF should focus solely on Burnes. What would it take?
Stone + Busch? Maybe toss in Yeiner Fernandez and/or Kendall Williams. I’d be wary of taking on Yelich’s contract given the poor quality of his arm and possibility that he would block guys like DeLuca, Pages and ???
My preference is for LAD to add pitching via the trade market for three reasons:
1. Burnes, Glasnow and Bieber represent the type of front line starters we desperately need.
2. It buys an additional year of development for our young starters so the front office can better project longterm pitching needs.
3. Depending how the young core (pitching) develop, the LAD can bridge themselves to a richer FA class containing Cole (if he opts out), Wheeler, Burnes, Woodruff, Glasnow, Buehler, Fried and Bieber.
Some folks here, I think, question the significance of the international market in how it may shape the Dodgers pursuit of free agents.
Here’s something I just was from the LA Times:
“The Dodgers’ first significant offseason acquisition was announced on Halloween morning last week, hours before Game 4 of the World Series. It didn’t draw attention around the industry. It didn’t include a player or a member of the coaching staff. But it was an indication of the Dodgers’ plans.
Lorenzo Sciarrino was rejoining the organization as senior vice president for global partnerships. Sciarrino, who previously spent 12 years with the Dodgers, was hired away from WME Sports to head the franchise’s “global sponsorship department, supervising and engineering franchise partnerships with businesses domestically and internationally.”
It is not a coincidence the Dodgers made this move two days before Shohei Ohtani officially became a free agent and before Yoshinobu Yamamoto posts to join a Major League Baseball team in the coming weeks.
The Dodgers are considered a favorite to acquire at least one of those players this offseason. Hiring Sciarrino signals the Dodgers’ plan to maximize revenue — for the organization and player — if they sign one. But Ohtani and Yamamoto aren’t the only Japanese stars on the team’s radar.
The Dodgers devoted considerable time to scouting pitching sensation Roki Sasaki this year, hopeful at one point the right-hander would be posted this winter, according to people with knowledge of the situation but not authorized to speak publicly. Sasaki, however, is not expected to be available for MLB clubs this offseason.
Sasaki’s looming jump to the United States could have implications on the Dodgers’ choices this winter. It could, for example, discourage them from committing to a top-tier starting pitcher other than Ohtani in free agency.
There’s also an understanding that Japanese stars often prefer not to play on the same major league clubs as other Japanese stars. Ultimately, would signing Ohtani or Yamamoto prevent a pursuit of Sasaki? The answer is unclear….
Here’s a link. Interesting stuff.
And let’s not forget how the Dodgers took care to sign the Korean pitching prospect too.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2023-11-06/dodgers-japanese-star-shohei-ohtani-roki-sasaki