The Dominos are Ready to Fall

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1. The Giants are said to be the front-runner for Yamamoto and the asking price is rising. Some are speculating at least 300 million for the Japanese star. If that is his price, forget him and target Imanaga. Dodgers will never pay that much for just a pitcher. DeRosa on MLB-Tonight made the suggestion that because he has averaged only 81 innings a year in his MLB career, that Ohtani might consider becoming a closer. It is fairer to the team and the other pitchers since he pitches every six days. Unless teams are willing to go to a six-man rotation, which at this point with starting pitchers at a premium, seems very unlikely. They also pointed out that the Dodgers are lefty heavy in the outfield and on the roster and desperately need a RH thumper.

   1. Hoskins might fill that bill.

      1. He could. I would rather see them bring in Lane Thomas.

         1. How about the Cards’ Tyler O’Neil?
            Definitely on the market. Looked like a budding superstar in ’21, then had two subpar seasons with injuries. He’s won two GG in left, and when healthy showed 30+ HR power. Bats righthanded. I’d rather have him than Hoskins, who belongs at 1B for another team.
            Lane Thomas is excellent on offense and defense, but are the Nationals shopping him? I was hoping the Dodgers might deal for him last season when it looked like Mookie’s move to 2B may be permanent. Heyward’s platoon partner now is probably Chris Taylor. I don’t think Lane Thomas needs to platoon. As I recall it, his splits aren’t that bad.
            Heyward will likely see more action this season. I expect a platoon, but with Mookie at 2B full-time he’ll also be a late-inning defensive replacement.
            As constructed now, Dodgers could have platoons across the OF: Busch/Vargas , Outman/DeLuca, Heyward/Taylor…..
            The problem with platooning Outman, Vargas, Busch and DeLuca is that it could stunt their development. Guys like Heyward and Taylor are full developed.
            If Kike returns, perhaps he can spell Max at 3B sometimes.
            But Mookie, Freddie and Shohei (fingers crossed) will each play 160 games.
            Of course I still expect either Busch or Vargas to be dealt. While I don’t consider LF a high priority, the opportunity to land O’Neil or Arozarena deserves serious consideration.

            1. Thomas .227 career hitter against RHP. .242 last year with 19 bombs. O’Neill’s splits are almost even, but he has shown more power against RHP, 62 HR’s to 16 vs lefties.

2. saying for 2 weeks hoskins would be perfect fit ((if healthy). can always bring CT in as a defensive replacement late in games. but i really like his bat . if healthy he’s a better athlete than JD , and the dodgers considered using JD in left field last season. i would trade for Cease, sign the japanese lefty, sign seth lugo . try and trade barnes, rojas. i’m not opposed to bringing kiki back, but i wouldn’t take too many AB’s away from outman unless he has sophomore struggles. then i would consider making an in season trade. again, this all falls on ohtani! i’m starting to hope for him to resign with the angels. i’m starting to believe you’re right Mark, any team that signs ohtani will be handicapped for the next 8-10 years. he’ll sign JD for 1 years and go after Soto next year . i’m not a huge fan of him, but he’s not a good outfielder or base runner, but that stick would be nice for a few years. he’ll mookie and freddie might teach him some manners . he might help get fired up a little more!

3. It’s interesting when baseball stars don’t embrace celebrity.

   First there was Mike Trout, the best player in the game and he wanted no part in becoming the superstar celebrity the game needs, now Shohei Ohtani. Where has Babe Ruth gone? No one willing to step up. No Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays. No Reggie Jackson.

   Basketball has had many stars — Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and LeBron James. Who is the face of baseball? No, not the best player, the actual face of the game today. Football had Tom Brady. Soccer has several megastars.

   That face would, no doubt, be Ohtani, but he’s like a mime. The best player in the world and he’s hiding out. Soon to be the most highly paid player in MLB and he’s off the radar. Not so sure this is good for the game. Everybody is waiting for the Ohtani domino to fall and everything breaks loose. It’s the Winter Meetings, after all. Part of the reason for the winter meetings is to create excitement for the game and create buzz among the fans.

   A Wednesday morning announcement would create that. Otherwise it’s Ho-hum and other sports and sport stars move past baseball. Wonder why baseball is slip sliding away when compared to other sports. Baseball needs a Taylor Swift moment.

4. I wouldn’t assume Deluca will be the roving RH platoon partner for Heyward, Outman etc. We could easily upgrade that spot and keep him in AAA as a full-time starter/understudy.

   Similarly, Rojas is just fine for what he is. I dont understand why they dont just give CT3 the LF job.

   Still waiting on an SP. Cease or Giolito seems realistic. I refuse to engage in Brewer trade speculation.

   1. Yes, DeLuca could head back to OKC. But in DeLuca’s brief debut, he arguably outperformed both Vargas and Busch. He certainly is a legit outfielder with great speed and range.
      Mookie’s move to 2B limits the options for Vargas and Busch and it makes both more likely to be traded. If one or both are dealt, DeLuca has a better chance of sticking in LA, perhaps as a 4th outfielder.
      The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of Arozarena adding some sizzle to the squad…
      Mookie
      Freddie
      Shohei
      Will
      Max
      RANDY!
      Outman (or “Outy”)
      J-Hey/CT3
      Gavin

      Geez, Gavin is a terrible baseball name.
      That’s another reason to trade for Willy Adames. Willy is a great baseball name

      1. But Adames is a mediocre baseball player.

         1. Great baseball names:
            Willie, Mickey, Hank, Babe, Lou, Mookie, Ty, Brooks, Roberto, Sandy, Duke, PeeWee, Jackie, Pedro, Manny, Reggie …..
            Lousy baseball name:
            Gavin.
            My apologies to any Gavins who might be reading this.
            But you know it’s true.

            1. Oil Can, The Big Hurt, Jorge, don’t call me George Orta. Pistol Pete.

5. taylor is not an everyday player. he is a role player. at times a very good one! but his strikeout rate is not good.

   1. Gee, how many of these guys don’t? Henandez, Hoskins, Adames, all names being mentioned are big K guys. Hernandez 211, Hoskins in his last full season, 169, Adames, 165, Muncy, 153, Taylor, 125 but he was injured a lot, his last full season, 178. JD Martinez struck out 149 times in 113 games. I would like to see a real contact hitter in the lineup to offset all of the K’s. Oh yeah, Arozarena, another name everyone wants, 156 the last two seasons in a row and 170 the year before that.

      1. Exactly. And we’re already paying him $15m

      2. So what’s your solution, Bear? You don’t like “big K guys.”
         Who are the small K guys the Dodgers target?
         The Dodgers could have tried to get Luiz Arraez last year. But there really aren’t many Gwynn-Carew types out there now.
         One option now is to go all-in with Vargas in LF. He’s supposed to be a great natural hitter, a guy who Mark compares to Freddie, no less. Isn’t he a “real contact hitter”?
         Well, so far, not-so good. Vargas really hasn’t performed on the ML level. Part of that is related to injury–but only part. He is far from proven.
         I’m liking Arozarena because of the excitement in his game–and his clutch postseason play certainly helps. I’m liking O’Neill because he showed his huge potential in ’21, on offenses and defense. I’m (sort of) liking Yelich because he would be bring Burnes and he has a good track record.

         1. The solution? Easy, get rid of the three true outcome mentality and coaching and go back to see ball hit ball. I have never seen so many hitters sit there with the bat on their shoulder and take strike three right down the middle without even moving the bat. Muncy is often guilty of that. Fast track Kendall George. Pure contact hitter. I like O’Neill better than those other guys. His defense is excellent and he has speed. But he also K’s a little bit too much. Yelich struck out 140 times last year, but at least he has a decent batting average.

            1. Kendall George is a ray of hope, but seems at least 3 years away.
               Jorbit Vivas is a good on-base guy–but now Mookie has 2B locked up for the next several years. Vivas can sweeten an offer for Burnes, Cease, Glasnow…
               To get O’Neill, the Dodgers would probably have to give up pitching.
               But I don’t think the Dodgers will give up pitching unless it brings back better pitching.
               Still, O’Neill could have a big impact on any team that lands him….

            2. You are probably right about George, but he could surprise everybody.

6. Seems like a trend the Dodgers making a competitive (losing) offer and the player signs with another team, Soto, Nola, Harper, Cole. Now Roberts opens his mouth when Ohtanis group said if anyone mentions anything they will be taken out of the bidding. Washington from the Angels refused to comment so as to not affect anything.

   1. That doesn’t mean anything, and it won’t affect the Dodgers chances to land Ohtani. Soto has never been a free agent. He was traded to the Padres and the price was very high. Dodgers have never had a chance to sign him. Nola did not want to leave the Phillies. Cole wanted to be a Yankee period, and as for Harper, the Dodgers offered him a high AAV and the chance to opt out. The Phillies offered the long-term deal. Seager got a huge deal from Texas. But he also is injury prone. Turner was never going to sign with LA. He wanted to go back to the east coast.

      1. Thanks, was not aware of those details, makes it more palpable. Still hope we get several difference makers this offseason. We need more championships with this group.

   2. I would give Roberts a medal if he accomplished that!

7. A writer in the LA Times wrote the Dodgers want Ohtani, but don’t really need him. That rings true. The Dodgers won a hundred games last year. All the injuries to starting pitchers and they won the NL West and won a hundred or more games for the third year in a row.

   So, do the Dodgers really need Ohtani? No, they don’t. Do they want him? Absolutely! Will they get him? Pretty much everybody in Nashville thinks so. But there is always the mystery team and Ohtani isn’t talking. For all we know, he wants to play in Las Vegas.

   But as everybody has speculated, the Dodgers seem to fit what Ohtani is looking for and, even though that’s all speculation, logic indicates it’s probably true. His doctor, the one who did his surgery, is one of the team physicians. The Dodgers win and go to the playoffs every year. They have a really good team and a strong farm system. They have exceptional management and are always looking for an edge. They have money, a great stadium, iconic history and don’t forget the fan base and the weather. LA also has a significant Japanese population. The Dodgers lead MLB in attendance every year. He could lead them to a World Series title and Parade. All the boxes have apparently been checked. At least all within the speculation dome.

   According to one story, he already knows where he wants to go. If that’s true, just sign the deal and announce it. Remember when the Dodgers did the dog and pony show for Ohtani years ago. afterward Clayton Kershaw called it a waste of time, Ohtani had already decided, then he signed with the Angels. The decision has probably been made this time around and they’re just playing it out.

   What the Dodgers really need and Dave Roberts pointed that out yesterday is starting pitching. Gomes has said it, Friedman has said it, all the pundits and analysts have said it. Bear has said it repeatedly. Mark has written about it. Many others on this site have said it. Must be true.

   As far as what Roberts said about Ohtani, he didn’t violate any sacred rules. He merely talked about what a great player he has become, just like every person at the resort has pointed out.

   He didn’t talk about the Dodgers pursuit of the player or what kind of offer the organization was making, reportedly between $500 and $600 million.

   He’s not allowed to talk about those details, apparently an MLB edict.

8. thomas would be a nice addition Bear. but washington is getting better and do you think washington would move him? an everyday left fielder would be a great christmas gift. i know , dodgers love versatility, they love platoons. they need a above average player in left. so if Thomas is available, go get him. if not, hoskins will do

   1. DC is a bottom feeder. I saw little improvement from the team they were before. They have some nice players, but their pitching is very suspect, and they have very little power. They could move him for an arm or two. Whether we believe it or not, on teams in the lower half of the MLB hierarchy, very few players are untouchable. For the right package, anyone can be moved. One reason the Padres talks with the Yankees have stalled is because the Padres want an insane return for Soto. One of two things will happen, he won’t be moved because no one will pay the asking price, or they wait until the trade deadline. They have the same problem with Soto that Milwaukee has with Burnes, he is a rental. I say again, Hoskins is coming off of an injury and surgery. Remember how long it took Bellinger to regain some semblance of the player he was before he got hurt. 2021, he was a shadow of the player he was, but he was hurt twice, once with a broken leg. In 22 he was still hampered with weakness in his repaired shoulder. He improved, but not enough for the Dodgers to retain his services, and now he is one of the most sought-after free agents out there. Hoskins injury was to his left leg ACL. That is his plant leg. Will it cause him to alter his swing? Lot of questions there. Teams must have questions about his status because a player like that usually generates a lot of interest. Right now, there is zero chatter about Hoskins. And again, Hoskins is another big strikeout guy. Way too many of those on the market as it is. Another .240 hitter.

9. The Dodgers may not need Ohtani to play in October but if they want to win in October then help is needed. His bat goes a long way to solving our lack of offense in the playoffs. And another big RH corner OF bat helps even more.

   1. Another big OF corner bat would be nice, but picking up frontline SPs is the priority.
      Besides, Ohtani alone figures to add serious firepower to an offense that was very productive in ’23.
      This is true even though JDM had a really fine season despite injuries that limited him to 113 games. He finished with an OPS of .893, including a BA of .271 and an OBP of .321. He slugged 33 HRs and had 103 RBI. Over a 162-game season, that projects to more than140 RBI.
      But Ohtani’s offense was much more potent. His OPS was an ML-leading 1.066, with a .304 BA and .412 OBP. He had 44 HRs but only 95 RBIs in 135 games. The strained oblique may have kept him a 50 HR season.
      So how did JDM rack up more RBI in 113 games than Ohtani did in 135?
      JDM had the benefit of batting behind Mookie and Freddie, who each had fantastic seasons that resulted in them finishing 2nd and 3rd in MVP voting. Mookie finished with 126 runs in 152 games and Freddie with 131 in 161 games.
      Ohtani’s supporting cast was led by Mickey Moniak, Taylor Ward and Brandon Drury. They had good seasons, but far from great. Trout, alas, missed half the season–and the half he played, while not terrible, was probably the worst of his HOF career.
      I sure hope we see how many runs Shohei knocks in hitting behind Mookie and Freddie. How good can Shohei be with a strong supporting cast?

10. Sound from the Dodgers this winter meetings…………….crickets.

11. If LAD sign Ohtani great. Maybe he doesn’t pitch again, but he won’t be stuck as a DH in that scenario. If Mookie on the dirt going forward Ohtani could slide into right field. If he can pitch, I’d keep a short leash in him so he’s ready for October when premium arms are most important. They’ll still make a move or two for rotation with Ohtani. Burnes, Cease, Imagana, etc.

    If they don’t sign Ohtani, I’d guess they pivot hard to Yamamoto. Even if his career ERA in Japan doubled in MLB he’d be an ACE. Stuff plays, and he has STUFF. Then another ace pitcher somehow. And probably bring JDM back to bash.

    Regardless, something needs to change in the team mentality. They’re all nice guys from ownership on down. That’s great off the field. But it doesn’t win championships.

12. nationals won 55 games in 2022. they won 71 games this season. so it would not be a surprise if they got close to .500. not a playoff team but they could be very competitive. Bear, would you trade Busch and a pitcher, (sheehan) for Thomas? love your insight and baseball knowledge!

    1. In a heartbeat. They still finished 5th. They are in the same division with the Mets, Braves, Phillies and Marlins. Mets were bad last year, but should be a lot better this season. All the other teams are way better than DC>

       1. I’d be fine with Busch, Sheehan and Vivas for Burnes.
          Perhaps Vargas and DeLuca could battle for LF.

13. 1 – Where’s Johnny DeLuca’s track record? At this point he’s a possible contributor but not the sure thing that many posters seem to assume.
    2 – The Dodgers’ biggest weakness is still the rotation. They are unlikely to sign any SP to a long-term deal (pitchers break) so I remain convinced that they will trade for one of the guys people are talking about (Glasnow, Burnes, Cease, et al) and will sign a reclamation project or a mid-tier free agent to a short term deal.
    3 – This means that it makes some economic sense for them to sign a superstar. Ohtani? Maybe. Although like Mark and others, I fear the “boat anchor” contract.
    4 – The Dodgers under Friedman have pulled many surprise moves. There’s going to be something that happens that no one would expect.

    1. All prospects are suspects until they do it at the major league level. Words to remember.

    2. 1–DeLuca’s track record is that of a prospect who made it to the majors, played pretty well, and then got hurt. He’s on the 40-man roster and is in the mix for opening day in part because peers like Busch and Vargas could be traded. DeLuca may be in a better position right now than Outman was at this same time last year, when he was considered a longshot to make the opening-day roster. Lux’s injury made Outman’s lefty bat more appealing, and he shined in spring training. Best case: DeLuca pulls an Outman and forces himself into the lineup in left field. It’s more likely that he’s a 4th outfielder or starts the year in OKC. Big question to me is whether Dodgers secure a veteran like Arozarena or O’Neill to play LF. (When Dodgers added Peralta last year, it could have pushed Outman to the bench. But Outman proved himself as a starter.)
       2–100%.
       3–Of course any big contract could flop; that’s one reason God made insurance. Most teams can’t afford Ohtani. The Dodgers can. They can’t afford NOT to aggressively pursue this once-a-century talent with global appeal. Dodgers could line up Mookie, Freddie, Shohei through 2027, when Freddie’s contract expires. (And I’d bet that Freddie, now 34, signs an extension. He’s in great shape and obviously loves to play. )
       4–Very true. The last big surprise, to my mind, was netting both Scherzer and Trea Turner when it seemed like only Scherzer was in play. Great move. The top pitching targets now seem obvious. But perhaps there’s a hidden gem out there.

14. yes dodgerrick, a patrick corbin. a rich hill. a tim anderson ( i wanted him once i admit), and so on. beginning to believe nothing of significance happens in dodger town. i’m willing to be patient until someone signs ohtani, if it’s the dodgers so be it. glad i live in va. so i won’t have to pay 30 dollars for a beer at dodger stadium!
    m

15. Mark

    Here’s Kike Hernandez slashline for the last 4 years against LHP starting with 2020.

    .217/.260/.413/.673
    .260/.361/.490/.850
    .224/.340/.435/.775
    .239/.304/.338/.642

    3 years his BA was terrible, 2 years his OPS was terrible, 1 year he walked A LOT to get him a .775 OPS and for a veteran that’s nothing to write home about. 1 year he had a good year.

    Heyward has a long track record of not hitting LHP, he needs a platoon partner, period.

    Outman might end up needing a platoon partner, that’s possible, but lets not get trigger happy. He’s entering his 2nd year and hopefully AF builds an offense good enough that it allows Outman a long runway and that is very possible. It’s already started to happened upgrading Lux over Rojas.

    1. Look at Kike for his career. Don’t s
       Cherry pick a couple of years

       1. My point was, and I’ve heard you say this, when a guy enters his 30s, he starts to decline. In August of next year he will be 33.

          Outman has upside and deserves a long runway. And as I said, after that long runway, if the results against LHP does not improve. Then he needs a platoon partner, but don’t get trigger-happy.

          We have Taylor, already on the roster that could platoon with him, but still don’t get trigger-happy.

          1. Taylor strikes out way too much. He is a marginal center fielder. Passable, but not outstanding.

          2. OK, I checked the roster and after adding Heyward, a left fielder and a DH and with Rojas on the team, it makes 13 position players. If you want to swap, Rojas for Hernandez have at it everyone knows that I really don’t like Rojas.

             1. Hell I just checked and let’s go back another year to 2019 and Taylor’s better that year against left handed pitching. I thought going back four years would make my point but I guess not. Add 2019. But again, if you want to swap, Rojas for Hernandez have at it.

          3. It’s pretty funny to me that people here profess concern about Ohtani’s age–he’ll turn 30 in July– and then say, “Let’s bring back JD Martinez!” Or even, “Let’s bring back Justin Turner!”
             JDM is seven years older than Shohei. He missed 39 games last season because of various aches and pains to his back and groin. Old guy stuff. Some guys here thought he’d see some action in left field, but I can’t recall a single inning. Yes, despite physical limitations, JDM had a fine season. But time has a way of catching up.
             And Justin Turner turned 39 in November.

       2. Showing his last 4 years is not cherry picking.

          1. It is if you realize that the Red Sox made him a regular. HE IS A PLATOON PLAYER. That changes everything!

             1. Mark, no it doesn’t beause we were only talking about hitting against LHP.

       3. 1–DeLuca’s track record is that of a prospect who made it to the majors, played pretty well, and then got hurt. He’s on the 40-man roster and is in the mix for opening day in part because peers like Busch and Vargas could be traded. DeLuca may be in a better position right now than Outman was at this same time last year, when he was considered a longshot to make the opening-day roster. Lux’s injury made Outman’s lefty bat more appealing, and he shined in spring training. Best case: DeLuca pulls an Outman and forces himself into the lineup in left field. It’s more likely that he’s a 4th outfielder or starts the year in OKC. Big question to me is whether Dodgers secure a veteran like Arozarena or O’Neill to play LF. (When Dodgers added Peralta last year, it could have pushed Outman to the bench. But Outman proved himself as a starter.)
          2–100%.
          3–Of course any big contract could flop; that’s one reason God made insurance. Most teams can’t afford Ohtani. The Dodgers can. They can’t afford NOT to aggressively pursue this once-a-century talent with global appeal. Dodgers could line up Mookie, Freddie, Shohei through 2027, when Freddie’s contract expires. (And I’d bet that Freddie, now 34, signs an extension. He’s in great shape and obviously loves to play. )
          4–Very true. The last big surprise, to my mind, was netting both Scherzer and Trea Turner when it seemed like only Scherzer was in play. Great move. The top pitching targets now seem obvious. But perhaps there’s a hidden gem out there.

16. Mark sure hit it on the nail in no one knows how well both Ohtani and Buehler bounce back a second time. It’s almost certain neither will ever be the same pitchers over the years to come as they once were. And don’t really know if that elbow doesn’t effect Ohtani’s swing this coming year. Myself hate to see a long term 500 mil or more contract. Maybe a shorter term with pitching filled incentives to boost the price might work that he probably would never go for. I say go all in on Yamamoto and trade for a quality arm. Somehow get us a contact hitting outfielder with the other tools and not be bunkered down with a outrageous contract that limits what can do in the future with filling other needs best we can. Also Santa can you get us a better hitting back up catcher

    1. Sorry Michael. You are stuck with Barnes.

       1. I’m still hoping for a minor injury that finally gives Feduccia a chance.

          1. I think he gets a lot of play come spring.

17. Yeah I know but there is a slight chance could get involved in a trade with a team needing a back up and can throw Barnes in the deal. Just wishing like I’d love getting Robert jr, Bobby Whit jr or any other sure star in the making but odds aren’t good. So I heard Ohtani was in frisco meeting with giants and Florida meeting with blue jays. Dude is getting around

    1. He is doing his due diligence. Until he signs, there is nothing but the sound of crickets coming out of Nashville. The word that describes these meetings is DUD. Robert Jr, and Bobby Witt are not going anywhere, and neither is Mike Trout.

18. Roberts is suddenly loose-lipped!

    Per Plunkett:

    Dave Roberts confirms that the #Dodgers met with Shohei Ohtani at Dodger stadium “a couple days” ago.

    Said presentation was simpler than 2017. No players involved. In 2017 Clayton Kershaw, Justin Turner and Chris Taylor were part of the recruiting pitch

    Said he has no idea when Ohtani will make his decision

    “Clearly Shohei is our top priority,” #Dodgers Dave Roberts says he has not been part of any meeting with Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

    1. Haha, I do recall the Kersh/JT crew not happy coming out of that meeting, as they felt Shohei already knew he wasn’t going to be a Dodger.

       However, I believe that’s ONLY because NL didn’t have the DH at the time. He will be signing within the next couple days for sure. And God willing, bring Yamamoto with him.

       1. Maybe Doc is trying to queer the deal.

          1. Dave Roberts confirms the Dodgers met with Shohei Ohtani at Dodger Stadium “a couple days ago.” Roberts said it “went well” and that the two sides became “more familiar” with each other. “It was just a pleasure to get to spend some time with him.”

             Roberts expressed confidence in the Dodgers’ chances but stressed that Ohtani is his own man.

             Roberts on Ohtani’s arm recovery. “Our staff is confident that when the time is right, he will pitch again.” He said ultimately the team is willing to “bet on the person.”

             Why did Roberts confirm this to us? “I don’t feel like lying is something I do. I was asked a question… It’s going to come out at some point”

       2. Bobby, the rumor mill has Yamamoto getting a deal for close to 300 mil. Both will not be playing in LA. One maybe, both, no shot.

          1. And this won’t happen because the rumor mill says so?

             1. You will be right more often if you go against the rumor mill.

             2. It won’t happen because spending 800 million on two players is insanity.

          2. Yamamoto might chase the biggest deal, but he might not.
             Same with Imanaga.
             One of these guys really might want to play with Ohtani.
             Whichever team signs them, they will be getting megabucks.

19. From Buster Olney;

    Only Shohei Ohtani seems to know where he’s going to sign, leaving everyone else to guess. One player agent thinks he’s going back to the Angels, because of money, sure, but also because he is devoted to routine and no organization would offer him more autonomy than the Angels.

    1. My guess is that he wants to play for a team that is not the highest bidder.

    2. When the Angels get mentioned, I start wondering Arte Moreno is offering him an ownership stake…

20. From Nightingale:
    “Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes said he was surprised by manager Dave Roberts’ candidness about Shohei Ohtani and their private meeting. He steadfastly refuses to talk about their pursuit.’

    Interesting ?

    Shouldn’t have spilled the beans?

    1. Maybe Doc doesn’t want him.

       1. If that’s the case, then is there a genuine riff between Doc and the Dodgers hierarchy over Ohtani, ..or is the “public disagreement” played out among Gomes, AF, and Doc simply an elaborate PR move by the Dodgers?

       2. Joke or just stirring up conversation?

          1. You choose!

       3. Immediately thought same thing

    2. Maybe Doc was able to deduce that he’s not coming to the LAD.

21. can’t platoon him !!! lol

22. Old friend (?) alert:

    The Yokohama Bay Stars want Trevor Bauer back. Meantime, Bauer agents Jon Fetterolf and Rachel Luba are here meeting with MLB teams.

23. This is the worst meetings in recent history. It is quiet as a tomb. You get more action watching a casket warp.

    1. I couldn’t agree more Bear – boring as hell – only thing worth reading is this blog., thanks to all of you. Our ski hill here in Alberta got rained out today, closed till further notice – we had a granddaughter supposed to go to Copper Mountain in Colorado this weekend for the half pipe competition and got cancelled due to lack of snow – December 10th, 9500 foot elevation and lack of snow, unprecedented.

       1. We had some snow last month and there is a huge storm moving in this weekend, one reason I am leaving for California early Thursday morning.

24. Ohtani going to the Giants watch. Yamamoto to the dodgers they then will get Burnes Adame an Yelich from the Brewers and will resign JDM an trade Lux and Busch and pitchers to the brewers then they neef to get something for rojas and hopefully barnes. And another big RH bat would be good. But Yamamoto Burnes Miller Buehler Pepiot sounds pretty good for a rotation.

    1. I think it’s down to the Blue Jays and Dodgers, Bradley.

       1. I still think Ohtani is likely and Yamamoto is a long shot. Imanaga could be a nice consolation prize, and I do think the buzz around Giolito is serious. If they can’t get Imanaga, perhap Ryu comes back as the aging crafty southpaw.
          Still think Burnes or Cease make a lot of sense–but there is a lot of competition.
          So maybe a six-man rotation….
          Burnes/Cease
          Buhler
          Miller
          Imanaga/Ryu
          Giolito
          Pepiot

       2. Bradley keeps banging the same old drum. Adames, Burnes Yelich, and it ain’t happening.

          1. Hey, Mark invented the drum that Bradley keeps banging!
             And I think it’s a plausible drum.
             Just think that credit (or blame) should be given where it is due.

             1. I saw that rumor long before Mark brought it up. Plausible? Why? Because the rumor mill says so? Dodgers do not need Adames or Yelich.

    2. Ohtani is not going to the Giants. Yamamoto is not even here yet. Burnes, Yelich and Adames are not coming to the Dodgers.

       1. So what is going to happen genius give us a prediction? All you do is shit on everyone else’s without providing solid reasons why.

       2. How about Flarethy Rodriguez and Cease and Roberts JR to the Dodgers and Rhys Hoskins as DH 1b and LF get more for your buck with those players than just pay Ohtani that money to DH all the time just saying Bear that looks like some goots players that could help this team but you will disagree some how.

25. MLB is behind the ball. If this were the NBA and LeBron was a free agent, it would be a frenzy out there. A complete circus. Baseball desperately needs an alpha superstar with a grandiose personality.

    I’m good avoiding that emotional rollercoaster but it is certainly not good for PR.

    1. Oh yes, what baseball needs is full-blown reality TV production.
       Perhaps Ohtani will present the Dodgers with a rose!
       I think LeBron called his “The Decision.”
       Oh, the suspense….
       And what was his quote? Something like, “I’m taking my talent to South Beach.”
       I followed basketball then, but I really didn’t care at all.

26. I can’t divulge my source (someone very close to Ohtani), but it’s down to 2 teams.

    The Royals and the A’s.

    And, now we have a mystery team, the Pirates.

    Stay tuned!

    1. Noooooo!!!

27. I think Bluto is right. That is what’s being reported on MLB radio. It’s the Dodgers and the Blue Jays with the Giants and Cubs on the outside looking in … no mention of a mystery team.

    Maybe it’s the void in actual information or speculation on steroids taking over, but it’s making a mess out of the winter meetings. This is not about deals and free agent signings

    All this waiting and lack of action is like watching a faucet drip. It’s annoying. People keep saying organizations are waiting on Ohtani and Yamamoto. Nonsense. Most teams aren’t in on either one. It’s GMs wanting more prospect capital and other GMs thinking the trade price is too high. They’re having problems finding consensus. Where are the big traders of the past?

    The pundits and analysts must be going nuts. If something doesn’t break tonight or tomorrow, this will go down as the worst meeting in history.

    The Dodgers apparently are not even staying at the resort, but are camped nearby, according to one story. What? That seems silly, if true.

    Was Gomes really surprised at what Roberts disclosed? Dave pointed out at the beginning of one interview that he was told what he could and couldn’t say about Ohtani, no guesswork involved.

    He didn’t say anything out of line. Others are talking behind the scenes. He just admitted what was taking place or had taken place. Good for him. Enough of the silence is golden routine. MLB needs to promote the game and excite fans.

    Well, okay the Yankees did acquire Alex Verdugo. So there is that.

    1. MLBTR said this about Verdugo:

       Verdugo has spent the past four seasons in Boston. The Sox acquired him from the Dodgers as the key piece of the Mookie Betts trade return. The left-handed hitting outfielder never quite lived up to that lofty billing. Verdugo has settled in as a solid regular without emerging as an impact player on either side of the ball.

       He could do really well as a Yankee.

       1. Really surprised the Sox traded him to the hated Yankees. They haven’t made a trade in years. Makes the Soto to Seattle talks all that much more interesting. Unless the Mariners opt to keep their players and pay out money to Bellinger instead. I think the Padres really overplayed their hand this time.

       2. Just glad to see some real news!
          I assume the Yanks will still pursue Soto or Belli. Verdugo could end up in LF or CF.

          1. Yankees still in on Soto per Yahoo sports.

28. C’mon Slohtani, make your mind up!!

    1. He is holding up the whole show.

29. Per Singing the Blue:
    ” I can’t divulge my source (someone very close to Ohtani), but it’s down to 2 teams.

    The Royals and the A’s.

    And, now we have a mystery team, the Pirates.”

    Thanks STB.
    You made my day 100% better. I hope Othani at least signs with a team that participates in the playoffs every now and again. What a waste of talent to never play in the post season.

    1. How about Ernie Banks? Never sniffed the playoffs. Ted Williams had one shot. Then you get a guy like Joc, he has two rings and a ton of post season games. Mike Trout has played in 3 playoff games. His average???? .083. A 1914 Babe Ruth rookie card, with the Baltimore Orioles, sold for 7.2 million dollars. Pirates acquired Marco Gonzales from the Braves for cash and a player to be named later.

       1. I’ve told this story before…
          I met Ernie Banks briefly at some sort of International Baseball Festival at UCLA in 1980s. Banks, a fine public speaker, was emceeing the event, and Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Sadaharu Oh were all on the outdoor stage.
          Banks was appropriately talking down to his audience, a bunch of Little Leaguers. He said something like:
          “You know what a home run is, right? Well my name is Ernie Banks and I hit more than 500 homers! (applause) And this is my friend Willie Mays. He hit more than 600 homers. (applause) And this is Hank Aaron. He hit more than 700! (more applause) And this other man, Mr. Sadaharu Oh–he hit more than 800 home runs!”
          And as the crescendo of applause died down, Banks added, “Of course the ballparks are smaller in Japan.”
          Mays and Aaron laughed and Oh did not look pleased.

          1. Classic.

30. There’s no way Ohtani is going to Toronto!
    He’s a Dodger!

    1. Seems obvious to me

31. Back in the day Bear only the pennant winners got to play. Now it is a completely different era where 12 teams play and players have the opportunity to switch teams multiple times if they are good enough to have a long career.

    Having Trout and Othani didn’t seem to help the Angel’s much. Without better pitching and timely hitting in the playoffs I doubt Othani will be the saviour so many on this blog hope for.

    Listening to baseball on my old transistor radio was sure fun back in the day though, especially during the world series!

    1. No one expects Ohtani to be a savior because no one expects him to pitch. But he does make the offense a lot better and longer. I listened to Brandon Gomes, Dodgers GM, interview on MLB tonight. Gomes said they know they need to add to the pitching staff some pitchers with experience, and that has always been the plan. But they are not going to block their top young arms either. A couple of them might be used in trades for a starting pitcher. But they will probably fill the other starting pitcher slot with a free agent or two. That is one reason you can almost bet the house that there will be some of those patented AF reclamation type signings. Right now, today, the rotation would be Buehler, Miller, Pepiot, Sheehan and Grove or Yarbrough. Stone, Knack, Vanasco, Frasso, all will get shots in spring training. They also need a RH thumper for the outfield. They do not need another left-handed bat, Yelich, or a SS, Adames. If they can pry Burnes away from the Brewers, unlikely at this point because the NL central is so weak, then that would be ok. But I think he is not the center of their trade talks. I think the 5-day layoff has been a huge factor in them not getting out of the NLDS the last two years. Some disagree, but I think it definitely affects their timing.

32. Bear

    You said you would like to see a real contact hitter brought in. 1 of the 2 guys I’m advocating for the outfield is a true contact hitter and that’s Lee. He’s a LHB but I don’t agree with you about the Dodgers needing a RHB. Guys like Betts and Freeman and even guys that come close to those 2 wouldn’t be turned down by any GM that thinks he needs a specific handed hitter.

    1. Lee is interesting but he could be pricey. The Dodgers are rightly focused on Ohtani and SPs, so I don’t think Lee is a consideration. There are a lot of FA corner outfielders on the market, and trades for O’Neil or Arozarena or ??? are also possible.
       As a hitter, Lee’s profile is similar to Masataka Yoshida, who the Red Sox signed last season. Great contact hitter who doesn’t strike out much. Yoshida scored a five-year, $90 million contract. Yoshida was a .327 hitter in Japan and finished his first season in the US with a .289 BA and 14 HRs. Not bad, but nobody would confuse him with Ichiro. I suspect that most baseball people think the Red Sox overpaid. But who knows? Maybe Yoshida wins the next batting title.
       By contrast, Ha-Seong Kim’s four-year, $28-million contract with the Padres seems like a steal. Now there’s a guy the Dodgers should have signed.
       Lee is younger and faster than Yoshida–a legit centerfielder–so he could do pretty well. It will be interesting to see who gets him and at what price.
       Prediction: It will be the Giants. They might want Belli, but they won’t get him. But the Grandson of the Wind could patrol that huge centerfield…

    2. I just believe you need a balance of power, if you don’t, that is fine. They are lefty heavy, and a couple of those lefty bats do not hit LHP very well. Then again, O’Neill has been better against RHP than left. A RH power bat would give them three righties with pop. Smith, Betts and whomever they can acquire.

33. After last night’s Lottery Draft, the Dodgers will be drafting 23rd at the 2024 MLB First Year Player’s Draft at the All Star Game in July in Arlington Texas.

34. The Rule 5 Draft will take place at 2 p.m. ET today in Nashville. Let’s see who the Dodgers will lose by not protecting players on the 40 Man Roster.

35. this ohtani crap is getting as bad as lebrons big decision when he left cleveland! what a nightmare it would be if ohtani signed a one year contract and we had to do this all over again! could verdugo be in a package for soto? he’d fit right in with tatis and machado!

    1. Hmm. Interesting thought.
       One baseball yakker has suggested that the Yankees would deal for both Soto and Grisham, since they could use a quality centerfielder. If the Padres wound up with Verdugo, Tatis could move to centerfield. He was pretty great in right but might be even better in center.

36. The boredom of the Great Shohei Wait has fastasizing about the 2027 Dodgers, which would be the last year of Freddie’s contract (unless it is extended). By then a couple of recent top draft picks could be ready for their spectacular debuts
    Your 2027 fantasy lineup….

    Kendall George CF
    Freddie 1B
    Mookie 2B
    Shohei DH
    Smith/Rushing C
    Outman RF
    Jake Geloff 3B
    Vargas LF (he makes it!)
    Lux SS

    It’s nice to be a Dodgers fan.

    1. I like it

37. The Yankees reportedly have stepped up their efforts to acquire Soto. Cleveland is listening to offers for Bieber and Clase. Heading out to California in the morning. Got a lot to do today. Will check in later.

38. Craig Kimbrel closing in on a deal with the Orioles.

    1. Why? Did the Orioles not watch the Phillies in October?

       1. Have no clue, but they want him REALLY BAD.

39. Bear and Duke Not Snider

    I think we are thinking different. When I mention Lee it’s with the thought that Ohtani is not going to be a Dodger and JDM is.

    So to Bear, If I’m correct and I’m not saying I am, without signing Ohtani, it gives you 3 RHB with pop, Betts, JDM (who wants to come back apparently), Smith, plus whoever is going to platoon with Heyward and right about now I’d say it’s either DeLuca or Taylor.

    So to Duke Not Snider, If I’m correct and I’m not saying I am, without signing Ohtani, I think there’s enough money for 2 starting pitchers (my thought Yamamoto and Imanaga), Lee and JDM. I might be wrong about the money though. If the money isn’t there then you trade a guy or a couple guys like Ferguson or Almonte or Yarbrough to free up enough money.

    1. If they don’t sign Ohtani, JDM is definitely an option. Lee’s bat to ball skills are excellent so he would fit the contact hitter bill for me. How quickly he adjusts to the American game is the biggest question. Remember, there have been some players from Asia who have not been able to adjust to the game here.

       1. Well, it’s clear that mlb.com is getting news tips from LADT!

          —Today’s report has the Giants considering at Lee for an upgrade in CF. It makes a lot of sense because the Giants probably can’t land Belli or Soto, and the Grandson of the Wind could cover so much ground out there. With his speed and youth, maybe Lee could be Ichiro Lite. (I don’t think the Dodger brass sees him as a fit when Outman is fine and cost-effective in CF and several PROVEN corner outfielders are on the FA and trade market. Lee might bat lead-off for the Giants, but he’d be near the bottom for the Dodgers.)

          —Also, the Lux-to-the-Brewers idea is getting rehashed, at least as a rumor but maybe it is something more. It does make a lot of sense assuming that Dodgers go after Burnes. Bear won’t like it, but the basic idea is Lux and an SP (Sheehan perhaps) for Burnes and Adames. If the Dodger brass is determined to keep Lux–which fine by me,–then maybe he Brewers would consider Busch and a sweetener like Vivas. (When Roberts was asked about Lux, I sensed some hesitation in his comments which had me thinking that Roberts just isn’t sure who his startingSS will be. The plan is for Lux–but plans can change fast. )

    2. Even Barnes and Rojas can be added with the pitchers I mentioned.

       1. I also recall Eric mentioning, once, that Willy Adames at SS, a right handed hitter, would be a good fit.

          1. Noooooooooooooooo not Adames. I’ve never wanted him. Career .247 BA and .759 OPS doesn’t do it for me.

          2. Adames is a strikeout machine. Everyone raves about his glove, but his bat has more holes than Swiss cheese.

40. I’m in Los Wages.

    I am a high roller. I have lost $20 and I am done!

    😉

    1. I will be going through Vegas sometime Friday morning. I will wave!

       1. I will be gone. Leaving Thursday at 2:25 PM.

          1. Okay killjoy! LOL

41. MLBTR reports that Ohtani’s decision will be made by Sunday.

    1. Good news

       1. Yep, get it over with. Padres also might trade Jake Cronenworth and some expect Soto might be moved by the end of today. Yanks have stepped up their efforts to get the trade done.

    2. I guess it pretty hard to pick from 2 teams. Geez, I’m so over the secrecy. I’ve moved into Mark’s realm where I don’t think I like the guy and maybe he’s not a team player.

       1. He is getting ripped a new one by the Mad Dog on MLB. Network. I mean he is ripping him to pieces. He is ripping the fact that the Angels have never had a winning season with Ohtani. Now Alana is letting him have it. Cool. Sign JD to DH, get Lourdes Gurriel to play left, trade for Cease or Burnes, but not Adames and Yelich, or maybe even Bieber from the Guardians.

42. You know what? I forgot about the small amount of at bats Outman had in 2022 which should be added to his 2023 rookie year. I don’t know if that counts, at least to me it should. His rookie/career slashline is .254/.358/.448/.806 that’s pretty damn good for a rookie. But he still needs to do better against LHP.

    1. Cut down the swing and miss and improve against lefties and he will be fine.

    2. Outman finished 3rd in ROY voting. (I think the Rockies’ Nolan Jones was better, but he may not have had enough ABs to qualify.)
       Anyway, Outman had a fine season and should improve. I would resist a platoon because that could stunt his growth as a player. We don’t know how good he can be. We do know that a veteran like Heyward thrives in a platoon.

43. Rule 5 draft this afternoon. Royals made room with a trade of Dylan Coleman to the Astros. Rockies are releasing Connor Seabold. I expect Dodgers to lose multiple prospects in both the major and minor league drafts.

44. Yankees have lost 3 players in the rule 5 draft, the Red Sox 2. Dodgers have not lost anyone.

45. Jason Heyward signing now official. Dodger roster maxed out at 40. Roster moves need to be made before any signing is made official.

46. Dodgers lost two players in the minor league side of the rule 5 draft, Darrin Pinales a pitcher to the D-Backs and Carson Taylor, a catcher, to the Phillies.

    1. Wasn’t Carson Taylor drafted in the early rounds in the shortened Covid 2020 MLB Draft?

       1. Yes in the 4th round.

47. “On many accounts, the Dodgers still the frontrunners in all of this. I do not see in any way, in any way that what Dave Roberts said yesterday changes the calculus here.”

    Per Jon Morosi via MLB Network

48. Eduardo Rodriguez narrows choice to 2 teams . Should we be in on Eduardo despite what happened last year ? I would be yes at a 3y 55-60mil..Thoughts?

    1. I could see that happening.

    2. Just my opinion, not that I’m right, but if he’s considered an ace or a near ace/#2, I think he’s overrated.

    3. I think he get’s 4 years and at least 70-75 mil.

       1. I think he’ll get more. Big demand for quality SPs .

          1. think you’re probably right 4yrs at 75mil. SP at a premium – gonna have overpay this year . Even a guy like Eduardo. I think he could be very good for us.

49. That was a brutal and boring winter meetings! MLB needs to change the framework to make this a more productive and exciting event!

    1. who needs Ambien when you can watch mlb network

    2. couldnt agree more ! for a sport that NEEDS generate fan excitement – EPIC FAIL !!

       1. I totally agree with all of that, although AF said that the groundwork has been laid for a lot to get done. And that is as important as getting a deal done. Soto to Yankees becoming more and more a reality as time passes. Grisham will be in the deal also.

50. Judge, Soto & Verdugo looks a pretty good Outfield to me.

    Guessing they’ll try and extend Soto during the season.

    Winter Meetings much like last year. A damp squib.

    1. Yep, that’s a strong outfield. Judge, Soto and Joe Schmoe wouldn’t be bad.
       Someone here suggested that Verdugo could be part of the package for Soto.
       That could make sense, especially if the Yanks also get Grisham play CF. Grisham is a gold-glove quality CF–and Yankee fans aren’t really fond of Verdugo

    2. No extension for Soto with Boras as his agent. And playing an aging Judge in CF is an injury waiting to happen.

51. So, funny story: Early last week, I scheduled with my season ticket rep to stop by Dodger Stadium last Friday, Dec 1, to grab my season ticket holder gift and a few other items from the Dodger offices (over on the Lodge level down the left field line).

    My rep called me Wed or Thurs last week and said she needed to cancel Friday (didn’t give me a reason why), and asked if I could come this week instead.

    Today Bill Plunkett just tweeted:
    “Today’s meaningless nugget of Shohei Ohtani news — his meeting with Dodgers was Friday afternoon at Dodger Stadium. Stadium tours were ppd/cancelled, team store was closed so no accidental sightings.”

    I guess I now why I was told to stay away!!

    1. Bobby – you’d have been a great selling point!

       “This is Bobby, Shohei. Just look at the quality of our fanbase. A massive improvement from what your used to at the Angels!”

       1. I would’ve told him I know the best tour guide in London for when he goes!

       2. That is indeed a great selling point.
          Ohtani is hugely popular already–and now he’d have the huge Dodger fanbase behind him as well.

52. I would love to solicit opinion on what (IF ANYTHING) the inclusion of specific names means wrt the viability of rumors:

    From Twitter:
    According to multiple sources, one name that will not be moved in a potential deal is right-hander Bobby Miller, who the #Dodgers have no interest in moving. The #WhiteSox have been looking to add arms this winter.

    This below trade works for both me and the reasonably important trade generator:
    Busch, Sheehan

    For

    Cease and Jake Eder

    1. Works for me, but I bet the Sox would want more, so we could toss in Vivas or ??
       Dodgers should get Cease or Burnes–or both.
       Had to look up Eder. Promising RP from Vanderbilt.

    2. In a heartbeat. But so far Sox are asking for a lot more.

       1. How?

          1. White Sox are asking for 4 of the top Reds prospects

             1. I don’t think that fact supports your conclusion.

                Then again, I’m basing this on the silly Trade Simulator, but…

                Sheehan has a higher value than the two named Reds prospects combined.

53. Tree trunks Calhoun to Angels, Dennis Santana to Yanks.

54. Yankees-Padres deal almost done, Grisham-Soto to the Yankees. Five players, including C Higashoika going back to San Diego. Grisham will be used as the Yankees fourth outfielder. Koch signs minor league deal with the Rockies. Dodgers leave the meetings with no major moves. Again.

    1. Interesting. Yankees add 3 OFers?

       1. Their OF sucked last year. Stanton is oft injured and rarely plays the outfield anymore. I mean they even had Billy McKinney out there for a while last year.

55. Calhoun is like an older version of Busch. He came up as a big bat with no position. But his bat never developed in the big leagues. It will be interesting how Busch turns out, no matter where he goes. I’m rooting for him

    1. Busch is better in the field. If Ohtani get’s all butt hurt by Roberts saying that he visited the Dodgers, then he can go sign somewhere else. Refreshing to see some honesty out there in baseball land and someone telling the truth. Dodgers could pivot to the Marlins if they are looking for starting pitchers. Marlins said to be listening on their starters.

    2. Busch has a lot more power than Calhoun ever had. Calhoun had pretty good bat-to-ball skill.

    3. Willie Calhoun or Kole Calhoun?
       Kole was pretty good outfielder and moved to 1B for the Guardians.

       1. They signed Wilie. Kole played for them before.

56. Dodgers among teams expressing interest in outfielder Michael A Taylor.

    1. Interesting.
       There is a lot of good, experienced OF talent on the market.
       Another sign, I think, that Busch and Vargas will be dealt for pitching.

57. According to MLBTR the White Sox are pulling back from negotiations for Dylan Cease. They seem to be waiting to see what happens with Yamamoto. Angels signed Adam Cimber and Rangers finalized their deal with Kirby Yates. Orioles officially sign Craig Kimbrel. 1 year 13 mil with an option.

    1. Crazy. I just dont believe in that guy.

       1. Yep, but Hader was too expensive for them and their closer from last year, Felix Bautista is out for the year. Heading to bed, have to get up early and hit the road. See y’All soon

          1. Orioles already have two excellent closer types, so I think Kimbrel is a set-up guy.
             I think they could have done better.
             More worried about them getting Burnes, Cease or Glasnow. Their farm system is not ranked No. 1 and they are competing with the Dodgers for SPs.

             1. Nope, GM said Kimbrel will be the closer and the other guy is becoming the set up man.

58. Ohtani….5 years 60 mil and then Yamamoto 10 years 300 million…. Get it done…a lot of money to be made internationally here…plus Ohtani can get more money on his last contract…‍♂️

    1. Pardon me? Ohtani, 5 years, 60 mil?

       You might want to try that one again.

       1. Wait a minute, did you mean 5 years at 60 mil per year?
          It would have been more clear if you had then said 10 years, 30 mil for Yamamoto.

          In any case, no matter how high the yearly salary, I’d be shocked if he signed a 5 year deal.

          1. I think opt-outs will be thing everybody’s looking for.

          2. I did say 10 years 300 mil for Yamamoto and thinking Ohtani would bite on a 5 year 60 mil a year with the opportunity to make more at the end…thinking the Harper offer for higher AAV the Dodgers offered him…‍♂️

             1. But Harper didn’t take our offer. He signed with Philly.
                And I don’t think that strategy will work with Shohei either.
                We’ll probably know for sure in the next few days.

59. Soto to the Yankees:
    https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/12/padres-trade-juan-soto-trent-grisham-yankees.html

60. Soto AND Trent Grisham to the Yankees, but Verdugo did not go to the Pads.
    My guess is that the Yanks see Grisham as a 4th outfielder and late defensive replacement. He’s a premier centerfielder but Verdugo is the better hitter. Stanton is the DH.
    I’m left to wonder how the Padres will fill their outfield with both Soto and Grisham gone.
    With Ha-Seong Kim on the team, perhaps they’ll compete with the Giants for the Grandfather of the Wind! That makes a lot of sense to me. Kim has been great for the Pads.
    Or maybe they go for Belli to stick it to the Dodgers!
    Belli could also go to the Giants, or stay with the Cubs. The Yankees no longer seem like an option.
    If Ohtani rejects the Dodgers, I would feel bummed, but it raises a lot of possibilities.
    The priority is still at least two frontline starters–and Yamamoto becomes more possible. Yamamoto plus either Burnes or Cease would be nice. Maybe Glasnow. Perhaps three SPs, with the Dodgers moving to a 6-man rotation.
    A lot of ways to fill the DH spot, including a return of JDM. I still like Matt Chapman as a major defensive upgrade at 3B, with Max moving to DH in a partial platoon with Smith. Obviously Vargas and Busch are options–if they are still around.
    If the Dodgers want to further emphasize defense, AF could sign Kiermeyer with Outman shifting to LF. Remember, Kiermeyer turned down an LA offer last season to play for Toronto.
    So many possibilities.

    1. Have to clear some roster space before they do any free agent signing. Glad Soto is out of the NL west

    2. That means Stanton’s getting 29 million a year as a DH. Kind of raises a bar on what you would pay Ohtani just to be a DH.

61. D’backs land Eduardo Rodriguez for 4 years at $80 million, wth a vesting option that could take it to five years and $99 million.
    And the Reds add Candelario play 3B. I’m guessing they’ll gowith De La Cruz at SS and move McClain to 2B.

62. A bit puzzled about something….
    I was looking over the Dodgers prospects list on mlb.com and noticed that Busch still qualifies as a “prospect” but DeLuca isn’t listed in the Top 30.
    My first thought was that I must not have realized that DeLuca had played more games in the majors than Busch, but that isn’t the case.
    Busch played in 27 games and had 72 ABs. (He hit to a discouraging .539 OPS.)
    DeLuca played in 24 games and had only 42 ABs. (He hit to an encouraging .740.)
    Now, I’m not sure if there is any real significance to the “prospect” label, but if Busch is one, then surely DeLuca is one too. At 25, he’s a year younger than Busch.
    DeLuca, who was a track star at Calabasas High School (I think), certainly passed the eye test on defense. He used his speed to make a couple of real web gems. He never had inspired the hype like Busch and Vargas, but on the ML level he has outperformed both in his limited time. He’s a legit outfielder while on defense both Busch and Vargas remain works in progress.
    DeLuca bats from the right side–as someone here pointed out, his stance strongly resembles Ron Cey’s. His righty bat could help balance the Dodgers lefty-heavy lineup. With a good spring, he could force himself onto the roster as a 4th outfielder, perhaps a platoon option. Like Outman, he could even play his way into the starting lineup.

    Anyway, just thinking of DeLuca as a “top prospect” may ease the pain of dealing both Busch and Vargas in the quest for pitching. The common view in LADT had been one would be dealt and another kept. Keeping the under-hyped DeLuca makes more sense. It would probably be the best for both Busch and Vargas to get fresh opportunities on teams that need them.

    1. Great comment, Duke. Perception is reality.

63. Hope we get busy soon. Our competitors are getting better and we are not. We need pitching pitching and more pitching to beat this Yankee team in the World Series. Also not sold on Lux and Muncy at SS and 3B. Lets get this show on the road and get better!

    1. Whoever wins in December rarely if ever wins in October….

       1. You certainly increase your chances the more good players you have

64. Former Reds 3B Nick Senzel, a former No.2 overall draft pick, signs with Nationals for $2 million.
    I had suggested the Dodgers get Senzel as a UT guy and a platoon partner for Max. He crushed lefties last season. Also can play corner OF.
    A lot of people want Kike to come back, but is he a priority for the Dodgers?
    They moved swiftly with Heyward but…

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