Mixed Emotions

Posted By on December 22, 2023

My definition of “Mixed Emotions” is “seeing your mother-in-law drive over a cliff in your new Rolls Royce.” If you had told me a couple of months ago that the Dodgers would spend $1.1 BILLION DOLLARS on two players this Winter, I would have said that you were out of your rabbit-ass mind! Furthermore, if I would have said that it makes perfect sense, I would have volunteered to enter a mental health facility.

But, the Dodgers did spend $1. Billion on Showtime and Yamamojo! Baseball fans hated the Yankees and George Steinbrenner (who called them the “Evil Empire”) for their ruthless spending. Georgie Boy can’t hold a candle to the Ruthless Dodgers… with Walter, Kasten, and Friedman at the helm.

This was planned… several years ago. The Dodgers were playing the long game while everyone else was running from base to base. The Yoshinobu Yamamoto signing AFTER the signing of Shoehei Ohtani is epic, and (in retrospect), I believe that Andrew Friedman had a blank check for both. The Dodgers knew what they wanted, they knew that the marketing juice would be worth the squeeze, and they made up their mind to do whatever it took.

What happens next is anyone’s guess, but I do not believe it will involve gutting the farm and trading a bunch of prospects for Burnes, Adames, Cease, or Robert, Jr. The Dodgers could go ahead and sign Imanaga, so they have a lefty in the rotation, but I also think they will get Clayton Kershaw back in the summer, so there may not be a need.

At any rate, acquiring the two superstars worth a Billion Dollars was premeditated and only cost about $1 Million Dollars in International Money and two draft picks. If the Dodgers want to keep this roll alive, it is important that they be able to bring along the depth that the farm system offers. As the team stands right about now, it is pretty damn good. Now, it will be up to the kids to fill in as needed. I am talking Pages, Busch, Vargas, Cartaya, Rushing, Fernandez, De Paula, George, Gelof, Vargas, Liranzo, and Sweeney on the offensive side and Frasso, Stone, Ryan, Knack, Martin, Hurt, Kopp, Bruns, and others on the pitching side.

Not all will make the Show. Some will fizzle out. There will be few or no superstars, but there will be some very good role players, and pitchers come from that bunch over the next 3-5 years. The farm system has to be a priority, and maybe there will be a trade or two, but I think that unlike many other teams who win and then tank, the Dodgers’ plan is to dominate year after year and do what they just did makes it highly sustainable.

Rather than make a big trade that costs prospects (player collateral), I would sign Shōta Imanaga and be done. Of course, the teams who lost out to Yamamoto will likely bid up Imanaga’s market, so that may not be easy! As it stands right now, here is the rotation:

  1. Yamamoto (ACE)
  2. Glasnow (there – he is not an Ace)
  3. Buehler (former Ace)
  4. Miller (Ace-in-waiting)
  5. Sheehan
  6. Knack
  7. Stone
  8. Kershaw (August – former Ace)

I think Landon Knack will surprise everyone this year, whether it is with the Dodgers or not.

Oh, What a Night…

Late December back in 23’…

This article has 128 Comments

  1. 100%. There is ZERO need to go idiotic and trade a bunch of young, cheap, talented assets for 1 year of Burnes and/or Adames.

    My pick to click and grab that #5 job and stay in the rotation for the next 10 years is Emmet Sheehan.

    We have until July to figure out if we need another arm, another SS, or an outfield bat who is actually allowed to play every day.

    For now, let’s celebrate the fact that our team is trying super hard to get us a championship (or 4)

  3. Given Ohtani’s contract deferrals, it seemed the Dodgers needed to sign Yamamoto as a sign of good faith. Glad to see the Dodgers didn’t miss out.

  4. I still feel a big trade is coming. We have too much young depth of talent for everyone to play. Package 3-4 good young prospects for one star player. Wouldn’t Robert jr look good in CF and batting 4th!

    1. I’m with on this. Robert jr is reasonable cheap the next 4 years and provides a big bat from the right side that we lose without Martinez. Busch is expendable at this point. Include Bruns, Knack and Cartaya in the deal. Where are any of these guys going to fit into the lineup anytime soon.

  5. Who will be the opening day pitcher ?
    Miller or Yamamoto ?
    IMHO Miller deserves it because he stepped up big time last season when the Dodgers needed him most after all those other starters went down with the injury bug.

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

        1. Haha – love it

          I wonder if mark is right and this was always the longer term plan?

          Imanaga makes sense as no Prospect Capital expended.

      1. Totally had forgotten about him Matt.

        Isn’t their a reclamation reliever ex Rays that we have for another year?
        Begins with F??

    1. It depends upon how his slider or curve has developed. He has the fastball and changeup. He needs that third pitch.

      I am telling you to watch Landon Knack.

      1. Hmmm…..But didn’t you also tell us to watch Miguel Vargas last year?

        Just playing with you, Mark….just looking for smiles, not clenched fists….I’m a child of the peace, not war hippie 60s…..

        For the record, I still expect both Vargas and Knack to make us proud very soon.

  8. Yamamoto was the #1 PRIZE all along, not Ohtani. Good pitching beats good hitting in the playoffs and we don’t know if Ohtani will pitch at the level he did before. With that said, the Dodgers needed both of them and I’m glad the Dodgers got both of them.

    Now, it’s time to let the homegrown pitching have their chance. If the Dodgers are planning on going with a 6 man rotation, then go get Imanaga. Do not trade the homegrown pitching for another starting pitcher.

    I think it would benefit the Dodgers to go with a 6 man starting rotation for 3 reasons.

    1) Less wear and tear on Glasnow and Buehler.

    2) Imanaga will be an insurance policy for the playoffs if something happens to 1 of the 2 pitchers above.

    3) It will still allow Miller and Sheehan to be in the starting rotation.

  9. I would like to see a 6 man rotation to save some arms. Buehler, Yamamoto and Kershaw, I hope, need extra rest. We are forgetting Grove. Let Grove, Sheehan, Stone or whoever fight it out for the 5-6 spots.

    The Dodgers better go far in the playoffs or Roberts can kiss his rear good bye.

    Let Busch and Vargas fight it out for LF or platoon. I am ready for ST.

  10. Anxious to see how he pitches with MLB baseballs compared to the “stickier” ball used in Japan. I would think that he’s used them before, maybe in the WBC?

  11. If you had written that a few months ago, Mark, everyone would have thought you were definitely crazy. Poor Mark went off the rails and the crash wasn’t pretty. Now you’re simply sitting here trying to wrap your mind around what just happened and how quickly it took place.

    I’m not surprised about signing Ohtani, the Dodgers were preparing to land him, then focused on the opportunities offered on the international market to gain new revenue streams through sponsorships and advertising. It’s an incredibly rich market, the Angels had only scratched the surface.

    Only Shohei makes that possible because he is a true international star and attraction. But he’s also very astute and when he proposed how his deal would be structured, it opened the door to endless possibilities for the Dodgers. No other team could take full advantage of all this. First the team is iconic and SoCal is the gateway to Asia and Japan.

    They are now the biggest financial power in baseball and worth far more than the Yankees or anyone else.

    Not only can they pay Ohtani’s contract and the money they need to set aside through sponsorships and advertising annually, but they can invest that money into the investment market and end up making as much as a $1.5 billion beyond the $680 million investment over the next 10 years.

    Oh, and it’s not just international companies wanting to join the the sponsorship and advertising train, but American companies doing business in Japan. Who knows knows more about all this than Mark Walter and Guggenheim.

    This places the Dodgers on another level. As several baseball writers, sports finance experts and insiders have pointed out the Dodgers are now the financial kings of the game, reaching an unprecedented level that no one thought possible a few weeks ago.

    True to their word, the Dodgers immediately made a trade and signed a really good pitcher in Glasnow. If he’s healthy and I think he’s passed the stage where he was having repeated issues due to an unidentified or untreated physical problem.

    Now they’ve invested in the best Japanese pitcher from Japan, who is both young and dominant.

    The making of a super team. Will the Dodgers continue to add. Maybe here and there, but why waste prospects on Burnes, a one and done, pitcher. He has openly said he’s wants to be a free agent.

    Maybe they explore a Cease deal or maybe not. Perhaps they could use a right handed hitter. But this is a pretty good team as it now stands. Likely Kershaw returns at some point this summer.

    Of course, the howls of anguish will come. Baseball needs a salary cap. Funny, no one seemed overly concerned when the Braves, the DBacks and and the Rays made it to the big stage. Other than cheating no one is concerned about the Astros becoming the next version of the old Yankees.

    In fact the biggest concern has been the division winners not making it the World Series, many thinking it had to do about layoffs and the current playoff format.

    But the Dodgers have reached a whole new level of scary for the rest of baseball. Not only can they match the Steve Cohen’s dollars, but they are proving to be a much more desirable location than New York. The Yankees status not enough to sway Yamamoto.

    The biggest stage in baseball is in LA. Think of what it feels like to be a Giants fan today. Farhan Zaidi might have to lead the Giants in another direction since not many high profile players seem interested in San Francisco.

    Is this good for baseball? Absolutely. Baseball fans need some team to root against. That was the Yankees of yesteryear. They even got their own Broadway play and movie, Damn Yankees.

    Shohei Ohtani is the new face of the game and the already highly successful Dodgers are on the verge of becoming a super team. Merry Christmas, Dodgers fans.

  12. This probably goes without saying, but I’m taking after some of the new posters here.

    There is a real Sliding Doors moment here with Urias’ domestic abuse situation and the May/Gonsolin injuries.

    I doubt we would see the Dodgers as aggressive if 2/3 of the above didn’t happen.

    But, still Ohtani.

  13. As someone who has been vocal in expressing my disappointment in what I saw as the Dodgers’ general unwillingness to step up and go all-in to win titles, I am very excited about the signings of Ohtanii and Yamamoto, particularly the latter, which was the extra step the Dodgers usually didn’t, or couldn’t (in the case of Cole)) take.

    Maj;pr League Baseball is simply not the game I grew up with, but if you want to win big, you have to adapt to the times. The Dodgers were pretty much inept in Brooklyn, until Larry Macphail took over, and then hired Branch Rickey. Rickey built the farm system, and hired and taught some of the best baseball minds around. Bavasi, Thompson. Campanis, Wade. The Yankees had more money, but the Dodgers had the baseball brains.

    This kept the Dodgers on top of the National League for much of two decades. But over time, people left, other franchises got smarter and more dedicated. The Dodgers had many winning seasons, but the Braves dominated the regular seasons in the ’90’s, and the Red Sox built a powerhouse, as did the Astros, cheating as well.

    The Dodgers had a very bad and greedy owner. He was replaced by very smart business people who earned record profits, but won only one title, in a 60-game regular season. It looked to me as if this would continue; the Dodgers having very good regular seasons, failing in the playoffs;; cleanest stadium, promotions, etc. but mostly pomp and show.

    Somehow, that changed in a few weeks. Ohtani one could have expected, he will make the ownership a fortune. But to then obtain Yamamoto, going against financial powerhouse teams, is remarkable. Everything I read about Yamamoto is that he can be a great pitcher, which was desperately needed if the Dodgers were going to try to win multiple titles.

    Of course there is no guarantee; there are many other franchises which use the same metrics, and will spend big. But the Dodgers are major players now, maybe top of the line. We still have some holes, but now we see a determination to fill them, and that we are going to really try to win titles. Of course the ownership will make a lot of money, that was always the goal. But now, at least for now, the Dodgers are determined to win titles, which is all one has wanted out of this storied franchise.

      1. Blind Joe, you’ll soon realize that all of William’s posts, whether you agree with them or not, are well thought out, intelligent, non-combative, and a great read.

        I wish I had his writing skills back in my law school days.

    2. Branch Rickey’s boldest innovation, of course, was to desegregate baseball with Jackie Robinson, and then pressing the advantage with Roy Campanella, Don Newcombe, Joe Black.
      This was radical at the time.
      So now there’s a statue of Jackie at Dodgers Stadium, though he never played in LA. This heroic history is one of the reasons that the Dodgers have a global following. Thank goodness it was the Dodgers, not the Giants, who broke the taboo.
      We can trace the Dodgers’ mystique to the moment that Rickey signed Jackie.

    1. The Dodgers have always been hated and disrespected. East coast teams, media and fans alike have always looked down on the west coast powerhouse (Dodgers). Well, in their face I say!

  15. Do the Dodgers need Yamamoto? They probably don’t, but man, it does make things a lot easier. There are very few sure bets when it comes to signing players, especially pitchers, but Yamamoto is about as close as you can get. He’s young and just really beginning his career, which makes him a better long-term value than Cole or Verlander or deGrom. He might not have that ceiling, but he’ll be a reliable fixture in the rotation for the next several years, and and mitigates some uncertainty anxiety around Buehler’s and Ohtani’s effectiveness after arm surgery, Glasnow’s fragility and age, Miller’s unrealized potential, Kershaw’s pending retirement, and the question marks around May, Gonsolin, Sheehan, etc.

    The only thing that gives me pause is his size. He’s like 175 and reaches the high 90s with his fastball. I heard someone make a comparison to Tim Lincecum and cringed a little.

    Still, I read comments here about going after Burnes. LOL! Give it a rest, already.

    The dilemma next year is what to do with all of these pitchers?

    Ohtani
    Yamamoto
    Glasnow
    Buehler
    Kershaw
    Miller
    May
    Gonsolin
    Sheehan
    Stone
    Knack
    Frasso
    etc.

    I think they let Buehler walk.

    1. “Do the Dodgers need Yamamoto? They probably don’t…….”

      I would argue they probably needed Yamamoto more than they needed Ohtani. Pitching was much more the weakness than was offense last season.

      You ask what to do with all the pitchers. I wouldn’t worry about that.
      Gonsolin won’t be around this year and there’s a good chance May won’t either.
      Kershaw will be back mid year at the earliest.
      Ohtani won’t be ready until next year.
      Buehler will be on a reduced workload.

      So, for this year, we’ll probably need everyone you mentioned. We can worry about 2025 next winter.

      1. This year, yes. The starting pitching is a little thin, but I was referring more to next year and beyond with that logjam of pitchers. I’m not complaining that they got him, but they will have to make some decisions to make.

        Having Ohtani giving the team an extra roster spot, I can see them going with a six man rotation next year.

        Yamamoto
        Ohtani
        Glasnow
        Miller
        Kershaw
        May

        They give Buehler the QO, which he rejects and walks. Not sure what they do with Gonsolin. Not sure what they do with Stone, Sheehan, Knack, et. al. Package them in a trade?

      2. Singing The Blue

        I was shocked when I read those 2 things in dodgerpatch’s post, but I didn’t want to say anything.

        The Dodgers didn’t have a 100% healthy ace, so they got Yamamoto. And what to do with all the pitching? Last year should be an example that you never have enough good pitching. Also it seems like every year in the offseason and at the trade deadline, pitching is in demand more than position players.

  16. I do not see Clayton helping much in 2024 and I do no see him in 2025 at all.
    couple of those prospects should be used to bring in Luzardo or a big RH bat for LF.

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

    2. You don’t have enough roster space to carry both Vargas and Busch. Taylor, Barnes, Margot and Rojas will be the bench players. That leaves one spot open for a regular in left. Since we need right handed hitting the spot would go to Vargas. No place for Busch.

      1. Yes, Busch is still likely to be traded. This has been true for a couple seasons.
        The rotation still lacks a quality lefty. (Apologies to Yarbrough.)
        Dodgers could just sign Imanaga ….or they could use Busch as part of a big offer to the Marlins for Luzardo.
        Any other lefties out there?

  18. Is a new dress code mandatory at the ravine? Looks like any seat will be out my range going forward. I’m beyond shocked.

      2. Jim Bowden talked about it on Sirius MLB Radio. Who knows if there is anything to it but it makes a lot of sense and could get Phillips back to his fireman role.

  21. First of all, the Alaska acquisition was done before oil was discovered.

    Second, the only reason the Louisiana Purchase was cheap was because of a little domestic issue called The French Revolution extending to Haiti.

    Thirdly, Animal Farm is an allegory about political utopias and Socialism. Not Social Darwinism. Perhaps you meant Huxley or Sinclair?

    2. Once again you could have encapsulated all this down to a single one of your lines:
      it’s mostly bullshit

      Which nicely summarizes that response

    3. “I know you like brevity but this won’t be brief”. Now tell us something we couldn’t have guessed on our own.

  22. 6-man rotation? That’s assuming there will be 6 pitchers available.
    6-man rotation? That’s assuming there will be 6 healthy pitchers.
    6-man rotation? That’s assuming they’ll be good enough to at least pitch 5 innings.
    And when there is a day off, it will be practically a week since the last call to the mound, it will be difficult to get into the rhythm.
    But hopefully this is the case and the Dodgers have a good enough lineup to score enough runs and win, it’s good that they have a good closer…
    By the way, who will be the closer?
    I completely forgot his name

    1. Phillips is the closer. Treinen should be available too.
      Will there be six pitchers available? Should be.
      While it’s said “you can’t have enough starting pitching,” the Dodgers just added two top-tier pitchers while subtracting one mid-tier guy.
      If we assume that Yamamoto, Glasnow, Buhler, Miller and Sheehan line up as front five, the sixth spot could be covered by Yarbrough, Grove and Stone–all with ML experience–with Knack, Frasso and Ryan in the wings. If his recovery goes well, Kershaw could be back in midseason.
      Looking ahead to ’25, the six-man rotation candidates expand to include Shohei, May and Gonsolin, all returning from surgery. And rising prospects like lefties Maddux Bruns and Justin Wrobleski could be ready too.
      Now what?
      Burnes is still a viable target. He’s the most proven ace possible, because Yamamoto hasn’t shown he can dominate MLB hitters. How does the best lineup in Japan compare to the Braves and Rangers? It will be a test. The fact that Burnes says he won’t sign an extension could be a non-factor; Shohei can step into Burnes’ slot in ’25. (I wonder if AF has offered Lux any assurances that he won’t be traded. Last season he did reach out to Max during the Arenado rumors last season. If I ran the Brewers, I’d want Lux. But I don’t and I’d be happy if Lux proves himself at SS for the Dodgers.)
      Perhaps a young lefty makes more sense long-term. The Marlins are said to considering offers for Jesus Luzardo, who still has (I think) 3 years of team control, which would increase the price. Dodgers and the small-market Marlins could fashion an interesting win-win package.
      Offered the choice of Busch or Vargas, Miami might prefer Vargas because of his youth and Cuban roots.
      Still so many possibilities…..

  23. I know that won’t happen, but could one more season with Julio Irías (to reestablish his name and image) be possible? I understand that for now, Dodgers or any of you don’t even want to hear his name, but he will be back some day, and it is better to have him for you than against you.

    2. Jorge, I was a Julio Urias fan, but at this point there is a greater chance of Trevor Bauer signing with the Dodgers than Urias. Julio messed, screwed up big time! It’s a real shame what happened to that young man.

      We simply do not want or need that type of distraction in the clubhouse.

      1. I was a huge Urias fan. Julio will be lucky to play in a semi pro league in Afghanistan, at this point. Instead of inking a $300m deal he will be paid in goats and raw opium. And still have to give 30% of it to Scott Boras.

      2. Julio probably needs another season of exile (to the Mexican league, perhaps) before any MLB team gives him a chance at redemption.
        Sad to say, but he screwed up a couple of times with the Dodgers, so I don’t see him coming back to LA. But he will live on in the highlights, striking out Adames to clinch the ’20 WS title.
        I loved how Julio followed in the great Fernando’s footsteps, arriving from Mexico as a teenager and making an impact on the fan base. And Victor Gonzales was kind of a mini-Julio, a physically similar southpaw, and he had some great moments too. I’m hoping he kicks ass for the Yankees.

  24. wow! i guess im happy. overall i think it’s great for dodgers, but i dont know how good it is for the game as a whole. now lots of small market teams are screaming its not fair. a lot of these teams aren’t competitive because of owners who won’t spend. the baltimore orioles have a hell of a team, and an owner who doesn’t want to spend. and make it a top tier team . the game is healthy ! and just because the dodgers spent a billion dollars, don’t guarantee them squat! i still believe the braves top to bottom have the best lineup in baseball as i write this. and if they add a cease or burnes, they are right there with any rotation in baseball! and then there’s the giants! nobody will take their money, enough said. san diego? all their superstars didn’t add up to jack sh-t ! if george steinbrenner were alive, he would not have been outbid by anyone! big money didn’t work for the mets did it? cubs fired their manager and haven’t improved on a team that didn’t make the playoffs! as i said the other day, the guy hasn’t thrown a single pitch in mlb, so we’ll see. now of course i want the dodgers to win! if they don’t win it all, they will be labeled as choke artists. if they do win it , money ball screams all across baseball! that outfield is lacking, no matter what the experts say! i would like a good every day left fielder. if not, dump rojas and dign Whitt Merrifield. Taylor can play all over, so can Merrifield. i’m holding my breath and crossing my fingers that they aren’t done improving that roster.

    1. Rojas is cheaper than Merrifield and a much better defender than Taylor or any other infielder on the Dodgers. He also has one year left on his deal, the Dodgers love the guy and so do the pitchers, he saves a lot of runs.

  25. I’m personally not a massive fan of all the platoons we use, particularly in the Outfield, but can see the advantages of it.

    However I think it’s safe to say that our Outfield mix is potentially the weakest part of our roster currently.

    A small trade that might improve things could be with the CWS for Left Fielder Andrew Benintendi. A Gold Glover, with good on base skills, good base running stats and a reasonable contract for 4 more seasons at a good age of 29.

    The Sox are definitely in a tear down and couldn’t be keen to get out from under his salary. A former 1st round draft pick in 16 (we like them), I think he’d act as a nice Table Setter, either hitting 9th, or possibly between Shohei and Freddie.

    Mookie 2B
    Sho DH
    Benintendi LF
    Freddie 1B
    Max 3B
    Will C
    Outman CF
    Heyward RF
    Lux SS

    The only negative for me is he’s a lefty

    Maybe could be included in a Cease deal?

    1. Freddie and Shohei will hit in the 2 and 3 holes. Roberts all but confirmed that. They both are comfortable in either slot. Muncy and Smith will probably trade off in the 4 slot.

      1. If it is Freeman and Ohtani back to back then it stands to reason the #4 hitter will be a RHB, thus Smith.

        Right?

        2. Yes, Smith would bat 4th, in part because he is righthanded.
          The other parts include the quality of his ABs–his OBP is high, gets his walks–and power. As a catcher, he’ll miss about 30-40 games, so his counting stats aren’t overwhelming. But still good.
          Still hoping that Feduccia gets a fair shot at being Smith’s backup

      2. I think Benitendi would slot 6th or lower in Dodgers lineup.
        Will the Dodgers move to upgrade in LF? Maybe.
        Or maybe AF is reading LADT and Mark has convinced him that Miguelito should get a full runway in LF. Vargas could also see some action at 3B to give Max breaks against lefties.
        If all goes well, Vargas could be the righty bat the lineup needs. Why not find out?
        Keeping some wiggle room in the lineup makes sense, because it enables part-time players like Taylor and Margot to get plenty of reps, and could provide opportunity for prospects like Pages.

  26. Details of the contract are beginning to surface. There are opt outs after 29 and 31. Much of the money is backloaded. I too saw the chatter about Clase. Marisnick signs a minor league deal with the Angels. Angels targeting Blake Snell.

  27. like Benetendi, but another left handed outfielder? need a right handed hitter. too lefty lineup. but if not for that , Benetendi is a good ball player! Robett? heck yeah!

    1. Neither is likely to happen. Dodgers do not need another left-handed outfielder. Robert Jr. is the only draw the Sox have, and he isn’t going anywhere. All that stuff is wishful thinking. Bank on it. They are much more likely to target Clase than either of those guys.

    1. THIS. Plus they seemed to be willing to make a run at Hader if they didn’t get Yamamoto so this would be a cheaper way to accomplish this by giving up a few prospects. Clase had a down year so he’s not gonna cost what he would have a year ago. Cleveland needs hitters and we have a few of those without a position.

    2. I read Hader is still a possibility. I like Clase, but he will be making 20 million per year and that’s probably what Hader will get MAXIMUM probably a little less. Gotta trade for Clase but not for Hader. That is, if the Dodgers intend to spend more.

        1. Hader lost all respect when he refused to pitch in the 8th inning. He is not a team guy. And signing Hader means they would lose 2 more draft picks. Not happening.

      2. I will stop short of saying “never” but I cannot see Hader or Clase coming to the Dodgers. Especially Hader The Dodgers just have too many good young arms to trade for a closer and Phillips ain’t chopped liver.

        1. No he isn’t. But I think he fits the 8th inning role better than Kelly or any other arm on the team. As we all well know, the closer does not always face the best hitters.

  29. My head is still spinning from the last week or two. I guess ownership had a plan all along. If they were going to go “dope fiend” they’d do it their own way.

    I don’t see the Dodgers making any big trades, at this point.

    Taking a step back for a 40,000 foot view:

    The Dodgers have the most dangerous lineup in baseball. And it’s not even close.

    Betts
    Ohtani
    Freddie
    Smith
    Muncy
    Lux
    Outman and the platoon gang

    3 MVPs and 6 players in the lineup that have 30-40+ HR power.

    Whatever wholes people see are more like a pin prick in Hoover damn.

    Our rotation is pretty solid with lots of depth. If Glasnow is 100%, as many are saying, it’s a killer rotation. Even if Walker doesn’t return to his old form.

    Our farm system is still loaded. The Dodgers managed to vastly improve the team for 24 and beyond and only lost one good prospect in the process. The Dodgers system is still ranked in the top 10 on many lists. Largely because Miller, Vargas and Outman graduated in 23. The system is still in a position to produce MLB players for years to come.

    I think the Dodgers are pretty much done making any substantial moves this off-season. I think they’ve done enough!

    If we do trade any prospects I think it will be at the deadline to fill any holes that injuries might create.

    The Dodgers are all in. 100% win now mode. While still being in win long term mode. That is not something you see very often. Let just hope all these new assets stay healthy.

    1. As it stands right now the Dodgers bench would consist of Barnes, Rojas, Taylor and Busch/Vargas. I still expect either Busch or Vargas to be traded. Busch would make the most sense as he’s left handed and would be more appealing considering Vargas’s 2023 season.

      1. I agree that if they do trade one of the two it will be Busch. Not just because we’re overloaded with lefties but for the fact that Vargas is the better athlete and more likely to be a superior defensive player at 2b and LF. Busch does seem like he’s a bit blocked.

        I haven’t given up on Vargas. He still has potentially elite bat to ball skills. I think he will be right in the hunt for the LF job this spring. I still see him at a .275/.280 hitter who can draw lots of walks and doesn’t strikeout much. Dodgers could really use a gap/contact hitter batting from the right side at the bottom of the order. Despite his issues early last season, I still see him as that guy.

  31. Will a trade happen before Yamamota officially signs or who gets DFA’d to clear a spot on the 40 man roster? My guess is Bryan Hudson DFA’d as a possibility if a trade doesn’t happen first.

    1. Most likely a DFA> Yamamoto might not even take his physical until after the Christmas holiday. If a trade happens, I believe they will wait until after New Years.

  32. Exciting times…
    But do the Dodgers clearly now have the best lineup in baseball?
    One of the best, certainly. But the Braves are still beastly and the Rangers haven’t taken a step backward.
    No need for a big deal now, but I don’t think we should be surprised either.
    Perhaps the Marlins could be enticed to deal Luzardo as the rotation’s southpaw. (I’d rather deal for Luzardo than sign Imanaga. )
    My lineup card:
    Mookie 2B
    Freddie 1B
    Shohei DH
    Smith C
    Max 3B
    Heyward/Margot RF
    Outman CF
    Vargas LF
    Lux SS

    1. 1-5, as good if not better than Atlanta. 6-9 doesn’t put much fear in anyone. If Lux is all the way back, his bat is decent. Heyward will occasionally contribute big hits. Outman has plenty of pop, too much swing and miss. Taylor same problem. Rojas hit better after he quit trying to pull so much. Vargas and Busch, total unknown quality.

  33. I got off of X permanently today. There were dozens of posts on the Dodger stream from people blaming Israel for the problems in Gaza. I get enough of that crap from the TV news. I do not need it on a baseball stream too.

    2. X is so dreadful in its comments.

      Im trying Bluesky but just not enough good content.

      It’s a choice between which is worse too much bad, or not enough good.

  34. If Vargas doesn’t produce then go for LF bat at the deadline. And I still say Lux’s bat will be mid 800’s OPS. He’s a star

    1. And I quote:

      “Payton Martin was one of the best pitching prospects I saw last year, any level. He’s #18 in this system. He would be the Royals #1 prospect, with room to spare. “

  36. Blind Joe, you da man! Nice to see someone put a size 10 boot up Bluto’s azz! 🙂

    VIVA AZUL!!!

    2. You’re ok in my book, BJD. You’re like a more prolix version of Bradley without the hare-brained trade scenarios and the indecipherable grammar – i.e. you don’t take yourself or the sparring here too seriously.

  37. With our super team now established, Is it too early to call for Robert’s firing when we lose our first game?

    1. Never too early for that Cassidy. As a matter of fact, I would venture a guess that some fans will go batshit crazy if they lose two or three in a row.

    1. It’s amazing that the Dodgers have the best record in baseball with a two-bit manager.

      How do you explain that?

      Odds are you can’t.

      1. Roberts is a front office sycophant that gets out managed in the playoffs. He does what he is told by the front office and is not a good manager in the post season.

        1. Yeah, just like last season, he should have shown Betts and Freeman how to hit!

          Yeah, I totally see it! It was all on Doc!

          NOT!

          1. I will give you last year. Betts and Freeman were a major failure. But, he should have pulled Lynn after the second HR. It goes back further than last season.

  40. Most of the stuff you write is intelligent.

    Did someone hijack your password?

    It’s like blaming a bad meal on the waiter.

  41. With lots of prospect-capital still available, and also too many “unknowns” remaining for this team,.. I’ll call it now.

    For those advocating the Dodgers should now stand pat and see what the season brings…

    Y’all will be sorely disappointed because I’d bet the house the front office will make at least one more move this off season–whether a signing or trade–that will significantly change the make-up of this team.

    1. In order of importance (as I see it), the 4 remaining “unknowns” that need remedying for this team are –

      1) a legit LF guy, ..or more pointedly.. an EVERYDAY outfielder with a good right-handed bat.
      2) SECURE gloves on the left-side infield (SS/3B)
      3) a closer
      4) another SP

      I’m bearish on our present options for 1 and 2, and therefore should be addressed asap.
      3 and 4 are not critical and can wait for now.

      But if 1, 3, & 4 are addressed this winter, ..then I could be convinced to “wait ‘n see” on 2.

      1. As for my last sentence —

        If the Dodgers get a legit closer, another top-line SP, and an everyday good RHB outfielder,.. then barring catastrophic injuries — even weak defense on the left-side infield won’t stop the Dodgers from being BY FAR the best team in baseball. Their hitting and pitching prowess will overcome ANYTHING!!

        They WILL win it all.

        1. 1–I’m fine with giving Vargas a shot. It would suck to trade him and watch him become a star somewhere else. Also fine with trading for Arozarena, because he’d bring extra energy, charisma, excitement and playoff to the lineup. Safe move: sign FA Tommy Pham.
          2– Adames comes to m ind, but I’m fine with Lux. Using Rojas and Taylor as late-inning defensive subs for Lux and Max might help.
          3–A deal for Clase? Hader is possible, but a fat multiyear contract for a closer isn’t AF’s style.
          4–When Adames comes to mind, so does Burnes– if Milwaukee is willing. Cease is still a possibility. Hoping Luzardo is possible. More likely: Giolito as a good reclamation project.

          1. If Andy Pages is healthy,..and the Dodgers have no other recourse.. I’d rather see him get the first shot at LF over Busch/Vargas ..because he at least has SOME MiLB experience playing out there which neither of the other two have.

          2. Correction: I think Busch might have played some LF at OKC. Still, I prefer Pages get first crack at that spot, ..IF he’s healthy, ..and if the Dodgers can’t trade for a vet.

  42. Mark writes: “Rather than make a big trade that costs prospects (player collateral), I would sign Shōta Imanaga and be done. Of course, the teams who lost out to Yamamoto will likely bid up Imanaga’s market, so that may not be easy! ”
    Dodgers have been bullying the market with the checkbook. How about some finesse in employing the prospect capital for a win-win deal?
    The Dodgers may pursue Imanaga, but I’d prefer a trade for a lefty. Luzardo is a better target than Imanaga, with 3 years of team control. He’s younger and would draw a lower salary. He’s a power lefty with ace potential, not the proverbial crafty southpaw providing a different look in the middle of the rotation.
    I also like the report of the Dodgers targeting Clase for the bullpen.
    Does anyone think Dodger prospects want to be hoarded? Saying it out loud would be poor form, but I suspect several would welcome trades to teams that provide a faster path to the majors. Busch might be a bit envious of Johnny DeLuca.

    1. With you on the idea of using prospect capital to acquire Lusardo and Clase ..as long as the other parties are willing to deal, and they don’t ask for too much of an “overpay.” Acquiring those 2 guys would complete the Dodgers SP and RP needs. Their pitching would be locked ‘n loaded for the ’24 campaign.. a truly dominant pitching staff from top to bottom.

  43. Another homer for the Duke. Very well put on your last paragraph. Some of those prospects most definitely are hoping for a trade.

    I’m also a fan of Luzardo and Clase, depending upon the prospects we would need to give up to get them, but hey, a lot of those prospects would probably be happy to be dealt.

  44. Disappointed to wake up this morning to find that we haven’t signed anyone to a record breaking contract.

    AF needs to step it up

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