Two days ago, the Dodgers acquired three players for 6′ 8″ LHP Bryan Hudson. More about those players in a minute. But first, Bryan Hudson was signed by the Cubs for $1.1 million in 2015 as the 82nd overall pick in the draft. He flamed out as a starter because he had no dominant pitch while his fastball was 93 MPH TOPS. He has difficulty controlling his other pitch – the curveball. Essentially, he is a taller version of Justin Bruihl with less control, but he is enticing, and the Brewers bit on him, especially since he has two options. Goodbye Bryan – we hardly knew ya!
The Dodgers received three players from the Brewers: the proverbial PTBNL and LHP Justin Chambers, as well as LHH Justin Chambers. He was the number one ranked LHP out of Arizona and was #63 nationwide (out of 461 overall). He can pitch and hit, but it seems like the Dodgers want him for his arm and not his bat. He is 6′ 3″ tall and weighed 190 pounds at 17 years old when he was drafted. He is now up to 215 pounds, his fastball is in the low 90s, and he is in his second season from Tommy John. The Brewers paid him a bonus of $547,000 to sign. I think as he matures, his fastball will hit 93-95 MPH, and it seems that he has a feel for the game.
He might see some time at Rancho this summer. This was a typical Andrew Friedman move: Trade a prospect you can no longer use for a lower-level prospect. Kind of like Mich White or Ross Stripling…Only time will tell. At this juncture, I have no opinion.
The new Shoehei – hits and pitches.
Maybe AF is taking his liking for versatility to a new level – possibly a prerequisite going forward??
Really hoping that we give our young homegrown players a decent runway to see what they can do.
Vargas, Busch, Sheehan and Stone havnt got anything to prove at AAA so let em play. How Walker returns will probably determine whether we need to act at the TD.
My area of concern is our depth at Catcher, and not because I’m a Barnes detractor.
We have already seen Will miss considerable time due to concussion protocols and the cynic in me expects nothing different this season. Austin is no Spring Chicken himself, and if we are being honest (and serious), he is not an everyday Catcher of a WS winner.
Gary Sanchez is out there, and he’s a massive upgrade. Forget the chat around his poor receiving, his numbers are trending the right way, and of course he’s got proper pop. Austin is out of contract after 24 so we are gonna need a replacement anyway. Sanchez makes a lot of sense now. Yes he’s not cheap, but the Dodgers seem to be in win now mode and as someone once said. “Let’s be pigs”. His second half with SD last year was very impressive. He would also be a great Bench Piece.
Happy new year everyone. Let’s hope it’s a good one.
I think Sanchez would be fine on the Dodgers but I also think someone will give him a 2-3 year deal and it won’t be the Dodgers.
I’ll give you five reasons why:
1. Cartaya
2. Rushing
3. Fernandez
4. Liranzo (could be the best of the bunch – Switch Power Hitter who is two years away)
5. Feduccia
I honestly think Sanchez is a perfect fit for the Dodgers and would be very comfortable in the Dodgers organization playing under Roberts. It would be the best thing for him , and he could be a great asset to the Dodgers.
I just read that Sanchez became Snell’s “personal catcher” in SD and it he’s really rejuvenated his career. Would the Dodgers really give up on good ol’ Barnesy?
There is talk of him as a future manager. Back-up catcher is not that big a problem for the Dodgers. Depending on spring training, perhaps the Dodgers could make Barnes the highest paid manager in the state of Oklahoma and give Feduccia a chance.
The trade market is certainly heating up, with interesting moves by the Giants and Mariners. Also a report that the Dodgers are NOT a finalist for Imanaga, but I’ll believe that when he is signed.
That long list of catching prospects has me thinking that at least one should be flipped in a trade. My guess is that Rushing has the most appeal now–but he’s also the guy I would least like to trade. But one of these guys could help sweeten an offer for Luzardo or some other stud.
In the non-blockbuster realm, there’s a rumor that the Dodgers could bring back Kenley, much as they brought back Kike and Joe Kelly. The brass seems sentimental sometimes. Kenley was so-so in ’23, with a 3.63 ERA, 29 saves, a 3-6 record and 1.28 WHIP. But the Dodgers might figure Prior could help bring back vintage Kenley.
So how about Busch + a second-tier arm for Kenley?
All considered, I’d rather see a deal for Clase and Beiber, if that’s really possible. While Beiber may never again achieve ace status, may Prior can sprinkle his fairy dust. If he morphs into a solid No. 5 or No. 6 SP, that would be OK
I’ve come around to Mark’s view about trading Rojas to keep room for both Vargas and Busch, in case a better deal doesn’t emerge. With both Taylor and Mookie able to back up Lux, Rojas is expendable.
On the other hand, I’d like Busch to get a good opportunity somewhere. I’m sure he’d rather be the next Konerko than the next Matt Beatty.
Busch + a second-tier arm for Beiber?
And I can imagine AF writing a big check for Hader.
With our prospect depth of talent it’s hard to believe that an AF trade isn’t soon in the making. Who is the most likely target? Burnes, Cease, Luzardo or a big RH bat? And cmon AF, at this point what’s another 100 mil, sign Hader!
I think they are done until the trade deadline UNLESS something too good to be true comes up.
Then what position does Busch get a shot?
If he isn’t traded, the only spot open is left field. He is not supplanting Mookie or Muncy. He is also at this point through spring training, injury insurance. Same reason they won’t trade Rojas. They need to make sure Lux is healthy.
I would trade Rojas and use Busch as a backup in LF, 3B and 1B as well as a pinch hitter. If Lux can do it, then either Taylor or Mookie can do SS. There may be injuries at 1B, 3B or LF as well. I’d like to see Max and Freddie get more rest. Mookie too. You never know…
They won’t sign Hader for one simple reason. Hader has a QO attached. He would cost them two more draft picks if signed. They already lost two and 1 million for Ohtani. If they signed Hader, then they would have lost picks 2-3-5-6. AF is not doing that.
That … and he’s really expensive … and he has to be used as a closer.
There’s a certain prima donna persona that goes with being a true closer: you can only pitch the 9th, you can only pitch one inning, that inning has to be a designated save situation, you usually can’t pitch back to back nights, your little sandwiches that you have in the bullpen have to have the special little bread slices …. etc.
The Dodgers have Daniel Hudson, Treinen, Graterol and Phillips all with closer experience. Would Hader be nice to have on the team? Oh yeah! But I’d pass.
I think the Dodgers will pass, too. I think they like the flexibility of not having a true closer. They limit you for the reasons cited above. If it’s the 7th inning of a one run game and the top of the opposing order is coming up, why wouldn’t you use your best relief pitcher in that scenario rather than him pitch against the bottom of the order in the 9th?
If I’m the Dodgers I’d rather have 2-4 really good pitchers that I can mix and match and insert in any situation rather than one super expensive but exceptional lock down guy who can only be used in certain scenarios.
Emmanuel Clase would cost prospects. He’s not as good as Hader, but he’d add to a really deep bullpen.
… And I honestly don’t want the Dodgers to hand out another absurdly expensive contract … even if they can afford it. What the Dodgers have done is impressive with its savvy, long term strategic vision and effective system they’ve put in place. I don’t want them to just throw money around to buy a championship.
I watched a good YT video on the Dodgers by a Padres fan that was actually very good. I’ll post after this so what I just wrote doesn’t wind up in jail.
https://youtu.be/-F7VbdP9TZE?si=LNKHreT9UG33pcgp
That is an outstanding video by a Padres fan of all things.
It really shows how the Dodgers are so ahead of the game and gives credit where credit is due.
Everyone on this blog should watch it!
Good find. Thx.
I chat with some Padre fans on Tiktok at:
Padre_bod
Typically balanced takes and some (generally) friendly banter about SD v LA.
My impression is that Roberts prefers having a full-time closer. He loved Kenley and certainly wanted Kimbrel to succeed. Gave him too much rope.
I get the impression AF feels the same way. A closer-by-committee can work, but it also creates dilemmas. The bullpen is strong, but I can certainly see them adding Hader or other full-time closer.
Aren’t Taylor and CT3 the same person? I would not trade Rojas. At least not until Lux is settled into SS. And P.S. I’m happy if the Dodgers “ buy” a WS championship!
I meant to write Mookie, and I don’t see Rojas being part of a Championship.
Cassidy
Hopefully it’s a big RH bat, but AF can get that on the free agent market with Hoskins. But those who are poo pooing him for his so called bad defense and unfimiliarity with LF because he hasn’t played there since 2018, are the same ones advocating for Vargas and/or Busch in LF, who’ve played little to no outfield and have a possibility to flop/suck.
My opinion only, the Dodgers don’t need to get more starting pitching with Yamamoto, Glasnow, Buehler for the playoffs and Miller, Sheehan, Kershaw as back ups and then there are Knack and Stone for depth.
As for Hader. I wanted him, but I kept forgeting that he’s attached to a QO, which means there is almost no chance AF gets him. I’d like AF to bring back Ryan Brasier, he’s still free agent.
What I’d also like to see for the bullpen is AF trade Ferguson (who melts under pressure) and Yarbrough, who I consider dead weight. They are in the final year of their contracts and have no options left. Get a couple prospects for them to make room for Hurt and Frasso to get their chances.
The deadline to submit salary figures for arbitration for those eligible is 1/12. The Dodgers have been a “file and trial” team, so typically, they reach agreements with most players before that deadline. If they settle afterwards, it has been for multi-year deals. I suspect that the front office is busy working on making deals.
The Dodgers have 11 arb eligible players: Buehler, Yarbrough, Ferguson, Almonte, W. Smith, May, Graterol, Phillips, Lux, Feyereisen, and Vesia.
I think they already have an agreements with some of them.
Michael Brantley has decided to retire from baseball. One of the better hitters in the game, he has been plagued by injuries the last few seasons. Rumor mill has Snell wanting to sign with the Yankees. Works for me.
Giants trade DeSclafani and Haniger to the Mariners for Robbie Ray. Mariners also said to be working on a deal with Tampa.
I know the Giants need more pitching but wonder if that means they’re out on Snell ?
I know you made mention that Yanks were getting close w Snell.
Good call Bear –
Mariners, Rays Working On Trade Involving Luke Raley, José Caballero
I’m sure Bumsrap is upset that the Dodgers didn’t trade for Haniger. He was almost as obsessed with that guy as Mark is about Vargas.
You have no clue…
or maybe you do and are just having fun.
I don’t think you are that dumb.
Vanasco or Feyereissen. Who makes a bigger impact in 24?
Neither.
Cold, Bear…. Just cold!
There’s a reason the Dodgers have kept J.P. Feyereisen on the roster. Feyereisen was sidelined for the final four months of the 2022 season due to a pinched nerve in his shoulder, which eventually led to surgery on his rotator cuff and labrum. While he could not pitch at all in 2023, the Dodgers still have Feyereisen under team control until 2027, giving him plenty of time to get healthy. In a recent interview, he said that his arm now feels great and he is excited for 2024.
DodgersNation said this:
“When Feyereisen, 30, is healthy, he is one of the best relief pitchers in baseball. Just before the injury, Feyereisen pitched 24.1 innings with the Rays without allowing an earned run. He only has a small sample size of major league stats since making his debut in 2020, but he does boast a career 2.31 ERA and 1.004 WHIP.”
JP went on to say: “I’ve been playing catch all off-season. I’m actually going to head down a little early to spring, get into some warmer weather out of this Wisconsin, and get to the complex a little bit here and there to work with some of the guys on the team and also some of the coaches.”
My bet is that JP will have a great year, but while a bit of an unknown, Ricky Vanasco, who is a failed starter from Texas, is a guy who has a 99 MPH Fastball and three other pitches. The Dodgers converted him to being a reliever in 2023, and he was 1-4 with a 1.24 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 25 appearances between Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
I have watched him pitch a few times, and his stuff is electric.
I would not be surprised if both of these guys make an impact.
Easy choice Feyereissen.
Ohtani has averaged 131 games per year in 5 years with Angels (not counting Covid year). Muncy has averaged 140 games a year in 5 years with Dodgers (not counting 2020). The Dodgers should make it a point to rest Freeman and Betts more often this year. I know that Freeman and Betts take pride in playing every day but it may not be in the best interest of the Dodgers. Betts, especially, was slumping in September last year and has struggled in the last two post seasons. Could be fatigue. Regardless, there is no reason not to give them 10 to 12 games off in a season. My point is that there are plenty of at bats for Michael Busch between Muncy, Ohtani, Freeman, and Betts off days/injuries and left field in place of Vargas.
Would like to see Vargas get the bulk of the at bats in left field to start the year. I would not platoon Vargas. Dodgers need right handed bats and Vargas needs another opportunity. One of the benefits of a line up headed by Betts Freeman Ohtani Smith and Muncy is that you can afford to give at bats to players like Busch and Vargas. In my opinion it is way too premature to throw in the towel on Busch or Vargas.
Trading for another starter like Cease or Burnes is blocking guys like Sheehan, Stone, Knack and eventually Ryan or Frasso. Especially Cease who has two years left. Can’t see them doing that.
I could see them signing Manaea as a bulk guy when they need to use a 6 man rotation which may be a bigger consideration given Yamamoto’s history in Japan, Buehler’s return from TJ again, and managing innings pitched for young starters like Miller, Sheehan, and Stone. But they may view Yarbrough as a fit for that role.
Sure don’t see the rationale for Hader. I am optimistic about the potential of this bullpen with veterans like Hudson, Treinen, and Feyereisen returning, young guys like Hurt, Frasso, and Vanasco on the horizon, and the holdovers.
For the record, I’m for trading Rojas and Margot to make room for Vargas and Busch, but not as starters. Instead for pinch hitters, back ups for injuries and occasional starts to give guys rest days. I’m for getting an every day offensive proven outfielder and that’s Hoskins. Taylor can be Heyward’s platoon partner and if needed back up SS among other positions and when Taylor is backing up someone leaving Heyward without a platoon partner, insert Vargas platooning with him temporarily until the injured player returns and Taylor can go back to platooning with Heyward.
I forgot, if the injury is at a position Busch and Vargas can play then let them play there and leave Taylor platooning with Heyward.
The Dodgers hardly ever play CT3 in right field. I’m guessing they don’t like his arm out there since catching a fly ball is pretty much the same in every outfield position.
Lifetime : LF – 283, CF – 184, RF – 20
So, you might want to reconsider platooning Taylor with JHey.
Also, playing young guys like Busch and Vargas on a sporadic basis usually leads to bad results. I’m not in favor.
Just a difference of opinion, I guess. I’d rather pick one of them and put him in left field for 3 or 4 months to see what he can do.
The solution for the first part of what you said is moving Outman to RF and Taylor in CF when Taylor is playing against LHP. Outman has a good arm.
The second part of what you said, as you said, is just a disagreement.
Plus anyone who thinks the Dodgers won’t make the playoffs is smoking crack. This is about the playoffs. Hoskins is a .846 career OPS player that doesn’t need to be platooned. If you send Vargas or Busch to LF everyday and they flop then you’re trading at the deadline among a small pool of players because of the expanded playoffs and if there is a good outfielder to trade for, supply and demand kicks in and you’re overpaying a lot.
Otherwise keep Rojas a Margot and leave Vargas and Busch in AAA or don’t get Hoskins and leave one of Busch and Vargas in AAA. I’d rather not do this option.
Crack is bad!
There is absolutely no chatter about Hoskins being signed by LA> All of the rumors have them kicking the tires and keeping track of the market for Teoscar Hernandez, who mostly plays RF but can play left. He is also a career .800 OPS player. If he is too expensive, the thought is they will target Tommy Pham, who will definitely be cheaper.
Tommy Pham .259/.351/.435/.786 career and he’s a hot head. No thanks. Teoscar Hernandez seems like a hot head too. I hope niether one happens.
I get it, but the Dodgers not interested in what we might perceive. Pham is a pretty decent fielder with some power, and he would not be playing every day. Hernandez is going to get maybe a 4-year deal. Then again, they could pivot to a trade for an outfielder. About 5 teams in on Brasier, including the Dodgers. Someone on X suggested the Dodgers deal with Boston for Yoshida, who was Yamamoto’s teammate with Orix and Kenley Jansen. Boston is fielding offers for both. Yoshida though is another left-handed outfielder. No thanks on bringing back Kenley. Duvall is a very good outfielder with a lot of HR power. He would also be cheap, but like Hernandez, he strikes out a lot.
Pham didn’t have any problems In New York or Arizona. In 120 post season PA, Pham is hitting .313/.333/.513/.846. Don’t blame Pham for the D-backs loss in the WS. In 21 PA, he slashed .421/.429/.737/1.165. If the only thing that matters is October I think Pham is who I want in left
I got the stats from another site and apparently the only one Pham had issues with was Joc.
Right now Margot is projected as Heyward’s platoon partner. He’s the true “4th outfielder” with a great glove and good speed. Taylor is more valuable in the UT role, and I think he could be a part-time platoon partner for Max at 3B. (Max has been bad against lefties the last two season, and Taylor has been good.)
And contrary to what is sometimes claimed, there is no good reason to platoon Outman. Margot and Taylor are backups to Outman, not platoon partners.
Depth chart as I see it:
C–Smith, Barnes, Feduccia
1B–Freddie, Max, Busch, Vargas
2B–Mookie, Taylor, Rojas, Vargas/Busch
3B–Max, Taylor, Rojas, Busch/Vargas
SS–Lux, Rojas, Taylor, Mookie
LF–Vargas, Busch, Taylor, Margot
CF–Outman, Margot, Taylor
RF–Heyward, Margot, Taylor
The / in Busch/Vargas suggests a kind of platoon in the reserve role. Margot is the primary backup in outfield, and Taylor in the infield.
My guess, still, is that Busch is the most likely to be dealt, followed by Vargas. But as Mark has pointed out, Margot and Rojas are trade candidates too. Will not be surprised if the Dodgers add a veteran righty bat like Pham or Duval or Michael Taylor.
The fact that the Dodgers have had Mookie in RF has limited Taylor’s opportunity to play out there. No need to platoon Mookie–but there is a desire, if not a need, to find a platoon partner for Heyward
Taylor’s a UT guy who will play where needed. He simply hasn’t been needed in RF
But with Mookie at 2B, both Margot and Taylor are likely to see action in RF. Both are certainly capable.
Unfortunately, I’ve never heard anyone suggest that Vargas or Busch would be good in RF.
Hoskins is best used at 1B or DH. He’s a liability in the OF.
A better FA fit might be Adam Duvall.
If I was Busch, I’d want to be traded to a team that gave me a full shot to prove myself as an everyday player. I’ll say it again: Why be Matt Beatty when you might become Konerko?
Matt is a free agent again too. Always thought he deserved a better shot than he got. He did some very good things while with LA. Remember the day he and Pollock had in Milwaukee? Both of them drove in seven runs.
What I remember is how Beatty, Verdugo and Smith–all rookies–his walk-off HRs in three consecutive games. (Am I remembering correctly?)
When Beatty got called up, I remember being surprised. I think he was barely a Top 30 prospect. Unlike Verdugo, Lux, Vargas and Busch, he had zero hype. But the Dodgers needed a lefty bat who made good contact off the bench, and Beatty was the guy. He did his job well.
I hope he finds a good opportunity. I’m glad he was stuck in the majors. Always root for these former Dodger prospects who find a greener diamond, including Connor Wong, McKinstry and Luke Raley. I think all are better off having been traded.
Deadline this season will be the 30th of July. That is a couple of days earlier than last season. Raley to Seattle trade is official.
The Covenant is an excellent movie.
I agree….
On the loooong flight back to Hong Kong, I caught the film “Dumb Money,” based on the GameStop stock frenzy a couple years back.
If you liked films like “Too Big to Fail” and “The Big Short.” then you’d probably appreciate “Dumb Money,” a fact-based recounting of a pretty strange period on Wall Street. And it was a bit funny to see that Zuckerburg’s old nemeses, the Winklevoss twins, were part of the production team.