Fans love to speculate and dream up trade scenarios. I have concocted many trades on this very site, and the next trade scenario I get right will be my first. I readily admit that I have never concocted a trade that came true. The problem is that we do not know how either team in a trade situation values the other players… or their own, for that matter. Still, we are always thinking about “what kind of deal will make the Dodgers better?” With the trade deadline forty-something days away, the fans are already restless.
The Dodgers are still odds-on favorites by Las Vegas to win the World Series, over any other team, by a HUGE MARGIN! So, when some of you Negative Nellies lament how bad the Dodgers are, I just call BS! Las Vegas is not in the habit of losing money. Next time you are there, look around… It was built by losers… which you would be if you placed a bet against the Dodgers.
Yes, the Dodgers are the favorites to win the World Series, but there is no perfect team. The bottom of the lineup needs to improve and I believe it will… either from within or from without! It is all within the realm of possibility that Gavin Lux, Kike Hernandez, Chris Taylor, and Austin Barnes step up their games, and it is also possible that Andy Pages, James Outman, and Miguel Vargas will become the players many think they can be. Shoot, maybe Andre Lipcuis will become an All-Star third baseman. It would help if Max Muncy could come back healthy in July or August.
- Max Muncy has a .798 OPS… just shy of .800
- Miguel Vargas has a .868 OPS in a small sample.
- Andy Pages has a .879 OPS against LHP
- James Outman had a .835 OPS in 2023 against RHP.
- Will Smith, Teoscar Hernandez, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Bettes and Shohei Othani all have an OPS above .800 (many over .900).
The Yankees have a team OPS of .770 (which leads all of MLB) while the Dodgers are at .769. OPS is more important than BA. If you don’t believe that jsut look at the tems with thebest batting averages in baseball: Houston and the Padres! OB% is also important and the Dodgers lead all of MLB in that (.35 to .334 over the Yankees).
Chris Taylor has been a loyal and Blue-Bleeding Dodger since 2016 and the Dodgers are loyal to him. He has been one of the faces of the franchise for nine years! His leash is long, but not unlimited. He will have to deliver soon or be a former Dodger. Kike is also struggling as is Gavin Lux (he has lately shown signs of life). Judgement Day is around the corner. The next thirty games will be pivitol, as to who stays and who goes.
I used to champion Alex Verdugo and Keibert Ruiz who were traded. I am fine if Vargas is traded for value. I just think some of the assumptions a few of you have are silly! But it is a free country. I would love to see Kyle Tucker as a Dodger, but that would have to be a BIG OVERPAY. Luis Robert, Jr. could be interesting, but not at Soto value. Then, there is Bichette. I am sure that Andrew Friedman is working the phones on all of them. It will be 40+ days before we know if there is really any traction.
JAMES OUTMAN & ANDRE LIPCIUS
Anyone who thinks I do not like James Outman is simply and truly devoid of reason. I want to see James Outman back and patrolling CF against RHP. It is my opinion and also Mr. Statistic’s opinion that he cannot hit LHP. Also Andy Pages cannot hit RHP (at least right about now), but there may be hope for him. They should platoon in CF this year.
What happens with CT3 is the linchpin… Unless he suddenly starts hitting, I cannot see him on the team by the All-Star break. I can see the Dodgers being cautious in bringing up Andre Lipcius. This is his 5th year in the minors and in the previous three years he hit 12 home runs each year. He is currently on track to hit 35+ and is OPS’ing 1.013. His career OPS was below .750 at the start of the season. The Dodgers hitting coaches tweaked his swing and gave him a little more uppercut and he took to it like a fish takes to water. Can he sustain it at the MLB level? I think the Dodgers have to find out. Max Muncy is back to doing some baseball activities, but it would appear that it would be (at least) July before he comes back and before he when down, he was OPSing .667 against LHP (.162 BA) with almost an .850 OPS against RHP. Lipcius would fit right in as his platoon partner.
The Dodgers are moving very slowly with Miguel Vargas and it is rumored by some that it is for two reasons: (1) RVS is working with him on his swing; and/or (2) Miguel addmitted that after his injuries and the resultant bad habits he developed, he also struggled mentally. He had never struggled at any level until last year and mentally he was hurting. I think that this is a calculated move by the Dodgers and he will get more playing time as we move forward. History will be the judge. We often see players struggle for a time as they move from one level to a higher level. Liranzo and Gelof are but two who have had difficulty moving from Low A to High A. That never happened with Miguel, so when he struggled on the MLB level last year, it was all new and he did not handle it well (according to him).
Finally, Teoscar was the NL PLayer of the week last week, but prior to that he was slumping, prompting for some to request he be platooned. So, right on cue, fans are clamouring for him to be extended. Teo is OPSing .849 with 16 HR, 14 doubles, 1 triple and 48 RBI. If he keeps that up, he will easily get a 4 year/$100+ Million Dollar Deal. Of course, he loves LA, but will AF give that kind of a deal a guy who will be 32 years-old next year? Maybe! He is a lefty killer as advertised with a .960 OPS aainst LHP, but also has a .805 OPS against RHP. Not too shabby!
Jason Heyward is a key. If he can get back to being an ,800 OPS guy then that changes a lot. He only has 65 PA this year and I think he has looked good at times. I see no residual back problems. He looks fine. Of course, Lux is who they are also waiting on… If he can’t get his OPS up to the high .700’s then the Dodgers may go after Bichette, but we have to remember that Toronto is not out of it, so a lot dempends upon what happens there.
Yesterday Mark, you wrote to me — Here’s my response —
I don’t know if I have any logical explanation, but for sure, you’ve already stated multiple times you are equally baffled by what the Dodgers are doing with Vargas.
But as for me, I believe the Dodgers, some time ago, concluded they want to move Vargas by the trade deadline. And since a hurt/injured-Vargas would basically cripple that plan, they needed to severely limit his playing time to minimize his injury chances and “preserve” his trade status. The problem is they had no legit excuse to reduce Vargas from a full-time to a sparingly-used player at OKC. Hence, the Dodgers brought Vargas up to LA to conjure up “rational excuses” (i.e. “slow-walking” “acclimation” “working on his hitting and/or fielding” yada, yada, yada) to play him sparingly, ..thus, preserving his health and trade status. And that’s what I think is happening.
Mark, you think the Dodgers “love” Vargas — I don’t. Now you can poke holes in my “explanation” all you want, call it moronic, or whatever. But regardless, unfolding events will eventually tell the tale.
If you’re right, it’s logical to presume Vargas (barring an injury to him) will have a greatly expanded role on the parent club by August 1, or sometime soon thereafter.
But if I’m right, ..barring injuries to other players that necessitates Vargas remaining with the parent club.. Vargas won’t be in LA by the end of July, because he’ll be either traded or back in OKC by then.
So by August 1, we’ll know who’s right or wrong about Vargas based on which outcome comes to pass.
Let’s see what happens then. Is that a deal? Okay
And btw, I’d rather be wrong about Vargas, because if the Dodgers really think he’s as good as you think he is, and he actually plays up to that level, then that would resolve the some of the problems the Dodgers have with this present line-up for the rest of the season.
I am not saying your opinion is moronic, but having already made up their minds about trading Vargas or actually trading him are not mutually exclusive. For example, it could be what I am saying, and the Dodgers do intend to keep him and give him a bigger role, but then Toronto could make the Dodgers an offer for Vargas in a deal for Bichette, and the Dodgers would jump at the deal. Let’s say that the Jays offered Bichette to Vargas and Knack. I would do that in a heartbeat, and I have no intent of trading him now, but when the opportunity arises, I will do it.
I just don’t take at face value what your sources say about the FO “loving” Vargas. And I see the way the Dodgers are using him now as confirmation of my hypothesis.
But to repeat myself – Your position is that the Dodgers do intend to keep him and give him a bigger role, while mine is the opposite. And by August 1, we’ll know what the Dodgers true intentions are concerning Vargas. Right? Right.
And if you’re right about the Dodgers’ intention of giving Vargas a bigger role, we should already see that “bigger role” WELL BEFORE the end of July by the trade deadline. Let’s see if that happens.
If you see a guy with a Max Homa Dodgers jersey at Pinehurst this week….thats me.
There will be an inevitable let down this week playing the Rangers and KC, it is what it is.
We showed we can handle both the Braves and Yankees. Phils are next….
The Dodgers better not sleep on KC. They currently have the 5th best record in the AL and 8th in baseball. I’m looking forward to watching the KC series.
And Matt, I’ll keep a look out for you and your tee shirt at the Open. I live in Santa Clarita and Max Homa is a local guy. A friend’s son caddied for him a couple of times when he first started on the tour. He’s had some troubles lately with his game. Hopefully, he can get things turned around this week. Enjoy the tournament!
Yup and he is a BIG Dodgers fan. Great guy, hopefully he brings the A game.
Course is a beast.
Nice to know, Ted! I live in Saugus myself.
SCV is an awesome place to live. I’ve been here since 1975. This little valley shelters us from the crime and homelessness south of here. I remember you mentioning that you were a Saugus resident a few years ago.
Very jealous Matt – hope the weather is kind to you. Who’d you fancy? It’s hard to look beyond Scheffler, but my money is on Morikawa, and have a feeling Hedeki is gonna have a good week, and I’ve backed Erik Van Rooyen at a huge price to finish in the top 12.
What day are you going – ill keep an eye out for the jersey.
Was there yesterday and will be back tomorrow.
Would love for Max to win, I like Morikawa as well, another Dodgers fan!!
Look for Bryson to be in the mix….
Practice days are the best days for sure.
I meant Ill be back Thursday for round 1. Yeah Practice rounds better but wanted to see at least one real round.
Good morning Mark. A nice write up today. I think most have been guilty of knee jerk reactions to players performances. It’s a long season and even the very talented Mookie, Shohei, Freddie, Will, and certainly Teoscar are going to have their down times.
And, the criticisms of the prospects that come up to play for the Dodgers is even more pronounced. We all want instant success from them. After all, they are part of a tremendous, highly regarded, Dodger development system. Yet the position players that are promoted have not been instant All Stars and have struggled. You know, like the stars on the team do.
Last year, James Outman started out strong and then faded for a couple of months. But, he was given the opportunity to work his way back to become a productive player offensively and defensively.
With Miguel Vargas it was a different story. He was injured with broken fingers in spring training which caused all sorts of bad habits. I felt the Dodger staff did him no favors by playing him when he wasn’t fully recovered. I think this might have been do to the Lux injury. Unfortunately, he was eventually sent back down to get his swing and mental issues ironed out. Now, he’s back with the team and not playing much. Like was mentioned no one can figure out why. To work on his swing with major league coaches? And then not using that coaching in a game on a consistent basis? Doesn’t make much sense to me. I guess we have to trust the approach. I’ve liked Vargas since he first came up. But, it seems like the Dodgers have done a below average job in developing his talents not only offensively, but on defense as well. I believe his Dodger future will be clearer by seasons end.
Andy Pages is the most recent call up that has had his struggles with the bat and in the field. He started out nicely and then had trouble making contact with up in the zone fastballs. He has recently started to hit again, but the high hard pitches are still being missed too often. I love his swing and attitude at the plate. He needs to make more contact. I think he will. His defense is a work in progress and was apparent in the Yankee series. Mark’s idea of a Outman-Pages CF platoon might be a good idea for this season. I’m not a big platoon guy, but in this case it could give them an opportunity to be successful. And, therefore, help the team win a championship.
I mentioned how it’s a long season with lots of ups and downs. There was an article in the Athletic yesterday where they asked players their feelings on shortening the season. As expected, the answers were all over the place. The players playing for money answered “no way. you ain’t taking my money”. Lovers of playing baseball wanted the season to be longer. Really? One suggested going to 120-125 games with more time off in season. Another player thought 140-150 games. With the expanded playoffs I’m in this camp. But, it the regular season schedule will not be reduced because the owners (and players) want the money.. What’s good for the game and the fans is irrelevant. Another reason for not altering the schedule was because of the cherished records and stats that the media and fans love. I think the way the game is played now days their will be fewer and fewer records broken. Especially with pitchers. We might not see another 200 game winner with the limitations on pitchers’ use. The starting pitchers’ value is being reduced in the past 10-15 years. They throw less pitches yet seem to be injured more often. This not a recipe for breaking records. But, a subject for another day.
Carry on.
Mark, I enjoyed the thought piece and have no major beef with it. I’m excited about some of the returning arms we have and think Knack could be traded because we don’t really need his depth right now and he belongs in a major league rotation.
All I know is that no matter what Vegas says betting against the Dodgers to win a WS the past ten years wins you a lot more money than betting for them. You should never think that you’re good enough. Be pigs. Go get Robert Jr.
Hey Wanye good take on Vargas. I’m not sure if stashing him on the 26 man roster will help his trade value or resonate with other GM’s , but that remains to be seen. That’s 2 good takes on the Vargas situation. And both will probably end up out in left field.
Wayne*
Book Em
If Teoscar wants to stay here, i wonder what type of deal he’d want. 3years, 75 mil?
That sounds about right….
If I was his agent, I’d push for five years, and maybe AF would compromise at 4.
Something to keep in mind: Luis Robert is under contract for another 3.5 years, with the last two at $20m. Robert is only 26 and a gold glove-caliber centerfielder. He has more talent that Teoscar, but seems to carry more injury risk.
Anyway, if the Dodgers or Braves or Phillies or ??? do the “overpay” to land Robert, they are acquiring a contract that is essentially underpaying Robert by millions in terms of the current market. A team could save millions by throwing in an extra prospect.
The Dodgers could swing both deals: sign Teoscar to an extension and acquire Robert. Is that too greedy?
One of baseball’s Youtubers has suggested (not unlike Mark) that the Dodgers should pursue both Robert and Bichette, and also RP Tanner Scott.
There is also a report that the Dodgers are still “monitoring” the availability of Willy Adames.
The Brewers are playing well, and I’d be shocked if he is dealt. But I love his defense. To me, he’s more a sure thing than Bichette.
I love Teoscar great attitude and came big against yanks and a solid outfielder. Looks like a great teammate and wants to win. This is not a criticism of him because performance is the bottom line. The yanks pitching staff set up well for him. Their pitchers tended to be fastball/changeup not with the slider. He is the number 2 hitter vs. changeups this year according to the broadcast. He also faced a lefty which changes the slider effect. Kahnle came in and threw changeup after changeup. He did a lot of damage on the change. He faced more sliders last year than any hitter in baseball for a reason. The yanks couldn’t take advantage of that with their pitchers. Great series!! Great guy!! But factor that in.
What you have to factor in is that Teoscar sees fewer sliders when there are runners on base, so his success will also depend upon the success of those hitting ahead of him.
He has left more men on than anybody in mlb so I don’t think runners on base matter so much. I get it with a runner on 3rd the wild pitch comes into play but the opportunity to strike him out is a risk that most will take. U really don’t have to throw him a strike.
But then again for as smart as these guys supposedly are why would you throw a .080 hitter a fastball? I don’t know if Glasnow just loses concentration or he is just not as good as I think he is but a homer every game is unacceptable.
Figures don’t lie, but liars figure is a saying that is often used.
Let me give another reason why Teoscar has left more runners stranded than anyone else.
NO #5 HITTER IN BASEBALL HAS BETTS, OHTANI, FREEMAN, AND SMITH, WHO HAVE ALL BEEN OVER 1.000 OPS AT TIMES THIS SEASON.
If you look at Teoscar’s clutch stats, they are pretty good. It’s just that the first four hitters on the Dodgers are one base more than any other team, so you cannot just consider stats in a vacuum. He has more opportunities, but he is not going to hit .500 with RISP.
Some of his stats with RISP are great, good and poor… but you have to consider the totality of the circumstances… and he was brought in to hit #5 or #6 and he is leading the team in RBI and HR. He is not a superstar – just a really nice supporting player.
So Mark,would you give Teo an offer and what would it Ben.
Morning Mark, thanks for another interesting thread, and thanks again for the effort you put in for us. Hope you’re enjoying the new digs.
However, as one of your Morons I feel it is my duty to inform you that your understanding of betting and more specifically “odds” leaves a little to be desired.
The term “Odds On” means an event that is rated at more than a “Evens” chance of happening.
This is certainly not the case with the Dodgers currently as they are 3/1 to win the World Series, so in simple terms, you place a bet of one dollar to win 3 dollars, which is obviously much bigger than an Even money, which would be place a dollar to win a dollar (plus your original stake back).
For them to be “Odds On” say 4/5 you would need to place a bet of five dollars to win 4 dollars (plus your stake back). That is what “Odds On “ means.
It is fair to say we are the favourites though, with the Phillies at 4/1 here in the UK.
Had a few pals, not really Baseball fans like me, who went to the London Series over the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Unfortunately because of the Ohtani effect the Dodgers will be doing their overseas games in the Far East for the foreseeable future which is a great shame.
Just to say that I’m just about to move into central London on July 1st, which I’m very excited about. It’s always been an ambition of mine and at 58 I’m finally gonna fulfill it.
Hoping the Dodgers will get a chance to play the London Series at some point. Be good to see some of you over here.
Might have to change my name on here!!
It was originally my intention to do a ten day trip to NY to take in both the Mets and Yankees series, but unfortunately the move is imminent and the costs were just too prohibitive. Would have seen 5 out of Six wins though……
This moron is not a gambler. I have never placed a sports bet in my life, so I stand corrected.
Maybe you should become London Dodger!
Congrats on fulfilling that dream, Watford.
If you’re going to live in a big city, what could be better than central London? I was fortunate enough to visit London many times during my working career. Definitely my favorite large city.
Thank you STB – and I’m very excited.
Split with the Missus about 18 months ago which came as a bit of a surprise after 23 years but decided to make the best of things and do what I’ve always wanted to do, and here we are!
The area is Bloomsbury, 2 minutes to Russell Square if you know it, or a short stroll to St Paul’s Cathedral so very central.
Been fortunate to travel a lot, but London is my favourite.
Glad you’ve got good memories of it.
Let me know if you’re here again or if any of you guys are – be great to meet you (looking at you Bobby!!!)
Oh buddy i can’t wait to visit London again and get a few pints with you at some match!!
London is such a great town.
My daughter is doing a semester abroad there, and loving it. I’ve been able to visit her a couple of times. She is a “third culture kid” who was raised first in San Jose then Hanoi and then Hong Kong before heading for college in NYC. She’ ll graduate in another year and thinking about pursuing her career in London.
Makes me both proud and jealous….
1 – Miguel Vargas can’t play OF. He takes the worst routes that I have seen in a long time. His baserunning snafu on Sunday makes me question his baseball IQ. He’s a guy without a position – He’s not going to DH for the Dodgers or play 1B either. I think that the combination make him a trade candidate.
2 – In this sense, he is more like Michael Busch and less like James Outman and Andy Pages, who are both competent defenders.
3 – A backup catcher who can’t hit is not really a problem. A starting 2B, 3B, or OF who can’t hit is a problem. Pages is OPSing .721, which isn’t great but is acceptable. Gavin Lux is OPSing .560, which is not. Kike Hernandez is OPSing .587, which is not. Why not try Andre Lipcius? What else can he do to show that he might be an MLB caliber player? It wouldn’t be the first time that the Dodgers have found a diamond in the rough (eg Max Muncy, Justin Turner, Chris Taylor).
4 – If you are hitting .102 with a .314 OPS and have K’d 41 times in 88 AB after 40% of the season is gone, what else do you need to know that it isn’t going to work? Other than money owed, why else is Chris Taylor still on the team?
5 – The Dodgers can afford to play the long game with Walker Buehler for a while, but how much longer? With Miller and Kershaw looking to return soon, I expect to see Paxton out of the rotation. But if Buehler isn’t better soon, he might also be looking to pitch out of the bullpen.
6- With all of the accolades coming Teoscar Hernandez’ way lately, it wasn’t long ago that many (including me) were complaining about his tendency to K too much and leave too many on base. He has 49 RBI. He has 16 HR meaning that he has knocked in 33 other players. He has 142 LOB, most in baseball. Second is Jorge Soler at 129. He’s been good at times but not great. Teo also has 81 K in 256 AB, leading the team by 20 (next is Ohtani at 61). That’s a 32% K rate. That’s 5th in MLB.
1. Miguel Vargas has played LF 79 times in his minor league career. Thirty-nine of those were this year. I have watched at least 25 of those games, and yes, I have seen him take bad routes (I have seen Outman take plenty of bad routes, too… everyone does), but mostly, I have seen him improve and take better routes. I think you are judging him unfairly for whatever reason. So, using your standard, Shohei Ohtani must have a low baseball IQ based on his baserunning error. See… it cuts both ways.
I still say that he will be fine in LF. He has good speed and a good arm… he just needs more reps.
I disagree with all of #1 and #2, but agree with the rest.
I’ve seen Ohtani make several bonehead plays while on base. Enough to question his judgment.
Vargas can become at least serviceable in LF but will need reps. The question is how long will that take. Sitting on the bench certainly doesn’t help. Note, from what I read Taylor played this past Saturday because Roberts wanted better defense.
How many years has it taken the Dodgers organization to determine that Vargas couldn’t be trusted in the infield and should be a left fielder? Why wasn’t he getting more outfield reps years ago?
Why did it take so long for the Dodgers to realize that Lux shouldn’t play SS in the majors?
To me this speaks of an organizational bias that prizes offense over defense. Both Lux and Vargas were regarded highly for the bats, not their gloves or arms. Unfortunately, their bats haven’t played up to expectations in the majors.
Defense often seems like a secondary consideration.
Now that the NYY – LAD series is over I liked something I read: “so far the Yankees have the best record in MLB but the Dodgers have the best roster.”
100% agree with that !!!
Come playoff time, it’s not who has the best roster, but who wins the most games.
And who gets the luckiest… And whose players get the hottest…
Doesn’t matter how they get there, it’s still who wins the most games.
And the healthiest
A good weekend series vs the Yankees.
Better fundamentals on defense and base running could have secured a sweep . And of course improvement WRISP.
So do we win any of these games without Teoscar. (Maybe)
I consider Betts/ Othani/Freeman and Smith stars. Don’t get me wrong I’ll take that all day. All potential HOFers. But will they be regular season HOFers and postseason underperformers?
So how did the big 4 in this high profile, sold out, national tv contest perform. And I’m not buying it’s just a couple of games in June
This was a playoff atmosphere. (I was there)
Betts: 3 for 12 – 2rbi
Othani: 2-13- 1 rbi
Freeman:2-10- 2rbi
Smith: 1-11 – 1 rbi
So in total :8-46- 6rbi
That’s a .174 batting avg?
So postseason :
Betts -58 playoff games
251 BA and 710 OPS
Great in 2020 postseason and good in 2021. Total shit in 2022 and 2023. Is this the new playoff Mookie. I hope not.
Othani- No history. Will the lights be to bright in the postseason
Had a poor high profile NY series , but to small of a sample size . (I don’t love his approach/ swing with men on. Although he only stuck out once, in the series , so that’s a good sign.
Freeman: 49 playoff games
285 BA and 914 OPS
Great 2022 series with LA and shit 2023.
Freeman historically is very good in the playoffs. I hope 2023 was just an off series
Smith: 41 playoff games
221 BA and 687 OPS
Great series in 2021 and 2023 and 3 poor playoff series.
If we are going to make a serious run in the postseason over the next 7-10 years these 3-4 guys must perform in the postseason or we are going to have ecstatic regular seasons and Frustrating playoffs.
Learn how to catch the ball, run the bases, bunt and hit with freakin men in scoring position
Go Dodgers!!
Don’t worry about Ohtani. You’re right, it was a very small sample size, a three game series in the middle of the year.
But in the World Baseball Classic last year, a bigger stage, he hit .435, was named Series MVP and struck out Mike Trout to end the final game.
Now that Luis Robert’s Jr has been traded to the Phillies. And yiu think they gave a better trade offer for his then the Dodgers had. Time the Dodgers go after these three players to improve the team.
1. Tyler Oneal he can play outfield first base DH pinch hit way bettee hitters then the four in the benchhave now. now.
2. Bo Bichette go get him improves the left side of the infield and Betts slides back to secund base or the outfield which then so he doesn’t get worn out by october. Bichette will be more if a consistent hitters then you have had all year long in the bottom of the order
3. Mason Miller get him from the As improves the release pitching in playoffs a three headed monster Graterol Miller and Trieden.
Get read of taylor he needs to go bring up Lipcicus look at this lineup by doing this what yiu could do if you pick up these guys.
Betts cf
Ohtani dh
Freeman 1b
Smith C
Teo hernandez RF
Oneal LF
Lipcicus3b
Rojas 2B
Bichette SS
Betts 2b
Freeman 1B
Ohtani DH
Smith C
Teo hernandez LF
Heyward Rf
Pages cf
Lipcicus 3b
Bichette SS
Two different lineups of what you could do by adding those three guys. Improving the bottom of the order with Oneal Lipsicus and Bichette rather then Rojas taylor keke batting.
What are you talking about? The Phillies website doesn’t report the trade – either does MLB Trade Rumors. They have been reported as being interested.
Buster Onleys account was hacked.
When was Robert Jr traded to the Phillies? I can’t find any news on such a trade.
I don’t see a need for Mason Miller when/if many of the injured pitchers return. One or two of current starters will be moved to the BP after Miller and Kershaw are back on the mound.
O’Neal had one good season three years ago. Injuries have limited his playing time the past two years. And, he was injured again on June 6th. I would target Kyle Tucker big time. If not able to get Tucker then Ward from the Angels would be a good choice. If both aren’t available to the Dodgers then stick with what they have. Between Outman, Pages, and Vargas one or two should be able to contribute successfully. If they all fail then the Dodgers development of position prospects has to be questioned.
Maybe, consider bringing up two or three OKC players and see what they can do before the trade deadline. You never know. They could provide some offense off the bench and prevent AF from overpaying in a trade.
10:10 PM ET
Rangers (31-34)
Dodgers (41-26)
SP Dane Dunning R
4-4 4.09 ERA
SP James Paxton L
5-1 4.19 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
SS Mookie Betts R
DH S. Ohtani L
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
LF T. Hernandez R
2B Gavin Lux L
CF Andy Pages R
RF J. Heyward L
3B Miguel Rojas R
67° Wind 8 mph Out
Corey Seager Not in Rangers Lineup
Seager has been out for the last few games, bum hammy I think.
David Vassegh
@THEREAL_DV
Max Muncy is taking ground balls and throwing across the diamond. He wasn’t doing that last home stand . #Dodgers
Keep em coming Bradley! Love it! Who would you trade AF and Doc for?
Wow AF that would be a hard one Teo Epstein. Manager for Robert’s o h I would go after Dave Martinez from the Nationals a world series winner knows how to control a lockerroom and a pitching staff. I hear Robert’s traded to the Phillies last nite then I said crap now what the Dodgers look at as a outfielder everyday that can hit lefties and righties.
Seen on Facebook:
“Trevor Bauer:
• He has served his suspension.
• He hasn’t been found guilty of any crime.
• pitched well in Japan last year.
• Is pitching even better in Mexico this year
• Is seeking the MLB minimum contract.
The Astros are the one team that has reached out to Trevor Bauer’s camp regarding a “private tryout”.
Trevor Bauer this year for the Diablos Rojos del Mexico:
8 starts (6-0 record)
1.53 ERA
47 IP
70 SO
#mlb | #astros | #mlbnews |”
Bauer was not a choirboy, but he got screwed royally by MLB. I’d like to see him sue their ass!
https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.-6SoNxr-deskaSXGpt3YOQHaHa&pid=Api&P=0&h=180
Mark, do you think his lack of contrition is the reason he is being blackballed?
It’s even more than that. He has been a huge critic of Manfred!
Earlier, it was asked, and I will answer:
I would offer Teoscar 3 years/$70 Million.
I would also offer J-Hey a 1-Year $4 Mil Deal.
Vargas now complaining that you’re treating him like Outman. No respect!
Othani does not seem to be fundamentally sound in his base running decision making .
Was let off the hook by Smiths 3 run shot.
Mookie is not comfortable throwing the ball from short stop. Especially on routine grounders when he has a little time to think.
Looking a little yippsy?
Hope not.
By the trade deadline either Rojas needs to go back to short or they trade for a shortstop. Mookie needs to be off short and at 2nd for the playoffs.
Go Dodgers !!
There is a lot of truth there!
Hopefully, AF agrees with your take on shifting Mookie back to 2B. ..and then doing something about it.
Finally figured out a solution for Vargas. Time to platoon Ohtani!
Second that!!
I really should get paid for this stuff!
Cassidy strikes again lol!!!
MLB.TV has blackout-ed me from watching this Dodgers/Rangers game. Is it because I’m in Texas, and it’s the Rangers?
Yes
Thank you for the answer.
Get Express VPN and you can watch it.
You don’t watch the games do you. Vargas went in in the top of the inning for Teoscar. Then in the bottom of the 7th Texas pitcher Tinoco got Taylor out hit Ohtani with a pitch then walked Freeman and Smith. At that point Bochy ram up the white flag. It just happened that Vargas was the first to face Knizer. No grand conspiracy about how the Dodgers view Vargas.
The point Ron Fairly was making is that you make up scenarios to fit your world view. They did not pinch hit Vargas. He was a defensive replacement!
Geeeezzzz!
No let down against the Rangers tonight, just an old fashioned can of Ass Whuppin. Lux has looked better the last two games. Bottom of the lineup set thing up for the big boys. Bradley, do not believe everything you read on X. There are more scam writers on there who say stuff that is totally false. One guy even pretends to be Rosenthal. If someone actually gets traded, the web page of the team and MLB.com will report it. Dennis Santana picked up by the Pirates after being DFAd by the Yankees.
Always nice to have the occasional blowout….
The eruption was no great revelation considering the talent on this team.
So what it today’s takeaway?
I’m going with Lux continuing to show signs of life. Will it save his job with the Dodgers? Perhaps not, especially if the brass truly wants Mookie at 2B sooner rather than later. But if Lux can increase his trade value, that would be great.
One speculated trade has Lux and two prospects headed to the Jays for Bichette. I’d feel better about this idea if Bo was a better fielder. But the deadline is weeks away…
Before then, I think the priority is to get Lipcius up to play 3B until Max returns. Lipcius really could be the next Max–a late bloomer whose career was revived by the Dodgers organization.
And Outman should get back to LA too. He is raking in OKC, and is probably the best centerfielder in the organization. He and Pages would be a strong platoon flanked by Teoscar and Heyward. Kike can be in the mix as well…. while we all wish Taylor the best on his future endeavors.
Always nice to have the occasional blowout….
The eruption was no great revelation considering the talent on this team.
So what it today’s takeaway?
I’m going with Lux continuing to show signs of life. Will it save his job with the Dodgers? Perhaps not, especially if the brass truly wants Mookie at 2B sooner rather than later. But if Lux can increase his trade value, that would be great.
One speculated trade has Lux and two prospects headed to the Jays for Bichette. I’d feel better about this idea if Bo was a better fielder. But the deadline is weeks away…
Before then, I think the priority is to get Lipcius up to play 3B until Max returns. Lipcius really could be the next Max–a late bloomer whose career was revived by the Dodgers organization.
And Outman should get back to LA too. He is raking in OKC, and is probably the best centerfielder in the organization. He and Pages would be a strong platoon flanked by Teoscar and Heyward. Kike can be in the mix as well…. while we all wish Taylor the best on his future endeavors.