Thank You For Your Service!

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1. Mark –
   Thanks for the tribute – I know that a lot of us are veteran’s on this site.
   I been to a lot of places and hands downs – warts and all, left and right wings and everybody in between this is BY FAR the best country in the world.
   There is no other country where anybody who works hard and has a good idea (regardless of color/gender) can be successful.

   Unfortunately in today’s political environment – I truly think not enough people realize just what we have and that we truly have more in common than that which seems to divide us.

   THIS NOT MEANT as a political statement – just a reflection of my thoughts for a country I served for 28-years.

   On to Dodger stuff.
   1. While I agree that Buehler may be an extraneous piece if what you noted above pans out – based on his post-season work – why couldn’t we expect him to continue his growth as a pitcher (not just a thrower). In the 9th inning of game 5 his off-speed stuff was filthy. He comes through in the “BIG” moments – I for one would like to see him re-sign with the Dodgers and trade some of the other arms for assets (i.e. draft picks, prospects and international signing $’s).
   2. As for Julio – he has been catch twice in the act of “public” spousal abuse – so how many times has this occurred when he wasn’t caught? – I would rather let somebody else sign him.
   3. While getting Soto would almost be unfair to the rest of the league, re-signing Teo, getting Adames and signing Fried or Sasaki would be just as good if not better.

   1. Happy Vets day to Everyone

      I am with you Shawn on Buehler. If we only sign one starter I hope it would be him. I am for keeping the Band together as much as we can. Keep Teo in left and Blake in the pen. I’d like to find a way to keep Kiké.

   2. Happy Veterans Day all!
      My appreciation is rooted in part to my birthright standing as a Marine brat. Dad joined in ’36 at age 19, served in the embassy guard in Peking (as it was then known), survived the attack on Pearl Harbor (shooting at Zeroes with a Springfield rifle) and made it through the battle of Okinawa as well. During the occupation of Japan, orders took him into Nagasaki–and some 40 years later he would participate in a VA study of veterans exposed to radiation.
      He was a semper fi father of three, and is now buried at Riverside National Cemetery along with his bride. They first met when she was a civilian typist at Marine Corps HQ in Washington DC. After their marriage, the Marines sent him to El Toro and then back to Hawaii (where I was born) and later to Okinawa. While he was in Okinawa, his emotionally fragile bride struggled to raise three young children in a neighborhood with several Marine families.
      An illness put her in the hospital. Years later, I would learn that it was a mental illness–“a nervous breakdown,” in the parlance of the day. So Dad received emergency orders to come home. One of my earliest memories is riding in the backseat of our car as Dad drove us out on a long straight road to visit mom at the hospital. (I would later realize that long road was two miles at most.)
      The diagnosis was paranoid schizophrena. She was kind-hearted but had episodes of angry delusions, one of which led to a second hospitalization. The way I figure it, Mom was a veteran too.
      So it’s fitting that, after her passing, she as interred with her late husband at Riverside National, just off Pearl Harbor Drive.

2. could you actually see the dodgers giving Urias another chance? i’m not saying it’s wrong to give him another opportunity, just curious if the dodgers would want the headlines. Julio was never a problem on the team. How would guys like Freddie, Clayton, Mookie, Will, ohtani, react? But i “do” believe they would accept julio overr Bauer. Not saying Bauer doesn’t deserve another chance, just a different type of person. If i were a betting man, i’d bet more on Julio being back than Bauer. But don’t see either in a dodger uniform again! The risk is not worth the reward! …. Actually enjoyed some nfl yesterday! Detroit-Houston, washington-pittsburgh, KC-Denver. Dallas-Philadelphia (hate dallas!). college basketball started! nothing replaces baseball, but i do love college basketball! Audie Murphy marathon today! a true American legend and hero! God bless all veterans!! They deserve our love and respect!!

3. How about Chase Utley to coach 1B?

   1. I don’t think he wants to travel.

4. Urias wont be back with us, but I dont think he needs to be scraped from the record books. Without him we probably dont win in 20.

5. Agreed – he was a big part of us winning in 2020.
   Where did you read that he was being removed from the record books?
   If correct – I also agree that his name must remain.

   1. They took him down from all murals at Dodger stadium, any highlights of 2020 the Dodgers show he is not part of it….

      So technically in the “books” but not really a part of it….

      1. The highlights don’t show Urias striking out Adames to clinch the championship???

6. Thank you vets. I mean it!
   Book em

7. What Urias did was inexcusable, but what Marcel Ozuna did was even more egregious… and he apologized, got help
   and is now loved by his teammates. Maybe Scott Borass does not care about Julio, but Julio could be rehabilitated… if he is inclined and maybe he has a future in baseball.

8. I think this was the best Vets Day ever on this site.

   The comments were sparse, but the morons are gone.

   It’s the best ever!

9. Win, Win!

   1. As for baseball….
      Assuming the Dodgers sign Sasaki, I think they’ll still go after at least one more front-line starter.
      Strange, but nine starters for a six-man rotation just doesn’t seem to be enough these days…..
      A trade for Crochet would be fun–and liberate some blocked Dodgers talent.
      If the brass thinks Sasaki satisfies the pitching needs, signing Adames and Teo would be that much easier.

      1. I know that they covet Crochet!

      2. Unless you are waiting for the trade deadline deals, there’s no historical precedent for a Crochet trade.

         I put the chances at zero.

         IOW: I wouldn’t hold your breath.

         1. No historical precedent?
            I guess that depends on the parameters. Certainly there’s been no trade of anybody named Crochet.
            Last season the playoff-contender Brewers dealt their ace to the O’s; now CorbinBurnes is a free agent. Back in December 2020, the Padres made separate trades to land Darvish and Snell. The Yankees landed Clemens in an off-season deal.
            At any rate, the White Sox are in absolutely terrible shape and need all kinds of help. Trading Crochet could get them four talents and save some $$ in the process.
            Crochet wouldn’t be cheap, in part because he’s under team control through the ’26 season.
            Here’s an offer: Start with Lux and Outman, as two guys who could start immediately. Add Feduccia as a backup catcher, plus a very big sweetener in top hitting prospect Josue DePaula, who might be star… and might be a bust.
            Too much? Not enough? The point is that the Dodgers could make an attractive offer using players who may not factor much into their immediate plans. (Mookie’s move to 2B makes Lux expendable. I’m rooting for Outman, but his prospects on the Dodgers seem diminished. )
            Chicago’s GM says they are looking for position players, but if Crochet were to become the Dodgers’ primary southpaw, perhaps Wrobleski could factor into this blockbuster. (Can we keep Outman and offer Wrobleski instead?)
            Just all kinds of possibilities–and several other top teams are reportedly interested in Crochet as well.
            Anyway, I’d be very surprised if Crochet doesn’t wind up on another team.

10. Happy Veterans Day!

    Freedom isn’t free. There are those who have paid for our freedom with a heavy price.

    In terms of the Dodgers, I subscribe to the notion of giving second chances to folks who have wrestled with their demons and rehabilitated themselves. After all this is the land of opportunities.

    If Urias takes the necessary steps to correct his wrong doings, while taking full ownership of his mistakes, I have no issues giving Julio a second chance as a Dodger. However, I believe he owes his family, the fanbase and city of Los Angeles an apology.

    Having said that, I have no respect for abusers so Julio has some work ahead of himself to fix his image and mend the bridges he destroyed with his abusive antics. Until I hear an apology from that young man and assurance that he has course corrected his issues, I don’t want to see him again, ever.

    As to Bauer, MLB needs to stop discriminating and give that man his chance. He’s earned it!

    1. Well said!

11. Took my younger son to the Armistice Day Parade in Whitehall yesterday.

    Made me very proud to be British watching all the Service Men and Women Parade. The King and Prime Minister and many other dignitaries laid wreaths, and as usual it was all done with great precision and ceremony.

    We spoke with a number of Veterans with chests full of medals as I wanted my 16 year old to get a feeling of the pride in serving your country.

    My year in LA in 1990 taught me so much about respect for ex servicemen and women. You guys have a different perspective on it, one of respect and gratitude.
    I have stood many times and applauded at Baseball games and NFL games when service people have stood. I love the fact that you sing the Star Spangled Banner before every game.

    In the UK you will never ever see an off duty Service member wearing their uniform, in fact they are advised not to for fear of abuse or confrontation. My best pal was a Met (London) Policeman for 33 years and I never once saw him
    In uniform.

    You guys salute your Service people and actively promote them, and defer to them, and offer them free meals and other things as way of respecting them.We could learn do much from the US.

    Thst would never ever happen here. Shawn was right above – you really do live in the best country in the world and although it might not always seem like it, there is no better place to live in the world in 2024, with the Uk a very close second.

    1. Land of the Free… because of the Brave.

       When you come to America with the intentof being a part of this country, you are officially an “American.” I believe it is the only country in the World where that happens!

       The difference in identity between becoming “Italian” versus “American” reflects deep cultural and historical distinctions in the concept of nationality and citizenship.

       In countries like the United States, national identity is often tied to a civic, inclusive concept. The U.S. is seen as a “melting pot” of immigrants, with its national identity built on shared ideals like freedom and democracy rather than on ethnic or cultural homogeneity. Because of this, American identity is relatively open to anyone who is willing to adopt these values and become a citizen. American culture, therefore, has a tradition of welcoming people from diverse backgrounds and considering them “American” as soon as they become citizens.

       In contrast, many European countries, including Italy, have a more ethnic or cultural approach to national identity. Italian identity is traditionally tied to shared ancestry, language, and cultural heritage, which makes it harder for immigrants to be seen as “Italian” in the same way. Even if you become a citizen of Italy, there is often a lingering sense of distinction between those who are “native” Italians and those who have adopted citizenship. In short, becoming “Italian” often implies a deeper connection to Italian heritage, something that doesn’t change with citizenship status alone.

       This difference in perspective on national identity influences why someone might feel “American” upon moving to the U.S. but not necessarily “Italian” if they move to Italy.

       1. My last anecdote, building on Mark’s absolutely true comments.
          An American is an American regardless of where they came from.

          This is what makes us who we are.

          Right after 9-11, when the National Guard (nationwide) was called out to protect critical infrastructure (i.e. bridges, tunnels, etc), a briefing on the critical locations of the Bay Area bridges by the CA DOT to national security guys (mainly older white guys) was conducted by two of my friends, one was born in Iran the other in Lebanon. Even though both are obviously middle-eastern, it was absolutely a non-issue that they were there.
          I guarantee you that would not happen anywhere else!

          I also am an immigrant and know who I am – an American.

          Thanks to Watford Dodger on his perspective! It is an eye-opener and something that I never noticed when I traveled in the U.K.

       2. Reluctant to get into politics….
          But…
          It’s very clear that the recent election reflected, to a large degree, a nationalistic backlash against immigration. The incoming POTUS is promising the biggest deportation effort ever, and some of his Project 2025 policy wonks argue that the legitimacy of even legal immigrants (such as family through marriage) should be scrutinized as well. The nativist agenda has always targeted the historic principle of birthright citizenship.
          The MAGA campaign didn’t just focus on illegal immigration, but immigration in general.
          The Haitians falsely accused of eating pets are, after all, authorized immigrants who left a country devastated by corruption and natural disaster for a better life. But that didn’t stop them from being demonized. (This is also part of “the American way,” apparently.)
          Once upon a time, a Republican POTUS with familial roots in Ireland refered to the US as “a shining city on a hill.” Not unlike the Statue of Liberty, President Reagan celebrated America as a beacon of hope, opportunity and liberty. Back then, the USA had millions of illegal immigrants too.
          What did President Reagan do? He worked out a deal with Tip O’Neil (even more Irish) that granted amnesty to millions of so-called “illegals.” While President Reagan campaigned with a slogan of “Morning in America,” our nation will soon be led again by a man who speaks of “American carnage,” promoting fear and not optimism.
          Why did Reagan embrace amnesty?
          Because he knew that the vast majority of these immigrants worked hard, obeyed the laws and paid taxes. Many joined the military and some paide the ultimate price. Many married and had those “anchor babies” that many “real Americans” find so offensive. But Reagan new immigration, authorized or otherwise, was one of the hallmarks of American exceptionalism and greatness.
          My guess is that the recent promises of massive roundups and deportation will lead to some flashy news clips, but not much substance. Think about it: Why spend billions of dollars to round up and deport a couple million people who are willing to work for low wages at jobs most Americans don’t want? Do we really want massive detention centers filled with people who might otherwise be holding down the cost of produce at the grocery or helping two-income households raise their children?
          So I predict a whole lot of talk and flashy PR stunts, but little substantive action. It could wind up sort of like that short stretch of wall that Mexico didn’t pay for.
          Sorry to veer from baseball (which, come to think, has brought a lot of immigrants to the USA.)
          But after the paeans to America as a promised land for immigrants, I think a reality check is in order.

12. My view is looking forward not backward as it relates to the talent pool. Urias and Bauer had their chances as Dodgers. I feel they could have a place in the MLB, just not as a Dodger. Pitching tends to be a younger man’s game (exceptions for sure). I clearly remember seeing Julio’s fastball at 97 in 2020 and at 92ish when he had his beating up the ladies incident. Best for him to find work on other teams. I’d like to see a new SS, Sasaki, Treinen, Teo and Kike back. Should be fun to see what happens.

13. Teams have multiple reasons for signing free agents. If signing one places the team in ill-repute and affects the public regard in which the team is held that is a disincentive for signing the player. Signing Urias is a major PR problem for whoever signs him. I do believe that he should have a second chance, but I think that the Dodgers have better options. OC Dodger’s observations are spot on – Urias’ stuff was declining.

    Bauer is another matter. Regardless of the legal wrangling and the merits thereof, I recently watched a video describing him as a “clubhouse cancer” – a pitcher as good as Bauer was traded twice before he darkened the Dodgers’ door, and he was virtually uncoachable in both Arizona and Cleveland. The Dodgers have made a real effort to avoid these kind of players – see the exit of Yasiel Puig for a recent example. Why go after Bauer or Urias when there are other pitchers without the baggage available?

    A lineup containing Ohtani, Betts, Freeman, and Soto would be crazy. I am not fond of Soto – he’s a hotdog of the worst sort. But there’s no doubt the man can hit. He can play the OF well enough to man LF. With Betts at 2B, they can move Pages to RF (his natural position). That still leaves a problem either at SS or CF.

    Soto would be really expensive – cheaper to sign a 6 year older Teoscar Hernandez and maybe Adames to man SS, leaving Edman to play CF. Fill more holes and without Soto’s baggage.

    As to available starting pitchers – Sasaki may not be MLB ready – or maybe he is. Burnes peripherals have declined year after year. Fried has had trouble staying on the field. Snell still has his control issues. All are good, but all come with risk. The Dodgers’ rotation is full of risk. Most of their pitchers have big upside but all have had trouble with health. Burnes has been the steadiest but his decline portends some kind of injury.

    My guess is that Friedman has an alternative that will surprise most of us.

    1. That would be Walker Buehler.

       1. Agree, we have shown we can make it thru the reg season just fine….

          We need #21 in October.

          Im all in on bringing back Buehler. I dont care if he goes 10-10 with a 4.5 ERA. Come October he will earn his money….

14. Gonsolin, Knack, May, Wrobleski, we got plenty of guys to get thru 162…

    I want the Dogs come next October…and no one has proven that more than Buehler….

    If Flaherty comes back on a team Friendly deal im all for that as well.

15. I have no interest in signing Jack.

16. Good analysis Rick. I’m thinking Striker would not be a surprise. I’m not even sure if AF & BG will make a blockbuster or a top FA signing. But it is fun to throw stuff against the wall and hope it sticks. So throw Robert Jr. into your Crochet trade and I’m all in Mark.
    Book em

17. I am not advocating for Bauer and/or Urias – just pointing out they deserve a chance somewhere… especially if Urias can demonstrate some contrition.

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