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1. Great insight Mark. About time Pages’ gets some honest praise. Hopefully he is working on his hitting and keeps his head on straight rather than go down the Puig road and implode.
   Nice briefing on Rocco. Great to get an on-field guy to balance out the analyticals.

2. Since Kiermaier has retired his range has certainly declined. Pages rated significantly higher than Doyle? Remember, AI is not 0% infallible ( Physicist Neil deGrasse Tyson recently said that for subject matter that he knows well, AI was approximately 85% accurate). User beware.

   1. Totally agree with AI, and Defensive Statistics are also very subjective.

      I sometimes argue with it and win. It will admit it is wrong.

      I’m just trying to show there are other narratives.

      1. And it’s interesting to see how Pages, based on some metrics, rates very high ( this was also pointed out during the regular season). His catch in game 7, covered 121 feet and from one source, he ran his fastest sprint all season.

         1. Andy just imposed his will on that ball (and Kike). No way Kike would have caught it!

            1. According to Kike he had it. He was there just a matter if he could pull it in like Willie Mays. 50/50

            2. I think Kike would have caught it. He’s excellent near the wall.
               But Pages made it more spectacular.
               So close to the agony of defeat–but instead the thrill of victory.
               Such a great World Series…

3. The Rule 5 Draft is being held today in Orlando Florida at the MLB Winter Meetings at 2PM ET. Hopefully we draft some Minor League catchers as backups as the cupboard is pretty depleted

   1. I don’t think we will because they have to stay on the 26-man roster.

      Rortvedt could still return. There’s a good chance Cincy sends him to the minors.

      1. I’m talking about the second phase of the draft, the minor league phase. Restocking the minors.

         1. Ah!

4. Ownership is doing exactly what it promised Ohtoni when he deferred his salary, get the best players available and build a World Championship roster every year. The scary part for other teams is that Friedman recently stated the Dodger have more payroll flexibility for 2026. Don’t be surprised if AF trades a player or players for draft picks. Remember the Lux deal. We are the Gold Standard in all of baseball.

   1. Spot on about the Ohtani contract and the Dodgers meeting their part if the deal.

      It is very possible that 2026 will be the last year any team can spend without some league wide limit. With AF saying there us more payroll flexibility is a major free agent signing in the offering?

   2. Trade Teo for a couple of better catching prospects or trade for some international money and snag a few South American Blue Chips. With all the rumors about Rushing being on the trade block or moving to the OF and spelling Ohtani and Freddie doesn’t give me warm fuzzies.

      1. Teo needs to DH somewhere. He is on the edge of being a liability in the OF. If they let him sniff RF next season, they are stupid & I don’t think they are.

         1. He’s probably not going to play RF but Doc won’t say that about a veteran. Pages’ fleet feet and gun will only lead to better fielding. Just hope he worked in his hitting over the winter. If he does, he will be a doubles machine and roam RF/CF in the near future. Thanks for the comments.

      2. In our quest to perfect the Dodgers, most of us want to move Teo to LF–and some want to get him completely get him off the roster. …

         But the Dodgers just won their second straight championship with Teo in the outfield and sometimes greeting teammates with a shower of sunflower seeds. He’s had some big moments on the field and seems like a key element in team chemistry.
         So while his defense can be frustrating, my sense is that AF and Roberts don’t see him as a liability. The obvious problem last season was Conforto, not Teo. Honestly, I think a Call-Ward platoon would be an upgrade from Conforto. It would be fun to see what Ward can do…. but yeah, moving Teo over would be help.
         Several outfielders could make that happen: Buxton, Duran, Abreu, Myers, Bader… and perhaps a player to be named later.
         But if the brass is content with Pages in center and Teo in right, they might swing a deal for Steven Kwan. He’d play quality defense and provide quality ABs near the bottom of the lineup.
         The Dodgers, I think, could do better–but it would still be a clear upgrade over the ’25 outfield.

5. Boston’s Raffaele (sp?) just won the AL Gold Glove…. but somehow he isn’t listed in this report.
   Some moron must have missed that….
   Oh, wait: This was AI! How did Artificial Intelligence missed!!!
   Anyway, I think pretty much every Dodger fan witnessed Pages improve dramatically over the course of the season. But proclaiming him Numero Uno seems like quite a stretch since the NL Gold Glove finalists were PCA, Victor Scott and Jacob Young.

   From mlb. com:
   The 26-year-old Young is the elder statesman in this triumvirate of young, exciting center fielders. He also made some crazy catches in September. A 2024 Gold Glove finalist, Young totaled +14 OAA one year after recording +20.
   Scott used his special speed to record +17 OAA. But by that metric, there was no outfielder better than PCA this season. His +24 OAA was second overall to Witt Jr., and his +21 fielding run value ranked fourth in the Majors. Crow-Armstrong also tied Fernando Tatis Jr. for the most DRS among qualified NL outfielders (15).

   Confusing, no? The data doesn’t seem to match.
   At any rate, the Dodgers won a championship with Pages in CF, and in ’26 he should even play better. Many fans want to move Teo to LF, but the idea of giving Rushing a big chunk of LF is interesting. My question is: Why didn’t that happen last season while Conforto was stinking? Even though Rushing had played some LF in the minors, I don’t think he saw any outfield action at all in ’25.
   With his cannon, Pages seems born to play RF–and moving him there could help him win a Gold Glove, or at least become a finalist. I still see Duran and Abreu as possibilities, but the Dodgers reported interest in Houston’s Jake Myers, ranked #7 by Mark’s AI, now has me wondering if the Dodgers want a “true” centerfielder.
   Teo-Myers-Pages could certainly work.

   1. Jake Meyers’ bat is very weak. He’s not the type of hitter the Dodgers generally go after in the OF.

6. The NL gold glove finalists were PCA, Victor Scott and Jacob Young.
   Young is not mentioned in this AI report–but then, neither was AL gold glover Cedanne Raeffale.

   From mlb.com, re the NL fnalist:
   The 26-year-old Young is the elder statesman in this triumvirate of young, exciting center fielders. He also made some crazy catches in September. A 2024 Gold Glove finalist, Young totaled +14 OAA one year after recording +20.

   Scott used his special speed to record +17 OAA. But by that metric, there was no outfielder better than PCA this season. His +24 OAA was second overall to Witt Jr., and his +21 fielding run value ranked fourth in the Majors. Crow-Armstrong also tied Fernando Tatis Jr. for the most DRS among qualified NL outfielders (15)….

   Back to me: With his cannon, Pages seems destined for RF, where he really might be Numero Uno.

   1. I’m not saying Pages is the best CF in baseball – just that he’s better than many fans think.

      I would like to see Sirota in CF and PAGES in RF, but it probably won’t happen THIS year!

7. Huh….
   I thought my first comment got lost somehow, so I wrote a shorter one…
   Strange.

8. could pages be similar to Raul Mondesi in right field? Not saying he can’t be a good to great center fielder, but i would love for him to be a permanent fixture in right field. I am a little concerned about his awful playoff numbers, but his “catch “ can make us forget about his pathetic performance at the plate. . Are they willing to leave Teo in right for now? According to Dave Roberts,,that’s entirely possible. But he didn’t completely rule out left field either. Is it really a possibility they trade Teo? He does bring a ton of value in that clubhouse and can be a force at the plate most at bats.
   The one thing i worry about is the lack of power off the bench. Except for Dalton, not much long ball threat there right now. With Kike down for most of the first part of the season (if he’s even there), Rojas, Call, and Edman don’t provide a lot of power. ALTHOUGH, they did come up with some big hits in the playoffs.
   Yesterday was a shock! I didn’t think AF would get Diaz! The money evidentially wasn’t the major factor. Being a Dodger was! What’s next?

   1. The consensus is he’s double plus in RF.

      But, as Mark says, he may very well be plus in CF right now, which is significant because it’s easier to find a corner outfielder.

      Can’t wait to see what our next–and final?–move will be be. I’m feeling Bader as a bridge to the prospect OFers.

   2. The more I think about it, the happier I am about Diaz joining the Dodgers.
      Last season, the bullpen stumbled, especially Tanner Scott, and Roki Sasaki emerged at just the right time to close out games.
      Now the Dodgers will have one of the game’s best closers from Opening Day.

9. What’s the plan for Ward. He’s on the 40 man roster? So do they plan on giving him a shot. Or is he around as trade material?

   1. Emergency roster option. We had the space so added hm. I imagine we’d be willing to trade if anybody asked but then again maybe did make enough strides defensively to justiy a longer ST look.

      1. Exactly – Ruiz is also on the roster. Same plan!

10. This moron would love to have Buxton’s bat in our lineup. Crossing our fingers and hoping an old lineup produces better offensively than we saw in the second half of last year and October is wishful thinking. May have to wait till the deadline to make it happen.

    1. Everyone would love to have Buxton’s bat in the lineup – the problem is that it is not available over half the time!

       1. But we have Edman and Kim to give him rest.

          1. … and we also have Sirota and Quintero who both profile as CF’ers!

             If the Dodgers were to get Buxton, at least one of these players, and maybe both, would be part of the deal.

             Buxton will be 32 next week .

             I was not kidding – in his 11 years in the league, he has played in 898 games – That is an average of 81.6 a year!

             The Dodgers need to get younger… not older… like the Colts with Old Man Rivers!

             1. Buxton’s health is a risk, sure, but he’s coming off his best season ever. Probably his healthiest–and perhaps “youngest.”
                Sirota and Quintero are probably two years away. And of course they are suspects until they prove otherwise.
                So what’s wrong with having Buxton in the meantime carrying an AAV of $15m?
                Not a likely trade, but to me it’s a relatively low-cost gamble worth taking.
                Meanwhile, I’m getting the impression that the Red Sox might want more for Duran or Abreu than AF is willing to give….
                Which could lead to a more modest deal for Myers.
                Or perhaps to no deal at all–and an opening day OF with Teo in RF, Pages in CF and either Alex Call or Ryan Ward in LF, with Edman in a supporting role.
                Who knows? Maybe Ward will be the feel-good story of the season. Maybe Teo will play like a gold glover!
                But if the OF is a problem, the front office can fix it in midseason.

             2. I agree. The time line with Buxton matches up with one of those kids taking over is why it’s intriguing to me.

11. Reading comments on Pages reminds me of the song “Yellow Taxi.” I’d hate to see the Dodgers sign a long term contract to an outfielder. If they do I’ll soon get over it and watch the Dodgers with the same vigor. On the fall Mark, I have found in all my years that less cocktails means less falls

    1. I no longer drink cocktails… just an occasional beer or glass of wine.

       … and I had nothing to drink yesterday.

12. https://x.com/THEREAL_DV/status/1998795555988996569

    1. Logan was a great scout and an astute Amateur Draft Director.

    2. Sad to think my all time favorite player will not be playing ever .What a great player and man .But this is just sports,I lost my mom this year and I can tell you I will never be the same.I was fortunate enough to see her almost every day for many years.Mom had dementia for 6 years but it didn’t destroy who she was . She was still my mother til the last breath.I love the Dodgers and it sure keeps me going.But my family my wife girls dad and sister best friends and the Lord if I didn’t have them,I would be nothing.

13. The New York MESS just lost another a star player. Pete Alonzo signs with the Orioles for 5 years $155K.Where’s Uncle Stevie and his checkbook been?

    “Two other factors that didn’t help the Mets in trying to retain Edwin Diaz: Diaz’s brother Alexis was with the Dodgers last season and spoke glowingly of the staff and infrastructure. Also, Edwin Diaz was less than thrilled the Mets dumped pitching coach Jeremy Hefner”.

    1. Alonzo isn’t worth that much. Especially on a 5-year deal.

       1. Ask a Mets fan.
          I know a couple who are really pissed about losing Nimmo, Diaz and now the franchise HR leader just a year after Cohen spent a fortune on Soto. Alonso, the “Polar Bear,” is a fan favorite who played 162 games and did good works in the community. (Without Alonso’s protection in the lineu, Soto might set a record for walks.)
          Apparently the Mets weren’t willing to offer more than 3 years–and Alonso felt disrespected. (If they were so concerned about is defense, make him a DH.)
          The O’s flopped badly last season in part due to a power outage. Three guys tied for the team lead in HRs. Now the lineup includes Alonso and Taylor Ward, each capable of 35+ homers. They need pitching, and perhaps the Dodgers could shop in Baltimore for prospect.
          Maybe Cohen will try to make amends to Mets fans by overpaying for Tucker.

          1. I saw MANY Mets fans post on X saying what I said. Plenty of “love you. Pete but you’re just not worth that much.” And, “no way are you worth more than Schwarber”. And not so much the aav as 5 yrs. As in he MIGHT have been worth that aav for 3. Most are more pissed off for the other losses.

       2. 35-40 hr and 100+ RBIs EVERY year don’t grow on trees that’s a good deal for both sides.

14. It’s not as much about moving Pages out of CF as it is getting Teo out of RF. It just so happens that the most intriguing OF options available via trade or FA happen to be CF’s so moving Pages to his natural position of RF makes sense. I’d be fine with them leaving Pages in CF but they have to add a left-handed hitting OF to the roster; that is something this roster is severely lacking unless they plan on getting Rushing some AB’s out there. I know Edman will get some reps but he is much better hitting right-handed and there is no guarantee his health will hold up.

15. I think we forget that Edman came out of the gate with some new power from the left side last year before the injuries. With an offseason of rehabbing it might be a lot to expect of him though.

    Teo also came out of the gate killing the ball and driving in runs prior to his injuries.

16. Per Bruce K:
    The 2025 Rule 5 Draft has concluded. The #Dodgers did not lose anyone in the MLB phase, but they lost three players in the MiLB phase:

    -LHRP Brandon Neeck, 26
    -RHRP Livan Reinoso, 27
    -OF Edwin Sanchez, 21

    The Dodgers did not draft anyone in either phase

    José Rodríguez making through the Rule 5 Draft is a big win for the Dodgers. I assumed he was as good as gone when they didn’t roster him this winter. Rodríguez will more than likely make his MLB debut next season and could be a very intriguing reliever.

17. Not much happening at all. Alonso signing by the Orioles about the biggest news today

18. Royals have an interest in trading for Teo.

    1. As Henny Youngman would have said, “Take my Teo, please”. Do they have a young catching prospect to trade?

    2. Never heard of Sanchez–but he is apparently good enough to be nabbed.
       I can name about ten Dodger OF prospects…. so Sanchez might have been the 11th best.

    3. Teo + 5 prospects for Bobby Witt Jr! Mookie can shift to 2b….

19. Just watched Steve Philips on the MLB NETWORK and stated there is a report but not verified that the Dodgers and Tigers have agreed on the players for a trade for Skubal and they have 72 hours to negotiate an extension. Again this is NOT verified.

    1. I saw a similar report 2 days ago.

    2. David Vassegh, a reliable source of Dodger information was just on Hot Stove on the MLB NETWORK and verified the Dodgers are involved with Skubal talks with the Tigers but doubts an extension could be reached because of being a BorASS client and wanting to test free agency after the 2026 season. It would be a one year rental if a deal can be reached.

20. The guys on Foul Territory are chattering about Skubal-to-Dodgers speculation…

21. i’m wondering id Glasnow would be included in talks for Skrubal? i have always liked Tyler and wanted him a couple of years before they actually got him. But if they could extend Skrubal, that could be something else! Also wondering if Rushing would be a part of the package. it would take a lot to pull it off! But WOW! what a rotation!

22. “Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal’s medical history includes Tommy John surgery in college, a flexor tendon repair surgery in 2022, and a birth defect (clubbed left foot). He is currently healthy as of December 11, 2025.

    Career Injury History
    Clubbed Left Foot (Birth Defect): Skubal was born with a clubbed left foot and underwent corrective surgery as an infant. He manages the condition with a consistent routine and it has not caused him to miss any professional starts.
    Tommy John Surgery: In 2016, during his time at Seattle University, Skubal underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament, which caused him to miss the entire 2017 season.
    Flexor Tendon Surgery: In August 2022, Skubal was diagnosed with a left arm injury that required flexor tendon surgery. The procedure ended his 2022 season and he did not return to the Major League mound until July 2023.
    Left Side Tightness: In September 2025, Skubal exited a game due to left side tightness. Scans confirmed a minor issue in the rib cage area, but no serious structural damage was found, and he was quickly day-to-day.
    Current Status
    Tarik Skubal is currently healthy and active. Following his recovery from the flexor tendon surgery, he has become one of the top pitchers in the American League, making adjustments to his mechanics and routine to maintain his health”.

    I don’t think the Dodgers want this guy on a long term contract.

    1. The only minor medical problem is his clubbed left foot at this point so what is the issue? Pretty much every SP on the Dodgers has had some type of arm surgery (some multiple). He’s made over 30 starts the last two years and with the Dodgers he would be afforded extra rest. I’m not saying I necessarily want him long term but the injury history doesn’t scare me.

23. “The Braves and former Padres closer Robert Suarez are in agreement on a three-year, $45MM contract, reports ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Suarez, a client of Primo Sports Group, became a free agent at season’s end when he opted out of the final two years and $16MM on his five-year contract with San Diego. He’ll be paid $13MM in 2026 and $16MM in both 2027 and 2028, per Will Sammon of The Athletic. There are no deferrals in the contract’.

24. Dave Roberts says Mookie Betts will remain the Dodgers shortstop to start the 2026 season

    1. Did he say who’s playing 3B in 2027? 😉

25. the “we tried” tracker is such a brilliant concept:

    https://blogs.fangraphs.com/we-tried-tracker-winter-meetings-schwarblonso-edition/

    1. Bluto thanks for sharing this. I was laughing and then realized how truthful this is. I get so tired of clickbait being posted but this made up for it. Cheers and merry Christmas.

26. Depending on how long Roberts wants to manage I could see Baldelli being the heir apparent.

    1. I think MiggyRo is next, but I could see Doc opt out sooner than later!

       1. Really? He’s only 53 I don’t see him going anywhere for a LONG time.

          1. I do:

             Here’s why:

             1. Cancer Survivor
             2. Business interests, including a winery.
             3. Especially, if he wins again in 2026, there’s no way to go but down.
             4. He can get an announcing gig, making more money… less commitment.

             Maybe I am wrong, but I think he will go out on top.

             1. 5. Drink moar wine

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