NOTE: This coffee cup was given to me by a very special friend who is now fighting cancer. I pray that you beat that bastard, Bob! Thanks for the mug. I think that the mug pretty well sums me up!
There is a lot of time between now and Spring Training and it could be a cold, contentious Winter on the labor side as MLB and the MLBPA continue to distrust each other. I happen to think that things could get very, very bad between the parties. If you think it’s bad now… it’s not! Wait until you see what bad is.
It seems likely to me that over 100 players will be non-tendered on December 2, 2020 and many of them may not get offered Major League Contacts. Teams are starting to figure out that handing out long contracts to aging vets are just plain dumb. They also understand that a youngster costs less than a seasoned vet and they have 6 years of control.
In the Dodgers case, Michael Norris reported that Andrew Friedman has allegedly said that re-signing Justin Turner is not a priority. Now, we all know that AF is a nice, unassuming guy who generally has positive things to say about his players. What ups with that? Well, all I can figure is that JT is asking something like $50 million for two years, and of course, Friedman will not give him anything close to that! Also, Andrew does not know if the DH will be utilized in the NL next year or not. However, let’s get to the questions on all our minds:
When will the season start?
I think it has a great chance of starting on time. At the very worst, it might be a month late. What follows is not political – it is simply what is happening in the world we live in. The COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech has taken the lead and will likely be the first to market. It is over 90% effective, meaning that somewhere between 1% and 10% of the people could still be infected. The Oxford/Astrozenica and Moderna Vaccines are right behind them. We do not yet know their efficacy, but they may be even more effective.
Army general Gus Perna is in charge of Operation Warp Speed, the program to inoculate 300 million Americans against the coronavirus by next spring. They have doses of the vaccine already stockpiled and ready to deliver as soon as the FDA approves it. Currently, they have enough kits to give 88 million shots and they will double by the next month. You can read the 60 Minutes interview with the General HERE.
Frontline workers, doctors, nurses, hospitals, and nursing home staff will be the first to get the vaccine. I have no clue where MLB players will rank, but if they start the vaccines before December 1st (and I believe they will), it would seem to me that by the time pitchers and catchers report, players could be vaccinated… or close.
Here are a few facts from the CDC Website:
- FACT: COVID-19 vaccines will not give you COVID-19
- FACT: COVID-19 vaccines will not cause you to test positive on COVID-19 viral tests
- FACT: People who have gotten sick with COVID-19 may still benefit from getting vaccinated
- FACT: Getting vaccinated can help prevent getting sick with COVID-19
In more good news for the fight against COVID-19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration late Monday authorized the use of a drug made by Eli Lilly and Co. that appears to protect infected people at high risk from getting very sick. In people who were at high risk of severe COVID disease, only 3% of those who got the drug went to the emergency room or were hospitalized. With Regeneron and Remdesivir and now this, the chances of recovery from COVID-19, even without the vaccine are very high.
I am not going to tell you what to do, but I am getting the vaccine as soon as it is available. It’s like a flu shot – some people feel like crud for a couple of days after the shot – most don’t! I likely have a few months of immunity due to having it recently. Why am I talking about this? It’s very simple – the only way baseball comes back to normal is with a vaccine. Don’t make this political – it’s not!
Will there be fans?
That’s the whole point of the vaccine. Maybe the first month, the fans will be limited, but by June or so, I think you will see baseball and other aspects of society return to “normal” – if there ever is a new normal. I am looking forward to baseball in 2021… in person!
6-Man Rotations
Why use a six-man rotation now, when no one has really used it in the past? OK, hear me out: In 2020, pitchers did not pitch a lot of innings. Lance Lynn led MLB with 84 innings pitched. Only 17 pitchers pitched more than 70 innings. The Dodgers had three pitchers who threw over 50 innings (Kershaw, May and Urias). Gonsolin threw 46 and Buehler threw 36 innings.
Add in the fact that David Price missed the season, and I believe we have a perfect storm to set up a six-man rotation so as to have the pitchers be fresh for another World Series run:
- Kershaw
- Buehler
- Price
- Urias
- May
- Gonsolin
To me, this is the perfect time to go to a six-man rotation.
Designated Hitter
Will the NL use the Designated Hitter in 2021? Well, the MLBPA wants it and the owners want it, but the owners are trying to use it as a bargaining chip, which simply can’t be done when both sides want the same thing. I believe they will ultimately decide to do it, along with the runner on 2B in extra innings and expanded rosters and playoffs. But, they should hurry up and make the decision because a team like the Dodgers needs to decide if JT is in their plans… and if he can DH, that makes him all the more appealing.
Nolan Arenado Anyone?
Nolan is probably the best defensive 3B I have seen in my lifetime. He will also be 30 years old next year and his career has benefited immeasurably by playing at Coors Field. Well, not immeasurably… it can be measured. For his career, he is Superman at Coors. He has hit .322 with a .376 OB% while slugging .609 and OPS’ing .985! The problem is that on the road he has hit ..263 with a .322 OB% while slugging ..471 and OPS’ing .793! That there is Chris Taylor-esque!
Some of you will say, “Yeah, but he is getting better on the road.” OK, let’s look at last year – he hit .271 at Coors and .227 on the road! He only slugged .809 at Coors and .636 on the road. He reminds me of Vinnie Castilla, who was a beast at Coors Field. He had five years in a row, where he hit 32, 40, 40, 36, and 33 HR and hit well over .300 every year. He then played in Atlanta, Houston, and Washington where he could not duplicate his success. At age 36, he came back to Colorado and hit 35 HR with 131 RBI.
To top it all off, Arenado is owed $200 Million through age 35… AND you are going to have to send the Rockies some good (really good) prospects. That would be a HUGE dope-fiend move and AF will not do something that foolish for a guy who hits very little away from Coors. The chances of this happening are ZERO, ZIP, NADA!
That said, the Dodgers do need a power RH bat! I’ll give you a better deal: How about trading for the A’s Matt Chapman and giving up Cody Hoese, Michael Busch, and DJ Peters… maybe more? Now, we are talking! Think about it! See the lineup below.
Who Hits Leadoff?
If you assume Mookie will be the leadoff hitter in 2021, you might be wrong! It is not a given that Justin Turner will be back and even if he is, he is probably more suited to hit #5 or #6 as he ages. He’s still a dangerous hitter, but is not as prolific on these 100 MPH fastballs anymore!
Mookie Betts and Corey Seager made as potent a #1 and #2 punch as there was in all of baseball in 2020…. and maybe they stay there, but with Justin Turner either gone or hitting lower in the lineup, some changes may be in order. Here are a few ideas:
Gavin Lux steps up. He certainly has the speed to hit leadoff. The obvious question is whether he can get on base 35% of the time. If he can, he could certainly be a huge asset. #1 Lux, #2 Betts, #3 Seager.
Cody Bellinger steps up. No, I don’t want him to lead off, but I have pushed for him to hit #3. I think if he knew he was going to hit #3, before the season started, he could work on his swing and approach so as to improve his BA and cut his swing down. At any rate, I think he will be working on that this winter anyway.
Will Smith leads off. Will Smith led the Dodgers with a .401 OB% and he is pretty fast… especially for a catcher. If he were to lead off, I think it would involve a position change, but if you look at stats, Will Smith’s .401 OB% and .980 OPS would look good in the #1 spot! OK, consider this lineup:
- Will Smith 2B (R)
- Mookie Betts RF (R)
- Corey Seager SS (L)
- Matt Chapman 3B (R)
- Cody Bellinger CF (L)
- Max Muncy 1B (L)
- Edwin Rios (L) / AJ Pollock (R) DH
- Chris Taylor (R) /Gavin Lux (L) LF
- Austin Barnes (R)/ Keibert Ruiz (L) C
I like that lineup a lot!
Dave Roberts Speaks on the Turner Drama
Doc spoke with KTLA on Monday. Here’s few soundbites:
“We could’ve all done things differently and done better.”
“This is new to all of us. So, I think emotions got the best of all of us.”
“I’m a cancer survivor. I sat next to him. And, so, I don’t apologize for that.”
“The main thing is Justin is healthy and we’re moving past it. We can really celebrate the thing that we won, and that’s a championship with the Dodgers.”
There you have it. It was the heat of the moment and nobody died, even if the media called him every name in the book. All I can say is:
I do hope JT comes back!
The Bullpen
I hear the Dodgers want Blake Trienen back and he wants to come back. The only problems is $$$$. I think Andrew Friedman would like a 2-year $15 to $18 million deal, but Blake may want more. We have to wait and see…
I firmly believe that Kenley Jansen will work hard with Driveline Baseball this winter and try to get his Closer’s job back. If Treinen signs, there could be more than one closer. AF is not going to sign any expensive closers – write that down in ink! Kenley may not be as good as he once was, but he may be as good once as he ever was.
Friedman will absolutely look for bargains. Jake McGee and Pedro Baez are still possibilities but if over 100 players are non-tendered, some will be relievers. I think the market for Free Agents will be slow to develop. Robbie Ray had a 6.62 ERA in 2102 and quickly signed for $8 million. $8 million doesn’t go as far as it used to. Toronto is really desperate and they are making dope-fiend moves quickly.
I Have Always Liked This Song…
There Will be a Special LA Dodger Talk Announcement Later this Week.
P.S. It’s all good!
Are you offering some long term deals to the regular contributors of LADT?
They certainly deserve it – a 100% salary increase would be in order. They tend to get more consistent as they age, at least in my estimation.
We do not monetize this site.
I spend about $4,000 a year on it. No big deal, but no one makes any money.
Jeff Dominique is paid very poorly… he isn’t!
Michael Norris has never made a dime.
We do it because we love it!
I think that you can afford a 100% increase then. (I thought you might have understood that a 100% of nothing is still nothing.) So maybe a 200% increase may be more in line.
The commenters can take a pay cut to make up the difference.
You guys do an incredible,professional job.I am a huge Dodger fan of around 50 years. The last several years I have become a bigger fan because of MLB tv package and this website and one more which I enjoy.I live in a small town in north ms,New Albany.We are about 20 miles from Tupelo,Ms where Elvis Presley Was born.Some of you Elvis fans may be familiar with Tupelo.You guys give me a chance to talk Dodger blue that I never get .I love those World Champ L A Dodgers
We have never agreed on Ruiz, who I think will be traded. I also don’t think Smith is moving from catcher any time soon.
I think games will be played before fans will be in the stands. Hopefully enough people will have taken the vaccine to get fans in seats by July.
Good post Mark. Lots of food for thought.
No need to pay the guys who write the articles, as good as they are.
You need to pay the commenters. Just let me know if you do direct deposit.
Comments on your comments:
1) 6 man rotation – starters are going fewer innings than ever which creates a need for more bullpen use. You want to take another guy out of the bullpen and make your starters who are pitching fewer innings and should need less time to recover wait even longer between starts. I vote no.
2) DH – agree that they need to settle this very quickly because it will affect a lot of contracts and signings/trades.
3) Agree that Chapman makes more sense than Arenado but he’s also very inexpensive so the A’s have no reason to trade him for three guys who are just prospects and in DJ’s case not even a real prospect any longer.
4) Lineup – Mookie prefers batting leadoff. Mookie is paid a fortune and we want to keep him happy. Mookie will not be moving to any other spot in the order.
5) Catchers can’t bat first and if Smith were moved to leadoff (which he will never be) he would have to play another position. Why? Jason Kendall had a great career with the Pirates as a catcher who batted leadoff.
1. I’ve been pimping 6 man rotations for a while now thinking it would help our pitchers go farther each time out, but in checking Japanese stats, where they use 6 man rotations, I see it makes no real difference. Fact is pitchers everywhere are candy ass sissy pants and just can’t do what pitchers of yesteryear did.
2. DH. Yes, of course. Everyone wants it. Just do it.
3. Chapman? Where did that come from. The A’s control him for 3 more years.
4. Lineup. Mookie leads off. End of discussion.
5. See 4.
I still see Smith and Ruiz splitting time unless Ruiz is used to get us 3 wins from somebody else. I see Turner signing for 2 and $24 million and he will be worth it. He and Rios split time. Lux is at second.
As for the vaccine I’ll believe it when I see it. I certainly hope it works but my crystal ball says there will be issues with ST and the start of the season. Without getting political I’ll say there is no discernible plan to stop the spread between now and Spring Training and without one what we see happening now will continue to worsen until those vaccines are delivered, administered and take effect. June? Maybe. God willing
Mark, a lot of good and thought-provoking information here..
I haven’t been following as closely for the last week, what with elections. If indeed AF said that signing Turner was not a priority, then he is gone. We need another strong bat. It is not as if our lineup was overly impressive throughout the playoffs, though of course we faced good pitching in the last two series, as will usually be the case. Bellinger once again was mediocre at best, Smith struggled. Muncy finally picked it up, but the regular season was sobering. Pederson surprised, but will he even be back? Pollock had the same playoffs he had the year before, maybe a bit better.
Assuming Turner is not back, then there are too many potential outs in the lineup to create many rallies. We certainly need another right-handed bat with power, because Betts struggles against lefthanders, and we would currently have no major threat against lefthanded pitchers, except for Smith, and he may settle back to hitting .260 with some power, which is decent for a catcher, but not great. We may not want to do it, and may well not do it, but we need a .300 type hitter with some power to bat behind Betts and Seager. I agree that Arenado is not the hitter he was three years ago, and we should look elsewhere.
Our starting pitching looks to be good, though I am not sure what to expect of Price, who was not impressive in 2019, and missed this season. I would like to sign Treinen, but not at too high a price, assuming there are other relievers out there. We have to keep Jansen, but there is no reason to be optimistic about him suddenly regaining the form of three years ago. I would love to see us sign Bauer, and then we could put May or Gonsolin, or even Price, in the bullpen, and maybe Urias in the bullpen in the playoffs, as we did with Maeda. We probably won’t spend the money for Bauer, but he will go somewhere. The interesting question is whether the Dodgers, finally having won a world title, will step back from making any major moves. It was undeniably great to win this championship, but we came very close to losing to the Braves, who should be even better next season.
Would you trade Bellinger for Glyber Torres and play Lux in CF?
William. Price was injured part of the year in 19. He still posted a 7-5 record and his K rate was 4-1. He was one year removed from a 16 win season. His career ERA is 3.31, which is great for an AL pitcher. He will be very fresh since he pitched very little in spring. I have no doubt he will be very effective. Bum, that trade makes no sense what so ever. Torres WAR was-0,2, Cody is only a year older than he is. His defense is not that great, Yeah, he had a couple of decent yeas offensively for the Yanks, But no way they trade Cody and then stick Lux in CF. He has no where near the power bat or CF skills Cody has. That trade has zero chance of ever happening. I do not know why you love Torres so much. But I am pretty sure with LaMehieu gone the Yanks will not be trading him anytime soon. As for Pollock, he had 41 at bats over the 4 playoff series with 9 hits. 2 of those were doubles. His best series of the 4 was against the Padres, But he was no where near as bad as he was last year when he struck out 11 times in 13 at bats, In the 4 series he only struck out 7 times. William, no way Price goes to the pen, and sorry, no way they sign Bauer. Starters are not a need. As for what AF said, check out thinkbluepc.com. Andy, one of the writers wrote about AF making statements on all that stuff the other day. He stated that signing JT was not a priority. Oh yeah, they are not going to trade for Lindor either. I floated Arenado out there because he wants out of Colorado so bad, and he is a SoCal kid who has veto power.
Aside from the 38 homers in 2019, a deeper look at the stats of Gleyber suggests he’s a good but not spectacular offensive player and plays mediocre defense. Obviously no.
I think Price will benefit from pitching in Dodger Stadium and the National League. I think he’s capable of a sub 3.00 ERA.
Good stuff Bear. I mostly agree but would love it if you would tell me what the winning numbers will be for the November 14 power ball lottery.
1 17 32 23 43 55 your welcome
In a word —NO
Great article, Mark!
I appreciate the thoughtful comments on a variety of topics.
A few quick comments. Keep Mookie at lead off.
Resign JT to a two year deal for $20 million.
Keep Will Smith at catcher with Barnes and Ruiz.
Hopefully, Lux earns the 2B job. If not, Taylor or many free agent options from DJ Lemahieu, Kolten Wong, Cesar Hernandez, La Stella are available.
Re-sign Treinen and Baez. Or replace with free agent options like May, Hand, Colome or even Rich Hill.
Andrew Friedman was on MLB radio yesterday and identified his top offseason priorities as a RH bat to balance the lineup and bullpen help, preferably ones that provide different arm angles. He said the bullpen was really good last year but many relievers offered similar looks to hitters, and their deliveries overlapped.
He said he wants JT back, and Justin has been a huge part of the team culture and the community. But JT has earned the right to be a free agent and consider his options, and AF will respect his decision either way.
He also said he has to plan now as if there is not a DH in the NL, although obviously that could change.
He also said as always he will monitor the top of the free agent market for opportunities at all positions.
Nothing surprising and pretty similar to comments on this site.
Mattingly and Cash won the manager of the year awards. I figured Cash would get it, but really believed the Padres manager would win in the NL. Well congrats to DM. He did a good job with a team that was racked by Covid.
Sorry, but Mattingly is still a dufus in my book. He had a hot wife though.
Where have I heard that before?
Great article by Nick Groke in The Athletic:
https://theathletic.com/2190803/2020/11/11/dave-roberts-dodgers-manager-of-the-year-national-league/
Why the Dodgers’ Dave Roberts should have won NL Manager of the Year
A couple of quotes:
Mattingly was a deserving honoree. But counterpoint: Roberts managed better.
The record will show Roberts was not the NL Manager of the Year. But he was the best. And he is now a World Series winner.
Dr. Fauci provides more good news about the vaccine:
https://www.cnn.com/videos/health/2020/11/09/dr-anthony-fauci-coronavirus-pandemic-pfizer-vaccine-blitzer-tsr-vpx.cnn
Keep it non-political!
Good for him. Sorry, I am not taking it. Just a bull headed Bear. Not going to be a pin cushion for any drug. My body, my choice.
😉
I am glad you have survived it twice Mark. I have not been near nor do I know anyone who has had it. Here, there are very few cases. Just happen to be in a place where it is not rampant. I think since the start of it we have had maybe 100 cases in the entire county. And only 3 deaths.
I’m not taking any vaccines until I watch what happens with the first round. Rushing vaccines is dangerous business.
I’ve been to your county Bear. There are only 300 people in it. The rest are prairie dogs and prison guards. Don’t know where they get that group of dregladytes.
Down to about 30 prairie dogs. But there are 7 prisons in the general area. Including one right at the end of town against a cliff. The old Colorado State prison. I used to live just off of second street behind the prison. We could hear all of the announcements. The Unibomber is out in Florence at the Federal Max security prison. Go right by there when I head to the lake. The squirrel and deer population in town has increased a lot. We also have an albino deer roaming the area.
As I have mentuined here many times but apparently it needs to be mentioned again, the very best managers in baseball are worth 2 WAR to their team. And that’s with a 162 game season. This was a Covid 60 game year so divide that 2 by 2.7 and that’s what a manager is worth . And they are going to give an award for that? Me niego!
I don’t want anyone on my team named Gleyber. -0.7 dWAR in 42 games. I want guys who can play stellar baseball with both bat and glove. Somebody like Mays. Stellar Mays. Find him and sign him.
I’ve submitted my offer to Anaheim. Bellinger, Gonsolin, Muncy and an A baller of your choice for Trout. I’m also allowing them to continue to use LA though everyone outside of Mississippi knows they are no where near it. I looked, from their house to our house you have to drive by at least 6 city jails. That gives Dodgers and their jurisdiction prudence over the name LA. Take the plea, it’s a good deal for you. It’ll make Bear happy because it will put our shoulda been Gold Glove centerfielder back at first where he doesn’t belong
Is Georgia done counting yet? They must’ve run out of fingers down there. I’m thinking a few in here would loan them one.
Any other news out there this morning?
Hey Badger,watch it with that Mississippi stuff.I have been outside of the state once,but I was lost.Seriously l am a Mississippi State Bulldog Alum.Home of Head Coach MikE Leach,yeah we are not doing so good!
been there and done that when i was driving cross country. Some pretty country there. Hated Missouri. Highway Patrol there very sneaky and a pain in the tush., Loved Virginia. Has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. Some of the greenest country I have ever seen. Pennsylvania was cool to as was upstate New York. Nothing about Jersey to like with apology’s to Ole Blue Eyes and Tony Soprano.
Matt Chapman is interesting. Justin Turner can still be a better offensive player right now, but Chapman has a great glove. Chapman is cheap and not a FA till 2024. Why do you think Beane would settle for that prospect package?
Would you?
An All Star 2 time Gold Glove winner in his prime, under team control for 3 years, for three prospects, none of whom are on the MLB Top 100 list.
You are working on a year old list.
Also, the A’s are going to have to start paying Chapman BIG MONEY!
November 2020 is a year old list?
You are right about Chapman making more money. First year arbitration happens now. I think the A’s can handle that.
We have Gray and Ruiz as our top prospects and they are 62 and 68. Hoese is way down the list. I read somewhere he is #10 on the Top 10 list of third base prospects. MLB Pipeline I believe.
Chapman had some pretty serious hip surgery in September. Some guys never come back the same way after that. If the A’s would be willing to trade him for Mark’s package it’s only because they have doubts about his physical condition.
I think maybe we misunderstood AF’s comment on JT. By saying it wasn’t his top priority maybe he was just indicating that it wasn’t important to do it first thing, not that he didn’t want him back. He’s giving JT time to explore free agency and Andrew, being the smart guy he is, knows that JT will be a bit disappointed when he sees the kind of money teams are offering this winter. After he’s had a chance to talk to other teams the Dodgers will sit down with him and reach a contract they can both live with.
STB, how much do you think Mark’s package is worth?
According to reports, Beane is leaving baseball to pursue other interests. Not sure who is going to be running the show. They have like 7 free agents.
First thing this morning, I want to say thank you to all the veterans for their incredible sacrifices so we could live the way we do. God bless those who made it back and those who did not.
Thank you, Mark for your article which I enjoyed reading. My thoughts….Keep Smith at catcher, keep JT at third, keep Lux at 2nd and keep Mookie at leadoff.
Hope your friend, Bob’s fight is successful.
Proud to have served. So is my son. My dad in WWII< and my grandfather in WWI.
Oh and definitely keep Corey at SS.
I’m guessing Justin Turner is back.
Apparently Andrew Friedman may be looking for a right handed bat and a couple of relievers. We’ll see.
Friedman often drops tidbits here and there, some may be true, somewhat true or misdirection. Said once he enjoys seeing stories about the Dodgers pursuing this player or that player or a trade here or there when the Dodgers are doing none of the above.
Depending on the contract size or length, Turner would seem to be a logical choice.
Yes, we’re turning the corner on the virus, no question. Still, it will probably be a rough road over the next two or three months as cases increase — hey, it’s winter. Everything is worse — asthma, flu, respiratory infections etc. Know somebody who has already had the vaccine, part of the test, she’s fine. LA Times did a story about others who had it. They’re fine. I’ll take it.
But we know how to deal with this, new treatments, plus the vaccines. Just hope that politics doesn’t get in the way. I want to return to Dodger Stadium to watch games this spring. No more lockdowns. Doesn’t work.
I’d love to see Mike Trout playing for the Dodgers. He deserves to play for the Dodgers. Thought the Dodgers should have drafted back in the day, but they signed Orlando Hudson and lost the pick. Oh well. Hudson had a great opening day. I doubt he was on the Dodgers radar anyway.
Waiting for an in-depth interview with Friedman on the Dodger channel, maybe tonight.
I still believe Turner isn’t a priority because Friedman already knows he’s coming back. Justin Turner will be 36 soon. He’s already made well over $73 million in his career. His home is here. He belongs with the Dodgers. Give him a Magic Johnson contract, a million a year for 25 years. Let him coach, hang out, use the weight room, eat at the buffet as long as he wants.
In the mean time he can split third base with Rios. There are plenty of at bats for both of them.
Our biggest problem is not Covid, but Rabid squirrels.
Thanks for the updates about the vaccine Mark. 90% efficacy is incredibly good news! I’m with you. I’m taking it as soon as I can. Maybe that gets me into Dodger stadium sooner!
Let’s clarify Mookie Betts vs lefties. To say he struggles vs left handers is a tad short sided.
Yes, he hit .200 with a .531 OPS vs lefties in 2020, which is hideous. But even with that horrible 2020, Mookie in his career has hit .297 vs lefties with an .888 OPS, and 111bb vs 110k, since 2014.
I’d say he hits lefties just fine, and I’d bet he returns to those type of numbers in 2021 as opposed to his horrible 2020 stats.
Marcus Stroman is staying with NYM. He has accepted their QO. What do you wanna bet that Alderson told Stroman that more help is on the way with Cohen’s deep pockets.
Next up – Kevin Gausman will probably stay with SF
I think the Mets get Lindor.
They need a star like him and Cohen can give him “Mookie-Type Deal.” They also have SS’s to trade.
Cohen wants to make a big splash. I would also not be surprised to see the Mets get JT Realmuto.
I agree. Lindor is the move for Cohen. NL All Star starting shortstop for years to come. What a splash.
I hope Lindor goes somewhere,then we can quit moving our great shortstop to make room for him. We also won’t have to trade away any of talented players.I think we need a closer and another rh bat that can play outfield.
C’mon all you Golf fans – who’s putting on the Green Jacket on Sunday night?
I’m thinking JT (it’s the year of the JT)
GOLF? No thanks. Maybe when there are windmills and swinging logs on the course. I once shot a 69 on a par 3 course,……over the first 6 holes…..that was the last time I picked up a golf club. But I did hit a golf ball well over 300 yeards……….with a baseball bat.
I routinely short 69, but for some reason my buddy thinks I should play the back nine too
“Below are their projected 2020 arbitration salaries, courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors:
Scott Alexander: $1.0MM / $1.2MM / $1.0MM
Austin Barnes: $1.4MM / $1.7MM / $1.3MM
Cody Bellinger: $11.5MM / $15.9MM / $13.1MM
Walker Buehler: $2.3MM / $3.1MM / $2.3MM
Dylan Floro: $900K / $1.2MM / $900K
Corey Seager: $9.3MM / $15.0MM / $10.4MM
Julio Urias: $1.6MM / $3.0MM / $1.7MM
Due to the uncertainties with salary arbitration this year as a result of the abbreviated 60-game schedule, MLBTR has provided three different projections for each player.
The first is based off the players’ actual statistics from the 2020 season. The second projection extrapolates all counting stats to would-be 162-game totals. The third projection finds the raise players would get in a normal season, then adds a 37% raise on top of that.”
Watford, I’m thinking someone out of the blue wearing the green jacket this year… One of few golf tourneys I’ll watch during the year… A beautiful course, but tough as nails… A true test for the guys…
The courses in Cali and Az. put you right to sleep… After 2 rounds leader is usually around 20 under… God forbid they had to cut their teeth in Scotland or my beloved Ireland…
Speaking of the Irish, not one (?) comment on the Clemson – ND game… Game of the year thus far…
See, no spoken word out of line… It is with Warp Speed, I must leave you now….
Doesn’t count Peter since Irish are ducking my Trojans this year!
Considering how close the Trojans came to losing to unranked ASU< I do not think the Irish are ducking them.
Cassidy – Did you take that in???
Right on Bear…
Thanks for the information on covid Mark. I’d love to see it available as soon as you suggest. I’d be first in line. As an old guy, I have fear of contracting it.
Baseball:
* If it ain’t broke, don’t FIX it. Leave Smith alone and let him catch. Leave Mookie in the lead off spot with Cory #2. They are a great pair at the top of the order.
* I’m okay with trying Lux in the outfield the more I think about it. I still don’t love his actions at 2nd and I don’t see him as a big league shortstop at all. I wouldn’t weep if he was packaged up in the right trade.
* The Matt Chapman idea is out of the blue. I love the idea. It just won’t happen.
* I have been saying it for awhile now but MLB and the Union need to approve the DH, NOW. If nothing else, approve it for 1 year pending the labor negotiations. To drag this out as a bargaining chip does a huge disservice to teams and players like JT.
* Like Badger, I’d be all in on a 6 man rotation. At least for the first half of whatever season there is. But with that, I would work much harder to get the 6 starters stretched out more. I’m not sure where the idea of 85 pitches and 5 innings became the ceiling. And 85 pitches are not the same in April as they are in August. When they started counting pitches the ceiling started about 150. Then is settled briefly at 125. Then 100 became the “magic number”. At 100 everybody is convinced that the guy’s done. Including the guy. Now we are moving to 85. Assuming a guy is healthy and is being cared for less than 100 is a waste of talent. I have looked into this area a lot and I can find NO (zero, nada) scientific evidence that a pitcher’s arm falls off at 100 pitchers. But everybody seems to think that’s now true. I’d like to see pitch counts bumped up until somebody can prove to me that it’s harmful.
* And I prefer a 6 man rotation before the idea of an “opener” and using 7 pitchers to get through a baseball game.
1) 6 man rotation –The Dodgers don’t need a 6th starter, they need the 5 starters to go more innings and help the pen..
2) DH –Let the teams know as soon as possible, yes or no.
3 Chapman I don’t see the A’s interested or the Dodgers but maybe the South Korean ss and 3rd baseman Ha-Seong Kim, wonder if Friedman is interested?
4) Lineup – Mookie is the leadoff hitter.
5) I don’t see Smith at second but I think we will see a very improved Lux playing there next season.
Thanks for the good article Mark. Just a few comments:
1. Mookie Betts – I think he should remain a lead off hitter with his speed and base stealing ability.
2. Expanded playoffs – I don’t like the idea. I think that they should go back to the
1 wild card team format.
3. DH – I was a baseball fan for 20 years before the DH was introduced to the AL. I thought that it was a horrible change to the game. Now, especially after watching this years playoffs, I must admit that I would not be upset if it was used in the NL.
4. Runner on second in extra inning games – I do not like the idea. Probably because I just don’t think that it is needed. BTW, does anyone know what the average length of an extra inning game is over a 162 game season?
A couple of comments/questions regarding the statements AF made on radio yesterday (as detailed above in RC Dodger’s comment):
1) Andrew says he wants a righty bat to balance the lineup. Assuming he expects to have JT back will he be the righty bat or is he looking for someone on top of that? If so, where does that guy play?
2) Happy to see that Andrew is thinking along the lines of having different arm angles out of the bullpen. If that’s the case, I think we can definitely expect to see a couple of changes for next season because that was a problem last year with so many guys throwing the same way and with the same pitch selection.
Can anyone think of an expensive righty bat out there that a low payroll team would like to trade? Maybe we could make them take Kelly back as part of the deal. That’s the kind of creative trade which AF likes to make.
Thinking way out of the box…. FA Nelson Cruz. He will be 41 in July, but check out his stats. He’s just a baller. He’s averaged 40 HRs and about .295 in the last six years. Can be had for probably 10-12M a year. Good: big power and average, right handed, cheap. Bad: when do skills deteriorate?, can’t play defense (hasn’t since 2018), KO rate is 27%.
I know, I’m laughing too.
Carry on
If the DH is in, then why not? But right now, there is no DH.
Even if the DH comes back for 2021 I think the only way we even think about Cruz is if JT leaves. If JT is back he’s going to play some third and some DH which wouldn’t leave a spot for Nellie.
I thought of Nellie Cruz right away. He’s an incredible hitter and a true DH. He might hit at 50. But there are just too many question marks. His age might be one of the least. JT’s signability is critical. And until the league gets off its ass and decides on the DH, you can’t make plans. But Cruz wouldmake a great Dodger. Quality guy, good teammate, experienced and has the best most simple, efficient swing . Great balance at the plate. I would love to see his right hand bat in the lineup.
Vin Scully is going to narrate the World Championship film! good reason to buy the DVD when it comes out. Braves resigned Tomlin to a one year deal for a little over 1 million.
If you told me before the WS that one of the managers would make a crucial mistake that could have cost his team a possible championship we would have all been a little nervous! But I think our guy was better than the AL manager of the year in the series!
Stroman and Gausman both took the qualifying offers today instead of entering free agent market. Another sign of a softer market this winter.
More importantly, I want to thank all Veterans today for their service protecting this country and defending our rights. Your sacrifices are greatly appreciated!
The following taken from a tweet by Future Dodgers:
“Friedman mentions wanting a diverse range of looks & repertoires in the bullpen; could imply they’re looking for more guys with vertically breaking 4-seamers to complement the 2-seam/sinker guys they already have.
Liam Hendriks, Trevor May, Trevor Rosenthal would all fit that.”
I know that you could sign on to that AC since you’ve been touting both Rosenthal and May for quite awhile now.
I would be happy with Trevor May and/or Trevor Rosenthal. AF might be able to get both May and Rosenthal for less than Hendriks.
Being a vet, I would also like to than all those who have served and are serving now. Especially those who are in harms way a long ways from home. To the Marines and the Navy serving on ships at sea. Thank you for your constant vigilance to threats outside of our sphere of vision. To all those here at home and overseas. Thank you. To all who have served in war and in peace, thank you. You keep us safe.