Debacle In Denver

Posted By on February 5, 2021

On Monday, the Cardinals and Rockies finally completed a trade that sends  All Star and Gold Glove winner, Nolan Arenado and 50 million dollars to the Cardinals for 5 players, only one who has MLB experience, LHP Austin Gomber. None of the other 4 players played baseball last year due to the shutdown of the minor leagues.

Reaction to the trade by the fan base has been almost entirely negative. Some expressed shock that the Rockies would even think of trading him. But the bad blood between Arenado and GM, Jeff Bridich, is a major factor in his being traded. And the fact that the Rockies wanted to get out from under his contract. So they paid the Cards to take him. What they got back was not much. Not one of the prospects is a top 10 prospect. Gomber was expected to compete for a spot in the starting rotation in St. Louis. Now he will do the same in Colorado.

One fan lamented, we gave them the keys to our Ferrari and wound up with some burned Sears activewear. Another asked if all of a sudden the Rockies were the Houston Texans of the major leagues.

To his credit, Bridich took the blame for the failures of the franchise the last couple of years, and when asked if he had thought of firing Bridich, owner Charlie Monfort said no, but he had thought of firing himself. The problem was two-fold, financial, and the fact that Arenado had asked for a trade only 9 months after he signed his contract.

Arenado felt disrespected by Bridich, and he did not feel the GM was honest with him about building a winner in Denver. One of the writers for the Denver Post, Mark Kizla, said that one thing he had noticed about Arenado is that he is soft hearted. He dislikes distraction, especially when it gets in  the way of him playing baseball. He felt he signed because he genuinely cared about his teammates. Oh the money was part of it and he probably felt at the time that he would finish his career as a Rockie. But after he felt underappreciated by Bridich, everything changed.

How does this affect Trevor Story? Well, Story looks at baseball with the eyes of a businessman. It is hard for anyone to imagine that he has not thought about the pros and cons of a potential exit from the Rockies. Most of the writers feel that if he is not traded at the deadline, he will most definitely leave via free agency next winter.

But the fan base? They could not be angrier. Almost all who I have talked to say they are done supporting the team, others have tried to get a fire Bridich website going. Some fans moaned that Monfort chose Bridich over the fans. It is hard to support an organization that lets it’s biggest stars go for what seems like nothing, and pay 50 million to boot.

Arenado himself is very happy about the change. He stated that as a kid, you dream of winning a World Series. And the Cardinals are the kind of organization that is committed to winning. His new deal is 7 years, 214 million, and he has 2 chances to opt out; 2021 and 2022. But he stated he has no intention of exercising the opt outs. Of course, if things get sour in St Loo, that could happen. But for now, he is a very happy guy. And he is going to a city with one of the better fan bases in baseball.

As for the Rockies themselves, they are definitely in trouble with their fans. This is the 3rd time a fan favorite has been sent packing. First was Matt Holiday, who was traded to the A’s for Carlos Gonzalez, and then Troy Tulowitzki. They have always had good hitters who rake in the thin air in Denver. Pitching? Not so much.

And now it seems that not only could Story be moved at the deadline, but other players also. There has been talk about pitcher Jon Gray. Fans are disgruntled and angry. As well they should be. Monfort’s steadfast refusal to deal Arenado to the Dodgers probably cost him some better prospects. The Dodgers could have easily given the Rockies a better package.

The real repercussions will not be known until later in the season. The Rocks still have some talent on the roster, but no ready replacement for their gold glover. 30 homers and 100 RBI s are not all that easy to replace.

Of course, like most of the franchises in baseball, no one really knows how much money the Rockies lost last year except the management. The good thing for the Dodgers is they no longer have to face Arenado 18-or 19 times a year. He did well against them in Colorado, but like most players, his numbers in Dodger stadium were not that great.

The Dodgers have their own free agent to worry about in Corey Seager. Do they try to sign an extension, or wait for him to try free agency. Some good ones on the market next season.

Some who wear the Purple and black, feel more like they are wearing black and blue. All of Arenado’s teammates had nothing but praise for him as a teammate. For the franchise, winning back the fans will not be an easy task. Most are convinced that the current leadership has no clue how to build a winning franchise. The lack of top 100 prospects is cited as one shortcoming.

Fans are calling Bridich all kinds of names, most of them not fit for print. And they point to longtime owner, Charlie Monfort as being someone who is not committed to bringing a winning team to the table.

Denver has never won a division title in their entire existence. Their only trip to the World Series came as a wild card entry. And they were soundly beaten by the Red Sox. Arenado has a much better chance of tasting, as Tommy would say, the fruits of victory in St Louis. Of course we all wish him well, except when they play the Dodgers.

Trevor Story

This article has 172 Comments

  1. A lot of minor deals going on. Giants traded for one of Minnesota’s outfielders. Rosario’s deal with the Indians is complete. Bauer is said to be talking to just two teams now, the Mets and the Dodgers. Nightengale reported that he was signing with the Mets, but his agent denied any deal was in place. Now a rumor has surfaced that he will make his choice known on Super Bowl Sunday during the game. So far, no movement on Turner, although MLB insider is reporting that the Brewers are closing in on a deal with JT. If so, enjoy your years not competing for any kind of title. Brewers are not close to contending.

  2. Denver needs a complete overhaul, from ownership to the GM to a domed stadium where the humidity and conditions can be controlled. The Rockies are a trainwreck.

    That said, I do not think Nolan Arenado is “all that.” If I am wrong and he excels in St. Louis, come back and remind me.

    I wonder if the $5+ million the Dodgers have in LuxTax space is what AF has offered JT? Maybe he has offered $27 million/5 years and that is all he is willing to do to someone who will be 37 this year. JT could go downhill quickly.

    1. Never can tell. Walker and Holliday did just fine after leaving Denver. So did Andres Galaragga. But he was 37 when he left. But the year after he left he put up monster numbers for the Braves. Arenado always could hit, and his glove is second to none. He gets a do over in St. Louis. I think he will be fine there.

  3. I hour ago, Nightengale, who reported yesterday that the Mets had a deal with Bauer, is now saying he has a deal with the Dodgers….make up your mind already……One hour ago would be 6:16 AM my time.

      1. It was on the Dodger feed. I saw the same thing on there yesterday, only it was about the Mets. Could be a copycat.

      2. Yeah, it was some other moron, no biggie. MLB insider though was saying the same thing last night. But we will see. LA does not need him.

        1. ESPN is reporting that Bauer has signed with Dodgers for crazy money for 3 years! This makes the already great rotation beyond belief… wow amazing

    2. I think the owners and the Dodgers really do adhere to the CBT as an unofficial hard cap. I could see AF going over for a year or so with the expectation that he could get back under it when contracts come off the books, but I don’t think the money and the contract duration for Bauer make this realistic.

      That, and I personally think he’s a bad bet. At some point I think MLB will come down harder on the use of foreign substances to increase spin rate. The increase in spin rate is the primary reason Bauer has elevated his game, and I suspect it has to do, in part, to the use of foreign substances.

      At the same time, the team will need a long term replacement for Kershaw when his contract ends. Maybe he signs again for a lower AAV, but you will need to replace that production, either if he leaves or just because of his current decline. AF was willing to go out and make an offer for Cole, after all. Just a couple of years ago the team had Hill, Maeda and Ryu – crazy depth. Right now, if Buehler gets injured and needs another Tommy John (which my hunch says is very possible) the Dodgers are kind of screwed.

      1. I doubt he is using a foreign substance Patch. There has never been any proof of that. Me, I just do not think a guy who has had 2 years of success out of 7 is worth the kind of money they are talking about.

        2. To your point, Bauer was the one who was most vocal in calling out those who are using stickum to increase spin rate, so perhaps he isn’t, but spin rate is now considered even more important than velocity in evaluating a pitcher’s effectiveness. At some point that is only improved by increasing the contact friction between the hand and the ball. When spin rate increases suddenly with a pitcher this only points to something artificial going on.

          I predict the crackdown on foreign substances will be a thing (though you never know with Manfred the Spineless).

          https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/mlb/yankees/2021/01/08/new-york-yankees-gerrit-cole-named-mlb-foreign-substance-case/6597513002/

  4. Fangraphs’ Roster Resource has an interesting new page with projected Opening Day rosters. Main surprises are Taylor over Lux [& Lux to bench] and Peters as final bench piece. Floro & Alexander miss the bullpen cut.

    1. I notice that Andrew Toles is still on the restricted list. I doubt that he ever plays again, but I think he gets insurance benefits by being there. Jeff D. would know for sure.

    2. IIRC Peters has been listed as the final bench piece most of the off season. Same with Taylor as 2B. Don’t have a ‘way back’ view but seem to remember that is how it has been.

      Most of us think of Taylor as our 4th OF’er with Lux as 2B but that is up to Lux. If Taylor is the 2B than we need a 4th OF’er on the bench who can play more than just LF. Peters would meet that criteria as he can play all 3 oF positions. Can he get his k rate to acceptable levels? We may find out this year.

  5. Hearing about Toles this morning bums me out… I really liked the kid…
    I’m relying less every day on my oxygen and rehabbing from a patch work epidurals and covid is a ‘E’ coupon ride for sure… The key for me is a great and patient wife…
    Being vertical is a plus also…
    Am I the only one that thinks J.T. will show up for ST???

    1. No, Peter, you are not the only one. I, too, have no doubt and a lot of faith that Turner will be with us next year. Glad you have a great and patient wife. That is a treasure. Keep getting better. DBM

  6. In the highly unlikely event, the Dodgers get Bauer, then JT will get signed too. They will blow through the LuxTax for one year… and maybe Clayton has already told them he is retiring after his deal is up… ???

    1. Dodger baseball won’t be the same without Kershaw.I hope he has several years left in LA.

  7. According to MLB Trade Rumors the Mets have given Bauer until noon today to accept their offer. Hopefully all this BS will be over by then.

  8. NYM has given Bauer until 12 Noon (ET) to accept or decline their final offer. So we should know something shortly after 9:00 AM (PT). Unless Bauer really wants to be a Dodger for a lot less guaranteed $$$, he is going to be a Met. I agree with Mark, that if AF signs Bauer, he is going to sign JT as well. If you are going to go past the threshold by $25MM to $30MM, why not make it more? Who knows if there will even be a threshold after the next CBA.

    1. If all that happens, then I predict David Price will become the first player to be traded to the Dodgers, never play for the Dodgers, win a ring with the Dodgers, and then be traded by the Dodgers

      1. Why do that? Makes no sense at all. Price is the #3 right now, with Urias, May and Gonsolin penciled in behind him, They get Bauer, and your starting 5 are Buehler, Kersh, Price, Bauer and Urias. Gives May one more year to mature, and you move Catman to the pen. Both those kids have bright futures, but Price is a proven commodity.

  9. But if Dodgers signed both Turner and Bauer they would go into the second tier of penalties which is a huge hit. Something like 45%? And they lose 10 spots on a draft pick and how does that play after letting go many employees in a cost cutting move last year?

  10. I’m just amazed at the return for Nolan Arenado. Then they tossed in a boatload of money to help out St. Louis. If I followed the Rockies, I’m thinking management is clueless. What was the point? I get not wanting to trade him to the Dodgers, but I’m guessing they could have gained a far better return. Might have made more sense.

    The Cardinals must be overjoyed. For a trade of that magnitude, they should have received a top prospect or two.

    It’s obvious that Colorado had no plan when they extended Arenado. Like, okay, what do we do next to give us a chance to win long term? The Rockies always seem to be grasping at straws. After the latest and greatest plan fails, what’s next? Take a massive financial hit and trade the face of the franchise and not get much in return. People can talk analytics and how sophisticated the game has become, but after watching some of the deals and signings clubs make, I can only conclude that there are a lot of management people in the game who don’t have a clue. How did they get these jobs?

    Which, of course, makes me appreciate the Dodgers and Andrew Friedman even more.

    As to Trevor Bauer, Bob Nightengale is sometimes challenged when it comes to getting these things right. I do find the Dodgers involvement interesting. They really don’t need Trevor Bauer. The Angels do. But which Bauer do you get? Why would the Dodgers pursue him right to the finish? They have a plan. They always have a plan. Is this a “Pig” moment? Or maybe they want to slam the door on the West and the rest of the National League. Winning is fun. Dominating is even more fun.

    Maybe Bauer absolutely wants to be in SoCal and is hoping the Dodgers give him an excuse to take some short term deal. Or the Dodgers do a Harper and get close, but no cigar, because in the end it all comes down to dollars and years.

    Is this pursuit hanging up the Justin Turner deal?

    Good write-up Bear.

    1. Fans are ticked off about the return and the amount of money sent to St.Louis. I was outside yesterday and a couple of the residents who are Rockies fans were blistering the front office, and now they suspect that Story is going to be gone too. Rays have an interest in Rich Hill, and also Ozuna, but just on a one year deal.

  12. Dodgers could trade Price to Cubs for Bryant and basically get their righty bat and 3rd baseman with no hit on their payroll.

    It would be a hit to their rotation though.

  13. Nice write up Michael – enjoyed that.

    Have to admit to being a bit disappointed in the Arenado trade, as it had been so obvious that Colorado were going to have to let him go for a steal. It’s just a shame that AF couldn’t get something creative done.
    Strange the GM didn’t consider it a better idea to try and glean more from
    The Dodgers than the crumbs they got from STL?
    Unlike Mark I think he’ll flourish in a new environment, and I would have loved to see him in Dodger Blue.

    I’m hoping AF has a rabbit in his hat.

    Pete, glad to hear you’re on the mend.

    1. Hey Watford, hope you are well. It would not have mattered what AF put together. The owner, Charlie Monfort, who owns a trucking company and some beef packing business’s was dead set against trading Arenado to LA, and frankly, had they done that, the fan base would be even more irate. Having to face him 18 or 19 times a season? And half those games at Coors? No, they would have revolted even more. Now at best, he comes there for a 3 game series once a year. The GM had his hands tied by the owner.

  14. MLB News Network is reporting that the Mets and Bauer have agreed on a contract. Official announcement to come at 2PM EST. Like all things baseball, I will wait until it is official to believe it. Christopher Plummer passed away at age 91. Played Baron Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. RIP.

      1. Good tune. Plummer’s voice was dubbed in The Sound of Music, which he referred to as The Sound of Mucus. He was as well known as a stage actor as he was in movies. I had forgotten his role as a Klingon General in Star Trek, The Undiscovered Country. I also thought he was great in Knives Out. A Daniel Craig movie.

    2. Very sad news. Christopher Plummer was a great actor who had a career of almost unparalleled longevity. He always added class to any work he appeared in. He played Shakespeare, he was a handsome leading man, he played heroic figures, and some very unpleasant villains. It seemed as if he would go on forever in his acting career. He really was about the last of a generation of great British actors.

      1. Sorry William, he was not a Brit, he was Canadian. Born in Toronto and raised in Montreal. There are still some good ones. Ian McKellen, who has stared in X-Men movies, Jude Law, Catherine Zeta Jones is British as is Christian Bale, and of course, actor director Kenneth Branaugh, And do not forget, Michael Caine. And Anthony Hopkins

        1. Bear, how could you not have the name Gary Oldman on you list? Just watch the movie ‘Nobody’s Baby’ (not a great movie, but has it’s worth) and then tell me who’s the best actor on the planet. There’s not even a question in my mind who can pull off any part taken.
          Well I have too much difficulty to find the words about Bauer becoming a Dodger……..enough said.

  15. The A list of British actors is really quite long. And most are well known to American audiences because some of them have been the leads in iconic series, like X-Men, and Superman, and Spiderman too. Hopkins and Patrick Stewart have both been knighted. Daniel Day Lewis has appeared in some excellent films including Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln, and one of my favorites, Last of the Mohican’s , Helen Mirren, Gary Oldman, Daniel Craig, Tim Curry. The list goes on and on. Even action star Jason Statham is British. Many iconic American hero’s have been played by Brits, including Henry Cavill as Superman, and Chris Bale as Batman. Damien Lewis was the lead actor in the mini series Band of Brothers and he also starred in HBO’s Homeland. Ben Kingsley, who is also Knighted, and famous for many roles. One that sticks in my head is Andrew Garfield. Garfield was born in LA, but his mom was British and they moved to Surrey England when he was 3. He took over the Spiderman role from Tobey McGuire, and then later starred in Mel Gibson’s WWII biopic, Hacksaw Ridge, playing Medal of Honor recipient Desmond Doss. A conscientious objector who became an Army medic.

      1. I ran out of time, so I made a second post. Oldman was awesome as Churchill in The Darkest Hour. Oscar was well deserved. I did not mention Sean Connery, or Maggie Smith either. Both had excellent careers. And of course Laurence Olivier. One of the best of all time. Cary Grant and Bob Hope were both born in England. But so were, Boris Karloff, Charles Laughton, Charlie Chaplin, Victor McLaglen, Claude Rains, Stan Laurel, Basil Rathbone, the best Sherlock Holmes ever, Errol Flynn, Rex Harrison, Michael Rennie, who was in the sci-fi classic, The Day the Earth Stood Still. And one of my all time favorites, Sir Richard Attenbourough. Jurassic Park, The Sand Pebbles, The Great Escape, and with John Wayne in Brannigan.

          1. Thanks Bear. I was really upset when that thought came into my mind. It’s going to take a little time to get used to it but as long as he wears a dodger uni I will cheer for him and wish him the best

  18. I’ll be damned.

    AF just blew through the LuxTax.

    JT will sign tomorrow.

    Well, I never….

  20. Very surprised by the signing. Not crazy about it either.

    Got to wonder what else AF has on the horizon.

    What does this do to the 40 man roster?

  21. Kershaw
    Buehler
    Bauer
    Price
    Pick one of May, Urias & Gonsolin and two go to the pen.

    AF just opened a HUGE can of:
    Whoop

  22. I’m wondering if there isn’t a trade about to be announced that was contingent on the Dodgers signing Bauer.

  23. Wow, if true, I owe Friedman and the owners an apology. And if we get Bauer and resign Turner, we are legitimate favorites to win the title, though of course it will not e easy. I guess that we would only have Bauer for a year, but it is still worthwhile, he gives us the best staff in baseball going into the season.

  24. Not sure how I feel about this. I think he’s kind of a dbag and I’m a let the kids play guy. I would rather see our kids pitch so I hope they trade Price.

    1. I think Bauer has grown up – he is still a live wire, but the Dodgers have the team to control him and keep him in check.

  25. If that’s true, I just want to read to those SD bastards assholes to see what they have to say, to see if they still believe that they are the team to beat.

  26. The Mets offered Bauer more than the Dodgers did in the end, Joel Sherman of the New York Post tweets, but the Santa Clarita native and UCLA product was drawn both to Southern California, the opportunity to help defend a World Series championship and to the Dodgers’ technologically and data-driven pitching shop, per Sherman.

    I think he will fit in just fine. He wants to be a Dodger.

    Next, the Dodgers will trade Sborz and Reks for Prospects and sign JT.

    I guess you go big or go home!

    THE PADRES SHOULD JUST SELL THEIR TEAM!

  27. I really believe they were not going over the LuxTax unless something too good to be true happened. Now that they are over it, it makes no difference.

  28. Now reported 3 years $102MM. $40MM Year 1. $45MM Year 2. $17MM Year 3. Opt out after year 1 and year 2.

    $34MM AAV

    2. Great mews. I should have read the stories before assuming it was just going to be a year. That is very smart, Kershaw may well retire , and we don’t want to count on Price after this season. Assuming that Bauer’s last season is a plateau he can stay close to, we have a great pitcher . And with the expanded playoffs leading to short opening series, having to or three great pitchers at the top of the order is crucial.

  29. Hey Mark, Betty Crocker called and said she’d send her apron over to you! Well you were right about one thing. AF’s point about being pigs was obvious. You just didn’t get it!

    2. You know what. Mark takes a stand and isn’t afraid to. We’re all wrong at times. This qualifies as a shocker any way you slice it. Cole interest was a clue that were in narket for ace though.

      1. Bauer an Ace? Not hardly. He is a career 4 plus ERA guy and has had 2 decent seasons in 7 years.

  30. From Passan;

    Trevor Bauer’s three-year deal with the Dodgers is for $102 million guaranteed — and for $40 million in 2021 and $45 million in 2022. He can opt out after each year, meaning he’ll make $40M if he opts out this year, $85M if he does so after 2022 and $102M if he stays all three.

    What was that about being pigs didn’t mean big free agent signings.

  31. 3 years, 102 million, 40 the first year, 45 the second, and he has an opt out after each. He had better win 20 plus games or at least multiple Cy Youngs to justify that money, Buehler is going to want part ownership…and oh yeah, bye bye CK after next year.

  32. I see a salary dump move coming. Pollock (AF likes to sell high), Price or Kelly (Some combination therein) along with cash and chips.

    I can’t see AF just blowing over the cap with abandon.

    1. They will only be on the hook for about 7 million in penalty’s. They have been under the CBT for 4 years, so they are considered a first time offender, and they drop right back under it in 2022.

  33. Darn Blue Pigs!

    Listened to an interview with Clayton Keyshaw just a few days ago. Didn’t sound like he had any plans to retire anytime soon.

  35. Now we know why the Dodgers and Buehler could agree on arbitration. They needed the money to sign Bauer.

  36. With Bauer, the Dodgers are currently $28.443MM over CBT Threshold. That is still well below Tier 1. They need to be $40MM over to move into Tier 2. Luxury Tax $3.555MM. If they win the WS again in 2021, I doubt that $3.555MM will be a deterrent.

  39. Weird, almost all of the outlets are reporting the deal except Dodgers.com. Even ESPN has announced it. They will need to make a corresponding roster move…bye bye either Santana or Sborz.

    1. Might work, but Hader has not been a shut down guy all the time. Dodgers have 3 game winning homers off of him.

    1. I think you could get Bryant for that package if you took Kimbrel too. Why not – you might be able to “fix” him or cut him.

      I think AF has another one up his sleeve…

      They are only pigs if they get fat on Championships.

  43. Does anybody know if fans will be allowed to watch spring training this year? I have been vaxxed and can’t wait for the season to start.

  45. So, I guess we can all agree that none of us knows what the Dodger’s budget is and that AF does not have an MO. I’ve been quiet all week after getting chastised about what the definition of being pigs is. Also have been chastised for saying the Dodgers would “Blow Past” the CBT any time they want. It’s a very swwwweeeeeet day indeed!

    One last thing, it’s about time the Dodgers started acting like the Yankees west.

    One more last thing. I wonder how the Padres are feeling right now? Like they blew a bunch of cash in LV on H and C and now they have to go home and own up to it.

      1. Maybe, let’s talk when next year’s offseason begins. They gonna have to pay Corey and maybe Kersh. I’m really excited about this. Bauer is a beast. I think the social media stuff is completely overblown like all of it these days.

        What’s next? Does this send Price packing to free up more money? Price and Rios to the Cubs for Bryant? JT still coming back?

        Pigs means adding elite talent and spending money or prospect capital to do so.

  47. I just have a sense that this is just the 1st of what will be a few moves. Turner or another 3B to come? Maybe a trade to reduce payroll (Kelly, Price or Pollock)? Stay tuned – the next few days could be interesting.

    2. Pollock ain’t going anywhere. He’s the most productive hitter they have against lefties. He’s doing what he was signed to do.

  51. Dustin May looking like a closer to me now. At least for this year. And no way if healthy is Kersh retiring after this year. Next year maybe he and Seager will swap salaries

    1. I’d put Urias, Graterol & maybe Gonsolin ahead of May on the closer list.

      Btw, i’m viewing this as a two-year deal with an insurance policy in the 3rd year in case he gets injured.

  54. If we assume that AF will want to do something to cut the payroll after signing Bauer and possibly bringing back JT as well, these are some of the possibilities:
    Player Lux Tax Value $
    Kenley $16MM
    Pollock $ 12MM
    Price $15MM
    Kelly $8.3MM

    Some other, although more unlikely possibilities:
    CT-3 $6.7MM
    Muncy $8.7MM
    Seager $13.8MM
    Bellinger $16.1MM

    And the most unlikely possibilities:
    Kershaw $31MM
    Mookie $25.6MM

    We can be pretty sure that Mr. Friedman is not done with his roster yet. Will he get the righty bat and not care about the tax? Will he make a trade or two that surprise us even more than the Bauer signing?
    Stay tuned.

  55. It is an interesting and rather unusual contract. It was obviously tailored to Bauer’s benefit. It is essentially a two-year deal, because $85 million is for the first two seasons, and then Bauer can opt out, since he would never stay to get $17 million, unless he were injured or ineffective the year before. So he gets an opt-out after the first year, which he is very unlikely to take, unless some team tells him that they will give him $60 million per year for two or three years. Assuming that does not happen, and Bauer is happy with the Dodgers, he is here for two years; and then if he has two fine years, the Dodgers would have to give him market value for a longer deal, supplanting the deal for the last year when he only gets $17 million. I would have preferred a deal for three years at $34 million per year, but this was structured to give Bauer a lot of money up front, and then the option to leave after two years. Still a very good deal for the Dodgers, and we can see what happens financially with Seager, Bellinger, Buehler, and then Bauer. Interestingly, this reminds me a bit of the offer to Bryce Harper, where the Dodgers were willing to pay a lot of money for a short-term deal,.

  56. Gavin Lux now becomes the most important Dodger over the next 5 years. If he Is indeed a star and has a breakout 21 then in 22 we slide him over to SS and bring up Busch to play 2B. That saves us 35+ mil a year with Seager. Put that to use for a huge LF bat and maybe a DH

  57. Well, I guess AF has had the last laugh here. And, apparently, February is AF’s favorite month as well Cassidy. I’m as shocked like most with this signing. I guess we now know what AF’s definition of being a pig is. Wow!!
    So the Padres had their little time in the sun and now are in a position where they must produce on the field. We’ll see. They may be improved, but they’re not Dodger quality.

    Many on this site have been complaining for weeks that the Dodgers were doing basically nothing to keep up with the competition (Padres). Except for several dozen washed up, injured relievers…nothing, We won’t go over the CBT threshold many exclaimed. Except when we can. And we did! I wrote a couple of weeks ago that the cost for the Dodgers to over it this year was not a deterrent. It’s a rounding error for the Dodgers. They should have no problem going back under it in 2022. So, for a $3.6M tax we get Trevor Bauer. AF is playing chess, etc, etc.

    So, yeah, February is the magic month for AF. Let’s remember that next off season!

  58. For some fans of certain teams (I don’t think I need to say which) who still say that the Dodgers shouldn’t have won, this answer was perfect.

    Dude, you don’t know what you’re talking about…
    1. Short schedule should’ve hurt the Dodgers more than any other team, They’re built for a long season; their greatest strength is their depth, hence the 8 straight Division titles. A short season hurts the Dodgers b/c any bump in the road, any short losing streak, or any hot streak by another team, like SD, puts the division title at risk. If this team played 162 games, they would’ve finished the best record in MLB…again.

    2. The playoffs were tougher than any playoffs in the history of MLB. No other champion ever had to go thru a 1st rd best of 3… Baseball is a sport where any pitcher on any given night can get hot & be tough to beat. Alec Mills, mediocre journeyman threw a no-hitter last year. A long series balances the odds in favor of the better team (Dodgers), whereas short series makes things more of a toss up, which again hurts the better team.

    3. The Dodgers did not have home field advantage in any series, other than the Wild Card series. True, the opposing team didn’t get to play at home either, but since the Dodgers had the best record in baseball, the team that was hurt the most by having to play on a neutral site was LA.

    4. Universal DH helped the Rays in the World Series, not the Dodgers. In most WS, the AL teams have to adjust to playing w/o a DH, which gives the NL team an advantage in NL home games. AL teams either have to sit their DH, who likely was 1 of their middle-of-the-order hitters, or force that DH to play the field, which the DH may not have done much of in the season. It also forces the AL manager to manage his bench & bullpen in a way that he has not for most of the season. Yes, the NL team gets to use the DH, which is easier, but the new rules were implemented late into the off season, so NL teams were not necessarily constructed to have full-time DHs. The advantage clearly goes to the AL team.

    REPLY

    1. Great post , Jorge. Exactly how I view it too. Could not have said in any better.

      And what a great day to be a Dodgers fan. We got the price of the offseason in Trevor Bauer.
      He was my Nr. 1 on the offseason wish list and I always hoped he would sign with us. Dodgers have the best rotation in baseball, maybe the best in the history of the game.
      Going into a playoff series with Bauer, Clayton, Walker and Price lined up as the starters and Julio and Dustin waiting in the pen is scary for any opponent.

      Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  59. Bauer, Price and Kershaw are all Cy Young winners.
    One could reasonably suggest Buehler, pending health, is more than likely to win one.

    That’s not bad.

  60. Wow, you could knock me over with a feather after hearing the Bauer news. I too firmly believed AF would NOT exceed the Lux Tax Threshold. And certainly not by this much. I am stunned. And happy. What I learned today however is we are back to being first time offenders which saves some penalty money. I didn’t know that rule.
    I’ve followed Bauer closely since his Reds days. I watched him when he started his unusual pre-game routine and use of his bullpen toys. As one of the first Driveline guys, he was ahead of the curve when it came to thinking out of the box and doing stuff his way. Now his methods have become much more commonplace and accepted. You can’t blame a guy for doing what’s best for him to be his best.
    While he’s a different cat, I’ve listened to his interviews about his pitching views and preparation. He is extremely sensible with his approach and he’s well spoken when he explains his pitching. And what was radical a few years ago has now been adopted by guys you would have never expected. I really don’t foresee any problem with him fitting in with this veteran club and winning baseball games.

  61. Like all offseason, it’s hard to imagine what AF will do next. I’m pretty sure that he isn’t done. He stated that the RH Bat and the Pen were top priorities. He fortified the pen with the Bauer signing by pushing 2 of Gonsolin and May to the pen. Along with all the other bullpen tweaks, he just has to concentrate on that RH bat now.

    Sure seems like JT will sign soon. He makes too much sense. He probably has 2 productive years left and Hoese is expected to be 2 years away. There’s no way Justin is thinking about signing with another team after seeing that he’s got a chance to win another World Series. He was never going to Mets, the team that cut him. He’s from here, lives here, thrived with the Dodgers. Maybe he signs a deal similar in structure to Bauer. A three year deal, paying him fairly for the first two year and a third year at a discounted rate.

    But, oh the possibilities. Freeing up a pitcher like Price, Gonsolin, or Gray in a package with the Cubs sure looks like it would be hard to pass up from the Cubs standpoint.

    2 people to cut from the roster. Is Sborz worthy of a spot? Reck and Raley are redundant as is Rios / Beaty who play the same position as Muncy. I sure hope they can trade some guys, rather than having to cut quality players.

    Can they wait until Spring Training before making a roster move for Bauer and JT?

    MLB Networks says Dodgers rotation is alone at the top now.

    AF’s MO is to be opportunistic.

  63. I was thinking back to about 10 plus years ago when a great friend called me about what he’d seen that day. This friend and I go back to 8th grade and he was a super successful high school coach where he won multiple state championships. His son was a Gatoraid Player of the Year and ended up playing at Washington State. My fiend retired from coaching and was following his son and the Cougars around the PAC-12. He called me and said he couldn’t believe what he saw that day. 2 stud college guys each throwing in the mid 90’s on the same staff. He said both had turned down millions to go to UCLA. I thought bullshit. You might see one college guy like that in those days, but not 2. It didn’t happen, turning down that kind of money to go to college. Well Trevor Bauer and Garrett Cole did pretty well for themselves out of UCLA. They now are pushing a half a billion in salary. And I haven’t called BS on my friend since.

  64. Everyone is entitled to his opinion, but I’d like to give a gigantic to any Dodger fan who is judging this guy before he’s even put on a uniform.

    We just added an ace.

    1. Check his career record, those are not ace stats. 6 of his 9 years, under .500. Career is only 11 wins over .500. Career ERA is 3.90. One thing he does do is strike hitters out. K to BB ratio is close to 3-1. WHIP is 1.265. Never has led the league in any major category in and full season of work. Won the ERA title last year while working in only 11 games. That is what won him the Cy Young because his record was only 5-4. Like I said, his track record is not that great. I will reserve judgement until I see how he does in a Dodger uni, but his numbers, are no where near Ace status.

      1. He has ace stuff! His spin rates are top of the league. Don’t care what he’s done. It’s about what he’ll do in the next two years and AF believes it will be ace like and I agree

        1. Not about who is right and wrong, it is about his history, and I don’t care if he has ace stuff, on this team he has to earn that title, but he hasn’t done anything yet. Like I said, I will reserve judgement. He does not have that great of a track record.

  65. I think Bauer will be a huge influence on the younger pitchers and I think he’ll be especially tight with Buehler. To me, their personalities will mesh very well. Bauer is a teacher at heart and, at least where baseball is concerned, is very open minded about new ideas.

    Alex Wood has already stated that he loved having him as a teammate and learned a lot from him. This could be a great signing, not only for what Bauer will bring to the mound.

  66. I know we’re mostly into the Bauer signing today but for all you Joc fans (DBM, Bum, etc.), you absolutely have to read this article by him in the Player’s Tribune.

    We all agree that he’s the world’s worst interview but this piece of writing absolutely astonished me. I wanted to share it with all of you. It is well worth the read and I now hold Joc in much higher esteem than I did before reading it.

    https://www.theplayerstribune.com/posts/joc-pederson-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-baseball

    1. Thank you, Singing The Blue. I read it and it brought a smile to my face along with some mistiness. I was impressed. Some people write better than they speak. Great share.

      2. Lolz DBM, the 1st person popped in my head with your words was Mike Petriello who I see as the best Dodger writer. That’s likely because he speaks so fast and my brain is so slow.

    2. Thanks STB. Fantastic article written by Joc. I did read his 2016 Players Tribute about him and Champ. Very interesting comment he had about Chase Utley. I have to assume that Chase is not a Dodger employee by his choice.

    4. Thanks for sharing this. I will miss Joc. But, I’m glad he gets a chance with the Cubbies. I wish him well. That was a very touching article from his heart. No regrets, he got his ring and you can’t keep everyone.

    1. Great deal for the Braves. That seems like quite a discount to me, especially considering the NL is almost certain to have the DH starting next year.

    2. Other than Trevor Bauer and the Dodgers, the person who was most grateful about the TB agreement had to be Marcell Ozuna. The Braves had to make a countermove. The Braves were going to sign Ozuna as long as either the Dodgers or Mets signed TB. They had to keep pace. Jackie Bradley Jr. could very soon become a Met. JBJ and Jake Odorizzi or Taijuan Walker or James Paxton.

  69. It appears that Joakim Soria had larger offers than the DBack offer. The Dbacks have told Soria he could close.

    Dee Strange-Gordon is on track for a new team by the weekend.

    Rangers due to sign Mike Foltynewicz on a one year Major League contract.

    I guess it is a slow baseball news day.

  70. Sing it with me!…

    Oh it’s such a perfect day
    I’m glad I spent it with you
    Oh such a perfect day
    You just keep me hanging on
    You just keep me hanging on

    -Lou Reed

  71. I would not be surprised to see Kenley and Kelly both traded in the next couple of weeks for prospects. Then JT could be resigned without taking too big of a hit by the lux tax.

  74. STB

    Thanks for sharing the Joc post.
    Thoroughly enjoyed it.
    Makes you realise what a class organisation we support, and what a nice guy Joc is. Props to Bums who always had his back from day one.

    Interesting about Chase Utley having such a huge influence over the whole Club.

    Would be nice to see him back at some point.

  75. It would appear that everyone expects a full year of 1.73 ERA and 276 ERA+. That was an impressive 73 innings. It could be noted that the 68 innings before that his ERA was over 6. The last full year it was in the mid 4’s. I guess we’re counting on MLB not cracking down on the foreign substance rule. An argument could be made that pine tar is not foreign. As for his personality, I like it. Free speech from an out of the box thinker. He’s a fit here. Hell he’s from here. UCLA guy. I like that too.

    Yeah Mark had it wrong. So did a lot of us. As for being pigs Mark was right. He said it’s about more championships. Better players means a better shot at that goal. Next up, sign Turner. Money? What about it? CBT? Who cares? We’re the Dodgers.

    Carry on.

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