As you have probably heard, Eric Wedge was recently named manager of the Dodger’s AA Affiliate, the Tulsa Drillers. Scott Hennessey was formerly the manager of Tulsa, but he moved up to the OKC Comets last fall after former OKC Manager Travis Barbary decided that he would rather be a roving instructor. Being a roving instructor is a much lower-pressure job and much less demanding, although vitally important in player development.
Travis has earned that, being with the Dodgers organization for 30 years. Travis Barbary’s journey through baseball has been one of perseverance, dedication, and a steady ascent through the ranks. Born on October 26, 1971, in Anderson, South Carolina, Barbary’s love for the game took root early. As a catcher, he began his professional career in 1993 with the Ohio Valley Redcoats of the nascent Frontier League after going undrafted out of the University of Virginia. A year later, his tenacity caught the eye of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, where he played for the Great Falls Dodgers, notching a .178 batting average with three doubles across 45 at-bats.
Barbary’s post-playing career has been no less impactful. In 1995, he served as the pitching and catching coach for the Cotuit Kettleers of the esteemed Cape Cod League. His coaching odyssey continued with the Savannah Sand Gnats in 1996 and 1997 before earning a spot as the bullpen catcher for the Dodgers from 1998 to 2001. His knack for developing talent led him to a hitting coach role with the South Georgia Waves in 2002.
Barbary’s leadership shone as he transitioned to managing. He helmed the Ogden Raptors from 2003 to 2004, followed by a stint managing the Columbus Catfish of the South Atlantic League from 2005 to 2006. For over a decade, from 2007 to 2018, he served as the Minor League Catching Coordinator for the Dodgers, cultivating the skills of countless players.
In 2020, Barbary was poised to manage the Oklahoma City Dodgers before the season was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He returned to the helm in 2021 and continued to lead the team through 2024. His tenure reached a crescendo in 2023 when he guided Oklahoma City to its first league championship since 1996. That season, the team achieved a stellar 90-58 record, the second-highest win total in franchise history, and tied for the most victories in Minor League Baseball that year.
The 2024 season marked a significant milestone for Barbary—his 30th year within the Dodgers organization. As a player, coach, and manager, he has become a pillar of consistency and success, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s most enduring figures.
Eric Wedge was also a catcher – you will find that Catchers usually make good managers and teachers. In 1989, Eric Wedge was a force to be reckoned with in college baseball, leading the nation in Total Bases and Walks while ranking second in Runs and RBIs. As the stalwart catcher for the College World Series champion Wichita State Shockers, he cemented his legacy in collegiate history. That same year, Wedge’s talent caught the eye of Boston Red Sox scout Larry Thomas, who signed him as a 3rd-round pick in the amateur draft—one round ahead of future Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell. Wedge debuted in the pros with the Elmira Pioneers, hitting .234 with 7 home runs and 22 RBIs in 41 games, earning recognition as the league’s #3 prospect.
Wedge’s Major League journey began in September 1991 with the Red Sox, and he showcased his power the following year, smashing 5 homers in just 27 games. However, his career trajectory shifted when he was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 1992 expansion draft. Unfortunately, an elbow injury sidelined him for most of 1993. Returning to the Red Sox in 1994, Wedge had one last stint in the majors before continuing his playing career in the minors until 1997.
Transitioning seamlessly into coaching, Wedge built a reputation as a capable manager. After managing in the minors, he took the reins of the Cleveland Indians from 2003 to 2009. His tenure peaked in 2007 when he guided the team to the ALCS and was named American League Manager of the Year. Following his dismissal in 2009, Wedge found a new challenge as the skipper of the Seattle Mariners in 2011.
Wedge’s time with the Mariners was marked by resilience. In July 2013, he suffered a mild stroke during batting practice but made a full recovery, missing a month before returning to the dugout. However, with the Mariners finishing a lackluster 2013 season in fourth place, Wedge preemptively announced he would not return for 2014—a move widely regarded as stepping down before being shown the door.
In 2016, Wedge joined the Toronto Blue Jays’ front office as a player development adviser, a move that fueled speculation he might one day manage the team. While he interviewed for the New York Yankees’ managerial vacancy in 2017 and was considered for the Blue Jays’ top job in 2018, neither opportunity materialized.
In 2020, Wedge returned to his alma mater, Wichita State, as head coach, steering the program through three seasons with a 64-61 record before stepping aside in 2022 due to health concerns.
As a historical footnote, Eric Wedge remains the only player in Major League Baseball history with a last name beginning with “Wed,” a small but unique distinction in a career defined by perseverance and passion for the game. Just like Travis Barbary, Eric Wedge is very respected in the great game of baseball. Welcome to the Dodgers fraternity, Eric!
X-CITES
Translation: “He probably needs Tommy John.”
AF mastering the shit-eating grin.
Sasaki could be ROY.
Mookie and Shohei could be 1-2 or 2-1 for MVP.
Snell could get his third Cy.
Kim could win a gold glove.
Scott could close out the World Series clincher.
Freddie could win WS MVP…again.
I only care about one thing. Repeating as World Champions. One goal!
How many innings must a pitcher have thrown to be considered for ROY?
Skenes won the award this year with just 133 innings. It varies.
No doubt Yamamoto and Sasaki are slated to pitch the Dodgers’ first two games in Tokyo…
Thank you Bear.
Despite some speculation about Clayton Kershaw not joining the Dodgers this season, it looks like he will be back.
It just wouldn’t be the same without Kershaw.
Good to see Sasaki in blue.
Looking forward to spring training.
I would be shocked if Clayton is not back.
I asked ChatGPT this question:
Here’s the answer:
Yes, Clayton Kershaw and Andrew Friedman share a strong and positive relationship. Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, has consistently expressed deep respect and admiration for Kershaw. In November 2021, when the Dodgers chose not to extend a qualifying offer to Kershaw, Friedman explained that this decision was made out of respect for Kershaw’s desire to take time to assess his health and future without being constrained by a decision deadline. Friedman stated, “We’ve made it very clear that if Kersh wants to come back, he will always have a spot with what he’s meant to this organization.”
ESPN
Further demonstrating their mutual respect, Kershaw has voiced his trust in Friedman’s leadership. During an interview on MLB Network’s “High Heat,” Kershaw expressed confidence in Friedman’s ability to build a competitive team, stating, “I want Andrew to get every single good player there is out there, obviously, but that’s just not how it works.”
SPORTSCITY.COM
This mutual respect and open communication highlight the strong relationship between Kershaw and Friedman, contributing to Kershaw’s long-standing tenure with the Dodgers.
Passan on the Dodgers recent signings and the debate on how it affects MLB as a whole:
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43520552/mlb-2025-los-angeles-dodgers-spending-payroll-baseball-future-roki-sasaki-shohei-ohtani
Some interesting tidbits:
“the Cubs were attempting to sign Scott, among the most coveted relievers this winter. The next day, with a final offer of four years and $66 million — $6 million shy of where the Dodgers landed — they lost. ”
“For all of the Dodgers’ advantages, it’s worth acknowledging the most overblown element of their approach. The deep misunderstanding of deferred money has painted it as a tool to avoid paying salaries for long periods of time and lessen a team’s luxury tax payroll. Neither of these is true.”
“Any team could have pursued Hernández, whose deal this winter was at market value. Every team passed on signing Snell to a long-term deal in the 2023-24 offseason. Edman was widely available at the trade deadline.”
Baseball America has released it’s Top 100 Prospects. The Dodgers have six. They are:
#1 – Roki Sasaki
#30 – Dalton Rushing
#46 – Alex Freeland
#47 – Josue DePaula
#51 – Zyhir Hope
#82 – Jackson Ferris
In my opinion, River Ryan, Justin Wrobleski, Kellon Lindsey, Nick Frasso, and Ching-Hsien Ko are also close to making the Top 100.
Bleacher Report ranks the Dodgers Farm System #8. We are waiting to hear the other entities’ rankings.
The Mariners ranked #1 in prospects with seven, while the Rays and the Dodgers were #2 with 6. More to come soon on this.
The 26 man roster is loaded. The minors just got better adding Wedge. Who would have thought that even playing time in the minors would become scarce. It’s going to be quite the juggling act getting all this young talent playing time. This offseasons has been a lot of fun. Who’s Next!
Book em
Scott signing is official. He will wear #66.
Two things left before spring training, lock down Roberts for 4 yo 5 years and bring Kike back, who was the heart and soul of last years playoffs. I don’t care if the dude bats .200 all season , just get him in the playoffs and watch him go. And any Robert s haters have zero juice to bitch about from here on out after he did a masterful job managing the bullpen in the playoffs just sign these two and let’s move on.
The only way they bring Kike back is if they trade or release either Rojas or Taylor. We all know they are not going to dump Miggy. Taylor comes with contract baggage and three straight injury prone seasons. So, who is going to want him? LA would probably have to pay a large part of his salary in any trade. And frankly, he doesn’t have a whole lot of trade value at this point. I am not worried about Roberts; he will be rewarded for what he has accomplished. But the chances of Kike coming back are slimmer and slimmer the closer they get to spring training.
I would love it to be more than a cameo…
Kershaw getting a win in the World Series would be a perfect cap to his career.
Is that too much to ask for?
To deal Taylor, Dodgers would not only have to eat most of his salary, but also include a solid prospect as well.
Say that the Dodgers offer the A’s or Angels or White Sox Taylor + Wrobleski + $8
million in salary relief. The Dodgers might get back a prospect of comparable value to Wrobleski and also the roster space to sign Kike.
I am not eager to move Wrobleski, but it’s hard to imagine him cracking the six-man rotation. But he could probably start now for a lot of small-market teams.
How about a bolder move?
I keep thinking that the O’s, so deep in young infield talent, might be willing to deal 25-year-old Jordan Westburg to get pitching. Miller? Knack? Wrobleski? Sheehan? Huebeck? The O’s are young and might appreciate Taylor as low-cost UT guy who provides some of that “veteran presence” stuff. If it doesn’t work out, they can release him.
For all I know, the O’s might consider Westburg untouchable. But right now he is blocking another prospect–and the O’s need pitching.
For the Dodgers, Westburg would be Max’s platoon partner and heir apparent.
It’s not difficult at all to bring Kike’ back. Just sign him when they can use the 60 day IL Pages goes to OKC bench is Rojas, Taylor, Kike’ and Barnes. Taylor and Kike’ can cover the platoon with Conforto and Muncy Rojas platoons with Kim.
Getting Westburg would be great .He played at my Alma mater on our 21 national championship team,MS. STATE BULLDOGS.
The Kirby Yates deal is on thin ice for some reason…
It may be related to a phyical or health.
Just waiting to clear a roster spot….
A trade or DFA is in the works to make room on the 40 man roster. If not they could always wait to make room on Feb. 11th when injured players can be put ion the 60 Day IL opening up spots. That’s when Kershaw will be signed and possibly Kiki.
They may be dragging their feet with Kirby Yates in order to work out a deal for someone on the roster. I was wondering the same thing about why it was taking so long.
Im not a huge yates guy to be honest. Think id rather have Joe Kelly.
I think I’d rather have someone cheaper than both.
Why it aint your money is it?
Matt you aren’t from New Albany Ms. ,are you.one of my good friends is Hugh Yates .He was a good athlete.
Joe Kelly? No please!
Guy loves the Dodgers, loves LA and has plus plus stuff. Can he be wild, sure, but can also be nasty….
why do sports pundits keep saying Bregman to the dodgers? there are no douche bags on that roster, why start now?
8 Kiké Hernández
The Dodger cash register keeps ringing!
“Dodgers partnerships with Japanese companies
Since signing Ohtani, the Dodgers have been busy adding international partnership agreements. Those include All Nippon Airways, Kinoshita Group, Tsukiji Gindaco, AFEELA, Yakult, THK, Kosé Corporation, Daiso, Kowa Company, Ltd., and Toyo Tires, among others”.
Need to take care of Roberts before spring training, he totally proved himself during the playoffs with how he handled the bullpen games and the move s he made . He deserves to get paid.
Last thing in the world I’m worried about.
Dodgers announced their non-roster invitees. Pitchers, Sam Carlson, Carlos Duran, Julian Fernandez, Jackson Ferris, Giovanni Gallegos, Jose Hernandez, Justin Jarvis, Jared Karros, Jack Little, Jose Rodriguez, Roki Sasaki, Matt Sauer. C: Griffing Lockwood-Powell, Dalton Rushing, Chris Okey. INF: David Bote, Alex Freeland, Austin Gauthier, Kody Hoese. OF: Josue De Paula, Justin Dean, Zyhir Hope, Ryan Ward.
From Baseball America’s Q & A as it relates to the Dodgers:
Q. Alex Freeland looks like a sneaky good prospect. What are his paths to playing time barring injury to a Dodgers middle infielder?
A. I don’t know if he’s a sneaky good prospect so much as he’s just a good prospect. In another question, JJ suggested there might be a path at third base, but a lot of rooms at the inn are obviously filled.
Q. Why is Dodger’s prospect Hope’s speed grade so low?
A. The run times he produced in the Fall League warrant that grade, though you might be higher if you go by sprint speed. It’s a tricky needle to thread between those two metrics.
Q. By my count 11 catchers made the BA Top 100. Curious which of those you’d consider most likely to move off the position at the major league level?
A. Rushing is likely to move if he remains a Dodger because he’s not pushing Will Smith off the spot. Similarly Basallo’s best hope is to be a part-time catcher/1B/OF/DH as long as he’s an Oriole with Adley Rutschman on the roster. Ballesteros’ frame and weight probably make him the other catcher who is most likely to move because his bat is ahead of his glove.
Q. Is there a big difference between Jesus Made and Emil Morales? Seems both are pretty good in DSL but Emil Morales is not mentioned while Made is top 20?
A. Morales was very good in the DSL, but Made was just a good bit better. He hits the ball significantly harder than Morales while making a lot more contact and making better swing decisions. He also has a better shot to stick at shortstop, although both should be capable infielders defensively.
Q. Do you feel better or worse than you did this time a year ago about Josue De Paula developing in-game power? When should the Dodgers start to worry?
A. Power is generally one of the last things to come in a player, and you’re still dealing with a very young man. I’m not worried about that in the slightest.
Q. Zyhir Hope is listed at #51. That seems a bit low given some of the helium he has had as a prospect. Where do you think he will be next year on the rankings?
A. We’ve been beating the drum on Hope since April. The evaluation hasn’t changed. The feedback throughout the industry is high, but there’s some holes in the swing that scouts believe he needs to close up. He’s got time to move up and yesterday we listed him as a potential No. 1 overall candidate for 2026.
Q. Could SS Alex Freeland become a key piece in LA or might he just become trade fodder?
A. Right now when it comes to Dodgers’ prospects if you take “trade fodder” you have a better shot of being right. There just aren’t many clear spots for prospects to step in. C: Smith/Barnes (which blocks Rushing) 1B: Freeman long-term. 2B: Kim/Betts SS: Betts 3B: OK, here’s a possibility (if the Dodgers don’t sign Munetaka Murakami next year). LF: Conforto (short-term)+Pages CF: Edman RF: Teoscar (plus Betts as option)
Q. Do y’all value ceiling over floor or the opposite with ranking. Thanks for the chat!
A. Both and neither. You factor it all into the blend that is needed to rank players. There are players who rank highly here because of their relatively safe paths to big league jobs–players who have produced in the upper levels of the minors and have well-rounded skillsets with no glaring flaws. And right beside them you may have a player who is all tooled up, but had yet to face top-tier pitching and may have glaring flaws to fix. We’re trying as best we can to synthesize the two. Alex Freeland and Luke Keaschall are right in the middle of the 100. Both have produced in the upper levels of the minors, have no career derailing flaws and are capable of playing in the infield. They rank right above Josue DePaula and Zyhir Hope. DePaula and Hope have the potential to be much better than Freeland and Keaschall if everything breaks right. But neither has upper level MiLB experience, and both are corner outfielders without a ton of defensive value. Floor and ceiling. Side-by-side.