Man, what a day! A beautiful warm spring day and Dodger baseball starts tomorrow as the 2019 season is about to begin for real. A 1:10 PDT start so I will know the results before I go to bed. I can even follow the game.
At this point we don’t really know how things will begin much less end. Some folks are concerned about how the team is presently constructed, some feel that perhaps the right moves weren’t made during spring training while others feel free agents were passed over that should have been acquired. Still others feel trade opportunities were passed up. I must admit I have no clue as to how well we (I am a homer) came out of spring training or how the season will play out. However, I trust that the brain trust in the Dodgers front office does have a clue.
I always start a season with the utmost optimism. I don’t see much point in beginning a season on a negative note and a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach or expecting the worst that can happen. After all, baseball is back so that in itself is a cause for celebration. It means spring is here and the greatest game on earth – in my opinion – is about to take off. By the time we wrap up the season all kinds of weird and wonderful things will have happened. There will be unaccountable failures and undoubtedly successes beyond our wildest dreams. Will the Dodgers finally get that elusive ring? I have no clue, but I surely look forward to the pursuit of it.
The payroll is under control and in 2020 as well as in following years there will be a flexibility not known for quite some time. In 2021 the team stops paying players to play on other teams or not at all , except for $8.5 M to Yaisel Sierra. Some say money should be no object for the Dodgers or money doesn’t matter. Perhaps I am clueless, but I think it does matter and should not be haphazardly spent as that indicates there is no longer term goal in mind. For me, consistently being in contention is the goal, not a one and out. Consistently contending is simply more enjoyable for fans and players and offers a chance to win it all each year.
Also, like it or not, baseball is a business. We know that from what players are commanding in salaries that we cannot even imagine ever happening for hitting, throwing and catching a ball. Teams do want to turn a profit while spending wisely and I think it must be a source of embarrassment to have the highest payrolls strangling a team and yet not grabbing the brass ring.
Off topic a bit, if I could do something about money in baseball the first thing I would do is what I could to financially emancipate minor league players playing for less than minimum wage.
The player I was rooting the hardest for during ST is Yimi Garcia. I first wrote about him in September 2014. The wheels came off for him during the 2016 and 2017 seasons through injury, but he seems to have battled back. His assignment to the 25-man roster is a bit surprising but well earned.
https://www.thinkbluela.com/2014/09/yimi-garcia-no-longer-the-invisible-man/
Minor league rosters will soon be developing. There seems to be little room in OKC or Tulsa for players to move up from A+ and A. although both are still in a state of flux. This year seems to be more crowded at AA and AAA than usual. In the past the thought was that the strength was in the lower levels of the minors for the Dodgers and now it seems to be moving to the upper levels as a natural progression.
The players from the 2018 AZL Dodgers, Raptors, Loons, and Quakes have to be placed for 2019 as well as some from the DSL coming stateside. I would love to be in the room when those decisions are being made. The rosters for the full season minor league affiliates have to be firmed up for April 4. As mentioned by AC, the Dodgers do very actively use the MiLB injury list, the temporary inactive list as well as holding players, especially pitchers, in extended spring training.
At some point before April 4 I will attempt to construct the 2019 Loons roster. My disclaimer is that I will be using my trusty dart board in the basement. I think the Loons might just have a pretty good starting staff this year. I am hoping Braydon Fisher is among those starters, as well as Robinson Ortiz. We will see what the dart board determines.
Life is full of little rewards that often go unknown by those around us. I received one a couple of days ago when former Loons announcer, Chris Vosters, responded to my email. Over his four years in Midland he often answered questions I had about the Loons and players with the Loons. I will miss him this year and hopefully can engage this year’s play-by-play announcers – Brad Tunney and Blake Froling.
“Thanks, Harold! I appreciate it. I’ll still be keeping tabs on the Loons and the Dodgers from afar (I’m in Chicago now, by the way). If I ever get to Nova Scotia, I’ll let you know! I’ve been calling some college hockey this season, and I run across a player from Halifax every now and then, as you might imagine. Have a great summer, and keep in touch! “ -Chris
Chris was great. He will be missed by the Loons.
This is what Spring should be like. I would be happy to direct some of you to a Dodger board where every comment is negative on the Dodgers prospects and has been for the past three years.
It’s illogical, depressing, fiction that some people just enjoy passing on to others. The Dodgers are the class of the NL and if you think otherwise, you are either delusional or intellectually challenged.
“But, what if every player has a down year and all the pitchers arms fall off?”
What if a giant asteroid hits the earth tomorrow….
Most of the naysayers have been saying the same thing the past three years. I think they just cut and paste that crap.
Can you tell I am irritated?
Like DC says, this is the time for optimism. .. and there’s nothing fake about being optimistic about the Dodgers.
I don’t have an issue with Dodgerrick’s skepticism simply because he’s a smart and methodical thinker and lays out a good case. I think that’s healthy, actually. You don’t want a Pollyanna echo chamber here. I’m with you on the thoughtless and repetitively dumb comments that are the norm on other sites.
Rick was accused of being negative when all he did was
point out legit questions (backed by that thing called evidence)
about this side.
Just like any rational observer (and/or gambler) should.
The Head Bloviator was obviously tipping the bottle some the last
few days – back to juvenile name-calling and utter disrespect for other
opinions. Strike three, knucklehead….
Wow, they really let May get a few IP at the end of the game. 96 mph tailing fastball will play.
Relax Mark. Keep your eye on the ball. The world has righted itself and the first pitch that we care about is scheduled for 1:10 PDT tomorrow. Think about it – feel the goose bumps. If now isn’t the time for optimism with the first pitch hours away and a team that is the envy of most in MLB, then there is never a time to be optimistic. For me, and this no doubt sounds trite, the journey is as enjoyable as the destination. Go Dodgers!!
Exactly! This is what it is all about!
One of the all-time best baseball songs ever written.
I tend to see the Dodgers through rose-colored glasses, but I also see their warts. For the past few years the bullpen has been an Achilles heel for the team, and I do not see how that has been improved all that much. Tony Cingrani was supposed to be that Loogy to be called upon in a crucial situation, and now whose status is absolutely muddied. He is out again this year with pretty much the same shoulder injury as he had last year. With Kersh and Hill out (for who knows how long), that puts two key expected members of the bullpen into the rotation (Strip and Urias), and weakens the relief corps.
We will know the 25th man sometime within the next 24 hours, and then we can begin the long march to a Downtown LA parade in November. I plan to be there. Not that I think he is the best choice, but because he is the most expendable, I think Brock Stewart will be that 25th man. Management has hinted that with Strip and Urias now in the rotation, they are looking for someone who can go multiple innings in a long role. I say expendable, because I believe the Dodgers see Dennis Santana as the future and Stewart as the proverbial AAAA pitcher. Maybe he will pitch well, but it will not be for an extended period of time, and the Dodgers are not going to impede the progress of Santana, or Gonsolin, or May. Maybe Jaime Schultz, but he is not a long man, and management seems (at least seems) sincere in wanting a longman out of the Pen.
There will be changes along the way; some internal and some external. Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May could get calls this summer. Gonsolin will definitely be on the roster come September. He will need to be protected next winter anyway, might as well get him up for 2019 in “real” MLB games. They may want to hold off on May to keep all his options available, but if they see him as a potential starter next year, he could be on that roster as well, and service time will not be a factor.
Offensively, I have stated that I will take a wait and see approach to RVS (Brown and Bates). I am not one who believes that a ML hitter is transformed in one off-season and ST session. ML hitters get to the bigs on who they are, not on who they can be. This team was built on power. That has not changed. This is a team that will still hit a lot of HRs, strike out a lot, and will probably not move a lot of runners over. This is not a team that will run a lot. As they have in the recent past, they will be patient and look for the HR, and rely on pitching and defense to win. That is the persona of this team. They will not all of a sudden become a good bat to ball skills offensive team. They will continue to be a HR/K offensive team. They guys who were supposed to have worked with RVS in the offseason did not have any significant transformation. CT3, Belli, Muncy…
I have been steadfast in my belief that Austin Barnes will be closer to 2017 than 2018. He has always hit, and last year was more of an anomaly than 2017. I still do not think Kike’ is a mini version of JDM, but I do like his defense on 2B. I still like Joc against RHP, but $5MM for a platoon hitter is a lot. I think Pollock plays a full year and will be the CF glue as Seager is the SS glue for this team. I still think Belli will hit more like 2017 than 2018, but I do not expect a .300/40 HR guy. If Belli can hit .275/.350 with 30-35 HRs and 100+ RBIs he will be a major factor, especially with his defense. I do not see a Mookie Betts type year, but maybe…?
Who cannot get excited for the Dodgers rotation with what Julio Urias did last night. His 4 perfect innings were masterful. In the third inning against Peter Bourjos, Urias started with a 77.2 MPH curve for a called strike. Followed by a 95.3 MPH 4 seamer (foul), 85.4 MPH slider (foul), 85.7 MPH slider (ball), and finally a 96.2 MPH 4 seamer for a swinging strike out. Floro still comes across as a very average middle reliever. And Dustin May’s 3.1 innings was not lights out, but he did pitch out of trouble while on the big stage. How do you not get excited?
I am a believer, but I am also a realist. The Dodgers can win it all, but some are going to have to play over their head to get to that downtown parade.
Not to throw away 4 years of weakness against lefty pitchers, but Joc has been taking good swings against lefties this spring. He is hanging in and keeping his bat in the hitting zone a lot longer this spring. He looks like he is trying to hit the ball up the middle against lefties. He has made solid contact with runners on base against lefties this spring whether or not that contact wound up as a hit or an out.
I understand that I will be the only person on this site and beyond that won’t be surprised if Joc winds up as more than a platoon player in 2019. I see him getting 550 PAs.
That starter the Angels started yesterday, top velocity was 91, and he had not pitched above A ball, and he had been on 7 different teams in the last two years.
Lighten up MJ.
Well if that happens, the Dodgers will be doing quite well this year! I’ll take it
The Angels starter last night top velocity was 91, and he had never pitched above A ball, and he has been on 7 different teams in the last couple years.
Bum: I’m not a Joc fan, but have to admit he’s been more of a contributor
with the bat than I ever thought he would be. And I disagree with AC that
he earns too much as a platooner. The left-handed guy earns his way more
than the right-handed.
A good way to end Spring Training. Thanks to the Angels for helping our offense get their confidence by sending their BP Pitchers to the hill. A lot to like last night. Urias and May both looked great. I don’t know what to think of Floro. I think he’s got a great sinker, but is leaving it up right now. Allie is the “Wild Thing”. If he can refine his control, he can probably get by without command. Joc smashing a double off a lefty was encouraging. Kike hasn’t had a hit since being anointed the second baseman. Overall, the offense will have enough with Taylor, Verdugo and Freese keeping Kike, Joc and Muncy honest. I can’t wait for tomorrow. Opening Day is the best day of the year.
59
That Angels starter last night, had never pitched above A ball, and he has been on 7 different teams in the last couple years in the minors, but he is from Mission Viejo so maybe that is why the Angels gave him that start.
But his fastball velocity is about where Greinke’s is right now, so maybe that will help tomorrow.
59
That Angel’s starters top velocity last night was 91, and in four years he had never pitched above A ball, and he has been on 7 different teams, in the last two years.
He is from Mission Viejo so that is probably why the Angels gave him that start.
And all the other pitchers the Angels threw last night, were from their AAA team, or below that.
Because Orel said the Angels were saving their major league pitchers in their pen, for the real season, that starts tomorrow.
AC, as you, I am also a realist. I see everything with no need of rose colored glasses to hide the view. But, what I saw in yesterday’s last ST game with the Angels, was inspiring in the sense of the overall domination the Dodgers put on that team with clutch hitting and super pitching. If this is a glimpse of the on coming season, it should be a good one for the Dodgers. I am certainly not going to bet on it’s outcome, though. Many things can happen during a season, but the Dodgers certainly have to the tools to get the job done, and then some.
I can’t figure out why Mark gets so reactive about other people’s opinions and views. I thought people were supposed to get over these adolescent behaviors when they get older. And, when you write a blog, balance is a huge plus for most readers. It gives the reader more things to consider than ‘you are just plain wrong’, ‘what’s wrong with you, anyhow’, ‘can’t you see that you don’t understand anything?’. Maybe you can have a chat with him, help him settle things within himself. It would benefit this blog and his cred in a big way. Go Dodgers!
Spring training results don’t matter. Scores, batting averages, ERA’s. None of it. Obviously, scouting young or new players to the system may bring insights into their skills, but no useful generalizations can be made by us, as passive observers, about the state of the team based on a month of public practices. Whether we win the World Series or fall short of the playoffs will not have been foretold by the events of the last six weeks but the next six months.
BlackMirror99
All that is true, but if players are not showing any adjustments in spring training, it does make some wonder.
But I totally agree we don’t know what is going to happen in the next 6 months, and that is why baseball is the best.
Jeff
Everyone has those days where stuff bothers them, when it normally wouldn’t, so I can understand where Mark is coming from, because we all have those kind of days.
Jeff,
When I first started reading this site almost 4 years ago, there were a few persons who took great pleasure criticizing the new FAZ regime, the firing of Mattingly, the hiring of Roberts and virtually everything else Dodgers possible. They also loved to bait Mark into verbal battles and to say truly terrible, unconscionable and rude statements just to do so. Mark was forced to defend the integrity of this site against these persons alone for a long time and simply wants this to be the best Dodgers site in the world where everyone has the right to their opinion as long as the don’t attempt to humiliate or denigrate and other commentor.
Given this, and the fact that its his site, I feel he deserves the right to expect people to always remember and never, ever forget that though we may disagree about the nuances of how the Dodgers operate, we all are the fans of the best sports franchise in the world, the LOS ANGELES DODGERS.
Jeff: I posted the same thoughts about little Markie above, before
I saw yours. He just gets lost at times, and gives himself to his worst
instincts. Just like another six-year old currently on the scene.
The site becomes unreadable at those times, in our house.
Well, another season. I am always optimistic at the beginning of every season. Yes, we have concerns, but so does every team. Some players will do worse than expected. Others will do better than expected. You have a magical year when everybody is preforming well. I think our starters will keep us in most games. That is the strength of our team. If the starters can give you 6-7 innings every night, you have a chance to win a few games.
The bull pen does worry me. With out Urias and Stripling in the pen it is weaker. We need to have Kershaw and Hill back in the rotation.
I was hoping to see some changes in the hitting side of the game. I did not see it in ST. I did see Seager, Pollock, and Bellinger choke up after strike two. However, Bellinger did strike out last night swinging hard. I did not see any bunting against the shift. They talked about doing these things, but so far no changes. I would like to se,e the Dodgers play more small ball instead of the HR, SO, or walk. Go Dodgers.
Agreed 100%
Mark
You are the soul of this blog. Every morning the first thing I do after getting my morning coffee is read what you have to say. I do not post much but am a faithful reader. Please do not leave this blog if that is what you meant by saying you were done. My morning coffee will not taste as good without your input.
or without US Water 😉
My every morning cup of joe IS made with a RO from US Water Systems. I think I’ll put on an evening pot in the next few minutes. Does anyone here know the current long odds for a Dodgers World Series victory? I gotta get my $100 placed. Not a big bet but still adds to the pleasure. Lets get er done! GO DODGERS!
Quas: +700 to win the WS, +400 to win NLCS, -200 to win NL West.
Mark:
If we’re gonna be greeted by your badass self, please DO close the site
again. Thanks.
My last post, because of DC and his great articles on the minor leagues and the fact that I don´t have the time to do more then 1 post which means I can´t join in the conversations which I would really enjoy doing I am going to spend this season following all the Dodger´s minor league teams which I think will be a lot of fun.
I also want to thank AC, his post´s are filled with great information and I enjoyed each and everyone.
I think the Dodgers will win the West Division but I think it will be very close with the Rockies and SD fighting the Dodgers to the end.
PLAY BALL
I love what the Pads have done. Fernando Tatis Jr. (uber SS prospect) and Chris Paddack (RHSP prospect) have made the 25 man without having AAA experience. A little bit about Tatis Jr.:
“Tatis was the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball per ESPN’s rankings and No. 2 in Baseball America’s and MLB.com’s, and he’s going to be San Diego’s opening day shortstop at age 20. Taller and stronger than his former MLBer dad, he’s expected to hit for both power and average. In fact, there’s not really a lot anyone thinks he can’t do. He’s fast—the game that may have made up the Padres minds came on Friday, when Tatis reached on two infield singles, stole two bases, and scored from first on a routine single. Even his glove is getting better, and should continue to improve. He is the prototypical five-tool prospect, and now he’s no longer a prospect.”
“What he did wins baseball games,” Green said of Tatis’s Friday on the basepaths. “That’s ultimately what it’s all about.”
While I think the Pads are going to be better than both the DBacks and SFG, they are still well behind LAD. One of the key differences is that the Pads need to promote players without AAA experience to fill their team. The Dodgers have problems putting prospects on the roster. The Dodgers do not have anyone in the Tatis Jr. class, but they certainly can match two of their own without AAA experience May/Gonsolin as well as Dennis Santana against Chris Paddack.
The Pads will be fun to watch, and they will be more than relevant beginning 2020.
AC–Question for you: What did you see from Jeter Downs this spring? He got a surprising amount of playing time for a minor leaguer and I was curious what your impressions of him were and if they changed any after seeing him. Thanks!
Jeter Downs showed some range, saving a run by diving for a ground ball hit into the 5-6 hole. Joe Davis mentioned during the broadcast that his dad was a former pro baseball player who pitched regular BP to Jeter since he was 3 years old.
Jeter Downs has a calm presence on the field. When you watch him play, and not just look at stats, you can see he doesn’t get flustered. What I’ve seen is he has flashy type talent which, after being refined, makes for a really nice 2b or SS. At bat he has a nice swing, he’s not up there just to hack. That 9 pitch walk 2 days ago was great to watch; with the bases loaded, you expect a 20 year old to swing at anything close to drive in some runs and make a good impression. Instead, he took the close pitches, fouled off some good pitches, and then walked. That, combined with his resume and hype coming in has me excited.
Of course, others on this blog would disagree.. Let’s see how he does this year in A ball and eventually AA.
I cannot argue with anything said by the others who responded. Jeter Downs had a great spring, and at least gave management an indication of what he can do. He is still very young. He is now in a position to get pushed. I think he starts at Rancho and then from there??? AA is the make or break level. His defensive body of work makes him a better 2B candidate than SS. But he will be a good defensive 2B. I heard a rumor that he may get some CF time this year. But the Dodgers do that for flexibility rather than for a positional move or to make a player into a utility player. Dodger management LOVES options.
I like Jeter Downs before the trade, which is why I was very pleased with the Farmer trade. We did not get to see Josiah Gray this spring, but I hear he has real potential as a starter, but a high floor as a high leverage reliever.
Agree about Jeter. Has a lot of good feel the few times I saw him.
“What he did wins baseball games”
He did small things, fundamental heads up moves. For those that are bemoaning the loss of Puig and his offense and arm, he was very poor at the small things that win baseball games. Collectively these matter. I’m pretty bullish on Pollock as an upgrade over Puig in the outfield and on offense. I thought the comp to Chase Utley was a good one. Player versus player, I think he’s the better choice than Harper, too.
And to think the Padres got Tatis Jr. from the ChiSox for James Shields. You talk about a steal.
They got Chris Paddack (the other newbie) for Fernando Rodney.
Downs has a good chance for being part of an infield that stays together like Cey, Russel, Lopes, and Garvey. Bellinger, Downs, Seager, Lux could play together for 10 years. Muncy might have something to say about that though unless the NL gets the DH. At least Downs is a righty hitter.
My future dream infield is Seager at 3b, Downs at SS, Lux at 2B, Bellinger at 1B, & Ruiz at C.
You may have to switch Lux and Downs. Downs is already projected at the #6 2B prospect. Downs is behind Lux in speed, range, and arm. Lux has the arm to make all the throws, he just needs to learn to find the 1B glove with his throws. He is still very young himself, and should continue to improve.
You highlighted Deacon Liput before and I saw that he got a handful of games with the club this spring . What was you take on him as he seems to have the pedigree in terms of CWS games . Someone said his UF Gators team went to Omaha all three of his years and won the 2017 Championship. That’s pretty remarkable.
Great article today on the Athletic about the Dodgers’ new hitting coaches and how they approach situational hitting.
https://theathletic.com/890298/2019/03/27/two-outs-two-strikes-dodgers-coaches-stress-importance-of-situational-hitting/
Very good.
Roster Breakdown:
SP1–Ryu: This is his year. No restrictions. FA at end of season. Could be our regular season workhorse.
SP2–Stripling: Rooting hard to get out of the gate fast. Might eventually settle into relief role but a core arm.
SP3–Maeda: Perpetually underrated. No need to save him for October. When he’s on, he’s terrific.
SP4–Buehler: Everybody’s all-American. Without a doubt our most promising SP. Let’s not get too greedy.
SP5–Urias: Possibly the most pivotal player on the entire roster. If he’s healthy and consistent, look out NL.
[Injuries to Kershaw and Hill make this group look different than expected. Gonsolin & May could be factors too]
C–Barnes: A trendy pick to bounce back. Probably not Top Five but probably won’t stink. In the middle maybe?
1B–Muncy: His position is in the batter’s box. Presence of Freese should enable him some mental breaks.
2B–Hernandez: 20-30 HR season coupled with solid defense makes him a star. Helps fill Puig Excitement Vacuum.
SS–Seager: Welcome, kid. We missed you. Did we really make the World Series without him? Oh yeah, Machado.
3B–Turner: Sorry Manny, Hanley, & Sheffield. Turner’s my favorite RH bat since Piazza.
LF–Joc: More than anyone on this team, he is what he is. Power bat, prone to slumps, can look great or terrible.
CF–Pollock: If he stays on the field he should have a big year. Curious to see how Doc parcels his rest.
RF–Bellinger: I expect a monster season from him. Speed & defense shouldn’t slump even if bat occasionally does.
[No real competition here. Bench roles are fairly set. Platooning will be replaced by rotating. Nice balance overall.]
RP1–Jansen: Movement matters more velocity. Save some bullets for October.
RP2–Kelly: Expect some spectacular blow-ups. Stuff is elite but harnessing it could take time.
RP3–Alexander: Even more important now with Cingrani out. Command is key.
RP4–Baez: Back from the dead and now a core member of pen. Throw hard, throw strikes, elevate to celebrate.
RP5–Garcia: Spring success story but now it actually counts. Will be nice to have him back.
RP6–Floro: Velocity appears to be down, which could be troubling. Short leash with others in the wings.
RP7–Ferguson: What a character arc for young Caleb. Gets most of his ability and does what he’s told.
RP8–Santana/Stewart: Have you ever driven a car until it died? I think Stewart might be that car. Last chance?
[Several arms in AAA await the call to replace any of these players. Returning starters will impact them as well.]
BC–Martin: This year’s Kemp. I hope we never see him play the infield unless it’s the 19 inning.
BIF–Freese: This year’s Utley. Even if he’s not strictly platooning, it’s hard to imagine him sitting vs. a LHP.
BOF–Verdugo: Tough role. Make team, sit a lot, pinch hit, spot start, defensive sub. Keep the attitude up & learn.
BU–Taylor: He’s a man. With a plan. Got a counterfeit dollar in his hand. He’s Misstra Plays It All.
[With Miller’s departure and Toles’s absence, a lackluster group of Castro, Rios, Beaty, & Will Smith are next up.]
BlackMirror99
Great analysis, and I love your word play too.
Have you seen this image? It is about the opening day, very important and very necessary!
https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1110986495827931136/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1110986495827931136&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbleacherreport.com%2Flos-angeles-dodgers
I am confident in this team’s ability to win more than 95 games this year. I am confident they will get back to the World Series. I am also confident that Friedman will swing a deal for whatever this team needs… and that will be apparent over the next few months. I also know that luck is involved. It was in 1988. The Dodgers were not expected to get to the World Series in 1988… much less win it. Sometimes it takes magic… or luck… or both, however, the experts and Las Vegas have the Dodgers as one of the best teams in baseball.
The Dodgers lost their best player last year and still got there. He’s back this year and should make a huge difference. Vegas has the Yankees as the favorite to win the Series and Houston #2. The Dodgers are tied with the Red Sox with the Third Best Odds to Win the Series. So when I hear that a player can’t pitch, Kershaw is old, the pen is bad, the players are frail, so and so will regress, they can’t hit and blah, blah, blah I regard that as irrational fear that has no basis in fact!
The Dodger’s may not have a perfect team… no one does, but to be picked as one of the top 3 teams in baseball is a pretty good place to be. If Kershaw, Hill, Maeda, Urias, Kelly, Jansen and Baez’s arms fall off, they are in trouble. If Seager, Bellinger, Muncy, Pollock, Hernandez and Pederson regress, the Dodgers are in trouble. If the team plane crashes, the Dodgers are in trouble… and on and on.
For the last three years people have been predicting Friedman and Roberts would fail. The Dodgers have not won the World Series, but no Dodger GM has accomplished what Friedman has in his first four years. No Dodger manager has accomplished what Dave Roberts has in his first three years. They are picked as one of the top teams again. Yet, we have Dodger fans who predict they will win less than 80 games this year. They said the same thing the year before and the year before that.
I know it’s hard to get to the World Series and there may be some tweaks along the way, but this team has the resources to do it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but when the opinions are based on irrational fear, that sets me off. I could have went on an epic rant like this:
Mark
You don’t have to defend your point or Friedman at this point.
The Dodger’s record speaks for itself.
I think it is smart to wait and see where we are at, and what we may need, right before the trade deadline, like you have suggested.
I actually think we will have more resources then we have had in some time, at this next trade deadline.
I am actually more excited this year, because I think this is a clean slate for another great season.
Personally I don’t know how you hold back and not react at times, because I don’t know if I could do that myself.
You have been right about Friedman from the start, and that is why I am a big believer in most anything you say.
But more importantly don’t let a few people get in the way of you enjoying the Dodgers opening day.
Just be glad your a positive person, because some can’t help themselves, from always looking at the negative about things.
My remark was not about the team in general
MJ: Testimony about AFs talent is worthless without reference to the
resources at his command. Dollar for dollar, Nick C., never a fav in
our house, might have done a better job. Without any research, I’m willing
to wager his front office spent half or less on each Dodger win.
Mark,
While I agree with you about the FO and also conclude that Friedman has done things no other GM has ever done, it is mostly his style of running the club that produces a product that many think should not be as successful as it is. He has a kind of innate formula that he sticks to. It is not what most other teams subscribe to like the refusal to sign the super-star for long term big bucks. He milks the talent pool in different ways. When the thinking veers from the traditional wisdom, those who cannot follow it doom it. For me, he is highly successful, but not infallible. Plus, we will see failure at some point, when the FO, players, or manager, fail in their in-game tactics. It is not a matter of if they will fail, it is a matter of when. This is just the way human nature is. It is not a condemnation.
As far as Roberts goes, his mistakes have been legendary. Any baseball person can see that. He is a kind of puppet that talks in circles, and is handed a blueprint to follow. Perhaps his in-game managing has some leeway for him to decide some things, he is not someone I would hold up as an ‘ideal’ of a manager. Your tendency to defend what is indefensible amazes me at times. Homerism is a kind of disease that clouds the mind. If you really believe that no FO or manager or player is perfect, you need to show it at times by criticizing, or questioning a said situation. Making a blanket statement of confidence that the FO will be able to swing a deal for a need on the team has not happened the last two years. They have failed miserably in doing this. Darvish and Machado were both failures on the Dodgers and they were the moves, including Dozier, that they made to better the team. I’m not blaming them for trying, I’m blaming them for not addressing the needs sufficiently. You don’t wait till the last minute to add the necessary piece of the puzzle because it will cost less money. But this is exactly what Friedman does and it has not worked. He refuses to sign the necessary players that will push them over the edge in Free Agency simply because of the money. There is no other reason that makes any sense and yet you and others want to defend what is blatantly apparent to most other fans. This is why Friedman has failed. He counts on LUCK to be on his side instead of real talent. Luck that CK will be healthy plus many other factors that chip away at his blueprint. Friedman needs to continuously refine and upgrade his blueprint which he has not done if he want to win a WS. An example, is the signing of Pollock, our one ‘midrange’ FA signing that is supposed to catapult us past Boston, Houston, and the Yanks? Pollock, who I am not bad-mouthing but pointing out that he has had only 1 important season in his career that everyone is hoping will return this year and that injury will not sideline him. That season was 4 years ago, IIRC. So far, we have not seen that player return yet, but I will give him a chance and not say anything negative. But, I do wonder if he is an answer to this team’s inability to win it all. If there is an answer within the Dodgers, it seems it would come primarily from Turner, Seager, Belli, and the young gun pitchers we have coming up like Buehler, Urias May, and Gonsolin. Even then, I am skeptical that the Dodgers have what it takes to win it all. This doesn’t mean I don’t root for them. It simply means that I want them to improve and paying lip service to this end will not change the reality on the field.
You are right. Everyone who questions whether the Dodgers will win the World Series is wrong.
There is no need for anyone to ever share his point of view because there is no other point of view.
So I have no point of view to share.
NO!!!!!!! NO!!!!!! NO Dodger GM has EVER had the resources
that AF has had up ’til last year. NO MLB GM has ever had an
outlay like the billion+ in his first four years. To say nothing
of the fact AF has worked in arguably the easiest (and may again
this year) division in the bigs the last six years.
Dombrowski took over the Sox and you saw what happened last
October. Just one of about a dozen current GMs who could have
easiily matched AF and Co given the billion. Say it again: his old
front office in Tampa had one fewer win last year in 162, in a division
with the Sox and Yanks. Spending about 20% of AFs spoiled rich-
kids spree. Not only MLB GMs, either. About a dozen or more guys
on this site could have matched the Dodger braintrust, or done just a
wee better even:-) – with a fool’s bankroll. Hell, I woulda tried it with
just the money they squandered on Cubans!!!!
I posted this two days ago very late at night and would very much like the opinions of the great baseball minds on this site. Even as I approach the beginning of the season with great optimism, I do fear that the potential for labor unrest exists and could damage the sport we love. I agree with AC that there needs to be better pay and benefits for all players in the minor leagues rather than treating them like indentured servants. Better pay for them could allow them to train year around and could also encourage more young men to pursue baseball as a career path.
MY PRIOR POST– The changing marketplace in baseball seems to be determined to lock up your young stars (or potential stars) to a long term, less than maximum value contract playing on their fear of injury or some sort of social faux pas which would dramatically impact their earning potential. The game of the owners seems to be designed to keep players from becoming unrestricted free agents before they have moved into their thirties.
Because everyone now assumes that these players will have rapidly declining skill sets and are thus a terrible investment on a four or five year contract, the marketplace for the proven professional has been significantly reduced. There have been numerous contracts of this nature signed late in the free agent season and just before the start of the regular season.
The more often this occurs, the more reluctant all players become to test the free agent market and the more easily the owners can force even aging stars who have proven ongoing performance stats and limited injury history to accept short term contracts at $$$ below their value in an open marketplace.
Should this trend continue into the next labor contract, I see this as a real issue that the players would be driven to want rectified because it will eventually effect every player at one or more points in their careers. I also fear that this issue would drive the best athletes in America and other nations of all ages to pursue other sports through their teen years and avoid the sport which would decrease the quality of players in the decades ahead.
The owners need to think of what is best for the sport of BASEBALL for the next 150 years rather than what is best for their wallets now and in the short term. I wonder if there is a need for the players to have a person with the same decision making power as the Commissioner so that decisions have to be equitably agreed upon by a 2/3 majority of all parties involved. Just a thought to be pondered, don’t you think?The changing marketplace in baseball seems to be to lock up your young stars (or potential stars) to a long term, less than maximum value contract playing on their fear of injury or some sort of social faux pas which would dramatically impact their earning potential. The game of the owners seems to be designed to keep players from becoming unrestricted free agents before they have moved into their thirties.
Because everyone now assumes that these players will have rapidly declining skill sets and are thus a terrible investment on a four or five year contract, the marketplace for the proven professional has been significantly reduced. There have been numerous contracts of this nature signed late in the free agent season and just before the start of the regular season.
The more often this occurs, the more reluctant all players become to test the free agent market and the more easily the owners can force even aging stars who have proven ongoing performance stats and limited injury history to accept short term contracts at $$$ below their value in an open marketplace.
Should this trend continue into the next labor contract, I see this as a real issue that the players would be driven to want rectified because it will eventually effect every player at one or more points in their careers. I also fear that this issue would drive the best athletes in America and other nations of all ages to pursue other sports through their teen years and avoid the sport which would decrease the quality of players in the decades ahead.
The owners need to think of what is best for the sport of BASEBALL for the next 150 years rather than what is best for their wallets now and in the short term. I wonder if there is a need for the players to have a person with the same decision making power as the Commissioner so that decisions have to be equitably agreed upon by a 2/3 majority of all parties involved. Just a thought to be pondered, don’t you think?
DC/Mark/AC
You all have done a wonderful job of posting stories and topics for us to chat about. It is more work than many know, and I truly tip my cap. I don’t have much time tonight to chat, but I wanted to say thank you.
You are correct AF and the FO has not been given enough credit for turning this team around, especially the minor league system, which was always the “talk of the town” in baseball.
P.S. I believe, and correct me if I am wrong. But one of the new rule changes that could help the Dodgers, is in the Draft. Winning teams would not be automatically thrown to the bottom and the worst team getting the #1 pick??
Anyone know what the latest Baseball America scouting report on 11 hitters said about Verdugo, very curious as to what the scouts thought.
See the full report on all 11 below.
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/scouting-11-hitters-who-stood-out-this-spring/
AC, isn’t there a way to post articles that you don’t need to pay for? Personally, I will never pay for the opinions of others.
You won’t pay for it, yet you are curious about what it says.
Bluto,
Evidently, AC thinks there is something there. Why not cut and paste it for others? It is done all the time on this site and others. If he wants to pay for it, I have no objection, but if he wants others here to read it, just cut and paste it! End of discussion.
Jeff,
Ben asked if the report was out. AC posted the link. Not sure why you think he and Mark are obligated to post the paysite information so the rest of us can read it.
A short paraphrase is one thing, but to expect it to be routinely cut and pasted to this site so you can read it for free is not a reasonable expectation
Sorry
Had a long day, my tolerance level is low
Never said they were obligated. Asked, why not cut and paste?
Bluto did a short cut and paste of another article on a paysite in another Dodger blog. Nothing to get excited about old timer!
I am not sure what you are objecting to. Are you complaining because you could not open the link? If that is the case, just say so. I can figure a work-around. If you do not want to open the link, then don’t. I generally do not provide a link to pay sites. I have never provided a link to any article in The Athletic, and I think BA will forgive me for this one transgression since I have subscribed for over 35 years.
In this case, Ben asked about what was said about Alex Verdugo by BA in one of their articles. I originally did just cut and paste the paragraph on Verdugo, but then I thought maybe others would like to read about all 11 hitters, and it was easier to provide the link rather than cut and paste around all the YouTube videos.
Longtime lurker of what I find the most informative, honest Dodger message board on the net. I defer to everyone on this board, as you’ve all proven more intimately knowledgable of the Dodgers than I am. In the spirit of wonderment entering a new season, these are some thoughts that cross my mind.
1.) Who will be this year’s breakout player? Taking it a step further, who will break out seemingly out of nowhere? In 2017, Chris Taylor was probably the guy. Muncy, last year. I was a little disappointed Miller wasn’t retained, as I thought he could maybe be this year’s guy. Kike looks pretty good, but then again, he usually has spells where he looks really good. At some point, I think we should be prepared for a slumping results from him. Or, if not, maybe he’ll be needed in LF. In any case, I thought Miller was a good safety precaution and essentially trading roles with Utley. Anyway, it’s water under the bridge, but I suspect a veteran might be brought in at some point.
2.) Bellinger looks better at the plate. Just my amateur opinion, but I think he looks more compact with his swing. Less movement. If he can maintain it, I think he has his best year to date.
3.) I’m rooting hard for Verdugo. I’m not entirely privy to his immaturity issues, but apparently they’re well known. I just like what he represents on the field. After the Sox series, I think a lot of us want the team to adopt some of their small ball ways and Verdugo’s profile seems to fit this. He’s got that Brett Butler sort of stance and I’m hoping he can duplicate some of Butler’s small ball mastery. Roberts seems to live with Joc’s strikeouts and numerous futile plate appearances, for his eventual critical HR payoff. I hope he has that same kind of patience with Verdugo, because, I believe at some point in the season we’ll be noticing more 2 and 3 run shots than solo shots from the middle of our order, because Verdugo and Seager are getting on one way or another.
4.) I love the Julio Urias story. Precocious prize prospect to forgotten man. He’s looking like the surgery was nothing but a minor speed bump in his career. Sure, it’s early, and spring training, but I think we have a lot to be encouraged by. He’s grown into his body as well which makes him look more stout on the mound. More tolerable to strains, exhaustion and injury. Or I hope so. Hopefully, Kershaw continues to be brilliant for another 5 years, but if not, I’d like to think we get at least one special season where Kershaw, Buehler, and Urias were all brilliant together. Could be our version of Maddux, Smoltz, and Glavine.
5.) Finally, for the first time in a long time, I like every move we made this off-season. I’m a believer in consistency and the best parts of our team are highly consistent players (Turner, Seager, Kershaw, Jensen). I think we shifted the balance a little more toward consistent players than streaky types, and I’m hoping we’ll see noticeable differences on the field.
PS – It’s going to be a good year!
Rack him!
Nice post Saxfan3. Well thought out.
Read it elsewhere but Brock Stewart might be this year’s Wilmer Font. Or he could actually perform. Which would be nice. I’m rooting for him.
When I first saw Stewart pitch I thought he had tremendous movement on his fastball which hit 95 mph. I liked that he was a shortstop and didn’t have as many pitches on his arm as someone who was a pitcher from day one.
I thought he was doing well until he had his first experience with injury. Coming back from injury he lost speed on his fastball. He had a good second half in Oklahoma last year. I would love to know if he is back to 95 mph. I couldn’t tell from watching him pitch this spring if his ball still had the movement it once did.
He and Fergusson need a third pitch but then Kershaw wasn’t Kershaw until he developed his slider. Apparently it is harder than one would think to develop a third pitch.
Is the final 25 man roster out yet?
Speaking of the Giants, will the Dodgers have more wins than the Giants have losses?