1. Dodgerpatch indicated that I was taking the criticism of Austin Barnes too personally. Not true. I would never take criticism alone personally. What I take personally is the name calling. A week ago I stated that Barnes had option(s) remaining and that he should be considered to be optioned to OKC, and bring up Will Smith to get better acclimated to the pitchers. When the name calling started, I started to defend Barnes more than I normally would have. Why is it so personal for me? Because no matter how many family members are told to stay away from these sites, too many family members hop on to see what people think of their son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, or best friend. It may not be healthy, but it is realism. Earlier in the year, we learned that Alex Verdugo’s brother visited this site.
Nobody on this site other than me knows what it is like to be a father of a professional baseball player who has been ridiculed because of his play. Fans aren’t fickle? Well then explain to me how my son was given a standing ovation at Fenway and then 15 days later gets booed out of the stadium. Why? Because the ball slipped out of his hand on a rainy night on a throw to the plate, and a run scored on the error. I know that it’s baseball and it happens. I accept it, but I do not have to like it. So Patch, yes I do tend to take the name calling personal. Because it was personal to me.
Should Barnes go back to OKC. Yes. Not because he is a black hole, but because he has lost his confidence. I hope he finds his confidence in OKC, and gets traded to a team where he can get a new start. Maybe he can land in Detroit and start all over, and get a chance to work with the up and coming pitching stars like the M&M boys – (Casey Mize and Matt Manning), and Franklin Perez. Now I am done with any further commentary about Austin Barnes. It is time to turn the page and worry about the name on the front of the jersey rather than the name on the back of the jersey.
2. We are all so quick to take what a couple of OKC Dodgers are doing in the PCL and proclaim them to be future stars. I am not taking anything away from what Gavin Lux and DJ Peters (or Will Smith) are doing in AAA, but the results need to be placed in context. Going into Friday’s games, below are the offensive numbers for the PCL (AAA), International League (AAA), and Texas League (AA).
# of batters with a BA .300 or better:
Pacific Coast League – 30
International League – 12 (only 2 above .325)
Texas League – 4
# of batters with 20 or more HRs:
Pacific Coast League – 23
International League – 13
Texas League – 0
# of batters with a 1.000 or better OPS:
Pacific Coast League – 6
International League – 0
Texas League – 0
# of batters with a .900 or better OPS
Pacific Coast League – 31
International League – 15
Texas League – 0
While Gavin Lux and DJ Peters are off to tremendous AAA starts, one has to temper that with what the League is – a launching pad. Let’s also not forget the remarkable start of Dustin May. In 4 games started, Dustin has 21.1 IP, 2.53 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 0 HRs, 7 BB, and 18 K. With the offensive numbers indicated above, May has been fantastic. He will certainly get a look at the ML rotation next year.
3. I wanted to look at the impact of Gavin Lux and DJ Peters. Lux and Peters were promoted to OKC on June 27. In the 65 games, that Lux and Peters were Tulsa Drillers, the team was 42-33. They average 5.815 runs per game. Since the promotion, the Drillers’ record is 12-15, with the average number of runs per game at 3.222. It is clear that Lux and Peters were a positive force for the Drillers. Lux more so than Peters, but we can look at that in more detail at a later time.
What has been the impact of the duo with OKC? The OKC Dodgers’ record before Lux and Peters arrived was 31-46. In those 77 games, the Dodgers averages 4.532 runs per game. In the 26 games the Dodgers have played since the promotion, the team is 17-9, and is now averaging 7.923 runs per game. While baseball is a team game, it certainly looks clear to me that OKC is a different (better) team with Lux and Peters.
4. While Thor would be a good addition, if the Dodgers are going to spend prospect capital, then AF should spend it on a closer. Two years ago when his cutter was not only unhittable, it was also thrown for strikes. Unless he throws perfect innings, teams are going to run on him at will. If the team is going to be unemotional towards players, and only look at results, then Kenley has to be moved from closer. Again, if we are only concerned about how the player will perform in the WS, then there has to be strong consideration for a new closer. In the last 2 WS, Kenley has 2 saves, 3 blown saves, and one loss. Friday’s game is becoming to be more common than the lock down performances of 2 years ago.
5. Mitchell White may be about to take a big drop in the Dodger prospect list. Another bad night in AAA. His ERA is now at a sparkling 7.35. His numbers are 52.2 IP, 12 HR allowed, 23 walks, 53 strikeouts, and a .318 Batting Average Against. He is looking like a younger Brock Stewart than a can’t miss prospect. And yet another two hit night for Gavin Lux and another HR for DJ Peters.
AC’S MINOR LEAGUE LOWDOWN
OKC Dodgers 10 – Memphis Redbirds 13 (Cardinals)
The Dodgers jumped out to a 3-1 and 6-3 leads, but Mitchell White had a horrific outing: 4.0 IP, 12 hits, 11 runs (all earned), 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts. His ERA is now up to 7.35. He allowed the first 6 batters to reach base to begin the 4th. He left 2 runners on after 4 had scored, and Shea Spitzbarth came in and allowed both inherited runners to score, plus one of his own. Stetson Allie allowed another run and Zac Rosscup and recently promoted (today) Victor Gonzalez restored order. Gavin Lux had another two-hit night, his fifth consecutive game with two hits. Zach Reks also had a two-hit night including his 16 HR, while DJ Peters and Shane Peterson each hit their 10th.
Tulsa Drillers 1 – Frisco RoughRiders 5 (Texas)
Tulsa had another bullpen game as reliever Logan Salow started with 1.2 IP. Parker Curry followed and allowed all five runs on 8 hits in 5.1 IP. Jordan Sheffield pitched a clean 9th. The Drillers scattered 5 singles with Zach McKinstry getting two of them.
RC Quakes 7 – Stockton Ports 0 (A’s)
The Quakes pitched the third shutout for the night. Michael Grove pitched his second consecutive 3.0 innings of shutout ball. However he did allow 5 hits and a walk in his 3.0 innings. Dylan Floro pitched a scoreless inning in a rehab assignment. Guillermo Zuniga, Max Gamboa, and Melvin Jimenez finished the shutout. Jeren Kendall with 2 hits and 4 RBIs, including his 12th HR and Hunter Feduccia and his 2 hits were the offensive leaders.
Great Lakes Loons 1 – Dayton Dragons 0 (Reds)
The Loons and Dragons went 9 scoreless innings. Leonel Valera started on 2nd to begin the 10th and moved to 3rd on a ground out, and scored on a Kody Hoese sac fly. Stephen Kolek (6.2 IP) and Aaron Ochsenbein (2.1 IP) were brilliant for 9.0, and James Bruihl closed it out in the 10th for a shutout victory and his 2nd save. The Loons had 7 hits with Dan Robinson had 3, and Chris Roller hit his 12th double.
Ogden Raptors 9 – Orem Owlz 5 (LAA)
In the first game of the 2nd half, the Raptors started as they finished the 1st half, with a win. The first half winners won in convincing style with a 31-7 record, which tied with the best half record in a half in the Pioneer League. The last and only other team were the Orem Owlz 10 years ago. Down 1-0, the Raptors rolled off 6 runs, with the Owlz scoring 3 in the 5th to get close. The Raptors then scored three additional runs to close out the scoring. Brandon Lewis and Andrew Shaps led the offense with 3 hits each. Lewis hit his 6th HR. Ryan Ward had 2 hits, while Zac Ching hit his 2nd HR. Alfredo Tavarez started and allowed 4 runs in his 4.2 IP. Jeff Belge pitched a hitless 1.1 IP with 3 K’s. Nick Robertson allowed the 5th run, and Corey Merrill finished the final 2.0 innings to secure the victory.
AZL Dodgers Lasorda 1 – AZL Rangers 4
Israiky Berroa allowed 1 run in his 5.0 IP, while Adolfo Ramirez went the next 4.0 scoreless innings. The two teams entered extra innings all tied up at 1-1. Franklin De La Paz yielded 3 runs in the 10th and the Rangers blanked the Lasordas in the 10th. Wladimir Chalo had 2 of the 4 Lasordas hits.
AZL Dodgers Mota 6 – AZL Mariners 0
The Motas scored 2 runs each in the 1st, 4th, and 7th, while three Mota pitchers (Aldry Acosta, Jeisson Cabrera, and Huei-Sheng Lin) pitched a shutout. Luis Yanel Diaz had 3 hits including 2 triples (8), while Kevin Aponte also had 3 hits and a triple (1). Diego Cartaya had another 2 hit night including a double (8).
Back in the Spring of 2010, when the Dodgers released Jason Repko, I wrote something to the effect of “It’s about time.” His father took me to task and told me that I had no idea how hard he worked and all the rehab he had to go through. I apologized and have not been so cavalier with condemning players. AC has a unique perspective in that he had a son play MLB and he knows how cruel fans can be. Jason Repko’s dad had a perspective few have. Alex’s Brother still posts here from time to time, but I won’t tell you who he is. He doesn’t post under his surname.
I have also learned that when players look their worst not to throw in the towel. They often figure it out on their own or with the help of coaches. I think Kenley is evolving and he does not have complete confidence… yet. I think he will get there, BUT the Dodgers do have to cover their bases. It’s not a sure thing that he will figure it out. Rivero, I mean Vasquez is the best closer out there and he will be expensive. The Pirates are going to ask for Ruiz and Lux. I think Lux, Ruiz, and Gonsolin would win the prise, and while I really don’t want to give up any of those prospects, I really would not include Lux… and I would not include Downs or Gray. Ruiz is going to be great, but I can do that. The Dodgers might include Barnes in the deal as well. NO WAY DO I TRADE MAY. He made great strides last year and has gotten even better this year. He’s for certain a #3… maybe a #2!
I wouldn’t count Barnes out yet. He’s always hit at pretty much every level, including his first year in the Majors. Sometimes players lose confidence, the pressure and expectations overwhelm them and it becomes difficult to recover. I can see Barnes as the back-up catcher to Will Smith next year and he may thrive in that role. As to the PCL numbers, I’m not sure it matters. Alex Verdugo is hitting as well as he did in AAA, but with more power. Lux can flat out hit, Peters has unbelievable power and I wouldn’t be surprised to see May as one of the starters next year. All that being said, I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Ruiz included in a deal that gets the Dodgers what they want (Vasquez). Roberts was clearly unhappy with the way Jansen finished last night, two walks and a hit batter, all with two outs. It was like he lost focus. Maybe that creates more urgency to make this trade. But I wouldn’t include May or Lux in any deal. I think a package of Ruiz, Gonsolin, one or two lower level prospects gets the deal done.
“I wouldn’t count Barnes out yet. He’s always hit at pretty much every level, including his first year in the Majors. ”
Here are the BA for Barnes in the majors—
2015–.207,
2016–.156,
2017–.289,
2018–.205,
2019–.196.
Career average in majors–.227
Career HR–17,
Career RBI–78,
Career SO–178.
Some of these are small samples and I didn’t look at the minors, but this hardly qualifies as hitting at every level…..
Yep, no way do you trade Lux, May or Smith right now for a closer because they all have a chance to help the Major League team down the stretch. For me, anyone else is up from grabs.
I was thinking about Thor and my initial thought was I would trade May in a package for him. Then I looked a little deeper into Thor’s stats and found that he’s performed worse than Maeda and Stripling. We are very spoiled indeed.
5 more days and everyone is getting stir crazy, or just plain crazy. I can’t wait for these next few days to be over.
Doc’s post game interview was telling last night. He did not look like a guy that just beat a playoff contender on the road to take game 1 of the series. The bullpen and the injuries are probably really getting to him.
Watching Joc on the field and on the bases, I felt melancholy knowing his remaining time with us is limited.
I fully trust that AF will get a piece, or two, or three before the deadline. Orel made a good point during the broadcast yesterday stating that there’s going to be a windfall coming and we might be well positioned to come away with multiple pieces. Not that there’s a lot of room to improve, but there’s going to be some guys available that no one has thought of.
My Wishlist Update
Closer Type – Incomplete
Lefty Reliever – Incomplete
Right Handed Bat – White? Not was I was hoping for
Smith Callup – Complete
So, what’s the real plan with Tyler White? Is he just a band aid until Freese is back, or is he something bigger? I love how he look like Muncy’s twin. Let’s hope he hits like him.
I can see a scenario where Lux plays 2B down the stretch. I’m wondering if they’re just waiting long enough to pause the clock so he doesn’t reach free agency a year early.
I still think the best overall alignment at this point is with Joc/Kike in LF and Belli at first. But, it sure was nice having Verdugo in LF for yesterday’s game.
I’m pulling for Barnes to get his bat together in the minors. I sill find him valuable as a backup catcher. Baseball is a funny game. Sometimes guys figure it out much later than others. There’s talent in there, something is getting in the way of a consistent bat.
I sincerely hope Austin Barnes recaptures his confidence in OKC. He’s a quality catcher and, at one time, he hit well. I have rooted for his success since he was drafted by the Marlins. I’m always partial to hometown players, and with AB being a Riverside boy, I naturally followed him. I was aware of him in HS, at Arizona State and afterwards.
I don’t know how much it is related, but I have also noticed that several of the Dodgers, Joc, Kike and AB started on their slumps after they had gotten married or had their 1st child. It’s a simple solution, but maybe they just weren’t getting as much sleep. Just a thought.
MLB pipeline updated their rankings:
10. Lux
35. May
36. Ruiz
57. Smith
Dodgers specific list: Josiah Gray up to 5th, Mann jumps in at 18, Hoese debuts at 8th, Busch at 10th, J Lewis at 20, Pepiot at 21, new int’l singing Luis R at 25
For a strong minor league system to have so many new draftees jump into the top 25 is a good indication of how strong this draft was. Very encouraging.
Any idea where Jeter Downs is on that list?
#7
It seems like most of us (myself included) who were sure we didn’t want to include Gonsolin in any trade earlier in the season are now ready to do so. The reason? He’s having a very mediocre year at OKC. Unfortunately other teams look at box scores and have scouts out there. His trade value has dramatically decreased as has White’s.
If we don’t want to trade May and/or Gray (and I’m one of those who doesn’t), most of our better pitching trade chips are in the lower minors. That may not get us Vazquez and based on last night, we desperately need him.
Whomever we get a reliever from might be very happy to have us include Sheffield going back. He’s having a very nice year, he’s now officially a reliever and, of course, very controllable. I expect he probably won’t be with the organization by August 1st. I also expect Peters and Downs to be with other teams by Thursday.
When is Dave Roberts going to figure out that Pollock needs to be platooned with Joc in the outfield.
Pollock vs righties .198/.261/.368/.628
That’s worse than Austin Barnes overall numbers.
He’s OPSing over 900 since coming off the DL and his career splits are only 50 points apart. He’s not a platoon guy.
Roberts gave CT3, Kike and Barnes way more rope. Have some patience, he’s only been back for 12 games.
AC, not all of us are so quick to take what a couple of OKC Dodgers are doing in the PCL and proclaim them to be future stars,I think there are many who post on this site that know a great deal about major league baseball and how talented these 750 players are, only the less knowledgeable or the ones that have no idea of the special skills it takes to play the game at this level are the ones who revert to name calling and the disrespect they show for the players. Jansen is fast becoming my number one concern.
No room for name calling for sure, but an objective analysis and comment about what the Dodgers should and shouldn’t do from a passionate fan base perspective is fun and entertaining. It’s not meant for the “truth of the matter” but instead it’s just an opinion, a hunch, or a belief . Perhaps some of us get too emotional and others a bit too entrenched in trying to prove they are more knowledgeable than others. As MT says we can agree to disagree but we don’t have to be disagreeable.
Without name calling or putting a label on anyone it is apparent KJ is not the pitcher he once was and the FO needs to acquire quality. I’m OK with anyone not named May or Lux to get this done. I’m a bit worried our vaunted depth is getting a bit thin. Is Hernandez OK? If he has to go on the IL with CT3 and Freese I’m concerned this may force a lot of playing time without rest for Muncy, JT, Belli, Joc and Seager and will result in some poor defense, extended innings etc.
Boy how has baseball changed? First inning, bases loaded and a 3-0 count to AJ after Sanchez already walked a few and I think threw 7 straight balls. He gets a green light and hits a small comebacker to the pitcher. Yes, it was a strike and yes he should have sent the pitch into the stands, but in my 50+ years of watching and playing baseball I would think he would have taken at least one strike. Sanchez then goes on to pitch masterfully and get 22 in a row out. Boy has baseball changed!
I don’t see Lux being brought up unless there. Is an emergency. There was an article about Trayvon Robinson a few weeks ago. He stated that after the Dodgers traded him to Seattle he was brought up right away. He felt things were moving to fast and didn’t feel ready. If there is one thing this front office doesn’t do is rush players.
IDK about that Mushers. When Doc was asked about Smith getting called up recently he alluded to May and Lux being on the list of callups as well. You can bet your paycheck Lux will be called up soon if he keeps hitting. I think the only reason he hasn’t been called up is because of the deadline and their showcasing of Beaty, Joc and Rios.
I’m with MT’s prediction on this. He’ll be up not long after the deadline. Mid August at the latest.
I think this front office has always pushed their top prospects and challenged them. Some of us wondered last year why Verdugo wasn’t playing at the big league level but they’ve never been shy about promoting kids to the next level of the minors and challenging them even if they were much younger than the rest of the league. They do tend to baby them once they get to the show.
I have been a Smith supporter and I have always liked Barnes over Grandal. Catcher value has to start with defense and go from there. I liked Barnes and Smith’s speed. For me, Barnes kept swinging hard, too hard. Others have changed their stance, their swing, how much they choke up on the bat, but Barnes always seemed to keep everything the same regardless of the results.
I would like to see Barnes backing up Smith sooner than later but after Barnes has a chance to work on things on the driving range.
A couple of years ago I defended Mattingly by saying he was better at winning wars than battles and I noted that he stopped getting so angry at umpires and stopped arguing so much. Last year I defended Roberts when too many were calling for his head. Likewise, I have defended Pederson for the last 4 years because while he disappointed us, he was never as bad as too many described in here. I also backed up MJ many times during the time this site went black and most here were on a site that allowed politics crapola on it.
More times than not instead of blasting a player I instead offer them up in trades to get me past their failings but most of those trade scenarios were in the dull off-season. Sometimes I offered trades to counter Mark’s trades that I didn’t agree with.
AC, you brought up the inflated AAA stats, so a few questions for you:
1) Even though DJ Peters has some amazing stats so far in AAA, the biggest surprise is that his strikeouts seem to be lower. What did he change? Or is it just more confidence now that he’s having more success?
2) How good can Dustin May be if he’s dominating in an inflated offensive league??? Sounds like AAA is like playing all games in Coors Field, so it really says a lot about May
3) Perhaps we should throw Jeren Kendall into OKC as well?? joke
4) So in the minors, when the game gets to extra innings, a runner is place on 2nd base to start an inning. Does anyone know how the stats work in the minors when it comes to extra innings? Who chooses which runner goes to 2b to start the inning? Is it the hitter who’s supposed to lead off that inning? If a runner is on 2nd with nobody out, and the first hitter sacrifices him to 3rd, and the 2nd hitter grounds out, scoring the runner from 3rd, does that run count against the pitcher? Just curious
With DJ, we need to give him more time. He has always had the power. There is not a field that can corral him. It perhaps could be that he was trying too hard at AA because he was disappointed about being back in AA with so many AAAA OF’s at AAA. And maybe with the haircut came a new attention to detail. DJ is extremely talented and while others expect he will be traded, I do not. We know that the best teams are built from within. I think AF looks at DJ and says, that is our RH power hitting OF. He is like Alex in the regard that while he may not fit the mold of a CF, he can play it and play it well. That makes DJ capable of playing all three OF spots, with the power looked for in a corner OF. AF keeps DJ because there is nobody else in the organization with his set of skills.
That was my point on Dustin. The PCL is a launching pad, but Dustin is pitching extremely well. That says a lot about what he may be able to do at the ML level. Dustin seems to be at least a mid-rotation guy with the possibility of moving to the #2 slot. With the Dodgers, it will stay at #3 as Buehler and Urias have to be considered the top 2 for 2020 and beyond. It could be an extremely formidable rotation if the Dodgers can convince Ryu to extend. Ryu/Buehler/Urias/Kershaw/May, with Buehler/Urias/May still babies and Gray on the way.
I am not sure that even OKC can fix Jeren Kendall. His confidence is shot, but it is not due to lack of effort. There is no way I include Jeren in with Yadi Alvarez. Jeren probably needs a new organization to reset.
The change in minor league extra innings came in 2018. The player that made the last out of the previous inning, starts at 2B with no outs. It is a lot easier to score with a runner on 2B and no out. As happened last night, ground out and runner goes to 3rd, and a sac fly scores him.
I would like Vazquez, but not if the cost is May or Lux. I am fine with K-Bear moving if the player is a difference maker and Vazquez is. My untouchables are Lux, May, Smith, and Gray. If the Dodgers miss out on Vazquez because they refused to include one of those 4, I can live with that. It seems that the Dodgers have been here before with Cole Hamels. While Vazquez will go a long way in keeping the Dodgers as the favorite for a ring, he will not guarantee it, and besides I am looking for Tyler White to be this year’s Steve Pearce.
I was watching the game last night, and had the sound off, as I sometimes do. Ninth inning, and Jansen gets two quick outs. Then he gives up an opposite field single to Turner with two strikes. I expect Turner to steal second, because it is common in that spot, to avoid the force play, and with no one holding the runner on. So as I watch the pitches to the next batter, I see the yellow baserunner icon has moved to second, as I expected. Then I look away for a moment, and I see that the icon has moved to third, and there is a shot of Turner laughing. I think, why would he steal third base? Well, maybe no one was there, and he figured, might as well. Seemed strange, though.
Then after the game, I read that Jansen intentionally balked, so to get him off second base. This is the second time he has done that this year. He is so worried about the runner stealing signs, that he cannot stand to have him on second base? This is not a good psychological place to be for a relief pitcher. Then he hits the next batter. Then that runner steals second, so he’s got someone else on second base, but he can’t purposely balk, because that lets in a run. So he walks the next batter. Now bases loaded, still someone on second base. He’s can’t intentionally balk to get him to third. He walks the next batter, throwing ball four a foot over the catcher’s head. Still bases loaded, can’t balk on purpose. Finally gets the last out, after at least one gift strike. Now, I have never heard of a pitcher intentionally balking, until Jansen. And as much we admire his courageousness in dealing with a difficult medical issue, and his determination, this is not good, independent of how he is pitching. Every time he has a runner on second base, he is going to balk him to third? Or only if he has a run cushion? This is definitely not where your closer’s head should be. Pitch the ball, get the batters out, stop obsessing about whether someone might steal the signs. You are going to have to pitch to batters when there are runners on second base, unless you are capable of pitching a clean inning, which apparently you are not at this stage. Other closers, Vazquez, Will Smith, Yates, Chapman, others, often pitch a clean ninth inning with a one-run lead. It is how championships are won. We haven’t had that capacity for two years, and we need it. Five days to try to get it.
William, in total agreement about Jansen being unable to deal with a runner on 2nd. It’s the second time he’s done it this season, to my knowledge, and I find it disturbing. Time for a new closer, someone who relishes the opportunity to close out a close game, not be psyched out by it. I wouldn’t mind if they traded Jansen and moved forward without him.
I think this is why Doc was noncommittal with KJ…for now.
To me the issue is allowing runners to get to 2nd, rather than his being precious and defensive when a runner is there.
I could care less about the balk the last time it happened, because he did his job and recorded the save.
He doesn’t like having a runner on 2nd. When you do your job or have a 3 run lead who cares.
Exactly. Sending him to third tells me he doesn’t care about his stats and he’s focusing on getting the hitter. Really a non-issue if it isn’t the tying run.
I’m just curious on what it would take to get Vazquez? I believe he has three or four more years of control. With Kenley having an opt out next year and declining skills, this is an area of great concern. Would Ruiz, Joc, Gonsolin and Beaty get it done? It is becoming very clear what is needed to win a championship. Which parts are we willing to sacrifice? I would love to hear from some on what they think it would take.
Good question. Short answer, I don’t think Dodgers will pay the price to get Vazquez who is currently one of the top closers in MLB — unless the Pirates blink. Pederson can be a free agent after next season, Gonsolin has lost some of his prospect luster pitching in the PCL, and Ruiz is not likely considered a ready-now catcher. Trying to put myself into Pirates position, I want ready-now, or very close to ready players in return for Vazquez. I tell the Dodgers that Dustin May must be included, or there is no reason to talk further. End of discussion, Dodgers will not trade May.
The Pirates desperately need a catcher prospect. They have 3 on the 40 man and 1 (Cervelli) is likely done as a catcher. Jacob Stallings is a backup and not a potential front line catcher. They have no catchers in their top 30. No other team can give Pittsburgh anyone close to the “potential” of K-Bear. He has to be a target. After that? There has to be a match between the two teams. They could use another middle infielder. Their top SS, former Dodger prospect Oneil Cruz, is probably better suited for 3B. He has an absolute cannon of an arm, and has prodigious power potential. Jeter Downs/Jacob Amaya and to a lesser degree Omar Estevez/Devin Mann could be of interest. The Dodgers have the prospects to make a deal, but only if they are willing to trade K-Bear. It would not take any of the top 10 to get Ken Giles or Alex Colome, and they would be second. I would be very interested to see if Giles has truly changed. If he has, they have a second closer. If they do not want to trade any of their top 20 or 30 the will end up with Jake Diekman/Chris Martin/Roenis Elias/Buck Farmer, and hope for the best.
What about trading for both left hander Aaron Bummer of the White Sox, and Mychal Givens of the Orioles? Can likely acquire both from a group (not all) of Ed Rios, Matt Beaty, Connor Wong, Tony Gonsolin, Leonardo Crawford, Zach Reks
I am not sure how much the ChiSox want to trade Bummer, but Givens is definitively in play. ChiSox beleive they are close, especially in the AL Central, and may contend as early as next year. Because of his age and years of control, ChiSox are probably going to want a Ken Giles type return for Bummer. Probably a top 10 and top 20 and lottery pick. Gonsolin would qualify. Gonsolin/Rios/Beaty for Bummer?
Givens would not cost as much, but I am not certain that he is better than Diekman, and Diekman is LH. Diekman is a legit target as a secondary pick. His FIP is far superior to Givens, and his strikeouts are outstanding. He has also only allowed 3 HRs all season. In the last 3 months, Diekman has inherited 9 runners and 2 have scored. I am warming to Diekman, but not as the primary need of a lockdown late inning closer type. The Dodgers still need to go bold here.
I like Bummer a great deal with a 95 mph sinker (almost 70% ground ball rate). I think your package might do it, may have to include Floro. Diekman scares the heck out of me, walking on average 5 per 9 innings. Givens has excellent stats away from Baltimores bandbox stadium.
I would include Floro if that could get the deal done.
Diekman has gone to the A’s. I’m surprised that you covet him, AC.
I never said I covet him. I said I was warming to him, only because I was trying to find something to like about him as he was rumored to be a Dodger front-runner. But I have said on multiple occasions that if Diekman is the best that AF can do, I would walk away.
“One industry source said the Pirates are likely to establish the asking price at May and Ruiz — and perhaps one additional player — in their talks with the Dodgers.”
From Dodger Blue website.
The price is too high for Vasquez. Get Giles instead.
I don’t know if this is the same “industry source” but I read Jon Paul Morosi, from MLB.com this morning. He said that the Pirates want Ruiz and May and maybe one more player for Vasquez, who looks to be a perfect fit for a number of reasons. He states “the Dodgers must determine what they need more: a dominate lefty reliever or a switch hitting catcher who may share time with Smith for 6 seasons and May who could be in the rotation next year.” That is what this comes down to with Vasquez. That’s a very steep price for the Dodgers and I wouldn’t do it, even watching KJ’s struggles. I might be wrong. Kelly pitched well last night and he could have an increased role while we hope KJ figures it out.
One big wish – can KJ pick up the pace please. I don’t think his “human rail delay” style helps him, his catcher or the defense that falls asleep. He looks in a crisis like a man who doesn’t want to throw the baseball. And his paranoia with a runner on 2nd is probably not helping either.
I am totally convinced that Vazquez will be traded. It’s just a matter of which team comes up with the best offer. Andrew can be that guy but as he has stated, he won’t do anything stupid. Problem is, everyone has a different definition of stupid.
My suggested trade: Ruiz, Maeda/Stripling, Downs/Amaya, Joc/Beaty
Vazquez gives us a closer for the next few years so I would sub Peters for Joc/Beaty if I had to. I don’t think anyone beats that, and if we weren’t so totally desperate I would say that the above is too much to give up…………but we’re desperate.
AC, I’m glad to see you agree with me that Gray should be off limits, although I’m guessing that if he was a deal breaker AF might include him.
With two starters hitting free agency next year, I can’t see them parting with May and Ruiz in the same deal.
Something to keep in mind, while May “projects” as a 2 or 3, you never really know what they’ll become. Almost no one projects as a 1. And those that do, more often than not, don’t live up to the hype. See Steven Strasburg.
My take on May is that he’s got the chance to be as good as just about anyone. I’m certainly not trading that for any closer.
I would do that deal. A pitcher like Vazquez does not come around very often (they do). But only Ruiz is considered potential elite and and the others can all be replaced internally.
I think Gray is right at the untouchable line, and if it is a deal breaker, I agree AF would include him (but only for a difference maker).
I think Ruiz, Peters, Downs/Amaya/Estevez, Stripling is in the neighborhood. Would you trade Puig, Wood, And Farmer for Vasquez? If so you might have to be willing to put Gray and Downs in play.
General questions (with my silly answers) for the others here. Please feel free to add more:
1. What are the percentage chances the Dodgers win the World Series?
2. What impact would acquiring a top-end closer (say, as a hypothetical, Vazquez) have on that percentage?
3. What impact would acquiring a medium-end closer (say, as a hypothetical, Diekman) have on that percentage
4. True or False, the best way to increase the chances of winning a World Series is to get there as many times as you can?
MY ANSWERS:
1. About 40%
2. 5%, tops.
3. 2-3%
4. True
Those are fair answers.
That I agree with 100% and it puts things in perspective.
I’ll play! Based on pre-deadline rosters with commentary of course.
1 – We’ve had the best record in MLB most of the year, The Yankees starters are less reliable than our closer. The Astros have 2 good righty starters and Wade Miley. He have little problems against righties. Our run differential is about 45 runs higher than the Yankees, the next best team. All while we’re messing around and experimenting with players. At least 65%
2 – 18 losses out of 105 games. Our Bullpen has lost 17 % of our games. Bullpens are used more in the post-season and you’re only playing good teams so that number goes way up in the playoffs. A common line of thinking is that you need 5 reliable relievers for the post season. In the regular season, you’re splitting time between 8 guys. If we can say that Jansen, Kelly, Maeda and Baez can be relied on in the post season, 1 additional guy to handle more than 20 % of the innings would be HUGE! I’d call this at least 10%,
3 – I don’t call Diekman a closer any more that I would call Shaggy, Floro, Alexander, Garcia a closer. But, a guy like Diekman who would be used agaist the left part of an order is probably worth about 2%
4 – I think the 90’s Braves proves this to be false as much as the 2000’s Giants. The best way to increase the chances of winning the World Series is getting the right guys at the deadline. Here’s some of the pieces that really helped the Giants win 3 Championships…
2010 Ramon Ramirez and Javier Lopez bolstered the pen – A righty and a lefty. Lopez was particularly dominant.
2012 Marco Scutaro – OPS over 850 after acquired
2014 Jake Peavy – 2.17 after acquired and down the stretch with 4 post season starts
1 – 65%
2 – 10%
3 – 2%
4 – False
Correct me if I’m wrong, but you are citing the 6 year span when the Giants went to the WS 3 times in answering negatively to:
The best way to increase the chances of winning a World Series is to get there as many times as you can?
I stand by what I said. Plugging your holes is the best way to increase the chances of winning a World Series, therefore any other statement would be less best and therefore false. The Cubs didn’t even win a Pennent for 50 years, then bam World Series ring. They didn’t win the ring because they went often.
Okay….
I agree acquiring the best relief pitcher in the game increases their chances by more than 5% considering the current rotation and bullpen.
I know they were asking Atlanta for 2 of their top 5 prospects both top 100 guys so yes I think we’d have to include Lux or May with Ruiz to get their attention and I wouldn’t do that. Relievers are to fickle. Just look at Diaz from last year to this year!
Agree, there are other options and as MT points out, relievers are fickle. Diaz would be cheaper and probably as effective if you want a controllable guy. Greene would be a fraction of the cost with a spotty past and an expiring contract.
Bluto, you will have to wait until after the trade deadline to have any indication about our chances to win a WS. If we don’t pick up a quality closer type bullpen piece and the Yankees or Astros picked up a Syndegard type starter or Atlanta picked Vasquez then our odds are greatly reduced!
That’s a great follow-up:
5. If the Dodgers make no moves and other teams do, what is the percentage decrease of the team making the World Series?
My answer:
5% tops.
From all reports the Braves are currently focused on KC’s pitchers. We’re 5 days from the deadline. It’s negotiations. Just because they ask doesn’t mean Pittsburgh is going to get it. Atlanta definitely needs Vasquez more than the Dodgers so they may be willing to do more and they have more to offer but their ownership is less likely to sign off.
Did you guys see the lineup today.
Verdugo
Turner
Pollock
Bellinger
Muncy
Seager
Smith
Peterson 1B
Kershaw
Nats starting a LH’er for inning, or two, then bringing in RH’er Ross
DODGERS RECALL RHP JAIME SCHULTZ
RHP ROSS STRIPLING PLACED ON IL
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that they have recalled right-handed pitcher Jaime Schultz from Triple-A Oklahoma City and placed right-handed pitcher Ross Stripling on the 10-day injured list with right biceps tendinitis, retroactive to July 25.
Schultz, 28, returns for his second stint with the Major League squad. In three games with the Dodgers, he tossed three scoreless frames with two walks and three strikeouts. In 36 games with Oklahoma City this season, he posted a 1-2 record with a 5.66 ERA (22 ER/35.0 IP) and 53 strikeouts. Since June 1, the righty has posted a 1-0 record with a 3.72 ERA (8 ER/19.1 IP) and 30 strikeouts.
Stripling, 29, left the game in bottom of the fifth inning on Wednesday night. The Texas A&M product has appeared in 26 games (12 starts) for the Dodgers this year, recording a 4-4 mark with a 3.64 ERA (31 ER/76.2 IP) and 76 strikeouts. In four seasons with the Dodgers, he is 20-24 with a 3.55 ERA (147 ER/373.0 IP) and 360 strikeouts.
Ross is faking it so he can’t be traded! 😉
Urias back to to rotation now, or is a new starter on the way?
Ross definitely has a higher IQ than the average ballplayer. That was a clever move on his part. 🙂
Love it! That’s funny.
So how does a stiff neck become bicep tendinitis?
I get numbing in my fingers from a neck issue. It all ties together. I thought they would try to keep Stripling off the DL through the deadline.
AC…..good writeup. Brought back memories. Remember sitting in the stands and hearing parents shouting and bad mouthing players that made errors or did not hit. Hearing that reminded me how the parents of the players they were shouting about felt. Also walking on the field to a game and passing a little league practice and the coach chewing out a player for an error, mental or physical. The players know they may have played badly and did not need the parents and/or coaches yelling at them. Made me aware of how cruel it can be for anyone, parent, relative or friend having a player in the game. I know these are grown boys and this is the major leagues, but patience and kindness is also appreciated. So thank you for the viewpoint from a parent’s point of view.
I understand that the PCL strongly favors offense, and that in general
offensive stats from that league have to be viewed with a large degree of suspicion. However, I was under the impression that OKC, where the Dodgers play half their games, is not a typical PCL launching pad like Las Vegas and Albuquerque. Is there any validity to that view?
Meanwhile in the Great Lakes, the team’s 20 year old prospect Leonel Valera has a .310/.356/.429 slash line in his last 10 games.
Diekman traded to the A’s
Speaking on behalf of those of us who were hoping we wouldn’t get Diekman, heartiest congrats to the A’s.
That’s funny.
Btw, Leclerc has been pitching really well lately
Yes he has!!
And won’t cost 2 tippy top prospects. I bet Keone Kela would be reasonable as well. I would rather have 2 or three LeClerks and Kelas than 1 Vazquez.
In skimming the various baseball blogs out there I realize that there are a huge amount of potential relievers out there who might be getable if AF decides he won’t pay the price for guys like Vazquez or Yates.
Mike Petriello mentions three lefties whom I don’t think we’ve discussed before:
1) Paul Fry (Orioles) – has a line of .123/.286/.228 against left handed hitters this year
2) Adam Kolarek (Rays) – 65.6% ground ball rate and a line of .179/.236/.209
3) Aaron Bummer (CWS) – 68.5% ground ball rate and has only given up 2 extra base hits to lefties all year
Then a couple of righties whom we have discussed:
1) Chris Martin (Tex) – 31 strike outs since he last walked a batter (end of April)
2) Scott Oberg (Colo) – 1.62 ERA, 1.00 WHIP
Long story short there are guys out there whom we probably haven’t paid a lot of attention to and would cost less than our top 4 guys and would still be controllable for a while.
that’s more like what Friedman will do. Most of us never heard of Cingrani in 2017, and to me he was better than Tony Watson down the stretch. It’s a shame Cingrani is out all this year.
Just saw message on my phone that the A’s acquired Jake Diekman. Unless the Dodgers do a deal with the A’s, that takes Diekman off the Dodgers’ potential acquisition list.
Hurrah for Dodgers. One less mistake that they could have made.
Just for fun I thought I’d share why I’m not an Angels fan. I live in Huntington Beach and Anaheim Stadium, or whatever they call it these days, takes about half as long to get to as Dodgers stadium so it makes sense that most people are Angles fans around here.
I went on two errands today wearing by usual various Dodgers graphic tee and cap. First to 7-11 where the guy that’s usually there, greeted me with his usual “How’s it going” and I replied with my usual “Still in first place”. He proceeded to remind me that his team swept us. “Well at least you have that” was my response.
Off to the barber, same story. After my haircut I hear “Our guys just swept your guys”. I laughed and said “Then you lose two to the Orioles, too bad you don’t play the Dodgers every day”.
It’s not that I hate the Angels, but their fans are the worst and possibly the least knowledgeable of all.
They should feel great about beating the Dodgers #5 and #6 starters. I hate them and don’t even live out there.
The Athletics have acquired lefty reliever Jake Diekman from the Royals for minor league right-hander Ismael Aquino and outfielder Dairon Blanco, the teams announced Saturday. Neither are on their top 30 list.
I’m guessing he wasn’t that high on Friedman’s list.
Good guess. Friedman kicking the tires on any reliever who could possibly help the team.
This will be the stupidest thing I’m going to read this day!
Mets Interested In Marcus Stroman, “Exploring” Noah Syndergaard Deal With Padres
By Ty Bradley | July 27, 2019 at 2:56pm CDT
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/07/mets-interested-in-marcus-stroman-exploring-noah-syndergaard-to-padres-deal.html#comments
makes no sense to me either!
Welcome back Will Smith!
Organically or not the Will Smith era has arrived.
Spot on! 🙂
Will “Freaking” Smith. You can’t stop him. You can only hope to contain him.
Convinced yet?
I am glad you say this now as were all over the Barnes bandwagon before !! Only chance Barnes has now of returning to the team is to replace Martin at best !!!
Let’s not get too excited. Will Smith cannot keep up this pace. Can he? 🙂
No nerves for that rookie.
In just 2 AB’s since his recall Will Smith has already achieved 10% of what Barnes has done. Smith has 2 RBI’s in 2 AB’s while Barnes had 23 RBI’s in 204 AB’s. Will it last?………probably not, but is it a professional/competitive AB each time?………yes it is!
he has really nice power the other way, so if he doesn’t get pull happy he can get a lot of xtra base hits going the other way.
I see now why he is a. 270 hitter but has a really high OPS. I”m guessing lots of doubles to go with the home runs.
Previous to Smith’s home run today, which Dodger catcher was the last to hit one?
Smith
my initial guess was Mike Piazza, but I”ll go with Will Smith?
Smith is right. June 23
Piazza! Good one.
Nice post AC! I wonder what we would feel like if fans would speak of us at our workplace in the same manner they speak of sports figures. I can’t imagine I would take to kindly to individuals sitting in the courtroom yelling at me that I suck, etc. I can hear it now, “Come on 2D2, did you really let that question slip by you with our objecting?” “Seriously, are you passing that off as a closing argument?” “Sit him down and bring a first year law student in here to show him how it’s done.” We can apply that any number of situations. “Come on Mark, you call that good water?” I don’t think anyone of us would like that in our workplace, or in our home for that matter. I can hear it now, “2D2, are you serious, is that the best you can do for the wife, she’s told you for years now what makes her happy!” Sitting on the sidelines and complaining is the easiest thing in the world to do. Getting down and dirty and performing. now that’s quite a different story. With that said, some of the back and forth here has been entertaining to read. I’m also aware that for most of us sports is entertainment and, therefore, we have the right to grumble now and again. I do it all the time in comfort of my recliner.
Bobby,
Smith double. You called it Bobby.
I mean we can say that about any hitter (especially Kike), but when they go the other way, they can do serious damage!
It’s great he realizes this as a young player.
I wonder if our Will Smith can pitch?
Who is this kid!!!!!!!! Making Ruiz expendable!
Having a catcher that can hit is a very good asset to have. Now can you imaging the Dodgers having 2 catchers that can hit. That’s why I don’t want the Dodgers to trade Ruiz.
Name the second catcher to the following catchers;
Campanella, Bench, Berra, Molina, Piazza, Realmudo
Exactly.
No it doesn’t make sense to have a stud backing up a stud. That’s not utilizing your assets properly. Now, if we kept Smith and Ruiz, and both of them were good hitters, then we had better be playing 1 at catcher and 1 at 1b/3b as well. You don’t keep a potential impact bat on the bench 3-4 days a week.
It’s much easier to find a good solid backup to Smith (or Ruiz, whichever is our every day catcher), and use the other catcher at a different position or in a deal for an impact player.
I must say, to come up and do this in his first game back is impressive. The situation of Barnes optioned and not injured puts and little added pressure. Add a little more pressure by catching a HOF Legend. He delivered. Can’t wait to see Lux next. Speaking of…
Doc was asked what they’re gonna do if Kike goes on the DL. Doc wasn’t sure yet because they have to consider not just the 25 man roster, but also the 40. Translation, we’re trying to complete a trade before calling up Lux.
After walking two in a row, Smith initiates a meeting with Kersh on the mound. I’m really impressed by his maturity and make up. Trying to not gush too much.
The rookie was running the show in that meeting too.
Kershaw wants to continue and not put this win into the hands of the bullpen. Athletics already have a steller pen and they add a piece. Maybe they figured they had enough good arms already and wanted some balance?
I guess “perspective” is everything. The Dodger have a horrid #9 bullpen, with the A’s “steller” #8 pen being barely ahead of them.
With the acquisition of Diekman they’ve solidified that 8 spot.
Here’s some perspective how about using WAA instead of ERA? A’s 7 Dodgers 25
Why do you say to NOT use ERA to evaluate relievers, then make a case using ERA for ranking bullpens? Your as bad as the Mets trading Thor to pickup Strohman.
https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/team_compare.cgi
What’s up with Verdugo? It’s been going on for a while, but that’s 3 strikeouts today for player who prior to recently was extremely difficult to K. If the Dodgers are considering a trade of Joc, then it’s essential that Verdugo, RVS and company get this thing figured out.
Hopefully this is just a short-lived anomaly.
I wonder if we could put a package together for Vasquez around Ruiz and not Lux and May with more quantity over quality. Too bad Gonzo, White and Santana have bombed this year. It limits our trading power
Rosenthal reports the Dodgers may pursue Stroman if the reliever market becomes prohibitive.
Theoretically, move a starter too the pen.
Good grief. Same some of this for tomorrow Will!
Have a day Will Smith
Bumsrap called it. Will Smith is Smith & Wesson!
The only thing I called was that Smith would be the Dodger catcher before the end of July. Other than that I just said I love his speed and defense and had hopes for his offense. Oh, and that I liked him more than Ruiz.
We can include Barnes in the trade to Pitt.
Is this the greatest day of his life or what! Right now we could trade Smith straight up for anyone on the market!
OK, I will trade Smith straight up for Vasquez! Right here, right now!
Well Jorge Valenzuela, you were wrong. This is the stupidest thing you’re gonna read all day. ^^
Sorry Mark, but it’s not a good luck that you so desperately want to be right about Ruiz, you would sacrifice this kind of offense at catcher. It’s sad really.
We have 2 catchers that can’t hit. We have a closer who might look ugly, but he’s still among the saves leaders. Sorry, but having Will Smith hit like this is far more valuable than any closer.
No, it’s sad that you are a novice at this.
You will pick up on it someday after some experience… providing you can learn from it.
Many Knuckleheads can’t. But, I am betting you don’t have a clue what I am saying.
I’m just a fan. I don’t work in any baseball capacity. I bench coached a 17U JO team to a Championship, mostly because my kid was so good during his youth baseball years. But, I’m feeling pretty good about wanting Barnes optioned to bring up Smith. And to keep Smith and trade Ruiz for that matter. And being pretty much the only one to call 105 wins before the season started. Let me bask in my joy!
Just can’t trust those PCL stats! 🙂
Remember Wally Pipp?
Going from Joe Ross to Steven Strasburg tomorrow though.
And they’re thinking, 0-2 already and we have to face Bueller!
The last Dodger rookie to have this many RBI’s was James Loney… that bodes well for Smith.
I was a big fan of Loney.
Kelly totally deserved that home run. I was glad to see it.
Why?
The previous pitch was a 99 mph high and inside pitch. I hate that.
I’ve seen Joe Kelly air mail more pitches to the screen this year than any pitcher ever. It wasn’t intentional. I wouldn’t be comfortable with a guy on third and Kelly pitching in a big situation.
I didn’t think it was intentional.
Could Will be this years CT3, Bellinger or Muncy?
Quick bring up May and Lux ASAP so we don’t lose another game this year and sweep the playoffs 11-0!
And who needs a bullpen when you’ve got Will Smith!
Lux isn’t in the starting lineup tonight. The managers says it was a scheduled day off.
He got most Sunday’s off at Tulsa. He has played every day since the Futures game (15 games). He missed 3 games due to the Futures game, and one on 6/29 and one on 7/3. He has played in all others. He is due for a day off.
And that is that. Time for Will Smith to get a gatorade bath.
I believe the manager at OKC. If Lux gets called up it will probably be after the trade deadline. I expect that the earliest we see Lux is when the Dodgers return home from the upcoming series in Colorado. And I can’t wait until that series is over, because that’s our last trip into that chamber of horrors.
Kike’s injury might for their hand. Sounds like he’s IL bound. Hate to seem them give away another player for a utility player. Joc’s inability to mAke a pretty routine scoop at first today might too. Just play Muncy at 1st. Let Lux get his feet wet until Kike comes off the IL.
“So the Dodgers will soon need someone to back up Corey Seager and Max Muncy in the middle of the infield with Hernandez soon to join Chris Taylor on the shelf. Roberts said that relief will not come in the form of the organization’s No. 1 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, second baseman/shortstop Gavin Lux. Lux owns a 1.476 OPS and has hit eight home runs with Oklahoma City this season.”
“I would say not,” he said. “As with most teams with young players that need at-bats to come here, to not play consistently doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.”
The above comes from this article on the Dodgers website:
https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/ross-stripling-biceps-injury
Sounds like Lux is NOT about to be called up.
I am still on the record for getting a SP before the deadline. It makes sense in so many ways to go after a top tier SP like Syndergaard, or a 2nd tier SP like Mike Minor. Injuries are often the kiss of death for teams. We have been spared up until recently, and then Hill, Taylor, Kike, and now Stripling. We need that depth at SP to go deep into the playoffs, and possibly all the way to Champs. Not having 4 SP’s who are super solid, weakens our chances for ultimate victory. By adding someone like Syndergaard, it allows the peripheral starters like Maeda, Strip, and Urias, possibly Hill if he is not 100%, to move into the BP to take care of any holes there. Our BP is weak as it stands. This solidifies the BP as well as the SP and can take care of us for some years to come. Big picture, folks!
Kudos to the FO on bringing up Smith now! What was a no-brainer to many of us, caused anguish in the minds of those who think too much. Now, the problem at catcher is for next season. Currently, with Martin mentoring Smith and providing a solid defensive backup, we cannot use Ruiz as Smith’s backup. This applies also to next season. Barnes should not or will not be Smith’s backup. This means signing a vet catcher who would agree to be in the mentoring role. I see little choice for the Dodgers in keeping Ruiz. It may be a bit of a gamble to let him go, but he will be instrumental to bringing back a necessary piece to the Dodger puzzle. AF is a wily negotiator and even if we give a little too much to get the pitching help we need, and we do need it, it is worth it. This is a dynasty team. Believe it!
Yeah, those of us who think too much are just morons, and should be ignored. We are incapable of recognizing that when Barnes was the backup he was exceptional. Sometimes the Peter Principal bleeds into sports. Barnes never should have been put into the role as primary catcher, but he was. Those of us who think too much remember he hit .289/.408/.486/.895 in 262 PA in 2017 as a backup catcher. So you are the wise one, you tell us what backup catcher has put up better numbers the last 2 years, and will be making less than $1MM. You don’t like Barnes. Those of us who think too much get it.
Thor – Has had 1 year where he wasn’t hurt. He is certainly due this year. 4.33 ERA, 3.5 K/BB ratio, 14 HR, ERA + 94. And for that we should give up Lux or May? Or do you think NYM will accept Mitchell White/Dennis Santana/Cristian Santana?
Minor in July – 6.04 ERA, 7 HR in 22.1 IP, velo was 93.85, now down to 92.51. Maybe hit a wall?
If you look at any player, you can always come up with warts, even your picks. I will stand by whatever AF decides. He wants to win as much as any fan, probably more so. He has all the information, that none of us have. Or maybe AF is one of those who thinks too much.
AC, you don’t have to put words in my mouth. It’s a bit aggressive, no? You’re taking this way too personal. Have a cold one, please.
Anyone can come up with doubts and figures to support them. Thor will be a major acquisition for any team as he is someone that can and does pitch well. There will always be blips in a career. Teams will fight to get his services.
Diaz, having had a bad blip this year, has been a very good reliever in the past. Plus, his team friendly contract will give AF and others pause to consider trading for him. He will not need a major package like Syndergaard or Vazquez will.
Minor has had a blip this year, as well. But his history shows he has been a solid performer and will not cost that much. We also have to look at the teams that these players are with and how they have performed overall. Diaz with the Mets has not been good.
Robby Ray is another starter I would have a serious look at. And, I’m sure AF is doing just that. Of course, you will stand by whatever AF decides. What choice do we have? We’ll try to love all of our players, but there will be some we fall out of love with. Puig was such a one for me. I always supported him until he showed his immaturity and inability to progress in vital areas. AF had all the info on him. It changed nothing. They dumped him. What is your point? This is a blog. Opinions are given. If you are trying to say that AF is some kind of demi-god, infallible, and should never be questioned, you are on the wrong track. Your post to me is ridiculous, AC. Sorry.
I think AC and I realize that AF is not infallible. However, I am not sure that you recognize that since he became President of Baseball Operations for the Dodgers, no one has been better, consistently, day-in-and-day-out! No one! Yes, I would love for him to be perfect, but he has gotten the Dodgers to two (going on three) World Series in a row. Once you get there, it’s up to the players to execute. This year, he implemented a radical new hitting culture which addressed the Dodgers poor hitting with RISP. The starting staff is the best in baseball and the bullpen is not nearly as bad as some think. No, he’s not perfect but he’s so much better than most. Jeff Luhnow and maybe Brian Cashman are the only ones on par with him.