I Refuse To Yield To No Team

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1. Disappointing so far. Can’t deny that.

   1. Disappointing but not disheartening. They are not done, but even if they are, the team is still good enough to win it. Whether they do we will have to wait until October 2020.

      1. They were done before they started, AC. And, why are you comparing us to the Yankees? Are they going to get past the Nats or Atlanta? Everyone assumed they were a shoo-in last season to the WS. What happened? They’ve degenerated each of the last 3 years in the playoffs even though they won more games last season. No one expected the loss to Washington. This is what should be analyzed over and over again. Is Treinen an answer to this question? Surely you wouldn’t bet on it.

         I know you wanted to see something big as many of us did, but why settle for a mediocre position of getting to the playoffs as a testament to the Dodger dominance? They are not dominant. I would even say they might have even bigger questions at the end of this season. They have been unable to move forward in the playoffs/WS for the last 3 seasons, each progressively worse. They have a good team, no one doubts that. But why can’t they get over the hump? Many, like I do, feel it’s the working philosophy of AF and his inability to get out of character and shake things up. The kind of slumping I’ve seen in the last 5 years from the Dodger hitters has been impressive. Long slumps from some, and intermittent slumps from others. Some slumping is normal but the Dodgers make a religion out of it, at times. I accept that AF is the way he is but I don’t have to like it.

         1. The Dodgers were a bonehead managerial decision away from beating the Nats last year. So yes, I think they get by the Nats without Rendon.

            Apparently to you and others only Cole, Strasburg, or Rendon can elevate the Dodgers to a WS championship. While any of them would have made the Dodgers better, Strasburg was never going to play anywhere other than Washington, and Boras got them to overpay when they didn’t need to. Cole wanted to be a Yankee (has all his life). I never expected the Dodgers to go $300MM. Nobody expected Cole to be more than $100MM better than David Price’s record salary for a pitcher. NYY was never going to let LAD outbid them. At some point you just have to walk away. And Rendon just does not like the Dodgers. What should they have done? Offered him $300MM to get over his issues with the Dodgers? If you were an employer, would you allocate that much of a budget to an employee who did not want to work for you?

            Let’s see what happens next? And yes I do beleive that Treinen will be closer to the 2018 pitcher than the 2019 version. Apparently there were a lot of teams that believed that whatever ailed him last year has been remedied because he had multiple offers. I assume you have interviewed Treinen and seen his medical charts to know otherwise.

            1. AC, what I find telling is that none of the top players had any inclination to be a Dodger. While you and Mark continue the cheerleading section, AF has not been able to land any top FA and seems not to really care to do so. I’m not blaming the players for not choosing the Dodgers, but the FO is not exactly rolling out the red carpet for anyone. Why do you think that is? It is the mentality of AF and his almost inability to change from a small market club to a major player in the MLB. He’s a great corporate acquisition who seems a bit lost outside his domain, the farm.

2. One other thing. I do not remember who wrote it, but someone indicated that the Dodgers are owned by a trillion dollar corporation. NO THEY ARE NOT!!!

   Guggenheim Baseball Management is the ownership group that was formed to manage the Los Angeles Dodgers professional baseball team in March 2012 for $2.15 billion. The consortium consisted of Guggenheim controlling partner Mark Walter, and also includes as investors former Los Angeles Laker Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and movie producer Peter Guber, baseball team executive Stan Kasten, investor Bobby Patton, and former Guggenheim executive Todd Boehly. Billie Jean King and her partner Ilana Kloss joined the Los Angeles Dodgers ownership group in 2018. Entrepreneurs Alan Smolinisky and Robert L. Plummer joined the ownership group in September 2019.

   Guggenheim Partners LLC, the financial services firm, has NO OWNERSHIP stake in Guggenheim Baseball Management, but is often inaccurately mistaken with Guggenheim Baseball Management.

   1. Damn AC. I don’t know where or how you get all your information buts it’s impressive. Not only about the Dodgers but you know more about the Yankees and other teams than most anyone. It would take me a week of research to come up with the facts you posted today. Very informative and impressive.

      1. One of my longest and dearest fans is a NYY fan, so I have had to keep up with them so I can come back him.

3. Sorry AC. Almost that entire Yankee team was injured last year and they still won 103 games in a tough division. Adding Cole and if they stay relatively healthy they’re huge favorites to win the WS..Cole is a huge difference maker

   1. And the Dodgers had their injuries. Would you take Judge over Belli? Maybe I am biased, but I would take Belli all day. Would you Gardner/Hicks over Verdugo? I would take Joc/Pollock over Tauchman or Stanton. Stanton is still a DH. Torres is good (actually very good), but a much better 2B than SS. Outside of Cole, which NYY starter is better than the Dodger starters. I will concede that Cole is better than Buehler, but not for the next 9 years. But after that, I will take Kershaw over Severino, Urias over Tanaka, May over Paxton, and Maeda of German/Happ/Montgomery. Plus, I still think the Dodgers are in on Ryu or another pitcher.

      Where NYY is better is in the bullpen. Last year, it was said that the team that won 106 games was loaded except for the bullpen. That turned out to be true. So if they fix the bullpen are they not better than the team that won 106 games? Too many are quitting on the Dodgers because they did not spend stupid money to sign Strasburg or Cole. I do not know why they did not sign Rendon, and I am guessing that we never will. But maybe the Dodgers like another option.

      1. Stanton played a good defense in Miami. I don’t know what the metrics say but he wasn’t put into a DH role because he was a butcher in the OF.

      2. Use this logic, AC, with the Nats. Belli over Rendon? Soto? Matchups are meaningless when talking about a team sport. Judge is a hell of a player and steps up when needed. Did Belli? Seager? Kershaw, step up?

         Many of us have given up hoping the Dodgers would change their color. It has a real logic to it and is just as valid as your hopefulness that things will be different. They haven’t been! The facts are there. You and Mark will argue till your blue in the face every season about the superiority and godliness of the Dodgers, yet…………….we are still talking about the same thing years after this has started.

         My Sharks just fired their coach DeBoers. They are having a rough time this season. Is it the coach’s fault? He’s brought them into the playoffs every season and into the Stanley Cup matchup. But, no cigar. So they fire him. From my perspective, it’s the players, not the coach. Firing the coach is an easy way to stir things up as many are replaceable. Firing the players is a whole other matter.

         1. Being a Sharks fan, I was sorry to see DeBoers fired, but sometimes a coach loses the skill of motivating the players. A poor start and added to the fact that they lost some good players this year. Maybe Wilson needed to give DeBoers more talent to replace them.

            1. Without going off topic, too much, Mom, their goal tending sucks. This falls on the GM, not the coach. I was also dismayed that they let Pavelski walk, but again, this is a GM decision, not the coach’s. They need to make some defensive changes. Giving Karlsson the big contract is understandable but he is better on offense like Burns. Both seem weak for top defensemen. I never thought they were tough enough defensively.

4. I hope Blake Treinen works out for the Dodgers. It’s a gamble, but at least the Dodgers took a step forward to address their biggest need in my opinion.

   Now go get Giles for cheap.

   I still say sign Will Harris.

5. I’ve seen reports that the Dodgers didn’t make an offer to Rendon. They got the feeling that he wasn’t interested in playing for the Dodgers.

   1. That actually makes sense. I do not think that 7 years $245MM would have been a problem. But If Rendon did not want to play for the Dodgers what are they supposed to do?

      1. Why the hell would someone want to play for Anaheim but not LA? Traffic? Watching Dave Roberts manage the postseason? If you’re high in him I still make an offer and let him say no.

6. AC I’m not saying Dodgers have no chance but past playoff history has been ugly for Seager, Belly and Kersh. Urias and May have a lot to prove before we can count on them in the playoffs. Kersh is no number 2 in the playoffs and a matchup with Severino would not be a good one for the Dodgers. Based on what we saw last couple years in the playoffs Kersh at best is a number 4. He should only pitch once in a series.. We have to get a number 2 behind Buehler and we need a lot of bullpen help to compete with that Yankee bullpen. But in the end our young stars have to play like stars in the playoffs if we have any chance

7. I just read that the A’s are interested in trading for and bringing back Jed Lowrie. Hmmm… sounds like they need a 2b. We got that and they got a 3b that has to be the best bargain in baseball at that position. Matt Chapman. I know, I know, why would the A’s trade away such a promising stud who is still at the major league minimum next year, followed by 3 arb years before finally getting to UFA in 2024? Well, the A’s aren’t exactly known for holding onto talent. Maybe AF can pull a surprise on us like Chapman. The A’s #8 prospect, Sheldon Neuse, is arguably at the point where he could take over 3b if Chappy were traded. So instead of them trading for Lowrie, what about sending them Kike to man 2b, or if they prefer, Taylor? We could fill another need of theirs, starting pitching. Send Stripling or if they prefer. Maeda. Of course we’d have to give up young prospect talent as well for such a cost controllable, excellent 3b. But by filling 2b and starting pitcher needs of theirs, we could protect Lux perhaps and offer someone like Gray or if necessary, May. Not enough? What about Diego Cartaya added with Gray, Kike or Taylor, and Stripling or Maeda?
   I have a chance of meeting Chappy this offseason. We have a mutual friend who remains close with him. They played together at Fullerton. I’m sure Chappy would remain tight lipped and maybe somewhat annoyed if I hounded him too much, but if I get the chance, I’ll mention how great he’d look in Dodger blue, remind him that the A’s don’t pay, and that his childhood local team, the Angels, just locked up a new 3b long term.

8. Dodgers game plan. Lets not spend money or trade prospects. Lets sign scott kazmir. Lets see who wants aj pollock. What lame excuses will ownership have now. Always getting outbid for everyone. I guess we are the tampa bay rays. Money hoarding jerks.

   1. You have it all wrong. We have a good team and have not bankrupted the future. Just because Friedman hasn’t done exactly what you would have done doesn’t mean he’s wrong. Since there are different ways to develop a roster and you aren’t the GM and thus have no control, I suggest you just enjoy the ride!

9. I had zero confidence the dodgers would get the job done on getting marque talent via free agency.

   1. Thanks for sharing that James.

10. In case anyone hasn’t looked at the calendar, it’s still only Dec. 2019. Still a long ways away from October 2020, and a bit early to be declaring success or failure in the 2020 WS.

    I was disappointed to hear that the Dodgers didn’t sign Rendon. But based on everything I read, there are myriad options left for the Dodgers, be they FA signings and/or trades. I will continue to withhold judgment until everything plays out. I still have faith in AF, and suspect that the Dodgers are far from done.

11. Like Brooklyn, I will withhold judgement until everything plays out.

    But for now, much like in October, we’re 0-fer getting the job done. Let’s see what happens tomorrow!

12. Can’t believe Andrew FRAUDMAN didn’t even pursue Rendon. I know we have JT at third and he has offered to move to first base. This is the kind of thing that drives Dodger’s fans bonkers.

13. In theory it is said that we do not have a real co-ace, but there is still a long way for the season to start, what I think this team needs is a true warrior, someone with experience and success, I would go for Donaldson and Bumgarner (whom I I prefer instead of Ryu) for 3 years.
    And it wouldn’t even bother me to have Pablo Sandoval (Kung fu panda) He is another experienced batter, who knows how to win, would be perfect for the bench.
    Sign some other veteran pitcher to consume innings and give May, Gonsolin, Urias enough time to continue learning and developing, this team is not Miami to take the field with so many rookies, this team has the obligation to win every year!
    This team needs to do something, it doesn’t matter if it is to improve the team, it would be to give something to the fans, to show them that something is being done!
    And I don’t care if Bumgarner was from SF, if Sandoval can’t play anymore, if Donaldson is already old …

    https://lasportshub.com/2019/12/09/los-angeles-dodgers-rumors-andrew-friedman/
    This team does not need to invest so much money in a player, but some help is needed

14. I agree with AC. I wanted Strasberg or Cole. AF will not spend stupid money. The way to remain strong is by developing the farm system. AF has done a good job with our young players. AF will not trade the young studs. Look at the farm kids AF has traded. Almost all have not made it big in the majors. His evaluation of talent is very good. AF job right now is to fix the bull pen. Two or three good pieces for the bull pen Is needed. However, you just never know about a relief pitcher.

    I am disappointed, but certainly will support the Dodgers next year.

    1. Remind me who AF got for those farm kids that didn’t fare well in the MLB?

       1. Rich Hill, Yu Darvish, Manny Machado, David Freese.

          1. And where has it gotten us? None were more than a part time player, none are on the current roster, and except for Machado, none had a clean bill of health!!! In fact, blisters kept Hill from making his debut for weeks. And, it was recurring!

15. Here are the facts:

    1. The Dodgers paid more money to baseball players than any other team in baseball over the past 5 years, so when you say “The Dodgers are cheap and won’t spend” I immediately dismiss your takes because you are completely disconnected from reality. I am sorry but I do not suffer fools very well. If that is your thought process, I can understand why you are so upset: You have no ability to reason.

    2. The Dodgers have won more games than any team in baseball for the past 5 years. Winning IS important and if you are good enough to get to the playoffs, you are good enough to win. You can’t change that win total.

    3. The Dodgers have not won the World Series for 5 years under Andrew Friedman. Forget the other 26 – he wasn’t responsible.

    4. The Yankees have not won the World Series for 10 years, so quit holding them up as a model organization. Yes, they know how to spend, but they don’t know how to win any better (actually worse) than LA. When you spout that lunacy, you might as well tattoo “I am a dumbass” on your forehead.

    5. The Dodgers did offer Cole $300 Million. That has been confirmed. That was their final offer. Frankly, I would not have gone that high, so I am fine with that.

    6. Over 70% of big free-agent contracts become very bad deals. At the All-Star Break, Dodger fans were up in arms that Friedman would not trade his prospects for Felipe Vasquez. How did that work out? For every FA pitcher like Verlander, there are ones like David Price. Chris Sale was good when Boston got him, but signing him to an extension was felony stupid. Albert Pujols has been a boat anchor for the Angels. The Yankees would pay half of Stanton’s contract if they could find a taker, two years after trading for him. They over him an average of $28 Million a year until 2028. Idiots!

    7. Before that, the Yankees were hamstrung by Jacoby Elsbury’s deal. They may get out of it this year if their grievance is won.

    8, The team with the most aces didn’t win last year and the team with Gerrit Cole didn’t win. These things happen in baseball.

    9. For 5 years many of you have continually bashed Andrew Friedman with an irrational fervor because he is arguably the best in baseball. It took me a while, but it is so irrational, and not rooted in fact that it can only be one other deep-seated thing. I’ll let you decide what it is.

    10. I have been through this so many times. Many of you act like it’s your first rodeo. Watch and learn. I will continue to throw this up in your face and you will continue to throw up your vitriol about Friedman on the floor. That’s where your perspective starts. Frankly, I pity your small-mindedness. It must suck to be you.

    11. For whatever reason (ask him) Rendon did not want to play for the Dodgers. I am sure Boras told AF that. You can’t sign someone who doesn’t want to play for you, so why extend an offer?

    12. No smart people were offended in the writing of this post!

    1. That is one of your best summations Mark.

       1. He’s been saying the same thing for the last 4 years and look where we are, currently. Degenerating the last 3 years, steadily. This is called Spin. If you’re a corporate executive, you are very happy.

    2. Well said! I think a major factor is the junk the journalist write about ” the team should do this” or “Dodgers linked to (insert name)” . Most of what is written is speculation but readers get their hopes up and then get disappointed when something doesn’t get done, even though it was never really going to happen.

16. Finally, I will say this: If you don’t get the steak, don’t just buy a hamburger because the money is wearing a hole in your pocket!

    Donaldson: At 34, Josh Donaldson is 1 year younger than Justin Turner. How wise is it to offer him a 4-year deal? Even 3? I don’t think so. I do like TO Dave’s suggestion about Chapman.

    By the way: I wrote that the Dodgers won 108 games in 2019. Someone corrected me and said it was 106. NO! It was 108! Look it up!

    1. I did look it up. When you quote how many games a team won in a season, the standard is the regular season, not ++playoff games.

17. Yes, Gerrit Cole is a difference maker, but a nine year contract at $324 million is beyond crazy, especially with the CBT threshold. Some serious penalties for exceeding certain numbers, which would prevent teams sustaining success over several years.

    The Dodgers are built to sustain and that’s a good thing. How many times will the Yankees win the World Series during the next nine years? Once, twice? The reason they didn’t get there this year is the best bullpen in baseball crashed.

    The Astros had an exceptional team. They had Cole, Justin Verlander and this year Zack Greinke. They didn’t win in 2018 or 2019. They apparently had to cheat to win in 2017.

    No guarantees. The Yankees had CC Sabathia, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriquez. How many World Series did that group win? One.

    For whatever reason, the Dodgers didn’t make an offer to Anthony Rendon. Maybe they just didn’t connect during their meeting, didn’t feel he was right, was interested in a longer term contract. Didn’t feel he was the difference maker. It happens.

    Look, they offered eight years and $300 million for Cole. Apparently he just wanted to be a Yankee.

    The Dodgers won 108 games this past season and that team is essentially returning with a few changes. They lost because of a flawed bullpen.

    They signed Blake Treinen and are involved in numerous potential trade discussions to acquire additional relief and starting pitching. If Treinen bounces back and his track record indicates he will, Joe Kelly returns to his second half form and Kenley Jansen, a full year away from his heart procedure, gets better, the Dodgers should have a far better pen.

    Looking around baseball, the Dodgers are an incredibly talented team with pitching and hitting, a deep farm system with a front office working hard to make the team even better.

    Missing out on Cole is not the end of the world. How many teams have young pitchers (Julio Urias, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin) who have already had success at the Major League level. We have an ace in Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw is still a really good pitcher. Kenta Maeda is still with the team along with Ross Stripling. No doubt they will add another starter. Cory Kluber, Hyun-Jin Ryu or Madison Bumgarner?

    Deep breath everybody. The Dodgers are still really good, may be the best team in baseball heading into spring training.

18. Wow, 7/245 doesn’t seem too bad for Rendon. I’m really bummed we missed out on him. But, if a player doesn’t want to play for you, he doesn’t want to play for you. I would definitely give a go at Donaldson, but I would limit the contract to 3 years. He may only be a year younger than JT, but he sure looks younger than that. If they were willing to go 8 years on Cole, they can certainly do 3 for Donaldson. Either way there’s a good chance you would have had to eat a year of the contract anyways.

    I would still also pursue an Arrenado trade, but would rather just sign Donaldson first. If you sign Ryu or MadBum, we can certainly afford to start with Downs and Gray in a deal for Arrenado.

    When you’re already a great team, with few if any holes, it’s hard to improve it. But, I must say that it is a problem when guys don’t want to sign with your team. Maybe Rendon doesn’t like all the platoons, or the different lineups every day, or Doc’s bumbling moves in the postseason. If you keep doing whacky stuff, free agents will be turned off by it.

    I’ve said this before, this team is still a great team. We lost Ryu, Freese and Martin. That’s pretty much it. We improved the pen with Treinen, but we still need more help. Urias, May and Gonsolin will make up for Hill and Ryu. We just need to offset the loss of Freese to be as good as we were last year. But, they can still go bold and make a trade for an impact player like Arrendado, or Betts. I don’t think Lindor is a good fit because you have to move around Seager, Turner and Muncy.

    1. … or make a move at the trade deadline, when some dope-fiends want to unload players.

       1. No guarantees, see last year. Trades are generally cheaper in the off-season and the Pirates have are having a Christmas sale.

          1. Only Reynolds interests me on the Pirates and I don’t see them trading him. Maybe Kela, but he’s a knucklehead.

       2. rentals have not paid off for us, Mark. Machado and Dozier. Yu…………….

          1. Maybe not, but maybe Darvish does if the Astros did not cheat. And the Dodgers probably do not make the playoffs in 2018 without Machado. And the Dodgers did re-sign Hill. And may do so again. Hill had been a very good playoff pitcher for LAD in 2017 and 2018. Freese worked out pretty good, and he re-signed and then retired.

       3. I thought the dope fiend wants to acquire players.

19. Someone actually wrote that Clayton Kershaw is no better than a #4? Wow!! I will leave your diagnosis to Mark. Kersh was 16-5 with a 3.03 ERA (10th in MLB), 1.043 WHIP (10th in MLB), 4.61 K/BB (14th in MLB), and was 8th in CY voting. If that is my #4 pitcher, I am feeling very confident going into the season.

    But he may have been #3 for the Dodgers who had the best starting pitching in MLB.

    ERA – Ryu (2.32, #1 MLB), Kershaw (3.03, #10 MLB), Buehler (3.26, #14 MLB)
    WHIP – Ryu (1.01, #6 MLB), Buehler (1.04 #9 MLB), Kershaw (1.04 #10 MLB)
    K/BB – Ryu (6.79, #3 MLB), Buehler (5.81 #7 MLB), Kershaw (4.61 #14 MLB)

    Kershaw’s 16 wins were good for #8 in MLB (tied).

    It’s one thing to be upset about not signing Gerrit Cole, but to say that Clayton Kershaw is a #4 is a little off of reality. I wanted Gerrit Cole, but not at 9 years, $324MM. Every team has a limit. The Dodgers’ limit for Cole was $300MM. Someone suggested that if the Dodgers were willing to go $300MM they should have been willing to go to $325MM. How far do you go? Every organization determines at what point diminishing returns begin to show. Apparently. the Dodger FO determined that after $300MM, the short term return did not justify the potential long term damage such a contract would pose for the team. Apparently, the FO believes in their kids. It is also apparent that NYY does not believe in theirs.

    I am not naïve, and I recognize and acknowledge that Clayton has not consistently done it on the big stage. But did the Astros cheating steal #22’s playoff legacy in 2017? Kershaw was brilliant in Game 1 and Game 7 in LA. Game 5? Kersh had never pitched that badly before or since. The Astros stole that game. In addition, Doc did not do him any favors by pitching him in the 8th inning of Game 5. Maybe 2020 will be Clayton’s David Price year.

    I may be wrong (probably am), but I still believe the Dodgers will find another top of the rotation pitcher. Maybe they will sign Ryu. Maybe they will trade for one. I have no idea who that may be.

    I know it is hard for some to believe, but not everybody wants to play for the Dodgers. Apparently Rendon indicated enough that it was an issue. Why? I doubt that he will disrespect LAD by going on record and making any negative comments. There was early support for Rendon by Dodger officials. Doc was saying all the right things, so it wasn’t that the Dodgers did not have interest. Rendon just did not like the Dodgers. It happens.

    1. AC these people whoever they are that are saying
       Kershaw is no better then a number four are thinking with their feelings and not with their mind.

20. Doc said that Lux is going to see some time on the grass next year, or something to that effect. We’ll see if they’re targeting another infielder. It really sucks that we missed out on the big three. But, the teams that signed them needed them more.

    I agree that the Yankees are pretty maxed out on payroll right now. But, they’re the team to beat in the AL with the addition of Cole. The Angels will score runs, but they won’t prevent many. They still don’t have any pitching. The Nats have two aces, but their lineup is going to suffer without Rendon unless they sign Donaldson. But they also lost half their 25 man roster to free agency, so I doubt they’ll be as good as they were last year even if they do sign Donaldson. Kendrick is not going to do what he did last year and his glove has holes in it. The Astros look to be in real trouble as they lost an Ace, another good SP, and most of their bullpen.

    Times are a changing, but the one constant is the Dodgers are still the team to beat in the NL. The Braves may be a little better with a very solid pen, but losing Donaldson will hurt. The Phillies and Padres are trying to get better, but probably won’t be enough to be serious contenders.

    Let’s make a deal! We’re gonna need a bold trade in order to go bold.

21. Rendon has inside information that the Dodgers will not win the WS next season.

    1. Seek help immediately!

       1. Hahaha, so Mark in ur opinion do you think the dodgers at least have a chance at both nolan and Fransisco or they couldnt get both? Or better jus Fransisco and a pitcher

22. OK, let’s think outside the box.

    Could Gavin Lux play CF? I don’t know, but maybe. He certainly has the speed. Lux in CF, Bellinger in RF and Pollock and Verdugo in LF.

    Trade Joc, Maeda and Kasowski for Aaron Bummer, Luis Alexander Basabe, and Jake Burger.

    Keep that pipeline full!

    1. There is absolutely no need to platoon Verdugo and Pollock, neither have hefty splits. You don’t platoon just to platoon. Just stop already! Not to mention the simple fact that Verdugo’s arm is better than Belli’s in right.

       This quote gives me some hope…

       “Obviously we had a lot of interest in Gerrit, but at the end of the day he chose to go to the Yankees and we wish him nothing but the best,” said Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations. “As soon as we got word last night, we turned our attention to other conversations we were having to continue our pursuit of adding really talented players to our roster.

       “I felt really good with how we handled it and there have been and there will be lots of times when someone’s first choice is the Dodgers and we get that advantage, and when we don’t, we certainly understand it.”

       Now Andrew, remember that you don’t HAVE to win the TRADE. You HAVE to win the last game of the season!

       1. I am not advocating platooning. You know how I feel about Alex. AJ is our 4th OF’er!

    2. Trea Turner started in CF for Washington, and Nick Senzel started in CF for Cincinnati. It is not like an athletic SS cannot move to the OF and perform. If someone in the organization has let it be known that Lux may in fact see some OF next year, it is obvious to me that that message has been discussed with Gavin, and he is working with his uncle to develop those skills. Maybe he will like CF.

    3. I don’t understand why you think Verdugo should be platooned and Lux gets the every day job. Until he has more success (and that may come quickly), I platoon Lux and play Verdugo every day.
       I would sure love to know why Rendon didn’t want to play here. Doesn’t like the NL? He seemed very happy in DC.
       Doesn’t like SoCal? He signed with the Angels. It would help to know why because that information could be used when talking to other free agents.
       Just saw a blurb on Hader. I would love for us to get him. So far the most active pursuer for him is………………………………(wait for it)…………………………..the Yankees. Our system is at least as stacked as theirs. That would really be a killer. They’ll probably ask a huge amount for him but he is certainly a difference maker. I can’t believe we couldn’t beat whatever the Yanks would offer.

23. Alright so look I understand that you dont spend stupid and u need to be wise, but right now the dodgers cant be picky it’s time to be stupid!!

    1. It’s never time to be stupid!

24. If you think Dodger fans are upset about not signing Rendon, I found this reaction from Trea Turner very funny.

    https://www.federalbaseball.com/2019/12/11/21012223/trea-turner-is-all-of-us-reacting-to-news-of-anthony-rendon-signing

25. Yankees, Dodgers, Mets Reportedly In Market For Josh Hader.

    1. Nice!!! They wont get him lmao

    2. Bullpen complete if we get him. I don’t see it happening though. I would expect the Brewers to ask for a ton and someone will give it to them. The Dodgers are not going to trade Lux or May for anyone. The only way you trade the Minor League Player of the Year is for an elite player with multiple years of control. Think Betts’ ability and Lindor’s team control.

       I’m trying to piece together what has happened so far to get an idea on what might still happen. The Dodgers made a serious run at Cole. AAV was higher than the Yankees deal, but the Yankees tacked on an extra year. It seems like he really wanted to be a Yankee and the Dodgers gave a strong offer and drove up the price. Cole might just be the best pitcher on the planet right now, but I like our three youngsters a lot. You make room for Cole, but there aren’t a lot of pitchers that have the upside of Urias and May, Gonsolin might be not far behind and Gray might be close or somewhere in between. Gonsolin wasn’t close to his reported 100 mph heater last year, and he was still very good is his first taste of pro ball. He could be elite. May is elite. I don’t think I’ve ever seen 99 with so much movement and he throws really free and easy and he still looks like there’s some projection in there. Urias has elite command and throws 96-97. Think Sherzer from the left side. The talent is there.

       The concern is that none are built up for a 200 inning workload. It would be great to get an innings eater to take some workload off.

       It looks like there was some interest in Rendon. I can’t believe anyone would choose the Angels over the Dodgers and I’ll leave it at that.

       I don’t think the Dodgers were even in on Stras. He’s the biggest overpay IMO. He hasn’t ever been great, but rather very good. Never better that a 3rd place Cy Young finish, a couple of All Star seasons, pitched 200 inning only twice in his career. Easy pass for the length and AAV IMO.

       We’ll see if someone will bite on our next tier of prospects. We have some really solid major leaguers and some really good prospects we can trade. I’m not gonna list them because everyone will throw a conniption fit. Arrenado, Bryant, Betts, Marte, Lindor, Kluber are all available and I’m sure there are some others as well.

       1. Dodgers, inexplicably to me, reportedly didn’t even make an offer to Rendon.

          Bleh. Bleh. Bleh.

          1. What if Boras told AF “Don’t waste your time. He doesn’t want to play for the Dodgers?”

26. It’s not time to be stupid. It’s time to target the right player who will be a difference maker in the playoffs and push us over the top. Cole was that guy and AF made the move. Cole wanted to be a Yankee more than a Dodger. I guess AF could have gone 10/360 but even for Cole that’s seems stupid. Every move we make has to be about winning those last eleven games and not to just be stupid. We’re still the best team in the NL but we need to get better to win it all. It’s not about how good we are now or even at the beginning of the year. It’s how good we are on August 1st. Let AF do his thing and see where we are by then. Then you can make your judgements about AF.

    1. Yeah but they did offer more money and years so not that he wanted to be a Yankee. If the dodgers offered the same money or more where do you think he would have went?? Lol they talk about having all this money and they dont care and yet they wont make that extra push to get Cole who said that was there main priority, dont get it!

27. Good points AC and Mark. Yes, I too am disappointed that the Dodgers did not sign Cole, Stras or Rendon. But it is not the end of the world. I am very happy that AF cherishes our young stars, Lux, May, Gonsolin and others and keeps them with our team. Would like to see Ryu back and more help to the bullpen which I think is extremely important. I look forward to next season and hope my Dodgers do well.

    1. True but same team as last year isnt gonna win a title other teams got even better we didnt!! These a time and place to just say screw we are all in, and the dodgers didnt do that. But who knows what’s lurking on the inside there could be big trades we dont know about yet, so at the moment this team is not a championship team!! TBD

       1. I apologize but I did not hear about your interviews with Cole, Stras, and Rendon. AF has said that none of the three had the Dodgers as their first choice (probably not second either). Apparently you have different information and perhaps can share with us. The Dodgers 8 year $300MM was a better AAV than NYY for Cole, and yet he chose NYY. Because that is who he wanted to play for, since a kid. I have a picture of a young Gerrit COle in a NYY jersey and hat holding a sign that says YANKEE FAN TODAY TOMORROW FOREVER. Stras was never going to sign with anyone other than Washington. Washington gave him the CK treatment and overpaid to keep him. Waaaaay overpaid. Rendon did not want to play for the Dodgers. I don’t know why, but apparently you have different information. Or are you saying that AF is lieing about their sincere interest in Cole and Rendon that was not reciprocated.

28. I was remembering our signing of Greinke, the only major free agent we have ever signed under this ownership. And as I’ve said several times, the only reason we did that is because we had to show Time-Warner that we were going to put forth a very competitive team, in order to get the 7 billion dollar windfall deal. Kasten or another of the owners was quoted as saying. “We had to get him.” So when it was a matter of making big money, the Dodgers went for it. $200 million or so to make $7 billion.

    But here is the really “interesting” thing. Even then, Kasten was looking for a way to dilute the purchase. Greinke and his agent wanted seven years. The Dodgers only wanted to give six. So Kasten said that he would give Greinke an opt-out clause after three years. That’s right, the Dodgers got their one big free agent, but gave him six years if he was not that good, and let him leave in three if he was. So Greinke was good, and he opted out, and then the Dodgers tried to sign him, but failed. Now you tell me of one other respectable franchise which manages to sign a top free agent and gives him the opportunity to opt out in three years? Without that clause, the Dodgers have Greinke for seven years. Or maybe he would have taken six for more money, but Kasten and the Dodgers have to always have their way, always looking to avoid any long-term commitment. Greinke is not great, but he was good. And since then, the ownership has not given out one long-term contract of over five years, whereas all sorts of others teams have done that. I guess they finally offered Cole eight years, but it was one too few, , so darn, they fell short again.

    This ownership refuses to compete for major free agents. “We made a good offer” is not really competing, since the idea is to make the best offer, at least sometimes. I could go into art auctions all day and make “good offers” and never get one piece. I could sent out a “good resume” and never get hired for anything, because I have never gotten the skills to make myself the best, or presented myself in that way. The Dodgers have lots of money, but they are ultimately obsessed with their little wishes, which involve setting internal prices, not going high enough, trying to avoid long-term contracts at all costs. In other words, they are playing their own game, while enough other franchise are playing the new game, and thus they are the ones getting the top free agents. At this point, the Dodgers should stop trying to delude the fans ,and never even offer a major FA, because they are never going to get him. It would be like me playing poker, and waving my chips around, but never putting them in the pot.

    Another bad thing, in my view, is that in contrast to franchises like the Yankees and Angels, which are owned by one family or person, the Dodgers have multiple owners. So instead of a Steinbrenner or Moreno, who might choose to go all-out, spend his money, maybe overspend at times, to win a title, the Dodgers cannot do that. The idea of them selling shares in the Dodggrs, which they have been doing, is to dilute their risk. I have no idea what premium they are charging for new owners, but it is something; and so they make even more profits this way.

    I suppose that the decisions come from the majority owner Walter, or possibly Walter and Kasten, not the other ones. But while someone like Moreno, or Kronke with the Rams, or Ballmer with the Clippers, only has to answer to himself, the Dodgers owners have to convince their new investors that they will give them a profit each year. They put out prospectives, like the one that Shaikin of the LAT uncovered, where they promised not to go over the luxury tax for the next five years. They are selling shares of the team, and to do that, they promise them guaranteed profits. The concept of winning a title is really not part of it. I suppose they would like to, but not all that much.

    That is in essence why the Dodgers always lose out on the free agent bidding, and always will, unless someone can show them, as in the Time_Warner situation, that they can make an immense profit out of it. When you draw almost 4 million people, there is no further gain to be made from winning a title, in terms of attendance. And they raise ticket prices every year. The wishes of the fans seem irrelevant to them. That is why when last year Kasten was questioned about losing out on Harper and others, he answered by pointing to the season ticket sales being good. We the fans are looking at one thing, and they are looking at another.

    And worse,, there is no way to put pressure on, or get rid of these owners, because they have spread their risk around so much, that they are under no pressure at all. Maybe if attendance went down to 2 million, but that’s never going to happen, and even if it did, they would just cut payroll 100 million. The Dodgers are a cash cow for the owners, and the fans are being milked, and there is not a thing we can do about it, except hope that somehow the profits-above-all, minimization of risk strategy will pay off maybe once in 15 years with a title.

    What I want above all as a Dodgers fan is to have what the Yankees fans have now, which is a virtual certainty that they will be a dominant force in competing for World Series Championships for the next decade. and all the anticipation and excitement which goes with that. But the Dodgers play it year by year, the goal is always to protect the profits, and limit long-term risk, not to develop any kind of dynasty–unless one somehow calls winning a lot of division titles a dynasty. The Yankees are now where they want to be going forward, and so are the Dodgers, and those are quite different, sadly enough for Dodgers fans. That does no mean that I will not hope for some more additions, or that I will not root for us to win the title this year, but I will do so with the knowledge that there are other franchises in baseball which want it more, will spend more, do more toward that. We are a very large market franchise with a whole lot of money, and we think we are smarter than everyone else, and can play it like a mid-market franchise, and get more profits that way, and still be competitive. And that’s what we are: “they” make more profits, and we are competitive, but never the best. We’ve always got highlights of the 1988 season to show on the Dodgers network, though.

    1. I don’t think the Dodgers are a cash cow, I think the Dodgers are an appreciating asset.

       In fact, I think this has been reported quite a bit that the Dodgers don’t throw off that much cash.

       1. Ur right it’s only to keep a profit sorry man William is right nothing u can really say about it, they dont want a championship they want profit that’s it, good try tho lmao jk

          1. Was that English?

             1. Did that just happen

       2. That is correct. The original group has added four new “partners” for an additional infusion of cash. Perhaps to get the Dodgers in compliance with MLB debt compliance requirements. If William or anyone has seen the Balance Sheet for the Dodgers, please share. P & L gives a snapshot of periodic earnings, but does not divulge how those dollars are reinvested in the organization. A balance sheet is a far better document to determine the liquidity and viability/sustainability of a company.

    2. WOW WOW WOWwell said my man agree 100 percent! This is such a true read u r right that’s all we will ever be they only want money money money! The fans are screwed but we do have the power to stop it by not attending lol they only care about there profits not the fans it turned out to be a selfish ownership who truley cares about nothing I pray we get a new ownership who’s got morals and family values like the yanks who care more then just about money. Ur goal as an ownership is to be the greatest franchise ever and win as many titles as possible. I am so glad u spoke out and it’s the truth! You tell them lol

    3. You may think it is a bad thing. I happen to think it’s a good thing.

       I buy a stock when others sell it and I make a lot of money at that. Conventional wisdom…

       The good thing is, blogs are eternal and I will rub everyone’s noses in this next October.

       Stay Tuned…

       I am going to the Dominican and Campo Las Palmas from Friday through Monday. The incessent crying around here is going to cause floods in LA!

       1. This just all blows I’m bummed just want a title again someone please let me have faith lol

       2. There is a lot of crying in Washington as well.

          1. Real talk Bum, real talk Bum lmao

       3. Mark – I personally would love information from your trip to the Dominican not just about the MLB academies but about the status of amateur baseball and facilities. Since kids can sign at 16 1/2 this is so different than the US. From what i’ve read the days of playing on rocky dirt fields with old milk cartons for gloves are long gone. I’ve heard the amateurs don’t actually play games but are skilled in displaying their talents to the scouts in infield / outfield practice and BP and not so much in games. The power and roles in this process by the Biscones would be interesting to hear about. The Biscones are said to be a major stumbling block with their opposition of the international draft.
          I recently read a book on Dominican baseball by Alan Klein as a revisit from his earlier book called Sugarball. This book was very biased against MLB but did state that the number one product on the Dominican Republic now is not rum or tourism or sugar. It’s baseball players.
          Speaking of Latin baseball, with the talk of eliminating 42 USA minor league baseball teams, is there any talk of reducing the number of the many minor league franchises in Latin America? Since this is such a rich market, I doubt it.
          I would be really interested in your observations of the state of baseball in the DR.

          1. Phil, with the discussion of eliminating minor league affiliates, the Dominican Summer League was not included in those discussions. That does not mean that it will not be revisited, but for the initial discussions the DSL is safe.

       4. You’ve been saying the same thing for the last 4 years, Mark. You are hellbent on being right, but so far…..it’s always next year. No one has certainty of these things, but you do. This is how you sell things and you create a logic to support it. But your logic has not supported it for the last 4-5 years. If you simply said, we will continue to win the West and leave it at that, I’m all in. But when you continue to make assumptions that you cannot possibly know and try to convince others, you fall apart. It’s a simple thing, but you don’t get it. I won’t call you a moron as you do to others. But sometimes you say moronic things and want others to swallow it willingly.

29. I think the move to have Gavin Lux learn to play some outfield is a versatility move. Doesn’t mean he won’t play a lot of second base. Without a change in the infield, it would appear that it will be set with Justin Turner at third, Cory Seager at short, Lux at second and Max Muncy at first.

    The outfield is already crowded. That could change with a trade or two.

    Pitching, starters and relievers, through trade or free agent signing, would seem to be the focus moving forward.

30. And this Rendon deal they didnt even try!! Cole, they just offered enough to say they tried they knew he wasnt gonna sign for that much they knew it had to be more, dont think they truley want to be better they just need to be good enough to go to the playoffs

31. Here we go again Yankees making a play for Josh Hader lmao this is F$#@%&! hilarious lmao. Where you at Dodgers with the supposed big pockets and prospects, step it the F up

    1. In August 2019, BA had the Dodgers Farm System ranked at #5 and the Yankees at #21. Let them gut the farm some more. They could probably get Hader for Frazier and Andujar. Maybe they could pay Stanton’s salary and send him to Milwaukee for Hader!

       1. I think I’ll shut my mouth now haha well played Mark, I’m just frustrated not understanding what the Dodgers are doing

       2. Mark real quik do you think the Dodgers have a shot at Nolen Arenado?

          1. The prospect capital would have to be huge for the Colorado to even consider dealing the face of the franchise to the LAD. The only thing the Dodgers have going for them if they went after NA is that he was a HUGE Dodgers fan and has full veto power.

             1. Oh I getcha sounds on point good looking out

32. Dodgers didn’t lose Jordan Sheffield (or Cristian Santana or Cody Thomas) in the Rule 5 Draft. They drafted 2B Carlos Sepulveda in the Triple-A phase. The 23-year-old hit .243/.342/.285 in 448 PA with Myrtle Beach (A+). Good fielder, good contact. Needs strength. A good amount of strength, reportedly.

33. Lux seems to be the best 2nd baseman they have. Why would they not make it his permanent position? Why train him for the outfield so he can platoon, maybe? Guess they know best.

    1. I could be mistaken, but I get the idea that playing Lux in the outfield would only occur if we get another third baseman (Donaldson, Bryant, Arenado), necessitating the move of JT to first and Muncy to second. The outfield would still give them a chance to play Lux on a regular basis. If we don’t get a new third baseman, I would assume that Lux starts 2020 as the second baseman. If it were me, I’d want to see if Muncy could play left field which would allow us to keep Lux at second.

       1. Agree and thank you Singing The Blue.

34. When we don’t get Hader I was going to recommend to AF that we re-sign Yimi, but unfortunately he’s off the board, just signed with the Marlins. I guess we’ll just have to settle for Hader.

    1. Hader is going to cost way too much.

       1. Dang that is your answer to everything “it’s going to cost to much.” The rotation behind Buehler doesn’t scare anybody.

35. My faith in this team has been destroyed. With Roberts dumb manager decisions. Friedman failing at the trade deadline. Lets not spend and lets not give up prospects. Buts lets raise ticket prices. Guggenheim, Friedman, and Walters failing to add a marquee free agent. Nobody wants to deal with them. Your supposed to excite fans with the product. No one wants to hear rich people whine about not being able to spend. Greed always wins.

    1. Time for you to switch your allegiance to the Orioles, Marlins or Tigers. Apparently, they have managers that always make good decisions; their owners are willing to spend; and they are run by front offices that care about winning. Plus, I’m told, that you can get good seats for cheap to any of their home games.

36. The Dodgers are where some of the Yankee players were 2 or 3 years ago. No one knew for sure how good Andujar, Torres, Urshela (not sure he’s for real), Frazier, and Judge would be.

    The Dodgers are sitting on Lux, Verdugo, Smith, Ruiz, and 4 or 5 young pitchers who look to be ready to step up: Urias, May, Gonsolin, Gray, et al.

    I am fine if they do nothing more than sign Treinen.

    All some of you see are the trees. I see the forest.

    Some of you have a disease for which there is no cure: optic rectumitus… it gives you a crappy outlook!

    1. My Apologies just frustration

37. I will be back on Tuesday. AC, DC, and 2D2 will try to help some of you to seek mental help.

    Good Luck! I’m outta’ here….

    1. Thanks MT. Joel Sherman says we’re one of the most aggressive on Betances. Hope to have him locked up by the time you get back.
       If we get him and he’s back to good Betances, and Treinen is back to 2018 Treinen, and Kelly is back to 2018 WS Kelly and Kenley is back to the old Kenley, we could have one of the best bullpens of all time.
       If, on the other hand, they all revert back to 2019 performances, we could be sorry we let Yimi go.

38. Rule 5 draft results are in. Cristian Santana and Jordan Sheffield are still Dodgers. The Astros lost three, the Cubs 2, and the Yankees, Nats, Rays, A’s, Blue Jays, and Padres one each.

    1. We may not be great at signing big name free agents but apparently we’re very good at determining which guys it’s safe not to add to the 40 man roster. Kind of surprised no one took Sheffield.

       1. I am too. With the shortage of big relief arms, you would think that one of the bottom teams could hide Sheffield. I guess that AF heard enough from other teams that McKinstry was the one most teams were inquiring about.

39. Mark Walter’s ass needs to be held to the fire.

    1. Thanks for the visual James.

40. Delin Betances will be the next signing. I mentioned it yesterday and now I’ve seen reports that the Dodgers are after him.

    1. Please no Delin Betances. We’re already gambling on Treinen. And this is coming from me, someone who wants the Dodgers to fix the bullpen.

       1. I dunno Eric, part of me thinks the best bullpen policy is very short term (1 or 2 year) deals for pitchers with high upside.

          Both Trienen (spelling?) and Betances would qualify.

          Why not? There seems to be no rhyme or reason to bullpen performance.

          1. Bluto

             I like his stats a lot. But injury is my concern. I’d hate to spend whatever the amount will be and see him on the IL for however long. I’d rather spend on someone else who has very good career stats and recent stats.

             1. Yeah, I hear that.

                I know nothing, just tend to like the lottery ticket aspect to trying to fill a bullpen.

    2. I’d be fine with signing Betances but how are you so sure we’ll be the ones to sign him? Did you happen to see the reports that we were after Cole, and after Strasburg, and after Rendon? How did those work out?
       Anyway, I hope you’re right. Between Treinen and Betances hopefully at least one would pitch really well next year.

41. As long as the front office seems to be concentrating on relievers what would everyone here give up to get Hader? Arguably one of the three best relievers in baseball, but his homer rate went up dramatically last year. On the other hand, the ball was obviously juiced and hopefully MLB will do something about that for 2020. Also, Hader has thrown a tremendous number of innings over the past two years, but he’s still only 25. Lots of positives and negatives.
    So……………………………………..what are we willing to give up to get him?

    1. Going into the off season, our needs seemed to be a starter, right handed power bat and bullpen help, specifically a closer. As things have transpired I now think obtaining a closer is the biggest need. Maybe that job can be filled internally, maybe not. I could live without the right handed bat. I could live without a bonified starter and hope the current crop can fill that need especially May. What I can’t live with is going into another season with Kenley Jansen as the closer. He’s done.

       1. I wonder what the records say about a player starting out like a position player and then becoming a pitcher and a player who has always pitched. Do we have many of those on our roster and do the converted position players last longer? What causes them to change to pitching besides arm speed or is it all speed? Just curious.

    2. With all the big money contracts being handed out I think the price in trades has gone up too, so I don’t think the Brewers would take what I would offer, but I could be wrong but I doubt it.

       This is coming from me, someone who wants the Dodgers to fix the bullpen and someone who wants Hader to be a Dodger.

42. I’m not a fan of Betances. He has poor control, not a great attribute in a late inning reliever. His career BB/9 is 4.0. Yeah, strikes out a lot of people but he allows baserunners. Plus he only pitched 1 inning last year.

    He had shoulder and lat injuries, returned and tore his achilles tendon.

    1. In the history of man and myth, has an Achilles ever been an issue of concern?

       1. Um if you want to walk yeah lmao

    2. I totally agree, DodgerRick. I think that Betances would be a sucker pickup. He has had temperament issues with the Yankees, and he has been mostly terrible the last two years when healthy. This is not the way to go, it seems like getting Scott Kazmir or Chris Hatcher, or like many Ned Colletti moves.

43. DBM,

    Unless I forgot someone, the pitchers currently on the Dodgers who started out as position players are Kenley Jansen and Pedro Baez.

    Kenley was a strong armed catcher with a weak bat. I forget the details, but if memory serves, he distinguished himself by throwing out a bunch of big leaguers in the 2008 World Baseball Classic. I believe the Dodgers converted him to a pitcher in 2009, and he was up with the Dodgers to stay in 2010.

    Pedro Baez was a highly rated Dodgers third baseman who never clicked with the bat, but had a cannon arm at 3B. He made it up to the Dodgers soon after being converted to the mound. I forget what year that was.

    1. Thanks so much Brooklyn Dodger. Not many then.

44. DODGERS ANNOUNCE 2020 MAJOR LEAGUE COACHING STAFF

    LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced their Major League coaches for the 2020 season with bench coach Bob Geren (fifth season), first base coach George Lombard (fifth season), hitting strategist Brant Brown (third season), third base coach Dino Ebel (second season), hitting coach Rob Van Scoyoc (second season), assistant hitting coach Aaron Bates (second season) and newly appointed pitching coach Mark Prior (third season) all returning with Josh Bard (bullpen coach), Connor McGuinness (assistant pitching coach) and Danny Lehmann (game planning and communications coach) all joining the 2020 staff.

    Dave Roberts – Manager (fifth season)
    Bob Geren – Bench Coach (fifth season)
    Mark Prior – Pitching Coach (third season)
    Josh Bard – Bullpen Coach (first season)
    Robert Van Scoyoc – Hitting Coach (second season)
    Brant Brown –Hitting Strategist (third season)
    George Lombard – First Base Coach (fifth season)
    Dino Ebel – Third Base Coach (second season)
    Aaron Bates – Assistant Hitting Coach (second season)
    Connor McGuinness – Assistant Pitching Coach (first season)
    Danny Lehmann – Game Planning & Communications Coach (second season)

    Bard, 41, returns to the Dodgers after spending the last two seasons with the New York Yankees as the Major League bench coach. The New York native began his non-playing career with the Dodgers as a special assistant to the general manager in 2013. He spent the next two seasons as a professional scout from 2014-2015 and was the Major League bullpen coach from 2016-2017. In 2017, he helped the Dodger relievers set a National League record with 637 strikeouts and led all National League bullpens in ERA (3.38), opponents’ batting average (.222) and K/9.0IP ratio (10.24). In two seasons with the Dodgers, the bullpen went 64-41 with a 3.36 ERA (430 ER/1150.1 IP) and 1270 strikeouts in 319 games. During his tenure as the Dodger bullpen coach, the relievers ranked second the Major Leagues in wins, second in saves (98), third in innings pitched, third in ERA and batting average against.

    The former backstop played 10 years in the Majors with the Cleveland Indians (2002-05), Boston Red Sox (2006), San Diego Padres (2006-08), Washington Nationals (2009) and Seattle Mariners (2010-11). In 586 career Major League games, he hit .254 (452-for-1778) with 162 runs, 109 doubles, three triples, 39 homers and 220 RBI. He was originally selected by Colorado in the third round of the 1999 First-Year Player Draft out of Texas Tech University.

    McGuinness, 30, is in his fourth year with the organization and his first year with the Major League staff. He joined the Dodgers in 2017 as the pitching coach for Single-A Great Lakes and worked the last two seasons in the same capacity for High-A Rancho Cucamonga. He joined the Dodgers after serving as a college pitching coach for NCAA D-III Catholic University (2016) and Emory University (2014-2015). In his tenure with the Emory Eagles, he helped lead the team to back-to-back NCAA DIII College World Series, finishing top five in 2015 and runner-up in 2014. He played four years for Emory, going 2-6 with a 6.75 ERA in 41 games for the Eagles, while earning his BA in Economics with a concentration in Finance.

    Lehmann, 34, rejoins the Dodgers as the game planning and communications coach after serving in the same role in 2018. In 2019, he served as a special assistant to the club and served as an advance video scout for three seasons prior to working with the Major League staff in 2018. The former eighth round pick in the 2007 First Year Player Draft out of Rice University by the Minnesota Twins played in 365 minor league games and batted .229 with 47 doubles, four triples, eight homers and 85 RBI.

    The Los Angeles Dodgers franchise, with six World Series championships and 23 National League pennants since its beginnings in Brooklyn in 1890, is committed to a tradition of pride and excellence. The Dodgers are dedicated to supporting a culture of winning baseball, providing a first-class, fan-friendly experience at Dodger Stadium, and building a strong partnership with the community. With the highest cumulative fan attendance in Major League Baseball history, and a record of breaking barriers, the Dodgers are one of the most cherished sports franchises in the world.

    Visit the Dodgers online , follow them on Twitter @Dodgers and like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Dodgers.
    For media information, visit http://www.dodgerspressbox.com.

45. AC, thank you. Any word on Bill Haselman?

    1. I have not heard where Has hooked up.

46. Mostly lurk. But I can’t handle reading post after post wishing the Dodgers would be sold. As if the team had dream owners in the past. 15 years of Fox and “Parking-Lot” McCourt landed us all of THREE division titles. THREE IN 15 YEARS!! Current ownership has won the division SEVEN YEARS IN A ROW. Greedy Bastards! We failed to win the series twice. Which sucks. Really really sucks. Nobody thinks it sucks more than me. But you can’t just buy a WS. 162 games is a huge sample size. The teams with the best rosters will almost always win more than the teams that don’t have the best roster. The playoffs are a crap shoot. Give me 1000 rolls of the dice and my prediction of how many times snake eyes pops up will be incredibly accurate. Give me 10 rolls, not so much. 5 and 7 game series leave a massive amount up to chance. No FA signing guarantees you squat.

    This ownership has made us highly competitive year after year, all while maintaining one of the deepest, most productive farm systems in baseball. Greedy Bastards! 15 years of previous ownership didn’t get us to ONE world series. Our current owners have got us to TWO. Greedy Bastards!

    These days all too many Dodger fans remind me of a 16 year old who is pissed off about the Porsche daddy bought them for Christmas because they really had their heart set on a Lamborghini. Greedy bastard!

    1. Welcome, Jayne. I love you already! 😉

    2. Haha, I love it.

    3. Jayne, what a great opening salvo. You said you mostly lurk, but please do not be a stranger. And welcome!!!

    4. Great read seriously, but I dont give a shit about getting to the WS, I give a shit about WINNING IT. Greedy Bastards!!

    5. But truth be told, very well said and Amazing point!! U put me in my place no doubt but I want that Championship and they are missing some sort of piece to the puzzle, give me that?

    6. That was pretty much a walk off comment Jayne. We need to get you out of the clubhouse and on to the field more often. Suit up. We need you here. Not only was your comment right on, but I like your writing style.

47. Honeycutt retired. His knowledge and experience are certainly not easy to replace.

    What do you guys all think about Honeycutt not being the pitching coach anymore?

    1. He is not the pitching coach but he is now in the front office and I guarantee he still has a lot of input. You will see him on the field in Spring Training.

48. The frustration of the Dodgers’ fan base isn’t that they haven’t been good – it’s that, in the opinion of many, that they need to get a difference maker of some sort if they expect to get over the hump and win the Series for the 1st time since 1988.

    The Dodgers have enhanced this expectation by saying that they were going to be “very aggressive” this offseason and even Dave Roberts has predicted the most roster turnover since he has managed the team.

    In the face of this, they were out-bid by the Yankees for Gerrit Cole and didn’t even make offers to Strasburg or Rendon.

    They have signed a free agent reliever who lost the closer’s job with Oakland and had an ERA of 5 last year and a WHIP of over 1.6. So far, that’s it.

    AC and others have said that the Dodgers need to “GO BOLD”. Thus far, it hasn’t happened. The offseason hasn’t ended yet and they may still do something noteworthy but it hasn’t happened thus far.

    Sure the Dodgers should be good next season – they should win the Division easily. But I don’t believe that they win the World Series with the rotation or bullpen that they have right now. And since that’s the goal, I think that they should do more than they have to accomplish that.

    I’m not too concerned about the offense – I would like to see them have a more balanced offense (not so lefty-dominated and not so homer dominated), but they should be very good.

    They have to have a better 3rd starter than Maeda (who is it right now) and more reliable relievers than Wild Man Kelly et al.

    I am not passing judgement now – I am willing to wait to see what happens between now and the start of the season. But I am disappointed that they haven’t done more up to this point. And I’m not alone.

    1. If they said they were going to be aggressive, then I believe it. However, they did not say that they were going to be stupid.

       I live in Indianapolis and we see aggressive racecar drivers who make amazing passes and then we see stupid drivers who crash into the wall.

       Aggressive? Yes!

       Stupid? No!

       1. Rick, I am guilty as charged for saying I wanted AF to GO BOLD. They did say they would be aggressive, and they made one offer that certainly seems aggressive to me. AF gave Cole an 8 years $300MM offer. That was $83MM greater than the previous largest contract issued to a pitcher. I think 4th richest for any player (Trout, Harper, Stanton, Cole). That AAV was greater than the NYY offer. Cole is a lifelong Yankees fan, and that is where he wanted to go. But the offer was certainly aggressive.

          There is a huge difference between having strong interest and actually making an offer. Certainly everyone is aware that a team (and the player) do their due diligence when considering a FA, especially one in that salary stratosphere. The Dodgers spoke with both Rendon and Strasburg and apparently through those interviews they were able to determine that neither player wanted to play for the Dodgers. Stras was easy. He was never going to play for anyone other than Washington. That is why Mike Rizzo and the Lerner Family were felony stupid with their offer. No team was going to come close to offering that kind of $$$ to Stras. IMO, that was all Boras knowing if he could get Lerner to agree to the original offer NYY made to Cole, he could get Cole the monster deal he eventually did sign for.

          I have no idea what was said in any of the interviews with Rendon, and neither does anyone here. I have handled multiple negotiations and hired hundreds of professionals. I know when there is reciprocal interest. I have not hired high level personnel and recommended no offer in real estate negotiations because of how the discussions were going. There is no reason to hire someone who will not be happy, nor any reason to continue to negotiate when it is obvious that the transaction could not be consummated. It is time to move on to the next deal. And apparently that is what they did.

          But you are absolutely correct that we haven’t hit Christmas yet, much less ST. Plus the Dodgers should waltz to another NL West title and perhaps they can wait until the trade deadline to really see what they need. There will be other personnel changes. They will not be as grand as the top three, but they will address LAD shortcomings.

          Has anyone asked AF if they did not want to commit to a long term contract for Rendon because they want to see what Rios can do at 3B or Vargas/Hoese coming sooner than we may have expected? We have no idea what the reasoning is for the lack of interest from either party, and we probably never will. Now Cristian Santana is back in the mix. Cristian is a RH bat, and had a tremendous AA season, and should get to start at AAA this year. Maybe he is the future at 3B, or maybe not. None of us have the answers because none of us have talked to AF. Of course there is frustration, but pleeeeeeeease, nobody wants to win more than AF or the owners. I would like William or James Moya or JoeFrancis77 or Jeff to walk up to Magic Johnson and tell him that he doesn’t want to win. Wanting and succeeding are two different things. Get to the playoffs and see what happens. Just ask the 88 Dodgers, or the 14 Giants, or the 15 Royals, or the 19 Nats. None of those were the best team, but they were best in a 7 game series.

          Nobody wanted Joe Blanton and nobody other than me wanted Brandon Morrow. Both relievers worked out. From what I have read, the Dodgers saw something in Treinen they believe can be easily remedied, and I am certain they verified the medicals before they signed the deal. Relievers are not fancy and many work out, and many others do not. Blake Treinen has as much talent as there is in any reliever who was available including Will Smith. Will that talent be realized? We will have to wait and see. But if he is right, $10MM is not much at all for what he did two years ago.

          Everyone can be disappointed, but let’s let this Hot Stove League draw out. And if we have to wait until the trade deadline, then so be it. 162 games is a long season, and the roster is going to go through dozens and dozens of iterations.

          1. AC, I would not be afraid of walking up to Magic Johnson and being critical of the ownership., but I would not say that he does not want to win, because he is not the one making any of the decisions. They are all being made by Walter and Kasten. I would be happy to tell them what I thought, but they would politely ignore it. Nothing I or anyone could write (Dylan Hernandez wrote a strong piece in the Times echoing some of my and others’ thoughts) is going to change what they do.

             They own the team,. The fans are just there to go along for the ride, if they choose to. They can’t do without the fans as a collective group, but they can alienate some fans, and that doesn’t make too much of a difference. Actually, with the TV deal, they seem to have alienated a lot of fans, but they still have the TIme-Warner money, so they don’t do anything to fix it. I would wish that we had different owners. The choice is not between Guggenheim and McCourt, there are actually other people who could be good owners of this franchise. But O’Malley sold to Fox, for the money; Fox dumped the Dodgers to anyone who would take them; McCourt was allowed by Selig to choose the buyers, and he picked the ones who offered the most money. That’s the way it goes for fans, they have no choice in the owners.

             Back to wanting to win, I don’t think that Guggenheim wants to win as much as some of the other owners. If they did, we would have Verlander, maybe Cole, too. The money is there, why do we never get anyone elite from the free agent market? Bad luck? They just don’t want to play in Los Angeles, even though they are from here (Stanton and Cole), had a fiance, now wife, who lives here (Velander), always appeared to want to be here (Harper), signed with the team in Orange County (Rendon)? I think that it does not take a Holmes or Poirot to deduce that the Dodgers ownership is less willing to go big and long-term than the Yankees, or Angels, or Nationals or Phillies among others. Everybody wants to win to some extent, but there is wanting to win, and “really” wanting to win, and “doing everything you reasonably can to win titles.” The Dodgers do not fit in the latter two groups, not based on observable facts. I’d be happy to tell them that, even if it did no good at all.

49. I had no expectations about the offseason, so I am not disappointed.

    I am a realist. Sports, even baseball is not life, but it parallels life.

    The smart ones thrive.

    The dope fiends and dumbasses crash and burn.

    I say: Stay the Course and good things will come to you.

    The Greedy are the ones who think they can beat the system. Case in point: The Yankees!

    Watch and Learn, People!

50. The worst part is that because the Dodgers struck out with FAs, they will have to give up prospects and pay ludicrous salaries.

    That said, Betances and Trienen are a nice pair of arms to add. Really nice.

    1. Betances and Trienen and Kelly will have hitters worrying about their ribs. Not fun.

51. I’ll put my two cents in the pot. In agreement with AC, Cole and Stras signed huge deals with the teams they wanted to play for without any kind of a discount. The Rendon thing is a head scratcher. Why would he choose the Angels over the Dodgers? Maybe he doesn’t like the different lineups every day. Maybe he’s seen Doc’s post season moves. Maybe he just hates Blue. Sometimes the top guys just don’t want to be a Dodger. I’m a Dodger die hard and I’m not overpaying to get one of those guys on my team. Like AC said, Cole took a lower AAV for one more year. He chose the Yankees.

    Blake Treinen was the best closer in baseball a year ago. He’s worth taking a chance on. Betances is also worth taking a chance on, and I hope we get him as well. We have a lot of Major League talent and a deep farm system to deal from, so I have no problems going the trade route now. Reports are that they’re after impact guys in the trade market. Let’s see what happens now.

    As far as the ticket prices narrative goes. They sold more tickets than anyone, so you raise prices. It has nothing to do with salary and only has to do with demand. If you want ticket prices to drop, stop going to the stadium. Send a message. But, that will only result in less revenue and less to spend on the guy that wants to come here.

    These guys are not cheap. They’ve been at or near the top ever since they bought the team from the McCourts.

    I’m really, really glad they got Treinen. I’m bummed it was only for a year.

52. Well Mark since the last time the Dodgers won a WS the “greedy ones” have won 5 with another one on the way next year! As Gordon Gecko said, “greed is good”! I’m just tired of trying to get lucky to win a WS. With Cole we would have had the best team! How much longer does it take for you to get frustrated. 8 years, 10 years and then the window closes

    1. But, not in the last 10 years!

53. I am quite amazed at some of the commentary. I mean seriously. I may not agree with all the decisions, but this is a very good ownership group and Andrew Friedman does an incredible job.

    The payroll is one of the highest in baseball and the Dodgers won 108 games in 2019. They win every year. Seven straight NL West titles. Twice made the World Series. The talent level is off the charts and the farm system is able to sustain success over a lengthy period. The owners are spending big bucks on stadium improvements.

    Yes, the Winter Meetings have ended, but that doesn’t mean the Dodgers are done. Trade talks are continuing. Pursuit of free agents continue. Ken Rosenthal believes the Dodgers will make a big trade. They have assets, but Rosenthal says Gavin Lux won’t be going anywhere even in a Lindor trade. The Dodgers have more than enough prospects/current roster players to make any deal they want.

    The sky is not falling. As we go into spring training, the Dodgers will once again be considered one of the favorites to win a World Series.

    Ever wonder why the Cubs have fallen on hard times after winning a series or why the Red Sox are having big payroll issues? The Dodgers are built to be one of the best teams in baseball in 2020 and still be on top in 2028. That takes a special kind of approach. That means exciting baseball every summer.

    Enjoy this team and think back to how bad it was under Frank McCourt or when Kevin Malone was GM.

    1. How much did Mark pay you to write that?

       1. We’re still negotiating.

    2. Agree 100%

54. Well it all depends on what you define as success. Seven straight divisional titles and averaging 95 wins a year or winning World Series. I don’t think Cubs or Red Sox would trade places with the Dodgers

    1. That is just plain dumb! Do you really believe that or did someone hack your account? I am giving you a graceful way out…

55. Success is going to Dodger Stadium and not having to watch a team that sucks. The Giants won three WS a few years ago. So why are San Fran fans so miserable? Because they’re really bad and that’s not much fun. Memories fade, winning now becomes more important. The Dodgers will win a title or two, it’s inevitable.

56. Yankee backup C for 8 years, Austin Romine, signed by Tigers for $4M. He will compete for the starting job. I would have wanted him over Barnes, but that ship has now sailed.

    1. Barnes is better defensively and an elite framer. Romine offers nothing to LA

       1. You ok Mark?

          Was worried The Don had caught up with you?

57. I am fine. I made the post invisible but it’s still there. AC can reactivate it in case of my demise. 😉

    I am in route to the DR

    1. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.

       See if you can scout any potential young players while you’re there.

       Gotta say that you are getting a huge amount of traffic through the site considering it’s the Off Season.
       Keep up the good work.

       1. I am surrounded by great people – all the commenters and AC , DC and 2 D2

          1. Definitely – seems to be going from strength to strength.

             Be safe.

58. There has been plenty of predictions that the Dodgers would try to trade Pederson, Pollock, and Hernandez but if Friedman wants to add a plus plus righty bat that would add excitement and change the discussion about this off season, then it might be Verdugo that gets traded instead to land Betts. Just saying.

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