Some Pre-Spring Training Random Thoughts

Posted By on February 2, 2020

A short Super Bowl Sunday, busy at work weekend, random thoughts post. 

•      My last post was replaced by the tragic news of the death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and the 7 others who lost their lives in the crash of the helicopter in Calabasas, California

•      This is written on Saturday morning, and I wouldn’t mind at all if this post is replaced by one, announcing the happy news that the Dodgers acquired Mookie Betts in a straight-up trade for Dylan Floro.  I mean no disparagement to Dylan Floro by this.  I think he’s a very fine pitcher, though probably not enough to land Betts by himself.   

•      The nickname “Mookie” just seems destined for LA and the Hollywood lifestyle, doesn’t it?  His actual name is Markus Lynn Betts.   Apparently, his parents wanted his initials to be MLB.  Prophetic.  If the Dodgers do acquire Mookie, they should immediately add a bowling tournament to Kershaw’s annual ping-pong shindig.   According to Wikipedia;  “Betts is an avid bowler; he bowled throughout his youth and competed in the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) World Series of Bowling in Reno, Nevada in 2015 and again in 2017.   He has bowled three perfect games.   His highest game in PBA competition is a 300 game during the World Series of Bowling on November 12, 2017. In February 2019, he won the 2019 CP3 PBA Celebrity Invitational, competing with professional bowler Tommy Jones.”     

•      Don’t know if a trade for Betts is going to happen (frankly, I seriously doubt that it will), but if we do have to take on David Price and his salary, and still give up some prospects in the trade, then, I would ask for the RedSox to throw in Bobby Dalbec.  He could be a nice replacement for Justin Turner when the time comes.  

•      Arbitration hearings start this week, still no word as to settlements between the Dodgers and Pederson, Muncy, Baez, and Taylor.   If there are no settlements before the hearings, then I fear that at least one of these players is going to have his feelings hurt, and he will express that displeasure publicly.  Which, in turn, may lead to a trade or diminished performance.   On the other hand, it may motivate that player to perform at an exceptional level and cash in big-time on his next paycheck.  I prefer they settle, but if it does go to a hearing, then please have the players extra motivated. 

•     This past week, I listened to a short interview with Ryan Sienko.  This might not be a name that’s particularly familiar to you.  Sienko is currently a Catching Coordinator for the Dodgers.  Sienko is also the founder of the company “Catch & Throw.”  He has been an assistant catching coordinator and catching coordinator for the Dodgers since January 2015.  His responsibilities include catching philosophies and drills, deciphering receiving metrics, blocking philosophies and drills, throwing philosophies and drills, coordinating player plans, working with the research and development department, drills and skill work, and traveling to all affiliates to work with the catchers.  His company, Catch & Throw is the equivalent of a Driveline, but for catchers.  According to its website, it seeks to be “a trusted and respected source for the development and mentoring of catchers.”  In any event, in the interview, there was a discussion of the big four of catching prospects: Smith, Ruiz, Wong, and Cartaya.   Another name he threw in the mix that we might want to keep our eye on was Jair Camargo.   Camargo is 20 years old, signed out of Columbia as a teenager, and had a decent, though not overwhelming, season at Great Lakes last year.  We might see him at Rancho Cucamonga next year.   For those of you that have Twitter and Instagram accounts, you might want to check out Ryan Sienko, he has a lot of pictures of the caching prospects.   There’s a couple of pictures that show the meals the Dodgers feed their minor leaguers.   They will help you better understand why the Dodgers are leaders in player development.

•      I like that the Dodgers are willing to go outside the “box” to hire individuals who make their living in the private sector developing certain baseball skills.  Old school “baseball” guys tend to get in a tizzy fit, whenever someone like RVS or Sienko is hired.  But then, whenever I listen to some of the ex-baseball player color commentators on TV give their opinions, I remind myself that hitting .300 does not guarantee you will be a good coach or manager, or even know why you were as good as you were. 

•     The coincidences between Gavin Lux and Steve Sax are too many to ignore.   Both have 5 letters in their first name (I know I fudged a little for Sax), both have 3 letters in their last name.  The third letter both their first names is “v” and the last letter in their last names is “x.”   In their last year in the minors, Sax hit .346, while Lux hit .347.   In his last season in  the minors, Sax had a teammate named “Rusty,” while Lux had a teammate named “Rocky.”   Sax had his first full major league season at age 22, and he won rookie of the year.   Lux will have his first full major league season at age 22, and he will win rookie of the year (unless of course Dustin May or Tony Gonsolin beat him out).  I’m telling you folks, you just can’t make this stuff up!!   This is way too much of a coinkydink.  It has my head spinning, that’s for sure.   Let’s keep Lux just too see of he can replicate what Sax did in his first year.  

•      I’m looking forward to the All-Star game at Dodger Stadium.   It would be nice to have a few Dodgers make the All-Star team.  I would also expect that a Dodger, perhaps Joc again, will participate in the Home-run Derby.   You have to drum up the home team’s excitement.   I haven’t been to all of the stadiums in MLB (far cry from it actually), but I still think Dodger Stadium is the most beautiful MLB stadium in which to watch a game. 

•      Spring training starts in approximately 2 weeks.   I’m looking forward to the baseball chatter it will produce.   I’ve maxed out on the “speculation of who is going to get traded for who” dialogue.  I want to see some green grass and a white ball and hear the popping of a catcher’s mitt.   Perhaps I should take up drinking instead, but my stress release comes from watching a little baseball.  So I’ll just continue to stay away from the booze. 

•      Perhaps I’m overly optimistic, but I expect big things out of Jimmy Nelson, Alex Wood, and Blake Treinen this year.   I have nothing presently to point my finger at to support that optimism, but I do feel that way.  You might feel different, and that’s okay.  

•      Minor league coaching staffs have been announced:   Triple‑A Oklahoma City:  Manager – Travis Barbary (26th year in the organization); Pitching Coach – Bill Simas (10th);  Hitting Coach – Manny Burriss (2nd); and Bench Coach – Mark Kertenian (4th).   Double‑A Tulsa:  Manager – Scott Hennessey (4th); Pitching Coach – Dave Borkowski (3rd);  Hitting Coach – Brett Pill (1st);  Coach – Jeremy Rodriguez (4th).   Single‑A Rancho Cucamonga:  Manager – Austin Chubb (5th);  Pitching Coach – Ryan Dennick (3rd); Hitting Coach – Dustin Kelly (3rd); and Coach – Jason Bourgeois (2nd);  Single‑A Great Lakes:  Manager – John Shoemaker (44th); Pitching Coach – Stephanos Stroop (2nd);

Hitting Coach – Seth Conner (3rd); and Coach – Elian Herrera (2nd).   Rookie‑Advanced Ogden: Manager – Anthony Cappuccilli (3rd); Pitching Coach – Dean Stiles (3rd); Hitting Coach – Dylan Nasiatka (1st); and Coach – Johan Garcia (1st).   Rookie‑Level AZL Dodgers(there are two teams):  Managers – Jair Fernandez (5th) and Danny Dorn (2nd); Pitching Coaches – Rob Ellis (1st) and Ramon Troncoso (3rd); Hitting Coaches – Jarek Cunningham (4th), Keith Beauregard (2nd) and David Popkins (2nd); and Coaches – Chris Gutierrez (3rd) and Pedro Montero (4th).  Dominican Summer League Dodgers:  Managers – Cordell Hipolito (3rd) and Fumi Ishibashi (10th); Pitching Coaches – Andres Urbina (3rd), Roberto Giron (7th) and Hector Rodriguez (2nd); Hitting Coaches – Sergio Mendez ( 5th)(I hear he is also a mean jazz pianist), Johermyn Chavez (7th) and Brady Conlan (1st); and Coaches – Dunior Zerpa (3rd) and Leury Bonilla (1st).  I’m hoping that between now and the beginning of the minor league seasons, DC will introduce you to all of these gentlemen.  The fast riser in the group appears to be Austin Chubb, with Mark Kertenian running a close second.   While Barbary and Hennessey appear to have the most trust in leading the up and coming prospects.  All the while John Shoemaker keeps plugging along, leading the young ‘uns in their first taste of full-season baseball.  

•      I love college and high school baseball.  College Baseball starts on February 14th.   I live in a region that has tremendous college programs.   As a rule, I typically root for USC baseball (although they have been in a downward spiral in their athletic program the last several years), but this year I’m cheering on the Arizona Wildcats.  Their coach, Jay Johnson, is one of the best young college coaches in the United States and he’s putting together a wonderful program there.   My son played with him at Point Loma University in San Diego (which, by the way, has one of the most beautiful college ballparks in which to watch a game).   We knew then that he was destined to be a good coach, and he has become that in spades.   Sometime in the future, I hope to write an article about 3 of the greatest coaches in Southern California junior college and small college coaching ranks, Wally Kincaid (Cerritos College), John Scolinos (Cal Poly Pomona) and Dennis Rogers (Riverside City College).   There are so many wonderful high school and college coaches throughout this country that toil in anonymity, but who have a profound impact on the young men under their charge and lead, develop and encourage in such a positive way, as they pursue their dream of playing baseball professionally.   These three are particularly memorable.  I was reminded of them, this past week as I read the many memorials for John Altobelli, the Orange Coast College baseball coach who died with Kobi this past Sunday.   It was very clear that he was one of the great coaches.       

•      I will admit to not being a Kobe Bryant fan.   I stopped watching pro basketball primarily because of him.  However, I’m also very mindful of the impact he had on Los Angeles and the world sports scene. There are few, if any, like him.  That said, it is an absolute tragedy whenever a young father, in the prime of his life, has his life taken away much too early.   My sons grew up with him being the face of the Lakers and basketball.   They, like many others, were very impacted by his death.  The pictures of Kobi and his daughter, Gianna, and their beautiful smiles, are very haunting to me.   Kobe is just a few years older than my sons.  Gianna Bryant, Alyssa Altobelli, Payton Chester are the same age as my granddaughter, Maddie.  Christina Mauser is a year younger and older than my sons.  Sarah Chester, Ara Zobayan, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, and those previously named, have left behind family and friends who are experiencing pain and grief of a magnitude they have never ever experienced before.  I know Mark has said that we are not to discuss religion or politics on this blog, and I fully understand why and wish to honor that in the long term. Today, however, I entirely on my own make an exception to that rule, by making a single observation, because for me it’s only through prayer and God, that I can make any sense (if that’s the right word) of this and similar tragedies.   

•      I also don’t have much interest in professional football.   I prefer college football.   I will be attending my neighbor’s super bowl party, and I’m going to cheer on the Chiefs.   I can never, ever, ever, ever, ever, find myself cheering for a team from San Francisco.  Never!!  Among the many great things that Jackie Robinson as a man and baseball player, I will always respect him for choosing to retire rather than play for the hated ones when he was traded to the Giants.  I know that he had actually decided to retire before the trade, and his decision to retire actually had nothing to do with being traded to the Giants, but my version of the story sure sounds a lot better, doesn’t it?

OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 02: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after a touchdown by Spencer Ware #32 against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

This article has 49 Comments

  1. 2demeter2 very interesting good read I like it, from what I hear tho is that the trade for mookie is almost wrapped there just discussing how much money are the dodgers going to take from price, Boston wants them to take all of it . I feel we can absorb it but what’s ur take on that rumor?

  2. The Dodgers are a “file and trial” team, so I expect zero arb settlements.

    There will be hard feelings for sure. Having this many important players going to arbitration is not good. Having this many players potentially ticked off is a potential problem.

    And does it speak to the team’s penurious ways that so many players didn’t settle?

    1. But there is time for the team and players to agree on extensions which, I think, preserves the Dodgers “file and trial” policy while still avoiding arbitration.

    2. I’m not necessarily sure that the Dodgers are “penurious” as the have shown a willingness to spend at times. As I’ve stated before, I think it has more to do with the upcoming negotiations for the CBA than it does the particular players and their contracts. On the other hand, perhaps there was something that came out during the negotiations that led the Dodgers to believe that these players weren’t going to be long term solutions. We’ll never know.

  3. Austin Chubb is indeed a fast climber as is Mark Kertenian. The fastest climber was Connor McGuiness, 30, who was named the Dodgers Assistant Pitching Coach in December after a year with the Loons and two with the Quakes.

    1. When I saw that Mark Kertenian was named the bench coach for OKC, I immediately texted my son who he is close friends with Mark. My son said if he were a betting man, he would lean very much on Kertenian following Doc as manager of the Dodgers. Andy told me that Mark is a different kind of guy who is all about motivation and getting the most out of his players. Plus he knows a think or two about baseball. RC should not have won last year, and yet they had the best record in the Southern Division, and the second best overall record in the California League when the magic ran out in the divisional series.

      1. I remember you said some very nice things about Kertenian last year AC. I’m not sure if Geren will be around as long as Doc, but maybe Kertenian’s career path will have him manage at OKC in the next couple of years followed by a stint as Dodger bench coach, and then as a replacement for Roberts. He seems like quite a guy and someone who will manage in the majors some day.

  4. My take: Part of the delay is the Dodgers negotiating with a pitching needy team to which they will immediately flip Price after the trade. The Dodgers are willing to take on some of Price’s contract to acquire Betts for a package of lesser players / prospects; but, the Dodgers do not want to use him on their pitching staff. One way of reducing Price’s contract is for Boston to take AJ Pollock ($12M AAV) as part of the deal and play him in LF with Benintendi shifting to RF, and JD Martinez a full time DH. Price’s net AAV drops to $19M which, along with Betts $27M gets Boston well below the 2020 CBT threshold ($208M). With a 1.8 WAR in 2019 (Baseball Reference) Price’s value is around $15M per season; Dodgers could eat $4M per season of the contract and trade him for a low level, borderline prospect. Who else besides Pollock goes to Boston? It will not be Verdugo if Dodgers take on $19M of Price’s contract. My guess, Tony Gonsolin, Edwin Rios (who can play first base, and LF), Kiké Hernandez, and either Keibert Ruiz or Jeter Downs (not both).

    1. I too have thought about flipping Price. The angels are reportedly interested.

      I think it’s Verdugo regardless

      1. I think the only way Boston has a hope of getting Verdugo is in a deal only for Betts. Taking on a large portion of Price’s contract is a deal killer for Verdugo. I think the Dodgers can get Kris Bryant, or Francisco Lindor (both with 2 years of team control) if they are willing to include Verdugo in the trade. If Rockies would trade Arenado to the Dodgers (VERY unlikely) then Verdugo would very definitely be included in a package going to Colorado. Just my guesses.

        1. As I understand it the Betts deal as of the present time does not include Price but WSS We don’t really need Price and it may very well be that situation you mentioned of flipping him to another team should he be part of this Betts deal. Probably correct on the only way Boston gets Verdugo is with a Betts only deal Again, I would rather Dodgers avoid it if at all possible in having to rescue Boston from a big contract such as the one Price has

  5. Wow, 2D2, you covered a lot of subjects in this great article. Your comment on Floro being traded straight up for Betts was very funny. Love your sense of humor.

    Awesome news about Bett’s bowling achievements. Would love to see a bowling competition. I think maybe the pitchers might be very good at bowling. Thank you.

      1. Hey I myself have a 16 LB. bowling ball I can’t use anymore that Dodgers or someone could have if such a tournament takes place….

  7. I woke up at 3:00 a.m. this morning and realized that”v” is actually the 4th letter in Steve and my whole theory about Lux and Sax started to unravel. As Mark has told us, 5 out 4 people are bad with math.

    But not to be deterred, I then realized (at 5:00 a.m.) that if I use Sax’s full first name, Steven, both he and Gavin have a “V” and “n” in their names, and everything came back together for me.

  8. 2D2, yet another superb column this week. I agree with your thoughts on the forward thinking of the Dodgers with their player development/coaching choices. A lot of it started with Gabe Kapler and his nutritional impact on the MiLB teams. He has not exactly had a stellar career as a manager, but his impact on the nutrition (one of several Kapler accomplishments) will have long term benefits with the LAD minor league development. SVS, Rob Hill (& Driveline) and Ryan Sienko will also have significant long term benefits for the Dodgers organization. I am one of those dinosaurs who still clings to the pre DH days of MLB, but I am not blind when it comes to beneficial programs to help our beloved Dodgers.

    I am a huge advocate for Mookie Betts in a Dodger uni. I cannot remember the last time I was this excited about a trade for an outfielder. Maybe since the last time the Dodgers traded for a Boston RF…Reggie Smith. Mookie in RF at Dodger Stadium just sounds too perfect. I think LAD becomes a huge favorite to resign Mookie, and it will cost between $375MM and $400MM. 10 years at $375MM has a nice ring (WS) to it. I agree with those that say that if Boston insists on AF taking on Price as well, then Verdugo needs to be OUT of the trade. I know I am in the minority (very small minority based on all that I have read), but I have zero objection to the Dodgers trading for and keeping David Price. Old and hurt…sure. But maybe he has a magical season or two left in him. Even if only 130 -150 innings. I continue to read how much money the Dodgers have, and the luxury tax should not be an impediment. Who knows what the CBT threshold will be with the new CBA, but I am guessing that the Dodgers/Yankees/Red Sox/ Phillies/Cubs are going to flex their muscle over the Rays/As/Marlins/Pirates next time.

    I believe Belli has indicated that he is going to be a participant at this year’s HR derby at Dodger Stadium ASG.

    Oh, and with regards to Wood/Treinen/ Nelson, holding out for one of my favorites, Alex Wood, to have another AS season, with some CY votes. I can hear Dodgerrick now going…NOT AGAIN with this stuff.

  9. With all the comments about acquiring Betts has anyone consider how his stats may change without the advantage of knowing which pitch to swing at?

    1. Take a look at his stats in 2016 before Cora and alleged cheating arrived: .897 OPS and 133 OPS+ are HOF numbers

      1. The arbitration issue does worry me. If the Dodgers are arguing that the players aren’t full-time players they set themselves up to having disgruntled players over playing time when Doc is trying to sell everyone about their roles and being team players. They should be paying Muncy what he’s asking for.

        2. Agree as well, because this playing time and shuffling players in and out of the lineup is on Roberts, and perhaps Freidman as well. Muncy at the least should have been signed by now. dodgers have poured $$ to far lesser players over the years.

    2. No, why in the world would the Dodgers do research on a player they are about to acquire!??!?!?!?!!?

      It’s preposterous! Next, you’ll be expecting the Red Sox to make sure Verdugo’s back checks out.

      The cheek of it.

  11. Gammons:

    Three different NL folks today predicted Betts-to-L.A. is “inevitable.” Consensus deal:Alex Verdugo, Inf Jeter Downs, pitcher, maybe A prospect. Think P is LH Caleb Ferguson, 95 MPH FB/CB guy, 113-39 K-BB in 93.1 IP, eventual starter. Got brushed off Gray

    1. That seems about right. I hate to give up that for a one year rental, but Bosox fans will think they didn’t get enough so . . .

      From Dodger fan perspective Betts is a one year rental. For Bosox fans Betts is top 2 MLB.

      Reality, we need to show him enough and offer enough to resign as FA (and he is a very, very good player)

    2. I read that. I’m glad someone brought Gammons down to reality. He was predicting a ridiculous haul for Boston a few days ago. Hate to give up Ferguson. I think he could be a force out of the pen.

  12. Betts to the Yankees, Stanton to the Dodgers, Price to the Angels, Pollock and Hernandez to the Sox, Maeda to the Angels, thousand dollar bills flying around all over the place. Then the sky falls!

    2. This must be light-hearted Sunday!

      And what do the Angels give up? Do the Dodger also get Jo Adell or Jeremiah Jackson?

  13. If we are going to give up Duggy, who I really like, I do hope that Freidman has a long term contract in mind for Betts. s Can’t imagine the FO giving up some of the farm guys and a MLB ready player for a one year rental, that doesn’t fit their MO. Like Mr. Mark always says, the dude is playing chess while we play checkers. Going to stay tuned.

    1. I’m sure AF has a long-term contract in mind and is hoping a year in the Hollywood lifestyle will give them a leg up on retaining Mooke, but do you really think he’s this close to free-agency and is going to give up that opportunity? That’s the reason agents for guys like Harper and Betts ask for contracts that will never happen prior to going to free agency. For many players they look forward to it.

      1. If I were Betts I would sign a 7 year contract at $35M AAV if I could get opt outs after 2, 4, and 5 years.

        1. Sorry Bums. No way Betts signs that contract, either today or next winter.
          He’ll get offers that start at 10 years and an AAV of $35M

        2. So you would rather sign a 7-year deal with opt-outs for $245 Million than a 10 years/$360 Million Deal?

          Evidently, math is not your strong suit!

          1. I said that is what I would do. To be clear, I am talking about starting the contract this season so I am getting a $8M raise in 2020 and protect myself financially from a career threatening injury I might get in 2020 while waiting for free agency.

  14. It would appear that Price is no longer in the deal, if he ever was part of it. The Dodgers are no longer willing to take on all the bad contracts they assumed just to get Gonzalez. Most analysts value Price at about $15 million. Apparently, the Red Sox plan is to hold onto him, hoping he rebuilds his value and then make a trade at the deadline. No surprise that most potential trade partners do not want to take on all the money for a pitcher who brings uncertainty and not much more.

    The trade pieces listed by Peter Gammons look about right. That’s a decent return for the Red Sox and I can’t see Boston trading Mookie Betts for less. The new GM needs a win or at least the appearance of a win.

        1. Rams fan since I was a kid growing up in Torrance — I root for any team playing the 49’ers

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