● The Trade deadline is upon us, and as always, the question is, should the Dodgers make a move or stand pat?
● Obviously, the primary argument for making a trade is simply that no matter how good the team is, you can always get better.
● First question is always, what do the Dodgers need to finish out this year? Another ace pitcher wouldn’t hurt (do they ever hurt?) Perhaps a second baseman? Right handed bat?
● Looking at starting pitchers that might be available, would Dylan Bundy, Kevin Gausman, Johnny Cueto, or Robbie Ray make the team better? Probably not. How about Lance Lynn, Mike Clevinger or Trevor Bauer? Probably yes. But that begs the next question, what would you be willing to pay to have them on your team?
● My preference for a starter would be Trevor Bauer. He’s having a solid year, and I believe he would be especially pumped to pitch for the Dodgers. He makes the staff better. It’s doubtful that he’s available, but if he is, what players would you be willing to trade for him? Would you trade Lux for him? How about Mitch White and other pieces? It would be nice if the Reds would take Yaisel Sierra straight up for him, but that probably wouldn’t even happen in my dreams.
● I’m not as enamored with Lance Lynn or Mike Clevinger, but I can see how both have value. I’m just not sure how much better they would make us. Frankly, they may have more value to teams other than the Dodgers (Astros or Padres for example). Particularly if Lynn goes out and shuts down the Dodgers tonight(this being written on Saturday afternoon). I just can’t get excited about trading away top prospects for these pitchers. Perhaps you feel differently. Jim Bowden thinks we can acquire Lynn for Stripling and Gray. Would you do that deal?
● Whit Merrifield is currently the flavor of choice at 2nd base? Kansas City is not going to make the playoffs and they could want to retool. Though it is unlikely they trade the face of their franchise, unless they get a king’s ransom. What would you pay for him? Lux? Jo Jo Gray? Also, if you acquired Merrifield, what happens with Kike Hernandez? Do you keep him?
● An under the radar second baseman that I wouldn’t mind having the Dodgers look at is Hanser Alberto of the Orioles. He’s bounced around a few years, but had a break out year last season, and he’s followed that with a solid year this season.
● Anybody interested in Robinson Cano? I’m not. What about Mitch Moreland to play first base and DH, and move Muncy to second base? I might consider that. (Written before Moreland to SD)
● What about J. D. Martinez as a DH, right-handed bat? A reunion with RVS and being thrust into a pennant race, might be good for his bat’s revival. It could be a Manny Ramirez type of acquisition, though, I fear he’s not the hitter he used to be.
● What do the Dodgers do with Joc Pederson and Kike Hernandez? Ride them out for the rest of the season and then just wave goodby after the season ends? It’s very doubtful that either player returns to the Dodgers next year. With that in mind, do you try and trade them now, even though their value is extremely low, albeit, both have the “potential” to be really good. Maybe the Angels will bite on Pederson for Luis Rengifo deal again.
● Do the Dodgers have any untouchables? Dustin May? Tony Gonsolin? Julio Urias? Gavin Lux? Josiah Gray? Kody Hoese? I would say yes to May, Gonsolin and Gray. Probably yes to Lux and Urias, but I might have to think twice in the absolute right deal. As to Hoese, it’s too early to tell for me.
● My opinion is that this is a year that the Dodgers do very little at the trade deadline.
● To say this has been a weird season would be a major understatement. Who ever thought you could have a sacrifice fly by a batter leading off an inning. Well the Dodgers pulled that off against the Giants with Max Muncy. Weird.
● Mookie Betts became only the second player to hit 3 homeruns in a game for a team from Boston and another team. The only other player? Some slug named Babe Ruth.
● Thanks to Jayson Stark, I also learned that the Dodgers 10-8 loss to the Giants the other night was filled with several oddities:
● 367 pitches were thrown in the game, the Giants did not have a lead for the first 366 pitches. Weird.
● The Giants also used 10 pitchers in the game. There hasn’t been a single other game played before September in modern history in which that many pitchers pitched in a game of that few innings, for the team that won. Weird.
● The Dodgers held the lead in the 9th inning, the 10th inning and the 11th inning of the game, and they lost. That doesn’t sound particularly strange, except, the Dodgers had not blown a save in the 9th inning or later all year. Then the blew 3 in 3 innings. Weird.
● Do you know how hard it is to lose a game where you hold the lead in the 9th, 10th and 11th innings? Very, as according to STATS, it has only happened once before, in 1998 when the Marlins lost to the Phillies. Weird.
● Brandon Belt, Mauricio Dubon and Evan Longoria got game-tying hits in the 9th, 10th and 11th innings to keep this game rolling. Doesn’t seem that strange, except the last time the Giants got that many game-tying hits in the ninth inning or later of the same game, was July 3, 1951. That was a little over 2 months after I was born. Weird.
● Kenta Maeda is having a really good season with the Minnesota Twins. 4-0 with a 2.29 era, almost threw a no-hitter. I’m not sure he would have duplicated that success here, but I’m very happy he’s having such a successful season. That was a trade that was beneficial to both teams. Same is true for Alex Verdugo. I’m glad we have Mookie Betts and I don’t think Verdugo could have brought the talent level and leadership that Betts has, but I will always continue to cheer for Verdugo’s success (unless of course he’s playing the Dodgers).
My song parody for today, to stay with the trade deadline theme, is “You Ain’t Goin Nowhere” written by Bob Dylan, but popularized by the Byrds in their “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” album. Although this album did not have much commercial success, it is credited with being the spring board for the country rock genre of music. Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman played on this song and left to form the pioneer country rock group, the Flying Burrito Brothers who, if for nothing else, should get an award for creative band name.
The rumors are here
as the deadline draws near
Get us a starter that throws
98 and 7 innings or more
keep your mind on the job at hand
cause Lux you ain’t goin’ nowhere
Whoo-ee the price is too high
though tomorrow’s the day
the trade’s gonna come
Oh, oh, are they gonna sell high
or take my offer of Stripling and Gray
I don’t care
How many players they want
The deadline’s come and deadline’s went
Pack up your bags
And get on the bus
cause Lux you ain’t goin’ nowhere
Whoo-ee the price was too high
Tomorrow’s the day
the trade’s gonna come
Oh, oh, are they gonna sell high
or take my offer of Stripling and Gray
I wanted an ace
Or a second baseman that hits
Can’t keep playing our substitutes
I was only offered other teams junk
So I’ll stand pat with the team that I got
so Lux you ain’t goin’ nowhere
Whoo-ee the price is too high
though tomorrow’s the day
the trade’s gonna come
Oh, oh, are they gonna sell high
or take my offer of Stripling and Gray
Trevor Bauer – the Reds want to keep
They don’t have a chance win this year
With him or without him they’ll still shed a tear
So we’ll climb that hill no matter how steep
Our teams good enough to take us deep
so Lux you ain’t goin’ nowhere
Whoo-ee the price was too high
Tomorrow’s the day
the trade’s gonna come
Oh, oh, are they gonna sell high
or take my offer of Stripling and Gray
hey Lux you ain’t goin’ nowhere
Whoo-ee the price was too high
Tomorrow’s the day
the trade’s gonna come
Oh, oh, are they gonna sell high
or take my offer of Stripling and Gray
I thought I would post this before Mike Clevinger became a Brave or a Padre (hottest rumor)
Supposedly a surprise team now in the mix, per MLBTR. Some say it is the Braves. Indians have asked for the medicals on some unnamed players. SD so far have refused to include either Cronenworth or Grisham.
Celvinger is a padre
Per MLB Trade Rumors
Padres/Mariners
“To summarize, the deal appears to be settled as Nola, Adams, and Altavilla to San Diego, and Trammell, France, Munoz, and Torrens going to the Mariners.“
Trammell has been dealt twice now in his young career. Seems a bit strange for such a highly ranked prospect.
~
The Dodgers have made a point to have payroll flexibility and longevity. To do it you need guys on the roster who don’t make squat to offset guys like Mookie who make the big bucks. Guys like Lux make that happen. Some are awfully quick to write off a guy who was the MiLB player of the year after dubbing him the next big thing last year. The kid is an upgrade over Kike. He and CT3 can man 2nd base just fine.
Let’s not forget the Dodgers didn’t really plan to hand over 2nd Base to him last year. He forced his way up.
–
I don’t know why he was late getting to summer camp. Covid or Covid related? Most likely.
~
I trust AF to make the right move. I think we have the four starters we need now but if AF gets Clevinger or Bauer so be it. Our starters numbers look this way because of the enormous roster size. The Dodgers can trot out 5 relievers one day and then use 5 different relievers the next. With the 3 batter minimum and 28 players this is the way it’s going to look. I’m not enamored with Lynn. A fat guy who throws nothing but fastballs.
“The Dodgers have made a point to have payroll flexibility and longevity. To do it you need guys on the roster who don’t make squat to offset guys like Mookie who make the big bucks. Guys like Lux make that happen.”
This is an important point illustrating the approach that AF has always taken. The farm first, and you try to make the best of it. That’s great if you have the right talent and the Dodgers have certainly had the right talent. But the lingering dilemma of Joc and now 3B still persist. JT shouldn’t be playing 3B anymore. Muncy is not the answer although he falls under the category of ‘cheap help’ which AF loves and needs. Supposedly we have help coming in Hoese. No guarantee on that. If Lux really is going to make the team, should he replace Seager at SS and move Seager to 3B? or Taylor to SS and Seager to 3B?
LF would be given to Pollock and helped with Rios or some of the upcoming farm boys. Would Muncy be our regular 1B? He is not really a stretch guy at 1B but he could play there if his hitting would improve. Is Beaty a stepdown from Muncy at 1B?
I’m reading SD fans, they believe that they were fleeced with the trade, and although I personally don’t give a damn about them and the players involved, I found this comments funny…
Preller: Hey, Jerry, we’re looking at Nola and a couple of your relievers. We’d like to get a deal done.
DiPoto: Alright, A.J., what are you putting in the table?
Preller: How about Munoz, Torrens, France and Trammell for Nola, Adams, and Altavilla?
DiPoto: (stunned) Yeah, that sounds about right. Let’s get the framework down, I’ll call you back in a bit.
Preller: Thanks. (hangs up)
DiPoto: YYYYEEEESSS!
Phone hangs up.
-Preller: France is a platoon player. Torrens is a middling part-time starter at best. Munoz throws heat. We got more of that. Trammell isn’t living up to his potential. He’s Buxton-lite. Those Mariners are a bunch of suckers.
-Assistant: But sir, you got a 30-year-old catcher with less than 400 career bats. A pretty good reliever in Adams. And some guy named Altavilla. What was the purpose of the trade?
-Preller: I don’t know. I’m drunk.
With everyone healthy, the Padres can roll out a lineup of:
Grisham 8
Tatis Jr 6
Machado 5
Moreland 0
Pham 7
Hosmer 3
Myers 9
Cronenworth 4
Nola 2
Everyone there is under control for 2021 too. Pretty solid move for SD.
AJ Ramos was apparently released by the Dodgers. He was just picked up by the Cubs.
I guess the Dodgers were not going to find a spot on the 40 man for Ramos. Too bad. I liked what I did see of him. I am sure the Cubs will be bringing him up before the season is thru.
Trade deadline is 2 pm?
1 PM, West Coast time.
Thanks, here where I live are 8 am….
Jorge, where do you live?
I live in Mexicali, Mexico, 5 minutes from the border crossing with Calexico, and about 3 hours away from San Diego, I have Pacific time
Mexcali is on the same time as LA, so it will be 1.PM. 2 here where I live. 4 PM on the east coast.
Padres get Mike Cleavinger! Wow
Looking at the bright side, they probably won’t have much of a farm system left after this week.
Daniel Bard I hear is a reliever the DODGERS are looking at for Cartaya, can someone tell us more on this.
I can tell you I don’t want to lose Cartaya this early. I can also say I didn’t know Bard was back in baseball.
I don’t think there is anything to that other than an article on mlb.com by guys predicting trades.
Padres To Acquire Mike Clevinger
I have to wonder about the wisdom of the Padres’ large-scale overhaul with just a few weeks to play. While they are mainly trading prospects, there still is an impact on the major league roster. An addition or two communicates that the front office acknowledges that the team has a chance for a successful playoff run and wants reinforcements. Do this many changes communicate the opposite, even if unintentionally?
I don’t think so Voldy. The team looks considerably more capable of winning deep into the season. Clevinger is a huge get.
Clevinger is a huge get. Nor did the Padres give up any of their top prospects. Naylor never impressed me. Hedges makes Barnes look like Ted Williams. They kept their top 4 or 5 prospects.
Clevinger is a huge acquisition, but they did pay a hefty price – their #7, 9 and 11 prospects, a major league ready pitcher in Quantrill, a young power hitter in Naylor and their starting catcher. Comparably speaking the Dodgers would have to pay, Diego Cartaya, Mitch White, DJ Peters, Rios, Austin Barnes and Brusdar Graterol. That’s a hefty price. Not saying that I wouldn’t do it, but it would give me pause.
Do you know if AF even tried to get him? Is this just a guess on your part? I thought the Pads gave up very little to get him. Great trade for the Pads.
Of course he doesn’t know!
He’s just speculating comparable compensation.
I love that i got to type comparable compensation.
I agree, Badger. They gave up very little for him. Surely, we could have done better if AF wanted him. Missed opportunity?
The Padres got what they needed and didn’t give up any of their top prospects. I’m surprised Cleveland would do this. It would appear Clevinger wore out his welcome. He’s a #2 on a good staff. He could lead the Padres staff the rest of the way. I think on paper this is big for San Diego. We’ll see how he fits there.
I don’t think any of us uninformed fans should be weighing in on “very little” or “top prospects”. We don’t know anything.
As per MLB’s Mark Feinsand:
(One) AL executive on Clevinger deal: “I love the return for Cleveland.”
I agree that Clevinger likely is a strong addition (depending on how he does in the clubhouse), and I suspect pitchers can be added fairly easily after a team gels. But this is a pretty significant overhaul for SD of position players. Admittedly the departing players chiefly are prospects, but numerous players on the big team now get moved aside (or too the off-site camp) for newcomers instead. They are bring in new catchers (that didn’t work so well when LA trade Piazza, or LoDuca, or even Ellis–didn’t LA lose a game soon after the Ellis/Ruiz game because Ruiz miscommunicated something?).
I don’t think these moves put SD over the top, and I think the quantity of them might end up hurting them, this year at least.
Wow. Seems like the Padres are loaded now. Did they have that much money to spend? How now do we compare to them?
We will still be better than they are, DBM. Not to worry. Competition is good.
They didn’t spend much money. They traded players who may or may not have been in their future plans. Two of those guys are middle infielders who were most likely blocked. Naylor and Quantrill are big league ready. Naylor looks like a hack defensively to me. Hedges is elite defensively but was being replaced for being a giant hole in their lineup. I can’t speak of the other prospect but the Padres dealt from positions of strength and kept their top top prospects.
Arias was #7. A slick SS with an upside if he continues to hit. Padres have a higher rated SS prospect. Both teams did ok, I just remain surprised a playoff team would trade a top starter. They need pitching to compete.
Some of you are worried because Padres acquired Clevinger? That doesn’t make them better than the Dodgers, it just puts them one notch closer, but they’re still not on the same level … They are the ones who should be worried about the Dodgers !!
They know that. But they just got better and anything can happen in a short series.
Preller’s Trade History:
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/04/gm-trade-history-padres-a-j-preller.html
Win some, lose some. Today’s trade was definitely what the Pads needed. If they work on their defense, they will be a force.
I agree with that Jeff. Machado is hitting again. They know they’re good. They will be fun to watch in September. Fun for Padre fans that is. I won’t be watching.
Thanks everyone. Just was a wee bit concerned. It seemed like a lot of movement.
A couple of things we know. AF is not going to make a panic move just to counter the Pads getting Clevinger. Pads are 5 games back with 25 to play, and the Dodgers won’t see them in the first round, so Clevinger is a non factor except maybe the one 3 game series the Dodgers have left in SD. Padres have to get a new catcher up to speed with the pitching staff in a very short time. Nola showed his hitting wares against the Dodgers in the 3 game set in Seattle. But they have seen him now, and probably have a better idea how to pitch to him, and he is not Hedges defensively. Of greater concern is JT’s hammy strain. The lack of offense from the 2nd base position, and the starters, outside of May and Kersh, not giving the team much length in their starts. The # 8 seed right now is the Phillies or the Marlins. They are tied for 7th. 3 teams from the NL West would get in, LA, SD and Colo. Atl, Phi, and Miami in the east, and Chicago and St Louis in the central. LA would play the 8, SD the 7, Cubs the 6, and Colo would get the 5. So, at this point, who would you rather play? Mia, or Philly? Of course this will all probably change in the next couple of weeks. Mets are doing the slow slide south, D-Backs are looking to sell, Giants supposedly looking to buy. They are only a game behind the Rockies, and have played 2 less than the Rocks. And here is something to chew on, not official yet, but Nightingale says the Dodgers are getting Hader for a PTBNL. He said that 11 minutes ago on Twitter.
I don’t see that tweet from Bob. Wonder if he deleted it?
Still up…posted about 20 minutes ago now. Go to his twitter page. Personally, I think it would take more than on PTBNL to get Hader.
Gonna ask the same question I always do Bear. Are you sure that’s really Nightengale’s account?
I’m sure it’s someone just having fun, unless the PTBNL is Bellinger or Mookie.
Yes, it was Nightingales page. Checked it thouroughly. But does not matter, it did not happen. Lynn did not get traded. Archie Bradley did get traded to the Reds.
Good thoughts Bear.
Plenty of time for Turner to heal and for Lux to get up to speed. Lux is a hitter. He’s also a good defensive shortstop so he should be just fine at second base. I’m still high on him, even for this year. The kid only has 93 plate appearances scattered over two years. If it were me running things he would get 3 of 3.9 at bats in 8 hole. Maybe even 3 of the 4.01 at bats in the 7 hole. He needs at bats. The more the gooder.
Every season, in the trade deadline AF has done magic and has always surprised us, this year will it be the same? Let’s wait to see what happens, I personally trust him …
Pads now second best team in NL. Hopefully Machado plays like he did for us in the playoffs. It will be interesting how their clubhouse chemistry plays out.
I think it was a dumb trade. Quantrill COULD outpitch Clevinger THIS year. Clevinger is rather brittle. I think it is a “dope-fiend” AJ Preller move that will cost him his job!
Yeah, and Austin Hedges COULD outhit Austin Nola for the rest of the year. I doubt there is a ML GM who would choose Cal Quantrill over Mike Clevinger for this year.
Hope you are right Mark.
Don’t think you are.
Indians made a very good trade. Quantril will get a chance to prove he can handle starting every five days. I think the Padres pitching staff will really miss Hedges catching skills, in particular his pitch-framing. I would like to see Dodgers trade Pederson to the Indians for the infielder who was part of the package from Padres, Owen Miller.
Wow. Lots of activity. No question, the Padres are a lot better. Guessing Andrew Friedman is hanging around the backboard to see what bounces off that might make sense.
The only thing that bothers me about Clevinger is that he broke health protocol, which created clubhouse issues in Cleveland. Now that Dave Roberts has said Gavin Lux will start against right-handers, seems to indicate the Dodgers feel comfortable with second base moving forward. Still think Lux has huge upside.
I only read that the Dodgers are interested in Hader, but they are just rumors, nothing about Nightingale, one more of the many false rumors
Read this last night on The Athletic: “the loaded Dodgers are attempting to zig while others zag, working on smaller deals in which they would part with some of their depth for prospects.” – Ken Rosenthal
Sometimes I think Dodgers fans look at things through their heart. Who cares about where the Padres farm system will be rated after the trades. The Pads are going for it this year and they do not need their farm system because the vast majority of their roster is chock full players with multiple years of control.
1B Eric Hosmer (30) – Controlled thru 2025
2B Jake Cronenworth (26) – Rookie
3B Manny Machado (28) – Controlled thru 2028
SS Fernando Tatis, Jr. (21) – Controlled thru 2024
C Austin Nola (30) – Controlled thru 2025
LF Tommy Pham (32) – Controlled thru 2021
CF Trent Grisham (23) – Controlled thru 2025
RF Wil Myers (29) – Controlled thru 2022
DH Mitch Moreland (34) – 2021 Team Option
SP Chris Paddack (24) – Controlled thru 2024
SP Mike Clevinger (29) – Controlled thru 2022
SP Dinelson Lamet (28) – Controlled thru 2023
SP Zach Davies (27) – Controlled thru 2021
SP Garrett Richards (32) – FA
SP MacKenzie Gore (21) – Still to make his debut
SP Luis Patino (20) – Rookie
RP Drew Pomeranz (31) – Controlled thru 2023
RP Trevor Rosenthal (30) – FA
RP Austin Adams (29) – Controlled thru 2024
RP Matt Straham (28) – Controlled thru 2022
RP Pierce Johnson (29) – Controlled thru 2025
RP Emilio Pagan (29) – Controlled thru 2023
They still have a top rated prospects in SS CJ Abrams (#7 rated SS), C Luis Campusano (#4 rated catcher), LHP MacKenzie Gore (#1 rated LHP), RHP Luis Patino (#7 rated RHP).
Preller realizes that the chances of catching LAD for the West Division are not very good. What he has done is set the Pads up to go deep into the playoffs, and challenge the Dodgers, probably in the NLCS. I do not care if Zach Davies is in the rotation not involving the Dodgers, because he will be one of the four going against LAD. He has been very good against LAD. In 7 starts (43.1IP), he has a 2.08 ERA and a batting against line of .217/.263/.350/.614.
The Pads already had a better offense than did the Dodgers before they upgraded the catcher with the addition of Austin Nola over Austin Hedges.
BA – Padres #3 (.266); LAD #12 (.251)
OBP – Padres #3 (.343); LAD #8 (.334)
SLG – Padres #1 (.493); LAD #3 (.471)
OPS – Padres #1 (.836); LAD #4 (.805)
Runs – Padres #1 (205); LAD #2 (204)
HR – LAD #1 (38); Padres #2 (66)
The Padres have more hits, more extra base hits, and more stolen bases. They have now upgraded their starting pitching and relief pitching.
Head to head, the Dodgers are 4-3 against the Pads, and the Pads have improved while the Dodgers have not (yet).
The DBacks just traded Starling Marte for LHSP Caleb Smith and RHSP Humberto Mejia and LHSP lottery pick Julio Frias.
Blue Jays picked up Robbie Ray (DBacks) and Jonathan Villar (Marlins)
Cubs get Andrew Chafin (DBacks)
I still wait for news like JD Martinez, Whit Merrifield, Dylan Bundy or Lance Lynn to the Dodgers.
Another right handed batter and an established number 3 starter seems to be what is needed, just in case something is needed …
Next year they can worry about Gonsolin, Urias and May, but for now I don’t know if I could trust them for a third and decisive game
According to MLB rumors, Dodgers Have “Stepped Up Efforts” To Acquire Lance Lynn
They supposedly did that for Clevinger as well, only to be outbid. We will see if anything happens.
Rockies nab Kevin Pillar and cash from Red Sox for PTBNL and international slot $$$
Cubs pick up another LHRP, Josh Osich, from Boston for PTBNL.
Ross Stripling to the Blue Jays for players to be named later
AC, on Lance Lynn, Joe Davis made an interesting remark about him last night during the game. Basically Joe said that Lynn sometimes wears his emotions on his sleeve and shows frustration to the umpires and his teammates. Did you heard that? And if you did, do you think that is a good thing. Thanks.
I have no problem with players wearing their emotions on their sleeves. Davis also said that Lynn felt stifled when he was told to not display emotion. Once the Rangers told him not to worry about it, he became a better pitcher. Teams should not try to change personalities. You pick up players whose personalities can mesh. I have no problem with Lynn.
Ok thank you AC.
Joel Sherman – just reported NO Lance Lynn
Word from Texas – Lynn is staying put.
Angels trade Brian Goodwin to Reds
Archie Bradley to Reds. Cameron Maybin to Cubs.
Lots of moves, none involving the Dodgers, and they cannot make any additions except from their 60 man pool, or a waiver wire pick up that is put on the 60 man. D-Backs went nuts at the deadline unloading Ray, Bradley, Chafin, and Marte. Rockies picked up Pillar. Giants and Dodgers stood pat.
Well, well – “The deadline’s come and the deadline’s went; Pack up your bags and get on the bus
cause you ain’t goin’ nowhere”
Pretty much as I figured.
Hope this doesn’t come back to bite us. Kersh back holds up ?, Buehler is Buehler, putting lot trust in May,Urias. Be curious to see what Texas wanted ? Lynn only making $8 mil next year
Thinking about the Dodger’s need for a RH bat, I was thinking that it’s a real shame that David Freese decided to pack it in before it was announced that the DH would be employed in the NL this season. He would have been perfect in that role – saving his knees from too much strain.
That being said, maybe he didn’t fancy any more of Doc’s Playoff snubs either way?
Looks like we’ve stood pat.
I was thinking the same thing today. David Freese could roll out of bed and hit lefties.
Wow, good call. I didn’t think of that. Of course, I figured with Joc, Pollock, JT, etc, we’d be totally fine at DH
Mets acquire C Robinson Chirinos (Rangers), 3B Todd Frazier (Rangers), and RHRP Miguel Castro (Orioles).
2D2, on this important trading day, your fine article gets a big thank you from me for compiling all that interesting information. By the way, loved your parody especially the chorus “ Lux you ain’t goin’ nowhere”
Padres picked up another reliever. Cubs bragging about a 3 lefty pen.Ha, we have 5.
The Dodgers weren’t going to make a move unless it was for a substantial upgrade and they didn’t have to trade top talent for a 1 month rental. It sounds like they tried to pry Lance Lynn loose but the Rangers wanted too much.
I have been advocating for a solid #3 starter for the post-season and it didn’t work out. I get it.
Will one of the kids step up? Will they be able to throw more than 5 innings in a start? Right now, I’d say that May and Gonsolin have pitched the best to be #3 and #4 in a post-season rotation but we have another 25 games as an audition so I guess we will all find out who steps up.
Agreed – kind surprised that once Lynn out picture that AF didnt re-shift focus on vet innings eater. Not sure who was out there but even a Mike Minor was low cost. Not like AF to not make ANY moves.
Stripling has been dealt to the Blue Jays. So, they did do something.
Just heard that on ESPN. They did not say who the trade was for.
2 PTBNL was the price tag for Ross.
Those PTBNL guys sure get around….
Bob Ptbnl. Catcher. Moves well behind the plate, slap hitter, rarely Ks
Those PTBNL sure do get around Bear. I don’t know how a player gets this far in life and baseball, without a name?
I agree Phil. But Ichiro just had his first name on the back of his jersey when he played. Far as I know, the only player ever to do that. How weird was it that the Dodgers had two very good third basemen, 20 plus years apart, who’s last name started with a C, and both were only 3 letters? Billy Cox, and Ron Cey.
Odd move indeed. Maybe there is another late move yet to be revealed? It seems odd to subtract pitching in the present situation.
Chicken Strip was probably headed back to the pen with as bad as he has been lately. So, it is obvious they are going with Gonsolin, Urias and May as the 3-4-5 the rest of the way with maybe a spot start for White. What is weird is that the move took almost an hour after the deadline to be announced.
Blue Jays To Acquire Ross Stripling
Despite the fact he’s had a down year, the trade of Ross Stripling saddens me. He was a fine young man, who I enjoyed watching develop over the years.
It’s sad to see the players who were ripped off in 2017 leave without a title. However, I did expect to see him moved this deadline. Looking over his shoulder this year seemed to have an affect on him. He started out well, but has been giving up dingers like mad.
I think Vlodomer maybe onto something. With the number of players moving around for Pads it is going to take some time for everyone to get on the same page. And there isn’t much time til the post season. Adding players to the Dodgers right now could have changed the chemistry. We got this thing rolling now. The bats have woken up. I think Lux will solidify 2nd base. After Kersh and Buehler we will see pitching by committee. As the season moves through September May, Goose, Urías, and White will be pitching longer into games.
If it ain’t broke….
I think standing pat ( less Strip) was the wise thing to do. Maybe there will be room for Gray to show his stuff.
Urias WILL step up!
I would really like to see that!
Urias had BETTER step up. Or else it is BP time for him.
Someone, likely AC, mentioned either above or yesterday that PTBNL means someone who isn’t on that travel/extra team (like what we have with our guys at USC).
So most likely it’s 2 A level guys who are lottery tickets. Ross likely gets a shot to start full time, and not be shuttled back and forth between starting and relieving like he was here.
To be honest, on this team he’s not one of the 5 best starters, and he’s probably not one of the 6-7 best relievers either. We’ll know in 2-3 years if this was a good deal or not.
Jays added 3 starters to the mix, so now they have 6 Strip, Ray, Walker, Ryu, Anderson and Roarke. The two players the Dodgers got are both minor leaguers. Friedman said they are really excited about one of them, meaning he is in A or AA, and said he will be a compliment to their upcoming class, the other player will come from a bigger pool. Meaning probably low A or Rookie ball.
This comes from a stupid Padre fan…..
The Dodgers should be scared. The Padres lineup is one of the best two or three in baseball. And their starting rotation is looking pretty good. This is exciting.
Starting lineup by playoff time:
1) Trent Grisham, CF
2) Fernando Tatis Jr., SS
3) Manny Machado, 3B
4) Eric Hosmer, 1B
5) Tommy Pham, LF
6) Mitch Moreland, DH
7) Wil Myers, RF
8) Jake Cronenworth, 2B
9) Austin Nola, C
Starting rotation:
1) Mike Clevinger, RHP
2) Dinelson Lamet, RHP
3) Chris Paddack, RHP
4) Zach Davies, RHP
5) Garrett Richards, RHP
It is the relief pitching that needs to turn their ship around. If that happens, the Pads can beat the Dodgers.
Mackenzie Gore could sneak into that rotation. LHSP to face the Dodgers? I will be shocked if he isn’t on the roster the next time the Pads play LAD.
Relief – Drew Pomeranz (LHP), Trevor Rosentahl, Taylor Williams, Austin Adams, Matt Straham (LHP), Pierce Johnson, Emilio Pagan, Luis Patino
They may not be deep, but the starters are good.
They play SD once more in SD on the 14th, 15th and 16th before they head to Colorado. They have 24 games left, 8 of those are against good teams. 3 with SD, 3 with the A’s and 2 with the Astros. Dodgers finish up with the Angels while the Padres are playing the Giants. Padres on the other hand have only 6 games against elite competition, 3 with LA and 3 with the A’s. Otherwise they are playing the Giants, Rockies, Angels, and Mariners. and that’s it. While the Dodgers are playing the D Backs and the Rocks this week, SD will be up against the Angels for 2, and then the A’s. The Dodgers next 9 games should be very winnable. At least they should win a majority of them.
1. MLB.Radio gave AF and A+ for “standing pat! “The Dodgers didn’t need to do anything.”
2. The bullpen will be stronger with Strip gone. I liked him but he did not seize the day. AF will build up the farm with the PTBNL.
3. Clevinger: He is brittle; and 2. He lied and then put all his teammates at risk by getting on a plane with them after sneaking out. Maybe he is not the kind of character you want!
4. Preller has a way of screwing things up!
5. May, Urias or Gonsolin (or maybe all 3) will step up.
6. Good Luck, Ross!
I think they’re the second best team in the NL. I think they probably were before the deal considering the injuries the Braves have had to their pitching staff. There will most definitely be an adjustment period for the them. Especially with the two new catchers blending with the pitchers. The Padres gave up 6 quality players but for the most part dealt guys who were blocked. With this stupid playoff system, they are contenders.
The bullpen is better without Strip? Really? He has generally been a good reliever. In 11 post season games, Strip did not allow a run in 9 of them. Only 1 was bad. 2016 NLCS Game 4 against the Cubs. Dennis Santana is a better choice for long reliever? Doubtful.
Clevinger brittle? And Kershaw isn’t? Buehler has not been healthy all year. As brittle as you say Clevinger is, he is pitching better than Buehler so far this year. I have no comment on the character. His behavior was uncalled for.
Yeah that James Shields for Fernando Tatis, Jr. deal really went south for Preller. And that Zach Davies and Trent Grisham for Luis Urias and Eric Lauer deal has just turned out horrible for SD.
May, Urias or Gonsolin (or maybe all 3) will step up. They better. There is no plan B. Pitching in the playoffs is a little different than facing Mariners/DBacks/Rangers…
Seeing Stripling to the Blue Jays. I gotta asked a question does anybody know how long Giles is going to be out due to his elbow injury? Could Giles be a player to be named later?
I doubt it. AF typically wants prospects, and a flexor strain is often a precursor to TJ… still anything is possible. Giles is supposed to throw 20 pitches tomorrow.
All right thanks Mark.
Most likely young players who weren’t added to the 60 man player pool this year. I’m sure AF and his staff have their eyes on a few gems.
Haven’t we seen this movie from the Pads before ? spend big only to be letdown. I work with few Pad fans, I’m happy for them – lord knows they’ve suffered long enough. I applaud them for at least going for it while they can. We will see if Marks right about Preller.
I’m not sure we’ve seen “this movie” before from the Pads. I don’t ever remember when they had their organization rated in the top 1-3 for prospects for the last 4 years. I was wondering when these kids would get to the show or be traded for established players. It appears that time is now..
Thanks for the memories Ross. We will miss Chicken Strip. Good guy, good teammate! Just didn’t come together this year!
The Padres have been here before. In 2014 they “won” the off-season with a myriad of trades. Preller was called the “rock-star” of trades, as he went all in to make the Padres a winning team in 2015. That didn’t work out very well; The Pedres’ record over the next 5 years were, respectively: 74-88; 68-94; 71-91; 66-96; and 70-92. Turns out Preller wasn’t the rock star everyone thought at the time. In hindsight, I’m sure that he would have loved to hold onto some of the players traded away. Admittedly, he has better players to build around this year. Still, I’m not ready to hand the Padres the championship. That said, they’ll definitely be a lot more fun to play.
The Padres have scored 205 runs a game in 36 games, while the Dodgers have scored 204. That’s 5.6 Runs a game. The Dodgers have a 2.76 ERA, while the Padres have a 4.44 ERA. The Dodgers run differential is 90, while the Padres is 37. They may or may not have gotten better, but it not by a lot… in my opinion.
Sorry to see Ross go but he definitely needs a change in scenery.
I have a personal note from Ross. When he was with the Lookouts I sent a card requesting an autograph, complete with a self addressed envelope and US stamp. He signed the card but slipped it back into the sleeve before the autograph was dry so it smudged. His hand written note was an apology for the smudged autograph and an offer to sign another if I would send one. I wrote back, thanking him and explaining I was as pleased with the hand written note as I was with the autograph.
I really hope things go well for him in Toronto. I think there is a role for him in MLB but it needs to be defined and not have him moving from one role to another.
A sad goodbye to the Blue Bell PA born, Ross Stripling. I wish you only the best on the Jays but will miss your presence, spirit, intelligence and good teammanship on our team. I will always cheer you on except when you pitch against the Dodgers. So long Chicken Strips and say hello to Ryu.
I hope Strip has success in Toronto..err Buffalo. That park is a band box. But I will always remember Strip’s debut against the Giants and the 7 plus innings of no hit baseball, and when they needed him in 2018 he stepped up and became an all star. He may have faded, but he never let being pulled from the rotation bother him. He just went to the pen and did his job. Thanks for the good times Ross. You will be missed. Ya kind of knew this would happen after the failed trade to the Angels over the winter.
On the one hand, the Dodgers have the best record in this very abbreviated baseball season, and a record over .700 is hard to criticize. They should get the home field, except that it does not look like there will be any home field.
However, the Dodgers did nothing at all to improve their pitching staff. I guess they are figuring that Price will return after missing the whole season, and having a mediocre season last year, and be really good? Because their starting pitching staff consists of: Buehler, who was excellent last year, and has Cy Young Award potential, but hasn’t pitched as well so far this year. Kershaw, who is favorably surprising me so far this season, but hasn’t really pitched against many good lineups yet, and simply is not reliable in postseason. Urias, still touted but still disappointing so far. May, who has lots of talent, but has a way to go before he is a top pitcher. Gonsolin, who also has a lot of upside, but has not had anything close to a full season to prove how good he might be. And that’s it, that’s whom we are relying on the rest of the way.
This pitching staff is the big question mark, going into short series playoffs against at least a few teams which may well be better 1 to 3 in starting pitching. We do seem to have an excellent bullpen. I do not like other teams picking up some very good pitchers in the last couple of years, when we have not. Will the Padres have a better starting staff than we do next year? Very possible. I’m not saying that we should have absolutely gone for Clevenger, but we have not gone out and gotten a top pitcher in many years, unless one wants to stretch it to include Price. There is a lot of confidence in this organization about the futures of Urias, May, now Gonsolin and Gray. I have not seen too many Dodgers pitchers in the last, say, six years, rise up from the minors to become stars. Buehler is the only one I can think of. If some team is dangling a highly regarded starter at the trade deadline, it would be nice to see us occasionally obtain him, rather than demur, and let a rival grab him.
Final thought: If we win the title in this aberrational season, but the Padres are better than we are for the next few seasons, would that be okay, because we won the title in the 60-game season? I hope not. Signing Mookie Betts was outstanding, and gratifying after years of watching the organization seemingly refusing to spend prospects or big money on top trade possibilities. But that one move might turn out to be the major exception, and the Dodgers are going to continue to rely on the farm system, and let other clubs pick up the bargains at the trade deadlines. Sometimes those pitchers are the ones who come up big in the playoffs and get a team over the hump to a championship.
So, the Rotation is:
1. Kershaw – 1.80 ERA
2. Buehler – 4.32 ERA
3. Gonsolin – 0.51 ERA
3. May – 2.83 ERA
3. Urias – 3.67 ERA
Let the youngsters battle it out. You are what your record says you are!
Price will be back next year and Gray is another year away.
San Diego’s starters (ALL RH- Yummm):
1) Mike Clevinger – 3.18 ERA
2) Dinelson Lamet – 2.35 ERA
3) Chris Paddack – 4.43 ERA
4) Zach Davies – 2.61 ERA
5) Garrett Richards – 5.17 ERA
I beleive the #1 LHP prospect, MacKenzie Gore, will be making his debut this year, and maybe against the Dodgers. The Dodgers did not hurt Lamet or Davies. I am guessing that SD will feel very confident facing the Dodgers.
Just as I thought. We don’t need anything to be considered the best because we already are and have done so with rookie pitching and a third of our lineup doing the Mendoza two step. All those Padres moves in effort to catch us. And you know they won’t.
I’m not worried going forward. We have a stacked system and will be going after Lindor this off season. Cleveland will be bounced early and be making more moves this winter.
Our young pitchers will be fine in the playoffs. It will be like it has been all year for them, pitching in an empty stadium against teams they already know the Dodgers can beat.
It’s a great time to be a Dodger fan.
Who are you and what did you do with Badger?
I don’t know but I think he’s wearing a make America great again cap!
I’ve been saying all year everyone is chasing us. You guys must have missed it.
Padres are better. But they haven’t caught up yet.
The Padres do not have to catch the Dodgers. They just have to beat them in the NLDS. The Dodgers are 4-3 against them in their first 7 games, and the Padres just got better. So really all they need is to be one game better.
But we have had some serious slumpers playing. Joc, Muncy, Belli, the two C’s, and even Mookie to a small degree. I don’t think we’ve seen a hot Mookie, yet. Mookie, Mookie, lend me your comb!
I predicted the Dodgers would not make a trade, but I am not happy about it. No Clevinger. No Lynn. No Bundy. No Merrifield (why anyone believed that would happen I have no clue). No Hader (another no brainer that would not happen). No Rosenthal. No RH bat coming off the bench (like David Freese). They lose the potential of AJ Ramos. Their big change…Gavin Lux at 2B against RHP. Dodgers have not had a lot of problems hitting RHP, so they MAY have improved where they were strongest. What happens to Lux when Rios comes back?
The Dodgers have decided that it is best to have Dennis Santana as the long man reliever rather than Ross Stripling. Those 2 PTBNL are NOT going to help the Dodgers in 2020. But Oh Boy, those 2021 AZL Dodgers should be rockin’, (maybe). I hope it all works out, because a number of teams got better (especially the Padres) and the Dodgers did nothing. The Dodgers should enter the post season as the #1 seed. This year having the best overall record means nothing since there is no home field advantage.
What happens if Clevinger goes on one of those Justin Verlander 2017 late season runs for the Padres? What happens if Mitch Moreland looks more like Steve Pearce in the post season? It may have been several years ago, but Trevor Rosenthal has an outstanding post season resume. His pitching is getting closer to that pre injury status. Austin Adams could be a good addition to the bullpen when he gets back from his knee injury later this month. Late day addition, Taylor Williams, has a high ERA, but for the 14 games Williams has pitched, he has allowed a run in only three games…5 against the Pads, 3 against LAA and 1 against Houston. That is zero runs in 11 of his relief appearances. He was pretty effective against the Dodgers in two relief appearances.
For those of you who wanted the playoff rotation of Buehler, Kershaw, and two of May/Gonsolin/Urias…you get your wish. There are 24 games remaining. Assuming Wood will not be making any starts, all of the starters will get 5 or 4 starts. That is relying a lot of three unproven pitchers. I would have preferred that the Dodgers got Lance Lynn (or Clevinger or Bundy) and moved Gonsolin to closer. I do not know if Gonsolin can be a top starter THIS year, but his stuff more than plays up as a closer right now. With his fastball and change, he can be unhittable in high leverage situations. Right now May looks to be the #3, and the #4 will be between Urias and Gonsolin. The non-starter goes to the bullpen.
If the season were to end now, the Dodgers figure to face one of Colorado, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Mets, Brewers, Reds in best two of three with no home field advantage. Starting pitchers:
Cincinnati – Sonny Gray, Trevor Bauer, Luis Castillo
Mets – Jacob de Grom, Seth Lugo, David Peterson (LHP)
Phillies – Zach Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Zach Eflin or Spencer Howard once he gets more experience.
Colorado – Kyle Freeland (LHP), German Marquez, Antonio Senzatela
Giants – Johnny Cueto, Kevin Gausman, Logan Webb
Brewers – Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes, Brett Anderson (LHP)
If I were facing the Dodgers, I would consider starting a LHP in Game 1.
The Giants have no LHSP, but they were in all 10 games against the Dodgers.
The Dodgers have owned the Rockies lately, but there are two series remaining for 2020. The Mets owned the Dodgers in 1988, and we know how that turned out.
If the Dodgers get thru the first series, they will probably play the Padres. If they get by the Pads, they will undoubtedly face the Cubs or Braves. The Cubs picked up two LHRP that they will get to use against the Dodgers.
The Dodgers currently have rookies RHP Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin in the rotation. Then 14 of the top 30 prospects happen to be RHP.
Josiah Gray
Brusdar Graterol
Bobby Miller
Clayton Beeter
Mitch White
Landon Knack
Gerardo Carrillo
Michael Grove
Edwin Uceta
Ryan Pepiot
Hyun-il Choi
Jimmy Lewis
Brett de Geus
Andre Jackson
Just how many of those RHP will the Dodgers be able to maintain? Or could it be that other team’s GMs are no longer going to take AF’s word on the quality of their farm hands. Previous farm hands of the Dodgers have not all panned out once traded. Frankie Montas is the one who has. There is time for others, but thus far none have taken that step.
I am as big of a fan of the MiLB players as anyone. The Dodgers could have used a SP. I have no clue as to what the asking price for Lance Lynn was. I do see what Clevinger’s price tag was. It may have been high, but if San Diego gets to the WS this year they will not think so. With the number of quality players still in control, the Pads will still be good in 2021 and for the next several years. If San Diego does get to the WS this year, at least LAD will be able to say they did not have to leverage the 2021-2024 teams. If not this year, when? For the last 31 years, the Dodgers’ continual response is next year.
Of course I am still all in on the Dodgers, but my confidence is not as strong as it was before yesterday.
I am hoping for a Dodgers/NYY (or Houston or anyone) WS, but I would not be surprised to see the Padres vs. the Blue Jays in the WS. The two teams that made the most significant changes.
For whatever variety of reasons, the Dodgers shy away from acquiring potential star pitchers at the trade deadline. The sort of exception was Darvish, but he was a rental, and he was not pitching well that season. No Lackey or Lester or Hamels or Verlander. Three out of those four did very well in the postseasons after we let them go elsewhere. Of course we can’t get everybody, but since we have not won a title since 1988, it might behoove us to go somewhat further than we have, to try to win one. And it is not like someone like Clevinger would have come for that high a price, or couldn’t have helped us for next year, too, which will hopefully be a full season.
We know what is required to win in playoff baseball. You almost always need three very good starters. who have pitched in big-game situations. I have no idea what the Dodgers’ finances are now, it is a difficult period. But i assume that they are stronger than the Padres’ are. Last year Washington picked up some good relief pitchers at the deadline, while we got nobody. Did it make the difference? Maybe, who can know for sure? If the Padres beat us out this year in the playoffs, or are better for the next few years, it probably will be as a result of the disparity in what they picked up, and we did not. If we are better than they are, if we are the best team in the National League next year, and win the title, then we did the right thing by once again standing pat at the trade deadline, while other teams took some risks, took advantage of some seller teams to add some very good players. Two terms that come to mind in our situation, are “cavalier,” and “narrow window of opportunity.”
Nats did pick up Daniel Hudson last year at the deadline, and he was a difference maker.
Darvish may have been a rental, but if he produced, I would have thought the Dodgers would have signed him. He was the best prospect I have seen on this team in years. He’s got the tools, the body, but maybe he didn’t have the head when he was here. He seems to have turned the corner with the Cubs. I still say letting Ryu go was a mistake since the Dodgers knew the position they would be in with the 3 young starters being questionable in playoff situations. Price’s opt out didn’t help matters. Now, reality has set in. For me, the BP will be the decider. 3-4 innings from the young guys and the rest of the game divvied up for the BP. Our bats should help put most teams to bed.
I still say ‘MONEY’ is the factor that keeps the Dodgers quiet in trade talks. They are betting the farm on it!
Did Doc really say that Lux was going to start against right handed pitching?
sbuffalo – “Now that Dave Roberts has said Gavin Lux will start against right-handers, seems to indicate the Dodgers feel comfortable with second base moving forward. Still think Lux has huge upside.”
I don’t know if Lux right now is a huge upside. I think he will be in the future or be traded for value, but probably not right now. I hope I’m wrong and he runs with the opportunity.
I know that splits aren’t the only important thing to look at right now at 2nd base but here’s the issue:
* CT3 would be my pick versus right handers. He’s a premier defender and has reverse splits this year (not for his career) His .286 BA is by far the best at that position. Against lefties .176.
* Kike also has reverse splits. Versus righties .234. Versus lefties a CT3 like .172.
* Muncy, who isn’t my fav defensively at 2nd is hitting .193 versus righties and .220 versus lefties.
So, in this group you have CT3 the clear winner against right handed pitching.
And nobody who hits lefties.
If Doc thinks Lux can hit better than or close to .286, than that’s the move. If Lux can’t, I say start CT3.
So far with a very limited sample size, Lux can’t hit left-handers either (.083), Righties .257.
Maybe the answer, based on splits, is to start CT3 in left with Lux at 2nd versus righties.
Against lefties, I DON”T KNOW.
Muncy at 2nd and Pollock in left are the best numbers. (.220 and .333)
If Lux could hit both as I suspect he did in the minors…………problem solved.
This team looks a lot like the teams in past years except worse starting pitching and a better bullpen. We do not hit well in the clutch. We look for the homer. We do not move runners well and strikeout too much with runners in scoring position. We certainly have been through the playoff fire but experience has not been our friend. I just fear with a runner at third and less than 2 out we strikeout again. We have led the league in runs scored against a weak schedule and weak bullpens. Playoffs are a different animal.
Pitching wise we have the arms. We have got to have a better plan than in previous years and execute. History says buehler can do it and kershaw can’t. Kershaw seems to have better stuff this year and buehler just the opposite. The rest of our starting staff are ??? There are so many teams that can match up in a short series. I hope we don’t play the Giants because I’m not so sure we win.
Over the course of a season our depth and talent wins. In a short series many teams can matchup. Any team with major leaguers can get hot and take you out. The Dodgers could be the hot team this year….or not. With the rotation not going deep into games our bullpen could be the difference. The bullpen will have to be good.
The Dodgers are as good a bet as anybody to win it all. All teams have weaknesses and most if not all more than us. The rule change with relievers may help us as it takes some moves away from our manager. That has got to be a plus. Belli, muncy, etc are trending up but they could really get hot at the right time along with kike,joc etc. the odds are the ball has to bounce our way eventually. Doesn’t it? Our young pitching could put it all together. We could play over our head and even get lucky! Go Dodgers!!
We are the favorites, Ten! Remember that. But they still have to execute. No one has really shut down the Dodgers, yet. We have a juggernaut on the field. Teams are trying to catch up. With Belli coming back to life we can expect those HRs to be raining down. Mookie hasn’t even gotten hot yet. They young guns are just getting stretched out. There is a lot to be optimistic about. The BP has never looked as good. Remember last season and the shape of the BP and Jansen? Everyone cringed when Jansen came in. I’ve got to think the Dodgers chances are great, but they do have to execute and not choke. What we fear most is the choke.
You said “Teams are trying to catch up.” No they are not. Teams know they cannot catch the Dodgers. They do not care. Especially this year without home field advantage. All they care is to be in a position to beat them in a short series. Just like the Nats last year, and Boston, Houston, Chicago, NY Mets and St. Louis before that. Do you really think the Padres are not eager to face the Dodgers in a best of 7 at a neutral site? The Dodgers before the trades were only 4-3 against the Pads so far this year. I doubt the Padres fear the Dodgers.
Of course they are trying to catch up, Jeff Jr. Why else would they be so active at the trade deadline? First, you’ve got to get to the playoffs. Then you have to execute. Pads are making sure that they get there. Every team is hoping for the same result as the Pads. We have as good a chance as anyone to put those teams down provided we execute. Sure, I would have liked to see some changes and bringing in some more help, but this team is loaded and every year there are always some worries going into the playoffs. Execution is the only thing that this team needs to do to win. If not now, NEVER. (of course never is not logical but you get my drift)
Padres stole Clevinger, joke of a return, a bunch of 40 to 45’s headed to Cleveland, do not get it. I wonder if we were in at all?
I agree with Jeff, not thrilled we stood pat at the deadline. We had the ability to go get a Lynn or Hader and failed to do so, but Friedman rarely gives to get, if the deal is not one sided he backs off. Perhaps people are on to him and his ability to only serve up busted or once in awhile marginal players to other teams. Card Hustlers win in the moment but lose long term because no one will play with them.
Well now we have to rely on the kids and Dave Rock and Roll Roberts to manage the pen through 15 games.
That is a very worthwhile analogy. As someone who used to play a lot of home game poker (Lowball, which went out of vogue), i know that when someone has a reputation as a “tight” player, people really don’t want to play with him; and even if they have to, they will not play many hands with him. That can work to his advantage if he is really smart, but it’s not great for trying to round up a friendly game. As a boy trading baseball cards, I would realize when someone would not make a trade unless he had an edge, so I would not even bother trying. As an attorney, I found which opposing attorneys were willing to reasonably negotiate, and which would barely give up anything; and with the latter, I would just say, “Let’s set the case for Trial.” I have always liked negotiating, and trying to come up with a deal which would leave both sides feeling reasonably happy about it.
Now, of course we do not get to know what AF or Kasten offer. But it does seem notable that we make very few deadline or offseason trades, and often they are dumping salary on our part, or trades of minor leaguers. We look at the Clevinger trade, and we say, “Couldn’t we have come up with a comparable package?”as we have said in other such situations. Obviously, GMs prefer to trade with other GMs who will gamble with them, rather than try to fob off players whom they have already decided are not very good, and have a whole list of so-called “untouchable” players whom they will never include.
The Padres didn’t trade their untouchables. They traded players that were blocked and moved on from a catcher who was an automatic out.
If the Dodgers stood pat, the likely reason is that teams wanted more than AF was prepared to give. Cleveland may have wanted San Diego’s package more than what AF was willing to offer… or maybe… just maybe AF felt that Clevinger was not a person of high character who would fit in with the Dodgers. BTW, many of Clevinger’s teammates did not want him back.
I have no clue, but it is a possibility that AF was in to drive up the price for Preller… and don’t say that the Indians got a joke of a return. SI said this:
Don’t sleep on Cleveland. This is the right move for the Indians, too. They are once again in the thick of a pennant chase, with an elite starting rotation leading the way. So why did they deal with their second-best starter? Because they have silenced opposing hitters without needing Clevinger, who has made just four starts this season due to his team-issued timeout.
Cleveland traded a strength to address a few weaknesses. Josh Naylor, a 23-year-old former first-round draft pick, can play the outfield and first base and should provide some lefty pop to a lineup that has underperformed so far this season. Naylor didn’t get regular at-bats in the San Diego lineup, but he should see plenty of action in Cleveland against right-handers. The Indians have the worst outfield OPS (.572) in the American League; Naylor has a .732 OPS.
Catcher Austin Hedges, one of the best defensive backstops in the game, has never developed as a hitter like the Padres would have hoped, but his 67 OPS+ this season is actually better than that of both Indians catchers, Roberto Perez (24 OPS+) and Sandy Leon (46 OPS+). All three are having poor offensive seasons, but Hedges is the best hitter of the three defense-first catchers.
Right-hander Cal Quantrill has been quite good in relief for San Diego this year, posting a 171 ERA+ in 17 1/3 innings (10 games), and will add some depth to the dependable Cleveland bullpen.
As for the three prospects, the one that jumps out is shortstop Gabriel Arias, who MLB.com ranked seventh in the San Diego system. If the Indians have to let Francisco Lindor walk as a free agent after next season, Arias could be their shortstop of the future.
This feels like what Cleveland did at last year’s deadline when it traded Trevor Bauer to the Reds (a three-team deal that also included San Diego). Both Bauer and Clevinger carry some baggage, but don’t read too much into their blemishes. The Indians dealt both pitchers because they could afford to do so and not lose much due to the strength of their rotation.
We won’t know if this trade truly is a win-win until we see how the Cleveland prospects fare when they become big leaguers. But, even if this isn’t as even a deal as an Aroldis Chapman-for-Gleyber Torres type of swap, Cleveland is still playoff caliber in 2020 without Clevinger. And due to their deep rotation, the Indians will be a scary matchup for any of the great American League lineups come October.
I am OK with what the Dodgers have right now. They have 3 young starters… all of whom have terrific stuff. We all have sight. Do we all have vision? I believe that May, Gonsolin and Urias will rise, whether it’s for 3 innings or 7 innings. All we need are 3!
I have never been a fan of Clevinger… I just don’t respect him. His latest screw-up is evidence. Maybe I’m wrong, but I think AF made the right moves, with No Moves! MLB.Radio gave the Dodgers and Yankees A’s for not making any moves.
Urias, May and Gonsolin are exceptional talents. Let them show out!
And if they do not get it done this year, it’s going to be, but they are going to be solid next year. Just like the last several years.
Updated NL odds:
+380 Los Angeles Dodgers
+1400 Atlanta Braves
+1500 Chicago Cubs
+1600 San Diego Padres
+3300 Cincinnati Reds
+3800 Philadelphia Phillies
+3800 St. Louis Cardinals
+4100 Milwaukee Brewers
+4100 New York Mets
And if the Padres should overachieve? Good for them! They’ve sucked for a while and have rebuilt the way that works for them. They are an exciting young team that are fun to watch. They are on right now clobbering Colorado, with which I have no problem.
We’re still the team to beat. And if we don’t get it done? Shame on us.
I am not mad that AF did not make a major trade. I doubted he would. I liked Strip, but he was not going to get much better, he was actually getting worse. Now he goes where he will most likely be part of the rotation, even though the Jays now have 6 starters after picking up 3 in the last couple of days. As for the Dodgers cannot hit lefty starters, this may be very true, but the team record in games that left hander’s have started is 8-1. Joe was commenting on that the other day. Now, as long as Turner’s injury is not a lingering one, and Muncy, Bellinger, and Pederson keep getting a little better than they have been, the offense should be fine. They are far enough in front that they can afford to give Lux some playing time and see what he can do. Rios is supposed to be back tomorrow. When he is activated, I think they will send a pitcher down, either Santana, or one of the lefty’s in the pen, most likely Gonzalez. The Padres did get better. They added 2 new catchers who have 23 games after tonight to learn their staff. Clevinger has not pitched all that much against the NL, so he is going to have to rely on scouting reports for his game plans because neither of his catchers have played the NL that much either. I think between Castro and Nola, they caught 4 of the games the Dodgers played against the Angels and Mariners. So, there will be an adjustment period. Maybe they come in and are nails, but you never can tell. The worst thing about the expanded playoffs is a 3 game first round. The Dodgers, no matter who they play in that round are going to have to come out firing on all cylinders. 8 NL teams, to 4 NL teams to the NLCS. Dodgers will have to be sharp no matter who they play. Now someone mentioned that the Dodgers are 4-3 against the Padres. Only one of those losses were by more than one run, the 6-2 game on the 11th of August. But the Dodgers wins were all by more than one run except the game where Taylor threw out the tying run at the plate in the 9th. Their other 3 wins were by scores of 5-2, 6-0, and 11-2. The Giants play the Dodgers a lot tougher than that. And they do not have but one quality starter. Cueto. They scored 2 off of Lamet. in the 5-2 game late to knock him out, and then beat the bull pen, the 6-0 game they beat Davies. The 11-2 game, they beat Paddack and hit 3 homers off of him. That was by the way, Urias best start of the year. I do not fear the Padres. I fear a let down in a 3 game set, but the Dodgers have not lost a series all year.