A few weeks ago, in their zeal to break a story, several news outlets and Dodger blogs reported that the Great Lakes Loons were out as the Dodgers’ Low-A Affiliate and that Spokane would essentially take their place. It was even reported that Rancho Cucamonga would become the Low-A Affiliate while Spokane was to be the High-A Affiliate.
This rumor may or may not have started with J.P. Hoornstra, but he was riding point and reporting it. J.J. Cooper of Baseball America disputed it and here we are, with Jorge Castillo of Th LA Times reporting the following:
“The Dodgers announced they intend to keep their top four affiliates — Oklahoma City; Tulsa, Okla.; Great Lakes, Mich.; and Rancho Cucamonga — though Great Lakes and Rancho Cucamonga are slated to flip levels. Great Lakes, previously the Dodgers’ low-A team, will be the high-A affiliate. Rancho Cucamonga, the Dodgers’ California League affiliate since 2011, will be the low-A club.“
The Loons will be the Dodgers’ High-A Affiliate. The ball flies in the California League, so Great Lakes will be a little more realistic venue for higher levels of A League Players. I look forward to seeing them this Summer – I am counting on it! I am sure this news makes Harold Uhlman very happy. It has been rumored that Harold was on suicide watch since the erroneous report was launched and that his wife had hidden all sharp objects. This is only a rumor and cannot be substantiated! At any rate, it was great to read his blog on Mike Busch yesterday! Nobody covers the minor leagues like Harold Uhlman!
It would make sense for the Dodgers to move their High-A Team from the Midwest to the West Coast just for logistics, but that is not happening THIS year. I do think it probably will happen, but it is not pressing. The Loons are in a good league there is no reason to make a move just for the sake of making a move. If a move is made, it needs to better the team and I doubt a move to Spokane make them better.
People in Vero Beach still hate the Dodgers for moving West and frankly, I was disappointed – my wife and I had planned to buy a condo in Vero Beach and spend the winters there — She likes the area and I could have been in Dodger Heaven for the entire Spring Training, but it only made sense for the Dodgers to move to Glendale. I didn’t like it, but that is life. I still miss that place… it was magical! Once, when I was walking along Jackie Robinson Avenue, as I came to Roy Campanella Blvd., I swear I saw Roy and Jackie walking and talking – Roy was not in a wheelchair. I am sure their ghosts are still there and they have some great games. Vero Beach is hallowed ground! Camelback Ranch is great, but nothing compares to the original Dodgertown!
I have always realized that I am a blogger and while it is great to hear hot news, if someone wants to break it fast – I’m OK with that. This right here is now old news – It was released yesterday at about noon.
Dodger Press Release
DODGERS EXTEND INVITATIONS TO MINOR LEAGUE COMMUNITIES
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that they have extended invitations to keep their minor league affiliates in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Great Lakes and Rancho Cucamonga.
With the invitations extended to the four communities, the Dodgers will have their short-season teams work out of their Spring Training site in Camelback Ranch in Glendale, AZ and at Campo Las Palmas in the Dominican Republic.
“Our minor league communities are an integral part of the success we have had at the Major League level as each affiliate provides high quality facilities and comprehensive support essential to developing World Champion caliber players,” said President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. “We are proud of the stability our minor league affiliates have provided over the years and we want continue our relationships with Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Great Lakes and Rancho Cucamonga.”
Pending the acceptance of the invitation, the Dodgers will enter their seventh straight season with Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The organization will continue their relationship with Great Lakes for their 14th consecutive season and with Rancho Cucamonga for their 11th year.”
To Be Decided!
All 30 MLB franchises will have a Class AAA team, a AA team, a high-Class A and low-Class A team, along with developmental teams and personnel at complexes in Arizona, Florida and the Dominican Republic. The annual amateur draft, once 40 rounds, will now be 20 rounds, depressing the need for additional affiliates.
There is still a lot to be decided and many clubs are impacted. Currently, this is how it shakes out:
A list of the 43 clubs that will or are expected to lose affiliations with MLB franchises and their new assignments:
Appalachian Collegiate Summer League
Team, previous affiliation
Bluefield (West Virginia), Blue Jays
Bristol (Virginia), Pirates
Burlington (North Carolina), Royals
Danville (Virginia), Braves
Elizabethton (Tennessee), Twins
Greeneville (Tennessee), Reds
Johnson City (Tennessee), Cardinals
Kingsport (Tennessee), Mets
Princeton (West Virginia), Rays
Pulaski (Virginia), Yankees
MLB Draft League
Team, previous affiliation
Mahoning Valley (Ohio), Indians
State College (Pennsylvania), Cardinals
West Virginia, Pirates
Williamsport (Pennsylvania), Phillies
Trenton (New Jersey), Yankees
Frederick (Maryland), Orioles
Note: Trenton moved from Class AA Eastern League and Frederick from the high-A Carolina League; all others from short-season New York-Penn League
Pioneer independent league
Team, previous affiliation
Billings (Montana)
Missoula (Montana)
Great Falls (Montana) White Sox
Idaho Falls (Idaho) Royals
Ogden (Utah) Dodgers
Grand Junction (Colorado) Rockies
Orem (Utah) Angels
Rocky Mountain (Colorado) Brewers
No current league
Team, previous affiliation
Lowell (Massachusetts) Red Sox
Hagerstown (Maryland) Nationals
Burlington (Iowa) Angels
Clinton (Iowa) Marlins
Kane County (Illinois) Diamondbacks
Lexington (Kentucky) Royals
Charlotte (Florida) Rays
West Virginia (Charleston) Mariners
(North Port) Florida, Braves
Salem-Keizer (Oregon) Giants
Staten Island (New York) Yankees
Batavia (New York) Marlins
Auburn (New York) Nationals
Norwich (Connecticut) Tigers
Tri-City (New York) Astros
Vermont (Burlington) A’s
Lancaster (California) Rockies*
Boise (Northwest) Rockies
* Lancaster may become a low-Class A Rockies affiliate if Fresno turns down an invitation to join the California League.
From USA Today
Misc. Dodger News
- Ken Gurnick reports this: “Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts was named to the 2020 All-MLB First Team, which was announced on MLB Network on Wednesday. Shortstop Corey Seager and starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw were named to the All-MLB Second Team. Seager finished behind the Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr., while Kershaw couldn’t break into the First Team rotation comprised of the Reds’ Trevor Bauer, the Mets’ Jacob deGrom, the Cubs’ Yu Darvish, the Indians’ Shane Bieber and the Braves’ Max Fried. Third baseman Justin Turner, the other Dodgers finalist, was third at his position behind winner Manny Machado of the Padres and runner-up José Ramírez of the Indians.” Congratulations!
- Josh Byrnes allegedly has decided to stay with the Dodgers and not consider the Philadelphia job. Philly is a mess and I would bet that right about now, Bryce Harper rues the day he signed there.
- Publically, MLB Is saying to prepare for next season without the DH in the NL. Few people believe that. Manfred is trying to use that as a bargaining chip, which once again proves what he has in common with a bag of hammers.
Allie Sherlock
If you have never heard this little 15-year-old girl sing, you are in for a treat. She has an amazing voice that she is still learning to use.
Discussion (55)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Dodgers nearing an agreement with Utility man, Carlos Asuaje to a minor league deal. Last played with SD in 2018 Asuaje has seen most of his playing time at 3rd and 1st base. He is a left handed hitter. Seems to be insurance signing.
Rams making the Patriots look pretty bad.
I know Fresno sucks but we produce championship players lol.
I don’t buy the Bauer chatter. I’m a fan but our 2021 payroll still has some fat on it and looks to be leaner in 2022.
Seager is the guy I’d be throwing money at if that’s what we’re looking to do.
We’re still likely to retain Turner and add a LH reliever and possibly a bench bat.
We don’t need much more than that.
The Official Press Release:
DODGERS PROMOTE JANET MARIE SMITH TO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the promotion of Janet Marie Smith to Executive Vice President of Planning and Development.
“Janet has done a tremendous job leading our improvement projects over the last nine years, embracing every nuanced challenge and incorporating Dodger history at every turn. Dodger Stadium has always been the most beautiful place in the world to watch a sporting event, and now it has the modern amenities to match that beauty,” said Dodger President and CEO Stan Kasten. “From day one, our priority has been to have the best facilities in sports, and under Janet’s leadership, we’ve completely reimagined what’s possible at Dodger Stadium from a business, baseball and fan experience perspective. The Dodgers and our fans are fortunate to have her.”
Smith originally joined the Dodgers in 2012 as a Senior Vice President, Planning and Development and immediately began work on a large scale project that involved the removal of the Field Level seats and an extensive excavation to construct new home and visiting clubhouses, batting cages, weight rooms as well as the installation new hexagonal HD DodgerVision boards. During subsequent years, her team worked to create entrance plazas, tiered seating and bar areas overlooking the bullpens, widen concourses, renovate restrooms, enhance concession stands and install children’s play areas throughout the ballpark. In 2020, the Dodgers completed their latest project which created a new “front door” to Dodger Stadium with two acres of food and entertainment offerings in the new Centerfield Plaza and renovated Pavilions, while also improving ballpark circulation through the addition of elevators, escalators and bridges. Beyond the large scale projects, Smith oversaw the design and installation of the Jackie Robinson statue in 2017, and her touches and attention to detail can be found throughout the ballpark with the large retired numbers, oversized bobbleheads, repurposing of historical artifacts and art displays that provide great photo opportunities for Dodger fans.
Smith, the highest-ranking woman in the Dodger organization outside of ownership, also oversaw the extensive renovation and expansion of Campo Las Palmas – the club’s home in the Dominican Republic – in 2017. The campus now includes state-of-the-art baseball training facilities among its 10 buildings, which house 96 players, 19 coaches and support staff. It also features four classrooms, social areas and a community field for little league play – part of the organization’s commitment to serving the local community surrounding the complex.
Prior to joining the Dodgers, Smith worked for the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves, overseeing the design and construction of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the preservation and improvements at Fenway Park and the transformation of the 1996 Olympic Stadium into Turner Field in Atlanta. She also oversaw the development of Philips Arena (now State Farm Arena), home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. She later returned to the Orioles to oversee the complete renovation of Ed Smith Stadium, the club’s Spring Training facility in Sarasota, FL, and supervise renovations on Camden Yards, which set the standard for a new wave of ballparks when it opened in 1992. Smith has also consulted on countless venue projects throughout sports.
From what I’ve read, it looks like the Northwest League survived the MLB axe. As a Northwest resident half the year, I’m happy to see the Tri-Cities keep a franchise. It looks like it will be Vancouver BC (Jays), Tri-Cities (Angels), Everette (M’s), Hillsboro (D-Backs), Eugene (Giants) and Spokane (Rockies). The league will move up to A+ from short A. If the Dodgers want to move to the NW, they’ll have to move the Rockies franchise.
Take this one with a grain of salt, Rosenthal predicted Bauer to the Dodgers about 4 minutes ago on the Talkin Baseball live stream. Dodgers promote Janet Marie Smith to Executive VP.
Zack Pop was traded to the Marlins by the D-Backs almost immediately after he was drafted from the Orioles. Texas gets 1st baseman Nate Lowe from the Rays.
It’s unfortunate that Lancaster lost the minor league team. Quality stadium, well maintained field, good fan base and a really good booster group. Now the city has a stadium that has no practical use. This after taxpayers paid millions to build it. I always enjoyed watching games there, always attended games with Rancho Cucumonga. But dropping the entire league from high A to low A may make it less enticing to watch. Many of the better players may simply bypass Low A and go directly High A. Fresno is a great sports town, but a drop in class is something they should have walked away from, told the MLB to take a flying leap.
Lancaster has no idea what to do with a stadium the MLB encouraged them to build. But without having to maintain the field to MLB standards, it will save Lancaster $400,000 a year.
Looks like the Phils are close to bringing on Dombrowsky as their Pres of Baseball Ops. If past is predictive of the future, he’ll decimate what little is left of the farm system and spend as much money as Middleton allows him to in order to bring the MLB roster up as quickly as possible.
That’s probably good for Realmuto who, if the Mets sign McCann, is facing a dwindling market for his services.
That bullpen needs another late inning option if not a legit closer. It’s our only glaring weakness. Cmon AF be a pig, not a piglet!
Pedro Moura’s 2021 Dodger Roster Projections:
https://theathletic.com/2248595/2020/12/09/dodgers-roster-2021-projection/
Not many surprises, but here’s the Bullpen:
Jansen
Graterol
Gonzalez
Kelly
Knebel
Shane Greene
Floro
Kolarek
Alexander
Taylor at 2B and Turner at 3B. Reks to platoon with Pollock
Bench: Barnes, Rios, Beaty, McKinstry.
He ends with this:
This leaves Gavin Lux off the roster, but it does not mean he won’t factor into the Dodgers’ 2021 plans. While it’s not likely he’ll be carried all season as a reserve, he could supplant Chris Taylor at second base and turn Taylor back into a utilityman. The above arrangement would also leave the Dodgers without much outfield coverage, but they have plenty on the 40-man roster. Reks and Luke Raley are left-handed hitting corner options; D.J. Peters is a right-handed hitter who has played more center.
Zach McKinstry, the utilityman in waiting, is an infielder by trade, but the Dodgers made a point of giving him outfield playing time in 2018 and 2019. And his only major-league start in 2020 came in right field.
Hey Badger, in answer to your question to me yesterday, I don’t know Keith Henderson or Rick Bosetti but while I never played with him, Buster Pidgeon played in Pulaski and Spartanburg as I recall.
Good to see the Loons staying. They come to Cedar Rapids every other season so I make the drive up to check them out.
Looks like the Reds and the Mets are restocking their farm system with the MiLB phase though a lot of Reds/Mets back and forth movement
What the hell are the Angels doing? Pirates nabbed RHP Jose Soriano from them, then they select RHP Jose Rivera from the Astericks. Should have just added Soriano to their 40 man?
I’m not too concerned about de Gaus or Sheffield. I didn’t see them as being plausible for the pen this year. Hopefully we are going to pick up at least one more established reliever. My prediction, Sheffield will be back this year after getting bombed in Colorado. de Gaus probably has a better chance of sticking on a Rangers team that’s going nowhere.
MiLB phase
Shea Spitzbarth to Pittsburgh
Tyler Gilbert to Arizona
Errol Robinson to Cincinnati
Chris Roller to Cleveland
Dodgers take Ryan January from Arizona
Brett deGeus taken with the second pick in the Rule 5 by the Rangers. Too many former Dodger people out there to hide guys like this.
Fresno accepted the invitation. The city was going to sue, but i guess they thought it might be better to just take what they could. Rule 5 draft today. I did not expect too much action this winter meeting and we probably will not see much movement until after the new year.
It would appear there are plenty of minor league jobs for development. Will they play? I’m reading that best case scenario has 70% of America vaccinated by mid summer. How often have we seen “best case” scenarios play out over the last few years? I think 100 games is optimistic at the ML level and maybe half that in the minors.
Sherlock is impressive. I’d never heard of her but I’m out of it so that means nothing. She’s actually been performing since she was around 11, signed a record deal at 13. Some people are just born with it. Sanskaras.
Anybody watch The Masked Singer? I don’t, but my wife does. She recorded it and played The Sun’s Billie Eilish song When the Party’s Over for me this morning. Wow. Strange show but that was really entertaining.
Winter meetings? Yeah. Right.
2020. A year to remember.
I almost feel bad for the Rockies. Choosing between Fresno and Lancaster is like choosing between a punch in the nose and a kick in the balls…
So what happens after the first 20 rounds? If undrafted, those players will be able to sign freely? It seems like going from 40 rounds to 20 is a bit extreme.
This is the worst Winter Meetings coverage ever. Par for the course for 2020.
We just cancelled our order for a ventilator with the news the Loons would provide my baseball oxygen in 2021.