… especially not me. Well, that is the one thing you can believe – I don’t have a clue! Believe that! That’s it.
At the Winter Meetings, some teams are talking, some aren’t. The ones who are, could very well be putting out propaganda (false information). Some teams have a lot of leaks to the press. Andrew Friedman’s Dodgers are very tight-lipped. There are no leaks, except for a few misdirection statements. Believe none of it. It’s fun to read about alleged trades or signings, but please, take it with a grain of salt. Even the so-called “insiders” are treated like mushrooms at times (kept in the dark and fed BS).
I am for any trades that make the Dodger better, but I would be careful about trading a few players. Of course, Buehler, Kershaw, Jansen, Turner, Seager, Bellinger, Ruiz and Lux are probably nearly untouchable and Matt Kemp is untradable. However, the rest of the roster might be fair game. Here are three players I would protect and not trade:
- ROSS STRIPLING – It seems that everyone wants Corey Kluber (well, maybe not “everyone”), but I would say there’s a reasonable chance (30%) Ross Stripling has as good a record in 2019 as Kluber. I’m not predicting it, just saying, it could happen. Many of us forget how unhittable Chicken Strip was for a couple of months last season. If tipping his pitches caused his demise and he is able to “fix” it, why can’t he continue to pitch like he did during during May and June. To me, Ross “found” his niche last season by throwing his curve and changeup effectively as well as an unorthodox cutter, along with his slider and fastball. For a time, he was not only the best pitcher on the Dodgers, but was one of the best in baseball. I would not trade him.
- CHRIS TALYOR – A lot of Dodger fans are down on CT3 after his down year in 2018. They say he had a career year in 2017. Well, he has had 2 full seasons, so maybe they are right, but I happen to believe they are wrong. I think 2018 was just a bad year… and it really wasn’t that bad. In 2017, his OPS was .850, which is near “star status.” In 2018, it was .775, while the “great” George Springer had a .780 OPS. I am being sarcastic! I think the Dodgers should put CT3 in CF and let him play. At the end of the day, he will be in the Top Third of Centerfielders.
- ALEX VERDUGO – He traveled a different path than Tony Gwynn as he did not play College Ball, but his bat-to-ball skills are exceptional. He was told that he was the anointed one and felt entitled. That doesn’t go away overnight, but Rich Hill and others have helped eradicate that attitude. This kid could benefit the most from Robert Van Scoyoc’s approach. Verdugo does have incredible hitting skill. I think he has a stot at greatness… and he has a canon for an arm.
The point is: I think EVERY Dodger is available at the right price… including Seager and Turner… maybe not Clayton due to his icon status. The point is: If you think the Indians will trade Kluber for Puig and a bunch of “guys” you will be disappointed. I would like Realmuto, but not at any cost. This team is very good and could do very little for a while… or they could move a bunch of players. None of know, but it’s fun to dream. Just don’t be disappointed if the Dodgers do very little at the Wintger Meetings.
The Wild Card is that with Andrew Friedman, you never know. By the way, it appears that he is the new GM and will surround himself with Assistants for specific purposes. That makes more sense to me.
The Athletic
In my opinion, the best Sports Website is The Athletic. Slowly but surely, they are accumulating many of the best writers in city after city. It is a “must read” everyday. It’s a pay site, but you probably spend more per week for Starbucks than The Athletic costs a year. Today, Pedro Moura writes about how Dodgers are in Pursuit of a dynamic hitting environment.” Maybe have a clue why Turner Ward left. I’ll give you two paragraphs:
“Let’s think about this differently,” [Friedman] said. “Let’s ask different questions. Let’s be open-minded to ways we can possibly combat that. I think between those three guys, their perspectives, their experiences, their abilities to relate and connect to players, plus how their skill sets complement each other, I just think it has a chance to be a really dynamic hitting environment.”
The attempts to engender that environment are underway. While the Dodgers front office spends the week at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Cody Bellinger will visit Dodger Stadium this week to meet with the club’s new hitting coaches. After his standout 2017 season earned him the National League Rookie of the Year honors, Bellinger produced a more normal but still above-average sophomore season. The totality of the team’s hopes for him, Friedman said, has not yet been conveyed, but he is also bringing along his own ideas.
It is an inspiring article and another tidbit is that Robert Van Scoyoc not only worked with JDM and CT3, but also worked extensively with Gavin Lux before the 2018 season. We all know how Lux improved. Some really dumb silly people think all the strikeouts are what Friedman wants. Nothing could be further from the truth. He wants a more consistent offense next year and I really have difficulty with people who say “That’s just what Friedman wants!” That’s silly – he wants improvement, this the changes.
Discussion (104)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Strange potential move?
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https://dodgerblue.com/dodgers-trade-rumors-deal-for-jose-martinez-being-discussed-with-cardinals/2018/12/11/
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/los-angeles-dodgers
Actively trying to trade Puig/Kemp
Just thinking. What if the Dodgers could pull off a Puig for Iglesias and Strip for Leclerc. I do not think anybody touches the Dodgers bullpen. Baez (R), Alexander (L), Floro (R), Ferguson (L), Cingrani (L), Jansen (R), Iglesias (R), Leclerc (R). That blows away the Brewers and Yankees.
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Maybe it takes Puig with Fields, and Strip with Stewart. Dodgers pick up $5MM of AAV. It is probably dreaming but I am tired and this may make me dream good dreams before I get up and play with numbers tomorrow AM.
AC–Is Jose Leclerc the reliever you’ve been talking up? Just saw some video of him on a new Grant Brisbee piece and his stuff looks unhittable. I’d give up a lot for that arm . . .
Why hasn’t anyone mentioned the Homer Bailey part of the rumor? What the hell are they gonna do with Homer Bailey and his contract? How would replacing Puig with Bailey improve the team or the payroll? Ironic considering the headline of this post?
Remember Freidman’s 1st Winter Meetings with the Dee Gordon deal, flipping Heaney for Kendrick and signing Rollins? He also did the Kemp/Grandal trade. I am feeling a flurry of moves about to unfold involving multiple teams and the fans won’t know quite what to make of it. Not that I would bet on it but the odds have to be 50/50.
Saw my first Cervelli for Stripling rumor
Puig and Wood are playing for new contracts in 2020. Sometimes those guys have “career years”… and sometimes they don’t!
Kluber will be 33 next year and has 5 consecutive seasons of 200+ Innings under his belt. The odds are against him. Not many pitchers that age sustain it.
I thought we wanted to win now? Where’s the urgency? In three years harper will be surrounded by the fruits of our farm system. Nobody will sign with us because free agency remains the ultimate prize for players. We keep talking about “let’s go all-in”; what’s more all-in than signing the best bat on the market?
Rosenthal:
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The Reds and Dodgers have talked multiple times, sources tell The Athletic. Different packages being discussed; Puig in play as well as other LAD outfielders, pitchers. Dodgers want to clear spots &/or money for other pursuits. Puig projected $11.3M in arb, Alex Wood $9M.
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In one variation of this deal, the Dodgers would take back Homer Bailey from the Reds and his remaining $28M commitment as a way of buying prospects. Bailey’s CBT number (average annual salary in multi-year deal) is $17.5M. Deal complex, still in discussion, not close.
Bryce Harper may make us better for 2 or 3 years, but we thought that about Kemp too. Signing Harper to a 10-year deal is a dope-fiend move. PUT DOWN THE CRACK PIPE.
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Maybe the new hitting program will fall flat on it’s face… or maybe, just maybe, this is the next big thing. Maybe the hitters we have now become 10%, 20%, 30% better overall. Let’s realize that this is a bold move by Andrew. Maybe it fails.. but maybe it doesn’t. I don’t want any dope-fiend moves that saddle the team with a bad contract for years. Outside of Max Scherzer, what long-term deal has paid off.
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The maturation and progression of young players is not linear. Case-in-point: Cody Bellinger. Could he breakout in 2019 under RVS? It’s worth consideration.
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Why would the Dodgers get another 2B and block Lux? Corey Kluber didn’t pitch any better than Chicken Strip for two months last year… only deGrom did. Grow your own damn pitchers – most of the ones you buy crash and burn!
Also in The Athletic was that Van Soyoc worked with Gavin Lux to get his offensive game going.
Puig seems to be rumored way too much. He’s gone man! Lots of rumors and no freaking action.
I can’t open but 2 days ago it was
Phillies 3-1
Dodgers 4-1
Nats 5-1
Not that anyone here bets but…….. ;)0
https://theathletic.com/705986/2018/12/11/sarris-an-early-look-at-the-odds-from-vegas-and-the-winter-meetings/
#Dodgers, #Reds have talked multiple times, sources tell The Athletic. Different packages being discussed; Puig in play as well as other LAD outfielders, pitchers. Dodgers want to clear money for other pursuits. Puig projected $11.3M in arb, per @mlbtraderumors, Alex Wood $9M.
Blue Jays Release Troy Tulowitzki
By Jeff Todd | December 11, 2018 at 2:01pm CDT
The Blue Jays announced today that they have released veteran shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. The Toronto organization will remain obligated to pay him the remaining $38MM in guaranteed money on his contract (including a buyout of a 2021 option).
Tulowitzki, 34, missed all of the 2018 season due to bone spurs in both heels. He had been sidelined for a long stretch of 2017 as well, all while enduring an offensive decline, making for quite an uncertain future for the former superstar.
Still, it’s surprising that the Jays ended up moving on in this fashion. With two more guaranteed seasons on his contract, Tulowitzki could have been given a shot to work back to health and perhaps build up some trade value. Evidently that was not seen as a workable solution by the organization, which is transitioning to what it hopes will be a new core.
Teams that wish to take a shot on a rebound can now employ Tulowitzki for the league minimum salary for the next two campaigns, with the Jays footing the remainder of the bill. He’ll surely be guided by the chance at playing time, among other considerations, though even with that appealing contract situation it remains to be seen whether any MLB clubs will consider Tulo a reasonable candidate for semi-regular time (and, if so, whether he’ll still be seen as a shortstop).
We have already seen what a top hitting GG 1B with one year team control brings in return. Now we see what the return is for RHSP Ivan Nova with 1 year remaining. 19 year old (20 in January) RHP Yordi Rosario + $500K international bonus pool money. Rosario spent 2018 in the DSL and AZL. That means that the return for Alex Wood is somewhere in the A league maybe A+. So if Puig and Wood are in deed traded, will it be for a salary dump? Because it does not appear that anything of value for 2019 will be coming back.
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Andrew said he would be fine going into ST with the current roster.
First reaction to McCutcheon signing by Philly (3y/$50m) was, “Wow, that’s a lot of money.”
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I’ve always been a fan and even considered him as a possible add-on piece headed into last year’s postseason but I was scared off by baseball people who said he’d clearly lost a step defensively and is in decline.
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Second reaction was to think of Evan Longoria, whom the Giants also brought to town in their ill-fated and soon-aborted attempt to be relevant in 2018. I don’t have the numbers in front of me in terms of which team is paying all the salary, but here is what Longoria is due the remainder of his contract:
2019: $14.5m
2020: $15m
2021: $18.5m
2022: $19.5m
2023: $5m buyout
The Dodgers have Kemp, Verdugo, Toles, Puig, Joc, Taylor, Kike, and Bellinger who can all play OF. With Bellinger’s speed, power, glove, and youth I’m not dealing him for Realmuto. Nor am I shortening the Dodgers window of winning by doing so for a catcher while have 3 highly regarded catchers in the pipeline and I’m not counting Wong and others. The rest can be considered excess that can be moved. I for one think Puig is more than that, but if it makes the team better so be it. I don’t see the Dodgers adding Bellinger to Kemp either just to move Kemp’s money considering they were willing to release Kemp just a year ago and eat over $40 million dollars.
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Wood, Maeda, Stripling, and Hill also can be seen as excess that can be moved to help acquire pieces. I’m a bit surprised to see Hill mentioned today considering he has been the best postseason pitcher on the team and their goal is to win the WS. Dick Mountain is a guy I would want on my team in the postseason and in the locker room. I’f I’m a contending team I’m knocking on the Dodgers door for Hill to fill out my rotation for one year. If the Dodgers are after Kluber then Maeda isn’t in their bullpen plans, he should get moved.
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Everyone of these guys are going to be in rumors whether the rumors are accurate or not. It appears to me the Dodgers are trying to figure out how to shuffle their roster around to be in on Harper. I could be wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time, but if Harper wants the most money it is the White Sox or Phillies. The White Sox can wait it out. The Phillies not so much. The Nats GM said the door was open for a reunion yesterday even if it’s unlikely. So, who does Scott Boras and Bryce Harper want in? The Dodgers and/or Yankees. Brian Cashman just yesterday said, “why are you still asking me about Harper. We have enough outfielders and aren’t interested in playing him at 1st base.” Harper’s deal won’t get done until the dust has settled a bit on trades.
I know Verdugo is only 22, and he has very good bat to ball skills.
But although he had really really good numbers against lefties in AAA last year in 96 at bats, his numbers against righties last year, were not that special.
In 247 at bats against righties at AAA last year, Verdugo hit 304 and his OPS was 816.
Toles in 192 at bats against righties last year hit 333, and his OPS was 862.
Also, Verdugo hit 10 HRs last year, and 7 of his HRs, were solo HRs.
And Toles hit 7 HRs last year, and 6 of his HRs came when there were runners on base.
I know numbers are not everything, and Verdugo did hit much much better then Toles against lefties.
But both players had more then twice as many at bats against righties last year then lefties, and those numbers in the majors won’t change.
But with the time Toles has missed and his slow start last year, I would think Verdugo would have much better numbers.
And because of that, and Verdugo’s numbers against righties, and his numbers when runners were in scoring position last year, it makes me wonder about Verdugo.
But like I already said, numbers are not everything, but these numbers do make me wonder.
OK, I’m giving in to Hot Stove Fever. It’s a nice mental break from real issues that matter. Here are the names I’ve heard that I actually put some credence to:
1. Harper–makes too much sense not to pursue. elite bat. superstar marketability. only costs money.
2. Kluber–a matter of availability perhaps. who wouldn’t want a perennial cy young candidate?
3. Realmuto–some whispers that the marlins didn’t get enough in previous trades so are really trying to wring out a lot from the concensus “best catcher in the game”; the fact we have massive catching pipeline makes me cautious.
4. LeMahieu–interesting idea of sneaking in a new free agent piece at a position we appear to have an opening at; Lux factors somewhat into equation as he could be ready in 2020 and might be blocked.
5. Robertson/Ottovino/Joe Kelly–just when you think you know a GM . . . seriously, i could see us taking a plunge to address an area we’ve been accused of being deficient in: elite set-up experience. purely a proactive postseason move.
6. Castellanos–never really knew much about him but he’s big, hits RH, and plays RF. sounds like a Puig replacement if needed.
7. Cervelli/Maldonado/Hundley–sure. i mean, we do need another catcher pretty bad.
8. Pollock–interesting just like Lemahieu; put him in CF; maybe a “Grit” play; still think unlikely unless falls in lap.
9. Haniger–darkhorse. would be a nice fit but cost would be huge. still largely unproven. a risk.
10. Thor–lightnorse. would be a nice fit but cost would be huge. still large. an injury risk.
According to Bleacher Report. Dodgers are willing to trade 2 of these 4 outfielders. They are Kemp, Peterson, Puig, and Bellinger. Two pitchers they would trade are Wod and Hill. I would not trade a Bellinger under any circumstances. The others I would agree with.
Truth. Well said AC. As the old song said… “Something for nothing means nothing, you gotta have something to be with me!”
Of course you are right that nobody knows what the Dodgers will do. Apparently everybody wants Cody Bellinger. I am shocked. And Andrew is not budging??? I do not disagree with your assessment of the untouchables. Kershaw is untouchable for more than just being iconic (which he is). He has 10 & 5 rights giving him a full no-trade clause.
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But that is where we depart. The three players that you would protect are the three that will be necessary to improve the team. Unless you believe that the team does not need to be improved. LAD has a surplus of pitching, OF, & utility players. Each of your three protectees are from one of those categories. If you are not willing to trade Alex Verdugo, then there is no chance of getting Corey Kluber. Because you are absolutely correct that the Tribe will not trade Kluber for Puig, Wood, and a bunch of scrubs. They want either Bellinger or Verdugo…PLUS controllable quality players. If you do not want Corey Kluber donning Dodger Blue at Chavez next year, that is an arguable position, but one that I do not agree with.
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But let’s look at what you are really saying. The Dodgers do not need to do anything to win it all next year. Except that Andrew is going to have to trade Puig or Joc so that Verdugo can play. If Puig and Joc are both with the team, that means that Verdugo is going back to OKC (with Toles and Urias and Ferguson (?)). Seeing what AZ got for Goldy, I would not expect much more than a mid-tier prospect (100-200). Most teams #5 to #10 player. But it will not be for a 2019 game changer. Who is going to want a one and done $11.3MM player.
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Of course we all expect Alex Wood to be traded. I have read from some disgruntled fans that say that Wood should just be DFA. If it were not for Wood and Roberts, the Dodgers would have beaten the BoSox. I am not saying that. That is what many are writing. Do not expect much in return for a $9.0MM back of the rotation starter.
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In order to get Chicken Strip in the rotation, that would necessitate either Hill being traded, or Maeda being traded or moved to the bullpen. For this exercise, let’s go with Maeda to the pen. Changes from 2018: Gone are Machado/Grandal/Puig/Wood. Incoming are Corey Seager and ????? Since the Dodgers will not be trading any one of value, you have to be off the Realmuto possibility. Thus, it is going to be Barnes and Maldonado or Hundley or Weiters or Lucroy or McCann (James), etc.
1B – Muncy/Freese (Platoon)
2B – Taylor/Hernandez/Muncy (Platoon)
SS – Seager/Taylor
3B – JT/Freese
LF – Joc/Kemp (Platoon)
CF – Belli/Hernandez/Taylor
RF – Verdugo/Hernandez/Taylor/Kemp
C – Barnes/Gale or Farmer or ???
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That is your 12 position players.
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Starters – Buehler/Kershaw/Hill/Ryu/Stripling
Relievers – 7 of – Maeda/Baez/Cingrani/Alexander/Floro/Fields/Ferguson/Garcia/Chargois
Closer – Jansen
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Urias and Toles to OKC. 2 of the 9 relievers probably DFA. Theoretically, Fields does have an option, and Ferguson could go to OKC as a starting pitcher.
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I am not saying that Kluber, Realmuto, or Harper will get LA their November parade, but doing nothing other than shedding one and done expensive OF and SP is not going to get it done either. If you are not willing to trade value, you are not going to get value in return.
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Of course with the proposed trade for prospects of Puig and Wood, the CBT salaries would be down to approximately $171MM. You have a good but not elite starting rotation, a decent bullpen but not dominant, and multiple platooning opportunities. Good enough to win the NL West (probably). But with the improvement of other NL teams, they would be a longshot to win the NLCS and get back to the WS much less win it.
Since some think Harper will be a Dodger The Outfield will be Harper Taylor and Verdugo infield left side Turner, Seager Muncie second and Bellinger first.
I like that they made a big overhaul in the hitting department after last year’s all or nothing offense. We’ll see how it works out, but I do have confidence in FAA (Friedman and all). I also like the jettisoning on Farhan. I know that most think he moved on under his own free will. Maybe he just loves the bay area and wanted to go home. We may never know if he took an offer he couldn’t refuse, or if he was “encouraged” to take the position on a team with bloated payroll, aging veteran players, an aging veteran manager who isn’t necessarily the “Analytics” type and a minor league system in disarray. The only real loss IMO was Chris Woodward.
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Did you see Kike’s wedding pictures? Dude married WAY OUT OF HIS LEAGUE!
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I agree that CT3 is a player that could become the key to the 2019 Dodgers. He could become a GG RF or 2B and a good leadoff hitter. I sure hope he’s practicing driving the outside pitch a few inches off the plate to right field. He’d be back to .850 in no time.
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It’s totally unfair to keep mentioning the great Tony Gwynn in the same sentence as Alex Verdugo, much less comparing Alex to him. If Alex has any chance of being Gwynn, the Indians should trade Kluber and more to get him.
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Cody Bellinger is going to be an absolute monster this year. He’s already hitting with the new coaches. 14-1 stolen bases? Are you kidding me? This guy is a legitimate 30/30, 40/40 guy that can play CF and 1B. How valuable is that?!?!
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The Dodgers have the resources, financial, prospect, and MLB rostered players to make a big splash. They have the flexibility to allow them to insert pretty much anyone in their lineup. They have the talent on their current roster to do nothing, win the west, and most likely still advance to the World Series without doing anything at all. It’s a great time to be a Dodgers fan.
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I still want them to get Harper, Kluber, Robertson and a catcher to pair with Barnes and some Right Handed Power (Abreu). That would be my best case scenario. I know that’s a big ask, but it’s Christmas time and I’m a greedy little kid at heart.
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CT3 – 2B
Seager – SS
Turner – 3B
Harper – LF
Abreu – 1B
Bellinger – CF
Puig – RF
Barnes – C
Kershaw – LHP
Kluber – RHP
Ryu – LHP
Bueller – RHP
Urias – LHP
Jansen – RHP
Robertson – RHP
Cingrani – LHP
Baez – RHP
Alexander – LHP
Floro – RHP
Ferguson – LHP
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Best Case Scenario!
Report from Jon Heyman stating all Dodger OF’s are available INCLUDING Bellinger for the right price. Is he kidding? It would have to be a MEGA deal where we would be stronger and fill multiple weak spots.
Wood, Rios, Farmer for Wheeler, Armond?
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Wheeler, Puig, Toles, Wong, Hernandez for Kluber?
As you said if the trade makes the Dodgers better make the trade, for me that includes any Dodger player,if the trade truly makes the team better.
When it comes to trade rumors involving the Dodgers just sit back and see what really happens.
I would trade Stripling and Taylor for any players that make the team better, Verdugo because I think he is going to be that special it would take a very special player in return, one with at least 3 years left before FA.