Many bloggers and national sportswriters are suffering from severe cases of cabin fever which is akin to “seasonal affective Dodger disorder (SADD).” In case you don’t know what that is, here is an overview on SADD:
Seasonal affective Dodger disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to the fictional failure of the Dodger front office to acquire all of the top free agents so that the already “stacked team” can be even more stacked — SADD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SADD, your symptoms start right after the World Series and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel the need to blame Andrew Friedman. Less often, SADD causes depression and severe delusions.
Treatment for SADD may include reading LA Dodger Talk and other “sanity driven” sites. Occasionally, aperson suffering from SADD may need to be called a moron or slapped up side the face to awake them from their stupor.Don’t brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the “winter blues” or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year. It starts right here at LA Dodger Talk.com.
This has been a public service announcement from Dr. Timmons. Video below – you don’t have to watch it – I’m just trying to be funny.
OK, back to reality. We are hearing all kinds of lunatic rants from people who should know better. One national baseball analyst opined that Andrew Friedman and Dave Roberts should have told everyone that they were not going to do much this winter so that the expectations were not set so high. Really? That might have saved the Yankees $75 million on Cole. Yeah, Andrew should have helped Brian Cashman out so that when Mookie Betts is a Free Agent, Cashman will be better able to compete. How dumb would that be? Some of these guys have never run anything but their mouth and they aren’t great at that.
Friedman was serious about getting Cole, but he was not going to spend stupidly. So he drove the price up and Cole ended up where he wanted to be and with Aaron Judge looking at a big deal, the Stanton deal and with Cole owed $324 Million, the Yankees won’t/can’t be as aggressive in pursuing Mookie Betts who will be 28 years old when he hits free agency. Mookie is made for LA and they can pay him all the Benjamins he wants. Andy McCullough of The Athletic puts it this way:
“The most notable transactional mistakes made during Friedman’s tenure all reside under the same umbrella. Brandon McCarthy underwent Tommy John surgery only months after inking a four-year deal. For three years’ worth of salary, Scott Kazmir logged one mediocre season. The Dodgers already feel burdened by the remaining years they must spend with A.J. Pollock and Joe Kelly.
All four were middle-tier free agents who had already turned 30 when they signed multi-year deals with the Dodgers. Friedman has elected to avoid that pool this winter. They watched from the sidelines as starting pitchers Hyun-Jin Ryu, Madison Bumgarner and Dallas Keuchel all signed. The Dodgers harbored great affinity for Ryu, but declined to top Toronto’s four-year, $80 million offer. The Diamondbacks will gamble on the long-term viability of Bumgarner. The White Sox will bet on Dallas Keuchel. The Dodgers will bet on themselves.
The Dodgers believe their mid-rotation ballast of Julio Urías, Kenta Maeda, Ross Stripling, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin can buoy the headlining duo of Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw. They will practice their usual brand of aggression at the trade deadline. This strategy may exasperate fans as they watch well-known players join rival teams, and it might backfire if the young pitchers stumble and the veterans get hurt. It leaves the team with a rotation that does not appear ready for the crucible of playoff baseball.
This is the path the Dodgers have chosen. They will trust their own resourcefulness and ingenuity rather than sign the type of players who have burned them in the past. They will keep their books clean. Their powder will be dry for whenever a superstar might become available.
Like next winter, when Mookie Betts enters free agency. “
The Dodgers only have $16 Million committed beyond 2021. They are in a position to go big. McCullough finally understands what Andrew Friedman is doing. He sees the vision and comprehends it. Hopefully, he can convey it to some of the SADD fans.
Dodger News
- After just 54 MLB games, Will Smith is ranked #1 among NL West Catchers.
- Scott Alexander, Cody Bellinger, Austin Barnes, Julio Urias, Corey Seager, Ross Stripling, and Enrique Hernandez avoided arbitration by signing for $875K, $11.5 Million, $1.1 Million, $1.0 Million, $7.6 Million, $2.1 Million, and $5.9 Million respectively.
- Barring a last-minute settlement (which has not been AF’s MO, Max Muncy, Chris Taylor, Pedro Baez, and Joc Pederson are headed to arbitration where Friedman has never lost.
- Is Andrew Toles real?
Discussion (48)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Friedman and Kasten suck. They made zero effort to sign any impact players this offseason, and they’ve been running this team like a small market franchise since the day they arrived. Those two guys and their sabermetrics can go jump in the Pacific for all I care.
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/dodgerblue.com/mlb-free-agency-rumors-dodgers-interested-signing-danny-salazar-injuries/2020/01/11/amp/
Cole wanted to be a Yankee. Strausberg wanted to finish his career where he started. Rendon didn’t want to be a Dodger. I wanted Clevinger. I don’t know what the Indians were asking for in return. What is AF suppose to do? A Lindor/Clevinger package would be nice. Again, we don’t know what the Indians wanted in return. Our time will come. I’m thankful I’m a Dodger fan and not a Baltimore Orioles fan.
Most Dodgers fans would like to see the very wealthy ownership making a big commitment to winning titles, as many titles as any other franchise. Why not? The have assets in location, stadium, name recognition, and even money, that most cannot match. Yet I do not them going all-out for titles. I see them comfortably raking in money by being very careful about payroll. I do not deny the general success, but winning a five-team division is not some immense achievement which is guaranteed to satisfy the fans. I do realize that as long as the Dodgers draw very close to 4 million fans, the ownership figures they can’t draw any more, so why spend more? That is how they look at things, I think.
It’s just the way it is for them. I think that most of us expected some major changes this offseason, an infusion of new talent, maybe at least one superstar. But nothing. They got a formerly very good relief pitcher who had a bad season, signing him for one year, so that if he bounces back, he will leave for somewhere where he can get a long-term deal. We signed a starter who had an awful season last year, but no risk. This sort of reminds me of those guys who avoid long-term relationships, always tell women they do not want any strings. The Dodgers absolutely abhor long-term deals. Worse than that, when they inevitably miss out on, or shrink from, a big star, they then inevitably look around the bargain bin, which usually ends up being a poor investment, plus it is rather embarrassing to act like a mid-market franchise when you are in the second largest city and media market in the country.
It looks like essentially the same team as last year. Where was all that turnover Roberts expected? Where is the “missing something” that Friedman said we needed? Too much money? No one good wanted to come here? There are some big money people in ownership now,, and they will take the risks that the Dodgers do not. And some of these teams actually have talented young players, just like we do. Each year, someone wins a title, and now there are at least 15 franchises which have won at least one in the last 30 years, but not the Dodgers. So it is really not surprising or untoward that the Dodgers fans are not happy about things. The owners keep acting as if they should be thrilled, and should keep being patient. A person who was 32 when the Dodgers last won a title, is 63 now. 50 then, 81 now. Stay the course, Kasten says, that is, if he cares at all. We won two playoff games last year.
The Dodgers don’t need to participate in this crazy free agent period. I agree with the article. This topic has done nothing but stir up speculation and disappointment amongst the regular fans. We don’t need to spend money that can go towards other areas in the organization.
It probably should be a sigh of relief that AF did not land any free agents. The ones we have landed such as kazmir, McCarthy, pollock, well you know all the names plus the international disasters would get many people fired. Fortunately, he has done much better in the trade market and reducing payroll by landing Grandal, Taylor, wood, hill, kike, Barnes, freese,machado,while fleecing Cincy with Downs and Gray. He has also been stellar in keeping the prospects and the right prospects save Alvarez. Right up there with his real expertise is the blue light specials like muncy and morrow. His biggest contribution from a fan standpoint has been the buildup of the farm system. Our farm system has become one of the best in spite of our consistently low draft position. While continuing to win more games and division titles he has endeared himself to ownership by increasing profits and getting under the cbt. Player development is also an area of noticeable improvement.
So moving forward I think we will continue to hear the Dodgers are in on all the big fish without hooking any. They will drive up the cost in the market without spending. They will be wiser in the international market while seeking to maximize the prospect pool. They will invest in cutting edge analytics and player development tools. They will look under every knook and cranny for hidden treasures. They will look for every oft injured, cheap, reclamation project with high upside. They will continue to build depth throughout the system. Finally, we will win more more divisions but will that bring us the elusive World Series. Time will tell.
Interesting poll by MLB Pipeline. They surveyed GM ‘s, scouting directors, and baseball exec experts on a variety of questions. Reading into the survey, the Rays 18 year old SS wunderkind, Wander Franco, is headed to the HOF. There were a few Dodgers listed.
Best Hit Tool and best hitting prospect – Gavin Lux #2 behind Franco.
No Dodger pitcher prospect was voted to have the best fastball or best secondary pitch or best pitchability. MacKenzie Gore certainly appears to be the best pitching prospect, and he should make an appearance with the Pads sometime this year. I think both Gore and Casey Mize will be special.
No Dodger prospect was voted best defensively, but Gavin Lux did tie for 3rd for best Baseball IQ.
The Dodgers did have two prospects who received votes for the pitching prospect that could be the best future closer. Dustin May ties for 3rd, with Josiah Gray also receiving votes.
Gavin Lux was voted to be the prospect who will have the biggest contribution on their team this season.
Keibert Ruiz did receive votes for most overrated player, No Dodger received any votes for most underrated player.
Here is the total poll results from MLB Pipeline:
https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/prospect-and-farm-system-survey
There could be another signing, but I truly believe AF is done right now. If they had gotten Cole, then Maeda and a hitter like Pederson could have been moved for relief help, but with Cole and Rendon going elsewhere, it was a “trickle-down” effect to almost nothing. Maybe they were in “misdirection mode” all along. Maybe Cole was the only target and AF and Doc were just “selling” the illusion they would be busy. Maybe? Maybe not? No way to know for sure, but if you aren’t going to be Trader Jack, then what better way to affect the market than a few clouds of smoke and mirrors?
Is the team better than this time last year? We don’t know. If the rotation falters, then AF has the pieces to make a deadline deal. I’m betting that he doesn’t.
1. In 2020, I think you will see why Julio Urias was untouchable as a trade piece in the past.
2. Striker Buehler!!! Nuff Said!
3. Clayton – I think he will be the same or maybe better than last year (especially with Driveline).
4. Maeda – See above
5. May – Workhorse
6. Chicken Strip – Capable of an All-Star Half
7. Gonzo – If injuries occur, he is at the ready.
8. Gray – He’s able to pitch in the majors right now.
A lot of Dodger fans are bitching right about now, but if the Dodgers reel off an 8-2 start, all will be forgiven!
Thank you Jayne.
Question….How does a player hit so well in the minors, both right and left handed pitching, and become a top prospect and promoted to the big club and not be able to hit from both sides? Of course I am talking about Joc Pederson, one of my very favorites. I realize pitching is harder to hit in the majors but wondered how that happened. Did he get enough opportunity to hit lefties when he first came up or was he not a good hitter against lhp in the minors? Just asking.
Joc – Submitted $9.5MM to arbitration – LAD submitted $7.75MM
CT3 – $5.8MM to $5.25MM
Max – $4.675MM to $4.0MM
Baez – $4.0MM to $3.5MM
Joc is $1.75MM different than LAD offer, which is more than the other three combined. I am guessing that LAD sees Joc as a valuable platoon player, and Joc sees himself as more of a regular and not platoon. That will be the one I will be interested in. I think CT3, Max, and Baez get resolved amicably and timely. The Dodgers offered more for CT3 and Baez than what MLBTR (Matt Swartz) predicted, while MLBTR predicted $4.6MM for Max. Swartz is uncanny with how his predictive model is as accurate as it is.
Well, Mark, honesty, I don’t dislike Kasten or ownership and I think Andrew Friedman is the smartest GM/Baseball Operations guy in baseball. But I do understand the anger. I get Kasten, I read the book years ago, but I’m not sure he’s the best person to discuss what the Dodgers are doing in terms of the actual team etc. His first interview at the Winter Meetings was a disaster, his other three were actually okay. But sometimes he gets defensive, best to avoid that, answer the TV question with honesty (we had no idea that Direct TV wasn’t going to carry us, we feel terrible about some our fans not being able to watch the games, we’re hoping that streaming may offer a solution etc. Also, Never mix business with what takes place on the field unless asked that specific question.
Kasten is at his best talking about stadium improvements and creating a better fan experience. I really have no issues with Dodger ownership. They’ve spent money and been incredibly successful. Okay, maybe the McCourt parking lot fiasco.
If I was Kasten, I might poke fun at Plaschke, noting that at one time or another he has told his readers that the Dodgers should trade Seager, Urias, Bellinger and Buehler, pretty much the foundation of the team, in pursuit of a World Series Championship. Trade those prospects to acquire the difference maker, Cole Hamels, Jon Lester or another veteran.
As far as giving credit, I think Ned Colletti did a great job keeping the Dodgers afloat during the McCourt era and winning some division titles and he deserves way more credit than he receives.
I thought his recent comment about searching for change in the seats to cover payroll
was hilarious.
Love the line the only thing they’ve run is their mouth! Don’t know why Betts would be a slam dunk going back to Boston if they are intent on getting under the cap. No one is taking Price or Bradley off their hands and Betts is gonna get 35+ mil. Who else besides us is positioned to take on that salary next year. And if Boston is out of it by deadline what do,you think it would take to get him?
So now we have syndrome. We seem to be a nation of syndromes.
After reading today’s letters to the LA Times Sports, most people aren’t buying what Stan Kasten’s selling. One writer probably nailed it when he wrote that “Dodgers fans in general do not hate him (Kasten) they detest him.”
Why? Because the games are blacked out for many and they’re collecting billions from us. Another fan said that Kasten comes off as arrogant. Another complained about having to fork over $20 to park to the carpetbagger from Boston. Yah, that really irritates me too.
Then Kasten pointed out in his interview that the Dodgers are very successful as a business operation, something he probably should have left out since it was going to run in the sports section, not the business section.
So Mark, does this anger, which has been lingering for some time, feed into your new syndrome? Based on the letters and other similar comments made by fans, isn’t this more likely the cause for this outrage, kinda like toxins leaking into the water supply. Pretty soon it taints the water.
Many Dodgers fans would admit having a love/hate relationship with the team. But this seems to be more and may help explain why seven division titles and a 106 win season are more or less spit on. Maybe the Dodgers need to actually deal with the real problem instead of treating the symptoms. But Kasten refused to discuss that. I get why. They’re making billions and they’re not giving even a portion back to solve the issue. When Stan refuses the discuss the issue, it comes off as not caring and further angers fans.
I have Spectrum so I have access to the Dodgers, but if I didn’t I would detest Kasten and ownership, too, no matter how many free agents they signed or titles they won. Dodgers had better hope that streaming helps resolve the issue.
Okay, I’m not certain why you are so concerned over contracts to Pollock or Kelly. Hey, they’re on the field and contributing.
Want to talk wasted money? How about all the millions dumped into international signings?
Alex Guerrero (four years, $28 mil), Yasiel Sierra (six years, $30 mil), Erisbel Arruebarrena (five years, 25 mil), Hector Olivera (six years, 62 mil/traded to the Braves to get Wood), Yadier Alvarez ($15 mil). Approximately $160 million. After those debacles, the Dodgers did a high colonic on their international staff and not a minute too soon.
Joe Kelly $25 million and Pollock, $55 million (plus a player option). I still like those signings. $20 million per year is a mere drop in the Dodgers payroll bucket and certainly won’t hinder them from pursuing any elite free agent, if they choose to do that.
One of the reasons I love this site is that Mark always makes me laugh and at the same time
focuses in on the true issues at hand. It’s SADD that others fail to realize how much fun it is to keep abreast of the Dodger’s this way. Keep it up Mark, I’m a big fan.
Ira
MT, in agreement with this article until you got to Mookie Betts. The Dodgers will be players right up until they are not. Then, Betts will go back to Boston or elsewhere although the Dodgers tried hard but are not going to spend stupid money. They only have so much committed beyond 2021 but they got to have a roster. They will try to sign bellinger, buehler, etc but Mookie Betts will not be in their crosshairs for real.
That must be a very rosy computer screen filter.
Why the Dodgers are being so seemingly Petty in arb is beyond me and quite unseemly, but most will settle before the court I’m sure.
It’s easy to save powder when you continually miss your targets with your first shot and don’t adjust or acquire new ones.
Friedman is very smart, really really good, but it doesn’t mean this if-season had been disappointing and without accomplishment.