It was suggested that what the Dodgers need is a dominant closer and a dominant setup man. No mention as to who those players should be. But they better not allow a base runner as that is what is expected for Dodger relief pitchers. Below is the pitching line for the top closers (in terms of # of saves) in MLB for 2020. I dare say that if LAD fans were not as familiar with Kenley Jansen, they would be hammering on getting someone of that caliber. But because he is a Dodger with a known history of failing at inopportune times, he is thought of less than other closers, even those with not as lofty numbers as Kenley has. Prior to Saturday’s games:
- Liam Hendricks (Oak) – 2-0, 10 saves, 1 blown save, 1.10 ERA, 0.67 WHIP
- Brad Hand (Cle) – 0-1, 9 saves, 0 blown saves, 3.72 ERA, 1.03 WHIP
- Zack Britton – (NYY) – 0-2, 8 saves, 0 blown saves, 2.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP
- Kenley Jansen (LAD) – 1-0, 8 saves, 1 blown save, 1.32 ERA, 0.805 WHIP
- Trevor Rosenthal (KC) – 0-0, 7 saves, 0 blown saves, 3.29 ERA, 1.17 WHIP
- Taylor Rogers (MN) – 1-2, 7 saves, 2 blown saves, 4.76 ERA, 1.41 WHIP
- Josh Hader (Mil) – 0-0, 7 saves, 0 blown saves, 0.00 ERA, 0.54 WHIP
- Brandon Kintzler (Mia) – 1-2, 6 saves, 0 blown saves, 2.92 ERA, 1.14 WHIP
- Taylor Williams (Sea) – 0-1, 6 saves, 1 blown save, 6.39 ERA, 1.34 WHIP
- Daniel Hudson – (WSN) – 6 saves, 2 blown saves, 5.73 ERA, 0.91 WHIP
- Alex Colome’ (CWS) – 6 saves, 1 blown save, 0.79 ERA, 0.88 WHIP
- Archie Bradley (AZ) – 6 saves, 1 blown save, 3.60 ERA, 1.40 WHIP
- Rafael Montero (TX) – 6 saves, 0 blown saves, 3.12 ERA, 0.81 WHIP
Of course the Dodgers should pick up Josh Hader. Why? Because they want him. Forget that Milwaukee is not going to trade him. It is simply the Dodgers should have Josh Hader, because, well, they are the Dodgers. Liam Hendricks, Brad Hand, Zack Britton (currently on IL), Taylor Rogers, Brandon Kintzler, and Alex Colome are all with teams in the midst of a playoff run. They are not getting moved. Trevor Rosenthal has already been traded to SD. That leaves, Taylor Williams, Daniel Hudson, Archie Bradley, and Rafael Montero as closers for teams not in the hunt that may be available. The only one that even remotely interests me is Montero, and not that much.
As far as a setup man, I dare say that the Dodgers have that guy. LHRP Caleb Ferguson. Before Saturday’s game, Caleb is 1-0 with 4 holds. He has pitched in 14 games and 13.2 IP. He has allowed 1 run (HR), 6 hits, 2 walks to go with 19 strikeouts. He has a 0.66 ERA and a 0.585 WHIP. For the season, he has inherited 7 runners, and only 1 has scored. The one run allowed was a Wil Myers HR in game 13 (August 5). In the 8 games since, Caleb Ferguson has accumulated 8.2 IP. He has allowed 0 runs, 2 hits, 2 walks, 12 K’s, 4 inherited runners – none scored, and the 31 batters he has faced have hit .069/.129/.069/.198. I am not sure how much more dominant a relief pitcher can be. Caleb Ferguson has earned the setup role, if not the closer’s role (which he will not get). Update – He should have got out of the 7th unscathed except for a Corey Seager throwing error. He does allow an off the end of the bat beat the shift double to Guzman. But he did pitch very well again Saturday.
For those who are looking for dominant relief help, please provide realistic names who can be traded for. Otherwise, AF has provided a quality bullpen and Doc has managed that bullpen rather well thus far in 2020. What he will do in the playoffs is an unknown right now. Let’s not be a defeatist before we even get there. I agree 31 years is a looonnnng time.
The trade deadline is quickly approaching and there does not seem to be a rush on any truly top talent. Lance Lynn and Dylan Bundy figure to be the pitching prizes, but can anyone really consider them elite? Thus far the trades are as follows:
- SD acquires RHRP Trevor Rosenthal from KC for OF Edward Olivares and PTBNL
- A’s acquired IF Tommy La Stella from LAA for IF Franklin Barretto
- CWS acquired OF Jarrod Dyson from Pittsburgh for future considerations
- Rays acquired LHP Cody Reed from Cincinnati for RHP Riley O’Brien
- Jays acquired RHSP Taijuan Walker for PTBNL & cash considerations
- Rays acquired OF Brett Phillips from KC for SS Lucius Fox
- Pittsburgh acquired LHP Austin Davis from Philadelphia for PTBNL & Cash
- Jays acquired 1B Daniel Vogelbach for cash considerations
- SFG acquired IF Daniel Robertson from Tampa Bay for cash considerations
- Philadelphia acquired RHP’s Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree from Boston for RHP’s Nick Pivetta and Connor Seabold
- Seattle acquired RHP Jimmy Yacabonis from SD for cash considerations
- SFG acquired OF Luis Alexander Basabe from CWS for cash considerations
I liked the La Stella to the A’s and Barretto to LAA trade. La Stella gives the A’s a real shot at going long in the playoffs, while Barretto could be the late bloomer previous top prospect infielder for LAA. He has a high ceiling, but a really low floor. He was worth the gamble, and La Stella is a part time rental who figures to supplant Tony Kemp at 2B, and they were not going to get much for him. I also like the Brett Phillips (KC) to Tampa Bay for Lucius Fox. Tampa Bay has more middle infielders than they know what to do with, and the Royals not so much. Fox is another high ceiling, very low floor player, but worth a gamble. Realistically how much could Brett Phillips really bring.
Maybe Vogelbach with a change of team will help. He was an All Star last year. Could become a quality DH/1B for Toronto. Could be a bust.
Deadline trades have been used to try and acquire that one missing player for the Championship run, and the players going back were not stars…at least not yet. They were generally very young and with untapped talent. For the team needing the upgrade, some have worked, and some?
June 4, 2016 – Padres traded James Shield to CWS for Erik Johnson and a guy named Fernando Tatis, Jr. At the time, Tatis was considered a decent prospect, but not the elite player he has turned out to be. Shields? CWS was in the hunt in June, and supposedly Shields was the missing pitcher to take them to the top.
July 25, 2016 – NYY traded Chapman to the Cubs for Gleyber Torres, Billy McKinney, Adam Warren, and Rashad Crawford. Chapman helped the Cubs to the 2016 WS (after 108 years), and Torres is really the only player that has stuck with NYY. He is a solid infielder with a big bat and a bright future. McKinney is a middling OF with Toronto. Warren is currently out of baseball after being released by NYY, but had a couple of decent years. Nothing game changing. Crawford has not broken out of MiLB. NYY resigned Chapman as a FA for 2017.
July 31, 2016 – NYY traded Andrew Miller to Cleveland for Clint Frazier, Justus Sheffield, Ben Heller, and J. P. Feyereisen. Miller was a top reliever for Cleveland in 2016 and 2017. Miller had an excellent post season in 2016 and 2017. He was a WS opponent of Aroldis Chapman after being NYY teammates. He left as a FA after the 2018 season. The prize figured to be Clint Frazier and Justus Sheffield. Frazier is having a breakout year in 2020 after an okay 2019. Frazier has been rumored to be a key piece in the potential trade with Cleveland for Mike Clevinger. Sheffield was the prize in the trade to Seattle for James Paxton. Heller is a current reliever with NYY, but not much activity. Feyereisen was traded to Milwaukee for Benny Escanio and international signing bonus pool money. Feyereisen is currently on the Brewers roster.
July 13, 2017 – CWS traded Jose Quintana to Cubs for Eloy Jimenez, Dylan Cease, Matt Rose, and Bryant Flete. Quintana has not been a huge help (yet) for Chicago. Jimenez is a rising star with the ChiSox and Cease figures to be a mainstay in their rotation. Matt Rose and Bryant Flete are out of baseball after never reaching MLB.
While they were not trade deadline deals, I continue to be intrigued by the two December 2016 deals the White Sox made that helped transform the White Sox into a pennant contender in 2020.
December 6, 2016 – CWS traded Chris Sale to Boston for Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Luis Alexander Basabe, and Victor Diaz. Chris Sale helped Boston win the 2018 WS. Moncada is a regular in the CWS lineup and Kopech figures to be a future Ace for CWS. He has opted out for 2020. After not reaching his expected level, Basabe was traded to SFG for cash considerations earlier this month. He made his MLB debut as a pinch runner for Joey Bart on August 27 against the Dodgers.
December 7, 2016 – CWS traded Adam Eaton to Washington for Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, and Dane Dunning. Adam Eaton was a key player for the Nationals WS championship run in 2019. For CWS, Lucas Giolito figures to be the Ace or Co-Ace for some time. Lucas just completed the 2020 first MLB no-hitter for the ChiSox. Reynaldo Lopez had 32 and 33 starts for CWS in 2018-2019. Not very effective, but he was an innings eater when CWS was treading water. He does not figure to be a key rotation starter going forward. Dane Dunning made his MLB debut on August 19 and was strong for 4.0 innings before he ran into trouble in the 5th. Dunning is considered a strong candidate for a regular rotation spot for years to come.
Depending as to how you valued the original goals of the trade, it can be argued that each of the trades brought positive results for both teams. If Lance Lynn or Dylan Bundy or any other potential help is traded to LAD and helps them win the 2020 WS, and the players going back to the trading team turns out to be future stars, I doubt that either team will be upset. If you trust that AF is not going to overpay, as I do, then I am satisfied that whatever AF decides to do, I will be in agreement with, until I am not.
Discussion (95)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Pads and Seattle complete a 7 player trade. Nola part of the return package and a couple of pitchers. Ty France and the Pads prospect Torrence and 2 pitchers headed to the Mariners.
I know we are talking trades, so I’m sorry for getting off the subject, but I was thinking about something a lot today because of the discussion I had yesterday about defense.
Remember when Doc, Cora, Izturis were all playing for the Dodgers. All 3 of them were almost automatic outs and they couldn’t hit a home run if their life depended on it. Add the pitcher in the starting lineup with the 3 of them. I remember thinking to myself back then, how the hell is this team suppose to score any runs with 4 almost automatic outs and no homers from them. Man I am glad times have changed.
SD now in discusssions with Seattle about Austin Nola. They would use him more as a utility/ emergency catcher. Makes little sense after trading for Moreland and Castro. Castro/Hedges/Mejia??? I have to assume that either Hedges or Mejia will be going back to Seattle. I am guessing that the Lance Lynn/Mike Clevinger/Dylan Bundy price tag is out of control. Pads are making multiple peripheral trades. They will make them better, but not good enough without pitching.
Did we really just break a record for the most collective HRs in a month for an NL team? Honestly, it didn’t feel like a record pace…felt sort of typical. Maybe we squeezed in an unusually high number of games to get it.
I wouldn’t trade for Hader unless Kenley’s involved or getting traded as well. He did not react well when we courted Chapman and I see no reason why he’d react differently now. Not that I’m against the idea of getting Hader. We might have two rings if Hader was a Dodger the last two years.
I think if we make a deal, it won’t be a world shaker. A reliable vet along the order of Utley or Freese is what I suspect. Who that is? Beats me?
While all of the guessing about who KC would want, apparantly they are very much enamored with Jacob Amaya (multiple sources). He would not be the centerpiece of the deal, but that may mean if the Dodgers do in fact want to pull off a Merrifield deal, Lux may not be a part of the deal.
I like this team. This is one of the best Dodgers teams that I have seen in my lifetime. Yes I just said that. I’ve followed the Dodgers since the 1977 world series. This team compares with the late 70’s and 80’s teams. I just don’t like the manager, because I have somewhat of a different philosophy.
I have no problem with the offense except one guy and you know who I’m talking about.
I don’t really have a problem with the starting pitching if it is Buehler, Kershaw, Gonsolin, May, Urias. In the playoffs you only need 4 of them. As of now Urias would be the odd man out of the playoffs as a starter. I would let Urias start for the remainder of the season because the Dodgers are going to make the playoffs with or without him starting. Might as well find out what he has as a starter.
Here is where I have some jitters and that is the bullpen. The bullpen is where Doc has the most hands on. As of right now the bullpen has pitched better than the career stats would suggest. I hate talking trades because I’d hate to lose a good Dodger player or 2 or 3 or more in trades. I have heard Friedman has inquired about Josh Hader and I would love to have Hader as a Dodger. But what is the price tag? So if the price is right I’d add Hader to the Dodgers bullpen and I would see if there is another Hader type reliever available for the right price.
The team is good enough that the only way I would make a trade would be for an impact reliever or 2 if the price is right.
Those of us who advocate that the Dodgers’ rotation depth may not be playoff worthy have had our concerns underlined by today’s 3 inning appearance by Gonsolin.
Here’s MLB.com
“Dodgers starters have lasted fewer than five innings in 12 of the last 22 games.”
and
“(Urias has) 5 runs and 14 baserunners over the last 5 2/3 innings in his last 2 starts, despite striking out 11. He’s been throwing his fastballs slower and his offspeed pitches faster than last year.”
Notwithstanding Buehler’s ugly start, he has a track record and the Dodgers can have him ready for the post-season to be a strong 1 – 2 punch with Kershaw. I have no confidence in any of the Dodgers’ other starters at this point. It’s not that May, Gonsolin and Urias aren’t talented – they just aren’t pitching deep into games and lack postseason experience as starters. I don’t think that Stripling is the answer this year.
They need more than 2 starting pitchers in the postseason, no matter how good the bullpen is.
While we’re all talking about the chances of getting a real difference maker, Kenny Rosenthal just published this in The Athletic in a rundown of what various teams are looking at:
“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.”
Now, I’d just like to know what AF defines as the depth he would move. Names please Kenny.
After the game Doc stated that Gonsolin will make his next start, and I’m assuming he meant that he would make that start as a Dodger.
No doubt the top three potential trade candidates on the Dodgers list.
1. Hader
2. Clevinger
3. Merrifeld
Good chance that all three are available.
A couple of observations.
I would never give Corey Seager a strike and still get him out.
Pollock should not play a playoff game against a righty. He is overmatched by the slider.
If we get Kelly and Baez back we don’t need bullpen help. Ferguson has been great. We just need them to perform. We need Baez/Kelly for 5,6, and mb 7th inning but no later. We have treinen and Ferguson for setup.
Everybody likes Merrifield but it is a lot different playing in kc as opposed to la at playoff time. Just sayin
Padres pick up their third player. Catcher Jason Castro from LAA
I would have liked to have seen Gonsolin go 5 innings and about 80 pitches. He had the run support. It’s time Doc let these kids run a little bit. Nice to see Lux get a base hit. More to come from him.
According to Heyman, Dodgers have inquired about Hader of the Brewers…
Gonsolin is a keeper.
Sorry, Chicken Strip: You could be left off the playoff roster.
Now, Julio is on the bubble… one more start!
Gonzolin!!
Bomb by Will Smith – 109 mph; 439 feet
Smith bomb.
If the Dodgers make a trade I will be very interested in what Friedman thinks are the additions or addition that will make the Dodgers a better team. I will have no problem if he does nothing as long as Gonsolin remains in the rotation and Stripling moves to the pen.
Givens traded to the Rockies. Just announced. Bowden thinks the Dodgers should trade Stripling and Gray to the Rangers for Lynn…I’ll Pass.
The White Sox and Indians are in trade discussions regarding Mike Clevinger. Knowing the Indians need OF and the ChiSox are not moving Robert or Jimenez, that would leave Mazara. He may be better than who the Indians have right now, but not much. It is obviously going to need to include prospects. GMs are saying Clevinger being traded is “likely”.
If the White Sox land Clevinger, they will be very tough to beat in the AL. NYY will need to go big for SP. Would the Twins react? Oakland cannot do much except with who they have.
Nice to score 3 in the 7th to get us some breathing room, although I couldn’t feel comfortable for the reasons hodges54 mentioned.
* Big day today for Tony Gonsolin and ME. He needs to pitch well and take another step to solidify his roll in the rotation. I need him to because I have been a huge cheerleader for him being part of the big club and in the rotation. I have my fingers crossed.
* Stripling has had good fortune with the team scoring runs and getting him off the hook unlike May the day before. Ross’ last 2 starts are almost identical; 4 innings each time, 6 and 4 hits, 2 and 3 earned, and 2 homers in each. These short, so-so outings just don’t keep him in the rotation for me down the road. Despite his 3-1 record, his performances isn’t cutting it foe me.
* Stripling might as well be called an “opener”. In 6 of his 7 starts he’s gone 5.2 innings or less. His last 4 starts have been 4, 3.2, 4 and 4. He’s big part of the reason why we have to keep so many relief pitchers and can’t add a position player.
* In Doc’s in-game interview he said “Ross’ stuff is really good today”. Doc is so predictable.
* I always get pissed when I see MLB players pull the high school trick to wear one for the team. In this case the Dietrich kid putting his elbow out to get hit on the pad. Thankfully it didn’t work. I have a nasty habit of wanting, when the time is right, to help him out in his eagerness to get hit, by putting something above 93 in his rib case. It’s bush league baseball. Anyway you can works both ways.
* As things have evolved, I would put CT3 at 2nd against right hand pitching every time. He’s at .288 vs righties. Against lefties you flip a coin.
I need a day off from Orel and Joe today. They spent an important inning doing their sophomore babble about Denny’s breakfasts, meal money and bottomless fries. Later at a critical time in the 9th Choo was fouling off about 6 pitches while Orel rattled on and on about the new extra inning rule. He takes these mental strolls into space. Call the game, please.
* Can somebody tell me why Joc was in the 5 hole and Pollock in the 7th hole last night?
* I think KJ has the late innings rules mixed up. He must think since the 10 inning starts with a runner at 2nd, the 9th inning starts with a runner at 1st. He complies with the rule by walking somebody in the 9th seemingly every time.
I’ve been too negative in my post today and I apologize. I’ll try to be better today.
The DBacks are making Starling Marte and Archie Bradley available. I would love to see what it would take to get Starling Marte. He is batting .379/.438/.483/.920 against LHP this year. He does have a $12.5MM option with a $2MM buyout for 2021.
I will pass on Archie Bradley.
Whit Merrifield is signed through 2024, when he will be 34. KC has little chance of winning by then. I think Merrifield will be productive through 2024.
I was not in favor of this before, but based upon a lot of factors, I would do that now.
In fact, I would trade Gavin Lux (who would be much closer to his Wisconsin Roots), Mitch White, and Victor Gonzalez for him. I think KC would do that. They like Whitt, but this could be his chance at a championship and sometimes you do that for a player if (IF) you have their best interests at heart; and if you get a compelling return. It’s a lot to give up, but I would help the Dodgers immensely.
They may want to include Kike, just to balance the roster. AF might be willing to take some salary back if he could lop off a prospect or two.
DODGERS RECALL RHP TONY GONSOLIN
RHP JOSH SBORZ OPTIONED
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers have recalled right-handed pitcher Tony Gonsolin and optioned right-handed pitcher Josh Sborz.
Gonsolin, 26, returns for his third stint with the club and will start the rubber match against the Texas Rangers this afternoon. On the season, he is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA (0 ER/14.2 IP) in his three starts. He has limited the opposition to .125 (6-for-48) batting average with a 0.55 WHIP and 12 strikeouts. He has not allowed a run in his last five outings dating back to last season and has tossed 17.2 scoreless innings in that span. In 14 career Major League games (nine starts), he is 4-2 with a 2.14 ERA (13 ER/54.2 IP) and 49 strikeouts. The former ninth round selection in the 2016 First Year Player Draft out of St. Mary’s College is 20-14 with a 3.33 ERA (100 ER/270.1 IP) and 315 strikeouts in 100 minor league appearances (39 starts) with the Dodgers.
Sborz, 26, made his season debut on Thursday in Game 1 of the doubleheader, tossing a scoreless inning to secure the victory for the Dodgers over the Giants. In parts of two seasons, eight games, the right-hander is 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA (8 ER/10.0 IP) and eight strikeouts. The former Virginia Cavalier has not allowed a run in five of his last six appearances with the Dodgers and has seven of his eight career strikeouts in that span. He was originally drafted in the second round of the 2015 First Year Player Draft by the Dodgers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers franchise, with six World Series championships and 23 National League pennants since its beginnings in Brooklyn in 1890, is committed to a tradition of pride and excellence. The Dodgers are dedicated to supporting a culture of winning baseball, providing a first-class, fan-friendly experience at Dodger Stadium, and building a strong partnership with the community. With the highest cumulative fan attendance in Major League Baseball history, and a record of breaking barriers, the Dodgers are one of the most cherished sports franchises in the world.
Vin Scully is launching his own web page in November, and is now on twitter. Vin, who is pretty much confined in his home, says he wants to connect with the fans. He is also going to be on You Tube. Roberts said that Baez is not close to returning yet, and Buehler threw 30 pitches yesterday with no problem and the area where he had the blister exposed. Trade talk concerning Lynn has heated up, with the White Sox and Twins the latest to join the fray. According to Jon Heyman, the Dodgers have been in contact with the Indians about Clevinger, who most believe will be traded since the Indians have 6 starters. Price will be high, but teams not shying away from kicking the tires.
Line up
1.Betts
2.Seager
3. Muncy
4. Bellinger 1B
5. Pollock
6. Pederson
7. Taylor
8. Smith
9. Lux
P Gonsolin Pollock in center and Taylor in left.
I’m just saying, half-jokingly (probably a third jokingly TBH), that Julio Urias has the 6th highest value on the great MLB Trade Simulator.
Moreland new Padres
Milone new Braves
Martinez new Cubs
AC thanks again for a great article. As a big Caleb Ferguson fan, I, 100%, agree with you on him being the set-up person in the bullpen. I think he has proven his promotion to the job and hope his huge contributions and value have not gone unnoticed.
Regarding other things, let me say I love Hernandez’ play and enthusiasm. I think he is a very talented player but do not believe at this point he has won the everyday starting position at 2nd base. I do think he is a very valuable asset to the Dodger team
CT3? He could be the starting 2nd baseman or shortstop on more than one major league team. Also a valuable team player.
Will leave the trade opinions to those of you much knowledgeable than I.
I think looking at the history of these trades and how they turned out is evidence of why AF does what he does. The general pattern here is that the deals for the immediate help included players that will be mainstays for years on their new teams. Meanwhile the star players that were supposed to get their teams a WS championship have fizzled or weren’t exactly the difference makers they were supposed to be(Chapman really didn’t have a significant impact even when the Cubs won). Even if Sale helped the Sox win a WS in the short term (and I think they would have won anyway), look at where he is now and look at where the Sox are now.
This is exactly the scenario AF has avoided – by design. It’s the way every team has operated for years – this boom and bust cycle and overpaying for a “star” to somehow increase the odds in a short series with a small sample size of statistical events. If you think about it, it’s really dumb – like signing players over 30 to long-term expensive deals (*cough* Pujols *cough*).
Build a system that gets the team in a position to win the WS every year, do some tweaking around the edges without squandering the long term outlook or plans of the team. Don’t overpay. Look for overlooked value and have the excellent player development process refurbish players who had previously languished (our reliever core, Muncy, Taylor, Turner, et al).
Don’t make panic moves.
It’s a sellers market this year. I don’t see the Dodgers doing much of anything at the trade deadline. The asking price on anything will probably be absurd. The Dodgers made a deal with the Rangers to get Darvish because he was gonna be an FA. They gave up a decent prospect, but someone who never figured to be part of the Dodgers long-term plan.
Lynn has a relatively low annual salary and he’s signed through next year. If Texas think they can rebound and have a good year next year – and they really should – they will have little interest in moving him. He’s really the only SP potential difference maker that would be available.
The Dodgers have the best team in baseball. They are in the hunt every year. The WS championships will come.
I get a very uneasy feeling these days when Kenley comes in for a save. Does anyone else feel this way? It seems he gets more 3-2, 3-1 and 3-0 counts than ever before. I remember, in his prime he would pitch a batter something like this – cutter, cutter, cutter and then a cutter for the out pitch. I realize he’s older and lost some velocity but now he throws 3 or 4 different pitches and doesn’t seem to have great command on any of them. He’s doing a pretty good job on the saves this year, but I still have this uneasy feeling whether he’s protecting a 1, 2, or 3 run lead. BTW, I didn’t check the stats on my comments above. Please correct me if I’m wrong. Kenley’s done a great job for the Dodgers over the years and I hate to see him losing it.
Yeah, I’m not sure why there’s uneasiness about our bullpen. The stats show we have one of the best bullpens in baseball. The eye test shows that we have maybe the best overall bullpen we’ve had since this run started in 2013. Granted Morrow/Jansen in 2017 was the best, but the guys before them were suspect. Sure even Morrow/Jansen failed against the Trashtros, but of course that’s partly due to their cheating.
If we have an offensive need, it’s better production at 2b, but I also feel if Lux doesn’t take this job by force, that I’d be satisfied if CT3 got that job in October.
And since I don’t see us trading for a top of the rotation starter, let’s hope that game 3 person (and game 4 in rounds 2,3,4) can give us 4-5 good innings and let this pen carry us the rest of the way.
I like this idea by Howard:
https://www.si.com/mlb/dodgers/news/if-the-dodgers-can-trade-for-just-one-player-who-should-it-be
IMO the trades we need to make are to slim down and tighten up. Trade Stripling and Joc to make room for Gonsolin and maybe Rios. Get more prospects in the deal because there’s not alot we need at the major league level, maybe Lynn.
There is no doubt that we are not getting the kind of production from our rotation that we thought we would have when the season started and losing Price which I will always hold against him. However, I believe our current rotation is able to give us more than a fair shot of our finishing games with a win. It seems the BP will be our ‘Ace’ that we seem to be missing next to CK. They are doing a bang up job of holding the enemy back as we have the firepower offensively to hurt teams badly. So, I also don’t expect AF to be doing much this weekend. We really don’t need anyone, but it would be very nice for our 3 young arms to solidify their place on the rotation by going longer into games and not put so much pressure on our BP heroes. It would be grand to get Urias smiling on the mound, fist pumping into the air every time he whiffs a batter, sneering with disdain at those who oppose him. Maybe he needs a few beers before he starts a game to loosen him up. An edible? Hey, whatever works, we just want him to be happy!
Not that we desperately needed Rosenthal, but what would have been our equivalent of Olivares? And of course there’s also the PTBNL. Just wondered what he would have cost us.