Well, here we are approaching spring training again. And as has been the case over the last two years, there are some things that are still not settled between the players and ownership. The Universal DH has not been approved, but according to some sources it is still on the table.
Ownership, players, managers and coaches all like it. But what MLB wants as a trade off for implementation so far has been a deal breaker. What do they want? Expanded playoffs. And the players are not enamoured with that idea.
Right now it stands that 10 teams will make the playoffs. That would be the 6 division leaders, and 4 wild card teams. MLB would like to see 14. They proposed a 154 game season to the MLBPA, and that was turned down without a counter offer.
So far, they have agreed on protocols for playing with the Covid virus still a matter of concern. There will be strict monitoring and testing. The Cactus league wanted them to delay spring training since Maricopa county had seen an increase of Covis cases.
But the union went ahead and said no, they have been guaranteed a full season by MLB. Players are uneasy with the power Manfred has to cancel games and change the schedule. That was cited as one of the reasons the 154 game schedule was rejected.
Neither side at this point seems inclined to offer some sort of compromise. And in a way it has ham stringed some NL teams in assembling their teams since the DH has been up in the air.
The Dodgers had been in contact with Ozuna before he resigned with the Braves and even offered him a 2 year contract according to some baseball pundits. If they knew for sure there would be a DH, it would set it up so JT could be used as the DH on days he did not play 3rd. If he is resigned of course.
His options have dwindled a lot. The Mets are said to be in hot pursuit of a trade with the Cubs for Bryant. Milwaukee is supposedly still in the hunt, but almost everyone thinks Turner will be back in LA.
But the bigger problem is that the current CBA runs out after the season. There are some who feel the players feel they got hosed in the last one, and won’t go quietly this time. Hence the threat of a work stoppage on their half, and maybe even a lockout by the owners.
We have danced this dance before. The MLBPA is the strongest union in sports. But they also have a weak leader in Tony Clark. Manfred is not trusted much by the players. He is considered just the owner’s mouthpiece.
Compromise has not been the word of the day. But we can all hope that cooler heads will prevail. It does not help that the country is in the state it is in. Loss of jobs and income. No fans in the seats means no revenue. And most think that L.A. will be one of the last to allow fans at games.
That courtesy of L.A.’s city government. Bottom line is that we should all be prepared for what is most likely coming after the season. Rhetoric from both sides, and a lot of venom.
The vaccine is rolling out more and more every day. Ownership has encouraged players to be vaccinated. Most are saying masks should be worn until at least September.
We all want to see games, and at this point, I think the country NEEDS baseball to be back. We want to see the kids show their wares during spring training. We want to see what the loaded LA rotation can do. We are in dire need of some Belli Bombs, and Mad Max making pitchers go get it out of the ocean. We all want to see if David Price can be elite again.
If it is his last season in blue, we want to give Kersh the send-off he so richly deserves. Diving catches, spectacular defense. Who here does not want to see Mookie rob a few more homers?
It will be Kenley’s last hurrah also. I doubt they will bring him back after this season. The young guns will be looking to make their mark and solidify their place on the team.
There will be a few surprises, some heartbreak, and no doubt a lot of angst come September. But hopefully, baseball will survive, the Dodgers will win the west and return to the series to get a shot at going back to back. Something they have not done since 77-78.
And maybe, just maybe, next winter by the time the winter meetings take place, the players and ownership will realize how damaging a strike would be. And the owners will realize that the already fragile baseball fan base is really tired of all the infighting between the two sides.
Kids are chomping at the bit to play little league again. Fans want to go to spring training and enjoy a day in the sun watching their favorites ply their trade.
The crack of the bat and the sights and sounds of a major league baseball game still resonate with fans. But too much animosity between the two sides could derail that very easily.
Discussion (71)
Disagree, not disagreeable
We might sign more guys but I’m saying the pieces are in place for a repeat.
Then we can Jordan this thing and go for the threepeat.
Paxton to the Mariners. Dodgers right now about 4.7 mil over the second thresh hold. Trading Kelly would get them under that. Tax right now is about 13.8 million.
Since Wednesday pitchers report can the Dodgers hold off to make it official? They could put a couple pitchers on the ir and put turner in their spot. Would this work?
Never a doubt in my mind about JT. I said two plus an option. Money was a little higher than expected but JT lost a lot from the pandemic. Good to see the Dodgers take care of him. Also will be good to put to rest silly thoughts of Rios taking his place at 3B.
Revelation of the year award goes to … Bear !!!
Athletic reporting 2/34 plus a team option for year 3 at 14 mil.
Definitely more than most people expected. I’m glad he got his $. He deserves it.
There it is. You didn’t have to be Nostradamus or even Ray Charles to see the inevitable. JT’s back for two years. After both parties kicked the tires on alternatives, both came to their senses and settled for one another. Just like a happy marriage. I look forward to seeing JT put a stranglehold on the Dodgers post-season record books.
Cassidy, tell wifey that Price isn’t going anywhere.
Now my source tells me Price and some prospects are going somewhere!
Passan reporting that the deal is for 2 years, 30 million. I think that CBT was just blown out of the water.
Well my source was right! Always trust your wife!
Justin Turner Returning To Dodgers
By TC Zencka | February 13, 2021 at 7:41pm CDT
Justin Turner appears ready to sign a new deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, tweeting about his return to L.A. tonight.
That was a very good one Mark…. I like that woman!
Dodgers: Alanna Rizzo details harassment from LAD players
https://dodgersway.com/2021/02/13/dodgers-alanna-rizzo-harassment-players/amp/
Babe, tell me who it was and I’ll make it pay, nobody messes with my sexy hot Alanna!
Just saw a prelim March Madness lineup and Gonzaga a solid #1… Mark Few has had a few damn good teams over the last decade+ but this team could get the nets down for him…
Go Zags!!!
No USC at this point which is very strange… I only dislike USC football…
I got a unique baseball card today. Sandy Koufax hitting. Never had seen one with a bat in his hands ever. From the way his follow through looks, you would think he was a good hitter. Not the case. I also got a blu ray copy of “Here to Eternity” A movie with an actual plot that is good. Great actors, Burt Lancaster, Deborah Kerr, Ernie Borgnine, Frank Sinatra, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of Maggio, Montgomery Clift, Donna Reed. And Superman, George Reeve is also in it. Great day to watch it too.
I trust that AF had good reason for the trades. I think kolarek and floro have been really good for the Dodgers. With the amount of time they had left with kolarek I am really surprised. Floro striking out Arozarena certainly was pivotal in the World Series. The Dodgers chose Floro twice so mb a 3 peat in the offing lol. It seems we went with potential over proven. I suppose AF saw a higher upside or just clearing out the pen a bit for younger arms coming.
A couple of things I have noticed so far. First off, I have not seen AF sign many non roster guys yet. Morrow and Nelson are that. And probably a couple of others I have forgotten. But he usually signs some outfielders, a catcher or two and infielders. I know Asuaje is one of those guys. The 40 man shows 7 outfielders, 4 of whom hit RH< Taylor, Peters, Pollock and Betts. Reks, Raley and Belli the lefty's. Also there is no list of non roster guys up yet. I know they have had Taylor listed as an outfielder over the last couple of years.
Jay Bruce signs a minor league deal with the Yankees, Chris Hermann signed one with the Red Sox, who seem to be loading up with catchers, and Matt Harvey signed a minor league deal with the Orioles.
Good morning all. Thanks Mark for adding the photos. I really had none I thought were relevant. Day after getting the vaccine and no ill affects. Arm is not even sore now, and it is still frippen cold. I got to thinking about this subject the closer it came to being time for training to begin. We missed enough games last year that it almost felt like they were on strike. Problem this time was there were few other activities we could engage in because of the Pandemic. Back in 94, there were plenty of other things we could do to keep busy. They struck late in the season, so college football and the NFL, NBA, and NHL were all getting ready to start up. Theaters were open, and there was plenty of other distractions. I honestly believe if they do it again, it will have more of a negative impact than any of the prior work stoppages have had. I also think Manfred and Clark both need to go.
Lots of topics to kick around today Bear. Good article.
I’ve been pissed since about 2 weeks after the season ended about the lack of a decision on the DH. I guess we have that decision but of course that could change any day. Despite the fact that nearly everyone wants the DH, it’s become a political bargaining chip and of course the fans have no say in the matter. My complaint today is the same as 3 months ago; how do you build a roster in the NL without knowing the DH rules? It’s total BS. I used to not have a strong opinion about the DH but after watching last year, I’m now a fan. I really have no interest in watching an inept pitcher try to hit and sometimes actually running the bases. Let me guess, would I rather watch a Nelson Cruz or JT prolong his career at the plate, or watch Dustin May attempt to hit? Plus it’s about 2 free outs or more in an NL game.
Bear, a couple of your comments of significant interest to me:
“There are some who feel the players feel they got hosed in the last one, and won’t go quietly this time”
Get over it. That’s an ego problem that stands in the way of compromise. Some of these issues really aren’t worth the risk of a work stoppage and all the ill will.
“Players are uneasy with the power Manfred has to cancel games and change the schedule.” I can’t stand Manfred. He’s the worst Commish in the history of everything. But, I have some mixed feelings about the power to intervene with cancellations and schedule changes especially when faced with the uncertainties that were brought about by covid last spring. Flexibility and someone in charge was a necessity. Someone needed to make decisions. With each conference and it’s Commish unable to agree on anything, the lack of “someone in charge” was the huge problem. With 5 Power 5 Commissioners each responsible for their own conference, some cancelled, some delayed, some played and some didn’t seem to know what to do. The lack of someone in charge made it a mess that was magnified into post season. There really needs to be a college football commissioner that’s not the NCAA. Somebody like a Greg Sankey and not a Rob Manfred.
Tony Clark and Manfred both need to go.
I am a baseball lifer but it took me awhile back in 95 for me to come back to MLB after the strike. A work stoppage in 21 would be a gigantic mistake for a league already with a dwindling fan base. It seems remarkable that the egos involved are so strong that they’re willing to kill the Goose and jeopardize a billion dollar industry over stuff like a DH, expanded playoffs and games and how to divi up all that $$$$.
Thanks Bear.
Good article, Bear!
Best to enjoy this season while we can.
The 2022 season will be subject to cancellation due to greed (on both sides).
If the players demand significant changes to the CBA, it will require complex negotiations which will need to be underway very soon. The MLBPA seems most concerned for the elite free agents instead of the minor league players, the young MLB players, and the average veteran players.
Some more details on the Bauer contract were released by Spotrak and AP. While the 3 years at $102 million and $34 million AAV appear correct, the timing of payments seems nonstandard. Spotrak shows a signing bonus of $10 million paid this year, and salaries of $28 million in 2021, $32 million in 2022, and $32 million in 2023. The salary for this year is paid entirely on Nov 1 per AP. If Bauer opts out after 2021 season, then the Dodgers owe $2 million buyout fee, and if Bauer opts out after 2022 season, then the Dodgers owe a buyout fee of $15 million.
There are also potential deferrals in the contract if Bauer opts out after year 1.
By far the most likely scenario is that Bauer opts after after 2022 season and will receive $85 million in bonus, salary and opt out fee. Not sure why Friedman structured deal this way, but it may have something to do with the CBA expiring this year.
Spotrak link. https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/trevor-bauer-8645/
AP link. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2021/02/12/dodgers-could-defer-money-if-bauer-opts-out-after-2021/43386967/
Interesting article up at The Athletic with regard to the Kolarek/Thomas – Neuse/Varland trade, written from the viewpoint of someone who covers the Dodgers and someone who covers the A’s.
I found this little snippet very interesting:
“Four years ago, the Dodgers acquired a 26-year-old who attended high school in Keller, Texas, played Big 12 baseball and spent time rotating between Triple A and the A’s roster. He had flashed some power, and he had flashed some patience. Stout and on the shorter side, that man did not have a specific position, though he could play a few in the infield.
On Friday, the Dodgers acquired another 26-year-old who attended high school in Keller, Texas, played Big 12 baseball, and spent time rotating between Triple-A and the A’s roster. He had flashed some power, and he had flashed some patience. Stout and on the shorter side, that man did not have a specific position, though he could play a few in the infield.
The similarities between Max Muncy and Sheldon Neuse are plenty. Of course it would be outrageous to project Neuse to reach the same heights as Muncy. But the Dodgers have succeeded with maneuvers like this before. And Neuse arrives with a stronger prospect pedigree than Muncy ever had, as a former second-round selection who dominated in 2019. In that way he is similar to Chris Taylor, another buy-low find who had once been a prospect.”
Oh, and one more bit of irony. Neuse and Cody Thomas were teammates at Oklahoma.
I suggest that those of you who still subscribe read the whole article. There is also some encouraging stuff about Varland.
I am personally looking forward to the rivalry with the Padres this year. It should raise everyone’s game. We have a lot of exciting baseball to look forward to.
From MLB Trade Rumors:
As per Roster Resource, the Dodgers’ tax number for 2021 is over $240MM (thanks in large part to the Trevor Bauer signing), and spending beyond $250MM would trigger the maximum tax penalty — a 42.5% surtax on overages, and the Dodgers’ first 2021 draft pick would be dropped back in the draft order by 10 spots.
Great read Bear as always. Dont have crystal ball for what future holds for new agreement with players,owners. Just know its been 32 yrs since our last title – going enjoy this one and new season ahead. Not worry about tomorrow. Have a great Saturday boys ! God Bless
Have both the owners and players forgotten what happened last time and how long it took to gain back the fans. Not agreeing to the DH in the NL when the AL already has is dumb. I am not sure why the players are against a 154 game schedule unless they make less money and that is the reason. I also am not sure why they are against an expanded post season.
All I know is they better get their act together and realizing that they will lose even more fans this time around and that wont be a good thing for either party.
FYI, Bear wrote this – not me.
I can’t take the credit!
Okay, there lies the cliff, below it is the abyss. Will owners and players jump off? I can’t imagine either side being that stupid. The damage would be beyond extensive, many fans would probably just walk away, some never to return.
Yes, the players got hosed in the last negotiation. But that’s on them, poor leadership at the top and all. The main thing I would go after is eliminating the cap, penalties and all. From the owners standpoint, it would be nice if a team develops a face of the franchise player they would be able to keep him. Since smaller market teams regularly trade or allow those players to walk, it has a way of dampening fan interest. When the Cubs were really bad, fans always had Ernie Banks. Baseball needs to find a way to make that work again — no easy task. Maybe allowing a team to match the best offer and keep the player. For the good of the game.
I’m sure players would hate the idea. But attendance is falling in non-competitive cities. Losing teams trade or allow their best player to leave. Why bother to go to the game? It’s a serious issue.
If I lived in one of those areas, would I buy season tickets or go to games? Probably not. Exciting time to be a Dodger fan, but what about the Pirates. Not so much. What about Colorado? Trade your best player? If I live in Denver, why should I follow the Rockies?
I realize it’s a bridge too far for owners and the union to deal with so all we can hope for is baseball to continue uninterrupted in 2022. But forcing some teams to compete or at least try has to be front and center in the upcoming negotiations.
What makes this even worse for baseball is that many people have suffered during the pandemic, financially and mentally, they certainly don’t want to hear about a bunch of billionaires and millionaires whining and fighting over this and that. If they don’t clean up this nonsense, move forward, there will be hell to pay. After listening to political rhetoric for several years, no one wants to hear “crap” from a game they use to escape from the daily grind. All they really want to hear is Play Ball.
Yes, LA County is a pain to deal with, particularly public health. But pressure is mounting on politicians. Once you sees students back in classrooms, Disneyland reopen in late March or early April, it will be hard to not allow attendance at baseball games. If the county is able to vaccinate as many as they think in March and April, it will be a game changer. Even they say so. The Johnson and Johnson single shot will make a huge difference.
Turner is expected to re-sign with the Dodgers in the next couple of days, according to just about everybody. Dave Roberts is telling everyone that he expects Justin to be at third on opening day. Apparently final offers are on the table.
You’re right, Mark, this is Kenley’s last hurrah in LA. One other thing, I really hate the idea of expanded playoffs. The season needs to count.
Good Saturday morning to you Bear. Stay warm there. Really thought your article was very informative and interesting. Hope there will be a successful Minor League Season and no strike.
Thank you for the video on Christian Haupt . I can not put too many likes for me on this talented youngster. I want to know more about him and what he is doing these days. The web only had limited information. Maybe someone could do some research better than I. Thanks. I thought he was adorable, and at first, Clayton’s son.
I expected more today. We had two huge trades yesterday shipping off some quality middle relievers and one from their cache of LHH Corner outfielders for a RH bat that plays 3B and a crop of youngish pitchers. How does this effect the current roster? How does this help the team?
Well, they certainly got younger and several of the incomers have had just a taste of major league experience. Kolarek and Floro were useful pieces, but there weren’t back-end types. I honestly thought Kolarek was a candidate to be released with the advent of the three batter rule last year, instead he was put in a position to succeed during the regular season and the Dodgers were able to parley that into a pretty decent prospect in Neuse. Then they go to Florida and backfill the lefty reliever they lost, with a new one. Not bad…
We also had an introductory press conference that was more focused on the Social Media behavior of our newly signed Cy Young winner than it was about what the Ace brings to the table. Trevor Bauer is a villain that such a valiant franchise like the Dodgers should never sign. He’ll destroy the clubhouse and he’s not really very good. Forget the fact that he won the Cy Young, he did it pitching against only crappy teams. Never mind that he shut out the best offense on a big stage when he took down the Braves in the playoffs, no one likes to mention that. Just refer to the Athletic articles by Molly Night and Pedro Moura so you can know how to think, and what to feel about signing such a horrible person.
Well, it’s the weekend before pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training. The JT announcement is in the queue just waiting for a roster spot to open up when they put a couple of pitchers on the 60 day. Does anyone really think JT is going to the Brew Crew? How about the Mets, who are also going to trade for Kris Bryant and Matt Chapman?
It sure looks like AF has done what he said he was going to do this offseason. He rebuilt and reshaped the bullpen. He added a RH bat that plays 3B and 2B for the bench and JT’s return will add another for the every day (or so) lineup. He was a pig giving 40M to add a Cy Young winner to the rotation when there was no clear need to add anyone. I think you can stick a fork in this offseason and get ready for some warm weather. The hot stove is cooling off now. In the words of our own historic announcer, “It’s time for Dodger Baseball”!!!