More CBT, Universal DH, and JT

January 29, 2021

“Well, it’s a significant demarcation,” Mets president Sandy Alderson said. “I wouldn’t say that it’s a line that cannot be passed, but it’s definitely a significant consideration when you get to that level.”  Per Andy McCullough, The Athletic, “by instructing Alderson to mind the luxury-tax threshold…new Mets owner Steve Cohen has conformed with his 29 colleagues in baseball’s ownership class. The competitive balance tax operates as baseball’s de facto salary…

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Just the facts, Ma’am

January 26, 2021

What I do know is that while I cannot individually predict what each pitcher will do, I feel very confident that “collectively” this bullpen can be great. There is a lot here to like, but that’s my opinion. Let’s see if I can rub your noses in the Facts come October!

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2021-2025 Payroll Projections (In Progress For Friday)

January 22, 2021

In a November 15, 2015 article authored by Matthew Moreno at dodgerblue.com, Andrew Friedman and Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten maintained that the extravagant spending for the Dodgers would not continue, and that the 2016 season would provide a small opportunity to make progress toward balancing the scale. According to Bill Shaikin of the LA Times, Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly recently echoed a similar sentiment, going so far as to…

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The Pen: Better or Worse?

January 20, 2021

A little premature to know if AF is finished yet, but the Dodger bullpen has already been overhauled some. Knebel, Cleavenger, Kahnle, the new kids on the block. Kahnle will not pitch this season, and Cleavenger has never pitched above AA. Wood and Baez have gone to SF and Houston respectively, and McGee so far has not been signed anywhere. And the roster sits at 40. There are all sorts…

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AC Musings for 01-18-21

January 18, 2021

There has been a lot of discussion as to what is the best way to develop a team; a team for sustained contending.  Most LAD fans believe that AF builds his team for success from within.  Others believe organizations can build a winning team by trading prospects for young controllable MLB stars.  Others believe they need to sign affordable free agents.  Most believe you need a bit of all the…

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A Full Season Does Not Mean a Full House

January 12, 2021

Right about now, as COVID-19 rages across the country, MLB is making plans for a 162 game season. How many of those games will be played in empty stadiums remains to be seen, but It might be less than we think. The Indiana Pacers will begin allowing fans into Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 19th. Sales will be limited to 1,000 tickets per game through Jan. 25 and gradually increase….

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No Bull About the Pen

January 6, 2021

It’s really simple: If Brandon Morrow is healthy, he is very, very good! When he’s not healthy, he is not a factor. He has had elbow, calf and shoulder injuries the past two years and is allegedly healthy now. He will be 37 in July and this is likely his last dance.

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Trickle Down Impact of San Diego Moves

January 3, 2021

Somebody made a point as to what the Padres transactions did for the psyche for the other teams.  The Padres have now joined the Dodgers, Braves, probably Mets, and maybe the Nationals (with their pitching and Soto/Robles/Turner) to separate from the rest of the NL.  Some team from the NL Central will get to the playoffs, because, well one of the teams has to.  It is a rule. Because of…

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How Age Changed How I Look At Baseball

January 1, 2021

I just started thinking about this the other day. And it is so true. As a kid, you are in awe of the players. The speed of the game and how it seems like they make the plays so easily. The first time in a major league ballpark is magical. The first time you come through the tunnel as I did at the Coliseum and see the colors and have…

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