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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CBT Threshold or De facto Salary Cap

January 27, 2021

There has been a lot of chatter about the cool reception the current group of FA’s are receiving.  DJLM got $90MM, but he is going to be spreading that over 6 years for a team favorable AAV.  George Springer turned a small bidding war between the two teams that figured to spend (Mets and Jays) into a Toronto overspend of 5 years $150MM.  That was about $25MM more than the…

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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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The Status of the 2021 Free Agent Player

January 8, 2021

Blake Snell, Yu Darvish, Carlos Carrasco, and the BIG MARKET name, Francisco Lindor.  These four have a chance to be top tier in 2021, with Lindor in the elite class.  And they have all changed teams this offseason.  The first two names have moved the Padres into a top three NL and top four MLB team, while the second two names have moved the NYM to a significant NL East…

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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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Wishing or Reality: Your Choice!

January 2, 2021

The Dodgers are the class of MLB and favorites to win the World Series again in 2021… but San Diego has pulled closer. However, to think that the Dodgers will just blow by the Luxury Tas Threshold is both naive and delusional. There is not much room… They can sign Turner for $18 Million and two years, but Hendriks? Ha! Trading for Arenado? No way! Suarez? I doubt it!

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The Case for Standing Pat

December 31, 2020

Sign DJ LeMahieu? That would cost the Dodgers a draft pick. Remember when, after losing Mark Teixeira to free agency and the Yankees, the Angels were awarded the 25th pick of the draft as compensation. And who did they use that pick on? None other than Mike Trout. Or look at it another way: Signing Mark Teixeira cost the Yankees Mike Trout.

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2021 Hot Stove League ???

December 28, 2020

Editorial Comment – This post was written prior to the Blake Snell acquisition by the Padres. The longer this offseason goes without much movement, the more likely AF is going to get involved. The number of teams that want to jettison payroll is growing  and is undoubtedly going to pique the interest of teams like LAD.  While it will stress out fans who continually want to see something happen to…

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