Wheelin’ and Dealin’

July 23, 2021

Earlier in the week, there was a little difference in opinion with respect to the Billy McKinney acquisition.   I continue to read how porous LAD’s defense is, and with a gimpy Mookie Betts who may need late-inning defensive help to get him off his hip, a slowing AJ Pollock, questionable defense of Matt Beaty, and the need for CT3 to spend more time in the infield, AF went out and…

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The Marketing of Players

November 29, 2020

This is the time of year when we hear that teams will be listening on potential trades for Player A.  However, most of the time those proclamations are simply rhetorical.  The Brewers have said they are willing to listen to offers for Josh Hader.  The Rays will be listening on offers for Blake Snell.  The Reds will be listening on offers for Sonny Gray.  The Cubs are listening on offers…

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Stealing From Theo…If Not Now, When?

January 4, 2020

It is time for a little Devil’s Advocacy.  I have been an unapologetic fan of Andrew Friedman and what he has accomplished, and just as critical as to what he has NOT accomplished.  I was critical when AF did not beat out the Astros offer for Gerrit Cole before the 2018 season.  The Astros traded a #5 SP in Joe Musgrove, a decent but unceremonious 3B, Colin Moran, a RHRP…

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Who Will Be LAD #2?

December 29, 2019

I cannot see the Dodgers signing Josh Donaldson.  He reportedly has two pending four year deals (Twins and Washington).  But the Braves have right of last refusal (meaning that is where he wants to play), but they are going to need to guarantee that 4th year, which they are contemplating right now.  There is no reason for the Dodgers to continue to chase their tails here.  JT is a quality…

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Winners and Losers

October 1, 2019

As we are getting ready to see who the Dodgers first opponent will be in the post season, it is extremely difficult for me to consume any negativity ascribed to the Dodgers after this season. No conditional statements…they were great. The best team in LA Dodgers history. I say LA Dodgers because the 1953 team that 105, did so with 8 less games. I still read from some how bad…

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Contract Extensions The New Free Agency?

March 30, 2019

It must have been painful for some of these free agents going through contract negotiations the last couple of years. Led by AF, most teams are not all that keen on signing over age players/pitchers to long term $100MM + deals, and the players’ agents are having a rough time talking their clientele into accepting a deal much less than what they originally believed would be available, but probably closer…

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Theeeere They Go!!

December 22, 2018

Well okay then.  The Dodgers have finally spoken or more appropriately…ROARED.  Once again Andrew & Co. has done the impossible and freed up a lot of cash and moved players who were reportedly upset with how they were being played.  I will miss all three Dodgers, especially Alex Wood.  I know others were very partial to Yasiel Puig and he will be missed.  Matt Kemp’s homecoming was well worth it. …

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One More on FAZ and My Final 2018 WS Autopsy

November 3, 2018

I hope you all bear with me. I would like to somewhat continue the FAZ discussion from yesterday.  And then to give one last autopsy report on the 2018 WS. As Mark indicated, FAZ took over a team that had a payroll in excess of $250MM. One would think that a team with that payroll would be loaded.  However when they arrived on the scene, the team had only 3…

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What Happens After Corey Seager?

May 2, 2018

  What do the Dodgers do now? Personnel wise – NOTHING .  FAZ needs rely on what they have developed.  They have shortstops that can play at the ML level, although certainly not at the Corey Seager level.  Other than Francisco Lindor or Carlos Correa, there is no other comparable SS. There is absolutely no reason to make a trade for a rental like Manny Machado. But let’s be realistic….

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Is Dodger Starting Pitching More Questionable Than Others???

May 13, 2017

Ryu gets tattooed and now there is a problem with the starting pitching?  I do not consider Ryu anything more than a #7 on this team.  I have no idea whether Ryu would have pitched better with regular rest or extended.  Maybe his curve just does not work in Colorado.  I have no delusions that Ryu will be anywhere close to the pitcher he was before his shoulder problems.  …

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