That was a fun ride. And this year it includes a happy wondrous ending. The best team in the regular season actually WON the World Series. Los Angeles Dodgers – 2024 MLB World Series Champions… How sweet that sounds. And they are already posted as a favorite to repeat.
Before I get into my notes and observations, I want to give a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to Bear for keeping LA Dodger Chronicles operating and relevant during my recovery thru the WS. It has been an ordeal for me, and Bear stepped up big time. BTW I fully expect Bear to continue for as long as he wants.
I did not read any posts/comments on any blog after Game 4. And no it is not that I couldn’t handle any negativity, but it was my son’s 49th birthday yesterday, and our day was dedicated to that. So the Dodgers won the WS on his birthday. They had a chance to win the NLCS on what would have been my other son’s 46th birthday. I went to the cemetery to speak with him about winning the NLCS on his birthday (Game 5, Oct. 18), but it did not happen. They would win the pennant two days later, and my wife simply said that Kris was just messing with his Pops.
Now for the WS clincher:
I went into the game with a bad feeling. I did not think that the Yankees would lose two games that Gerrit Cole started. In the 5th inning, the Dodgers find themselves down 5-0 with Cole spinning a gem, and somehow the Dodgers improbably score 5 unearned runs. It’s amazing what can happen when you actually put bat to the ball. Sometimes they make the play, sometimes they do not. I will bet that Aaron Judge will not drop another fly ball again in his career. But he did in Game 5. His 1st inning HR does not make up for that drop. How many future ground balls to 1st will Gerrit Cole sit back and not cover?
Maybe they were not hits but Gavin Lux’s and Mookie Betts sacrifice flies in the 8th, both off closer Luke Weaver were HUGE. BTW, how many more 3-time disengagements will Luke Weaver have. I am sure there have been many 3-time disengagements, but I do not remember ever actually seeing one in a game.
8 pitchers in a 9-inning game. Blake Treinen threw 2.1 innings, allowing 1 hit, 1 walk, and 3 K. After giving up an Aaron Judge double and walk to Jazz Chisholm in the 8th, he was at 37 pitches when Doc went out to talk to Blake with Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Rizzo coming up. Apparently it did not take much convincing, but Doc said he wanted to look in Blake’s eyes to be convinced to leave Blake in. Blake convinced him. It took 5 pitches to get out of the inning. This was a different Doc in this WS. He went with his gut instincts. I bet there was not a single algorithm printout that said Treinen should stay in.
Neither Casparius nor Knack were available, leaving only Daniel Hudson and Brent Honeywell as possible relief pitchers to try and close it out to win the Series. Memories of their Game 4 exploits were still fresh. Walker Buehler had texted Roberts and AF/BG in the AM and said he would be available. Doc initially said no way, but Walker later in the game reminded Doc that he could go 1-2 innings. We then saw Walker and Hudson warming up. Doc made the absolute right choice to close it out with Big Game Buehler. My wife told me I had to wear my Buehler jersey today. Simple decision since my Freddie jersey is at the cleaners.
Walker Buehler has now allowed 1 run in 19 World Series innings (4 games). How Big Game is that?
Teoscar had the only XBH for LAD (double) in Game 5.
Freddie was the MVP in this one (duh!). He was 6-20 with 2 walks and only 1 K. 4 of those hits were HRs and generated 12 RBIs. Freddie broke George Springer’s consecutive WS game with a HR with his 4th HR, which was his 6th consecutive WS game HR. He almost had a 7th consecutive WS game HR in the 4th. Maybe I was watching with my heart, but that sure looked like it would have been a HR had Judge not been there.
His 12 RBIs also tied a WS record set in 1960 by NYY’s Bobby Richardson. Richardson had a 7 game series while Freddie did his in 5. While I would have said that Bill Mazeroski was the 1960 WS MVP 100 times out of 100, I would have been wrong 100 times. Richardson is the only player from a losing team to get the WS MVP.
Freddie changed the entire outlook for the WS with his 10th inning walk off grand slam.
The Hernández boys were clutch in the Fall Classic. Teoscar led the team with 7 hits. He also had 4 RBI with only 2 K in 20 AB. Kiké was 5-18. He started the unbelievable 5th inning with a single.
Shohei did not produce with the bat, but (IMO) his presence was felt.
Miggy Ro was undoubtedly not ready to play. He started Game 2 with 3 AB, and did not play in any other game.
Tommy Edman continued his outstanding October going 5-17 with 2 doubles, 1 HR, 3 BB, and 2 SB. He led the team with 20 playoff hits, batting .328/.354/.508/.862, winning the NLCS MVP.
Mookie followed two poor playoffs with a very good one. For October, Mookie batted .290/.387/.565/.952. He had 5 doubles and 4 HRs, with 11 BB against 10 K. Mookie led the team with a .952 OPS and 16 RBIs for the playoffs. He tied with Freddie with the most HRs, and tied Edman with 5 doubles. He was 5-18 in the WS with 4 RBIs.
I cannot count the number of comments I heard about LAD always having the talent, but not the fight. With the addition of Teoscar, Edman, Shohei, Kopech, and Yamamoto, that page has turned.
I will be analyzing what the Dodgers should or might do this winter very soon. But for now, I am going to enjoy this one. However, before then, I would look for Dave Roberts extension.
World Series Winners:
And World Series Losers:
And now what’s next?
Re-sign Teo or Soto?
Edman at SS or sign Adames?
Sign a lefty like Fried or Snell or trust Kershaw again?
Betts one more year in RF or move him to 2B and trade Lux?
Probably none of those except maybe Edman at SS.
I think AF goes after Adames. Edman has more value playing more than one position.
Would be wildly out of character unless he’s unpursued ala Teo last off-season.
Adames will get a lot of offers.
That’s why he won’t be a Dodger.
So many possible moves. The SP free agent market includes Burnes, Snell, Fried, Buehler, Kikuchi, Flaherty and maybe Roki Sasaki. (I think Buehler has earned a decent 3-year deal, but might get more $$ elsewhere.)
A big question, I think, remains whether the brass decides to move Mookie to 2B full-time, in which case Lux would be dealt. Such a move would also be a reason to bring back Teo or target another outfielder.
Soto would be the biggest get, of course… but the Dodgers might prefer to spread that moolah around. AF might be able to land two all-star caliber talents for the price of Soto, plus a role player like Kike.
An infield that reads, left to right, as Max, Adames, Mookie and Freddie seems like a serious possibility. Edman can shift to more of a CF/UT role.
Or if not Adames, maybe Ha-Seong Kim?
Just read that the Dodgers have a club option on Rojas, who has over-achieved for LA . But with Edman aboard, Taylor still under contract and guys like Adames and Kim on the market, Miggy may need to move on. The brass may want to bring back Kike.
Finally, the front office likes to find good rehab projects for Mark Prior. Shane Bieber, perhaps?
I don’t think Kim is in Adame’s league. He for sure doesn’t bring that kind of power bat. And Adames is one of AF’s former players, and we all know he likes those. I think the only way Buehler would re-sign with LA is on a make good 1 year deal. If he gets a multi-year deal with anyone, it will have a ton of incentives. But if he signs a one-year make good deal, and he shows he is all the way back, then after next season he could cash in. I think Burnes should be the # 1 target. Santander is younger than Teo, and he would be cheaper. Guys coming back next year, Miller, Glasnow, Ohtani, Yamamoto, Kershaw, Gonsolin, Sheehan, Knack, and May, but I think May and Casparius might be bullpen pieces going forward. If not Burnes, I go after Freid. Lefty and a local boy.
Disagree my friend. I think AF goes hard after him for the simple reason there is no pure SS in the pipeline and Rojas is nothing more than a short-term solution. Plus, Adames brings decent defense and power, something Rojas does not possess.
When was the last time Friedman went “hard” after any non-superstar in the off-season?
any?
Adames is close to being one of the best SS in the majors. He might not be a superstar, but he definitely fills a need. Just my opinion. Might happen might not, but I tend to believe it will.
Just curious Bear…..why do you discount Edman being our long term SS?
Edman has much more value as a super utility guy. Was a gold glove at second base. He is not in Adames’s league defensively, or power wise. Edman has one year left on his deal; I think he gets extended because of his versatility. He wasn’t all that defensively during the World Series. He missed a couple of easy plays.
Then put him at 2B and trade Lux….problem solved. This I believe very strongly…..Edman should be an everyday player, just as you saw in the playoffs. And look what his presence did for us in that. He is a winner and he can bat either way.
Didnt answer my question.
This was a catty, rude and stupid reply by me.
Hangovers suck.
Apologies.
No apology needed.
Probably never, but they want to win again. And SS is a position of need.
Great to hear from you, Jeff. Some of us were worried that you hadn’t commented. Didn’t realize it was Andy’s birthday yesterday. Quite the gift you got him there.
Look forward to seeing your comments about off season moves when you feel the time is right.
In the meanwhile, I join you in celebrating our champs.
Jeff Passan has a great WS story up and it’s not behind the paywall.
Turns out that not only did Freddie have everything we knew about go wrong, but he also suffered torn rib cartilage during the playoffs which made it very painful to swing. Next year they need to add a cape to his uniform.
Here’s the Passan link:
World Series champs! How Dodgers validated their dominance – ESPN
And Hot Stove season is officially on:
Angels trade Griffin Canning to the Braves for Soler.
Didn’t even take 24 hours.
That is a great trade for Atlanta. IMO, Canning is a much better pitcher than he showed with LAA. Of course, LAA has no idea how to develop pitchers, and Atlanta seems to know how to develop and turn careers around. With Ozuna, Soler was not needed.
Totally agree.
Atlanta gets out from the Soler deal, and needs starters with Fried and Morton leaving. Canning doesn’t miss bats at all, but maybe Atlanta can work some Chris Sale magic with him.
And the Angels once again prove they have no clue. They need pitching and they trade it away for a bat.
They got two more players today, Scott Kingery from the Phils and Ryan Noda from the A’s.
Freddie Freeman!What can you say?
Hero!
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very curious to see how the team deals with starters next year. Without any moves the team already has on the projected 40:
Sheehan (mid-year return)
Frasso (Early season return)
Ohtani (probably on a 6 day rest scheme)
YY (6 day?)
Glasnow
Knack
Gonsolin
Miller
and it will be tough not to resign:
walker b
clayton k
And that’s without Wrobo-cop, Casparius, and Grove who are further away.
and without Flahrety
Dustin May
From what I’ve read May isn’t considered a starter anymore.
I think he would be a terrific closer.
I agree, his stuff is nasty. He also has that closer vibe!
Kershaw has a 10-mil player option. And he said he intended to pitch next year. No doubt in my mind CK will be back.
And there is Rōki Sasaki
Per Passan:
Sasaki’s relationship with the Marines has been damaged by the team’s denial of his posting request last off-season. And so, it’s likely he renews the request to post him during this offseason.
Yet it’s entirely possible — perhaps even likely — that the Marines will decline again.
Per Chelsea Janes:
MLB executives were (as of the beginning of this International cycle) “planning” for Sasaki to be posted this offseason.
That said, there are financial incentives for both the Marines and Sasaki to wait. Since he will only turn 23 on Nov. 3, he will be subject to international signing restrictions until he’s 25 and this year was considered a down season.
The Sporting News has a story that they think the Dodgers will reunite with Kenley Jansen this winter. Giants hiring Minasian’s brother to be their GM. McCullough still in the running for the Marlins job. Albernaz pulled himself out of consideration. Fan sided thinks these 9 Dodgers will not return, Buehler, Rojas, Flaherty, Kelly, Kike, Barnes, Teo, and the two players retiring, Kiermaier and Hudson.
If Kenley still wants to be a closer, I doubt he’ll be back. Between Treinen, Kopech and possibly even May, that spot will be filled by someone else.
Treinen’s probably gone me thinks.
Methinks you wrong on this one, too.
Ah yes. The annual Kenley back to the Dodgers BS. Barnes and Rojas are almost locks to be back. I hope we bring back Buehler and Kike.
There were actually talks between the Sox and Dodgers about Kenley, but nothing materialized.
I think Buehler and Rojas come back, possibly Kike.
Dodgers need to keep Kike and move on from Taylor and Barnes.
Seems like a no brainer but we’ll see.
I want to thank Jeff for the kind words. Writing has become something I really enjoy. Never thought that would be the case. When I started most of the stories were about the team history. US and baseball history are two of my favorite subjects. With Jeff doing his rehabilitation, I have had to expand the field of my writing into summarization, and analysis. Summarizing is easy, analyzing, not so much, and really not in my wheelhouse. But I want to thank all of the posters who have been so supportive of the site and Jeff’s efforts to have a site where we all can express our opinions openly. There is not much else I can say except thank you all.
You definitely stepped up Bear. I have always enjoyed seeing people take on new challenges where they may have lacked experience and jump in like a fish in water.
Looks like the Yankees aren’t the only New Yorkers to drop the ball, for any of you guys not watching the Jets game tonight the Jets reciever caught the ball as he was stepping into the end zone he decided to drop the ball in celebration, before the ball had actually crossed the plain. Ball rolled into the end zone, touch back, Texans ball at the twenty
Unbelievable gaffe. What is it with these showboats? They just have to drop the ball so close to the line and make it scary close? Sheesh…..
Well done Bear. You are the Chronicles MVP this season. I enjoy reading you and your takes are well thought out and presented.
I have an idea for a historical article. How and why were the Yankees so dominate from the 20’s thru the 50’s? Could be 3 segments. The 1921-1932. 1936-1945. 1947-1964. I am not necessarily talking about the players they had, but, how did they go about acquiring players and develop them. Why were they so much better at it than all the other teams?
Thanks again for all you do here.
Yes, thank you Jeff and Bear for an incredible year and all your hard work and expertise. Let’s do it again in 25!
Watching TV, Heyman reported Teoscar stated 1000% he wants to come back to the Dodgers. Maybe Teoscar and AF come come up with a deal both sides are happy with. I know if I was a player a would take a little less to be part of a winning program.
Not sure I would want him back. He did have some nice stats with LA, but he still is a strikeout machine, and he is 32 years old. I would prefer the switch-hitting Santander, who is 2 years younger, and is a RF so Mookie could move to second full time, and Lux gets dealt for something good.
Strikeouts don’t matter anymore. 32 might. 4.3 WAR is his bargaining chip. Some team will offer at least 3 years. Santander. Younger. More power. No defense. Less WAR. I don’t know he’s a better fit. I like Teo. Keep him.
We don’t know if May will ever pitch again. Gonsolin might not be a starter anymore but he could be a Treinen-like bullpen piece. As could May.
As is this team is loaded. I believe they might go Burnes and Adames and that’s it.
We will see, a lot of reports that they will actually kick the tires on Soto.
Sure would be nice if Outman could find his stroke.
Some outlets, Google sports, are thinking Outman will be cut loose. His age and struggles at the MLB level have a lot to do with that assessment.
I think Outman will get a long look in Spring Training. I don’t think he will be cut loose. Traded perhaps, but not just cut loose.
I’m not holding my breath, but yeah it would be nice.
You think 32 is old? How old was Nolan Ryan before he retired?
I see no problem with a 3 year deal…he would be 32,33,34……then we can be concerned about his next contract at 35.
Oh yeah.
I will do some research on that. I appreciate your post.
This is a very informative and welcoming site. And it starts at the top with you and Jeff. Thanks for all that you do.
Thanks Wally, much appreciated.
Roberts finally admitted that Ohtani should not have been on the field that last few games.
I too was hoping to see Pages or someone else as our DH. You could sometimes see Ohtani grimace after a big swing and miss.
Good to see you back, Jeff!
And thanx to you and Bear for keeping this site running.
Stll not ready to talk hot stove league. I am on cloud Nr. 9 ever since Verdugo (could not have happened to a better Yankee player to make that last out) swung and missed on that Striker Buehler pitch to end the game.
LA Dodgers World Series champs 2024!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Parade incoming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a GREAT Dodgers outlet and the two gentlemen who make it work are top notch and much appreciated. Love the Bear and Jeff is a class act. I’m very honored to be a part of this family….so many great guys to hang out with as we analyze our boys. -TM
Can I get an Amen TM
Agree 100%. A great Dodger blog free of narcissistic behavior you might find on other Dodger blogs.
Jeff and OldBear do a great job. This site is a daily “go to” for up-to-date Dodger information for rabid Dodger fans. Pinch me…….is this a dream and are we really World Champs?
Exactly. Narcisstic behaviour even on a day when the Dodgers win the WS. Which has happened only 8 times in 134 years of this franchise.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope the Dodgers pass on Soto. Terrible fielder. He will be an expensive DH in 3 to 4 years. And we already have our DH. 🤐
I find myself agreeing with you a lot lately, Ohio. I also don’t want Soto so that I won’t have to hear everyone crying about us buying a championship. I could understand the frustration and I wouldn’t then be surprised to see MLB then institute a real salary cap much like NFL and NHL.
Who cares what others whine about? I sure don’t.
He’s worth a sh*t ton of money and he’s going to get it. There are only a few owners that will be in on it. Along with NY you know where I think he fits? San Diego. That is team of showboating hot dogs and Soto would not only fit in with that group, he could elevate them to pennant winning status. Do I believe that will happen? Not yet. But it could. Personally I’d like to see him stay with the Yankees.
I believe the money it will take to sign can be better utilized by spreading it around. Pitching should always be the top priority.
I’d take Burns, and Adames over Soto, and still have spent a lot less money
Definitely Keith. And save enough to eat Taylors contract and sign Kike.
Soto Ida 6-8 oWAR player in his prime. Somebody will offer 10+ years and $500 million. Who? Probably NY.
I agree. I think the Wankees are the odds on favorite to sign him. Mets will be in the hunt too. I think the Giants will make a strong run at him as well.
I cannot see SFG being a consideration for Soto. They swung and missed for Harper, and swung and missed for Judge. Sluggers not named Bonds are not interested in playing in that venue. It is way too big and too cold. The Giants hope is that Boros is Soto’s agent and he only cares about $$$ for his clients. So they are going to need to be WAAAAYYYYY over NYY and NYM bid to be a consideration. But like Correa, they have been willing to pay well over the market rate. He will also use the Dodgers to drive up the price.
Willy Adames is more of a likely target for SFG.
Blake Snell is more of a likely target for SDP.
IMO, Soto will be playing in either The Bronx or Queens. Very darkhorse is Philadelphia. I bet even John Middleton’s “stupid money” is not enough.
I predict the Yankees and the Mets will get into a bidding war. Huge ownership egos on both sides.
Which NY Badger?
I agree with the point Ohio Dodger made above, that being Soto is basically a DH waiting to happen and we already have our long term DH.
I don’t see how the Yankees can afford to let him leave, no matter what it costs. And to lose him to the Mets?
Steve Cohen has more of the one thing that Scott Boros will listen to…$$$$$$. He can well afford to top Steinbrenner. NYY could counter with signing Pete Alonso. It is strange that the two teams that need a ton of pitching are targeting Juan Soto. The one area that Philadelphia does not need is SP, which is why I do think they can afford Soto.
i hope it does turn into a bidding war between those two, and drives the price way up, if I was Andrew, I’d put all kinds of rumors out there about Dodger interest, maybe a NY team has to pay north of 500mil.
Saw a prediction today that he would get over 600 million. At that price, hard pass.
Saw this on Facebook, thought you guys would get a kick out of it.
Wish I would have thought of that
Awards season coming up. Gold Gloves first. Free agents starting to make their announcements. In a month I would guess some guys will already be signed. Upcoming important dates. Free agents can begin signing next week. Nov 5-7 GM meetings. Groundwork for trades begins then. Nov 19th, deadline for players to accept or decline QO. Nov 22, non-tender deadline, Dec 9-12, Winter meetings in Dallas, Dec 11, Rule 5 draft. February, Arbitration figures exchanged, and spring training begins.
Great parade, great reception at DS.
Had tears in my eyes.
And that is the reason why I can not talk hot stove league and who to let go or bring in for next season.
How can you NOT want Teo or Kike or Treinen or whoever else back ?
But from a business and competetive aspect you have to talk and think about it.
But just not NOW! Not me. I just can´t.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glad you made it up there Ram, I can see how an event like that would make you all warm and fuzzy, and want everyone back for next season.
Anyone else besides me feeling badly for the players whose names were not called and thus not acknowledged by the fans for their contributions? I would have been screaming my brains out to thank MICHAEL KOPECH for all his contributions since he came over from Chicago. Was Will Smith called? I’m also pretty sure Gavin Lux was not called either. Many bullpen guys too. Curious as to why not?