Badger made a counterpoint to my statement that I think the 2025 team could rival the 2022 team and their 111 wins. He opined that the team could not win 111 games if Glasnow, Miller, and Gonsolin were in the rotation. “None of those 3 will get 25 starts. I kinda doubt Yamamoto will either.”
Badger always gets me to think. Thus, I thought I would look at the 2022 season for some perspective, and see if I can translate that into the 2025 season, believing the Dodgers will at some point have a 6-man rotation,
In 2022, the Dodgers had 10 pitchers with at least 6 starts, led by Julio Urias (31) and Tyler Anderson (28). Those were the only two Dodger pitchers that exceeded the 25 start threshold.
Tony Gonsolin started 24 games in 2022, and they still won 111 games. Thus, it appears they do not need The Catman to start 25 games and win 111 games in 2025.
I am about as big of a Tyler Glasnow fan as there is. Tyler Glasnow probably pushed it a bit too much last year. He was on pace for 201 IP when he was shut down. Looking back, that was not a sustainable pace for Tyler. I know load management is a curse word to many, but Tyler needed load management last year. In his 22 starts, he averaged a little over 6 innings per start. He had 9 starts with 7.0 or 8.0 innings per start, and 16 starts with at least 6.0 innings per start. He had 14 quality starts. He had a 0.948 WHIP, 2.68 xFIP, 2.90 SIERA, 11.5 K/9, and 4.8 K/BB. Before his back injury last year, Glasnow had reached 109 IP BEFORE the AS break, which was 11 IP less than his career high. That is not load management. He was well on his way to CY votes.
For those who are not aware, FIP and SIERA are generally considered better predictors of future ERA than ERA itself. FIP only considers strikeouts, walks, and home runs, which are directly related to a pitcher’s skill, not how well the defense plays behind them. While SIERA quantifies a pitcher’s performance by trying to eliminate factors the pitcher can’t control by himself. But unlike a stat such as xFIP, SIERA considers balls in play and adjusts for the type of ball in play. For example, if a pitcher has a high xFIP but has also induced a high proportion of grounders and pop-ups instead of line drives, his SIERA will be lower than his xFIP.
Glasnow says he is working on a revised winter workout and to include a pitching mechanic change in scaling back his 99th percentile extension. IMO, too many sell Tyler Glasnow short. Concurrently, I agree that I may be giving him more credit.
In Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s previous life in Japan, he was considered a workhorse. Starting with his age 22 season, he reeled off the following three season stats before signing with LAD:
- 2021 – 26 GS, 193.2 IP
- 2022 – 26 GS, 193.0 IP
- 2023 – 24 GS. 171.0 IP
Remember Yamamoto pitched once a week (6 man rotation) while in Japan. And Yamamoto may have pushed himself too much on that June 7 evening in NY against NYY. Hopefully both he and Dodgers have learned from that night.
Both Glasnow and Yamamoto were new to the Dodgers and probably pushed it to make the best impression. I believe both SP learned from 2024 and that LAD coaches have learned to monitor IP, and to manage velo when a pitcher is obviously pushing it to the limit as Yamamoto was against NYY.
With those changes, I see no reason why both Glasnow and Yamamoto will suffer a repeat of 2024, and will get 25 starts. Throw in Snell and that is 3 SP that should get to 25 starts even in a 6-man rotation.
I agree that Gonsolin will not (and should not reach 25 starts). His load management will need to be monitored which means that the IP by the “kids” last year (Knack, Casparius, and Wrobleski) were critical.
As afar as Bobby Miller goes, I think he deserves a do over from last year. He will be 26 this year, and is a year removed from his rookie season with 22 starts and 124.1 IP, and that was with his first start May 23. He was certainly on a pace that would have eclipsed 25 starts and 150 IP had he started the season in the LAD rotation. Miller may need more tutoring from Brent Walker (mental health coach) than Mark Prior and Connor McGuiness. Bobby is too young to give up on, and I think he reverts back to his 2023 season rather than his 2024 season.
I did not include Shohei in my original SP, and I do not believe they need to go to a 6-man rotation until May. I read somewhere that Ohtani will be held back and are eyeing a start date similar to Walker Buehler’s first start last year, May 6. The Dodgers do not need a 6-man rotation until May anyway. They do not have more than 6 consecutive games until May 2, when they embark on a 10 game road trip, and after an open date, start a 9 game homestand.
For their first 31 games, it works out that 28 of those 31 games are at least on a 6 man rotation pace. This fits in perfectly with Shohei joining the rotation on the 10 game road trip beginning May 2.
If the Dodgers do sign Roki Sasaki, that probably pushes Gonsolin to the bullpen. Advantage LAD. And with Sasaki in the rotation, once Ohtani joins the rotation, what does that mean for Miller? Probably back to OKC to stay in a rotation, and be ready when the inevitable injury pops up. Fair to Miller? Probably not, but good for the team.
This does not take into consideration Landon Knack, Justin Wrobleski, or Ben Casparius. Knack threw 137.0 innings in 2024. His previous high was 100.1 in 2023. He understandably ran out of gas at the end. But his 4 innings in Game 4 of the WS kept the Dodgers close until NYY scored 5 in the 8th to break it open. Not a bad performance for a rookie in a WS game against the NYY.
Wrobleski threw 136.0 innings in 2024 and his previous high was 102.1 in 2023. Both Knack and Wrobleski had good progressions in 2024, and are actually now on pace to eclipse last year’s IP.
Even if the Dodgers are fortunate to sign Sasaki, he pitched 111 innings last year, and has a high of 129.1 (as a 20 year old). He is not ready for a full load in the rotation this year. And the Dodgers certainly do not need him to be. But will he see that as an obstacle to signing or a bonus for a prolonged career. I get it. Professional athletes want to compete in the now, because tomorrow may never come.
IMO, the 2025 Dodgers starting pitching is better than it was in 2022. They won 111 games with that staff, and there is no reason the current staff cannot duplicate what they did in 2022. I am not saying they will win 111 games, only that they are capable. The negative to that is that the NL West could be the most difficult division in MLB. In 2022, the Padres were 2nd in the Division with 89 wins, and the Giants were 3rd with 82 wins. Besides the Dodgers, both the Padres and Diamondbacks figure to be 90+ win teams in 2025 which could be a negative for LAD winning 111 games.
I am not worried about how this team is currently constructed, especially the position players. I continue to read and hear that they still want an elite late inning reliever, and Tanner Scott is still available. AF has recently stated that he wants to solidify his bullpen before the season, and acknowledges that Scott is a focus.
“If we can add an additional reliever, that helps increase the chances of us not going to market in July.”
He continued, “So, yeah, I could see us looking to do that. Now, it doesn’t mean we’ll be able to, but I could see us looking.”
I know Scott also has interest in the Dodgers. But they still need to come together on a what will probably be a 4 year deal at around $15MM per. Will he accept deferrals if AG/BG insist? Will the Dodgers back off if Scott says no to deferrals? Will he accept 3 years guaranteed with a player option for a 4th? Would AF/BG be more comfortable with a one year deal for Kirby Yates? With relievers and AF, it is simply a guessing game.
I hope the Dodgers nerds are stacking up miles of data for load management. I know that some just hate that term, but MLB execs are beginning to swear by it. Glasnow, Snell, Yamamoto, Ohtani, Gonsolin, Miller, Knack, Wrobleski, and Casparius are all capable of at least 10 productive starts. Not all will reach 10 starts, but to know that 9 are capable is encouraging.
Load management was just not a missed opportunity for Tyler Glasnow, but also for Gavin Stone and River Ryan. Both players pitched beyond where they should have been.
And load management is not just for the pitchers. Was Mookie more productive in October because of the paucity of games played in the season? Same with Freddie Freeman.
More on load management and it’s emphasis in today’s game – https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40145890/mlb-load-management-next-big-thing-rock-baseball
With Tommy Edman, Miguel Rojas, and Chris Taylor, the Dodgers have multiple options. AF values versatility and the LAD depth is exceptional because of it. The players should have sufficient rest to stay fresh in October. With the 4th OF, all OF should have plenty of rest as well.
Finally, I am an unapologetic supporter of Austin Barnes, and have been so for years. Last year, Barnes hit .264/.331/.307/.638 in 140 AB. How does that compare to other catchers? For all catchers with more than 80 AB, Barnes is #12 in batting average, #10 in OBP, and #35 in OPS. That is better than the vast majority of backup catchers. That combined with his pitching knowledge, and especially the knowledge of the LAD pitchers, makes him extremely valuable. For those who discount what the importance of a backup catcher is, we are just in a different universe. When Austin Barnes goes out to tell an elite pitcher in Game 6 of the 2020 NLCS to stop thinking and do what he says, that is what makes him special. The pitchers listen to him. Yes Will Smith is there, but he gives Austin Barnes credit for mentoring him.
However, as much of a fan of Austin that I am, I do hope he plays more in 2025 to give Smith more rest. Load management plays a role for Smith as well. Barnes does not have to put up those 2024 offensive numbers to justify more games. Last year, Austin was in 54 games. I hope he reaches 65 games in 2025 so he can earn another $50K. I too hope this will be Austin’s final year as a player, and he moves into a coaching role next year with his 3rd WS ring.
With Scott and Sasaki, this team could just roll out of bed and win 100. It’s all about load management and keeping guys healthy for October.
Gonsolin no longer surprises me. If he is now as good as he was before going on the IL, it will be hard to push him out of the rotation.
I have always feared May would be hit by a comebacker. If he can stay healthy he has the ability to push someone else out of the rotation. If he stays healthy and pitches in relief, do the Dodgers need Scot.
Doesn’t there remain some question whether Dustin May will shift to a bullpen role?
The speculation is common, and given May’s injury history, it seems to make sense. Has there been a definitive statement from the brass about May’s role? If so, I missed it.
In terms of pure ability, I think the Dodgers have four aces: Snell, Ohtani, Glasnow and Yamamoto. Sasaki would make five–and I think Miller has ace potential. Probably May too….And then we drop down to Gonsolin, who was merely an all-star…. Just so much talent.
Oh, forgot Kershaw. Former ace–but I’d still expect a solid performance.
The six-man rotation is a means of load management in itself. Injuries and doubleheaders will create opportunities for Knack, Wrobleski, Casparius, ???
With all this pitching talent, I wonder whether Sasaki’s decision could prompt a trade. If he comes to the Dodgers, that would make it much easier to deal some arms. Perhaps we’ll see a blockbuster yet.
How do you define an ACE, Duke?
Good question.
I’d define “ace” as a starter who has demonstrated all-star-level performance with some consistency. (Gonsolin has “pitched like an ace,” but I wouldn’t say he’s achieved the status.)
An ace, I’d say, is a pitcher who can go toe-to-toe with the best in the game. While Sales, Skubal and Skenes may be superior to Glasnow, they’d have to face the Dodgers lineup, so I still like Glasnow’s chances. An ace typically represents an instant advantage–an SP who is capable of dominance, and at worst often inspires confidence against a formidable rival.
On weak teams, the “ace” label is applied to the team’s best starter, even though he might simply be above average. (The Angels have had a few of those.)
A few years back, I thought the Dodgers started the season with four aces: Kershaw, Buehler, Urias and Bauer.
Stuff happened.
The only Ace I see on the Dodgers roster is really a former Ace, Clayton Kershaw, a terrific career all with the Dodgers. None of the pitchers we have, IME, can be called an Ace at present. Snell has a couple of good seasons but hardly qualifies as an Ace. Gonsolin had one dominating season and fell apart shortly afterwards. Ohtani has yet to pitch for us after his surgery but was on his way to Acehood. Don’t get me wrong, I like the lineup they’ve put together, and there is a lot of potential in the rotation, but Ace should be reserved for the special few who have demonstrated dominance over an extended period of time. Perhaps the level of strikeouts and WHIP should also be included in the stats of an Ace.
You set a very high bar.
Snell has earned two Cys…. but he’s not an ace?
Kershaw certainly was an ace, but is he still? I’d say he’s more than an ace since he’s been considered a HOF lock for years.
I’d also say that Snell, Shohei, Yamamoto and Glasnow are all getting ace money.
WHIP is one of my favorite stats. It is to pitching what OPS is to hitting.
Ace money does not make an Ace. Look at Snell’s record. Is that the record of an Ace? I think not. It’s not bad, though.
I’m very excited by the new signing of the Korean Super Utility man Kim. Wow, the FO is piling on. What a roster!
IMHO the Dodgers eventually will sign Scott. At the moment the 40 men roster is full.
I expect a trade soon to make room and then the Dodgers will sgin Scott.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Guess that would apply to Sasaki as well.
Actually, Sasaki would be signing a MiLB contract and will not need to be added to 40 man until he is called up during the regular season. No reason to call him up before then. There will be multiple players on the 60 day IL so to add Sasaki at that time should not be an issue
Good to know.
Why my hesitations? In looking at the statistical histories of the starting staff I see nothing there that suggests these guys, all a year older, will have injury free take the ball every 5th or 6th day from April to November years. Even Snell, who figures to be at the front of this rotation, has a sketchy past. In 9 years he’s thrown over 130 innings only twice. In the same number of years, Glasnow has done it once. Yamamoto is coming off an injured year, and Gonsolin May? Please. I figured both would be good bets for bullpen assignments. Miller? A complete unknown.
Jack Harris speaks to the injured pitcher issue in this morning’s Times. Something must be done. And what that something will be this year is depth. Kershaw and Ohtani will help. Wrobleski and Knack will be in the mix. Casparius might be. Even a 21 year old Ferris might get a summer call up for a start or two.
Sasaki would be most helpful for this staff. We should know something soon. If he goes to the Padres? Gulp.
I am of course still bullish on the Dodgers. They have proven they know how to win. The starting pitching? I remain in wait and see mode. It could be dominant. It could also take a bus load to get it done.
I have been charting the starters for the last 3 yrs. Every start, innings pitched,k’s and runs. I do this for fun to anticipate who will pitch and o watch how the FO is strategizing. Last year,with the exception of @4 times, the Dodgers starting pitchers went every 6 days and sometimes 7 or more days. They did his by using off days and spot starters. If they go to a 6 man rotation it only means they do not have to use call ups as much and the starters will get even extra days off occasionally without manipulating the order.
Whatever significance this has to the conversation is up for interpretation From that pov the FO seems to be tweeking how they go about their load mngmnt and roster construction by “formally” using 6 starters.
Posted this a month ago, still relevant:
In 1960, the Dodgers had 5 pitchers start 15 games or more
In 1970, the Dodgers had 6 pitchers start 16 games or more
In 1980, the Dodgers had 6 pitchers start 10 games or more
in 1990, the Dodges had 5 pitchers start 12 games or more
In 2000, the Dodgers had 5 pitchers start 19 games or more
In 2010, the Dodgers had 7 pitchers start 12 games or more
In 2019, the Dodgers had 6 pitchers start 13 games or more
In 2021, the Dodgers had 7 pitchers start 11 games or more
In 2022, the Dodgers had 7 pitchers start 10 games or more
In 2023, the Dodgers had 8 pitchers start 10 games or more
In 2024, the Dodgers had 8 pitchers start 10 games or more
On top of everything else, we are predicted to have one of the top 1-3 minor league systems in all of mlb by the end of next year
Bluto, you left out that the Dodgers Concessions got rid of Hideous Orange drink in the 90s
My impression had been that the Dodgers’ farm system has slipped a bit in recent years, so I was pleasantly surprised that MLB.com scribe Jim Callis predicted it would be No. 1 by the end of the season:
“The reasoning behind my pick was how young the Dodgers system is. I don’t think they’re going to get a lot of guys promoted out of their Top 30 to the big leagues. They aren’t going to lose a Jackson Jobe, for instance. The one guy they could lose is Dalton Rushing, a catcher who they did have play some outfield last year. But I’m not necessarily convinced he’ll lose his rookie status. He probably will, but I don’t think it’s anywhere near a lock. They just have this amazing collection of young teenage talent, from Josue De Paula to Joendry Vargas to Emil Morales to Eduardo Quintero to Kellon Lindsey to Zyhir Hope to Ching-Hsien Ko. I can go on and on. These guys aren’t all going to become Top 100 prospects, but I think as they get into full season ball and make their U.S. debuts, they’re going to raise their profiles.”
And fellow scribe Jonathon Mayo predicted that Lindsey will be a “breakout prospect” of ’25:
“I rolled the dice big time here. Kinda flew under the radar because he was hurt, so he missed the summer showcase stuff. He’s a multi-sport guy, gets comps to Trea Turner. He’s an 80 runner. He can field. I think there is more power there than you might think. He needs to add strength, but the tools and the athleticism are so exciting. I feel like that combination with the Dodgers player development staff, he’s going to have a big first full season.”
Lindsey’s speed has led to speculation that he could shift from SS to CF, not unlike the Padres’ Jackson Merrill. Meanwhile, there is speculation that both Vargas and Morales could shift to 3B.
At the ML level, the Dodgers are not a young team, loaded with 30-somethings. That’s one reason I’ve been bullish on a deal for 27-year-old Luis Robert.
Rushing and SS Alex Freeland seem to be the only position players who might debut in ’25.
The Dodgers’ abundant teenage talent all seem to be a few seasons away, but even now they could factor into trades that make an immediate impact.
The team did drop to the back half of the top 10 (I even think it may have been rated in the teens by some credible sources.)
It’s phenomenal for all the reasons the BA crew intone and for what Jeff has written. The team has no access to top picks, has limited budgets internationally, so superstar prospects are just harder to obtain.
But development and scouting can do a lot to offset.
My question every year is who among the many prospects will step into a starting role THIS year. The answer for the coming season appears to be nobody. Part of the reason for that is the Dodgers 26 is deep every year with many of them being free agents or stars that were traded for.
I don’t follow the prospects as closely as I usta did. I count on much of my information on that topic from what I read here. But I do occasionally read scouting reports. Kellon Lindsay looks like my future favorite and Josue DePaula appears to be an error prone outfielder who can hit. 60 hit, 40 run and 45 field adds up to trade bait in my estimation.
I’m still with you on Robert Jr. for the two reasons I’ve mentioned many times.
Yep, it looks like the Dodgers will start the season with zero rookies. Or, if we’re lucky, just one in Sasaki–but he’s a special case.
I think we’ll see Rushing and maybe Freeland in the majors at some point in ’25. And I hope Frasso proves worthy.
Sasaki’s decision could prompt some more meaningful movement.
But this roster is so strong right now that Robert Jr. strikes me as perhaps the only plausible trade target that would have a significant impact. The Dodgers could certainly make a compelling offer–one that includes DePaula–but I don’t expect that to happen.
I want to take this time to publicly thank LA Dodger Talk and Mark Timmons. Mark called me with the news that Bear was back in the hospital and advised me that he was okay, just needed time. It occurred to me at that time Bear did not have my phone number. That has since been remedied, I personally thanked Mark, but after what he has done for me, I also wanted to thank him publicly.
This marks the end of my third year with LA Dodger Chronicles. It has been a significant blessing for me. One of my biggest supporters throughout has been Mark. I cannot count the number of times he has helped me. And it continues.
In the last two weeks, Mark has linked two of my recent articles with positive remarks in his LADT post. The first was my post on the state of the farm system a couple weeks back, and the second was this AM when he linked my 2024 and 2025 roster comparison post. He also wished both Bear and me Godspeed for 2025.
I wrote for Mark for the 2017 through the 2021 seasons, became friends, and have remained friends since. Mark and I have different personalities and it works for both sites.
On behalf of Bear and all LA Dodger Chronicles, I want to wish Mark and all those with LADT a very Happy and Healthy New Year.
That’s a thoughtful post Jeff. Do you want us to contribute our thoughts on Timmons?
I’ll start:
No comment.
That first thought didn’t say much. I’m commenting at LADodgerTalk.. I like it there again.
You’re not a moron.
Or maybe you are. Give it time.
I hear ya Badger. Like my mom always told me if you have nothing to say about someone, don’t say anything at all.
With that, my comment on Timmons is ___________________
LOL – No, I do not need anyone commenting. It was just for me to show my appreciation.
It’s so easy to be a good person, it is a shame more people don’t.
Mark and I were friends once as well. At times he can be very generous and supportive. That’s the Mark I like. It’s a shame our friendship deteriorated the way that it did. I wrote over there for an entire season a long time ago. He can be a great friend when he wants to be.
I hope this is the Mark we see in 2025.
And I hope for good health to Jeff and Bear and Mark as well in the new year. And everyone else here.
As you said Bluto
Happy New Year everyone. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2025. And that goes for all the Dodger players as well since their health has a direct correlation to our happiness.
Thank you Jeff for your hard work to make this a thoughtful and respectful place to visit every day. I believe LADC has become exactly what you hoped it would become when you started it.
Happy New Year to everyone. I keep reading about people’s concerns about the Dodgers getting old. With the way players train now, their peak years have expanded. I went down what could be the Dodgers starting lineup to check ages and years expected to play at a high level. These are just guesses but was fun. Would like to hear other peoples thoughts on this matter.
First base- Freeman- he has 3 years left on his contract. He will be a strong producer throughout the length of his contract.
2B- Lux- He is 28. See no reason for a drop off for at least 7 years.
SS-Betts- minimum of six years
3b-Muncy-Year to year. I strongly believe he will produce again this season
LF-Hernandez- two years hopefully three to finish his contract
CF- Edman and Outman- Edman should still be producing at a high level for 5 years and Outman if he gets straighten out 7 years.
RF-Conforto and Pages- I give Conforto 3 years and Pages 10.
C-Smith- as a catcher 6 years if the Dodgers don’t run him ragged.
DH-Ohtani- Minimum of 8 years.
If you look at our top 30 prospects, many of the middle infielders are still teenagers. But you look how long Betts and Lux should be able to produce from those positions, Dodgers fans should feel good about the future of our middle infielders. Players coming up through the ranks should be able to handle third and second if Lux doesn’t pan out. Lux will have a solid year.
Baseball is a game of results. If a player isn’t producing or some young phenomenon comes along, That is to be expected.
Just my thoughts, thank you for indulging.
I think AF is going after Bichette next off season if he gets back on track and shipping Lux somewhere. The reason being:
1 He has very little power.
2 He’s not versatile.
3 After this year he has 1 year left until he becomes a free agent after the 2026 season.
I have made the annual hosting/server rental and maintenance fee psyment. LA Dodger Chronicles will be operating for another year. Here is to another successful year for the Dodgers and LADC.
Thank you for all you do!
Thank you Jeff and mark for all you do and keep your sights up for everyone to enjoy during coffee break in the mornings We all enjoy LA dodger talk and LA dodger chronicle
Thanks Jeff, I’m glad you’re enjoying this enough to put yourself out there for another year, I hope it’s a great year for you and the Dodgers
Is bear able to read the sight,, or is he completely off line.
Keith, I have heard from Bear via text. He was in the hospital and had no computer access. I think he may be at his sister’s home currently or will be soon. I sure he will have computer access once he leaves the hospital.
Thanks Ted
Great way to start the new year. I always enjoy reading your take on all things Dodgers.
Get well soon Bear.
Thanks Jeff for another year. And get well soon Bear. I miss my history teacher
Gracias! You do a great job, Jeff. Much appreciated.
Thank you Jeff. I to really enjoy your work but I do wish I could read this site without always having to hear about the other one
Thanks Jeff for making the time and financial commitment for another year of Dodger Chronicles. Most important though is your health! Wishing for a healthy future for you in 2025 and many years forward.
Is there any way to have the site default directly to the comment section when one clicks on any comment link? It always goes back to the daily article instead of directly to the comments. It’s not that big of a deal on a laptop, but on a phone it’s a major pain in the ass. Maybe, you can ask MT what it needs to be done to make this happen as it does on LADT. If not, I understand. Thanks.
The other feature that would be great to have is a “last comment viewed” button. It is a pain to go through all the comments to find where you have stopped viewing.
Thanks
I will ask this as well.
I think links can be opened in a new tab if set to do so. That should fix the peeve.
Ted, I will ask the developers. Mark is fortunate that he has an in house IT department for his company that he uses. I do not have that good fortune.
Thanks Jeff. We all appreciate your efforts.
ha ha I’ve never had any developers, the developer has been me. But I can’t develope much.
I wouldn’t have the slightest idea how to develop a blog, or enhance it.
Getting way afield here, but most blogs come with tools.
WordPress has a variety of plugins and has a pretty strong on-llne community to help customize and install those plugins.
If the guys responsible for my site can’t get it done, I will see what I can do. Thanks for the tip.
If only I could develope some developers…ok that was a joke lol
JFC!
develop not develope!
My auto correct doesn’t develop the correct spelling Bluto. Shows how much I can develop when I type to quickly.
I think Kike’ platooned with Max quite a bit last year. I don’t think Taylor plays third third near as well as he plays short, second. LF, and CF. Rojas is the backup att third and Max is the backup at first.
With 3 catchers competing for time in OK maybe Rushing should get some playing time at 1st instead of LF.
Rushing is blocked at 1B as well with Freddie (for the next three years). Rushing is MLB ready now. He should not have to wait for Freddie to retire or Will Smith to move to another position. Looking into the future, to stay a Dodger, his best opportunity could be to play a corner OF position this year at OKC and be in a position to take over for Conforto in 2026.
I agree with this, which is why I’m puzzled that the Dodgers keep reinforcing the idea that they see rushing primarily as a catcher. Maybe that’s changed since they last made those utterances, but I haven’t seen it.
His greatest value as a player is as a catcher.
That includes his value as a trade chip, because every team wants a catcher who can hit. The Dodgers don’t want to create the impression that he isn’t a catcher.
Rushing is knocking on the door now.
If Smith gets hurt, Rushing would probably become Barnes’s backup and get plenty of starts. If Freddie gets hurt, Rushing would be in line for 1B too.
I’m thinking more about a 20+ day IL stint by Freddie. Give Rushing just enough innings at first to be ready.
Under normal circumstances there isn’t any opportunity for playing time at first base. I think that prior to last season Freddie missed a total of 7 games in 3 years.
I’d love to see Rushing get some playing time somewhere but the way the roster is setting up to start the season, I just don’t see a spot for him here in L.A.
I’m at the point where I’d actually sacrifice what Barnes gives us in order to have Rushing be the alternate catcher this season. We need to find out what we have in Rushing and I don’t see enough playing time in the outfield for him to do that without giving him some decent catching time. I realize that the front office disagrees with me and I’m going to be a good sport about this and let them make the final decision.
Thanks for the great site Jeff!
Your content and knowledge are great. And you do a fantastic job at supporting your opinions. I also appreciate that you consider differing views respectfully, like the Badger comment in this article.
I agree that the Dodger lineup for 2025 is loaded and could compete with the 2022 team for wins, at least on paper. However, I am not as glowing in my assessment of Glasnow as an ace or top of the rotation starter. Tyler certainly has all of the physical tools, and he can be dominant at many times. You cite FIP and SIERA as superior predictors to ERA, and that Glasnow shines in these stats. But eventually a pitcher is only as good as his ERA, IP, and wins. Glasnow is not a young pitcher anymore. He will be 32 this year, and he has a career record of 39-33 with a 3.81 ERA and a career high IP of 134.
Before age 32, Kershaw was 170-74, with a 2.45 ERA, 3 Cy Young awards, 9 seasons with 170 IP, and 6 seasons above 198 IP. It may be unfair to compare him to Kershaw, but even Buehler at age 30, is 47-22 with a 3.27 ERA and 3 seasons above 134 IP.
I get the appeal and potential of Glasnow. He is 6’8” and throws 100 MPH with great stuff. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and Tyler may put it all together this year. And even if he just produces his average year of 7 wins and 3.81 ERA for his $30 million salary, it will not hurt the Dodgers. They have plenty of starting options. And if they get Sasaki, they will have the best bargain in baseball.