I may choose to question (some say criticize) facets of the game when things do not go well. Starting pitching, relief pitching, hitting WRISP, running game (for and against)…But I choose not to blame a specific player. The Dodgers won 111 games last year, with Dustin May out all year, Walker Buehler out June 10 for the year. Blake Treinen out for most of the year. Clayton Kershaw missing about 11 starts. Baseball is a team game, and generally the best team wins during the regular season, even if their best player is out.
However, when things are going well for the Dodgers, I see no reason to criticize anyone. Others choose to look at individual players and blame them for the losses. From Jason Heyward to David Peralta to Miggy Rojas to James Outman (May and June), to Miguel Vargas, to Chris Taylor to Yency Almonte to Phil Bickford to Alex Vesia…And of course the current favorite punching bags: Austin Barnes and Max Muncy. Amazingly, the person most critical of David Peralta has been away for some time. He is someone whose opinion I respect, but I do believe he is busy with his own LAD gig.
If the Dodgers lose this year, it will not be because of Austin Barnes or Max Muncy or Noah Syndergaard. Good teams find a way to pick up their teammates and win. I do believe the core of this team has that attribute.
There is no shame in losing to the O’s. Baltimore has now passed Tampa Bay with the best record in the AL, and the 2nd best record in MLB (to Atlanta). Even with the loss to a VERY GOOD Baltimore Orioles team, the Dodgers are still on pace for a 94 win season. They have won the first two series on the road coming out of the All Star break. They have the 2nd best record in the NL and 5th best in MLB. They may not be a 111 team, but what good did that many regular season wins do them in the NLDS?
There were a couple of good things to come out of the series finale on WEDNESDAY.
The Dodgers got a solo home run by James Outman in the fourth and a two-run homer by Max Muncy in the fifth.
With his opposite-field drive, Outman became the first left-handed batter to clear the new higher, deeper left field wall – Wall-timore, as it has been dubbed since the Orioles pushed things back for the 2022 season.
Even Austin Barnes got a hit, and he would have had his first 2023 HR if he were playing in any of the other 29 parks this year or in Baltimore 2 years ago.
Scott may think that it makes me feel good about myself when I justify why Austin Barnes deserves to be on the roster. Maybe it allows him to feel better about himself by criticizing a MLB player even while the team is winning. Neither argument holds water. If you have a disagreement, make your case without resorting to making snide remarks about commenters. It certainly is not hard to do with Barnes or Muncy.
Besides it does not matter how good I may feel about myself. The only thing that matters is that the Dodgers believe Austin Barnes deserves to be on the roster. The Dodgers and AF, the team and PBO of the best team since AF was hired by LAD. Not to mention Clayton Kershaw, a sure fire first ballot HOF pitcher, and best pitcher of his generation. I find myself in good company.
I was as critical of the bullpen as anyone. I have no problem whatsoever saying that the bullpen is now a strength of this team. Unfortunately, they have had to be because for the first 6 games out of the break, the starting pitchers have a total of 30.2 IP, while the relievers have thrown 23.1 innings. While the bullpen has been special in those innings, they cannot possibly keep up that pace. They will get a day’s rest and then face an even better offensive team: Texas Rangers. However, the starting rotation remains:
- Tony Gonsolin – (5.0 IP Tony)
- Bobby Miller – Rookie RHSP
- Emmet Sheehan – Rookie RHSP
- Michael Grove – Rookie RHSP
- Julio Urías
They need to go deeper to keep the bullpen from imploding.
Hopefully Kershaw will be back the beginning of August. He is throwing bullpen sessions, so that is encouraging. But why did the diagnosis go from – Move back CK’s start one day, to being placed on the 15 day IL and due back 07-15-23, to another 2-3 weeks after that, and coincidentally after the Trade Deadline? There was a non-Dodger podcast that I was listening to where the conspiracy theory was that Kershaw is more hurt than is being let on, and he will be out an extended period, but the severity will not be known until after the Deadline. His thinking is that the Dodgers are already being presumed to need two additional starters, but that need will get more stressful and the cost will escalate if Kershaw cannot come back by early August. I do not necessarily believe what the Dodgers say about injuries, but I saw Kershaw throw in the bullpen and he did not look like he was favoring his shoulder. Then again, why August? He says he is fine. What did that MRI show? The Dodgers deserve the skepticism. And then again, I do not believe they care about any skepticism.
STB mentioned 26 year old KC RHRP Carlos Hernández yesterday, and I was intrigued as he was being talked up by Royals fans while I was in KC. I also read the article. I do not believe that KC will trade him, but then again he has not been good before this year, and relievers are a fickle bunch. KC may choose to sell high on him. But they may have uncovered a Liam Hendriks or Felix Bautista or Jhoan Duran. I agree with STB and believe the Dodgers should seriously consider Hernández. Let someone else have Scott Barlow.
It is clear (to me at least) that Arte Moreno is not about to trade Shohei Ohtani to LAD, nor would AF be willing to pay the capital cost they would extract. But the Dodgers do need a late inning high leverage reliever (preferably a closer), and the Angels just happen to have one. How about Carlos Estévez. He is in the first year of a 2-year contract for $13.5MM.
Then again that closer may be in the rotation. Getting a pair of dependable mid-rotation starters will allow them to look at a couple of pitchers currently in the rotation as a possible high leverage relievers down the stretch.
I still like Chris Martin as an 8th inning setup guy.
If the Dodgers can pick up 4 hard throwing high leverage relievers with options (external and/or internal), they may be able to move relievers in and out LAD roster, and keep the starters they have. It is working for right now. But for how long?
Finally there are those out there who continue to believe that the Dodgers do not need to do anything and win. I define win something other than simply getting to the playoffs. I define win as winning the NL Pennant. The LAD rotation is not a pennant winning rotation. Even the Dodger pitchers know that to be true.
Per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, It’s hardly a secret that the Dodgers are in the market for starting pitching. Just ask some of their starters.
“I know it’s an area that we probably have to address,” Michael Grove said. “We have three rookies in the rotation right now — that’s not a secret.”
There is now less than 2 weeks to determine who those additions might be (if any).
07-19-2023 – MiLB Game Summary Report
El Paso Chihuahuas (San Diego) 11 – OKC Dodgers 10
Landon Knack started his 4th game for OKC. His last start was July 1, which could be the reason why he only went 4.0 scoreless innings and 58 pitches (34 strikes). He allowed 3 hits, 1 BB, to go with his 3 Ks.
OKC and El Paso went into the 9th all knotted at 2-2. El Paso scored 7 in the top of the 9th. In the bottom of the 9th, Drew Avans walked and Michael Busch was HBP. Miguel Vargas followed with a 3-run HR. That was followed by 5 walks, a HBP, and a run scoring ground out to tie the score at 9.
El Paso scored 2 in the 10th, but OKC could only score 1 and fell short.
Key Performers:
- Michael Busch – 2-5, HBP, 1 run, 1 RBI
- Hunter Feduccia – 2-5, 1 BB, 1 run, 2 RBI
- Miguel Vargas – 1-6 , 1 run, 3 RBI, HR (1)
NW Arkansas Naturals (KC) – Tulsa Drillers 3
NW Arkansas jumped out to a 4-0 lead. Ben Casparius started and completed 3.1 innings allowing 2 runs, and Aldry Acosta allowed 2 more in his 0.2 IP. Tulsa got close with 3 in the 8th, but that was as close as they could get.
Key Performers:
- Orlando Ortiz-Mayr – 4.0 IP, 0 runs, 2 hits, 1 BB, 4 K
- Imanol Vargas – 2-4, 2 RBI
Great Lakes Loons 9 – Lansing Lugnuts (A’s) 7
Great Lakes jumped out to a 9-1 lead, but had to hold on after 6 unearned runs were scored in the bottom of the 8th. But hold on they did.
Kendall Williams continued to show that he still belongs as one of the LAD RHP prospects. 5.0 IP, 1 run, 2 hits, 0 walks, and 4 strikeouts. He faced 17 batters and threw 65 pitches (46 strikes) in his 5.0 IP.
Key Performers:
- Taylor Young – 3-5, 2 runs, 2 RBI
- Dalton Rushing – 2-4, 1 BB, 2 runs, 2 RBI, double (17), HR (9)
- Chris Newell – 2-5, 2 doubles (7)
- Frank Rodriguez – 1-5, 1 run, 3 RBI, HR (4)
- Damon Keith – double (17)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 7 – Lake Elsinore Storm (San Diego) 2
4 RC relief pitchers combined to throw 7 shutout innings. RC scored 7 runs on 15 hits.
Key Performers:
- Livan Reinoso – 2.0 IP, 0 runs, 0 hits, 2 BB, 4 K
- Liam Doolan – 2.0 IP, 0 runs, 1 hit, 2 BB, 2 K
- Brandon Neeck – 2.0 IP, 0 runs, 2 hits, 0 BB, 6 K
- Reynaldo Yean – 1.0 IP, 0 runs, 0 hits, 1 BB, 1 K
- Josue De Paula – 2-5, 1 BB, 2 RBI
- Wilman Diaz – 3-5, 2 runs, double (1), triple (1)
- Jorge Puerta – 2-4, 1 BB, 2 runs, double (14)
- Simon Reid – 3-5, 1 run, 2 RBI, double (6)
- Luis Guerra – 3-4, 1 BB, 1 run, 2 RBI, double (4)
I like Barnes as a player. He has shown in the past that he can hit. Yesterday he had the bad luck of hitting a ball that would have been a homer anywhere else but Baltimore. But it still is hard for fans to watch him consistently make outs. Especially when they need a hit for a run. Muncy is the same. The squirrel found a nut yesterday, but those moments are still too few and far between. Hitting a ball like that has to do something to boost his confidence, but not letting so many good pitches go by and swinging at balls he couldn’t hit with a railroad tie would help too. Always have liked Max, but he is sometimes very hard to watch. Yesterday’s loss is solely on Urias. 8 runs? From a guy who is supposed to be the Ace? Pitiful. He doesn’t even look like the same pitcher. Another thing I noticed; he gets frustrated a lot easier than he used to. I saw Ice water in him before. Used to be something bad happened and he just looked like he was determined to not let it get worse. Yesterday he was talking to himself and it did not look like the conversation was going well.
Spot on! Urias is a.mystery!
What do you recommend the team do with these two?
I keep expecting Muncy to break out. He has a unique ability. Barnes is a backup catcher and the stats presented yesterday show the staff likes working with him. Neither are the most pressing problem.
I agree with the skeptics about Kershaw. Shoulder tightness. As soon as I heard it I thought IL. He’s throwing bullpen sessions? So what? He might be tossing pain free 75 mph fastballs for all we know.
What is going on with Cartaya? 0 for 4 and batting .187 this late in the season? At AA? He’s our top prospect. Something isn’t right.
We have Gonzalez and Miller at AAA. That isn’t enough is it. We need pitching. We will be trading a few off the 40, right? That would be a roster move. There’s also call ups later on. Won’t matter if Urias is cooked.
It’s going to get very interesting soon. I have no predictions who but the makeup of this staff is about to change.
What I would recommend they would not do. I would find a backup catcher with some bat to ball skills and decent catching ability and either trade Barnes or cut him loose. They won’t do either. Muncy I simply drop down in the order. He has too many K’s and not enough bat on ball action lately. He might warm up and he might not. I think they target starting pitching at the deadline. They have to.
It would cost assets to get that backup.
I too would drop Muncy in the order. I think everyone here would suggest that. Doc can be stubborn about such things.
Assets they have in abundance, a catcher who can hit his weight, not so much.
Vargas is now hitting in OKC and still playing 2B. If they bring him back up will he play 2B and move Mookie back to RF? Or will he become trade bait?
If he comes back, and he was 1-6 yesterday, he will play second. Mookie will still get infield time. I doubt they dangle him as trade bait. His stock is down right now.
Bowden’s suggestion to clear a 40 spot:
Dogers get Giolito, Graveman, Anderson.
In return, the Dodgers could offer one of their top two catching prospects, Diego Cartaya or Dalton Rushing, as the headliner, along with one of their second-base prospects, Jorbit Vivas or Rayne Doncon, and a starting pitching prospect such as Gavin Stone or Michael Grove. Other prospect combinations could work. The Dodgers’ system is so deep there are many variations to make a deal like this work for both sides.
I don’t know. Maybe.
Vargas is OPSn over 1.100 at AAA. As I said, we know he can hit there. How long does the team leave him there?
A football team with a good running quarterback and weak arm should design their offense around the ground game. If the Dodgers have mostly pitchers that can only go 5 innings max then they should design their bullpen accordingly.
Instead of a starter going 5 innings followed by 4 relievers maybe they should be followed by one reliever. Pair up a few of the starters with one going 5 and the other 4.
I know you’re the messenger Badger, but why would the Dodgers make a trade like this? The only way we clear a roster spot is to include four players (excluding non roster Doncon). Giolito only. The team has plenty of pitchers like Graveman. With Kershaw and Thor returning some of these rookies who have been starting could be moved to the BP. And Anderson? The guy is #148 (last) in OPS in MLB at .539. Plus, we don’t need his attitude added to this clubhouse. Bowden writes crap all the time just to justify his having a job. I can’t believe he gets paid to come up with this garbage. There’s a reason he hasn’t been a GM in years.
Badger, sorry for the rant.
No problem Ted. Your rants are good reads.
I don’t know Anderson. Maybe he is a sullen grouch. Or maybe he needs a change from South Chicago. Last time I was there I couldn’t wait to get out. He’s been good, an All Star 3 straight years until this year. Graveman is a reliable reliever. I’m sure he would love pitching here. And Giolito. Front of rotation on our team.
As for who goes back? I think that’s what it’s going to take to get help.
Again … maybe.
I offer trades mostly to entertain myself and most are not made seriously. Some are though such as wanting to trade Muncy for the last 3 years, May 2 years ago, and Urias before the season started this year. Most said those were stupid trades. Fewer think so now.
AC, your lead Post was a mixed bag of information and grievance. The grievance was rooted in defensiveness. Your work and analysis stands tall. Your readers recognize comments for what they are, good, bad, or sarcastic.
IF the Dodgers acquire two SP’s would they consider trading Urias IF they have already decided to let him leave via FA? Losing Seager and T.Turner for Jack and Shite in return still hurts.
Urias will not be traded. He also will likely not be re-signed. Ride or die in 2023. No need to protect that arm in the postseason.
They at least need to entertain the idea, no?
Entertain yes, but when was the last time the Dodgers traded a player of Urias’s caliber who was in the last year of his contract at the deadline? I cannot think of one.
No. No way.
Since Dodgers contend every year, they really had no choice but to keep Seager and Trea for the playoff runs. I would have loved to lockup Corey Seager as a younger player like his brother did, but Corey had Boras as his agent so that was never much of a possibility. In the end, Seager received a great contract for himself in a tax free state.
in terms of Julio, his agent is also Boras. So it is unlikely he comes back to the Dodgers next year unfortunately. I always prefer to keep homegrown talent. But trading him is not logical since the Dodgers are already short on starting pitching. Julio has the potential to be an ace and last year was a top 3 pitcher in the league. Dodgers probably don’t go far without Julio returning to form this year. They need to give him a QO next year and try to sign him in the open market. At least they will get a draft pick back if they do lose him.
Mr. Muncy finally showed some signs of life yesterday. We all know he has been having a tough time of it the past three months. My issue isn’t with Max being in the lineup, but having him continue to bat in the cleanup (or third) spot in the order. He started out the season like a superstar with stats through April that included a .257 average with 11 HR (HR every 9.4 AB) and 22 RBI. He had 22 BB and 23 K (22%). He was selective and well as being aggressive. He was cleanup hitter worthy. It was obvious that Max couldn’t keep up this pace and there would be some regression. And, of course, there was. Big time!
Since beginning in May through yesterday Max no longer belongs in a run driving in spot in the lineup. Why does Roberts continue to bat him there? Drop him down two or three spots to allow Max to get his mojo back. It might help him to relax some and take some pressure off.
Here’s some stats for Max for the last three months:
May – Hit HR (6) at a one every 18 AB. His K+BB rate was 40%. He did have 18 RBI. BA of .186.
June – Hit 1 HR in 54 AB. His K+BB rate was 46%. He knocked in 8 and had a .111 average. He was out two weeks with a hamstring injury.
July (through the Baltimore series) – Has hit HR (4) at a one every 15 AB pace. His K+BB rate is 37%. Driven in 8 with a .180 average.
So to allow Max to continue hitting cleanup most of the time doesn’t make sense to me. In the lineup? Yes, but in the 6-7 spot. This should have happened after his May performance. But, for three months? Not fair to the team, the fans, or Max. With all this Max still ranks #69 in OPS.
FYI – Current OPS Dodger rankings
#3 Freeman .957
#4 Betts .954
#9 Smith .897
#17 JDM .863
#69 Muncy .762
#72 Outman .773
Very impressive!!
James Outman has become a solid MLB player right before our eyes. Obviously, coachable and a hard worker. His defense has improved as well over the past few weeks. OK that’s one successful prospect this year. Hopefully, Vargas is next. I don’t know what happened to that beautiful swing he had to start the season, but whoever tried to change it should be fired. Let’s keep them coming AF!!!
Carry on.
The latest trades from the recently updated trade value simulator (I like the first one! Not a big Jason Foley fan, am I):
Guardians GET
Michael Busch 18.3
Nick Frasso 9.3
Ryan Pepiot 10.9
Dodgers GET
Aaron Civale 25.9
Amed Rosario 4.2
Nick Sandlin 8.9
Tigers GET
Peter Heubeck 2
Gavin Lux 15.5
Samuel Munoz 2.5
Dodgers GET
Jason Foley 20
Zack Short 0.4
Dodgers GET
Enrique Hernandez -3.9
Matthew Lugo 1.5
Red Sox GET
Daniel Hudson -2.4
Athletics GET
Edgardo Henriquez 1.1
Kyle Hurt 3.9
Ronan Kopp 4.7
River Ryan 5.6
Dodgers GET
Paul Blackburn 10.7
Jordan Diaz 5.9
Would not make any of those deals. Especially not the one for KIke. He is terrible this season.
Yeah, I probably over-value Civale, but I like the idea of a young starter and Sandlin from the Guardians.
Civale is good and so is Sandlin. But they are not worth 3 top 100 prospects. Busch – #34, Pepiot – #78, Frasso – #89. Rosario may give the Dodgers a few more singles, but he is not the defender Miggy Rojas is. Plus Civale gets hurt way too often:
I would not consider Rosario unless AF/BG consider him a long term solution and are willing to extend him. I do not believe that to be true. I think Lux is a superior candidate for 2024.
I would not trade Lux and Muñoz for a Detroit reliever. He is good, but nothing special. 6 percentile in whiffs. LAD has Graterol who is basically the same hard throwing sinker ball pitcher without swing and miss. There is still too much I want to see about Muñoz.
Jorbit Vivas is a better middle infield AA prospect than Lugo. Vivas has already made the transition to 2B that Lugo is going to do. Lugo is not a long term SS candidate. Eddys Leonard is a better prospect than Lugo.
I would rather take my chances on any of the three rookies over Paul Blackburn. Outside of Sonny Gray, what Oakland SP has had a positive career once leaving Oakland. Even Chris Bassitt is a shell of his Oakland days. At least Bassitt is an innings eater. Something Blackburn is not.
Yeah, I don’t like the Blackburn trade either. As stated earlier, I’m kinda in the tank for the Guardians arms. Cease isn’t touchable, but I’d also inquire about Bibee.
The trade simulator thinks more of Civale.
I view his injury history as a positive! It gives the Dodgers more opportunity to fiddle with inning limits and shuffle on and off the IL!
If Cleveland were to trade Bibee, I would be shocked. He would be my favorite young arm IF he were available. But at 24 and a rookie, he is having a better start to his MLB career than is Bobby Miller. Bieber looks to be out until September, Triston McKenzie is out with TJ surgery. Would Cleveland then trade one of their #2/#3 starters while they still have a legit shot at AL Central?
There is a lot of talk about Cease. I do think CWS would trade him, but it would have to be a significant overpay.
Apparantly Atlanta is also looking at Giolito.
Fresh rumors on LAD interest in Jordan Montgomery. He seems to have recovered very nicely from a hamstring issue. He did not go on the IL and technically did not miss a start. In his game back, he pitched 6.0 innings against Miami (07-18). He allowed 1 run on 6 hits 2 BB and 5 K. He threw 92 pitches (59 strikes).
I still prefer two rentals… Lucas Giolito and Jordan Montgomery. Theoretically that could move Gonsolin, Sheehan, and Grove to the bullpen.
I agree with you Bear. Not one of those trades make much sense for the Dodgers. The Dodgers seem to be overpaying in each case. Unless AF can obtain a top 10 reliever then I think at least one starter should help. But, preferably, two would be better.
Bluto, I checked out Jason Foley. He’s having a good season and is only 27. He would be a good sixth or seventh inning guy. Only given up 3 HR in 112 innings for his career. Good control. So that all works. I can see why you like him. But, the simulator is wackadoodle with what it proposed. Gavin Lux straight up for Foley would be nuts. But two other prospects as well. And, with Zach Short? We have enough below .200 hitters on the team. I assuming that was the simulator talking. The addition of Jason Foley is something to really consider though. Good find Bluto!
I am less interested in improving the 2023 Dodgers instead of filling holes in future years with young controllable players. The Dodgers have many pitching prospects and few position players.
The Dodgers need to get younger. Muncy, Peralta, Heyward, Rojas, Martinez, are going to disappear sooner than later.
Muncy and Urias to Yankees would cut payroll and get position prospects back.
So, who are you getting back for Max and Julio, keeping in mind that you’re selling low on both of them?
I would inquire. It’s a conversation I would like Friedman to have.
Here are the names Bowden gave for the Yankees to get Ohtani:
A package could include outfielders Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones, catcher Austin Wells, shortstop Oswald Peraza, a starting pitcher such as Clarke Schmidt, and add from there.
Of those, I like Peraza and Dominguez. Other players from both teams could be part of such a conversation.
Don’t put words in my mouth when you respond..
What do you mean, put words into your mouth?
Are you saying you didn’t pick the A’s and Rockies to be in the World Series this year?
I like Dominguez but he’s taken a nosedive this season, just like Cartaya.
Fred, because I consider you a friend, I’ve taken time out of my very busy day to consult the Trade Simulator.
Here is a trade they would sign off on:
Yanks get: Muncy, Urias, Cartaya
Dodgers get: Dominguez, Peraza
I’m guessing that most people who visit here would say “no” but maybe you would say “yes”.
What’s the verdict?
Yes
And then flip Peraza and Dominguez plus ? for Witt Jr.
Interesting.
Trade Simulator says if you take Peraza and Dominguez and add Grove and Nastrini or Pepiot, you have a deal.
You could also sub Busch for the two pitchers and the values would still work out.
Granted Witt is still very young but his stats over his first couple of years are basically about average (OPS+ just over 100). So you’re basically betting on his future, which is probably a decent bet.
Muncy, Urias, Cartaya, Busch (or Grove plus Nastrini/Pepiot)
for Bobby Witt Jr.
Are you in?
Not a chance. Witt is not worth just Urias and Muncy.
Over what period of time are you thinking bear?
Alas Ted, I’m not a huge Foley fan.
He does have good stats, but I’m more and more of the belief that relievers need to miss bats. Foley is more of the ground-ball pitcher.
SO! I like him in that he gives a unique look and pitch arsenal to the Dodgers pen. Which is a cool way to build the pen. I just want a variety of pitchers who miss bats.
BUT!
The simulator is super Duper fun! I just go through already proposed trades, but just putting in trades yourself is endlessly diverting.
as for the values… I think they generally points in the right direction, but there’s probably too much weight for cost control
Seattle OF, Jarred Kelenic fractured his left foot after he kicked a water cooler out of frustration following a ninth-inning strikeout.
Adam Jude Seattle Times – Mariners beat writer
Kelenic on the injury:
Public humiliation is coming back!
I fully expect AF to add 2 if not 3 starters at the deadline. The main requirement is that their arms must be healthy on the day they get here.
Our starters are pitching well enough for us to win at this point, but here’s the problem:
Urias – seems healthy right now even if the results are inconsistent
Kershaw – hasn’t pitched more than 126 innings since 2019 and he’s at 95 already
Gonsolin – most of us think he’s a TJ waiting to happen
Sheehan – has now pitched as many innings as he has in any full season previously
Grove – a few more starts and he’ll be at max innings for his career so far
Miller – still has some innings in the tank to reach previous highs but nowhere near enough to finish the season and still be fresh for the post season
Pepiot – hasn’t pitched yet this year so there is no clue how effective he’ll be
Thor – what can I say that hasn’t already been said
We need arms, pure and simple or we’ll be using multiple bullpen games per week come September.
Now that the bullpen seems to be rounding into shape, we need to make sure they aren’t run into the ground by season’s end.
Our offense is providing enough runs that we can win even with somewhat ineffective starters. We just need to be sure we have those starters.
Again, you might say one year at a time but the Dodgers are old. Trading youth for well seasoned rentals is shortsighted.
Again, you might say one year at a time but the Dodgers are old. Trading youth for well seasoned rentals is shortsighted.
I understand what you are trying to convey, but the Dodgers have tried to supplant their old team with youth, and except for James Outman, they have just not performed at a contender level. Miguel Vargas and Michael Busch are the same player except one is RH and one is LH. Both are DH’s trying to play 2B and 3B. De Luca is a #4 OF (they are needed).
What youth are you referring to? Jonny DeLuca, Andy Pages, José Ramos, Jorbit Vivas, Eddys Leonard, Diego Cartaya, Dalton Rushing, Jesus Galiz, Yeiner Fernandez, Rayne Doncon, Devin Mann, Alex Freeland, Damon Keith???? Not one of them have All Star designation. The only two that I would consider untradable right now are LH hitting OF, Josue De Paula, and LH hitting OF, Samuel Muñoz.
Baseball America now ranks Diego Cartaya as the #10 catching prospect, with Dalton Rushing #4. How much farther does Cartaya need to drop before he is considered expendable? LAD survived without Keibert Ruiz.
If you are referring to young pitching, how many near ready MLB RHP does one team really need? In no particular order:
· Bobby Miller (LAD Rotation)
· Emmet Sheehan (LAD Rotation)
· Michael Grove (LAD Rotation)
· Ryan Pepiot (On rehab assignment at AAA)
· Gavin Stone (AAA)
· Landon Knack (AAA)
· Nick Nastrini (AA)
· Nick Frasso (AA)
· River Ryan (AA)
· Kyle Hurt (AA)
Other RHP in the lower ranks
· Ben Casparius (AA)
· Kendall Williams (A+)
· Jared Karros (A)
· Payton Martin (A)
· Hyun Il-Choi (A)
· Peter Heubeck (A – Also top 30 prospect at #29)
Top 30 LHP
· Maddux Bruns (A+)
· Ronan Kopp (A+)
· Justin Wrobleski (A+)
That does not include other lottery tickets like RHP Jerming Rosario (A+) and Chris Campos (A).
For me, the Dodgers do not have stars as prospects. They have loads and loads of depth. Trade some of that depth for stars that can get you over the hump. There will be more to follow.
Great post but I think several of them could become stars. Bummer about Pages . . .
I wasn’t trying to stay in house in planning to get younger.
Padres, D-Backs and Giants all lost today so the Dodgers pick up .5 game on all of them.
OK.
I’ve got some free time, so I tooled around with the Trade Simulator. These are trades I played with, not just ones I stole. They all involve the Guardians.
Civale SP 25.9
Sandlin RP 8.9
Total Value: 34.80
Busch 2B 18.3
Cartaya C 29.3
Taylor UTIL -11.6
Why would the Guardians want Cartaya whilst they have Naylor? I have no clue.
Why include Chris Taylor? To get the payroll number down. Also, the Guardians need some thump, badly. Taylor can thump.
And here’s a three-team-deal:
Nationals GET:
Busch 2B 18.3
Dodgers GET
Civale SP 25.9
Sandlin RP 8.9
Guardians GET
Cole Henry SP 2.8
Eddys Leonard 2B 2.4
Nastrini SP 12.7
Lane Thomas OF 16.8
Now that trade I make, except I want Thomas coming to LA.
I cannot see the first one. The Dodgers may want to lose some payroll, but Cleveland has zero desire to pick any up. I also agree with you, why would Cleveland trade for Cartaya when Naylor is considered a better catching prospect (at least by BA).
The second one is more complicated, but it does have more appeal. It is hard for me to comprehend how Michael Busch has more value than Lane Thomas. Washington would be trading arguably their top position player (Thomas) and #12 prospect (Henry) for Michael Busch? I would bet that Washington would pass on that one.
As stated before the Trade Simulator is not perfect, although I think it drives towards some good indicators. Thomas’ past performance isn’t special and he’s 2 years from UFA-dom.
That cannot align with any future planning the Nats have. Busch’s team control is much more aligned with the Nats’.
Your points work though. They probably need more, the Nats do.
I noticed the Trade Simulator made a rather large downward adjustment on Cartaya’s value, but it’s still higher than Rushing’s. One of them is likely out the door. And to support Ted’s wackadoodle claim, if we trade Rushing alone for Giolito, Graveman and Anderson, the White Sox would have to throw in top prospect Bryan Ramos to even it out.