Too often, when we think of a good trade, it is when one team totally “snookers” another team, but in my opinion, a good trade is when a trade benefits both teams. Before the start of this season, the Dodgers traded Gavin Lux for Mike Sirota. The Reds needed another bat, and while Lux was primarily a 2B, the Reds already had a 2B (Matt McLain), but they figured that Lux could play LF (and he can). Gavin Lux is hitting .292 with a .377 OB% and a .786 OPS. He only has 1 HR, but he played strictly against RHP, as he is hitting .331 against them, versus .111 against LHP. The Reds needed a hitter, and they got one.
The Dodgers needed a Centerfielder, and they got one, too… well, he’s a minor league CF who had never played in the minor leagues until the trade. He hit .354 with a 1.130 OPS at Rancho Cucamonga and was then promoted to Great Lakes, where he is currently hitting .529 with a 1.520 OPS in 17 ABs. Speedy Kendall George was playing CF for the Loons, but the Dodgers moved George to LF to make way for Sirota, who likely will not be at Great Lakes very long. I just hope he stays there until the last week of June when I plan to see the Loons play in Ft. Wayne.
I am excited about Josue DePaula and Zyhir Hope at Great Lakes. I think both are excellent prospects, and Jake Gelof and Joe Vetrano are both showing promise after struggles in previous years, but I am most excited about Mike Sirota, who has broken out in his first professional season. He is not long for Great Lakes, and depending upon what happens at Tulsa, he could see OKC by the end of the year. As I mentioned yesterday, the last player who did that was Andrew Toles, who also made it to the Show the same year. I don’t think that will happen with Sirota, but at the rate he is progressing, I would not be surprised to see him sometime in 2026.
The thing is… progress is not linear, and sometimes a player hits a plateau for a while, but this is going to be fun to watch. He has all the tools: Speed, Power, Arm, Quick Bat, and by all accounts is a humble, great kid! This was a great trade for both teams. The Dodgers can afford to wait a couple of years for the payoff! BTW, if you are tired of me talking about Sirota, it’s going to be a long year for you! 😉
BTW, Andrew Toles is currently living with and being cared for by his father, Alvin, and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The Los Angeles Dodgers have continued to renew his contract each year, ensuring he maintains his health insurance. Alvin Toles reports that his son is in a “zombie-like” state, struggling to engage with his environment, and his father has gained legal guardianship of him. There is no end in sight! This is heartbreaking.
Freddie Freeman on Losing CT3 & Barnsie:
This is from Dodgers Nation:
“It’s like – there’s a card group of guys on the plane. Austin was one of them. Now Kirby Yates is on the IL. That’s another one that’s not going to travel,” Freeman said to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. “A lot of people don’t understand, there’s a lot of things that go on. Losing people over the course of a year, it stinks.”
–Freddie Freeman
“It does suck. There’s no way around it,” Freeman said. “If you say you’re not sad when you lose friends, you’re not a human. You just get going. You’re going to be a little sad but that can’t be the reason you go 0 for 4 now.”
“It’s hard. It really is. But you do understand that it’s a business and you have to keep going,” he continued.
“When you do lose two respected veterans in the clubhouse, you’ve got to be a grown boy and understand the reasoning. You can be sad that you lost a friend – you can still be in contact with that friend. But we’ve got to keep going. I think we’ve got a good group of guys that will keep this machine going.”
Discussion (12)
Disagree, not disagreeable
What’s up with Tanner Scott? it looks as if the dodgers may have to acquire some bullpen help. With Trienan,phillips, kopech, bazooka, and yates all down, can the castoffs hold down the fort? …. Casparius looks to me like he could morph into a very good closer, or even become a mainstay in the starting rotation! Guy is good, and isn’t afraid of any hitter he faces! ..Teo is MONEY!!!….. Edman hasn’t gotten his self on track just yet. ……Max is not very good at 3rd ! …. Freddie didn’t play his best game last night, but who would you rather have than Freddie??……. Clayton, though small sample size, looked sharp. …Sauer is an innings eater! Excellent pickup by AF! ….. Will Smith doesn’t get the love he deserves nationally! …. Juan 760 ? love it . congratulations Mets! …. Haven’t seen any rumors concerning Barnes. Pittsburgh would make a lot of sense with all the young pitchers they have. .. Taylor? how about the Nationals? close to where he played college baseball. …. Catman needs to rebound from his last start with 6 good innings tonight. Help the bullpen. ……The bright side? Both Snell and Glasnow should be fresh for july thru october! .. Get another win today! Every thing will be good!
Thanks for the update on Andrew Toles. Sad story.
Toles seemed to come out of nowhere when he was promoted to the Dodgers. An exciting player who seemed to have a bright future.
Everything I’ve read about Sirota is encouraging. Seems to be the most legit CF prospect in the system, though of course the Dodgers could try Hope or ??? at the position too. Kendall George certainly has the speed, but not the arm. Good guy for LF… or maybe a good trade chip.
Let’s remember that the Dodgers also got a draft pick in the Lux deal. With a good choice, the return could look much like how the Dodgers landed Hope and Jackson Ferris for Busch and Yancy Almonte. That’s been a win-win deal too.
Sure is nice to have Teo back in the lineup with RISP. As things worked out, Kershaw did a good job as an “opener.” The delay was unfortunate.
good start for CK. Will he come back after delay?
Shohei Ohtani to Face Hitters for First Time as Dodgers Star Takes Massive Step Toward Pitching Return
“Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani is taking a massive step toward getting back his two-way label.
On Friday, manager Dave Roberts told reporters that Ohtani will face live hitters on Saturday at Citi Field for the first time since he underwent surgery to repair his UCL in September 2023”.
apple tv tonight. nascar race sunday on Prime. peacock,hulu, paramount, sling, and whatever else they come up with next! i live 5 1/2 hours from the nationals. It’s blacked out when the dodgers play the nats, even in LA. Same for the orioles. It’s ridiculous! NFL on netflix christmas day! ridiculous!! Sorry, why can’t i just turn my tv on and watch a game? i lost mlb network over money squabbling between the cable company and mlb. i have the mlb package so i CAN watch the dodgers, that is of course unless they’re playing the nats or orioles as i said earlier. if Vin was still alive i could listen to the radio broadcast. not so much anymore. .. well enough bitching, ain’t gonna change nothing! looking for Clayton to bounce back tonight! Lineup looks good.(max needs to do something positive). Everyone have a great weekend and Holiday!! Lots of loved ones to remember and celebrate this weekend. miss all of them dearly. And god bless the dodgers for what they do for A. toles! Who knows what would happen to him without their support and help. Lots of people aren’t so fortunate.
This is a really great piece and an excellent point about value. Im currently trying to find a new lawn guy for three properties and I’m not looking to get over on someone. Just want to receive back good production for what I’m paying.
7:10 PM ET
Dodgers (31-19)
Mets (30-20)
SP Clayton Kershaw L
0-0 11.25 ERA
SP Griffin Canning R
5-1 2.47 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
SS Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
RF T. Hernandez R
3B Max Muncy L
CF Andy Pages R
LF M. Conforto L
2B Tommy Edman S
30% Rain
61° Wind 8 mph Out
Another game on Apple TV tonight….
FOX Saturday, ESPN Sunday….
Tough, tough, tough to hear about Tolesy. It is so hard to imagine a man like him being so physically talented but struggling so hard mentally. We should all pray for him to stabilize enough so that at least his father can connect with his son again.
HUGE props to the Dodgers organization for continuing his contract so he can have proper medical care.
Heading out the door for the weekend – BUT just wanted to say THANKS!! to Mark for such an awesome blog.
Literally it is a one-of-a-kind!
Watching the updates on Sirota has been fun – hope he is the future CF’er.
To everybody – have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.
Thursday scores
Oklahoma City 9, Sacramento 5
Springfield 9, Tulsa 3
West Michigan 2, Great Lakes 1
West Michigan 7, Great Lakes 1
Rancho Cucamonga 9, Stockton 4
Friday schedule
Great Lakes (Luke Fox) at West Michigan (Kenny Serwa), 3:35 PM PST
Springfield (Brycen Mautz) at Tulsa (Jackson Ferris), 5:00 PM, PST
Sacramento (Juan Mercedes) at Oklahoma City (Sean Linan), 5:05 PM, PST
Rancho Cucamonga (Logan Tabeling) at Stockton (Jefferson Jean), 7:05 PM, PST
For more detailed recaps,stats,schedules, standings and box scores for Dodger minor league teams go to the top of this page and cIick on MINOR LEAGUE AFFLIATES.
You have a great string of articles going to cover recent Dodger roster moves and their talent pipeline. Thanks.