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A Transition Year!

That is what Andrew Friedman told us at the beginning of the season, and I (for one) believe it. This is a “transition” year. Clayton Kershaw, Noah Syndergaard, Julio Urias, David Peralta, Jake Marisnick, Max Muncy, Jason Heyward, and JD Martinez are all on one-year deals…

By Mark Timmons4 min read55 comments

That is what Andrew Friedman told us at the beginning of the season, and I (for one) believe it. This is a “transition” year. Clayton Kershaw, Noah Syndergaard, Julio Urias, David Peralta, Jake Marisnick, Max Muncy, Jason Heyward, and JD Martinez are all on one-year deals, meaning that the Dodgers have the ability to move on from each of them next year… if they want! The Dodgers have a half dozen other players who are only signed for this season, including Hernandez, Bickford, Vesia, Brasier, Almonte, and others, who are controllable, but there is no obligation for the Dodgers to sign them. Therefore, if you think Friedman is going to make a plethora of trades right about now, you are either not paying attention, or you are out of your rabbit-ass mind!

The Dodgers are engaging in a youth movement – they need to get younger, and they will. A lot of Dodger fans are convinced that Michael Busch is just trade bait (and I am not saying he won’t be traded in the right deal), but he is a gifted hitter, and the Dodgers could use him. If he could be used to bring a Nolan Aernado back, then so be it, but he will not be traded just to be traded! The “passing of the torch” can be painful at times. By season’s end, the Dodgers will have utilized 11 or 12 rookies on the MLB roster this year.

The fact that the Dodgers have the second-best record in the NL is amazing, and they just beat the team that has the best record in the AL, the Baltimore Orioles, in two out of three games this week! Of course, predictably, some Dodgers fans bitch that the Dodgers should have swept them! Yes, and Chickens should have lips too!

I would not be surprised if the Dodgers “stand down” at the trade deadline! This is a young man’s game. The farm system is loaded, and the Dodgers are evolving!

Are You a Moron?

It is disappointing that some people are so thin-skinned. Some have left this site so that they can go to other places and sing Kumbuyah. They do passive-aggressive “drive-by shootings” here and then cannot take the response they get from me. All I ask is that you have a take and do not suck! Oh, my little feelings were hurt because you called me a “moron” and you should know that morons do not like to be called morons.” Bye!

A guy I respect but who does not always agree with me is Duke Not Snider. We disagree frequently, and I give it to him, and he gives it back to me. If you have thin skin, then don’t post here! He can take it – so can I – and we both dish it out. Now, I will not insult your mother or family, but if you say something moronic, then you might get called a moron. Get over it! I call myself a moron all the time. Duke called me one, too. I resemble that statement!

People who have left this site take themselves too seriously, and their skin is too thin. Now, there is a line that you can cross, and it becomes mean. It’s hard to describe it, but I know it when I see it. If you don’t like it, there are other places you can go, but none are as famous as LADT. I’m glad you are here!

Dodger News and Notes

  • Ryan Pepiot threw 48 pitches last night. Oscar Mercado (yes, that Oscar) got him for two home runs, but otherwise, he is on track to get to LA by August 1st or so.
  • Miguel Vargas watch: .304 BA/.962 OPS. Yes, he can hit in AAA!
  • Diego Cartaya was 2-5 last night with his 12th HR.
  • Rickey Vanasco pitched one inning for Tulsa last night and struck out the side while allowing no hits, no runs, and no walks. It was only his 4th game for the Drillers.
  • Ronan Kopp started for Great Lakes and pitched three innings of no-hit ball. He walked two and struck out 4. For some reason, I see Andrew Miller!
  • Rancho Cucamonga lost 18-0 last night – never speak of this again!
  • Jim Bowden showed why he is no longer a GM by suggesting the Dodgers trade for Anderson, Graveman, and Giolito. Bowden is a standup comedian. Rojas is better than Anderson, and the Dodgers have several Gravemans. Giolito is a #5, and the Dodgers have those out the wazzoo! Come on, man!
  • All of the Dodgers TopFour Farm Teams are WAY over .500!

R.I.P. Tony Bennett

Just a year ago:

Discussion (55)

Disagree, not disagreeable

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  1. dodgerramJuly 23, 2023

    Quality start by Bobby Miller. Did not give up a BB which IMHO is a very good sign.

    If not for that bobble by Peralta which should have been called a double and an error he would have only given up 2 ER. Nonetheless a good outing against a top 3 offense on the road .

    Looking forward Bobby Miller has ace stuff and at the very least will be a very good Nr. 3 or 4 starter , even in a top rotation like the Dodgers.

    Excellent road trip already with a chance to finish it 7-2 . Considering the opponents that is one of the best road trips in recent history IMHO.

    Lets get em agains today!

    As far as possible trades are concerned:

    If we get Clayton and possibly Buehler for the stretch run and postseason the need for another starter is not pressing. I´d be good to go the rest of the season with CK ,JU, jTG, BM and Buehler and Sheehan

    I would rather load up on two high leverage bullpen arms

    Imagine replacing Bruehl and Bickford with two trade aquistions and our bullpen would be something special.

    Offense is good enough as it is. A big RH bat would be the the icing on the cake but it not a necessity . I would not overpay for that.

    Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  2. OldBear48July 23, 2023

    Nice win, let us hope they saved some of that offense for tomorrow. They are facing a lefty who has not been all that good this year. Martin Perez is 7-3 but his ERA is almost 5. He is also prone to giving up homers. The Dodgers will probably start their RH hitting lineup tomorrow with Taylor, Betts and DeLuca in the outfield. Freddie will be at first. Since Outman actually hits lefties better than righty’s, I would suggest putting him in the outfield and putting Betts at second. Barnes will probably get the start behind the plate.

  3. BradleyJuly 23, 2023

    Okay so you guys think Bellinger wouldn’t help in the lineup and Stroman as a starting pitcher. That’s funny because the Yankees and the Astros sure think they would help there team. So all you haters that think my trade ideas are bad others think they would be good. Oh I forgot only if Bear or Mark make that trade projections then there great. If the dodgers need an everyday shortstop okay name a good one out there to replace Rojas. Let’s see Adamme Rosario Mateo Farmer thera four because there bats would be better in our lineup. Name four outfielders that could help us Bellinger Pederson Hernandez O’Neil Yulich and four starters that could help us Stroman Sherzier Gilotto Lynn Flarethy Montgomery so who would you like to add. Go ahead pick what you think would help the team.

  4. QuasimodoJuly 23, 2023

    While Dodgers don’t currently have the best record in MLB this season they are on pace for 112 wins (is my math correct?) Someone else check and correct if they kindly will. and if they continue leaping the improvements offensively who knows?

  5. Johnny GentleJuly 23, 2023

    Calling all Muncy haters . . .

  6. BobbyJuly 22, 2023

    I’m going to the game Monday.

    As Orel just mentioned, I will be joining in the Freddie dance any time we get a dude to 2b.

  7. Watford DodgerJuly 22, 2023

    Just turned the game on

    10-1 in the top of the 4th

    WTF!

  8. OldBear48July 22, 2023

    Dodgers are hammering Texas. 4 homers already. Freddie 2, Muncy, and Martinez. Dodgers have four hitters now with at least 20 homers. Muncy, Mookie, Freddie and JD.

  9. BradleyJuly 22, 2023

    Um if Dodgers go after Stroman why not a right handed hitting bat from the Cubs as well. There’s Bellinger that could help the dodgers there Ian Happ that could help the Dodgers and Wisdom plays 3b and 2b and I heard if Roberts from the White Sox goes to Houston why couldn’t dodgers get him and Giolitto Roberts plays centerfield every day. Then platoon Outman and Peralta in leftfield or rightfield with Heyward. If Astros get Luis Roberts and we didn’t even try to get him that will be crazy.

  10. BobbyJuly 22, 2023

    Dodgers need to finish this pitcher now.

  11. TMJuly 22, 2023

    Cody, I’m sorry……please forgive me…..please come back home. Name your price…..consider it done!

    President of the “We Want Cody Bellinger Back in Blue”

    TM

  12. Mark TimmonsJuly 22, 2023

    On Outman and DeLuca;

    1. Outman is raw as a defender and hitter. That means he should improve.

    2. DeLuca is a better defender – he could be a Gold Glover in CF. He has yet to hit. Give it time.

    3. Outman may be best suited for a corner spot.

    4. Ryan Noda leads all MLB in strikeout % with 34%. James Outman is 2nd at 33.8%, but has a lower OPS and OB%.

    5. Outman has a very short swing for a guy who strikes out a lot and has a lot of power. This gives me a lot of hope!

    6. Since Outman hits LHP so well, I see him as a regular – LoDuca is a LHP Killer!

  13. OldBear48July 22, 2023

    The Giants are interested in Verlander if he waives his no-trade clause.

  14. Andrew Vincent ForteJuly 22, 2023

    Friday scores

    El Paso 6, Oklahoma City 3

    NW Arkansas 3, Tulsa 1

    Lansing 8, Great Lakes 6

    Rancho Cucamonga 7. Lake Elsinore 6

    Saturday schedule

    4:05 p.m. PT: Great Lakes (Yon Castro) at Lansing (Jacob Watters)

    4:05 p.m.: Tulsa (River Ryan) at NW Arkansas (TBD)

    5:05 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Matt Andriese) vs. El Paso (TBD)

    5:15 p.m.: Rancho Cucamonga (TBD) at Lake Elsinore (TBD)

  15. OldBear48July 22, 2023

    Don’t look now but Trayce Thompson began his rehab assignment in Arizona last night. He went 2-5 and played all nine innings of the game in centerfield. He will play several more games before being re-evaluated. Trayce could possibly be ready by the end of August. If he does make it all the way back, he would most likely play against LH pitchers only, although he has reverse splits this season.

  16. Andrew Vincent ForteJuly 22, 2023

    4:05 PM ET

    Dodgers (56-40)

    Rangers (58-40)

    SP Bobby Miller R

    5-1 4.25 ERA

    SP Dane Dunning R

    8-2 2.82 ERA

    Confirmed Lineup

    2B Mookie Betts R

    1B F. Freeman L

    C Will Smith R

    3B Max Muncy L

    DH J. Martinez R

    LF D. Peralta L

    RF J. Heyward L

    CF James Outman L

    SS Miguel Rojas R

    In Domed Stadium

  17. philjonesJuly 22, 2023

    * Fun game last night to watch until the Ranger’s bullpen sputtered late. That appears to be their Achilles Heel.

    * Nice to see every single player in the order get at least one hit

    * Jonny Deluca was a star. I’m good with him platooning with Outman if that keeps them both playing on this team.

    * Yonny Hernandez has such fun playing the game. He reminds me of Hanser Alberto.

    * Rojas seems to emerged into a more vocal leader, as time goes on. He isn’t afraid to initiate mound visits and give some pep talks. He feels very comfortable in his role, and he’s done a great job.

    * I guess Cory Seager has a sprained right thumb and x-rays negative. He’s day-to-day. But then again, aren’t e all? Good new on Cory. He’s having a great year.

    * I’m not a fan of the new on-base celebration. Is it a hula girl bobble-head or side straddle hops or something? I’m not anti-fun but we don’t need to do. The freight train thing is fine. I’m kind of proud that the Dodgers act like they’ve been successful before. Nice normal home run celebrations in the dugout. No Tridents or Samurai Helmets or grocery carts. I hope we never resort to that stuff.

    There are still folks suggesting Seager moves off SS. It’s like a bad penny. Seager should have the ultimate say in where he plays. If he feels he needs to more to 3rd, fine. It should be his call and he still looks fine at SS to me.

  18. Tom1946July 22, 2023

    Cassidy –

    As someone who wanted the Dodgers to stick with Bellinger another year, I now agree it was best for him to move on in his career with another team.

    I always liked Belli and followed his career closely (i,e., checking his line daily in the box score). Last year, I was blaming the Dodger hitting gurus for not getting him back to MVP form. I was wrong based on what has happened this year with Jason Heywood.

    I think Belli needed a change in scenery and I wish him a long and successful career.

    P.S. I now check Outman’s line in the daily box score. I begin this practice with my favorite players starting with Maury Wills in 1959 when I helped him reach a .260 batting average and he ultimately changed the game with his base running.

  19. CassidyJuly 22, 2023

    I’m not giving up Outman and Pepiot for 2 months of Bellinger. I’m convinced it was more of an issue between the ears for Bellinger and now he would return to the scene of the crime. It would be a big load for him. I’m happy for him in Chicago wher there is no pressure on him. Lets see what happens when he gets traded to a contender. Let’s hope the Angels hold pat with Ohtani and he doesn’t end up in SF or SD.

  20. OldBear48July 22, 2023

    Angels won their fourth in a row last night. They are 8 games behind the Rangers, but only four out of the second wild card spot. I think this will change their mind set on trading Ohtani if they keep winning.

  21. Mark TimmonsJuly 22, 2023

    Vargas with a HR last night.

    Syndergaard went 5.

    Jimmy Nelson pitched 1 perfect inning. Struck out the side.

    Giles pitched again, but was roughed up. doesn’t mean much… yet!

  22. Dodger dadJuly 22, 2023

    Tony just can’t seem to put guys away like last year. Gutty effort though! I’m with you Bear on Renfroe! As much as I love the idea of Arenado probably isn’t happening. Will Ohtani take less money to be a Dodger? That’s the only path I see for him to wear the blue!

  23. Duke Not SniderJuly 22, 2023

    I wasn’t able to watch the game and just learned of Seager’s injury.

    His latest injury, that is.

    Some people think injuries are just a matter of dumb luck, but I’m not sure. “Injury-prone” seems like real thing to me

    . What did Cal Ripken have that made him so durable? Certainly he played with pain at times, but he must have been blessed with muscles and tendons that were hard to pull and tear. He must have been careful to do all his stretching, and avoid reckless physical moves (like Lux’s in the spring). When Seager is healthy, he’s been a stud. But he has often had trouble staying on the field.

    That’s one of the reasons why I was OK with the Dodgers letting him move on. Another was having Trea in the wings. A

  24. BkemdanoJuly 22, 2023

    Would Pepiot and Outman be enough to bring Bellinger back???

  25. QuasimodoJuly 22, 2023

    The minute before the season started there were several here that were stating Dodgers had no chance to make the playoffs but were at least smart enough to not take me up on my bet offer of the field against the Dodgers for the division, So how do you like me/Dodgers now? They sure looked good tonight! Huh? Hope Seager is OK. He’s still a Dodger to me and I think we’ll see him on the Dodgers. Shame on me for gloating……..OK, I’m over it.

  26. CassidyJuly 22, 2023

    Who needs starting pitching when you have an offense like this!

  27. WayneJuly 22, 2023

    9-6-2 double play? Wow

  28. Duke Not SniderJuly 22, 2023

    Oh, yeah…. Mookie is pretty good in the outfield too.

  29. BobbyJuly 22, 2023

    What fantastic hustle by Muncy!!

  30. NH DodgerJuly 22, 2023

    1. Dodgers will likely trade for a starting pitcher and a right handed bat but they should not and probably, will not expend much prospect capital to do that. I do not think they will stand pat but I do agree with the overall point in Mark’s comments.

    2. Looking at this line up tonight, a right handed hitting outfielder like Grichuk or Pham and the eventual return of Vargas (hoping) will be enough to balance the line up. I would like the ability to sit Muncy against lefties and not have both DeLuca and Hernandez in the line up.

    3. With Gonsolin and Urias being inconsistent as they are and three rookies after them in the rotation they have got to add a starting pitcher in my opinion. They have nine right handed starting pitchers in the their rookie year, at AAA or at AA – you literally can not keep them all. I am not counting on Buehler returning in September though that would be icing on the cake. A rotation of Urias, Kershaw, a trade acquisition, Gonsolin and Miller should be enough to win the West if this offense keeps producing. Will disagree with Mark in that Giolito in this rotation would not be a number 5.

    4. Really intrigued by the young players at Rancho Cucuamonga for Dodgers in their everyday line up. I think the average age in low A is 21.0 years and Dodgers have DePaula, Doncon, Liranzo, and Diaz at 19 years of age or younger. Their IFA signings these past five years seem to be progressing very well.

    5. A potential line up next year with Betts, Freeman, Smith, Ohtani, and Lux gives a nice cushion for young hitters like Outman, Vargas, Pages, Busch, etc. to develop as ML hitters.

  31. Pee Wee GroganJuly 22, 2023

    He never ever learned to read or write so well

    But he roams centerfield like he was ringing a bell….

    Go Jonny go go

    Mr DeLuca

  32. Jorge ValenzuelaJuly 21, 2023

    Everyone talks and thinks that the Dodgers could get Ohtani and/or other good pitchers, only to end up getting someone like Kenta Maeda! Someone totally off the radar, cheap, who could help get the innings loaded … And it would make sense, since most believe the Dodgers DO NOT NEED TO MAKE ANY TRADE.

  33. Mark TimmonsJuly 21, 2023

    OK, want to go “all-in” this year? Here we go:

    The Dodgers send James Outman, Michael Busch, Jonny DeLuca, Max muncy, and Nick Frasso to the Angels for…

    Shohei Ohtani

    Anthony Rendon

    Mike Trout

    It’s not much of a haul for the Angels, but they get out from under three big contracts!

    Think about it!

    Lineup:

    1. Betts 2B

    2. Freeman 1B

    3. Trout CF

    4. Ohtani DH

    5. Martinez/Peralta LF

    6. Smith C

    7. Heywood RF

    8. Rendon 3B

    9. Rojas SS

    Betts plays RF when a LHP is throwing and Vargas plays 2B.

    The Dodgers average 93 runs a game!

  34. OldBear48July 21, 2023

    Enough with the Rosario talk. The guy is not an upgrade. If they want a SS, I can think of several better options than that guy.

  35. Mark TimmonsJuly 21, 2023

    Total bonus pool: $7,274,600

    MLB rank: 24

    All Dodgers Draft signings

    CB-A (36): Kendall George, OF, Atascocita HS

    Pick value: $2,362,700

    Signing bonus: $1,847,500

    2 (60): Jake Gelof, 3B, Virginia

    Pick value: $1,336,900

    Signing bonus: $1,334,400

    3 (95): Brady Smith, RHP, Grainger HS

    Pick value: $705,500

    Signing bonus: $703,000

    4 (127): Wyatt Crowell, LHP, Florida State

    Pick value: $516,800

    Signing bonus: $647,500

    4C (136): Dylan Campbell, OF, Texas

    Pick value: $473,700

    Has not yet agreed to terms

    4C (137): Eriq Swan, RHP, Middle Tenessee State

    Pick value: $469,000

    Signing bonus: $466,500

    5 (163): Joe Vetrano, 1B, Boston College

    Pick value: $364,400

    Signing bonus: $397,500

    6 (190): Bryan Gonzalez, SS, Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy

    Pick value: $290,100

    Signing bonus: $397,500

    7 (220): Patrick Copen, RHP, Marshall

    Pick value: $228,000

    Signing bonus: $225,500

    8 (250): Jaron Elkins, OF, Goodpasture Christian School

    Pick value: $189,300

    Signing bonus: $407,500

    9 (280): Ryan Brown, RHP, Ball State

    Pick value: $173,600

    Signing bonus: $171,100

    10 (310): Sam Mongelli, SS, Sacred Heart University

    Pick value: $164,600

    Signing bonus: $47,500

    11 (340): Carson Hobbs, RHP, Samford University

    Signing bonus: $150,000

    12 (370): Noah Ruen, RHP, Tyler JC

    Signing bonus: $247,500

    13 (400): Alex Makarewich, RHP, Northwestern State

    Signing bonus: $150,000

    14 (430): Jaxon Jelkin, RHP, South Mountain CC

    Has not yet agreed to terms

    15 (460): Jordan Thompson, SS, LSU

    Signing bonus: $197,500

    16 (490): Javen Coleman, LHP, LSU

    Has not yet agreed to terms

    17 (520): Luke Fox, LHP, Duke

    Has not yet agreed to terms

    18 (550): Sterling Patick, LHP, South Hills High School (CA)

    Signing bonus: $347,500

    19 (580): Spencer Green, RHP, Richland High School (WA)

    Signing bonus: $150,000

    20 (610): D.J. Uiagalelei, TWP, Oregon State

    Has not yet agreed to terms

  36. BradleyJuly 21, 2023

    Next year like to see Matt Chapman in Dodger Blue Amed Rosorio as shortstop in dodger blue and Lux back at second base in dodger blue. Mookie goes back to right field and in free agency we get a left fielder or center fielder and that will determine where James outman plays in 2024 if he is the Leftfielder or centerfielder. Urias will be gone Kershaw will retire or go to the Rangers and we will have buehler Miller and Sheehan as are straters so there going to have to either trade for starters or sign free agents because down on the farm I don’t see anyone that could come up and be like wow look at this kid.

  37. Andrew Vincent ForteJuly 21, 2023

    8:05 PM ET

    Dodgers (55-40)

    Rangers (58-39)

    SPTony Gonsolin R

    5-3 3.72 ERA

    SP Andrew Heaney L

    6-6 4.43 ERA

    Confirmed Lineup

    RF Mookie Betts R

    1B F. Freeman L

    C Will Smith R

    DH J. Martinez R

    LF Chris Taylor R

    3B Max Muncy L

    CF Jonny DeLuca R

    SS Miguel Rojas R

    2B Y. Hernandez S

    In Domed Stadium

  38. Duke Not SniderJuly 21, 2023

    Roberts must have been reading LADT…

    Muncy dropped to 6th in the lineup, behind JDM at cleanup and Taylor at 5th. Also, Mookie is back in RF with Yonny getting the start at 2B. DeLuca in CF and batting 7th in place of Outman.

    Loaded up with righthanded bats to face Heaney. (Yonny is a switch hitter.) Freddie and Max only lefty

    bats in the lineup

  39. MickeyDJuly 21, 2023

    Once again, no way will Ohtani be a Dodger. Dodgers should not make any deals, unless Arenado is brought in. The young pitchers are loaded with talent. The rotation could be set for several years. Dustin May….possible closer? I like the idea.

    Atlanta is going to be tough to beat. Are they the best organization in baseball? Right up there.

    2 out of 3 against the Rangers would be nice. Rest In Peace, Tony Bennett …one of the greatest crooners. Every time I hear “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”, I flash on the 1962 play off loss to the F-ing Giants. Still hurts.

  40. OldBear48July 21, 2023

    Google news reported that the Dodgers are not out of the Ohtani talks. Maybe someone in the Angel FO told Moreno, he could get a haul from LA for his star rather than just lose him and get nothing but a draft pick when he walks after the season.

  41. BlutoJuly 21, 2023

    Looks like Dodgers will sign all the picks except for Jelkin and the QB. I haven’t heard one way or the other on Luke Fox, who I think was going to be a tough sign.

  42. Duke Not SniderJuly 21, 2023

    The amputa–I mean operation went fine. (Actually, I have no idea, but we won’t be seeing Dustin pitch for at least a year.) ….

    I expect the much-maligned Max Muncy to be back in 2024, with the club exercising its $10 million option.

    I also expect that Max will win back some of his critics. It puzzles me why so many fans have such little patience for a guy who has been so productive for the Dodgers over the past six seasons,, with multiple 35-HR seasons and two all-star selections while gamely covering three positions…..

    Has Michael Busch turned 26 yet? He is not old, but he is not young for a prospect.

    His best hope with the Dodgers is for a couple of key starters to get banged up and create an opportunity. He is blocked at every position he plays and the Dodger brass clearly hold Miguel Vargas in higher regard, despite his struggle–so Vargas is blocking Busch too. For all we know, Devin Mann might be better than Busch, if he’s given the chance to hit major league pitching. Coming up behind Busch are guys like Jorbit Vivas, Eddys Leonard and Austin Gauthier. It’s a squeeze play.

    For Busch, I think it’s “play me or trade me” time. He may well thrive in Chicago or Denver or Anaheim or some other city that has a player who’d look good in Dodger blue.

    Hell, if I was Busch, I’d be hoping for trade. His old OKC teammate Jamaih Jones opted out of the Dodgers organization–and landed a major league gig with the Brewers.

  43. Pee Wee GroganJuly 21, 2023

    Drinking a Dr Pepper for the first time in years the other night (not bad), I couldn’t help but hum this tune:

    I’m a moron

    You’se a moron

    He’s a moron

    She’s a moron

    We’s some morons

    Wouldn’t you like to be a moron too?!?!?!

  44. dodgerramJuly 21, 2023

    Has there be any news how the operation of Dustin May on Monday went ?

    Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  45. sbuffaloJuly 21, 2023

    Transition?

    Yes, lots of one year contracts, nothing unusual about that, flexibility and all. Yes, there is some movement toward youth. Some will step up, some won’t. The Dodgers and Dave Roberts do like their veterans. Heyward, Peralta and Martinez have all been major contributors.

    I would want to keep Busch. He can hit. Next time up will be better for Vargas.

    I still see the Dodgers pursuing pitching at the trade deadline. Giolito would make some sense. Won’t cost a lot. So they will make some deals, depending on prospect cost. You can’t keep everyone.

    Most of the Dodger writers and baseball pundits believe the Dodgers will make a big play for Ohtani this winter. They are primed to make that deal. They will still seek bargains for one year deals in ’24.

    If they sign Ohtani, they move away from Urias, who just hasn’t been very good. Even without Ohtani, I’m guessing Julio won’t be back. But Walker Buehler will return to top form. This might be the year that Clayton retires. Or not.

    It will be interesting to see what they do with Muncy. So yes, this may well be a winter of transition. Some good young pitchers in the system and a couple of hitters who can make the jump.

  46. norcaldodgerfanJuly 21, 2023

    Define plethora. No, AF probably won’t make a Plethora of trades, but then again what GM not named AJ Preller does so? He will make one or two trades to better the margins of the roster, or he might go big and get a SP, but a plethora of trades probably not and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to make such a bold and prophetic statement.

  47. Johnny GentleJuly 21, 2023

    This is another excellent piece, Mark. I agree with everything about it. Fans keep pointing to the holes in the rotation; well, we have the core of a homegrown power starting five forming as we speak.

    Miller looks untouchable and if we roll into next season with him as our #2 or #3 nobody should be surprised.

    Sheehan has promise. I think we’d be pleased to see him in the rotation next year getting 25 starts.

    Grove I like. He’s far from perfect but everything is there. Just needs a chance to go out there every five days.

    Later this year we could see Knack get a shot. Next on the list are high-end guys like Nastrini, Frasso & Ryan. Hurt probably profiles as a reliever but he’s been stretched out too.

    I think what Mark is hinting at is don’t view these guys as trade chips. View them as the future of the franchise. Will we cash in one or two in exchange for a veteran starter? Probably. I could live with Knack for Montgomery, for example.

    Postseason shots are what this sport’s all about. Any move we make has to be with that in mind. Getting a guy you want to throw against ATL.

  48. Andrew Vincent ForteJuly 21, 2023

    Thursday scores

    El Paso 12, Oklahoma City 6

    Tulsa 8, NW Arkansas 2

    Great Lakes 3, Lansing 1

    Lake Elsinore 18, Rancho Cucamonga 0

    Friday schedule

    4:05 p.m. PT: Great Lakes (Maddux Bruns) at Lansing (Mitch Myers)

    5:05 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Noah Syndergaard) vs. El Paso (Ryan Weathers)

    5:05 p.m.: Tulsa (Nick Frasso) at NW Arkansas (Chandler Champlain)

    7:15 p.m.: Rancho Cucamonga (Peter Heubeck) at Lake Elsinore (Henry Williams)

  49. Andrew Vincent ForteJuly 21, 2023

    Mark, thanks for the Tony Bennett video. He still had the great voice at 95.

  50. dodgerpatchJuly 21, 2023

    Don’t always agree with Duke (esp. about the political stuff), but he’s a good sport, has good baseball takes, and dishes it back to Mark. Though there’s a possibility an actual Mormon might take offense, I find Duke’s description of Mark’s diatribes as the “Book of Moron” to be pretty hysterical.

    Yes, Badger and Bumsrap hang out of Jeff’s site and frequently make comments about “other sites” being “intolerant” …. yada yada. It’s tedious and immature.

    Ran into our old friend Scott Andes over on Jeff’s site not too long ago. He’s still his unhinged self. I think he really misses having someone to talk to. It’s pretty empty over at ladodgerreport.com

    Hey Scott! I thought of new way for you to monetize your site. Ya know, the government needs a place to hide all of it’s secrets from the Russians and the Chinese. Just have them post them all to your site. No one will ever see them. LOL.

  51. Andrew Vincent ForteJuly 21, 2023

    Tony Bennett remembered as ‘one of the greats’ after he dies at 96

    The singer passed away in his hometown of New York

    I was lucky enough to see him perform one of the last concerts at Shea Stadium with Billy Joel with 50,000 people. RIP Tony!!!

  52. Mark TimmonsJuly 21, 2023

    During Thursday’s game against the San Francisco Giants, Elly De Le Cruz launched a 99.8 mph throw to home plate to put an end to any hope Giants infielder Wilmer Flores had of scoring a run.

  53. Dodger dadJuly 21, 2023

    Mark you’re right about Tim Anderson, I was dead wrong! I believe with Arenado at 3rd, Rojas at shortstop, Mookie at s second, Freddy at 1st the dodgers would have a top 3 defensive infield! If Chris Taylor is healthy he can spell the infield and not miss a beat! Would be nice to see Vargas back up and hitting the ball. I might put him in left field and leave him there. Bullpen is coming around nicely, but I still believe we need another starter. Tough series this weekend, be nice to take 2 out of 3, but don’t get swept, giants and diamond backs are not going anywhere!

  54. dodgerramJuly 21, 2023

    RC is 49-38 d espite that massacre last night.

    Tranistion year, Yes. For sure. But nice that the Dodgers are still leading the West and with a shot at a WS title, yet IMHO an outside shot if they do not improve at the deadline.

    Speaking of: Youth movement is fine with me but we probably have too many youngsters to keep them all. Better to part with some of them bringing in help at the trade deadline.

    If I would be in charge I do not trade Vargas, Cartaya, Bobby Miller, Sheehan, Bruns, dePaula, Frasso, Joelton Vargas, Rushing.

    Guys like Busch, Nastrini,Pepiot, Grove, Pages, Hurt, Rivers, Ramos, Vivas, Mann, Leonhard should garner some interest in the right package or two.

    Everybody else on the farm I would make available in the right deal.

    Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  55. CassidyJuly 21, 2023

    Well at least this moron knows that the Baltimore Orioles don’t have the best record in baseball! And yes, we should have swept them! Thanks Julio! And Michael Busch will not be a Dodger come August 2nd. From chicken lips!

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