Dodger Dilemma

Ok, who are these guys, and what did they do with the real LA Dodgers? They looked better the last couple of days, but over the first 22 games or so, they were impostors. Injuries have played a part, but inconsistency has been a culprit too.

The good side is that no one else in the division has taken advantage of the situation. But when they get back to what one would consider full strength, which team are they going to be? Right now, they look like a 83-87 win team. Gonsolin coming back will do nothing but help the starting rotation. Vesia’s last appearance was encouraging as he worked out of a huge jam.

But what happens when they start playing the more elite teams? The Yankees are coming to Dodger Stadium in June. In May, they play the Phillies, Padres, Brewers, Pads again, Twins, Cardinals, and Braves, and then finish the month against the Rays. Not an easy month.

By the end of May, I would surmise that we will have a much better handle on who this team really is. The 50-game marker was what Lasorda always said gave him an idea of what he had on his roster. There have already been some moves. Another made today as Muncy now heads to the paternity list for a few days, and Michael Busch gets the call. Muncy has been the hottest Dodger hitter, so this is a real test for the team. The Pirates are much improved and playing well.

Of the teams they play in May, all are above .500 except the Phillies, who are only a game under. So it is a stiff test. The Dodger offense, the starting pitching, and the bullpen will be put to the test. How they come out of this next stretch could have a huge bearing on how the rest of the season will play out. It should also show where the biggest improvements need to be made.

As fans, we are used to seeing this team dominate its division and the league. So far, that is not the case with this bunch. Now a lot of fans over the last few days have suggested many changes that might or might not happen. Some say just let the kids come up and play. Others want more drastic moves like trading for an All-Star-level shortstop or left fielder. Some are suggesting an even more aggressive move like a trade for Shoei Ohtani.

As much as I would love to see the guy as a Dodger, I am pretty sure, almost positive even, that the Angels are not going to trade him for anyone, especially to a team that they share a city with or at least that city’s name. Their fan base, no matter who the Dodgers would send their way, would be really ticked off with a move of that sort unless the package included Freeman and Betts. And we all know that is not going to happen.

Everything I have read on other blogs, baseball streams and in most sports news reports says the Angels are not trading Ohtani period. I tend to believe those reports. So, I am not worried that the Padres, whose minor league system does not have a ton of top-100 prospects anymore, are going to swoop in and pluck him for the stretch run. I am more concerned with what the plan is for the Dodgers moving forward.

I would be more than willing to make it into the playoffs with reduced expectations, then everything they achieve beyond that is a positive sign. I also have a belief that they might make an offer to Ohtani in free agency, but someone, hello NY Mets, is going to be so out there with their proposal that he will have no problem accepting it. I am not even sure that retaining Urias is that much of a priority. And with his inconsistent performance so far, he has not shown anyone he is worth a hefty long-term deal yet. But because of his relative young age and prior performance, he will most likely get one.

The Dodgers are thinning out the herd, so to speak. Reinforcements will most likely be coming from the farm system. Oh, there will be a trade or two and maybe a free agent who will stick around for a few years. But I would not, if I were a fan, expect any superstar’s coming this way anytime soon.