Here's My Plan

Interesting ideas. It seems like you have some dominoes lined up, but of course you would need plenty of willing trade partners here.

Just read that Lee is being represented by Boras, so that could be a complication. In general, pitchers coming to the MLB from Japan and Korea have fared better than hitters. Could be wrong, but I think Ichiro and Ohtani are the only hitters from Japan and Korea whose production did not diminish somewhat. That said, I would expect more offense from Lee than Lux, at least based on reputation, so I’d flop them in the lineup.

True that the Rays may need an SS, and perhaps Rojas could be a temporary fix in case they have another promising SS in the pipeline. But if I’m the Rays I’d be casting a wide net.

Would the Sox be willing to deal Robert? They certainly should consider it. If so, my inner Dodger GM would start the package with Outman as a proven ML talent who would slide into the spot Roberts vacates. Then I’d add the extras. (I prefer to keep Busch and deal Vargas because of the power potential.)

But of all the potential acquisitions mentioned, I think Yamamoto would fill the greatest need. The rotation is a big question mark. I do like Manaea as a reclamation project and I think Montgomery will command a too-hefty price.

I noticed that your plan doesn’t put a better glove at 3B.

But then I suspect that the Dodger front office won’t try hard to replace Max either–because they’ll be targeting Shohei for DH

I also agree that staying away from the type of financial commitment that is going to take to sign Ohtani is the prudent move. Pursuing someone like Montgomery is a logical move but he is starting to look like someone who is going to require an overpay.

Personally, I’d prefer trading for someone like Burnes or Glasnow to bridge us to next season’s free agent class, which will include Buehler, Bieber, Burnes, Glasnow, Fried, Woodruff, Wheeler and Cole (if he opts out).

In addition, there will be two position players that I believe the Dodgers should pursue: Alex Bregman, who would address an area of need, and a 26 year old Juan Soto, who by all intensive purposes will be just coming into his prime years.

Freddie Freeman is heading into his mid-30s and it would behoove the LAD to consider signing a future cornerstone player like Juan Soto to carry the mantle beyond Freeman or Mookie himself.

Good thoughtful stuff, Mark. Sure to get some excellent comments in the next day or two.

Here are mine:

1) Big yes to Lee, but I’d bat him first or second and drop Lux to 9th where he’s proven very effective.

2) No to Ramirez. I agree with Bluto that Outman is worth more by himself than Ramirez. Also 3 years younger, with three years more control and a lot cheaper.

3) I’m not thrilled with your group of DH’s. Would rather bring back JT for a year or even think about JDM on a 2 year deal.

4) No on Manaea. Way too inconsistent. Would love Montgomery.

5) I think Robert Jr. would take more than what you’re offering but I would consider adding Stone if that would make them consider it.

It’s fun to play GM. I wonder if Andrew thinks so.

Don’t believe that AF would make that trade for Robert. Too much to give.

Interesting, probably will not happen, but interesting anyway. AF will no doubt have a couple of surprises for us this winter. But I also remember at his presser that he said pitching is a priority. We will see if that holds true.

What I’m understanding is our farm system is over rated, trading the kids.

Ok. Everyone who hates Mark for stimulating conversation please raise your hand! No not you B&P!

1 Character on the team.

2 Production in another league doesn’t always translate to production in MLB.

3 Outman has more value than Ramirez.

I mean is it what you would do? I’m sure it is.

There’s no way the Dodgers trade Outman for Ramirez straight up. Much less with something.

It’ll take a lot more to get Robert out of Chicago. He performs, he’s talented and underpaid.