If Bryce Harper Wants to be a Dodger he WILL be!

Or, maybe the Dodgers are placating the players association by feigning interest in Harper.

Arenado – Reported 8 years $260MM extension. He appears to be a Rockie thruout his career. Reported opt out after 3 years. Good for Nolan.

My thoughts: If Kershaw goes under the knife, then it increases the likelihood that the Dodgers make a serious attempt to sign Harper. It would be a good way to keep the fans at bay and avoid a public relations disaster.

If Harper is signed, what then? Pederson traded (Roberts has stated that he sees a much more mature player in camp). Verdugo traded? What is the possible return? I would expect it would be a package deal of sorts. Perhaps including Maeda. From my perspective he seems to be the odd man out, even though he is right-handed. Might he bring a bigger return because of his favorable contract?

Probably none of this happens, but it will keep us engaged with speculation for the next week or so. Then once Harper signs with the Rangers, Tigers or some other unforeseen team, we’ll think what the heck, glad he didn’t sign with us. When it’s springtime in Arizona, I love it!!

The Dodgers tend to be conservative in promoting minor leaguers to the MLB level. Lux is young, but looking like a real player. What a luxury! The sample size is still small and they don’t feel in a rush to make any major changes to their philosophy. Should they? I wouldn’t mind seeing some creative moves from the FO. Look at Muncy. Bingo.

I also don’t think the Dodgers are committed to Verdugo and would use him in a trade willingly to bring in another OFielder or pitcher. Problem is his $value is low so including him in a trade would only be wishful thinking for another team to want him. He has no real proven track record. It would be like trading a prospect. He will not be a HOF’er. Keeping Joc may be inevitable but that’s not so bad as a 4th Ofielder. If Pollock provides us with a bonafide leadoff batter, we will be off to the races. Can Taylor play RF?

I will guess that the longer the Harper contract or should I say the longer the years before the first opt out, the larger the probability that Verdugo is traded. If for no other reason than Verdugo has more controllable years than Joc there are teams that would rather have Verdugo. If Harper can opt out in 3 years then then there is more of a reason to keep Verdugo and his longer team control.

Lux could be ready to fill in for Seager now so along with Hernandez there is a chance Taylor could be traded.

I don’t like to propose trades once Spring Training begins but if Harper is signed and with Kershaw in limbo, there is more of a chance the Dodgers will try to trade for an Ace. Salary wise, that trade could include Hill and Maeda in addition to lower cost controllable players like Muncy and Verdugo.

Hang on, we are going for a ride this week.

I´ll take Kluber.

Your feelings on Harper are the same as mine. Will root for him and I think he could be very good. I just do not like the arrogance, but most good players are arrogant to some degree. I agree that if Harper wants to be a Dodger, he will be a Dodger.

I do not think Taylor will be traded. He is the insurance policy for Seager. He can also sub in the outfield. Muncey and Joc would be expendable. However, I could see the Dodgers keeping both of them.

Kershaw needs to find out what is wrong.

Boy, do I love to watch the farm kids in ST. I know it is early, but we have some good players.