Is it Verlander Time?

I have consistently said that I do not think the Dodgers need bullpen help. Since June 20th, the Dodger bullpen has been the best in baseball, and if only two or three of the pitchers on the IL come back from injury, there is absolutely no need. I also think it is foolish to believe that two starters like Giolito and Stroman will help the Dodgers win a championship. The Dodgers need an Ace that can win at least two games in a seven-game series. The only one out there who fits that bill is Justin Verlander. It just might be time for him to come to the Dodgers.

I have hope that Julio Urias will figure out his mechanics and release point, but I am not confident that I will live that long. 😉 Clayton Kershaw will be back, and I have no difficulty believing that he will pick up where he left off. Bobby Miller belongs in the rotation, and the mystery is Tony Gonsolin. He is the weak link, but as a #4 or #5, he is fine. Michael Grove, who also might be a horse there!

However, the Dodgers need a “HORSE” at the top of their rotation, and it appears that the only possibility of finding one is to look at Justin Verlander. After some arm issues at the beginning of the season, he has returned to form or close to it. He is not striking out as many hitters, but that means fewer pitches which may be a good thing. In his last seven games, he has a 2.05 ERA, has averaged almost seven innings each game, and has a 1.07 WHIP.

Look, at his age, it is a risk, but it would not take a lot in prospect collateral – All the Dodgers have to do is pay the man his Big Bux. Verlander is owed the remainder of his $43.333 Million Contract this year and another $43.333 Million next year. The Dodgers could probably get him for a song with just a few (probably lower-level) prospects. I have no idea who and if the Mets would do it, but with a $330,000,000 payroll and a sinking ship, I think the Mets would listen. The Giants also could do the same thing, but in a bidding war, the Dodgers have better prospects and an abundance of them.

How would this be for a rotation?

1. Verlander
2. Kersahw
3. Urias
4. Miller
5. Gonsolin

With a bullpen of eight of the following (Pick ’em):

1. Almonte
2. Bickford
3. Brasier
4. Ferguson
5. Graterol
6. Grove
7. T. Miller
8. Phillips
9. Sheehan
10. Vesia
11. Bruihl
12. Feyereisen
13. Gonzalez
14. Hudson
15. Pepiot
16. Nelson
17. Stone
18. Treinen
19. Buehler

Eight – all they need are 8. Some will not return healthy, but some will. All the Dodgers need are 8! If they can’t get EIGHT good relievers out of that bunch, I am Betty Crocker!

I get Kike Hernandez. I don’t get Rosario! But Friedman is not done. I do not know how in the hell AF got the Indians to take Thor! He must have photos of someone. I have a feeling he is working on something… we shall soon know!

But, I think it is Verlander Time!