Many people have scoffed at the idea that Kike Hernandez might return to the Dodgers. He will be 32 next month and is in the midst of what may be his worst season. He has a -0.6 WAR and is OPS’ing .599. However, if you look beyond the obvious, maybe he makes too much sense to ignore.
First of all, we know that Kike was beloved by his teammates. He did keep them loose, and his charisma was contagious. So, would his personality be a fit on the team? Absolutely! He is also an extremely versatile player, meaning that he can play all over the diamond if needed. However, I think Andrew Friedman wants to acquire him to platoon in RF with Jason Heyward, so that Mookie can move to the infield, namely 2B or SS.
This could be a great solution: Heyward hits RHP to the tune of a .360 OB% and s .846 OPS. His OPS+ is 132. For his career, Kike Hernandez has struggled against RHP (.660 OPS), but he has a .811 OPS against LHP. Also, Robert Van Socyoc knows Kiki and could possibly believe that he can help Kike improve against LHP. Kike can play a fine RF, and he has a very good arm. This would strengthen the lineup against LHP, and Kike would serve as Heyward’s platoon partner.
I like the sound of it. Kike is not getting much PT of late. The Red Sox have too many RH infielders. Including Hernandez, the Sox have JT, Yu Chang, Christian Arroyo, Trevor Story, and Pablo Reyes. Kike is owed about $4 Million and is a free agent after the season. The Red Sox could use a LH 2B, and Jorbit Vivas is just that, although he is not really MLB-Ready! Yonny Hernandez is also a possibility!
I also think Andrew Friedman may be ready to move on from Austin Barnes, although I think they should promote Hunter Feduccia – he can’t be any worse. Austin is not even hitting his IQ! Emmet Sheehan needs to go back to AAA – he has a bright future, but that’s not today.
Clayton Kershaw and Chris Young
A few days ago, The Athletic reported that the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw, and Rangers GM Chris Young share a bond that goes beyond baseball. Chris Young lives two blocks away from Kershaw in a Dallas suburb. Their children are in the same Dallas-area school system and cross paths often, particularly when Young walks his kids past Kershaw’s house on their way to school. Ellen Kershaw and Youngs’ wife, Elizabeth, are friends. They’ll run into each other at dinner. Some family fate ties them: Young played high school basketball at Highland Park with Kershaw’s brother-in-law.
I get the feeling that Clayton could go home in 2024.
Phil Bickford
His teammates love him, but he is not getting the job done. This may be the last we see of the Bick!
Discussion (45)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Isn’t it lovely watching Springer struggle so badly and look so unhappy about it !!!
Definitely the best win of the season.
WHAT A WIN!
Would it be insensitive to point out that Mark just proposed a righty-heavy lineup that included Kike but left Outman on the pine?
Pretty good night for the guy who did not get sent down to OKC before Vargas…. and who, by the way, doesn’t seem to care if the pitcher’s paw is from the south or north. (You can look it up.)
Not only did Outman get the game-winning hit, but he sparked that huge ninth-inning rally with a single.
Amazing game.
Wow. Just wow
Great win!!!!!! Outman!!!! He’s earning his own place on the team!! His new surname si Hitman ha ha ha
Wow… Helluva comeback….
Just a little more, please.
Ugh.
No podemos batear con hombres en posición de anotar Betts frío frio
Of more concern that getting a mediocre hitter like Kike is the regression and continued demise of Julio Urias. Supposedly he is the team’s ace. He is not pitching like it. he keeps putting the team in an early hole.
The Dodgers are averaging .227 against LHP this year, so at .260, Kike is an upgrade! In the past three years, the Dodgers have a losing record against LHP. They are trying to remedy that. Over his career, Lane Thomas BA against RHP is worse than Kike’s and his OPS is just a few points better.
I am a Big Kike Supporter. I like this deal.
Potentially, the acquisition of Kike gives the Dodgers the option of moving Mookie to the infield. I know many are skeptical of Kike, but he should be in a different role as I think he will only play against LHP.
Against LHP:
1. Betts 2B (R)
2. Freeman 1B (L)
3. Smith C (R)
4. Muncy 3B (L)
5. JDM DH (R)
6. Kike RF (R)
7. CT3 LF (R)
8. DeLuca CF (R)
9. Rojas (R)
I said a few days ago that if Andrew Friedman and Company brought Thor back, I was down with it because I trust them, Evidently (according to Juan Toribio, they are not) and I am down with that too.
I am not saying that Kiki is the Dodgers’ Savior, but he is intriguing. It’s true that he is not doing great against LHP this year, but it’s a small sampling as he has only 86 PA against LHP. He did hit .260, and he struck out 10 times. That’s one out of 8 times. Against RHP, he struck out 1one out of 4 times.
This is a low cost move that could pay BIG dividends.
We’re good now. Hope Kike can at least pitch into the sixth inning.
PRESS RELEASE
DODGERS ACQUIRE KIKÉ HERNÁNDEZ
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired infielder/outfielder Kiké Hernández and cash from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for right-handed pitchers Nick Robertson and Justin Hagenman.
Hernández, 31, returns to the Dodgers for his second stint with the club after helping the 2020 team capture their 7th World Series Championship in franchise history. The Puerto Rican native is batting .222 (66-for-297) with 11 doubles, six homers and 31 RBI in 76 games with the Red Sox. He has been with Boston parts of three seasons, slashing .234/.308/.382 with 32 homers and 136 RBI. Prior to joining Boston, he spent six seasons with the Dodgers, hitting .240 (400-for-1670) with 68 homers and 213 RBI in 648 games. During his career, he has been in the postseason seven seasons, clubbing 13 homers and driving in 27 and posting a .900 career OPS in 69 postseason games. He was originally drafted by the Houston Astros in the sixth round of the 2009 First Year Player Draft out of the American Military Academy out of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico.
Robertson, 24, appeared in nine games for the Dodgers, allowing 10 runs (seven earned) in 10.1 innings with 13 strikeouts. With Oklahoma City, he was 2-0 with a 2.54 ERA (8 ER/28.1 IP) and 42 strikeouts. He is in his fourth minor league season with the Dodgers, and he is a combined 5-7 with a 3.54 ERA (67 ER/170.1 IP) and 215 strikeouts in 135 games. He was originally a seventh-round selection in the 2019 First Year Player Draft out of James Madison University.
Hagenman, 26, appeared in 25 games (five starts) for Triple-A Oklahoma City, going 4-0 with a 2.78 ERA (17 ER/55.0 IP) with 60 strikeouts. In five minor league seasons with the Dodgers, he was a combined 26-9 with a 3.61 ERA (115 ER/287.0 IP) and 295 strikeouts in 156 games (10 starts). He was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 23rd round of the 2018 First Year Player Draft out of Penn State University.
I don’t see the Kike trade as a big gamble one way or another. So he has 2 months to see what he can do. If he is crap they can just leave him off the playoff roster. He didn’t cost much.
Well one thing we know, Kike will NOT be wearing # 14. It is now retired for Gil Hodges.
I just read a piece by Juan Toribio who wrote the following:
Noah Syndergaard was at Dodger Stadium on Monday, but that has been a failed experiment since he landed on the IL in June, and it’s very unlikely that he pitches again for Los Angeles this season.
I think he knows something we don’t.
LHP Javen Coleman is returning to LSU.
He was taken in Rd. 16 (490) by the Dodgers but the sides were far apart in the negotiations.
Robertson and Hagenman could both be solid pitchers. They are very good at AAA, but lack “overpowering” or unique stuff. Maybe one or both will learn another pitch.
That neither was a Top 30 Prospect is a testament to how deep the Dodgers system is. It will be interesting to see if one or both breaks Boston’s Top 30.
10:10 PM ET
Blue Jays (56-45)
Dodgers (57-42)
SP Chris Bassitt R
10-5 3.92 ERA
SP Julio Urias L
7-6 5.02 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
81° Wind 9 mph Out
Evidently the umpires had Michael Grove change his pants between innings. After the change was when he gave up 2 runs and the conspiracy begins.
https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2023/07/25/dodgers-michael-grove-forced-to-change-pants-by-umps-fans-react
Happy to have Kike back in LA where he is happy and has been productive. I will take his .811 OPS against LHP to the bank. As I recall, I think he does well in the playoffs too. I will have to check on that….this just coming off the top of my head.
The Sox are receiving Nick Robertson and Justin Hagenman, tweets Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Kike’s OPS this season is .599. He’s been terrible at SS, especially his throw. He’s been a bit better against southpaws, at .652.
Right now I’d classify this under WTF?
But after another move or two it could make sense.
So Kike is indeed returning. Just heard the report on the radio. There’s a rumor that turned out to be true.
Loved Kike with the Dodgers, but he’s been pretty awful this year, and a chance of scenery can’t hurt. Or at least it can’t hurt Kike… but it could hurt the Dodgers. Not exactly the bold move I’ve been hoping for.
As I write this, I haven’t heard what the Dodgers are giving up. Can’t be much. Sounds like the Red Sox wanted to move on. Maybe the proverbial PTBNL.
Just a little chess move to set up something else? Perhaps the brass wants another veteran UT guy for the postseason. A little cushion for after Busch or Vargas get traded.
Dodgers acquire Kike Hernandez
Good call, MT
Oh the growing pains of watching Grove pitch. He sails along through 3 and then the wheels come flying off. One location mistake after another, especially when he gets ahead in counts.
Successful veteran pitchers learn how to minimize the casualties. How to work out of tight spots. Grove can’t make that big pitch when he’s in trouble. He’ll learn from the School of Hard Knocks eventually but it’s tough to watch now.
* There is a good articles by Patrick Mooney for The Athletic on Bellinger. “Don’t overthink it when it appears to be this simple: Bellinger will not be traded as long as the Cubs keep winning. And Bellinger will sign back here as a free agent if the Cubs offer him the most money.” And the Cubs have money.
Bellinger is hitting .452 (33-for-73) in July with seven home runs, a 1.270 OPS, 18 runs scored and 22 RBIs in 19 games.
Discussing changes he’s made with the Cubs, “He can get down 0-1 and take a big swing, and then you’ll see the next swing cut down a little bit. Some guys just have a driver and a 3-wood, right? Belli’s got the driver. He’s got the pitching wedge.” For whatever reason, we never saw that in LA.
Changes in Latitudes, changes in Attitudes.
Bradley, what part don’t you understand that Barnes lacks commercial value or interest from any MLB team?
Who is interested in a guy who is owed 3.5 Million Dollars Guaranteed.
Your delirious passion for the team misplaces reality. Your proposals seem more like wishes. Ha, don’t suggest that I make predictions or proposals because I don’t smoke weed.
From the rumors I hear that Friedman sounds like making a major trade shakeup. He knows he needs pitching starters and relief a right-handed hitter and the backup catcher can’t hit. So in order to get those needs you have eto trade for them. I say it right now ARENADO! Let’s see a right handed bat that plays a better thirdbase and Stlouis having a down year the only chance to get him and how about go get Flarethy and Montgomery. Then to improve outfield you go look at the nationals or the As and get Thomas or Rooker. One of those would help the ball club an shows teams want prospects. Problem is we still need a backup catcher so trade Barnes to a team that is out of it. How about the As for there catcher. Hear me. Barnes could teach these youngsters a thing or to be perfect for Barnes.
I agree with Bradley on that one also. But Arenado is my biggest wish!
Let me rephrase something. I said earlier! The dodgers should RETIRE Austin! Pay him and make him a coach. Sorry Mark. And on Bickford, every team has one or two pitchers who are not high leverage relievers. Bickford is that for the dodgers. But I like the guy! I don’t get anxious when he comes in because he has about a 60-40 chance for a clean inning. Graterol scares the crap out of me! I know his. Numbers, but still scary! Really love being on this forum! Mark had really good posts and I agree with most of his thoughts. Not on Kiki though. Like to remember his 3 homer playoff game from time to time. But try like hell to forget the bump with Cody. Love reading Bradley’s trade ideas! Won’t work but love the enthusiasm! Especially love the stuff you post Bear! Sound like the perfect guy to have a beer with and watch a game! Last thing, I still get sticker shock when I look at the Braves and the contracts they gave Acunia, Albies and others. And we might spend 600 million on ohtani! No thanks
Roberts gets credit for the loss or at least honorable mention. Ray Charles could see Grove was done. Roberts should have pulled him after there were two on. Even the double play ball was hit pretty hard. It’s possible that game could have been won in regulation if Grove was pulled and the reliever gave up just one run.
Shout to Jason Hayward. He’s been miles better than advertised.
He seems to put together decent ABs nearly every time he’s up.
I would do that proposed trade (above) for Nolan. He is a Stud and we would have the solution to the 3rd Base problem we have had for a while, and would lock it down for the next 4 and a bit years.
Mookie
Freddie
Will
Nolan
Is a pretty good staring point for anyone.
I’m still kicking the tires on Blake Snell regardless of whether SD really wants to trade with us.
Okay, Ohtani is not going to be traded. The Angels hope to keep him. We’ll see how the free agency plays out this winter.
The point that Friedman was making in the Times series is you have to deal with not only the present, but the future when making deals. It’s that way every trade deadline.
It’s the reason the Dodgers avoid the roller coaster rides that most organizations go through. The ability to maintain a strong farm system and sustain success at the major league level is what separates the Dodgers from other teams.
Absolutely make the deal for Arenado! Maybe include Montgomery? Try and resign JD for next year. Walker back next year, Miller,maybe Julio, with Gonsolin, Stone, Clayton (hopefully). No need for ohtani.
Microsoft news had a story this morning about a trade between the Dodgers and the Cardinals for Arenado. This as rumors that the Cardinals have softened on trading their star have heated up in the last 36 hours or so. The cost? 5 of the Dodgers top 30 prospects. Stone, Vivas, Pepiot, Heubeck and Knack. Arenado would most likely waive his no-trade to come home to LA. At the same time, the rumors about Ohtani are quieting down. Ohtani crushed his 36th homer last night in the Angels win over the Pirates. Of course, all the news is simply rumor driven. No one has any concrete evidence anybody will be traded. As for Kike, his career numbers against LHP are good. He is having a bad year. I personally like the guy, but I am not trading for another weak stick in the lineup. Maybe coming back to LA inspires the guy, and maybe it doesn’t But he is not a player of NEED.
Why don’t the Dodgers bunt more?
Because statistically speaking, the odds are better that you swing away. It’s a fact you cannot dispute. That’s why! Now, bunting does not always work. There are lots of bad outcomes, like popping up a ball and doubling the runner. Statistics and Probability says that bunting is not as successful as swinging over the course of a season, but the Dodgers lost last night because the swing did not work, so in a circular thinking world, Blame Roberts!
WOW! JUST WOW! Forget the damn bunt forever! If you want to read about it, start here:
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-truth-about-bunting/
GEEEEZZZZ!
Kike only has a 652 OPS this year against LHP. And 14 errors at SS. It sounds like Trevor Story is coming back for Red Sox soon which will make Kike even more likely to be traded. Probably a salary dump by Sox for a low value prospect. Maybe if other RH bats are too expensive this is a last resort.
Tough loss against a good team last night. Only 2–13 with RISP.
Also almost all bullpen arms used. And Roberts insists on using Phillips with 4 run deficit Sunday. At least third time recently that Roberts has wasted Phillips. Now he is unavailable tonight or tomorrow.
I have a better chance of getting pregnant than the dodgers trading for ohtani! Friedman should concentrate on this season and worry about ohtani during the offseason! Thanks for the support Bear! Kiki just brings more swing and miss to a lineup with plenty of that . We need a good, not .200 hitting right handed bat! Look att what we traded for Machado. Only 1 is in the league. We all know that all of our prospects aren’t going to make it to the show. Package a couple and get a good bat. I think we all can agree Max ain’t going to keep hitting like this forever. Why not make the Nationals an offer ? Why not make the Angels an offer for Renfro? Please not another .200 hitter.
Well, all the Clayton Kershaw ties to Texas and what not, he made a point of saying he really likes being a Dodger.
It’s possible he will retire. That wouldn’t surprise me. Not sure what is even wrong with him, lot of confusion surrounding his return date and what is actually the issue.
Good three part story in the LA Times about the Dodgers farm system, how LA keeps producing talent even without high draft choices. It started Sunday and wrapped up today.
One of the questions regarding the future is whether LA should just ride out the trade deadline without sacrificing any top prospects, then land Shohei Ohtani this winter. But that would mean the Dodgers would have around $100 million tied up in three players (Including Betts and Freeman).
The Dodgers have approximately $95 million coming off the books. Of course the Dodgers won’t just stand pat (what type of message would that send?) They need a starting pitcher, maybe a reliever and possibly a right hand bat. If it’s Kike Hernandez, probably wouldn’t cost much, but he hasn’t exactly been on fire.
At the very least Andrew Friedman will acquire a starting pitcher, maybe from the White Sox or the Cardinals.
But whoever the Dodgers part with out of the farm system may come at a price, the trade for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner cost Josiah Grey, an all star pitcher, and catcher Keibert Ruiz, another player the team could use since Austin Barnes has struggled with the bat. Bottom line Scherzer and Turner failed to deliver a World Series title, but watching Turner play sure was fun.
People inside the organization indicate the Dodgers pursuit of Ohtani will be serious and for that to work, the Dodgers need the young players to produce to hold down costs.
Now Friedman indicated the Dodgers have done a great job replenishing the farm system, but do you want to part with major league ready talent that the Dodgers need to replace costly veterans? Low cost options and all.
That will be the question. How far are the Dodgers willing to go at the deadline to secure another NL West and make a World Series run?
and I blame last nights loss on typical bad Roberts baseball strategy.
Dodgers unwillingness to bunt and play small cost that game in the 10th.
Muncy not being able to move the runner over to third and striking out. Yes, I know, home run hitter not used to bunting , rah,rah,rah. I call BS on that. Don´t tell me a professional hitter like Muncy , who happens to have an awful BA anyway, can not take a little time of his batting practice to work on bunting.
All you need is one measly run.
If he moves the runner over that long fly ball by Heywards wins you the game.
Imagine this being the rubber game of a playoff series. You just HAVE to bring in that runner from 2nd with no outs.
I don´t care who is at bat, the runner HAS to be moved over to third at any cost.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kike has been horrible on the infield this season. 15 errors. His outfield play has been stellar. I still think his time has passed, but I am not running the team. Max showed some life last night. If he can get one or two hits a night, then I will believe he is coming around. We all know he can get hot. I don’t blame last night on Bickford. I blame an offense that left the bases loaded when they had a chance to win. Rather than pinch=hitting Rojas, I would have sent JD up there for one swing. I also put some of the blame on Taylor who added to the pressure on the pitcher with one of the worst throws I have seen all year. Only saved a run because Freeman caught the ball. I agree about another .220 bat. Get someone who can actually hit the ball. I thought a couple of years ago that they should have traded for Whit Merrifield. His play last night did nothing to change that. Urias tonight, and Tony G. tomorrow afternoon.
Austin should retire and the dodgers should make him a coaching position at double AA or triple AA! Nice guy but wouldn’t be on any or very few roster in baseball! Tough loss last night. Need to win next 2, don’t waste that excellent road trip! I know it can’t happen, but wouldn’t it be nice to have Justin back? Like the Thomas kid in Washington, Kiki? Who knows. Might be worth a shot. Just don’t want another .220 hitter!
Nah, Kersh either plays for the Dodgers or hangs it up. How bit he wins the 23 WS and goes out on a high note. Im ok with that.