It's Not the Drop-Dead Line

With a little over a week until the August 1st trade deadline, I do not believe that the Dodgers’ fortunes hinge upon getting a quality starter or two. I believe that the Dodgers’ fortunes turn upon what happens with their own pitchers. Of course, it would be nice to get another RH bat, but that is not essential. In fact, it is possible that the RH bat could already be in the Dodger’s system, namely Miguel Vargas or Jonny DeLuca. Either player could be just what the Doctor ordered down the stretch!

Many of you assume that because you trade for someone, they are going to help you. If you truly look at hitters that might be available, do you really have confidence that Dylan Carlson, Tyler O’Neill, Randall Grichuk, Kris Bryant are going to deliver the juice that makes the squeeze worthwhile? Lane Thomas looks to be the best of the bunch, but he has never performed in Hollywood in the past. Sometimes, the bright lights are too much for some players.

I am not saying that Andrew Friedman will not trade for a hitter. Shoot, Nolan Aernado is possible… if you want a huge overpay, but I do not see the Dodgers trading for a RH hitter that will be a huge difference maker. I also do not see a big difference maker in pitchers who are available. Giolitio is the best, but he has warts and is not the Prince the Dodgers might need. The rest of the bunch, except for Blake Snell (whom the Padres will not send to the Dodgers), are Frogs. I am not into kissing frogs! The Dodgers have the player collateral to trade, but should they?

I think the Dodgers Championship hopes hang on the following:

1. Whether one of Miguel Vargas or Jonny DeLuca can be the RH bat the Dodgers desperately need;
2. Whether Julio Urias can return to his form of previous years;
3. Whether Tony Gonsolin can flash the form he did last year;
4. Whether Thor can return and pitch like a #5;
5. Whether Clayton Kershaw can return healthy and pitch like he did all season;
6. Whether Bobby Miller can continue his growth and pitch like we know he can;
7. Whether the bullpen can continue pitch as they have since June 20th – THE #1 BULLPEN IN BASEBALL!
8. Whether one of Michael Grove or Gavin Stone can step up;
9. Whether a couple of Shelby Miller, Jimmy Nelson, JP Feyereisen, Daniel Hudson, Blake Treinen, Walker Buehler, and Ryan Pepiot can return from the 60-day IL;

At their best, a rotation of Urias, Kershaw, Gonsolin, Miller, and Thor is potentially devastating. Not everything above needs to happen, but some of it does. There comes a point where you have to have confidence in and dance with the one who brought ya’!

JUST SAY NO TO DOPE-FIEND MOVES!

I believe that Andrew Friedman will make a move or two, but I also think it is something that none of us see coming. Who saw Mookie Betts? Friedman says that the Dodgers will be aggressive – do you actually believe that… or is he just driving up the cost of these players? Maybe a little of both! It’s posturing, that’s for sure!