Since the deadline is just a few days away, I thought it might be fun to look back on some of the trades the Dodgers have made over the years. Some were significant in helping the team win, others, well they just were not all that good or popular.
Winter: 1958 On the 4th of December, the Dodgers sent Gino Cimoli to the Cardinals for OF Wally Moon and P Phil Paine. Cimoli had broken in with the Dodgers in 1956. In 1957 he hit .293. But he dipped to .246 in 1958. Moon, a former ROY in 1954. He also had a down year in 58, batting only .236. This was after 4 years of being over .290. Paine was 5-1 with the Cards in 58, but never pitched for the Dodgers. In fact, 1958 was his last season in the majors. On the 2nd of April, 1959 they received back SS Maury Wills from the Tigers. It was the second time Wills had been returned to the organization. In 58, he was returned from the Reds. It was not a huge move at the time, but it would become one of the best moves made.
In June, at the deadline, yes the deadline used to be June 15th, they traded Inf. Dick Gray to the Cardinals for OF Chuck Essegian, and P Lloyd Merritt. Another seemingly under the radar move that would have a huge impact later. Merritt would never don the Dodger uni. Meanwhile these 3 players, Moon, Wills and Essegian would be huge contributors to the 1959 World Championship team. With Reese retired and Zimmer having an awful year, Wills took over as the starting SS and he would stay there until he was traded after the 1966 season, winning an MVP award in 1962 and bringing the stolen base back to the game. Essegian cemented himself in Dodger history with 2 pinch hit HR’s in the Series. Moon, well he hit over .300, played LF almost every day, and became a legend for his HR’s over the screen at the coliseum. Moon Shots as Vinny would call them, became a part of Dodger lore.
In April, 1960 they traded Don Zimmer to the Cubs for minor leaguer Lee Handley, SS Johnny Goryl, and P Ron Perranoski. While this trade did not help the 60 team defend it’s title, Perry would have an impact as a closer in the coming seasons, and later, a long tenure as the Dodgers pitching coach. Another transaction of note came in July, when they released P Tommy Lasorda, and he began his climb to becoming the manager of the Dodgers. The Brooklyn connection was slowly moving on. None of the trades made in 1961 helped the team much, but Demeter, Essegian and backup catcher Joe Pignatano all were sent elsewhere.
The expansion draft in the winter of 1961 cost them 6 players. Most notable were Gil Hodges, Norm Larker and Turk Farrell. They sent Neal to the Mets in December. The only deal they made in 62 which would impact the 63 Champs was Stan Williams to the Yankees for 1B Bill Skowron. Skowron did not have a great year in 1963, but in the series he hit .385 with a 3 run HR. After the season he was sold to the Senators.
In the winter of 1963, they made another deal that would impact Dodger teams for many years when they again got a LH relief pitcher from the Cubs, Jim Brewer, for P Dick Scott. They also received C, Cuno Barragan. In April of 64, they made another deal that would impact a Championship team. Larry Sherry, 59 World Series hero, was traded to the Tigers for journeyman OF, Sweet Lou Johnson. Of course, at the time he was considered nothing more than a 4th or 5th OF. The other deal that would have a huge impact on the 65 team was made at the winter meetings in 64. Frank Howard, Phil Ortega, Ken McMullen, and Pete Richert were sent to the Senators for P Claude Osteen and SS John Kennedy. Dick Nen would be sent to DC to complete the trade on the 15th of December. The only addition that meant anything was when in May when they activated coach Jim Gilliam to the active roster. He would prove vital to the teams success playing 3rd base. Johnson became a regular in early 1965 because Tommy Davis had a horrific injury on a slide. Sweet Lou was a fan favorite and had some big hits. Pitching was the strength of the team with Big D, Sandy and Osteen leading the way and then winning a 7 game series with the powerful Twins.
In December of 65 they got Phil Regan from the Tigers for SS Dick Tracewski. The Vulture would be a big contributor to the pennant winners. But none of that helped in the World Series. They were rolled over by the Orioles in a sweep. The biggest loss after the 66 season was the retirement of Ace Sandy Koufax due to his arthritic elbow. Maury Wills, who had begged out of the Japanese tour saying his legs were really banged up, incurred the wrath of owner O’Malley when he found out Wills had been seen playing his banjo in a Vegas nite spot. So in December, he was traded to the Pirates for Bob Bailey and Gene Michael. Tommy Davis was sent to the Mets along with Derrell Griffith for Jim Hickman and Ron Hunt.
From 67 until 1973, the team never rose above 2nd place. And usually, except in 1971 when they finished 1 game back of the Giants in the west, they were not close to making it to the playoffs. Home grown players would be at the forefront the next several years, but two trades in December of 1973 would have a huge impact on the 1974 World Series team. First they traded Willie Davis to the Expos for P Mike Marshall. Then the next day they sent Claude Osteen and a minor leaguer to Houston for the Toy Cannon, Jimmy Wynn. They had made a blockbuster deal with the Braves in the winter of 1972 trading Frank Robinson, Billy Grabarkewitz, Bill Singer, Mike Strahler and Bobby Valentine to the Angels for Ken McMullen and Andy Messersmith. In April they made an under the radar trade that would pay dividends in later seasons. P Bruce Ellingson went to the Indians for Pedro Guerrero.
In May of 75 they traded for Burt Hooton. Then that winter they made another blockbuster deal with the Braves getting Dusty Baker and Ed Goodson for Jimmy Wynn, Tom Paciorek, Jerry Royster and Lee Lacy. Baker would be the left fielder for the next several years. 1976 would be Walter Alston’s last year at the helm. He left the team with a couple games left in the season and Tommy Lasorda took over. They made a trade in June with the Cardinals that brought Reggie Smith to LA and sent Bobby Dethridge, Fred Tisdale and Joe Ferguson to the Birds.
Smith would have a huge impact the next few seasons on pennant winning teams. In January of 1977, they made another trade that would impact pennant winners and a World Series champ. Bill Buckner, who had a serious ankle injurie earlier was sent to the Cubs along with Ivan DeJesus and a minor leaguer for Rick Monday and Mike Garman. They won pennants in 77 and 78 as we all know, and had a down year in 1979.
1980 was a bounce back year of sorts. They had received P Jerry Ruess from the Pirates for Rick Rhoden. They had signed over the winter a young lefty out of Mexico named Valenzuela. They got close, getting tied for the division and then losing a one game playoff. Which I remember well since I was in the hospital having an operation. They made no major trades during the 1980 season.
1981 would be a magical year. Valenzuela made an emergency start on opening day. He threw a complete game and Fernandomania was about to be born. They did make a trade in the winter of 1980 that brought Kenny Landreaux from the Twins. The chronicle of that year is well documented. And in a strike year they won their 4th title in Los Angeles.
Over the next several years they would get close to winning the pennant only to fall short. The infield was slowly traded away or left, as Garvey did via free agency. Smith and Monday retired. And the new blood from the farm began to arrive. In 1983 they made a trade with the Reds that I have always thought they should not have. They sent LH reliever John Franco to the Reds for SS Rafael Landestoy. Landestoy was mediocre at best, and Franco became one of the best relievers in the NL. Same year they traded another lefty to the Mets who I thought they should have kept, Sid Fernandez.
Not being in the race the next few years meant no significant trades. A lot of minor ones. Then in the winter of 1986 they gave up on Greg Brock and sent him to the Brewers for P Tim Crews and Tim Leary. They traded for John Shelby in the summer of 87. He would be important to the 88 winners.
They also got Jay Howell, Alfredo Griffin and Jesse Orosco in a 3 team deal during the winter. Orosco inadvertently would light a fire with a spring training prank and the rest is history. The 88 team won when every one thought they should not. It was truly magical to watch. Clutch hits, and even more clutch pitching.
After that, 32 years of waiting until 2020. A lot of trades made that did not get them to the dance until 2017. Heartbreak in the series a couple of times. Then finally the big prize again. No need to rehash the ones we wish they would not have made. We all remember sending Pedro Martinez to the Expos for Deshields. The Piazza debacle. Under the radar is maybe the Jeff Shaw-Paul Konerko deal. It was Lasorda’s only trade as GM. It was a need trade. They needed a closer and Konerko was the price. To me it was lucky he did not have the career he had for the Reds. He became the hitter he was when he went to Chicago to play for the Sox.
What will AF do this time? Me, I have no clue what so ever what he might have on his mind. Some trades when a favorite of mine has been sent away, I have been pretty upset about it. None more than when he traded Kemp. I personally thought he got fleeced. Mark and I had some spirited conversations about the trade. He was a huge supported of Yasmani Grandal. I held his PED suspension and his mediocre glove against him. I knew he had some power but not nearly the power and RBI bat Kemp had. He praised his pitch framing ability which I believed is a phantom skill. The lousy umpiring today showed me to be wrong. Game after game I see umps fooled by where they see the glove end up, and not where the pitch actually landed.
Grandal contributed to the 2017 team and was missing in the playoffs where Barnes seemingly took over the job. Kemp came back in 2018 and was a huge reason the team got off to such a great start. He also hit their 1st HR in the series against the Sox. Along the way I have said goodbye to a lot of favorites, Duke Snider, Willie D. Piazza, Karros, but a player rarely stays with the same team his entire career anymore. I hope Kershaw is a life long Dodger. If he leaves as a free agent it will be easier to stomach than seeing him leave in a trade. Same thing with Seager. If he chooses to go, it is on him. You cannot lament a trade that is not made. I remember in the winter of 2019 when everyone thought that Joc had been traded to the Angels for what seemed like nothing. Most fans were pretty POed. Then the trade was nullified and it was much easier to see him go via free agency. So sit back and enjoy the ride, The angst is just starting.
As I finish writing this, the Padres strike first, getting 2B Adam Frazier from the Pirates for 3 minor leaguers and cash. Will Friedman make a counter move? Going to be a very interesting week. Another trade went down with Andrew Chafin going from the Cubs to the A’s for two minor leaguers. Also it is being reported that Max Scherzer is willing to waive his no trade clause. Reports have the Dodgers checking in on Max, and Berrios of the Twins. Competition for both is brisk.
Discussion (57)
Disagree, not disagreeable
In fact I’d have him bunting every time up!
Bellinger should be an automatic safety squeeze with runner at third with less than two outs!
Any of you guys remember when a strike was at the letters? How many strikeouts would there be if that was still the case?
I must say pollock is a bright spot in the lineup. One thing I am surprised at his his going to right field. He is covering the slider better. AF please trade Beaty. He just doesn’t bring anything to the dish. No power, no speed, half swings ahead in the count, no defense, I just don’t c the need for him in the lineup. I would rather c pujois. U say pujois is a dp candidate. True, but so is Beaty. Now Beaty prove me wrong and hit a 3run double or just get on base. Taylor seems to b at his best when he hits the first pitch. The last 2 nights he takes the first pitch right down the middle then ks.
I was shocked to read how often turner struck out with 2 strikes. Half the time. He used to b one of the best 2 strike hitters in the game. I realize u can’t strikeout without 2 strikes. A couple of years ago u looked forward to turner getting 2 strikes.turner strikes as I write!!!
4 Nats tested positive, one of them was Scherzer so Nationals said they are anxious to send him west as soon as tomorrow.
Not true of course but I heard tonight misinformation is now it’s own industry and just want to do my part.
So the signing of Bauer would cost the team: obviously money, the second draft pick, to cover the hole he left in the rotation they have to lose Ruiz, Pepiot etc, etc that is too expensive, the team has to buckle up. the belt and eat the garbage that Bauer put them in, he has to stay as they are so as not to make the losses bigger and focus on getting a closer and two bench players so that AAAA players no longer have a single AB this season and wait for headline players to regain health
Who cares Milwaukee? They are not a problem…
Brewers never seem to be in the discussions for the so-called elites, but somehow they find ball players. Escobar will help them this year. Their rotation and bullpen is outstanding. They pick up Willy Adames to stabilize SS and has provided a huge bat for the Brewers. The cost was two relievers that the Brewers were not going to miss. They signed Kolten Wong who is providing GG 2B with a big bat. They stiff Seattle in a trade for Omar Narvaez (All Star C) for a 22 year SP in low A (now 24 in High A), and a 2020 supplemental round pick.
They have made mistakes like JBJ and Locain. They are a game and half behind LAD , and they have been without Christian Yelich basically for the full year. Even when he is in the lineup he is not playing well, even though it is better than Belli right now.
Woodruff (126 IP), Burnes 102 IP), and Peralta (102 IP) – 3 SP with a sub 2.3 ERA and sub 0.910 WHIP. An outstanding bullpen that ends with Josh Hader.
Most seem concerned about SF and SD and Milwaukee is very quietly putting together a championship contending team with a fantastic in-game manager in Craig Counsell.
Joey Gallo to NYY.
A lot of appropriately inappropriate invectives come to mind in response to that offer. No way trade Smitty!!!
MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM theorized earlier today that the Nationals would ask for Will Smith (not Keibert Ruiz) in a Max Scherzer deal.
What is the first reaction from the guys/girls on this board?
For me:
BWA HA HA HA HA HA
Eduardo Escobar to Brewers, they are going to be a tough out in playoffs.
All this trade deadline bolster the bullpen pick up a starter stuff caused me to have a horrible flashback to 2018 and a guy named Ryan Madson. But they did get him cheap.
Starlin Martes goes to atletics. I would have liked this player to Dodgers
Blake Snell gave up 7 runs to the A’s tonight in 4 innings. He started the first by giving up 3 walks and a grand slam.
For anyone who thought the Pads weren’t still in on Scherzer, you’d better re-think that. I think they may now be the favorites, unless they prefer Berrios.
As we consider what AF, Farhan and Preller are willing to do in order to bring in reinforcements the next 48 hours, we need to remember that for every major piece they get, it also deprives the other two of getting that guy. Hence, a reason to overpay a little bit more.
“Maybe he’s a NASCAR fan. It feels like we’re drafting, saving gas, getting ready to punch it.”
Good one! And pretty true of AF’s MO every year at this time.
Damn, less that 48 hours away and still no trade? Let’s get something done now and have them in the game tomorrow.
Dodgers lack of urgency is giving me an ulcer. Andrew must have to wear extra large boxer briefs to accommodate those pterodactyl eggs!
Maybe he’s a NASCAR fan. It feels like we’re drafting, saving gas, getting ready to punch it.
Beaty in LF is always an adventure. But, for a guy that never played much outfield, I don’t see it as a big drop off from Recks and Raley.
Why not put Albert in at 1B and tell Belli to play like Beaty in LF? It would still allow him to nurse that hammy.
Giants and Dodgers in on Scherzer, Giants and Dodgers in on Berrios. It’s gonna be a dog fight!
There’s still 1/3rd of the season left to go. Stop panicking.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we ended up with a front of the rotation piece and a guy like Whit Merrifield.
Work your magic Andrew. I’m not pressuring you, but would like a status report every hour on the hour until your tasks are complete.
Per LA Times, the Dodgers “have committed 63 errors on the season, third-most in the league, have allowed a major league-high 57 unearned runs, are 13-18 in one-run games and 1-10 in extra innings.”
Rock and Rollers lost a legend today!!! ZZ Top bassist and R&R H.O.F. inductee Dusty Hill dead at 72…
They indoctrinated me into Southern Blues…
Now if there’s a R&R heaven, let it be…
More McKinney,Cody,Beatty – OH JOY !!!
Tonight’s lineup:
SS Chris
2B Max
3B Justin
C Will
1B Cody
CF AJ
LF Matt
RF Bill McKinney
P Walker
Passan says Graterol is potentially a piece the Dodgers will move elsewhere.
Nats vs Phils postponed – COVID outbreak. Hows that affect trade deadline ?
Uh oh, video leaked on TB.
https://v.redd.it/0a7sgjeotqd71
I know most of us would like to wind up with Scherzer, Kimbrel and Trea Turner, but just talking around the edges, I’d love to see us get Daniel Hudson and Josh Harrison from the Nats.
Shouldn’t be a huge cost (both are free agents) but both are having very nice years. Hudson gives us another good, experienced bullpen arm and Harrison can pretty much play anywhere on the diamond except maybe catcher. He’s certainly a vast improvement over what we’ve been getting from Raley, Reks, Neuse, etc.
Without injured players getting healthy and producing we are in for a quick playoff exit. If we get healthy and produce we could win but our starting pitching might not measure up but could if all r on their game. Bauer and May could match anybody. Buehler, kershaw, and Urias mb.
Our bench is weak but if Betts and Seager get in we will be stronger off the bench. I said if our starters produce as expected which includes bellinger.
I don’t know how AF could do it but if the dodgers knew that Bauer’s salary would be abbreviated then scherzer would b the play. I don’t think anyone else added will b any better than what we have. Otherwise I would keep the farm in tact.
I think the Dodgers have time to win the division but I think it is unlikely. Somehow they need to start seeing themselves as underdogs. Take the pressure off of being the favorite and just fight hard to get in. They are not good enough to be favored. The Giants are definitely better right now. I believe the Dodgers will play better as an underdog.
The problem with this team is that the AAAA players have not done the work on offense or defense, it is not the same to replace the injured with Kiké, Joc and Ríos (2020 version) than with the AAAA types, the Dodgers need to go for bench players.
I agree most of the time in Badger’s opinions when it comes to evaluating a player and breaking down the situations of a ball game and he gives a lot of importance to the defense which I totally agree, he is cold to do it and not let the stress and frustration of a defeat make you give the wrong opinions.
Houston is building their bullpen again. Kendall Graveman and now Yimi Garcia.
Really good recent Kyle Glaser chat:
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/kyle-glaser-mlb-prospects-chat-72721/
As you’d expect a ton of Dodger questions:
Paul (CA):Is Eddys Leonard a potential top 30 Dodgers prospect?
Kyle Glaser: Leonard is moving up. You can find out exactly where he is when the Dodgers Midseason 30 is released this week. He can really hit and the bat is real.
Justin (Tucson, AZ): Are there any players that have earned a change to their scouting grades this first half? Michael Busch has never hit above .245 as a pro yet his hit tool is graded as a 60. Is this still accurate?
Kyle Glaser: Funny you ask because I’ve been diving in on that. The plate discipline is elite, but yeah, hitting .245 in the minors does not equate to hitting .280 in the majors (the bar for a plus hitter). His grade is likely going to tick down a bit come Prospect Handbook time.
Secoh (Ohio): Dodgers have been very careful with Bobby Miller’s workload – is that concern going forward, and is he more a bulk reliever profile? How has he looked?
Kyle Glaser: The Dodgers have been careful of everyone’s workload throughout their entire organization. Miller was just one of many guys (really, all of their guys) who were capped at 4-5 innings per start early in the season. Obviously you need to see how he holds his stuff over longer outings before you truly know what you have, but right now it’s not a concern just because the Dodgers have done this with almost everyone. He’s looked nasty in those short outings for what it’s worth. He’ll be very high on the Dodgers midseason top 30 coming out this week.
Secoh (Ohio): Dodger’s Alex De Jesus struggled in May/June, but in July has more BB than Ks (from 24/68 to 21/17). Has something clicked or just a hot streak? His July OPS (.989) is impressive considered he was hovering in low .700 prior.
Kyle Glaser: De Jesus got into some really bad swing habits during the offseason and it has taken a few months to “unlearn” all the bad habits he picked up. He’s slowly but surely getting back to the hitter he was before.
Ray (La Verne, CA): What would you do with the Dodgers “Problem” of having Will Smith, Keibert Ruiz, and even Diego Cartaya in the system? which would you trade? Keep?
Kyle Glaser: Keep Smith, trade whichever of Ruiz or Cartaya gets you the best starting pitcher.
Brett (Boston): What is going on with Kody Hoese? I know he was injured for a bit this year but his numbers are pretty alarming, no?
Kyle Glaser: There was a lack of bat speed that was very concerning in opposing evaluators’ eyes, although the Dodgers say the intercostal strain was bothering him even before he went on the IL and that’s why the swing didn’t look great. I think we’ll get a better sense of who he really is once he comes back from this injury.
Ethical question for Jeff D.:
If you link to a site with a qualified paywall (i.e. 5 free articles, then $) is it OK to share content? I think yes, but I’m not convinced.
“If Friedman actually doesn’t think a hitter is needed, then he must believe that both Betts and Seager will return healthy in the near future.”
That’s how I see it. Hope he’s right.
Crack? Seriously?
I believe the Dodgers will re-sign Chris Taylor. They would be nuts not to do so. He is a starter and plays at a high level. Where would the Dodgers be without Taylor.? This isn’t a Kiki or Joc situation. If Seager leaves, he may be the shortstop next year. Less certain the Dodgers will sign Seager. They need his bat, but staying on the field is key. Getting hit on the hand is certainly a freak injury, but earlier injuries may give the Dodgers pause. Obviously will depend on dollars and years. But how many of these big deals are actually working out for teams? Are they getting value in terms of the cost?
If Seager had produced a big year after earning MVP honors in the NL Championship and World Series, no doubt the Dodgers would sign him to a lengthy deal, but now, not so sure. Thinking his market value has dropped considerably. May depend on how he finishes the season.
As to acquiring a hitter at the deadline. Where would he play? Not exactly like the trade deadline will offer a chance to pick up a big bat. No Manny available. But the Dodgers cannot afford to run out the AAA line-ups we’ve seen lately. If Friedman actually doesn’t think a hitter is needed, then he must believe that both Betts and Seager will return healthy in the near future.
Still see AF bring in Freese type come off bench play multiple positions
Great history again Bear. I really enjoy your stuff.
* In the third inning last night Joe made comments about a pitch clock and why he’s in favor. Many good points. Orel piped in about how a pitch clock is useful in the minors because the pitchers can’t throw strikes. That generalization is wrong. I see about 3 A+ games a week in my area and the pitching is good. Big kids with + velo and most without a 3rd pitch yet but I have yet to see a walk-a-thon. Orel has a tendency to believe that the only worthwhile baseball is in the big leagues.
* I thought Doc made a good pitching change going to Graterol in the 6th. For once it wasn’t based on pitch counts but the hitters showing that Urias was done. And again in the 7th. Nelson got 2 outs with absolutely no fastball and hit 2 guys.
* I am going to second guess decisions in the 8th that proved costly.
After Raley’s lead off single, McKinstry has to get him to 2nd, any way he can.
I would have preferred a bunt which Doc doesn’t do. You have to move the go ahead run to 2nd. We don’t. McKinstry had a poor AB ending in a K
So CT3 double doesn’t score the go ahead run.
Then, we run the contact play with Raley from 3rd into an easy out at home. I hate the play. Badger and I had just discussed the contact play a few days ago. We both don’t like the play. Some will argue it was a good play but Ruf or any player is going to make that throw home 999 times out of a 1000. I don’t see it as winning baseball.
It also gets JT to the plate with runners on 1st and 3rd instead of 2nd and 3rd. A base hit would score 1 instead of 2.
So no bunt and the contact play keeps the score tied and a missed opportunity.
* In hindsight, Bellinger should have just gotten the out at 2nd instead throwing to 3rd. But that’s a split second decision and he made a bad throw.
The part that set up the whole adventure was Treinen walking the first 2 hitters. That’s inexcusable to me.
* Any way it was another exciting game between these 2 teams that didn’t go our way. Better luck today.
Getting Marte cost the A’s. Jesus Luzardo is going back to Miami. Oakland is going for it this year. Miami is going to have the best starting rotation in MLB. With Rogers, Sanchez, Alcantara, and Lopez, they are now adding Jesus Luzardo. Great trade for what both teams are building.
Looks like A’s about get Marte from Marlins.
According to Craig Mish (Marlins broadcasts), the A’s are about to get Marte.
That means we won’t be getting him.
It also means the Giants won’t be getting him.
The Dodgers have played 15 games this season with a tie score entering the eighth inning. They have lost 10 of those games.
Sounds like we need Kimbrel.
The Dodgers have allowed 54 unearned runs this year.
Sounds like we need a defensive wizard.
The Dodgers have lost, May, Bauer and Kershaw, Gonsolin has only thrown 21 innings in 6 starts this month, Price 12.2 in his last 3 starts.
Sounds like we need a starting pitcher.
Reks, Raley, McKinney, McKinstry.
Gulp.
Sounds like we need Marte.
As long as Mookie, Seager and Kershaw come back at 100%, Marte, Kimbrel and Scherzer/Berrios ought to do it.
Go get ‘em Andrew.
Bear – Great write up as usual… Brings back so many wonderful times… Dusty B., Toy Cannon on and on… Already printed and saved to read another or more…
Anybody venture a guess how many $$$ CT3 will cost???
William kudos to you!!! For many the truth will hurt..
I enjoyed the review of past trades. Buzzie Bavasi didn’t make many trades, but they were almost all great ones. Campanis made some good trades, too. After that, not so many good ones for our side. Friedman’s trades are mixed, I think, but he rarely has given up a key piece. It’s harder to trade now, with free agency complicating it; also most teams have money, and you can’t often just buy players from them.
As to this team, the record of 1-10 in extra inning games stands out. That cannot be just an aberrant statistic or bad luck. It has to be a combination of general lack of clutch hitting, an unreliable bullpen, and Roberts’ poor decisions. For a team at .600 to be .091 in extra inning games is in almost incredible. It shows us what we lack as a team.
I know that Mark loves Keibert Ruiz as a player. My opinion has always been that outside of cases where you have a potential superstar in the minors, Kershaw or Seager, you have to be willing to give up your prospects for players who can help you win titles. We are not brimming with titles, we have one in the last 33 years. The Giants have three, the Red Sox have four. We sit with our prospects and turn down potential big deals during trade season. So we can sit with Ruiz, we will not win the title this year, and then we have Ruiz for some years, and what does that get us? A player who might hit .280 or so with some power, I guess he is an adequate catcher. We actually already have one close to that, but by all means, hold on to another one, and stick the first one in another position. This seems inane to me, holding on to Ruiz and not getting Scherzer, but it is too often the Dodgers’ way.
Mark believes that there is no way we can sign Taylor. We already expect Seager to leave. What kind of team do we think we will have next year without those two? 85 wins would be a surprise. After that? Well, we will have Ruiz, and whatever else is in the minors, which is not much; and then our usual collection of odds and ends like McKinney and McKinstry. If you do not have much talent in the minors, and your best players leave for other teams, you will not be good, no matter what logo you have. That is where we are going–but we could have a real shot at winning the title this year, even now, with Scherzer, and maybe Kimbrel. And then even next season, we could have a staff of Buehler, Scherzer, Kershaw, Urias as top four. That makes us a threat, if we could pick up a few more bats. But if we do little, we are absolutely non-competitive next year, and we fans will not enjoy it at all, though our rivals will.
To adapt Shakespeare, there is a tide in the affairs of teams which taken at the flood leads on to fortune. We have watched our franchise often overvalue, in terms of talent, and a wish to save money, our minor league players, so that we let other more risk-taking franchises pick up talent at seemingly bargain prices, as SD just did with Frazier, and others will do. But we want to keep Keibert Ruiz, a player who is hitting .300 in AAA, who plays one of the few positions which is set for the next four years. This makes no sense to me, at least if the goal is to win titles. If the goal is to make some people happy who love watching players develop, then it makes sense; but I personally have seen enough of those here who had average or lesser careers. And as this juncture, with next year’s team looking mediocre, I think that we very much need to add potential superstars now, despite their age, and even though we may lose a player or two who might be solid for the next ten years on some other team.
Right now, without a major infusion of top talent, we will be a wild card team which will not advance far; and then next year we will not be a major threat, nor perhaps for a few years after that. We simply will not have enough talent; though I suppose that Friedman will pick up some Pollock-type players to fill in. That is just my prediction, of course, but it is how I would want our organization to look at it, rather than comfortably overvaluing our prospects, and figuring that the fans will be loyal even if we have down years, and watch the Giants and Padres dominate the division.
A very winable game last night. Urias pitching is becoming elite! If his last two games were supported by just a handful of runs his record would be 16-3.
Cy Young front runner.
GM Brothers –
Great write up as usual. I agree we need another stick (know we’re getting guys back but with our injury history this year) , another SP (maybe two) and 1 more go-to RP (Kimbrell fits the bill).
One trade not mentioned that was a MONSTER – Manny in 2008 . Put team on his back and the BEST second half from Dodger hitter I’ve ever seen.
Have Great Day y’all – GOD BLESS !!
Reds, Rockies Finalizing Mychal Givens Trade
The Reds and Rockies are finalizing a trade that would send right-handed reliever Mychal Givens from Colorado to Cincinnati, reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com (via Twitter). Givens would be the third bullpen piece acquired by the Reds in the past 12 hours, as Cincinnati also picked up Luis Cessa and Justin Wilson from the Yankees in a late trade last night
Scherzer is a difference maker. If we can get him, I’m all for it. But we shouldn’t waste our resources with an innings eater. No Tyler Andersons please.
Badger, I disagree with your position that we don’t need more offense. I’m convinced that Mookie is not going to be Mookie for the rest of the year. That hip impingement isn’t going to get better by playing. We may have him for a few games at “full Mookie” and then it will start bothering him again. A few days off, etc. etc. etc.
How can we be certain that Belli will regain any of his MVP form at all this year? We can’t be.
How can we be certain that after all this time off Seager will come back as the WS MVP? We can’t.
We need more offense. We need to get an outfielder. Bryant, Marte, Trea Turner (can play the outfield), Reynolds. We need a difference maker. If Belli and Mookie prove me wrong, how nice it would be to have to find a place to play the outfielder we got.
Maybe Bellinger needs to take a break for his mental well being?!
Okay, no question the Dodger offense needs a boost. Mookie and Corey Seager need to return and stay healthy. Clayton will be back shortly. Corey Knebel not far behind.
But this may be a make or break week for the Dodgers. I really hate doing something out of necessity, usually doesn’t go well. Pedro Martinez traded because the Dodgers needed a second baseman, Paul Konerko traded because Tommy thought a closer would make a difference. Both deals cost the Dodgers and impacted future teams. Neither made the Dodgers champions.
Now Ned Colletti, when he was GM, and Andrew Friedman have been able to make deals without giving up the farm or key prospects.
What will be the value of Max Scherzer moving forward? Certainly he is an impact player and could make a huge difference in the playoffs. But if the Dodgers offense continues to sputter, that trade won’t be a difference maker in the NL West, at least not for the Dodgers.
In the last three games, the Dodgers won two, the offense has scored five runs. Maybe it’s just a bad run, but it has been consistently inconsistent.
You could argue that Craig Kimbrel would have been a difference maker last week against the Giants, LA gaining two games in the standings.
You could also make the argument that with Mookie and Corey returning, the offense may be ready to kick it into another gear. Once they get the cobwebs out, of course.
Can the Dodgers acquire both Scherzer and Kimbrel? Or maybe another starter, Jose Berrios (that would be costly) and a reliever? No easy answers. They do need another starter to provide solid innings, keep them in games. They can always use another piece in the bullpen.
The Giants have already indicated they won’t toss in Joey Bart on a rental. What the Padres do is anybody’s guess.
But wherever the Dodgers do, I hope it’s not out of desperation or need where we give up far too much and it impacts the team in future years. Will Keibert Ruiz will be thrown into one of those deals?
Good write-up today, Bear.
The Dodgers lost Wood because he wanted to start.
McGee went to the Giants because he wanted to close.
If anyone thinks the Dodgers can sign CT3 now after the season he is having… they are on crack!
On the way to Vegas.
I’ve read a lot in the last few days that LA needs a starter and a reliever (which I agree to) but just be sure that those who arrive can pitch 9 innings without accepting runs, because it doesn’t matter who the pitcher is, with this horrible offense it is impossible to win, unless he throws a shutout.
The good thing is that Belli is still recovering from the operation, and once he gets his swing back, he will go back to being the MVP version, right?
This was irony, because he will never be a great hitter!
And by the way, Bauer has nothing to do with this, the team was already playing shit even when he was present, there is no curse, that does not exist.
Curse? that’s something totally stupid that people use to justify bad results or bad planning
Time for Roberts to make his 2021 proclamation. “This ISN’T our year! Dodger repeat year looks a lot like the Lakers. Too many injuries to key players and the role players have flopped!
A trade you didn’t mention (unless I missed it) was acquiring Bill Madlock to play 3b in 1985. He was awesome for us when we got him.
Imagine if there was no netting; Bellinger’s throw might’ve killed 2 people…. in the 2nd deck.
Somebody here suggested that 2021 in Dodgerland may be remembered for the Curse of Bauer.
Sound right. I also think it’s just bad karma.
A championship team built of savvy draft picks, canny trades and polishing gems in the rough decides to open the checkbook for a talented pitcher who won a Cy Young Award–even if that Cy was in a 60-game season, and said pitcher’s record before then wasn’t exactly overwhelming. Why disrupt a winning formula? Why not invest in targeted contract extensions or international scouting?
Or, hey, how about an offer that would keep Jake McGee from joining the Giants? …Yes, I will beat that drum again… I understood losing Alex Wood when there was so much SP depth. But McGee? After he pitched so well and Dodgers always seem to need a lefty RP?
But now the issue is how, if possible, to shake the curse or alter the karma.
These last few weeks have me thinking even more that Starling Marte is part of the answer. He is a quality centerfielder with a good bat and speed. His presence would enable Cody to move to 1B, with Muncy manning 2B. Marte basically replaces Lux in the lineup–a big upgrade. When Seager comes back–that’s still a “when,” right? , and not an if–Taylor resumes his super-UT role. If Cody’s struggles continue, Taylor plays 2B and Muncy shifts back to 1B. (When I first thought about Marte, the big problem in the lineup was Lux–and Pollock hadn’t gotten hot yet.) Oh, Marte also helps if Mookie doesn’t come back strong. At any rate, he enables a lot of flexibility (and I think he was some 2B experience too.)
The pitching, both starters and relievers, has been much more reliable this year than the offense and defense. But given Bauer curse/karma, a premium pitcher or two would be nice. The dream “gets” would be Scherzer AND Kimbrel, but the cost might be too high. Starter is the greater need, but if AF can’t land Scherzer, I’d prefer Kimbrel to Berrios or other SPs.
But why not start with Marte? When the Dodgers are fielding an outfield with Luke Raley and Billy McKinney–and the offense is so pathetic — it’s obvious that an outfielder with a dangerous bat is a big need. And Marte is a guy who makes things happen on the basepaths.
They still have time. They have 5 games left with the Giants. They play the D-Backs this weekend. They get on a roll, and good things can happen. But I want to see what AF does at the deadline. Yardbarker had story that said that any trade for Berrios or Scherzer starts with Ruiz. That is who they are asking for. Well, the Dodgers have also said they are not trading Ruiz for a rental, so that keeps him from being traded for Scherzer. Unless they could work out an extension. Berrios would then be the target. But seriously, I think AF needs a bat. Badly.
When we step up and sprint to the finish line will not happen this year. We just keep waiting!!!
Well, the game was certainly winnable. With men on second and third with one out Muncy fails to get the sac fly and grounds into a fielder’s choice, 1st base to home plate. Damn, didn’t we just see this the other day? Deja vu all over again. Turner follows with a perfect sac fly, unfortunately with two outs already.
Treinen, who hasn’t walked anyone in his last 10 games, decides to walk the first two guys he faces. Then Bellinger, who hasn’t played first base in I don’t know how long, uncorks a wild throw to allow the go ahead run to score.
That’s when I turned off the TV and went to bed. Geesh! Wasted start for Julio for sure. The Giants get more gift wins than I care to remember. Typical Giants winning cheap. Typical Dodgers punching themselves in the face.
I’m so sick of all these split squad games, they’re getting very hard to watch.
I sure hope AF will swing a trade today to keep us distracted from falling further in the standings.
On the bright side, It will be that much sweeter when we finish on top. They’re really going to have to step on the gas and sprint to the finish line this year.
This is a Dodger team that can’t possibly win 60% the rest of the way. They just have too many flaws. The record in close games is a reflection of that.
Bellinger made what he thought was the right play, debatable, but screwed it up. Another unearned run and a loss. Posey was off the base but he wasn’t going home yet. I would have taken the easy out between first and second. If Muncy was in the way then why throw it? They had two guys hung out and got neither one of them. The previous half inning McKinstry cost them a run with an inexcusable swing at ball 4. Game after game, situation after situation, this team coughs up hair balls. Not easy to watch, nor is it fun to watch.
There’s obviously still plenty of time to turn this thing around. But it won’t happen with these guys. We need the first team in there and the sooner the better.
Surely they are waiting for a Seager version October 2020 but I think we will see a Seager version April 2021 where he was not playing good defense and the offense was good but nothing special, of course that is much better to see the AAAA guys
Corey Seager played last night in the Arizona Complex League 2AB 1 single 1 BB, He played the field and was involved in 1 DP, no errors..
Another tough loss to the Midgets. Dodgers just can not get that key hit or key defensive play. MOF they find a 1000 ways to lose those close games. This time with Belli throwing it away.
Geez, another fine starting performance by JU wasted and now 3 back.
Need a healtyh Mookie and Cory back ASAP.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!