Next Week or Sooner

It’s fun to sit around and play GM at times.  We can make trades without compunction for Matt Kemp, Marcel Ozuna and about any other player on the planet.  In reality, almost none of those trades ever happen.  I probably suggest more trades than anyone and I cannot remember a single one that was ever made.  I guarantee you that Farhan Zaidi and Andrew Friedman have been working the phones all season and know of any potential candidates available for trade – probably some we would never think of and some that we think are available who are not!  The problem is, most of our trade proposals are “knee-jerk reactions.” Sometimes the best move is NO MOVE.

We look at Matt Kemp’s batting average and salivate, but we forget what a clubhouse cancer he was in both San Diego and Los Angeles.  In LA, Kemp was moody, moping, euphoric or unapproachable, depending upon what was happening with Rihanna.  Maybe he has matured (Andre did and he was once that way), but there might be a clubhouse revolt if Kemp came back.  I speak from experience about this as this was back in the day when I was spending a lot of time around the team.  Seven years ago, I spent a 4-game road trip with the team is Chicago with a Press Pass and full clubhouse access (back then the visitors’ clubhouse was a dump).  The clubhouse tension was palpable with both Kemp and Ethier being prima donnas.  Everyone was on eggs shells.

I say NO to Matt Kemp, but I would not be opposed to acquiring him.   However, the Dodgers have moved on.  He has moved on. Everyone has moved on, plus his defense is horrid… no it’s worse than that!  Here’s EXACTLY what the Dodgers need:  They need for Logan Forsythe and Adrian Gonzalez to get healthy.  Scott Van Slyke is not long for LA.  After A-Gon went 3-4 last night at Rancho, he is apt to get called up as soon as TODAY or TOMORROW!  Forsythe is not far behind. Taylor or Forsythe need to go to LF.  Forsythe has a bout 20 games experience there, but I am sure Taylore can play it too.  That’s one for Doc to figure out.

Adrian is no longer the “butter and egg man” but he can can be a very productive hitter, especially if he is at #5 or #6.  I prefer him at #6 as the Dodger’s lineup has generally been unproductive in that area.  I think A-Gon can hit 12-15 HR and drive in 80 in the #6 hole and that would be big! Puig and Pederson can’t hit lefties, but Puig is RH so do you reverse platoon him.  In RF, I think Bellinger is better as a hitter and while he is not the equal of Puig on defense, I believe he is a better option in RF.  Where does that leave Puig?  Trade bait, in my opinion.  Get me another stud reliever!

How does this look?

1. Taylor  LF (R)
2. Seager  SS (L)
3. Turner  3B (R)
4. Bellinger  RF (L)
5. Forsythe  2B (R)
6. Gonzo  1B (L)
7. Grandal/Barnes  C  (L/R)
8. Pederson  CF (L)

Doc is just going to see how the seven starters shake out.  Today will give us a big clue.  Someone has to go and if Ryu can pitch well, he might be the guy.  He has a team-friendly contract and if healthy, can be a nice back-of-the-rotation starter.  Wood, Hill, Urias and Kershaw are locks.  You have to pick one between McCarthy, Ryu and Maeda.  What a great problem to have! Puig, McCarthy, Hernandez, Thompson, Ryu, Van Slyke and Maeda could all be trade possibilities. Like AC said, Miami is a perfect place for Puig.  How about Thomas Jones or Brian Anderson for him?

Rants and Raves

• In my opinion, Yadier Alvarez is maybe a closer.  I do not see him as a starter.  Just my opinion.  He throws 100 MPH… so…..
• Joc Pederson looks lost to me.  I like AC’s idea of Lorenzo Cain as a one year rental.  Rios and another?
• It was great to see Clayton get a better handle on his slider… he’s almost there!
• Could Walker Buehler end the season in the Dodgers bullpen?