No Dope-Fiend Moves

Where do I start? How about trading Verdugo, Urias, Bellinger, Barnes, Taylor Pederson, Muncy, and Hernandez or not signing Kershaw, Ryu or Pollock? How about firing Dave Roberts or Andrew Friedman? You all know who you are and you would make some dope-fiend moves… in a heartbeat! Those are all real moves suggested by fans on this site. Dope-Fiend Fans championing Dope-Fiend moves.

It’s a good thing the inmates are not running the asylum and it’s just as well that Andrew Friedman is running the Dodgers… not you! AC brought up an excellent point yesterday: The Cubs did not win the 2016 World Series because of Aroldis Chapman… they won it in spite of him (thank you, AC).

Last year, the Red Sox had a bullpen in the bottom half of MLB in ERA and yet they won it all. I would always want to see the bullpen improved, but let’s not forget that the Dodgers are the best team in baseball and the bullpen, since the first week of May has been better every week. The point is: Andrew Friedman would like to improve the pen, but he will not make a dope-fiend move.

Right about now, GM’s who “might” be selling are asking a million dollars for a hundred thousand dollar value. Making a move TODAY would be a dope-fiend move. There is plenty of time and there will likely be a “flurry” of last-minute trades when a market is established. Let’s look at what teams might want for a few popular relievers:

Shane Greene

To say that Greene is an “elite reliever” this year is tantamount to saying that Superman is aerodynamic. Shane has been unhittable THIS year, but in the past, he has been the proverbial “batting practice pitcher.” Right about now, the Tigers would want Keibert Ruiz, Marshall Kasowski, and another prospect. They also may want you to take Nicholas Castellanos for some more prospects. As the deadline approaches, the price will drop but might include taking back salary.

Will Smith – The Pitcher

I don’t care if Zaidi was once part of “FAZ” (Friedman and Zaidi), Farhan is going to ask for all he can for Smith. Right now, I’ll bet he’s asking for Downs and Gray. That’s way too much. Let’s see what the market says. I would trade Edwin Rios, Edwin Uceta, and Kyle Garlick for two months of Will Smith (and that’s a big overpay). Let’s see who blinks first.

Jon Hand

Ain’t happening… Move on!

Felipe Vasquez

Dodger fans talk about offering Keibert Ruiz for Vasquez. Are they crazy? Francisco Cervelli has had multiple concussions and is headed to AAA to learn another position. The Pirates need an “MLB Ready Catcher.” Are you ready to give up Will Smith (the catcher), Gavin Lux and Dustin May? That’s what it will take to get 2 months and 3 years of Vasquez who may be the best “closer in the game.”

Right about now, it’s a sellers’ market. Right about now, all you can do is overpay. Forget Vasquez or Hand. That won’t happen. Greene and Smith are possibilities, as are several other “under-the-radar” arms. Friedman will not make any dope-field moves… Stay tuned!

Disclaimer

I wrote that during the game last night, before the 9th inning meltdown by Kenley Jansen. That was one of the most gut-wrenching losses I have ever experienced simply because the Dodgers came all the way back from a 6-1 deficit to take a 7-6 lead and then cough up a hairball. The loss is mostly on Kenley Jansen, but not because he’s not good anymore. It turns out that after he got hit on the ankle, he admits that it hurt and he should have come out of the game but told Doc he was OK.

Additionally, if you watch the replays, AJ Pollock should have caught the line drive to center, but he was playing deep and first broke back on the ball before moving forward. That happens a lot on line drives straight at you. I have seen Cody and Alex do exactly the same thing. Kenley did not give up any big flies and it was evident he was limping on his ankle. Not many players are going to ask out of the game and I am not convinced Kenley is toast.

I am becoming more and more convinced that Will Smith (the pitcher) is the guy the Dodgers really need to compliment Kenley. Kenley has had a few meltdowns this year and that is the reason, I was on record as saying I would not have re-signed him. You never know what you are going to get. That said, I still believe Kenley will be solid for the Dodgers and I would hope Farhan and Andrew can strike a deal. Vasquez is going to cost way too much.

The Yankees got a Top 10 MLP Prospect for two months of Chapman. Vasquez comes with two months and three years of control. Of course, we don’t really know what the Bucs will want for Felipe, but we do know they need a catcher… like NOW! I would think they would want the Dodgers most MLB-Ready catcher: Will Smith. I would not do that. I doubt they want to wait 2 years for Ruiz. They would probably ask for Lux and May as well. MLB.Radio called Vasquez, the “Best Closer in the NL” and with 3+ years of control, he’s going to cost a lot.

BTW, Will Smith had his own meltdown last night, but the Giants won anyway. That’s a problem as they are winning now and maybe they don’t become sellers….

Will Smith – The Catcher

Some people think I don’t like Will Smith, evidently because I like Keibert Ruiz, whom I think will be Verdugo-esque-like. I like Will Smith a lot. In the past year, he has really improved his “hit tool” but the PCL is a liar! It makes average players look great. Hopefully, Will Smith will be the player we have seen in his first 29 MLB at-bats, but he has to show us. He is absolutely “killing it” at OKC, but can he do it at the SHOW? I hope so… but we have to see it.

The thing is: The Dodgers don’t have to rush it, they are doing just fine without him. It would be wonderful to have a better catcher, but thank you very much, the team is doing just fine without him. He will get his chance.

P.S. What happened last night may have been Karma from the Baseball Gods for not hitting the first batter! Doc, you have to protect your guys or the Baseball Gods will haunt you!

MT’s Minor League Lowdown

I don’t have much time today, so I am going to just cover what I think is relevant. Fire me if you must!

OKC Dodgers: OKC beat the Iowa Cubs 13-4 as Will Smith drove in 7 runs with a 2-run shot followed up by a Grand Slam. Smith now has 21 HR (counting the 3 he hit for the LA Dodgers). Edwin Rios hit his 16th HR and Gavin Lux went 4-5 with his 17th HR of the year. Dennis Santana got his head screwed back on as he pitched 6 innings, allowed 4 hits and 1 ER. He struck out 6 and walked but 1. That is an amazing step forward from where he was. Caleb Ferguson struck out the side in the 8th and is still unscored upon in 13.1 innings at OKC. Sounds like he’s about ready for a call up.

Tulsa Drillers: The Drillers lost 5-2 as Kaybear Ruiz caught and Conner Wong played 2B. Santana and Estevez are both still hitting over .300. Logan Salow pitched 3 shutout innings in relief, striking out 4. His ERA is now 1.35. He’s a candidate to move up.

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes – Did not play

Great Lakes Loons – Did not play

Ogden Raptors – The Raptors won 9-6 over the Missoula Osprey as McWilloiams had 2 hits and Lao had 2 hits and a HR.

DSL Shoemakers – The Shoemakers lost 3-1 to the Rays, but Izturis had 2 hits. Those were the only games played.