Report from Camelback Ranch
It was a fun week with the family in Arizona. We went to two games at Camelback Ranch and went to the Aquarium as well as frequenting some amazing restaurants. My sons’ kids are 2 and 5 so, this is a special time. I met Paul Vu, a longtime LaDodgerTalk.com reader who doesn’t “…
It was a fun week with the family in Arizona. We went to two games at Camelback Ranch and went to the Aquarium as well as frequenting some amazing restaurants. My sons’ kids are 2 and 5 so, this is a special time. I met Paul Vu, a longtime LaDodgerTalk.com reader who doesn’t “comment much, but I read it every day and agree with you 99% of the time.” He is obviously a very smart man.
I also watched the second game with old friend and former Dodger Beat Writer, Tony Jackson, who still lives in the Phoenix area, but is retired from baseball. and Paul Vu, longtime LaDodgerTalk reader. Paul is an amazing person and maybe a story for another day. Currently, we have about 11,000 readers a day. US Water Systems is a company that my wife and I started in our garage about 25 years ago. Our son is now the CEO and we are opening a branch in Tampa, Florida on April 1, 2026. The reason we are in Arizona right now, other than the Dodgers, is that we are planning to open a warehouse in Phoenix in 2027. He plans to move his family here then, and we will likely buy a condo here sometime time after that, and winter in Arizona. I am looking at places close to Camelback Ranch. It was great to see Tony again.
It’s Early… Some Takeaways
- Hyeseong Kim looked much better in CF than last year. I don’t think there is any way he doesn’t start the season in a platoon with MiggyRo at 2B. Beyond that, what happens when Kike and Tommy Tanks come back is up to him. He hit a nice HR today, but his power is not evident most of the time. He’s the Swiss Army Knife, but he may spend some time THIS YEAR in OKC, when Kike and Tommy get back. Miggy and (maybe) Kike will be gone in 2027, so there is that. Kim’s homerun yesterday was impressive, but the rest of his hits have been “soft contact” and his strike zone recognition needs to get much or MLB pitchers will eat him up. Doc was clearly upset that he was not staying in camp… but he understands.
- Gavin Stone and River Ryan could both be in the rotation. They are both looking outstanding.
- Josue DePaula has always had a great eye and pitch selection, but his defense and running have improved dramatically. He can play RF or LF with a high degree of skill. He could be a factor THIS YEAR, but where does he play? Hint: Injury replacement.
- Look for Andy Pages to be an All-Star in CF. He is taking another step forward.
- Teoscar Hernandez and Max Muncy look to be in the best shape of their lives.
- Noah Miller is taking a step forward. He is a MLB SS defensively already… can he hit? He is right now.
- Edgardo Henriquez and Roki Sasaki did not look good. It’s possible both start in OKC or Sasaki goes to the pen. I am not convinced he is a starter.
- Justin Wrobleski and Alex Vesia should be locks.
- Zyhir Hope continues to impress with how hard he hits the ball. He hits it “Ohtani hard.” He is also a great athlete, but I worry about all those muscles. It’s almost “freakish.” But, man does he whack that ball! His legs are about the size of Willie Calhoun’s.
- Tyler Glasnow looked awesome and has clearly put on some muscle. This may be his year to be Cy Young.
- Out of the gate, this could be the rotation: 1. Yamamoto; 2. Glasnow; 3. Stone; 4. Ryan; 5. Sheehan; 6. Wrobleski… with Ohtani and Snell integrated back in slowly. This is going to create a pinch for a while. Fortunately, they have the arms.
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Discussion (44)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Would you… Trade Hyseong Kim, Jackson Ferris, Bobby Miller, and James Tibbs III… For CJ Abrams (who goes to 2B)? I think Abrams is a breakout candidate (30 HR/.800 OPS).
No!!!! Abrams according reports is someone the Dodgers wouldn’t want in the clubhouse,plus I’m NOT trading Ferris in ANY deal.
The “bad attitude” narrative primarily stems from the following events: Casino Incident & Demotion: In September 2024, the Nationals demoted Abrams to the minor leagues for the final week of the season after he reportedly stayed at a Chicago casino until 8 a.m. on the morning of a 1:20 p.m. game. Internal Discipline: General Manager Mike Rizzo and then-manager Dave Martinez characterized the demotion as an “internal issue,” citing a breach of team standards. Reports suggested this may not have been an isolated incident, leading to a public display of discipline to set a standard for the team’s young core. On-Field Performance & Focus: Critics have pointed to high error totals—he was ranked among the worst defensive shortstops in 2024—and “mental mistakes” on the bases as signs of a lack of focus.
NO way Suwinski makes the Opening Day roster. His only hopes to stay with the Dodgers are going on the 60 day IL or being DFA,clearing waivers and signing a minor league contract. The Dodgers have much better options.
The Padres are about to be sold. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/02/seidler-family-weighing-five-offers-for-padres.html
1. Abram is not a SS – I would play him at 2B 2. He is on a very bad team and is not a leader but Betts, Edman, Freeman, Smith and others might give him a new attitude 3. His talent is unquestioned 4. His attitude might determine his altitude.
Still NOT interested. We don’t need him at any cost.
Big yes to CJ. Always been a big fan of his and in fact suggested a trade for him a couple of years ago. Agree that he has untapped potential and a change of scenery to the Dodgers would surely make anyone better? My concern with that proposed trade is Ferris who would I would only trade for a Skubal or Skenes. There’s not enough room for all those Prospects. Let’s cash some in.
He has one thing Call does not, power. A lot of it. He might not make it out of spring training, but the way Ward is playing, he is a better option at this point.
He has one thing Call does not, power. A lot of it. He might not make it out of spring training, but the way Ward is playing, he is a better option at this point.
Bobby Miller has a shoulder issue, which is why he hasn’t pitched yet. Dodgers signed RHRP Keynan Middleton to a minor league deal. Played parts of 7 MLB seasons. Has not pitched since 2023. Graterol not throwing off of a mound yet either. Yamamoto left for Japan after the game. Yuki Kikuchi removed from team Japan after suffering an injury.
Probably too much but I like Abrams as a player.
Am I the only one who can’t see what Kiki has accomplished to merit a spot on the roster? The dude us pushing 40 and hasn’t a decent year since 2023. And I thought a youth movement was underway. Kim is just as versatile and faster (and younger). When he heals I can’t see him taking a spot from a young stud or even Call, Miggy or Freeland.
I’m not going to make too much of Roki’s first outing since 31% of his pitches were the cutter that he’s working on. However, there could be an injury that he’s hiding too since he was hitting 102 with an easy motion in Japan. I thinking sending him to the minors to work on mechanics and a third pitch is better than starting the year in the pen if those are the choices come opening day. De Paula’s defensive development will be interesting. I did see him butcher one in Left about a week ago but I will take Mark’s word on his progress. Freddie wants to play four more years. If De Paula gets moved there may be a decision to be made. Looking forward to Gavin Stone and especially River Ryan outings.
Nope, I have questioned the re-signing several times. Kike is actually 34. He turns 35 in August. Kike has had some success in postseason play; he has 16 career postseason homers. 11 of those came with the Dodgers. But if you look at all those series, most of the time, he was not that great. His reputation as a post season monster started in 2017, game six of the NLCS against the Cubs when he hit 3 homers and drove in 7. His value is in his defensive abilities and the fact that he can play 7 positions. In 25, he was 16-64 in the playoffs, He had one homer and 7 RBIs. But he struck out in 24 of those at bats including 15 in just 28 at bats in the World Series. His biggest supporters blame his lingering injury issues. OK, I get that. But he is aging, he hasn’t hit over .237 since 2021.
Neil Sedaka passed away today at age 86. RIP
He was pushing 90
Yep, I am pushing 80. Only 2 1/2 more years. Actually 2 years, 3 months and 15 days.
Not sure but Ferris is the only guy I’d really miss.