Speculation is rampant. The rumors are swirling. For baseball writers, “breaking a story” is a badge of honor and akin to winning the Writers’ World Series, so sometimes they see a story… even when there is none. So far, no significant deals or signings have occurred unless the Braves trade for Kelnick, Gonzalez, and White seems like it is a blockbuster (it isn’t) or Wade Miley signing is a revelation. All is quiet, but the teams in on Ohtani also have a Plan B… so we wait!
It would seem that Ohtani is that first domino and we are all waiting for it to fall. The Dodgers have the deepest pockets and are expected by many to sign Shohei Ohtani, but we also need to remember that the Dodgers’ principal ownership group is Guggenheim, and they represent hundreds of thousands… maybe even millions (I have no clue) of investors. Investors demand a return as well as dividends. It would appear that the Dodgers are poised to go over the Luxury Tax Threshold again in 2024 for the fourth time in a row. The penalty will be steep next year, but in the fifth year, it will go up even more.
If the Dodgers do sign Ohtani and go in big on a couple of starters and all the trimmings, it is a signal to me that they are likely to sell the team in the next two to three years! Guggenheim, led by Mark Walter, bought the Dodgers for an insane $2.1 Billion Dollars. I could see them selling the team for $8 Billion! That’s right – EIGHT BILLION! They may love baseball, but this is a business, and businesses are made to be sold, and every business person knows that. So… we wait…. and wait…
We did learn that Mookie Betts is allegedly going to be the Dodgers’ starting second baseman in 2024. I think that is a good move, as it takes miles a game off of his legs. Playing 100% of the time in the infield will energize and engage Mookie to make him even better! I think it is a great move. I will have to be sold on Gavin Lux… and I am open to it, but I am from Missouri, and he is going to have to “show me” that he is a short stop! I remain skeptical…
JDM wants to be a Dodger for a year or two more, and so he is waiting in the wings in case the Dodgers do not sign Ohtani. There are so many options… Why is everyone convinced that Ohtani will pitch again in 2025, and then the same people say, “We can’t be certain that Walker Buehler will come back?” They both had torn UCLs. It was the second time for both. Why do many “assume” that Ohtani will be back on the mound and yet unsure of Buehler? It’s wishful thinking! A second torn UCL recovery is a crapshoot! There are no guarantees. We have to wait and see!
At worst, Ohtani and Buehler will never pitch again. At best, they may pitch for another three to five years! This is just the beginning. When will that BIG Domino fall? I am headed to Lost Wages… I mean Las Vegas this afternoon. I will be in the air for four hours, but otherwise, I will be available. Breaking news is likely! The LA Times said it best:
The stove should be turned all the way up this week. Ohtani is a transcendent, unparalleled two-way, two-time MVP on the cusp of signing the richest contract in North American sports history. He is the most marketable talent in the sport. His decision could shift the league’s landscape.
— Jorge Castillo, The LA Times
But nobody on the outside — not even the teams trying to lure him — has a clue where Ohtani is signing. Nobody knows, for sure, what Ohtani’s demands or priorities are. Nobody knows, for sure, which teams interest Ohtani. Nobody knows which clubs, if any, have met with Ohtani yet.
The Dodgers, Angels, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants are among the potential landing spots. His price could be anywhere between $500 million and $600 million. But if anyone tells you they know what’s going to happen, they’re probably lying. Speculation is thick on thin information. The stove is light on gas.
That’s by design. Ohtani, 29, has always been shrouded in secrecy as a public figure. But the secrecy has risen to another, strange level in recent months.
Ohtani, who only speaks to reporters during the season on days he pitches, hasn’t spoken to the media since Aug. 9.
Two weeks later, he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, ending his season as a pitcher. He chose to continue hitting through Sept. 3 until sustaining an oblique strain. The next day, Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, held an unusual news conference with reporters and declined to specify what was wrong with Ohtani’s elbow.
Ohtani then underwent surgery on his elbow Sept. 19. In a peculiar twist, the Angels released a statement through his agency CAA announcing the development, but the type of procedure was missing. It was later reported by The Times’ Dylan Hernández that Ohtani had undergone what everyone assumed: Tommy John surgery.
Last month, Ohtani’s scheduled conference call with reporters after being named American League MVP was mysteriously canceled. National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., meanwhile, hopped on a call with the media while in uniform before a game in the Venezuelan winter league.
Coincidentally, Ohtani and Balelo have been very protective of the free-agent process — just as they were when Ohtani came over from Japan and chose a club in December 2017. ESPN recently reported that Ohtani’s camp warned clubs that any media leaks would be held against them. Developments, as a result, have been limited because teams are afraid of angering him.
Does that sound like a guy you want on your team? Not to me…
Parting Shots
- I look for defensive improvement from Max Muncy in his second year at 3B. With Mookie and Freddie entrenched at 2B and 1B respectively, he can hone his skills at 3B, knowing that is his only option. He will never be Brooks Robinson, but he might be above average. At least he was not horrible in 2023.
- Who will Jonny DeLuca be the platoon partner for? Jason Heyward or James Outman? It remains to be seen, but both players may need a partner. If I had to guess, I would say DeLuca platoons with Heyward and Kike Hernandez platoons with James Outman. Before you jump all over me about platooning Outman, consider this: Outman OPS’ed .835 against RHP, but just .665 against LHP. He hit a HR every 130 ABs against LHP and a HR every 16 ABs against RHP. Unless he can improve dramatically against LHP, he should be platooned! James crushes RHP while Kike crushes LHP (Career .801 OPS).
- Of course, either Vargas or Busch could be traded (or both), but LF could also be a platoon between them. I am not predicting that – just that it is a possibility.
- The Dodgers do not need both Miguel Rojas and CT3, even though Rojas is a superb SS. I am a big Austin Barnes and Miguel Rojas fan, but both could be gone by Spring.
Discussion (64)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Former Reds 3B Nick Senzel, a former No.2 overall draft pick, signs with Nationals for $2 million.
I had suggested the Dodgers get Senzel as a UT guy and a platoon partner for Max. He crushed lefties last season. Also can play corner OF.
A lot of people want Kike to come back, but is he a priority for the Dodgers?
They moved swiftly with Heyward but…
Hope we get busy soon. Our competitors are getting better and we are not. We need pitching pitching and more pitching to beat this Yankee team in the World Series. Also not sold on Lux and Muncy at SS and 3B. Lets get this show on the road and get better!
A bit puzzled about something….
I was looking over the Dodgers prospects list on mlb.com and noticed that Busch still qualifies as a “prospect” but DeLuca isn’t listed in the Top 30.
My first thought was that I must not have realized that DeLuca had played more games in the majors than Busch, but that isn’t the case.
Busch played in 27 games and had 72 ABs. (He hit to a discouraging .539 OPS.)
DeLuca played in 24 games and had only 42 ABs. (He hit to an encouraging .740.)
Now, I’m not sure if there is any real significance to the “prospect” label, but if Busch is one, then surely DeLuca is one too. At 25, he’s a year younger than Busch.
DeLuca, who was a track star at Calabasas High School (I think), certainly passed the eye test on defense. He used his speed to make a couple of real web gems. He never had inspired the hype like Busch and Vargas, but on the ML level he has outperformed both in his limited time. He’s a legit outfielder while on defense both Busch and Vargas remain works in progress.
DeLuca bats from the right side–as someone here pointed out, his stance strongly resembles Ron Cey’s. His righty bat could help balance the Dodgers lefty-heavy lineup. With a good spring, he could force himself onto the roster as a 4th outfielder, perhaps a platoon option. Like Outman, he could even play his way into the starting lineup.
Anyway, just thinking of DeLuca as a “top prospect” may ease the pain of dealing both Busch and Vargas in the quest for pitching. The common view in LADT had been one would be dealt and another kept. Keeping the under-hyped DeLuca makes more sense. It would probably be the best for both Busch and Vargas to get fresh opportunities on teams that need them.
D’backs land Eduardo Rodriguez for 4 years at $80 million, wth a vesting option that could take it to five years and $99 million.
And the Reds add Candelario play 3B. I’m guessing they’ll gowith De La Cruz at SS and move McClain to 2B.
Soto AND Trent Grisham to the Yankees, but Verdugo did not go to the Pads.
My guess is that the Yanks see Grisham as a 4th outfielder and late defensive replacement. He’s a premier centerfielder but Verdugo is the better hitter. Stanton is the DH.
I’m left to wonder how the Padres will fill their outfield with both Soto and Grisham gone.
With Ha-Seong Kim on the team, perhaps they’ll compete with the Giants for the Grandfather of the Wind! That makes a lot of sense to me. Kim has been great for the Pads.
Or maybe they go for Belli to stick it to the Dodgers!
Belli could also go to the Giants, or stay with the Cubs. The Yankees no longer seem like an option.
If Ohtani rejects the Dodgers, I would feel bummed, but it raises a lot of possibilities.
The priority is still at least two frontline starters–and Yamamoto becomes more possible. Yamamoto plus either Burnes or Cease would be nice. Maybe Glasnow. Perhaps three SPs, with the Dodgers moving to a 6-man rotation.
A lot of ways to fill the DH spot, including a return of JDM. I still like Matt Chapman as a major defensive upgrade at 3B, with Max moving to DH in a partial platoon with Smith. Obviously Vargas and Busch are options–if they are still around.
If the Dodgers want to further emphasize defense, AF could sign Kiermeyer with Outman shifting to LF. Remember, Kiermeyer turned down an LA offer last season to play for Toronto.
So many possibilities.
Soto to the Yankees:
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/12/padres-trade-juan-soto-trent-grisham-yankees.html
Ohtani….5 years 60 mil and then Yamamoto 10 years 300 million…. Get it done…a lot of money to be made internationally here…plus Ohtani can get more money on his last contract…♂️
According to MLBTR the White Sox are pulling back from negotiations for Dylan Cease. They seem to be waiting to see what happens with Yamamoto. Angels signed Adam Cimber and Rangers finalized their deal with Kirby Yates. Orioles officially sign Craig Kimbrel. 1 year 13 mil with an option.
Dodgers among teams expressing interest in outfielder Michael A Taylor.
Calhoun is like an older version of Busch. He came up as a big bat with no position. But his bat never developed in the big leagues. It will be interesting how Busch turns out, no matter where he goes. I’m rooting for him
Yankees-Padres deal almost done, Grisham-Soto to the Yankees. Five players, including C Higashoika going back to San Diego. Grisham will be used as the Yankees fourth outfielder. Koch signs minor league deal with the Rockies. Dodgers leave the meetings with no major moves. Again.
Tree trunks Calhoun to Angels, Dennis Santana to Yanks.
I would love to solicit opinion on what (IF ANYTHING) the inclusion of specific names means wrt the viability of rumors:
From Twitter:
According to multiple sources, one name that will not be moved in a potential deal is right-hander Bobby Miller, who the #Dodgers have no interest in moving. The #WhiteSox have been looking to add arms this winter.
This below trade works for both me and the reasonably important trade generator:
Busch, Sheehan
For
Cease and Jake Eder
So, funny story: Early last week, I scheduled with my season ticket rep to stop by Dodger Stadium last Friday, Dec 1, to grab my season ticket holder gift and a few other items from the Dodger offices (over on the Lodge level down the left field line).
My rep called me Wed or Thurs last week and said she needed to cancel Friday (didn’t give me a reason why), and asked if I could come this week instead.
Today Bill Plunkett just tweeted:
“Today’s meaningless nugget of Shohei Ohtani news — his meeting with Dodgers was Friday afternoon at Dodger Stadium. Stadium tours were ppd/cancelled, team store was closed so no accidental sightings.”
I guess I now why I was told to stay away!!
Judge, Soto & Verdugo looks a pretty good Outfield to me.
Guessing they’ll try and extend Soto during the season.
Winter Meetings much like last year. A damp squib.
That was a brutal and boring winter meetings! MLB needs to change the framework to make this a more productive and exciting event!
Eduardo Rodriguez narrows choice to 2 teams . Should we be in on Eduardo despite what happened last year ? I would be yes at a 3y 55-60mil..Thoughts?
“On many accounts, the Dodgers still the frontrunners in all of this. I do not see in any way, in any way that what Dave Roberts said yesterday changes the calculus here.”
Per Jon Morosi via MLB Network
Dodgers lost two players in the minor league side of the rule 5 draft, Darrin Pinales a pitcher to the D-Backs and Carson Taylor, a catcher, to the Phillies.
Jason Heyward signing now official. Dodger roster maxed out at 40. Roster moves need to be made before any signing is made official.
Yankees have lost 3 players in the rule 5 draft, the Red Sox 2. Dodgers have not lost anyone.
Rule 5 draft this afternoon. Royals made room with a trade of Dylan Coleman to the Astros. Rockies are releasing Connor Seabold. I expect Dodgers to lose multiple prospects in both the major and minor league drafts.
You know what? I forgot about the small amount of at bats Outman had in 2022 which should be added to his 2023 rookie year. I don’t know if that counts, at least to me it should. His rookie/career slashline is .254/.358/.448/.806 that’s pretty damn good for a rookie. But he still needs to do better against LHP.
MLBTR reports that Ohtani’s decision will be made by Sunday.
I’m in Los Wages.
I am a high roller. I have lost $20 and I am done!
😉
Bear and Duke Not Snider
I think we are thinking different. When I mention Lee it’s with the thought that Ohtani is not going to be a Dodger and JDM is.
So to Bear, If I’m correct and I’m not saying I am, without signing Ohtani, it gives you 3 RHB with pop, Betts, JDM (who wants to come back apparently), Smith, plus whoever is going to platoon with Heyward and right about now I’d say it’s either DeLuca or Taylor.
So to Duke Not Snider, If I’m correct and I’m not saying I am, without signing Ohtani, I think there’s enough money for 2 starting pitchers (my thought Yamamoto and Imanaga), Lee and JDM. I might be wrong about the money though. If the money isn’t there then you trade a guy or a couple guys like Ferguson or Almonte or Yarbrough to free up enough money.
Craig Kimbrel closing in on a deal with the Orioles.
The Yankees reportedly have stepped up their efforts to acquire Soto. Cleveland is listening to offers for Bieber and Clase. Heading out to California in the morning. Got a lot to do today. Will check in later.
The boredom of the Great Shohei Wait has fastasizing about the 2027 Dodgers, which would be the last year of Freddie’s contract (unless it is extended). By then a couple of recent top draft picks could be ready for their spectacular debuts
Your 2027 fantasy lineup….
Kendall George CF
Freddie 1B
Mookie 2B
Shohei DH
Smith/Rushing C
Outman RF
Jake Geloff 3B
Vargas LF (he makes it!)
Lux SS
It’s nice to be a Dodgers fan.
this ohtani crap is getting as bad as lebrons big decision when he left cleveland! what a nightmare it would be if ohtani signed a one year contract and we had to do this all over again! could verdugo be in a package for soto? he’d fit right in with tatis and machado!
The Rule 5 Draft will take place at 2 p.m. ET today in Nashville. Let’s see who the Dodgers will lose by not protecting players on the 40 Man Roster.
After last night’s Lottery Draft, the Dodgers will be drafting 23rd at the 2024 MLB First Year Player’s Draft at the All Star Game in July in Arlington Texas.
Bear
You said you would like to see a real contact hitter brought in. 1 of the 2 guys I’m advocating for the outfield is a true contact hitter and that’s Lee. He’s a LHB but I don’t agree with you about the Dodgers needing a RHB. Guys like Betts and Freeman and even guys that come close to those 2 wouldn’t be turned down by any GM that thinks he needs a specific handed hitter.
Back in the day Bear only the pennant winners got to play. Now it is a completely different era where 12 teams play and players have the opportunity to switch teams multiple times if they are good enough to have a long career.
Having Trout and Othani didn’t seem to help the Angel’s much. Without better pitching and timely hitting in the playoffs I doubt Othani will be the saviour so many on this blog hope for.
Listening to baseball on my old transistor radio was sure fun back in the day though, especially during the world series!
There’s no way Ohtani is going to Toronto!
He’s a Dodger!
Per Singing the Blue:
” I can’t divulge my source (someone very close to Ohtani), but it’s down to 2 teams.
The Royals and the A’s.
And, now we have a mystery team, the Pirates.”
Thanks STB.
You made my day 100% better. I hope Othani at least signs with a team that participates in the playoffs every now and again. What a waste of talent to never play in the post season.
C’mon Slohtani, make your mind up!!
I think Bluto is right. That is what’s being reported on MLB radio. It’s the Dodgers and the Blue Jays with the Giants and Cubs on the outside looking in … no mention of a mystery team.
Maybe it’s the void in actual information or speculation on steroids taking over, but it’s making a mess out of the winter meetings. This is not about deals and free agent signings
All this waiting and lack of action is like watching a faucet drip. It’s annoying. People keep saying organizations are waiting on Ohtani and Yamamoto. Nonsense. Most teams aren’t in on either one. It’s GMs wanting more prospect capital and other GMs thinking the trade price is too high. They’re having problems finding consensus. Where are the big traders of the past?
The pundits and analysts must be going nuts. If something doesn’t break tonight or tomorrow, this will go down as the worst meeting in history.
The Dodgers apparently are not even staying at the resort, but are camped nearby, according to one story. What? That seems silly, if true.
Was Gomes really surprised at what Roberts disclosed? Dave pointed out at the beginning of one interview that he was told what he could and couldn’t say about Ohtani, no guesswork involved.
He didn’t say anything out of line. Others are talking behind the scenes. He just admitted what was taking place or had taken place. Good for him. Enough of the silence is golden routine. MLB needs to promote the game and excite fans.
Well, okay the Yankees did acquire Alex Verdugo. So there is that.
I can’t divulge my source (someone very close to Ohtani), but it’s down to 2 teams.
The Royals and the A’s.
And, now we have a mystery team, the Pirates.
Stay tuned!
MLB is behind the ball. If this were the NBA and LeBron was a free agent, it would be a frenzy out there. A complete circus. Baseball desperately needs an alpha superstar with a grandiose personality.
I’m good avoiding that emotional rollercoaster but it is certainly not good for PR.
Ohtani going to the Giants watch. Yamamoto to the dodgers they then will get Burnes Adame an Yelich from the Brewers and will resign JDM an trade Lux and Busch and pitchers to the brewers then they neef to get something for rojas and hopefully barnes. And another big RH bat would be good. But Yamamoto Burnes Miller Buehler Pepiot sounds pretty good for a rotation.
This is the worst meetings in recent history. It is quiet as a tomb. You get more action watching a casket warp.
Old friend (?) alert:
The Yokohama Bay Stars want Trevor Bauer back. Meantime, Bauer agents Jon Fetterolf and Rachel Luba are here meeting with MLB teams.
can’t platoon him !!! lol
From Nightingale:
“Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes said he was surprised by manager Dave Roberts’ candidness about Shohei Ohtani and their private meeting. He steadfastly refuses to talk about their pursuit.’
Interesting ?
Shouldn’t have spilled the beans?
From Buster Olney;
Only Shohei Ohtani seems to know where he’s going to sign, leaving everyone else to guess. One player agent thinks he’s going back to the Angels, because of money, sure, but also because he is devoted to routine and no organization would offer him more autonomy than the Angels.
Roberts is suddenly loose-lipped!
Per Plunkett:
Dave Roberts confirms that the #Dodgers met with Shohei Ohtani at Dodger stadium “a couple days” ago.
Said presentation was simpler than 2017. No players involved. In 2017 Clayton Kershaw, Justin Turner and Chris Taylor were part of the recruiting pitch
Said he has no idea when Ohtani will make his decision
“Clearly Shohei is our top priority,” #Dodgers Dave Roberts says he has not been part of any meeting with Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Yeah I know but there is a slight chance could get involved in a trade with a team needing a back up and can throw Barnes in the deal. Just wishing like I’d love getting Robert jr, Bobby Whit jr or any other sure star in the making but odds aren’t good. So I heard Ohtani was in frisco meeting with giants and Florida meeting with blue jays. Dude is getting around
Mark sure hit it on the nail in no one knows how well both Ohtani and Buehler bounce back a second time. It’s almost certain neither will ever be the same pitchers over the years to come as they once were. And don’t really know if that elbow doesn’t effect Ohtani’s swing this coming year. Myself hate to see a long term 500 mil or more contract. Maybe a shorter term with pitching filled incentives to boost the price might work that he probably would never go for. I say go all in on Yamamoto and trade for a quality arm. Somehow get us a contact hitting outfielder with the other tools and not be bunkered down with a outrageous contract that limits what can do in the future with filling other needs best we can. Also Santa can you get us a better hitting back up catcher
Mark
Here’s Kike Hernandez slashline for the last 4 years against LHP starting with 2020.
.217/.260/.413/.673
.260/.361/.490/.850
.224/.340/.435/.775
.239/.304/.338/.642
3 years his BA was terrible, 2 years his OPS was terrible, 1 year he walked A LOT to get him a .775 OPS and for a veteran that’s nothing to write home about. 1 year he had a good year.
Heyward has a long track record of not hitting LHP, he needs a platoon partner, period.
Outman might end up needing a platoon partner, that’s possible, but lets not get trigger happy. He’s entering his 2nd year and hopefully AF builds an offense good enough that it allows Outman a long runway and that is very possible. It’s already started to happened upgrading Lux over Rojas.
yes dodgerrick, a patrick corbin. a rich hill. a tim anderson ( i wanted him once i admit), and so on. beginning to believe nothing of significance happens in dodger town. i’m willing to be patient until someone signs ohtani, if it’s the dodgers so be it. glad i live in va. so i won’t have to pay 30 dollars for a beer at dodger stadium!
m
1 – Where’s Johnny DeLuca’s track record? At this point he’s a possible contributor but not the sure thing that many posters seem to assume.
2 – The Dodgers’ biggest weakness is still the rotation. They are unlikely to sign any SP to a long-term deal (pitchers break) so I remain convinced that they will trade for one of the guys people are talking about (Glasnow, Burnes, Cease, et al) and will sign a reclamation project or a mid-tier free agent to a short term deal.
3 – This means that it makes some economic sense for them to sign a superstar. Ohtani? Maybe. Although like Mark and others, I fear the “boat anchor” contract.
4 – The Dodgers under Friedman have pulled many surprise moves. There’s going to be something that happens that no one would expect.
nationals won 55 games in 2022. they won 71 games this season. so it would not be a surprise if they got close to .500. not a playoff team but they could be very competitive. Bear, would you trade Busch and a pitcher, (sheehan) for Thomas? love your insight and baseball knowledge!
If LAD sign Ohtani great. Maybe he doesn’t pitch again, but he won’t be stuck as a DH in that scenario. If Mookie on the dirt going forward Ohtani could slide into right field. If he can pitch, I’d keep a short leash in him so he’s ready for October when premium arms are most important. They’ll still make a move or two for rotation with Ohtani. Burnes, Cease, Imagana, etc.
If they don’t sign Ohtani, I’d guess they pivot hard to Yamamoto. Even if his career ERA in Japan doubled in MLB he’d be an ACE. Stuff plays, and he has STUFF. Then another ace pitcher somehow. And probably bring JDM back to bash.
Regardless, something needs to change in the team mentality. They’re all nice guys from ownership on down. That’s great off the field. But it doesn’t win championships.
Sound from the Dodgers this winter meetings…………….crickets.
The Dodgers may not need Ohtani to play in October but if they want to win in October then help is needed. His bat goes a long way to solving our lack of offense in the playoffs. And another big RH corner OF bat helps even more.
thomas would be a nice addition Bear. but washington is getting better and do you think washington would move him? an everyday left fielder would be a great christmas gift. i know , dodgers love versatility, they love platoons. they need a above average player in left. so if Thomas is available, go get him. if not, hoskins will do
A writer in the LA Times wrote the Dodgers want Ohtani, but don’t really need him. That rings true. The Dodgers won a hundred games last year. All the injuries to starting pitchers and they won the NL West and won a hundred or more games for the third year in a row.
So, do the Dodgers really need Ohtani? No, they don’t. Do they want him? Absolutely! Will they get him? Pretty much everybody in Nashville thinks so. But there is always the mystery team and Ohtani isn’t talking. For all we know, he wants to play in Las Vegas.
But as everybody has speculated, the Dodgers seem to fit what Ohtani is looking for and, even though that’s all speculation, logic indicates it’s probably true. His doctor, the one who did his surgery, is one of the team physicians. The Dodgers win and go to the playoffs every year. They have a really good team and a strong farm system. They have exceptional management and are always looking for an edge. They have money, a great stadium, iconic history and don’t forget the fan base and the weather. LA also has a significant Japanese population. The Dodgers lead MLB in attendance every year. He could lead them to a World Series title and Parade. All the boxes have apparently been checked. At least all within the speculation dome.
According to one story, he already knows where he wants to go. If that’s true, just sign the deal and announce it. Remember when the Dodgers did the dog and pony show for Ohtani years ago. afterward Clayton Kershaw called it a waste of time, Ohtani had already decided, then he signed with the Angels. The decision has probably been made this time around and they’re just playing it out.
What the Dodgers really need and Dave Roberts pointed that out yesterday is starting pitching. Gomes has said it, Friedman has said it, all the pundits and analysts have said it. Bear has said it repeatedly. Mark has written about it. Many others on this site have said it. Must be true.
As far as what Roberts said about Ohtani, he didn’t violate any sacred rules. He merely talked about what a great player he has become, just like every person at the resort has pointed out.
He didn’t talk about the Dodgers pursuit of the player or what kind of offer the organization was making, reportedly between $500 and $600 million.
He’s not allowed to talk about those details, apparently an MLB edict.
Seems like a trend the Dodgers making a competitive (losing) offer and the player signs with another team, Soto, Nola, Harper, Cole. Now Roberts opens his mouth when Ohtanis group said if anyone mentions anything they will be taken out of the bidding. Washington from the Angels refused to comment so as to not affect anything.
taylor is not an everyday player. he is a role player. at times a very good one! but his strikeout rate is not good.
I wouldn’t assume Deluca will be the roving RH platoon partner for Heyward, Outman etc. We could easily upgrade that spot and keep him in AAA as a full-time starter/understudy.
Similarly, Rojas is just fine for what he is. I dont understand why they dont just give CT3 the LF job.
Still waiting on an SP. Cease or Giolito seems realistic. I refuse to engage in Brewer trade speculation.
It’s interesting when baseball stars don’t embrace celebrity.
First there was Mike Trout, the best player in the game and he wanted no part in becoming the superstar celebrity the game needs, now Shohei Ohtani. Where has Babe Ruth gone? No one willing to step up. No Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays. No Reggie Jackson.
Basketball has had many stars — Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and LeBron James. Who is the face of baseball? No, not the best player, the actual face of the game today. Football had Tom Brady. Soccer has several megastars.
That face would, no doubt, be Ohtani, but he’s like a mime. The best player in the world and he’s hiding out. Soon to be the most highly paid player in MLB and he’s off the radar. Not so sure this is good for the game. Everybody is waiting for the Ohtani domino to fall and everything breaks loose. It’s the Winter Meetings, after all. Part of the reason for the winter meetings is to create excitement for the game and create buzz among the fans.
A Wednesday morning announcement would create that. Otherwise it’s Ho-hum and other sports and sport stars move past baseball. Wonder why baseball is slip sliding away when compared to other sports. Baseball needs a Taylor Swift moment.
saying for 2 weeks hoskins would be perfect fit ((if healthy). can always bring CT in as a defensive replacement late in games. but i really like his bat . if healthy he’s a better athlete than JD , and the dodgers considered using JD in left field last season. i would trade for Cease, sign the japanese lefty, sign seth lugo . try and trade barnes, rojas. i’m not opposed to bringing kiki back, but i wouldn’t take too many AB’s away from outman unless he has sophomore struggles. then i would consider making an in season trade. again, this all falls on ohtani! i’m starting to hope for him to resign with the angels. i’m starting to believe you’re right Mark, any team that signs ohtani will be handicapped for the next 8-10 years. he’ll sign JD for 1 years and go after Soto next year . i’m not a huge fan of him, but he’s not a good outfielder or base runner, but that stick would be nice for a few years. he’ll mookie and freddie might teach him some manners . he might help get fired up a little more!
The Giants are said to be the front-runner for Yamamoto and the asking price is rising. Some are speculating at least 300 million for the Japanese star. If that is his price, forget him and target Imanaga. Dodgers will never pay that much for just a pitcher. DeRosa on MLB-Tonight made the suggestion that because he has averaged only 81 innings a year in his MLB career, that Ohtani might consider becoming a closer. It is fairer to the team and the other pitchers since he pitches every six days. Unless teams are willing to go to a six-man rotation, which at this point with starting pitchers at a premium, seems very unlikely. They also pointed out that the Dodgers are lefty heavy in the outfield and on the roster and desperately need a RH thumper.