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The Rumors are called that for a reason

Who predicted the Rosario-Syndergaard trade? No one saw that coming! Of course, the Dodgers weren’t really looking to trade for Rosario, but somehow, they found a team that wanted Thor, and they took the bait. I would have never believed it. Over the winter, the Dodgers signed…

By Mark Timmons3 min read53 comments

Who predicted the Rosario-Syndergaard trade? No one saw that coming! Of course, the Dodgers weren’t really looking to trade for Rosario, but somehow, they found a team that wanted Thor, and they took the bait. I would have never believed it. Over the winter, the Dodgers signed Syndergaard to take the spot Tyler Anderson left when he signed with the Angels (by the way, he has been almost as bad). Noah was eager to come to the Dodgers because both sides thought he could be “fixed.”

The problem was that the Dodgers wanted to fix him by adding a sweeper, cutter, and a better breaking ball to his repertoire, while he wanted them to sprinkle “fairy dust” on his arm and make him the “Mighty Thor” who threw 150 MPH again! The Dodgers wanted to make him a pitcher; he wanted to be the guy he was five years ago. They had divergent interests, and I always said, “If the Dodgers bring him back from the minors, it’s because they believe he can be salvaged. They ain’t stupid!” It turns out they weren’t! They obviously did not believe that and thank God for the Indians’ belief in Thor. Whatever Ramirez does is icing on the cake.

I know that the Dodgers are talking to the Cardinals on Nolan Arenado and Jordon Montgomery. I know that Bobby Miller and Dalton Rushing are part of what the Cardinals are asking. Miguel Vargas and Michael Busch are also in the conversation along with Jorbit Vivas. Muncy and Taylor are in the deal. That’s a lot to pay. In one fell swoop, you gut the farm of its best pitching prospect and its two best infielders.

Now, these are just rumors. They are like other things, and there are lots of them. I hear they are building a huge building to house all the rumors… bada bing! I would propose that the Aernado/Montgomery trade looks like this:

  • Ryan Pepiot
  • Yenier Fernandez
  • Jorbit Vivas
  • Landon Knack
  • Emmet Sheehan
  • River Ryan
  • Muncy
  • Taylor

That gives the Cards four good arms, a second baseman, a catcher who has a shot at being good, and Muncy and Taylor to balance out the cash. Who knows how the Cardinals value the Dodgers prospects? No one is asking about Diego Cartaya right about now. He went from the penthouse to the outhouse… almost overnight. I still say there is a story behind this… I also say, “Do not write Diego off yet!” His talent is immense, his quickness is amazing and his power is legendary! Talent like that does not grow on trees.

The Marlins traded for David Robertson. The cost was their #20 Prospect and another one that was unranked. The Dodgers could have done better, but like I have been telling you: They do not need relief pitchers. They have enough. David Bednar is not coming either. I still think Verlander is possible, but if the Dodgers don’t get him, I say, “Stay Home!” There are better options on the Dodgers ‘ roster!

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday will be busy days leading up to the deadline. There will be rumors of rumors and more rumors. A lot is BS. Many are conjecture. Believe none of what you hear and half of what you see! Rich Hill was nice a few years ago. I do not see the fascination of a pitcher who has almost a 5.00 ERA. Come on! We have better “in-house Options!”

Discussion (53)

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  1. Dodger dadJuly 29, 2023

    Both San Francisco and Arizona lost also, so blew a chance to put more distance between them. Liked what I saw from Rosario! Adding Arenado would make the lineup much more even to Atlanta. Taylor was awful on the bases last night! I wasn’t thrilled with the Lynn trade at first, but the more I think about it , it makes sense. Clayton should be back soon. There’s 6-7 innings a start. Julio will be fine, there’s 5-7 innings per start . Bobby , 5-6 innings per start. Lynn, 6-7 innings. Tony? Mark said earlier in the season, he ain’t right! He does not resemble the Tony from last year. He’s afraid to use his fastball,& his splitter is all over! Emmit needs to go down before he loses his confidence. Grove? Relief pitcher nothing more. Good stuff for 2-3 innings then goes wrong way! If the move for Nolan can be made, do it! With his bat and more importantly his defense we can win it all! Max needs a change. He needs to play first or full time DH.. if Taylor and Max are part of a package so be it. Look at all the swing and miss you get rid of . Like them both but it’s time! Our farm system is full of good prospects, but our major league roster needs an upgrade now! Go get Arenado!

  2. TMJuly 29, 2023

    Didn’t think we would win…..just had a bad feeling. Of course, I look to see who is pitching for us first and foremost. Miller, Sheehan, Gonsolin….sigh! So I know this will come off as a Debbie Downer but unless we score 7 or more runs, we probably won’t win. Our SP….all of them…..pretty much stink right now. (Clayton excluded of course)

    And I never feel good if opposing team is throwing their ace against us. Like right now, I think Padres manhandle us again like they did in the playoffs last year. Their pitching is 10x better than ours.

    Okay, I got that out of my system….you may pick up your rocks now…I can take it.

    TM (said while ducking)

  3. dodgerramJuly 29, 2023

    Bad loss. Bobby Miller made one mistake and it cost him 2 runs. Other than that the Reds only had soft contact that somehow dropped in and then they were off to the races, which is their game.

    Almonte ? Hmm, could Kelly take his place in the pen ? Or will it be Bickford ?

    Trade for Lynn and Kelly in the end cost us among others our Nr. 9 prospect (Nastrini) and it forced us to DFA our Nr. 15 prospect (Leonhard) .

    Don´t like it all.

    Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!

  4. Andrew Vincent ForteJuly 28, 2023

    10:10 PM ET

    Reds (56-48)

    Dodgers (58-43)

    SP B. Williamson L

    2-2 4.60 ERA

    SP Bobby Miller R

    6-1 4.28 ERA

    Confirmed Lineup

    RF Mookie Betts R

    1B F. Freeman L

    C Will Smith R

    DH J. Martinez R

    SS Amed Rosario R

    3B Max Muncy L

    LF Chris Taylor R

    CF E. Hernandez R

    2B Miguel Rojas R

    81° Wind 8 mph Out

  5. sbuffaloJuly 28, 2023

    Dan O’Dowd, MLB TV, expects the Dodgers to land another pitcher. Mets now expected to move Justin Verlander. A trade match?

  6. BobbyJuly 28, 2023

    Thinking about it, and looking at Lynn’s stats over the years, he might not be a bad 2 month gamble:

    1) he has the type of talent to get hot and dominate

    2) he’s more likely to get us at 6+ innings over the next 2 months than either Grove or Sheehan (let alone Gonsolin), which saves the bullpen down the stretch

    3) he has playoff experience so he won’t be phased by the pennant race in LA

    4) he has the type of arm and strikeout ability to be a really good 2 inning type guy in October

    5) we dealt from a position of strength, which is our minor league right handed starters: Between Knack, Stone, Hurt, Ryan, and including Miller and Sheehan and Grove who are already here, Nastrini is likely on the bottom end of that list

  7. OldBear48July 28, 2023

    Today’s line up. Betts, RF, Freeman, 1B, Smith, C, Martinez, DH, Rosario, SS, Muncy, 3B, Taylor, LF, Hernandez, CF, Rojas, 2B, Miller, P.

  8. Mark TimmonsJuly 28, 2023

    DODGERS PRESS RELEASE

    DODGERS ACQUIRE LANCE LYNN & JOE KELLY

    LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired right-handed pitchers Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for outfielder Trayce Thompson and right-handed pitchers Nick Nastrini and Jordan Leasure. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated infielder Eddys Leonard and left-handed pitcher Justin Bruihl.

    Lynn, 36, has made 21 appearances for the White Sox and he is 6-9 with a 6.47 ERA (86 ER/119.2 IP) and 144 strikeouts this season. He had a banner season in his first season with Chicago, going 11-6 with a 2.69 ERA (47 ER/157.0 IP) and 176 strikeouts in 28 starts for the White Sox, earning his second All-Star bid and finishing third for the American League Cy Young. His other All-Star nod was in his first full season in 2012, going 18-7 with a 3.78 ERA (74 ER/176.0 IP) and 180 strikeouts. He has been in the Major Leagues parts of 12 seasons with St. Louis (2011-17), Minnesota (2018), New York-AL (2018), Texas (2019-20) and Chicago-AL (2021-23) and he is a combined 129-93 with a 3.71 ERA (753 ER/1825.0 IP) and 1859 strikeouts. He was originally drafted in the first round (39th overall) of 2008 First Year Player Draft out of the University of Mississippi by the St. Louis Cardinals.

    Kelly, 35, returns for his second stint with the Dodgers after going 7-4 with a 3.59 ERA (42 ER/105.1 IP) and 121 strikeouts in three seasons with Los Angeles. This season, he is 1-5 with a 4.97 ERA (16 ER/29.0 IP) and 41 strikeouts in 31 games for the White Sox. He has been in the Major Leagues parts of 12 years with St. Louis (2012-14), Boston (2014-18), Los Angeles (2019-21) and Chicago-AL (2022-23) and he is 52-37 with a 3.98 ERA (352 ER/796.2 IP) and 713 strikeouts in 439 games. He was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the third round of the 2009 First Year Player Draft out of the University of California, Riverside.

    Thompson, 32, has been on the injured list since June 4 after appearing in 36 games for the Dodgers. He hit .155 (11-for-71) with five homers and 14 RBI. He has been in the Majors parts of seven seasons, hitting .216 (184-for-853) with 44 homers and 123 RBI. He was originally drafted by the White Sox in the second round of the 2009 First Year Player Draft out of Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

    Nastrini, 23, appeared in 17 games for Tulsa this season, going 5-3 with a 4.03 ERA (33 ER/73.2 IP) and 85 strikeouts. He has been with the Dodgers parts of three minor league seasons and he is a combined 11-7 with a 3.83 ERA (87 ER/204.1 IP) and 286 strikeouts against 99 walks in 51 games. He was drafted by the Dodgers in fourth round of the 2021 First Year Player Draft out of UCLA.

    Leasure, 24, was 2-2 with a 3.09 ERA (12 ER/35.0 IP) and 56 strikeouts in 29 games for Tulsa this season. He has been with the Dodgers since 2021, going a combined 5-4 with a 3.46 ERA (40 ER/104.0 IP) and 153 strikeouts against 43 walks in 86 games. The right-hander was originally drafted in the 14th round of the 2021 First Year Player Draft out of the University of Tampa.

  9. WayneJuly 28, 2023

    Whatever happens, it’s an absolute must for the Dodgers to get an outfielder by the deadline who certifiably hits LHP well. The in-house platoon options for Heyward & Paralta just won’t cut it.

  10. FallitoJuly 28, 2023

    Well, if you look it at a whole, MLB pitching has took a real dive this year. Just look Alcantara, Our own Urias and Gonsolin, Verlander, Schelzer, the Toronto last year all star that was optioned to AAA. When you said MStroman have been bad, you just have to go uffff!!

    There are 6 pitchers under 3.00 era and 22 under 3.50, MStroman is 23.

    If you ask me, that was a good trade. Kelly just subs PBickford and Lynn go for Sheenan. The kid just will continue to tired as the season goes by. We need an inning eater because Urias and Gonzo going 4 innings is the worst part of the rotation.

  11. Jorge ValenzuelaJuly 28, 2023

    I don’t understand why so much criticism of the trades made, none is to be the savior of the team, and the team doesn’t need a savior either, the key word is TEAM, they became part of the team, not the stars of the team. Possibly another catcher will arrive with unspectacular numbers and criticism will rain down again that it will not be a Salvador Pérez and more. The bench had to be strengthened and that is what is being done… And by the way, I never said that I want to trade Will Smith!

  12. NH DodgerJuly 28, 2023

    1. That proposed trade for Arenado is crazy. Moving Vargas, Rushing, Miller, Busch as centerpieces for Arenado would be a dope fiend move. Plus, Cardinals need and want controllable young starters. Mark’s trade suggestion is a bit better but still too much. Pick one of Sheehan or Ryan and it becomes more reasonable but I would pass on that as well. Trade for the rental in Montgomery, make do with Muncy at third, and revisit in the off season if needed.

    2. The crazy thing is that AF and the Dodgers have telegraphed their approach this year since the end of last year. They have traded for rentals and signed players to one year deals last winter to fill holes in roster. Certainly appears they are clearing salary for 2023. By all accounts, to make a run at Ohtani. Not likely to sign Urias, May be looking to get out from under Taylor and Muncy contracts now or in the off season. Not sure why anyone was expecting them to go all in at deadline and moving top prospects to go for it. Ask the Padres how that went last year and so far this year.

    3. Not sure how any of these acquisitions will work out. But, Lynn can’t be any worse than Sheehan or Gonsolin has been recently, Kelly may or may not help but he has a better track record than Bickford, Bruihl, Tyler Miller, etc. and Rosario and Kike are better bets to succeed in their role than Yonny Hernández, Johnny DeLuca, etc. That is exactly what it means to improve at the margins of the roster. Rumors suggest they are still interested in Pham or Canha from Mets and I think they may add another starter – Montgomery?

    4. I don’t think the Dodgers regarded Nastrini as one of their top 5 right hand pitching prospects. Pretty sure they value Miller, Stone, Sheehan, Pepiot, Knack, Ryan, and Frasso more highly. So including him in a deal is definitely trading from a position of strength. They will create room for the Rule 5 eligible players they want to keep when the time comes.

    5. If, it is likely a big if, a reasonable trade for Arenado or some other impactful, controllable player is presented I have no doubt Friedman will make the move. But short of that, I think he is executing the same plan he has followed since last November.

  13. dodgerrickJuly 28, 2023

    Justin Bruihl and Eddys Leonard DFAd to make room for Lynn and Kelly.

  14. RC DodgerJuly 28, 2023

    I thought Dodgers did well getting Kike and Rosario for very little. Both provide good bats against LHP and versatility in the field including SS.

    I understand adding Lynn and Kelly, but it seems that the Dodgers gave up a good prospect in Nastrini, and had to release Justin Bruihl to add these two. Bruihl has been a useful reliever to me, and hate to see him released just to add a struggling Kelly.

    It seems the Dodgers gave up almost as much to get Lynn and Kelly as the Angels gave up for Giolito and Lopez. I would have preferred Giolito and Lopez, but maybe Prior can fix Lance Lynn.

    Friedman usually makes the right moves, so let’s see if Lynn outperforms Giolito.

  15. DodgerfanJuly 28, 2023

    Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly sounds like a dope fean move to me.

  16. CassidyJuly 28, 2023

    Well Lynn and his era fit in perfectly with our existing staff! Still waiting for the big one!

  17. TMJuly 28, 2023

    Steven Nesbit of The Athletic said it best ….

    Lynn has been one of the most perplexing starting pitchers in baseball this season. A two-time All-Star with a 3.52 career ERA entering 2023, Lynn’s ERA this season quickly ballooned north of 7 in April and now sits at 6.47. He is, as Grant Brisbee wrote mere hours before the trade, “an anthropomorphic coin that reads ‘strikeout’ on one side and ‘soul-crushing dinger’ on the other.” The knee-jerk reaction to reports Tampa was closing in on a Lynn deal Wednesday was to shrug and say, “The Rays are going to somehow turn him back into vintage Lynn, aren’t they?” But that trade never transpired, and a non-vintage Lynn served up seven runs in 4 2/3 innings that night. Kelly piggy-backed that start and joined the implosion with this inspired sequence: steal, strikeout-wild pitch, steal, hit by pitch, walk, walk. His updated ERA: 4.97. And that was how both Lynn and Kelly ended their White Sox careers.

  18. OldBear48July 28, 2023

    One thing about Joe Kelly, he is definitely entertaining. Batters will have to stay loose when he is pitching. If, and this is a big if, he has his control, his stuff is super nasty. When he is wild, best bet is to hide in the clubhouse. Lynn will eat innings if nothing else. I still think they will add one more starting pitcher and maybe a bat. I also have to believe that Rosario will now become the starting SS. He is such a better hitter than Kike or Rojas. The best SS option for me would have been Mookie.

  19. Jayne CobbJuly 28, 2023

    I think my post went to jail.

  20. Jayne CobbJuly 28, 2023

    Interesting Trade. TT wasn’t going to make it out of AAA this year. So that’s not surprising. But as Bluto pointed out, neither of the other two were rule 5 eligible, which I find curious. But I’ve said all along the Dodgers needed to clear out some room in the system. It’s a good problem to have such a deep minor league system, but the flip side is that you have to do periodic housecleaning.

    Prior must see something in Lynn that is fixable. He’s been been a two outcome pitcher this year. Strikeout or crushed.

    I like bringing Joe Kelly back. They know his limitations. But he brings a fire to the bullpen that has been missing. I think he can help some of our young arms gain some confidence. Joe might get lit up one day and come out, literally, ready to brawl the next day. There is something to be said about that.

    There is a reason the Dodgers are targeting former players. They know what they can do and know what they can’t. But they also know them personally. What they’re made of. That was something missing last year, big time. The fire in the belly.

    Dave Roberts isn’t the kind of manager that will get ejected to fire up the team. But Joe Kelly can certainly fill that role.

    https://twitter.com/mlbonfox/status/1685006246360031232?s=46&t=QLZL6rUStVTcnhF7gF-Qig

  21. BradleyJuly 28, 2023

    So when the dodgers add lance Lynn and Jordan Montgomery to starting rotation who goes to the bullpen I think Gonsolin does unless they do a six man rotation.

    Kershaw

    Montgomery

    Lynn

    Urias

    Miller

    Gonsolin bullpen reliever or sixman rotation.

  22. dodgerrickJuly 28, 2023

    From The Athletic: “Andy McCullough: The Dodgers have revealed their strategy for this deadline: Acquire players who were pretty good in 2021. They can add Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly to a pile that includes Kiké Hernández and Amed Rosario. “

  23. WayneJuly 28, 2023

    Well, this Dodgers/White Sox trade confirms it.

    AF, Doc & Co. are really, really, really, really worried about their in-house pitching options for the rest of this season.

  24. norcaldodgerfanJuly 28, 2023

    Trade doesn’t move the needle much, but it’s obvious AF had to get additional SP. Feel much better starting Lynn over Sheehan in a pennant race, but not by much. Nastrini’s future is a relief pitcher in the big leagues and TT is what we saw over the first half.

    What the last two trades highlight for me is the failed offseason evaluation that Syndergaard and TT were both ready for big time roles in the starting rotation and as a platoon OF. That AF could get the Guardians and CWS to take them in trade to lessen the salary impact is a stroke of genius.

    All-in-all the trades to this point improve the margins of the roster and don’t appear to be impactful moves. Far from standing pat that some thought might be the approach to the trade deadline.

  25. Mark TimmonsJuly 28, 2023

    Clearly, AF is not trading for Verlander.

  26. BlutoJuly 28, 2023

    Something else I stole:

    FWIW, trade simulator sees it as a clear steal for the White Sox.

    Jordan Leasure: 0.1

    Nick Nastrini: 7.6

    Trayce Thompson: 0.4

    Dodgers total: 8.1

    Lance Lynn: -0.6

    Joe Kelly: -0.4

    CWS total: -1.0

  27. OldBear48July 28, 2023

    This should be a really fun weekend. I think there will be more action than most believe.

  28. dodgerramJuly 28, 2023

    Horrible trade for the Dodgers IMHO.

    Two big young arm (plus TT)s for two washed up has beens. And to make it worse both kids are not Rule 5 eligible.

    Whats next? Bobby Miller for a bag of balls ?

    Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  29. FallitoJuly 28, 2023

    Well, now complete the Mark trade.

  30. OldBear48July 28, 2023

    Deal not final yet, but has been announced by Passan.

  31. BlutoJuly 28, 2023

    Nastrini, Trayce and Leasure going the other way.

    Nastrini makes it feel a little heavy, but not horribly.

    Not a thrilling deal any way you view it.

    What’s curious is it does nothing to cure the Rule 5 crunch this off-season as both Leasure and Nastrini weren’t eligible until next year.

  32. BobbyJuly 28, 2023

    Dodgers send Nick Nastrini, Jordan Leisure, and Trayce Thompson to Chicago for those 2 elite arms.

  33. dodgerrickJuly 28, 2023

    Lance Lynn – this year is 6-9, 6.47, WHIP 1.462, -1.2 WAR. His last good season was 2021. He has never been that good. And he’s 35.

    Tailgunner Joe Kelly is 1-5, 4.97, WHIP 1.31, 12 BB in 29 IP. Since going to the Chisox, he had a 6.08 ERA last year. He was mostly bad in Dodger Blue and always had troubles throwing strikes. And he’s also 35.

    I don’t want either of them.

  34. BobbyJuly 28, 2023

    Chicago sports talk is excited, ONLY because they know how good the Dodgers’ farm system is, so they feel even if it’s a top 15 Dodger prospect, it’s still better than most teams’ top 10 prospects. (Truth)

  35. OldBear48July 28, 2023

    MLB Network reports that the Dodgers are closing in on a trade for Lynn and Kelly per Ken Rosenthal

  36. porpoiseboyJuly 28, 2023

    I see those angels have an unlikely but certainly possible chance of getting into a tie for the last wild card spot this weekend. Still hoping for that someday freeway series.

  37. dodgerrickJuly 28, 2023

    MLB Trade Rumors reporting that Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly might be coming.

    YIKES!!

  38. OldBear48July 28, 2023

    Seems the Cardinal’s attempt to extend Jordan Hicks have not been fruitful so far. If they decide to move him, Dodgers are one of the interested teams.

  39. MushersPopJuly 28, 2023

    While making trades may not result in a magic bullet, the Dodgers have several MiLB players that are rule 5 eligible this year. So making some trades, even if it’s around the edges would be prudent.

  40. dodgerpatchJuly 28, 2023

    I’d love to have Arenado. The Dodgers don’t really have a true 3rd baseman in the pipeline. Vargas isn’t the answer, and, contrary to Mark’s wishful thinking, has so far been a bust as a prospect. He may develop next year and into the future, but for now, he’s a bust. Muncy is filling in, but he’s not a 3rd baseman, and he’s been hovering around the Mendoza line for a few years now.

    Although, if you take a hard look at Arenado’s stats, you can almost get a sense that he has reached his peak and is just ever so slightly edging to the declining side of that performance bell curve. If the Dodgers emptied the farm for him, they’d likely be getting some good years, but probably not his best years. I guess you can say the same thing with Freeman and Betts, though you’d have a really really good team for the next five years.

    Cataya is tradable, but his value has tanked. Rushing is a possibility because the Dodgers have Will Smith. The Dodgers have a need for Bobby Miller, so he’s off the table, IMO.

  41. BlutoJuly 28, 2023

    Fun read about “The lost art of fouling balls off”

    Dustin Pedroia was amazing at this.

    https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/28/sports/baseball/foul-balls.html?smid=nytcore-android-share

  42. Dan in PasadenaJuly 28, 2023

    JV – What bug is up your butt that you would even consider trading away Will Smith. You crazy? Will is about as non controversial a star as can be. He’s an excellent hitter, fine catcher and I believe a future 3B, 1B or DH. Hopefully on this team if he continues to hit in the way he always has for us.

    I don’t consider CT3 and Muncy simply throw-ins at all. They have value. Granted, not as much as they once did and it’s hard to find a place for them to play with this roster but we’d have to be getting more than Arenado with his best years behind him (sorry to say) in an 8 for 1 trade.

  43. WayneJuly 28, 2023

    “We’re at a position as an organization, we can say no to players and we can pick and choose who fits what we do. They got to fit and so there’s a lot that goes into not only talent, but they got to fit with what we’re trying to do.” ~ Dave Roberts as quoted by The Athletic

    Matt Levine of Dodgers Nation spun this quote into his latest article, “Dodgers Should Be Really Selective in Who They Trade For, Dave Roberts Opines”

    Translation ~ It’s extremely unlikely ..1) ANY more trades are made, ..or 2) any “blockbuster trade” is consummated by the deadline. And Roberts verbiage is meant as PR to prepare the Dodgers fanbase for this REALITY.

  44. MattJuly 28, 2023

    Just get to the dance and someone: Mookie, Freddie, Will, JD carry this team to a championship…

    As the Phils showed last year, its who is playing the best in October.

  45. Mark TimmonsJuly 28, 2023

    Lots of people want to make trades to make trades.

    It’s not a magic bullet.

    It has to make sense and should help the team.

    Sometimes, it has to be a guy you may not think much of, like Lance Lynn – he throws more fastballs than anyone in baseball. If the Dodgers could get him to trust a cutter or sweeper, it could change everything, but it is a short time to do that! Lance is no longer a fastball pitcher.

  46. sbuffaloJuly 28, 2023

    Realistically, Nolan Arenado is too big a reach and will cost too many prospects.

    The Dodgers simply can’t look at this in a bubble. Focus on the present, but not at the expense of the future.

    When the Dodgers did the trade for Trea Turner and Max Scherzer, there was a definite cost. Hey, but they went for it. Both Turner and Scherzer were great, but Max couldn’t get them to the World Series.

    Max left to sign with the Mets, while Trea had a great season before leaving for the Phillies. It’s a trade I would have made, but now Josiah Gray is an all-star pitcher with a 3.27 ERA and Ruiz is a solid catcher with .245 average.

    The point is, sometimes there is a cost to trades. Pitchers take time to develop. The Dodgers could use both Gray and Ruiz today.

    Giving up numerous top prospects to acquire an Arenado might make for a lot of excitement and a lot of pats on the back, but it could impact the future of the team.

    So, if it’s me, I will try to focus on pitching, which clearly is the biggest concern. The biggest hope is that the current staff pitches better (Gonsolin, Urias) plus for Clayton Kershaw to come back healthy.

    Add to that a Jordan Montgomery, Jack Flaherty or someone else may help anchor the rotation, which has a 4.71 ERA, 23rd in MLB. Consider the Dodgers since 2017 have had the best or second best staff in baseball since 2017 with ERAs in the low threes or better. The past two seasons they had 2.93 and a 2.75 ERA. So focus on the problem, hope for the best from rookies and existing vets. Going after an Arenado type star is an Artie Moreno move.

    Lot of rumors about Lance Lynn who would be cheap in prospect cost, but there would appear to be a lot better options.

    Then again maybe the Dodgers figure they have spotted something. Put a little more finger pressure on the ball and boom, Lynn steps up and is good again. Or boom, the ball sails 400 feet.

    But trade or no trade, the current Dodgers pitchers have to step up their game. Otherwise, it’s a struggle and the bullpen will need to be a difference maker like 2004.

  47. MattJuly 28, 2023

    Big game tonight, lets start off the weekend with a W.

  48. Andrew Vincent ForteJuly 28, 2023

    Thursday scores

    Oklahoma City 2, Reno 1

    Springfield 7, Tulsa 0

    Dayton 4, Great Lakes 3

    San Jose 12, Rancho Cucamonga 1

    Friday scores

    4:05 p.m. PT: Great Lakes (Hyun-il Choi) vs. Dayton (Hunter Parks)

    5:05 p.m.: Tulsa (River Ryan) vs. Springfield (Tink Hence)

    6:30 p.m.: Rancho Cucamonga (Peter Heubeck) vs. San Jose (Mauricio Estrella)

    6:35 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Matt Andriese) at Reno (TBD)

  49. Andrew Vincent ForteJuly 28, 2023

    Dodgers minor league catcher Dalton Rushing was injured in the first inning of Great Lakes’ game on Thursday, and was helped off the field.

    The play was a dropped third strike of Dayton third baseman Austin Callahan, who Rushing retired by throwing to first base. Jay Allen, who walked and stole two bases in the inning, broke for home on the throw to first base. In fielding the return throw, Rushing was splayed awkwardly at home plate while trying to apply the tag, and immediately laid face down on the dirt in obvious pain after the play.

    Per the Great Lakes broadcast, Rushing was helped off the field by team trainer Ikuo Kato and bench coach Elian Herrera.

  50. Jorge ValenzuelaJuly 28, 2023

    Do any of you imagine that Dodgers trade Urias? It’s fine with me, I don’t like Julio, he’s an idiot, I’m sick of seeing him yell and get angry every inning, same for Will Smith, as well as Seager, who said he wants to win a real championship with Texas…

  51. Mark TimmonsJuly 28, 2023

    Montgomery. Sorry, I left him off.

    I fixed it!

  52. dodgerramJuly 28, 2023

    that trade package for Arenado would be insane . No freaking way I would do that trade. An 8-1 including 4 of our best pitching prospects PLUS two accomplished big leaguers with 37 HR between them.

    I always thougth the intention of the trade deadline would be to improve you own team…

    The max I would offer: Pepiot plus one out of Knack/Sheehan/River plus Vivas plus Taylor plus Fernandez.

    That still is a 5 for 1 scoop and plenty enough for a 32 year old.

    DePaula three more hits yesterday. Now batting .283 on the season. Kid is special.

    Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  53. BobbyJuly 28, 2023

    “Who predicted the Rosario-Syndergaard trade? No one saw that coming!”

    Bradley saw Ahmed Rosario coming!! Now, if somehow Arrenado comes too?? I”ll then believe Bradley is really Andrew Friedman having fun with us the whole time.

    I hope we don’t trade Bobby Miller in a deal for a 32 year old, and I LOVE Arrenado. But Miller may actually be more of a need for us the rest of 2023 than Arrenado even.

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