The Dodgers have built an organization that has no limit to its “window of contention.” It’s actually a giant door that feels permanently wedged open, with the talent in the minors and the win-now, win-tomorrow-too mindset of the front office. But as always, there will be changes – there are changes every year. The Dodgers are still the odd-on-favorites to win it all in 2022. Just remember, it is very hard to win the World Series. The last N.L. Back-to-Back Winner of a World Series was the Mid 1970’s Big Red Machine. Analytics and scouting is more precise and organizations across all of baseball are getting better and better, so it is hard for one team to dominate.
Players may retire, leave for free agency and/or be traded. Everyone likes to put the focus on the free agents and trade candidates, but I am going to start the opposite way. I am going to discuss what minor league players could make an impact in 2022 for the Dodgers. It is possible that a couple or three will be on the opening day roster, but it is a long season and I think we will see some new names in 2022.
The Hottest (Closest) Prospects
- Bobby Miller – Miller will be 23 in April and has the body and look of a top-of-the rotation starter. He is working on his changeup in the AFL which looks to be a “killer pitch” for him to complement his high-90’s fastball, sinking 2-seamer, and a slider/cutter that can be devastating. How fast he moves up is contingent upon his control, which is improving. A lot depends upon his he fares in the AFL, but I would not be surprised to see him in the Dodgers’ rotation by the end of 2022.
- Andre Jackson – We saw him this season and know that he can be effective. He is an exceptional athlete and can be a starter – however, I think his chances of success will come in the bullpen, where he could be a solid middle reliever.
- Mitch White – We also have seen how good he can be, and it could be as a starter, but he might be an elite reliever. You have to be able to bring the youngsters into the bullpen rotation because trying to buy established relievers is both expensive and unpredictable.
- Miguel Vargas – He could be on a fast track after hitting .319 with a .380 OB% and .906 OPS across A and AA in 2021. He spent over half the season in Tulsa and actually had better stats at the higher level. I do not think he can play 3B in the majors, but a lot of that depends upon how hard he wants to work. He has excellent bat-to-ball skills (striking out just 89 times in 483 plate appearances. He will be 22 next year and could be the RH power bat missing from the Dodgers lineup. It’s more likely he will arrive in 2023, but I could see him making his debut in the second half of 2022. I would be lying if I did not say he reminds me of a young Albert Pujols (not saying he will be THAT good).
- Landon Knack – He’s ready. I would not be surprised to see him break with the team after Spring Training, Long-term, he is a starter but he could be a swingman in the beginning. He is really good, has four pitches, and pounds the strike zone. He could use a liitle “fat farm” type training! He is just a big guy, however.
- Michael Busch – In some ways his 2021 season was disappointing, but when it was all over, he did show that he could have what it takes although he struck out a little too much. He ended up hitting .267 with a string .386 OB% and a .870 OPS. He is not a second baseman. He is a DH – pure and simple. He could break on the scene in 2022, but 2023 is more likely. In my mind, I would trade him for valve.
- Andy Pages – He could also be on a fast track, because he has a quick bat and advanced understanding of how to hit. He will be 21 in December so the odds are he gets biggest, stronger and slower. He is a LF’er or RF’er. Odds are he is a year or two age, but guy with this level of talent are hard to project. Along with Vargas, be is untouchable.
- Ryan Pepiot – The only thing I question is his makeup. If his makeup is right this lefthander could be a solid #3. He could be ready the second half of 2022, but I think he’s more likely in 2023. I have no reason to doubt his makeup… just a gut feeling.
- Jacob Amaya – If he can manage to hit, he will play. He can play SS, 2B, 3B and I have no doubt he can also play outfield. He has a high baseball IQ, reminiscent of Kike Hernandez… and if he can hit, he will play. He is in the AFL right now, working on his hitting. Will he hit? I have no clue.
- Zach McKinstry – Well, he should not be here, because he was in MLB in 2021, but 2021 was not what we envisioned. If you just use your eyes with Zach McKinstry you might not be impressed, but if you have vision, you may come to realize he just might be a better Swiss Army Knife than CT3. During the first month of the season, he hit .296 while OPS’ing .883. He was hurt in May and then in June hit .265. After being injured again, his season was just about a total loss, as he hit .215 on the year. He will be 27 next year and should have a few good years ahead of him. The Dodgers do need to replace CT3’s RH bat off the bench however.
Full disclosure: I am not always right (Sorry to shatter your illusions that I am perfect), but I am right frequently. None of those players may make it in 2022, but some could. I have not even addressed, Clayton Beeter, James Outman, (he could be a 5th outfielder), Justin Yurchak, Kendall Williams (closer than you think), Gavin Stone, and Carson Taylor (I have to see more of him, but he’s legit).
I also did not include pitchers Justin Bruihl (who has already established himself), Darien Nunez (who shows a ton of potential), and others who could see the show in the next couple of years.
The Free Agents
Chris Taylor – I love Chris Taylor but I do not think he will be back. He is another “all-or-nothing” player and struck out 167 times during the season. He’s 31 years old and should start declining in the next year or two. I think someone will give him a $60 to $70 million dollar deal. The only question is whether to give him the qualifying offer. I would, believing that he will go elsewhere and the Dodgers would get an extra pick.
Kenley Jansen – I think the Dodgers bring him back on a one-year $12 million dollar deal. He can get more on the open market, but I think he wants to stay in LA. His work ain’t done!
Max Scherzer – My gut tells me that Max will get a three-year $90 million deal from someone… not named the Dodgers. I am fine with that! He is 37… soon to be 38, and he is no longer Superman, and the fact he could not pitch in game 6 indicates. I would not sign Max Scherzer… period. Why pay him for Tommy John that he is obviously going to need?
Corey Knebel – I think he will get a two or three-year deal from someone and that will likely be out of the Dodgers price range. I would love to have him back, but only at the right price.
Danny Duffy – He can probably still pitch. The Dodgers wanted him at one time. Is he worth a risk? Maybe on a 2 year/$10 or 1=$12 million deal.
Joe Kelly – He will be back. End of story. Maybe… The Dodgers can buy him out for $4 Million or keep him for $8 million more. That’s a little high, but they know him and he wants to be back. Maybe they work out a 2-year deal?
Jimmy Nelson – I would not be surprised to see Friedman sign him to a $2 million dollar a year deal. There are only so many body parts you can damage and I think he has had them all fixed so he should be good to go in 2022.
Clayton Kershaw – The Dodgers will give him the Qualifying Offer and he will accept it. Simple as that. He may need Tommy John… or not, but the Dodgers will take care of him. He will retire as a Dodger. It is ordained. It has to be. The Dodgers will absolutely extend the Qualifying Offer to Clayton. There is no question about that. The Question is “will he take it?” I think he will… unless he decides to retire, which could be a strong possibility.
Corey Seager – Do the Dodgers want him back? Do they think he can stay at SS? What about Trae Turner? Where does he fit in? It will all start with the Dodgers extending Seager the Qualifying Offer and then the dominos will start to fall.
Albert Pujols – He loved his time with the Dodgers and is still an effective bat against LHP. If the universal DH is implemented, I might be more excited about his return, but I would really like to see him end his career back in St. Louis with Waino and Molina.
What Do the Dodgers Need?
With Chris Taylor leaving (allegedly) and a lineup that is heavily LH (Beaty, McKinney, Muncy, Lux, Bellinger, Raley, Reks), the Dodgers could use a couple of RH bats. One is already in the system – that being Sheldon Neuse. noisy is 26 and has been learning multiple positions. I think his goal this winter should be to lose about 25 to 30 pounds and get stronger. He did not hit well at the MLB level, but he has hit well at the AAA level. In 2021, he played every position but C and CF. I think he will be a solid utilityman. Don’t judge him by his short time with the team. Obviously, Beaty, Reks, Raley, and McKinney will not all be with the team.
If the Dodgers lose Seager, they will need another bat to replace him… preferably a RH bat. If Seager walks, I could see the Dodgers setting their sights on Carlos Correa. He is two years younger than Trevor Story and a more skilled offensive player. Of course, that also depends upon Trea Turner and whether he wants to stay in LA.
The Dodgers have one more year with AJ Pollock in LF and if Joc Pederson would accept a platoon role, I could see him in LF with AJ. But the Dodgers still need another RH hitter. Matt Beaty could be the odd-man-out. I guess it all depends upon Corey Seager. Best case scenario is that he agrees to play 3B while Justin Turner goes to DH and Trea Turner plays SS.
Andy Burns and Steven Souza, Jr. are likely to be released. Billy McKinney has a world of potential but is still younger than Muncy or JT when they did. I am sure the Dodgers are mulling that one over. It’s way too early to predict what the lineup will look like, but in a few days, the circus will begin.
I would like to see Max Muncy play one position. I am fine with him at 1B, but he is also fine at 2B, and with reps will be fine at 3B, if they need him there. I think Lux needs to stay in the outfield and after a full offseason and Spring Training there I believe he will be elite. I have seen signs that he is ready to break out.
Trea Turner is the Wild Card. He’s a free agent after 2022 and many of you will judge him on his poor postseason performance (.216 BA), but Corey Seager and Justin Turner were worse, so I cannot use that metric. If I had a blank sheet of paper and could pick a shortstop, it would be Carlos Correa because he is the best offensive SS and defensive SS available (in my opinion)… and he is Right-Handed. The Dodgers need another RH power bat and the fact he is a shortstop is all the better. Give Corey the QO and take the draft pick.
That leaves Trea Turner. I would leave him at 2B and give him the QO after the season. If he wants to sign, Fine! If not take the pick. I would do one more trade and that would be to deal two or three prospects (Busch, Beeter, et al) to Cleveland for Jose Ramirez. He is 29 and a Switch Hitter with power. This is my plan for the next two years:
2022
- Betts RF
- Correa SS
- Turner 2B
- Muncy 1B
- Smith C
- Bellinger CF
- Ramirez 3B
- Pollock/Lux LF
2023
- Betts RF
- Correa SS
- Bellinger 1B
- Muncy 2B
- Smith C
- Lux CF
- Vargas 3B
- Pages LF
That is Wild Speculation, not based upon facts in evidence, but there are lots of options. Those of you who say that the Dodgers depth betrayed them just don’t “get it.” This organization is very deep. Every organization has guys like Burns or Souza at times. Mitch Moreland, Steve Pearce, and other journeymen sometimes step up and become Superman at times. That’s the beauty of baseball. Just because the Dodgers subs did not pan out in 2021 is no indication of what they might do in 2022. Progress is not linear. Remember the great Mike Trout hit .220 in his first season. At age 28, Justin Turner hit .269 in over 200 AB’s with 2 HR. Baseball lore is full of players who sucked in their first two seasons and went on to become good to great players. Vision trumps sight!
NOTE
I do not watch the blog as much as I used to and this AM, I had four comments in spam. I released them. It’s not you, it’s just the spam filters, but if you are aching for a fight, it could be you. Play nice! I will occasionally put up a talking point or two and I have had some posters ask about posting. I plan a Zoom call next week, to show the Simple Operation of Word Press so if you want to join in writing you can. Let me know if you are serious about it, because I am cutting my involvement WAY BACK!
Discussion (24)
Disagree, not disagreeable
I have always loved the World Series. I might watch less innings when the Dodgers are not in it but I always watch at least 50% of the innings. It sounds a little crybabyish to not watch th World Series if it is because the Astros are in it or because the Dodgers are not in it.
I think Corea is a very very good ball player and team leader. I prefer he is not a Dodger though.
We should be talking about our exploits in the WS.
#stillgutted
Oh, and I have not watched one pitch of the WS, and will not. And I have made up a new rule: that if a Wild Card team wins six or more games than a division winner, i gets the home field advantage if they play. Think it’s exciting to let a team in a weak division which won 88 games, get the home field over a team which won 106?
I think we will be “good but not great. ” Odds-on favorite means less than even money, like 4-5. And if the Dodgers lose Seager , I would not see them as better than 5-1, although the betting public loves to bet on them. Now, if we replaced Seager with a really good shortstop, fine, but if we just figure that Turner can play there fora year, we are gong to see the dropoff, not to mention even less depth.
Who are players we can be fairly confident will be good next year ? Betts. Smith. Muncy, assuming he is fine. I am not a big Pollock fan, but he will be out there again. Bellinger we have no real idea about. I think he hit about .240 i the second half of .2019, .240 or so in .2020, and .165 in the regular season this last year. Justin Turner has really slowed down, misses substantial time, and hit about .100 in September. We do not have much of a bench, either
In pitching, if we do lose Scherzer, we have very little high-level starting pitching. Buehler and Urias. Kershaw is a major question mark, and his speed had substantially declined before he went out. I would never count on him, as much as we admire him for his career..
Gonsolin has shown very little. So we are going to count on minor leaguers? How good were Kershaw or Buehler or Uirias n their rookie seasons? And some minor leaguers do not work out. And May won’t even be ready into July, and probably will not help. So we’ve got Buehler and Urias…and we had better somehow find two very good starters to go with them, or we won’t even make the playoffs. Can you imagine 100 bullpen games?
I would sign Knelbel, I like him even with his history of injuries. Our bullpen could be good, but will get overused. Urias usually does not go over five or so innings per game.
If we sign Seager, then we have our nucleus, and Betts and Seager for years, hopefully Smith. Lose him, and we are missing a major cog, plus he goes to another team, as does Scherzer. Scherzer is important to us right now, more than we might think. Right now ,and of course there many uncertainties. I would figure that there will be at least five teams better. Braves, Yankees if they get Seager, Rays, Astros, maybe Cards, maybe even Mets if their key players are healthy, and they pick up another key pitcher. The Giants were so impressive this year, and they may well surprise again, and make some major pickups. This last season may have been our best chance to win a title than we will have in the next five years. You can’t afford to blow games that we have just about won in the playoffs, and then figure that we will turn around and win next year.
Siemens just switched agency’s. He is now a Scott Bora client.
Pineapple on Pizza is considered obscene in 22 countries!
Additionally, I identify as a Black, Indian, Female, WNBA Player.
I think it is very very easy for Dodger fans to hate Carlos Correa, because of the cheating scandal, but Carlos stood up for his teammates, he had their backs. He is no snitch and has become the team leader. Carlos is one of the best leaders in MLB and he will get even better. The Dodgers do not have a player with the leadership mentality of Carlos Correa. Not JT, Not Mookie, Not Corey, Not Will, Not Cody!
Read this article and tell me you still want an asteroid to hit the planet!
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/32481662/world-series-2021-why-houston-astros-shortstop-carlos-correa-made-october
Good afternoon all. Spirited conversation here this fine day. That is why I love this site. A couple of things. The Dodgers won in 2020 because their vaunted depth contributed almost every game. In 2021, that depth was minus some of it’s more consistent contributors. They were replaced by Reks, Raley and a cast of 1000’s. None of whom could hit water if they fell out of a boat. The only in season pickups who performed well at all were Scherzer, Turner and Pujols. And whether anyone wants to admit it or not, the injuries played a major role in the later part of the year. The Braves don’t beat the Dodgers at full strength. So you can gripe about Roberts choices, but they were limited because of injurie. Whether they come down from the front office or are made on the bench in the heat of the moment, they were made and we have seen the results. As for Correa, I dislike the guy. I find him to be about as arogant as Machado. But he is a hell of a ballplayer. That being said, I do not want him on the Dodgers. But as much as the fans dislike the guy, I am not all that certain he likes the Dodgers very much. He certainly has shown his disdain for the organization and some of our players. Can you imagine Kelly and Correa as team mates?
My take on our free agents is that if they want to be in LA, they will resign. If they are looking for money, they will get it from someone. That is the way these things work out in this day and age. I would love to see the team keep Scherzer and Kersh. Seager and Taylor also. But I know that is probably not what is going to transpire. Until the new CBA is in place, anything anyone says is pure speculation. I think there are probably some players in the minors who will make the leap this season. How much they contribute is the question we have no answer to. There is a lot of versatility on the team. That is how they look at the value of the players they target in this era. Look at Ruf. The Dodgers had him for about a week and let him go. He was mainly a catcher then. He went to Asia and rebuilt his career. He became on of the Giants go to guys off of the bench and not by playing catcher. He was in the outfield and played some first base. And he provided significant pop from the right side. There are lots of players like that out there. But you never know what you will be getting from them. Players rebounding from bad seasons can contribute too. Pollock has been relatively healthy the past two seasons. Prior to that, most fans disliked the signing immensely. But at times this season, AJ was their best hitter. I have no clue what AF has in mind to retool this team. Retool, not rebuild like the Cubs and Nationals are being forced to do. LA will keep just retooling every year. That is the way AF does things. By the way, my favorite pizza is Canadian bacon and pineapple.
Dave Roberts gave an interview recently reported in an article by Barry Bloom of Sportico:
“When Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced he was going with a reliever instead of 20-game winner Julio Urias to open Game 5 of a National League Division Series earlier this month in San Francisco, he said the decision wasn’t his, but rather came down from the “tippy-top” of the organization. The very tippy-top,” Roberts responded.
Roberts said he has a seat at the table when those kinds of decisions are made, but that’s all.
“I do not get more than one vote,” he said. “No, I don’t. I don’t.”
Dodgers fans tend to blame Roberts for moves that are dictated by the front office. It’s the same with Aaron Boone and the Yankees, Gabe Kapler and the Giants, and whoever’s in the managing seat of the San Diego Padres, just to name a few.
When St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball ops John Mozeliak recently fired manager Mike Schildt for “philosophical differences,” that was code for saying Schildt didn’t want to implement what Mozeliak wanted him to do.
But the Dodgers baseball ops, led by president Andrew Freeman, dealt Roberts a bad hand this October. Analytics-driven tactical decisions turned too cute by half this postseason.
Interesting
I wonder if this means fans in some cities would rather have the world hit by an asteroid than sign Corey Seager?
https://www.republicworld.com/sports-news/other-sports/most-hated-mlb-teams-dodgers-yankees-and-astros-lead-the-way-according-to-twitter-map.html
Carlos Correia… FREAKIN’ CARLOS CORREIA??? I think I’m gonna be sick…
I can’t see that happening. Not because he is not a great choice for the position but because… well, the fans would not be happy. Heck, Belly would not be happy. It would feel like a betrayal. The dude is a cheater. ☺
“I would go about building a team without Bauer and his contract on my mind.”
How do you just ignore a 35 million dollar salary? Granted the Dodgers have lots more money to throw around than, for example, the Pirates, but do you realize that Bauer’s contract for next year represents approximately 70% of the entire Pittsburgh team payroll for 2021?
Agree that Bryant would make an interesting addition but I think that we only go after him if we lose a number of our free agents. The Dodgers have very deep pockets but even they have limits. Not only that but Bryant has stated a few times that he loved his time with SF. Not sure Farhan is ready to let us scoop him up. If the Pads could find a way to move Hosmer or Myers I’m sure they would be in on Bryant also.
I have no idea what Friedman intends to do, so I won’t speculate about that. But if I was in charge, I would try to keep as many Dodger free agents as possible, at least the good ones, not the Souzas and Burns of the world.
I would go about building a team without Bauer and his contract on my mind. I wouldn’t let his contract stop me from building the best team possible. And I would keep him as a Dodger if possible.
I haven’t looked into all of the free agents available but after glancing at the list of free agents, I would definitely go after Kris Bryant.
There is absolutely no way I would want Carlos Correa as a Dodger. I absolutely hate cocky players plus he is a cheater too.
Note to Mark – minor point but Pepiot is a righty not a lefty as you described him. I love the fact that he would add a different look to the rotation since his change is his out pitch and he wouldn’t just be another flame thrower.
Miller – I could see him being Buehler, v.2, if he develops the way some in the organization think he will.
Correa – I’m very conflicted as to how I would react if we signed him, but I don’t think I have to worry because after the Bauer debacle I just can’t see Andrew following that with a Correa signing. Bauer has already cost them a (probably fairly small) part of the fan base. Correa would just add to that. All that said, Correa would bring one thing that I think this team lacks, a position player with an in-your-face attitude. Every starter we have has a pretty much vanilla personality. Maybe we need to add rocky road.
For those who are suggesting we bring back Kenley on a one year deal, I can’t imagine any scenario where he doesn’t get at least two years and probably three from someone. Maybe that someone will be us, but he won’t settle for a one year deal. Not the way he’s re-invented himself.
Excellent write-up, Mark. Lot of thought went into that. Hey, it’s all just speculation at this point, but that’s fun.
Yes, the Dodgers had depth, but it wasn’t particularly good. I remember the constant strikeouts with runners on base when they were forced to use that depth.
I would definitely give Chris Taylor a qualifying offer, most likely he goes elsewhere on a three of four year deal. Same with Corey Seager and Clayton Kershaw.
The elephant in the room is Trevor Bauer. Certainly that could to some extent impact the winter plans for the Dodgers. Lot of money tied up. Regardless of what the DA decides to do, Bauer will end up with a lengthy suspension. Guessing he doesn’t pitch for the Dodgers again.
The fact that 2022 is up in the air, just another obstacle in the decision making process.
I’d like to see Seager back, but that no doubt comes down to an ownership decision. Are the Yankees really serious about Seager? Mixed messages out of New York these days. The long term contracts have weighed down the Yankees.
If Seager leaves, look for the Dodgers to move Trea Turner to short with Gavin Lux at second.
The most pressing need is obviously the rotation. Kershaw will return, but a lot of uncertainty centered on health. I’d like to see Max Scherzer back, but hey, he’s 37, lot of risk. A lot could go wrong.
The younger pitchers are just too risky at this point to build the back end of the rotation on. Maybe you can count on them for spot starts. More likely ’23. Hopefully, injuries behind him, Tony Gonsolin becomes relevant again. He has the stuff to become a pretty good starter. Beyond Julio Urias and Walker Buehler, the rotation is up in the air.
That means the Dodgers will pursue a trade or free agent pitcher. There is some history to that approach.
I can see the Dodgers retaining Jansen on a one or two year deal. I’d like to see them keep Cory Knebel and Joe Kelly.
The bench depth has to improve.
Expect a big comeback season from Cody Bellinger thanks to the new approach. Not sure what it takes for the Dodgers to become more consistent offensively. Andrew Friedman thought it was the best group of hitters the team has fielded during his tenure. Yet they struggled at times, some of that no doubt due to injuries.
The Astros organization cheated and the players went along with it. MLB didn’t much care, only the fans from losing teams did. And if we choose to dislike all arrogant players there may not be many left to cheer for. Also, I would think the most hated player in all of baseball is a Dodger and we are at least considering bringing him back. Does that mean we prefer the asteroid?
The pineapple and pizza statement I find ridiculous. I don’t know how you can ban fans from chanting. Have you heard some of the F*** You chants at basketball games? Large groups of similar thinking people often behave badly.. Not much you can do about it. If the team came out and asked nicely I think it would help.
The silly hyperbole aside, I think both the Dodgers and Yankees would benefit from signing Correa. He’s the better player. It would appear the Dodgers traded for Turner to play shortstop. Maybe after watching him for a few months they’ve changed their minds?
I agree with most of this, especially you’re first sentence. The core of this team is excellent and doesn’t have a lot of needs. They’re going to need more than Nuese from the right side on the bench. I think McKinstry will wind up being a steady left handed bat, but he’s going to have to work on his defense.
The one thing I really don’t agree with is Busch’s defense. He’s improving at second base and his defensive numbers are acceptable at the position. He had a 978 fielding percentage this year. League average in the MLB at the position was 982. That’s not far off for a guy that’s only had a year’s worth of innings at second base in his entire minor league career. Our own Trea Turner put up worse numbers with only slightly better range numbers.
Carlos Correa is probably my most hated player in the MLB. It’s a tough decision because he’s really close with Tatis Jr. and Machado isn’t far behind. But, I would welcome him with open arms, cheating and all, if Seager moves on. It would be easier for me to welcome Story.
After seeing Gausman and DiScalfani do their thing this year, I won’t discount the future of Mitch White or Andre Jackson as possible rotation pieces. Sometimes guys bloom later than others and both have shown enough stuff to be effective.
I listened to AF’s interview yesterday after Bear mentioned it. I like what he said about Clayton’s situation as he was very candid in saying that Clayton has earned the right to retire a Dodger. Sometimes you have to make decisions that aren’t solely based on statistics.
Scherzer was a no brainer for me until he ran out of gas at the end. Thinking ahead to next year’s postseason rotation, I would expect Bueller, Urias and May to be ready to answer the bell and for Clayton to be injured. I don’t think Bauer will be suspended the entire year and hearing AF speak to the subject saying “The Bauer situation is in MLB’s court”, it doesn’t sound like they’re planning on dumping him. I heard nothing that would signal that’s what they are intending to do.
So, right now the rotation looks like Urias, Bueller and possibly Kershaw to start the season. With Bauer and May available at the end of the year. I think I’ve heard this song before. It goes something like this. AF will sign the McCarthy’s and Anderson’s of the world to try to get by until Bauer and May are ready at some point in the season. Duffy fits this bill. My biggest target wouldn’t be Scherzer. I would try to get one of Robbie Ray, Kevin Gausman, or Marcus Stroman to pair with Danny Duffy as offseason targets to reinforce the pitching staff.
Right now we have a full team of position players.
C – Smith R
1B – Muncy L
2B – Lux L
3B – Turner R or Rios L
SS – Turner R
LF – Pollock R
CF – Belli L
RF – Betts R
DH? – Rios L or Turner R
I’m going to say it right now. Go ahead and bring Seager back, let him play short for another year or two and then move him over to 3B. If you can’t come to an agreement with Seager, just go with TT as the backup plan and move Mookie to second base. Then go hard after Kris Bryant for RF. He’s got the arm and is a better outfielder than most are willing to admit. He’s a middle of the order bat and he’s got the pop. He also has enough positional flexibility to move around and cover for injuries. Lux takes CT3 as the Super Utility guy. Trade McKinstry for a right handed bench piece or sign Solano as RH fifth infielder.
2B Mookie R
SS TT R
1B Muncy L
RF Bryant R
CF Belli L
3B Turner R
LF Pollock R
C Smith R
Rios and Lux can be inserted into the lineup when you want more lefties in there.
Bueller R
Urias L
Duffy L
Kershaw L
Gausman or Stroman R
I can no longer trust Gonsolin as a starter. He’s a bullpen piece from here on out.
Pineapple on Pizza is offensive to Italians. We need to ban it just like the Tomahawk Chop.
I watched Andrew Friedman’s presser yesterday. Some interesting stuff about in game pitching decisions. He stated that the FO gathers info for the Roberts and his coaching staff before each game. That includes what pitchers are available for the game and their stats against the opposing hitters. And, I’m sure other detailed stats and analytics. He said it’s Roberts, Pryor, and Danny Lehmann decide in game pitching changes and it’s their call at the time the change takes place. So, the Urias decision was all on Roberts according to AF. The FO office has nothing to do with a decision or decisions during the game. Good to know. I had thought otherwise.
First, if the Dodgers signed Correa I would not watch another game while he was on the team. For him and his teammates to cheat the way they did and receive no punishment is bad enough. But, his arrogant FU attitude makes me sick. He comes off with a “yeah we cheated and got away with it, are World Champs, so too f’ing bad for you”.
As far as what Andrew Friedman and his staff can do to improve the team in 2022 will be interesting to watch. How much more can he do when you consider we had an All Star at almost every position. Many fans dream about this happening with their team. It actually happened with the Dodgers.
Consider:
C – Will Smith
1B – Max Muncy
2B – Trea Turner
SS – Corey Seager
3B – Justin Turner
LF – Chris Taylor
CF – Cody Bellinger
RF – Mookie Betts
So, every position player except Will Smith is or has recently been an All Star. And, Will has now become the best catcher in the NL and could be an All Star in 2022. Add in one of the top bullpens in baseball and three Cy Young candidates for starters. And yet it wasn’t enough to win a world series. Hell, it wasn’t enough to get to the world series.
Where and how do you improve on that roster? The elephant in the room is the injury factor.
The depth and quality of position players in the minors was a huge problem for the team. I think that’s where AF needs to acquire some good, veteran players in 2022 . Look what Atlanta did when their outfielders went down with season ending injuries. They added Rosario, Duvall, and Pederson. Our adds were Souza, McKinney, and a group of AAAA players. It turned out to be a huge oversight for Friedman. But, he finally got the chronic bullpen issue fixed.
Obviously, the biggest issue facing all of major league baseball in 2022 is a new collective bargaining agreement. If that turns into a shit show and a strike happens then baseball will be forever damaged. With Boob Manfred in charge it’s a scary proposition.
Then with Friedman and the front office the decisions they face are huge. They are as follows:
Kershaw- I hope he decides to retire and it becomes a non issue. It looks like he will need a Tommy John procedure in order to continue his career. The Dodgers generously paid him more than he was worth in his last contract out of respect for his contributions to the team. I would be surprised if they did it again. Even if it was an incentive based contract. I don’t see Kershaw making it through the 2022 season healthy because of arm and back injuries. Those don’t just get better as one ages.
Seager- I would love to have Corey return. There will be some variables involved for Corey to determine with who he signs. The Yankees seem to be our only competition. How high they are willing to pay will be interesting? They have the position need and financial strength to make it happen. If healthy, Corey would hit 50 HRs a year playing in Yankee Stadium.
Chris Taylor- Another player it would be nice to continue his career with the Dodgers. But, if he wants a regular position and be paid accordingly he will be moving on. The only position I could see him playing everyday would be 3B. And, that’s only if there’s a DH next year.
Max Scherzer- Max earned his money in the regular season, but didn’t play up to expectations in the playoffs. With that in mind I don’t know if the Dodgers want to pay top dollar for a 38-39 year old pitcher. The Bauer situation could be a determining factor in re-signing Scherzer. Also, if the team decides to re-sign Kershaw then to me it’s a definite no on Scherzer. To have one unhealthy risky starter is unwise let alone two. So, if Bauer is resolved to favor the payroll and Kershaw is not re-signed then maybe on a two year max deal for Max.
Trae Turner- If Seager is re-signed then I would strongly think about moving Trae in the offseason. He doesn’t want to play 2B (and many here don’t want him to either). Why not trade him while he is a healthy batting champ? I would think they could get a huge haul for him. Lux could be moved back to 2B or find another FA to fill that position if they want to keep Lux in the outfield.
Kenley Jansen- What a turn around by the big guy. It was one of the highlights of the season for me. A definite re-sign for the Dodgers, but at a two year and reasonable amount. As we have learned Kenley can fall off the rails in any appearance. With his expanded pitch offerings that might not be a lingering problem for him. I hope they can come to an agreement.
Joe Kelly- With his latest injury to his bicep I think it’s time to part ways. His $12M club option is not going to happen. He’ll get his $4M buyout. A terrible contract made by AF.
Corey Knebel- When he was healthy he was effective. A repeat of his $5M (or less) would be reasonable for one year. I think we’re going to see a nice contingent of young relief arms arriving in 2023 and beyond so one year to bridge that gap with Knebel could be warranted.
Trevor Bauer- The biggest salary problem and unknown for the Dodgers. Can they somehow reach an agreement with this guy? With agents and lawyers involved it might be impossible.
Tio Albert- A hard pass for me. It was fun and at times inspiring. A great Dodger teammate who brought a lot of joy to the dugout and clubhouse. But, to watch him run and hit into so many double plays was painful. If they have trouble finding a sub right hand bat then maybe.
All the other Dodger FA’s don’t look like re-signing prospects. Most were one time use fill ins that have no future spot on the roster. Some never even pitched for the team (Hamels and Duffy). Hamels has a great agent. Sign for a $1M and a week later get released because he can’t pitch after all.
Been watching the WS. First game the home plate umpire missed 11 pitches, 10 of which benefitted the Astros. Heard a report last week that recent use of ABS lead to 22 walks with both teams running out of pitchers (I believe it was the AFL). I would think before ABS is used in MLB it would be used in AAA where the pitchers should have enough control so they don’t get some benefit from the umpire.
Interesting and thought provoking idea on Correa coming over. My takes:
1. If Carlos Correa offered to play for the Dodgers for free, I would not want him on the team.
2. If given a choice between winning the World Series with Carlos Correa and going 0-162, I’d take going winless in perpetuity.
3. if given a choice between Carlos Correa playing for the Dodgers or a giant asteroid turning the Earth into an amorphous blob of debris, I’d be praying for the asteroid.
Some creative, out-of-the-box thinking, but I think I’ll pass.
I know some have already said NO to any of the cheaters but I’m in on Correa. I’d rather have him than Turner.
I don’t sign Scherzer unless it’s a reasonable contract. He’s good for 150 innings a year, spread out over 7 months.
I’m curious about Rios. Is he coming back? I thought he had All Star potential.
I agree with Lux being able to play outfield. Shortstops can typically play anywhere on the field but for him to be out there Betts has to come in. Pollock, Bellinger, Lux, Rios, Turner (Correa/Seager) Betts, Muncy, with Smith behind the plate. There will be several projected lineups over the winter, all of them will be good, one will be correct.
I’m less concerned about right or left handed, more concerned about being able to hit. I know platoons are a thing, I’d seek players with favorable splits.
This World Series does not interest me in the least.
“Kevin Goldstein: I think it will take longer than that. The tech just isn’t ready for prime time.” Nonsense. The technology is there.
I have not watched one pitch!
The last repeat World Series winner was the NY Yankees 1998, 1999, 2000. The last NL repeat World Series winner was the Cincinnati Reds 1975, 1976.
No way Carlos Correa ever signs with the Dodgers. I see what you are trying to do hear, just trying to generate conversation/dialogue which is good since the comments have been low since the Dodgers were eliminated. Never going to happen as much hate the fans and players have towards the Astros.
I haven’t even watched on pitch of this years World Series and do not intend to. I am curious if any other LADT poster has decided to watch it or not.