Trea Turner is Going to Cost a Lot

A lot of Dodger fans have postulated that the Dodgers should “just extend Trea Turner” right about now, like “just push a button,” and he will be extended. If it were only that simple. I think that right about now, Trea Turner is the best SS in baseball. The Rangers signed Corey Seager for ten years at $325 Million, and the Mets signed Francisco Lindor for ten years and $341 Million. Trea Turner is better than either of those players. Trea Turner is going to get paid a lot more than either Seager or Lindor!

California has a higher tax rate than Texas (by far). I am not an accountant, but I heard that Seager would have had to make about $375 Million from the Dodgers to equal what he makes from the Rangers. Maybe Jeff Dominique can figure that out… oh wait, he’s not here anymore! You can call it greedy, but that is real money. If someone is offering it, someone should take it.

Based upon what Lindor and Seager made, if Trea Turner signs with the Dodgers, it will have to be for ten years and close to $400 million to be equal to (actually slightly better) than Seager or Lindor. Now, for all we know, Turner wants to go back to the East Coast. Actually, that is heavily rumored. The Phillies, Nats, Marlins, Rays, Red Sox, Yankees, et al., could be involved. The Dodgers, however, could “front load” a deal with an “opt-out” after three years.

What I mean by that is to sign him to a 10-year $400 Million Dollar Deal, but pay him $150 million in the first three years and let him opt out after three years. Maybe he takes that and moves back to Florida. The Rays and Marlins would both benefit from him… but would they really do it? However, there are other options. I am not convinced that Gavin Lux can play SS – I am also not saying that he can’t, but would the Dodgers really let Trea walk and not 100% believe that they have the solution “in-house?”

Gavin Lux maybe that guy, but I am not convinced. Jacob Amaya could be the defensive replacement, but I am not convinced that he will hit. Gavin Lux is really developing into his role as a second baseman. He is hitting, and his power is starting to develop! He is playing with purpose and confidence! This is the Gavin Lux many fans envisioned.

Plan B could be Gavin Lux at SS with Jacob Amaya as a “Great Field-No Hit Option” (I don’t really mean “no hit.” Part of that plan could be to sign Xander Bogaerts to play 2B or 3B. His bat will play, but his glove is not primetime. I think he could command an 8 Year/ $200 million Contract. He would hit about the same as Trea Turner. Look at this lineup:

1. Betts RF
2. Lux SS
3. Freeman 1B
4. Smith C
5. Bogaerts 2B
6. Muncy 3B
7. Lamb/Alberto DH
8. Vargas LF
9. Bellinger CF

To me, it does not make sense to pay Trea Turner $400 Million… or anything close to that! In another year, Digo Cartaya and Andy Pages will be close to ready. Let the Farm System produce! RELOAD! Bogarts or Muncy can play 3B or 2B, but if Lux cannot handle SS, then it all flies out the window. Frankly, I think Trea Turner is as good as gone… unless his desire is to play in LA and have a chance at winning every year.

Rants & Raves

• Tyler Anderson – He wanted to be a Dodger. He thought the Dodgers could “fix him.” They did! What we are seeing is guy who suddenly has been taught how to pitch within himself. I do not think Tyler Anderson is a “flash in the pan.” I also believe he wants to play for LA – in other words, he might be easy to extend. He would be a #2 or #3 on many teams.
• Mookie Betts – He looks great for a month and then disappears. He is hitting .269. In April, he hit .230. In May, he hit .342. In June, it was .193, and so far in July, it is .244. Go back and look at his stats. That’s his pattern. He will have a great month or six weeks and be “below league average” the rest of the time. I am a fan of Superstar Mookie, but the other Mookie – the one we see every day is not so cool. That’s why the Dodgers have such wild swings at times: their Superstar is not a superstar every game. Go Ahead: Hate me for speaking the truth!
• Will Smith – He is an All-Star!

Future Dodgers Down on the Farm

• OKC lost 8-5
  • Miguel Vargas was 1-3 (a 3-run double). He was back at 3B last night.
  • Jason Martin hit his 18th HR
  • Michael Grove was ineffective in his 2.1 IP (6.08 ERA). I don’t know why they see him as a starter.
  • Mark Washington got bombed again (6.75 ERA). There’s something about him I don’t like…
  • Dellin Betances (6.14 ERA) Nuff Said!
• Tulsa lost 13-5
  • Jonny DeLuca hit 2 HRs and was 2-5 with 3 RBI (.297/.955 at AA)
• Great Lakes won 2-1
  • Emmet Sheehan can in in the 4th inning and closed out the game: 5 IP, 2 H, o R, 0 BB, 10 K’s. He is flying high.
  • Diego Cartaya was 2-4
• Rancho Cucamonga won 8-2
  • Damon Keith was 3-5 with his 11th HR and 3 RBI
  • Luis Rodriguez was 2-4 with a double.

Tomorrow: Diego Cartaya Interview