WHAM! BANG! BLOCKBUSTER!
There is a lot to unpackaged on the trade of Adrian Gonzalez, Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy and Charlie Culberson for former Dodger darling, Matt Kemp. Whether Matt Kemp ever plays for the Dodgers again is in question. He could be flipped to an AL team in need of a DH. I think he has some value and I cannot just see him being released unless his clubhouse demeanor is worse
There is a lot to unpackaged on the trade of Adrian Gonzalez, Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy and Charlie Culberson for former Dodger darling, Matt Kemp. Whether Matt Kemp ever plays for the Dodgers again is in question. He could be flipped to an AL team in need of a DH. I think he has some value and I cannot just see him being released… unless his clubhouse demeanor is worse than I think… and I think it was pretty bad, but I also think like Andre Ethier, he may have grown up to some degree.
TAKE 1: FAZ Dumped over $30 million in salary for 2018 which gets them under the luxury tax threshold and means they could sign a big free agent next year (like Harper) if they want. Harry Houdini never got out of anything like this! This is one for the books. I am somewhat at a loss for words.
TAKE 2: I could see Kemp being flipped to a team who needs a DH, thus saving up to another $21 million and allowing a Yu Darvish to be acquired. Kemp could be flipped but I cannot see FAZ taking on a 5 to 6 year contract for Darvish.
TAKE 3: I could see Kemp staying and platooning in LF with Andrew Toles or Joc Pederson, who would also be his late-inning caddy. He could be rejuvenated back in LA and be a model citizen in the clubhouse and a platoon with Kemp and Toles or Joc could be very potent. Kike stays as the super-sub.
TAKE 4: FAZ could then trade Verdugo and Alvarez for Gerrit Cole who is controllable through 2020 and cheaper than Darvish. Darvish doesn’t cost prospects but will demand a big long-term deal. I see Cole being a better option. They still may have to move Grandal to keep under the $197 MILLION Luxury Tax Threshold.
TAKE 5: LA will be under the $197 threshold this year – that is a given NOW!
TAKE 6: Trayce Thompson was saved.
TAKE 7: No mater whether Kemp stays or goes, this is an incredible deal! Gonzo could end his career in SD or maybe come back to LA. The later would seem unlikely, but it is possible. Never underestimate THE FAZ!
This is epic! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
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Discussion (68)
Disagree, not disagreeable
I’m sure Pittsburgh will ask for all it can get, since it doesn’t have to trade GC. But, as we know, asking for and receiving are two different things.
Would this/Should this end all TRADE talk?
I hope Segedin gets a look see again ST.
OK time for my post op meds and a lil nirvana.
from Andy McCullough:
Andrew Friedman: “I hadn’t noticed. Is there a big free-agent class next winter?”
:0)
AA had to get Kemp out of the locker room and the owner called him out for being fat.
This was indeed a brilliant move. What’s next? I like AC’s suggestion of Ryu, etc to Pittsburgh for Cole. That makes a lot of sense for both teams.
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Also, a team that could use a power hitting outfielder/DH would be the Orioles. Perhaps now we can swing a trade to get one of their relievers and Hunter Harvey.
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It’s trades like this that make me glad that FAZ is leading this organization and that we no longer have Colletti in charge. It also makes me realize that its a lot easier to arm chair quarterback the decisions made by the front office than it is to run one on a day to day basis and make these type of decisions. Frankly, I would not have thought of this trade in a 100 years.
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The off-season just got a whole lot more interesting.
Kemp’s story is amazing. He has twice been traded for nothing. He has no value. The market has proven it.
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Friedman spoke to media:
He called getting payroll flexibility “a focal point for us this winter.”
“Obviously one of the main considerations in this deal were economic. But they’re part of the bigger picture, the longer-term plan, and it’s a necessary strategic part of moves yet to come. Whether that’s this offseason, in July or next year, this move allows for increased flexibility going forward at a time when we have some depth.”
On the team’s “plans” for Kemp:
“That’s a good question. Obviously, there’s a lot of winter left.”
Faz pulled a rabbit out of their hat on this trade. It frees up salary, moves unwanted pieces out, gives three 40 man spots (one will be used on Koehler) and leaves multiple prospects for additional moves if desired. If Kemp is retained then LF is pretty crowded, have to see how that shakes out. I am all done making predictions until about mid spring training when it all becomes more clear but I like it a lot.
Yes I do believe that FAZ’s relationship with AA had a lot to do with this. This is a great trade for both teams. The Dodgers get out from luxury tax hell, and the Braves get a look at McCarthy and Kazmir, a utility infielder in Culberson, and most importantly Kemp is moved to open a spot for Acuna.
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I wonder if the Dodgers can move Kemp to Boston who are looking for any power. Or Toronto? How about A-Gon to Boston? A-Gon to NYY?
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Can the Dodgers move Ryu, a reliever, and prospects for Gerrit Cole? That would give the Dodgers a solid top of the rotation pitcher and no additional salary.
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Trayce Thompson only got a reprieve. While the Dodgers opened some 40 man spots, they did not eliminate an OF. He is still #6 behind CT3, Puig, Kike’, Toles, and Joc.
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The Dodgers are going to stay under the luxury tax threshold, so no Darvish. Any trade will need to be salary neutral, even if it means an extra prospect.
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FAZ is not done. Never underestimate their ability to see the big picture and plan for it. This was brilliant
I won’t even try to guess the next move, but if this has the Dodgers. under the the CBT, there is no way I see them doing anything to put them back over. As Mark would say, that would be felony stupid.
I still like Grandal as part of our catching corps, but I can still see him being moved to free up even more money to create even more flexibility for another deal. Maybe in a deal for Gerit Cole, or something else.
And yes, this deal is epic. Stay tuned, I’m sure there’s more to come, maybe soon, maybe later.
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And one other thing. This is better than acquiring Stanton.
Funny, the Dodgers moved all the contracts they wanted but the return was Matt Kemp not Stanton.
Holy Shit! What a crazy deal. I don’t know why Atlanta would do it.
The mad scientists (FAZ) are working their magic. I suspect we will see a full commitment to the graduation and steady stream of minor leaguers to the big squad (Buehler, Oaks, Sierra, Smith, Ruiz, Santana and more) over the next several years with an occasional FA signing. The Dodgers will be a team made up mostly of organizationally drafted and developed players, along with an occasional acquired big leaguer in trade. and FA.
I absolutely love this trade and can’t wait to see what the rest of the off season will bring us.
The trade free’s up space on the 40 man roster. Wonder if Yoshi Hirano is the next reliever they sign.
I am really impressed. The salaries even out between the 2 teams since Kemp is under contract for 2 years but the Dodgers dump more salary this year. Brilliant!
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Do you think that Friedman’s previous relationship with Anthopolous might have helped the transaction along?
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Most speculation is that Kemp doesn’t stay due to his bad defense. Maybe – but he is still a good RH power bat who can play LF well enough and can be replaced for defense when needed. Or he can be flipped to an AL team who needs a DH and can save a little more salary.
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More transactions? Only if they don’t cause a luxury tax problem.
We all saw this one coming. Amazing! Sorry to see Culberson going.
Interesting comment by Blake Coble on “Dodgers Nation”—
Certainly the biggest part of this entire trade is the money aspect. Ultimately the trade appears to be cash neutral overall. But for the 2018 season the Dodgers appear to be under the $197 million luxury tax threshold. If this indicates anything, it shows the front office knows how to get creative, and is ready to reset the luxury tax penalties this year. We could witness a full commitment to the youth on our roster this year.