What About the Bullpen… and More?

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If we have a hole in the outfield , why not leave Mookie out there and try Busch and Vargas at 2nd and see who survives. Wouldn’t that be better defensively and think about the Mookie move next year or at the trade line if they fail?

With MLB owners being a tight fraternity, could teams like the Brewers, Marlins and ChiSox get peer pressured behind the scenes into avoid trading with the Dodgers?

I realize it takes talent, health and luck to win it all, but a potential acquisition of Burnes could give the Dodgers the equivalent of an all star starting rotation. I have a hard time seeing teams like the SFG, NYM and NYY not raising a concern to the rest of the ownership fraternity. Which would be ironic coming from the NYY but I think teams could be pressured into finding alternate trade partners.

Let’s understand one thing:

I do not really have a “Favorite” player. I may like a player’s side story, such as Alex Freeland, who was born with a clubfoot, and it was thought that walking could be an issue… let alone playing SS. He is now a prospect with Great Lakes. I do not believe he will be a big-league SS, but he has defied the odds already. If I had a favorite player, it might be him.

Many of you have favorite players: Outman, Smith, and Lux come to mind. It’s fine to have a favorite player, but I tout a player based upon what I see as as well as what the statistics say. Both are equally important. So, what I am going to say is, “Lay off the childish name-calling about Vargas. He is not my favorite player.” He does, however, have the requisite talent backed up by the statistical analysis to be a better hitter and an LF’er than most players many of you suggest.

Busch could play there too, but the Dodgers have a lot of LH bats. Still, I would not be afraid to go into next season with either player in LF.

Most Talent Evaluators agree that Vargas and Busch will be very good MLB Players (not superstars). I do as well. It’s not about my favorite player – it’s about who will help the Dodgers the most.

I hope that James Outman can grow into an everyday CF’er and improve, but there is a better chance that he regresses – he has a hole in his swing the size of Chavez Ravine. BTW, that is not my sole opinion. It’s shared by many!

If Busch were to play LF, I think you would see 25-30 bombs and a .750+ OPS in his rookie year. If Vargas were there, think .270 with 15-20 HR and a .750+ OPS.

I mean, only a moron (no let me change that to an IDIOT) would think that two broken fingers had no bearing on his play last year.

Fully agree that the bullpen is in fine shape.

A lot of talent, a lot of depth. So much that Shelby Miller signs with the Tigers and we yawn because Hurt and Vanasco can step in.

With so many SP spots locked up, more SP prospects will see action in relief. (I was just thinking about how frustrating must be for guys like Knack, Stone, Grove and Frasso to watch the Dodgers bring in top-tier SPs that figure to limit their opportunity to rise. But a relief role could be ideal for some.

Would a brand-name closer like Hader or Clase help? Not sure. Roberts seemed to like the security and structure that ace closer provided–even running Kimbrel out there too long. Maybe Roberts should be saved from his bad habits.

A megabucks offer for Hader? At some point AF needs to rein in the costs, right?….Right?

A trade for Clase? From what I’ve read his contract status is team-friendly. We could test the theory that a very good closer on a mediocre team could be a great closer for a great team.

Interesting that the possibility of Burnes and Adames continues to percolate. And then there’s the question of who plays LF too….

Varland does seem more like trade candidate than a bullpen mainstay.

I am still one who uses the eye test. Granted, the old peepers are not what they used to be, but I still trust them. Miguel Vargas had some good moments last year, and a lot of down ones. But I also understand that he was way behind everyone else since for the first two weeks of spring training he could not even swing a bat because of his injury. I have to believe this carried over into the season. That being said, I do not believe he can be a full-time left fielder. I am though more than willing to see how he performs during spring training and where the Dodgers plan to use him. I have to give the team the benefit of knowing the player better than I do. That being said, Margot, Outman and Heyward, are all natural outfielders and all provide solid defense. Outman and Heyward both have significant power. Taylor can play anywhere, but he is not an everyday player. I would like some pop on the bench.

Love how Mark still wants to demote Outman (to a platoon role) and promote Miguelito straight to a full-time position that would be on-the-job training. He also wants his boy Vargas to bat ahead of Outman in the lineup.

A foolish consistency?

Just to review, Outman just finished third in ROY voting after strong performances on offense and defense. He overcame a midseason slump and finished with a .790 OPS, 23 HRs, 86 runs scored and a mighty fine OBP of .353. He was one of the reasons Mookie set a record for RBIs for a leadoff hitter. (While Outman showed little power against lefties, he had an OBP of .357. )

Vargas, meanwhile, got ample opportunity and finished with a .195 BA, a .305 OBP and a .672 OPS. The only good thing about his play at 2B is that prompted Mookie’s move. Vargas, of course, finished the season in the minors, falling behind Busch in the depth chart.

Perhaps Mark should provide proof that he’s really from Missouri. If he says we need “vision,” perhaps we could recommend the optometrist.

Look, I’m fine with Vargas getting another opportunity to prove that he’s more than a really good minor league. If he put up the exact same numbers Outman put up in ’23, that would be a rousing success, right?

These Dodgers are so loaded that they can try him in LF. The brass may not have the faith it once had, however.

I’m also fine with Vargas getting packaged in a deal to bolster the lineup (Arozarena?) or pitching (Luzardo?). There are still some interesting possibilities out there.

But his trade value ain’t what it used to be.

I happen to think Gavin Lux is too talented to be some throw in in a trade for a rental. I happen to think it’d be idiotic to give up that much talent for 1 year of rentals and then let them walk, simply because we have a guy the Yankees just tossed away now in our system.

I look forward to Gavin Lux actually out hitting Willy Adames this year. Seems people forget how good he was becoming, but I guess out of sight out of mind and now we can toss him in deals for rentals.

seems like a common wish amongst majority of dodger fans on this site. a full time left fielder instead of a whole outfield of platoons! the bench is not what i would want santa to leave me under the tree for christmas! please santa clause, shore up the left field position and strengthen the bench! merry christmas everyone! safe travels and enjoy your families! my 2 sons and their beautiful wo are gifting us with 2 more grandchildren in a couple of weeks. 7 total now! wwhen someone asks do i have a favorite? i simply say the one sitting on my lap at any given moment! love them all! again , merry christmas!

I’m still hoping for a Bryan Reynolds trade. It will probably take Busch, Vargas, Stone and B. Hudson.

My hope for our 2024 lineup

1. Betts,2B

2. Ohtani, DH

3. Smith,C

4. Freeman,1B

5. Muncy,3B

6. Reynolds,LF

7. Outman/Taylor,CF

8.Heyward/Margot,RF

9. Lux/Rojas,SS

Mark,

I would like think AF and BG will look at what it takes to pry Luzardo away from the Marlins along with your Brewers thoughts