What do the So-called Experts Know?

Winners or losers? The only way to tell that is when the dust settles in November and the Champion is crowned. 2020 the Dodgers were winners because they had Betts. Braves in 21 on the strength of the pickups they made when they totally redid their outfield. In 22 the Phillies won the NL pennant when no one thought they should. They got Sosa, Marsh, Syndergaard, Robertson and Vazquez at the deadline. Syndergaard went 5-2 down the stretch, Robertson saved 6 games, Sosa hit .315 in 25 games, Marsh, a .220 hitter with the Angels, hit .288 in 41 games and played excellent defense in center. Vazquez was sent to AAA. Yep, it is way too early to judge the winners and losers. Houston is 3-2 since the deadline, Texas is 6-0. The Dodgers are 5-1. Not bad at all. Plus, after the 2 with the D-Backs, their next 10 are at home where they are. 34-20.

Ohtani is not Soto or Chapman or Aaron Judge or Manny Machado….

This is maybe a once in a lifetime player, he’s that good. I do know the Dodgers will be players for Ohtani in the off season but it will be on their terms.

I think he takes a hometown discount to wear the Dodger Blue for the next 8 years.

The money today will not be the same as it is in 5-10 years. The Dodgers can afford it and they will be in on him.

Lets beat the Snakes.

IMHO too early to judge the trade deadline winners and losers.

A lot can happen between now and the end of the season. For all teams involved.

I also would caution to declare the Dodgers ended the year for Seidler and his Padres.

Friars still only 3 games out of the WC and we saw last season what can happen in postseason play.

Padres still have a shot. Do not count them out prematurely.

Big win yesterday and a huge series win though. The divsion should be out of reach for the Pads now that they are 11 back.

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

Well, I think you honestly have to consider what elite or so called elite players are available at the trade deadline.

Shohei Ohtani wasn’t and that means Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander were potentially the big dogs, the difference makers. The Dodgers pursued Verlander. There were several other slightly above average pitchers. So if you make a deal for one of the big dogs, you score well on the ratings charts.

Or perhaps you land one of the up and coming pitchers who may or may not be considered an elite, but has flashed potential. Those types weren’t traded.

Then there was a brief fling with a Nolan Arenado trade. Hey, everybody got excited, but that wasn’t going to happen.

I’m not sure about chess or checkers, but I think Friedman and the Dodgers got lucky when Eduardo Rodriquez refused to waive his no trade clause. The more you read about him, the less there is to like.

Lance Lynn didn’t cost much and the Dodgers needed a pitcher who could strike people out and eat innings. A change of scenery might kick Lynn into another gear.

The late pick up Ryan Yarbrough was a slick move since he can start or do long relief. His numbers lately look pretty good.

Okay, any trade sending Thor out of Dodger Stadium was a good move and Rosario is a useful player.

Love having Kike back, his energy and versatility, not to mention right-handed bat give the Dodgers great flexibility and come on, seriously, who doesn’t like Joe Kelly? The inning yesterday was something to behold.

As far as the future, I’m not sure which direction the Dodgers will go, but a visit to Dodger Stadium will reflect the most expensive trip to a baseball game in MLB. From parking, to food, merchandise and tickets, it’s all going to cost top dollar. The Angels are far less expensive.

So when you consider the Dodgers approach to pursuing Ohtani this winter, maybe the organization is playing chess. Perhaps it’s about brand, the international market, generating new streams of revenue they don’t have access to and not just about signing a 30 year old two way star.

Could there be something behind the curtain, something nobody is seeing because everybody is focused on the roster and player costs. Can the Dodgers or any other team actually afford Ohtani?

Then again, the Ownership group brought the Dodgers from McCourt for two billion dollars, twice what the team was valued at, but they knew something others didn’t. That’s obvious now.

I too am rather impressed with the trade deadline acquisitions but would have still liked to seen Flaherty wearing Dodger Blue. Joe Kelly, if he can keep throwing strikes, with that 101 MPH FB and devastating curve ball looks to be on a mission. Perhaps on nights where Phillips cannot pitch, Kelly gets the closer role. I love his attitude and infectious competitiveness.

Dare I say Hudson might have a role on the Dodgers and may supplant Ferguson as a trusted LH RP if he continues throwing strikes. He did give up a solo HR but of the 30 pitches thrown in 2 innings of work, 23 were for strikes. Loved it when he struck out Machado.

I don’t understand this fascination with Ohtani, I prefer to wait a year and try to sign Soto, although I know it wouldn’t be easy, but it would be better and much cheaper, or less expensive, and I think 5 years younger. Ohtani is not needed as a pitcher, he’s good, but not super spectacular, I think he’s a better hitter, and he’s not needed as such either, there are already a lot of good hitters in the Dodgers, they just need someone to be a complement, and not a leader, someone who help and don’t be the savior or the solution.

But what the hell do I know? I’m just a simple fan.

Now that one way to sign him would be to accept the plan to move him to closer after about 4 or 5 seasons.

What’s cool is here are some of the players who could be helping us in 2024:

Lux

Vargas

Busch

Buehler

Pepiot

Knack

Stone

Feduccia

Frasso

Sheehan

I mean, the deadline passed, we’re still in it, and we’re still loaded.

“Would you rather have one superstar who pitches and hits or four more really good players to go with your existing cadre of stars”

Ask the Angels how many championships Mike Trout brought them.

Great article, Mark.

I admit, I didn’t think the 4 guys we picked up would make that much of a difference, but so far, I’m very wrong. Just a few words about the 4 pickups if I may:

1. Kike- one of my favorite Dodgers, was my favorite pick up. He brings much more to the team besides his baseball skills. I think the intangibles are equally as important. And that dance he has added after getting a hit is awesome.

2. Lynn- what I like is that he is an experienced pitcher and has been a beast in the past. We have too many green pitchers now that still need MLB experience. He doesn’t. What I was concerned about…his high ERA and leads the league in giving up HRs- hopefully will go away. After two games, he is the only guy I can count on to go 7 innings.

3. Rosario- I know we got him to platoon and beat up lefties, but what I didn’t want was to replace Rojas with him at SS. Rojas is a wizard in the field and his stick has improved as the season wears on. I’m glad Rosario is playing mostly 2B. And he really has exceeded my expectations.

4. Joe Kelly- wow, what can I say about him? The dude is fearless and brings an edge that excites both the team and the fans. He is well loved in LA and I think he knows that too. I know he can be wild but I’m glad he’s back but I bet Tatis isn’t glad.

Bottom line: I too under-evaluated these pick ups but not any longer. I apologize to AF for not thanking him enough for the work he has done for our team this entire season, especially at the trade deadline. And I thought for sure Vargas and Cartaya were going to be X-Dodgers…..not quite.

Think Mookie was pumped after hitting that grand slam? Mookie drained the swamp in San Diego with that blast! Bob Melvin will be lucky to finish out their season! Tatis will become a New York Yankee after the season. Soto signs elsewhere., leaving Johnny hustle to lead the friars! Have to admit Kike looks rejuvenated back in LA! Gonsolin might not be on postseason roster! He is not pitching well enough for postseason. Freddie and Mookie should share MVP this season! Both deserve it!