Many fans are more than a little bit disgruntled with the lack of action by the Dodgers this offseason. Most felt they would make a move to retain at least one of their own top free agents besides Kershaw. But it did not happen. And fans are left to wonder why. Especially since there was no real explanation coming from Andrew Friedman and Company.
We were told that they were making a concentrated effort to get below the CBT. Much later, we learned that they were also waiting to see how the status of Trevor Bauer would play out. Would he stay suspended, or would he be reinstated? No one knew. When the news finally broke, they were on the hook for $22.5 million dollars.
Trades are generally made to improve the team, fill a hole, or in some cases, as a payroll dump. Last time the Dodgers did one of those was when they sent Kemp, Puig, Farmer, and Wood to the Reds for Gray, Downs, and Homer Bailey, who was immediately released. The only trade so far this offseason sent Jacob Amaya to the Marlins for Miguel Rojas.
So, some wonder if another deal is on the table prior to the beginning of spring training. Most likely, no. For as long as he has been in charge, Andrew Friedman has refrained from making any major trades this close to spring training. Could that change? Maybe, but in my humble opinion, it is not likely. There have been a lot of calls by fans to upgrade at SS, CF, LF, and the bench to a lesser extent. These seem to be the positions of most need by fans’ estimations. Some also include 3rd base.
The belief is that 3rd base is Miguel Vargas’s to lose. SS will initially be manned by Gavin Lux, with some fans saying he should stay at second. Others want Michael Busch to get a shot there. The outfield, other than right, which is the home of Mookie Betts, is also up for grabs. With Trayce Thompson, Chris Taylor, and James Outman as the favorites to be out there on opening day with Mookie. Jason Heyward is a dark horse candidate.
Again, fans have been adamant that there should be a trade for an All-Star caliber outfielder like Bryan Reynolds. Reynolds is more than a little unhappy in Pittsburgh. He has demanded a trade, which unfortunately does not mean the Pirates have to give in to his demands. They can take their time, evaluate their position and deal him when they feel they can get the best return for his services. My gut tells me no sooner than the deadline in July.
I love my gut. It tells me many important things like I am hungry, boy, that chicken was filling and stuff like that. It also has a tendency to churn a lot, usually from anxiety during a Dodger game. I have promised my gut not to do that this season. I am just here for the ride. Whatever Mr. Freidman does is A-OK with me. I have never seen a team make a trade simply because the fans are restless.
We all love the Dodgers, and we all want them to win so very badly. And for the last ten seasons, they have been the best in the major leagues at winning. But sometimes, friends, the best trades are the ones you do not make. I remember a few years ago when everyone was screaming that they should have traded for Cole Hamels. The asking price was high. It included Corey Seager. I am very glad that trade never happened.
Yes, it is sad to see a player you have watched and respected leave. But they did not win the big one with them. So maybe change, albeit slow change, is needed. JT gave them some great years; Cody had some highlight reel stuff too. But it was time. I do not think they ever had a shot at retaining Trea Turner. I watched the shredder on MLB last night, and he was rated the # 1 SS. But the guy loves the east coast, and he was going back there no matter how many dollars were thrown his way. Seager was # 4. But Corey got a salary from Texas that, in order to make that much in California, the Dodgers would have had to paid him over 400 million.
So, you might think they need to make a trade and make one prior to spring training. But this is going to be the kids’ chance to make their mark and show what they can do. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Discussion (14)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Welcome back Marcia. It’s gonna be a meaningful and fun spring to see what the young guns bring to the table.
Hi, everyone! Thought I’d come back after the Bauer cause celebre was settled. I’m really excited to see the kids play, especially the pitching prospects. Vargas and Outman should be given a long runway because they’ve earned it. Gavin Stone too. Holding on to prospects defeats the purposes of player development. I’m not fond of relying on “seasoned/recycled” former big leaguers when we have rookie talent to start. Let the kids play!
The one thing we can determine with certainty during this AF era, is that one knows truly knows what that man is thinking and/or planning. He takes creativity to a different level. If AF sees Reynolds as a must piece in his puzzle, I have my money on him finding creative ways to make it work; I.e. sweeten the deal with an additional prospects and/or ask the trade partner to take on or retain salary. As I write this, I know that I am just as likely to know as those assuring there will be no trades before the deadline. The only sure statement I can make is that I have no idea what AF is going to do.
Now that certain posters are gone, I going to give this one more try. Jason Heyward has had two good years in the last seven. His numbers:
2016 – .230/.306/.325/.631, 68 OPS+, 7 HR
2017 – .259/.326/.389/.715, 84 OPS+, 11 HR
2018 – .270/.335/.395/.731, 94 OPS+. 8 HR
2019 – .251/.343/.429/.772, 100 OPS+, 21 HR
2020 – .265/.392/.456/.849, 129 OPS+, 6 HR
2021 – .214/.280/.347/.627, 69 OPS+, 8 HR
2022 – .204/.278/.272/.556, 58 OPS+, 1 HR
Frankly, Heyward just isn’t very good any more and hasn’t really been since he signed his big free agent deal with the Cubs. Anyone who thinks that this will suddenly change because he’s putting on a different blue uniform will likely be disappointed. If Heyward makes the team, there is probably something wrong.
I think Eric is wrong on one point. I think Jason Heyward makes the team. Simply because he and Outman are the only LH hitting outfielders with the chops to make it. I think reteaming with old teammate Freeman, and a desire to show he still has what it takes, is going to put him over the top. No way do I see Chris Taylor as the starting left fielder. He is their Swiss army knife. Rojas and Barnes are set bench pieces along with Taylor. One outfielder will be the other piece off of the bench. Most likely, Heyward. Duggar and Zimmer are injury insurance. LA signed another RHP to a minor league deal, Dylan Covey, former Ray was signed. Today is the anniversary of Roy Campanella’s tragic accident in 1958. That accident left him paralyzed and unable to play when the team opened in Los Angeles.
A Reynolds in Centerfield or a Anderson at shortstop. Then I see the Dodgers competing for a world series. If they stick with what they have. Then they get into the playoffs as a wild card. If they don’t add those those two guys. Then I guess we sneak into the playoffs and won’t be picked as contenders. I got one question why does half the people on here think Thompson is going to be the starting centerfielder. When he has either been a utility guy off the bench or subbed for a starter that got hurt. Now with Dodgers he is going to be the starting centerfielder for the LA Dodgers. I don’t think so. You usually have the same centerfielder play almost every game unless he needs a day off. That’s why I say the captain Betts is your Centerfield and leader now of this club. With JT gone that’s what you do in spring training start Mookie in center and if the two rookies shine Vargas and Outman you put them in either side of him. If they don’t shine then you put the veterans Taylor and Heyward on the sides of him. But if they just got a good centerfielder and short stop we we wouldn’t be wondering whos in Centerfield an starting everyday.
Your lineup only has 8 players. You forgot Muncy.
Your bench has 5 guys when there is only room for 4. I don’t see any way that Heyward, Thompson and Duggar are on the roster at the same time.
I’m believing the Dodgers know what they have with the upcoming prospects and that’s why they’re getting their chance. Because it’s really not the chance so many fear. All of them are show ready and if any are unable to stay with the Dodgers they’ll still be playing in the majors although perhaps on a different team. It’s the only way to make use of the talent. If they become trade bait it’s best to showcase them first to get the most in return.
Okay so how about this lineup if Outman doesn’t hit in spring training. And Vargas does and they didn’t trade for anybody. I have this. In Leftfield Taylor in Centerfield I have Betts and in Rightfield I have Heyward that’s your outfield because the dodgers didn’t get any trades made. Now your infield is Vargas at third base and Lux at shortstop Muncy at second base and the only position player that we know of Freeman at first base and then Smith at Catcher. That’s your 2023 Dodgers because they wouldn’t trade for anybody.
Your lineup is.
Lux
Betts
Freeman
JD Martinez
Smith
Heyward
Vargas
Taylor
Bench is
Barnes
Thompson
Rojas
Duggar
Outman
I keep looking at the bench players and wonder. Is that a good enough player to come up in a playoff game. And go oh boy Duggar is pinch hitting and do the Dodgers have any other infielders that could make the team rather then Rojas.
My gut tells me there’s no reason to rush into a trade for Reynolds and/or Adames when we have a few months to assess the talent on hand. We know the big questions:
–Can Lux deliver at SS?
–Will the rookies produce?
–Can former all-stars Muncy and Taylor bounce back?
MLB.com’s Toribio reports that Lux has added 15 pounds of muscle, which should help the power of his bat and his arm. He might be better than Adames.
Major regional sports cable company, Sinclair, filing bankruptcy. Can’t meet this years cable payouts. Maybe the reason Moreno couldn’t find a buyer for Angels. This will be interesting how it plays out. Teams with the most ten year contracts loses. Unless you have Cohen cash.
Mets just handed out another multi-year contract as they gave Jeff McNeill a four-year extension that could net 63.75 million. There will not be a Danny Duffy-Dodger reunion this season as he signed a deal with the Rangers. He, Travis Jankowski and Clint Frazier all signed minor league deals. Three free agent pitchers held showcases for scouts. Cole Hamels, Derek Holland and Kyle Crick. Crick is the youngest of the trio at 30. Hamels is 39, and Holland, 36. The Brewers signed one of the best names in baseball, Skye Bolt to a minor league deal. 29, Bolt has had limited time in the majors and has never really done much. But ya gotta love that name.
I am going to enjoy this ride immensely!
19 Days until Official Reporting Day.
Good morning ob. Absolutely would still love Brian Reynolds! But have had reality set in. Not actually sold on the belief that trace Thompson even makes opening day roster. But I have started thinking (not out loud) that heyward might just be this years big surprise ! Reuniting with Freddie may just be the boost his career needs. Not saying 300 hitter or 30 homers but a solid 260-275 with outstanding defense. Agree with mark, leave lux at 2nd, not muncy! If Vargas hits , and I believe he will left field his his. Muncy at third and Rojas @ss. Pitching will be top 4 in national league. Julio will win cy young write it down and Freddie wins mvp. My 2 cents on a Saturday morning here in Virginia! Go hoos!