Andrew Friedman is a Liar

[ocram23]

I don't believe a word this guy says.

He says Roberts is the one making all of the decisions in game time scenarios. Yeah right.

Explain the fact that in every game Roberts treats the pitchers the same no matter who they are and what game they are in. I will tell you why because this is a systematic thought process that is handed down from Friedman and the group.

Look at Roberts during a game and he has the notebook right next to him. that is prepared by Friedman and co. prior to every game. Nobody can convince me Roberts is making these judgements on his own.

This way of doing things works in regular season but it is quite obvious the way they manage a game doesn't work in the playoffs.

I realize they couldn't hit and their superstars did not step up but Dodgers don't manufacture any runs. That is a philosophy from the top.

shit has got to change

[Ramman2999]

Yeah I see Roberts looking at that sheet.

In the playoffs you gotta go by feel. You gotta go by gut. Because in the playoffs emotions are different guys cringe in the playoffs that’s why they have playoff performers.

Still didn’t know why they didn’t have Kimbrel on the playoff roster.


Roberts let it slip in the postgame when he said the plan was to have Phillips close it. When you say that. You are admiting you had a script. You didn’t bring in Phillips because he was supposed to close. That was the script. That was the script they had.

Regardless Anderson only gave up two hits 5 innings pitched. 5th inning he comes out.

[ocram23]

Yeah I see Roberts looking at that sheet.

In the playoffs you gotta go by feel. You gotta go by gut. Because in the playoffs emotions are different guys cringe in the playoffs that’s why they have playoff performers.

Still didn’t know why they didn’t have Kimbrel on the playoff roster.


Roberts let it slip in the postgame when he said the plan was to have Phillips close it. When you say that. You are admiting you had a script. You didn’t bring in Phillips because he was supposed to close. That was the script. That was the script they had.

Regardless Anderson only gave up two hits 5 innings pitched. 5th inning he comes out.

Kimbrel sucks that is why he wasn't on the roster
Yeah I heard that about Phillips too. He got roasted on the radio about that. You can't wait to put a game in during an elimination game. Clearly Roberts is not comfortable in this setting.
Anderson should have never been pulled out

[Ramman2999]

Anderson should’ve never been pulled out. It’s like in Basketball they never pull a lineup or player when a team is on a run. But Roberts pulls a pitcher who is dealing. You never pull that pitcher.

[GoldenRam]

Yeah I see Roberts looking at that sheet.

In the playoffs you gotta go by feel. You gotta go by gut. Because in the playoffs emotions are different guys cringe in the playoffs that’s why they have playoff performers.

Still didn’t know why they didn’t have Kimbrel on the playoff roster.


Roberts let it slip in the postgame when he said the plan was to have Phillips close it. When you say that. You are admiting you had a script. You didn’t bring in Phillips because he was supposed to close. That was the script. That was the script they had.

Regardless Anderson only gave up two hits 5 innings pitched. 5th inning he comes out.

That we had *anyone* penciled or otherwise considered for closing other than Chris Martin is stupidity beyond all proportion. Dude and sub .60 WHIP and was like 35/3 SO/BB and was literally lights out for us, minus one early game. After that clinker, nobody could touch him.

If Roberts is only here because he is the sock puppet for the front office, that shows several possible alternatives:

1. FO doesn't trust him
2. They brought him in to be a "players" guy
3. They are happy becoming the current version of the Braves, you
know the team of *14* straight division titles and *1* WS win.
4. They figure long as we snag 1 WS every 10 years or so, the fans will
be happy

The other thing it would show, to me, is a lack of self-respect on Roberts part. Happy to be that highly paid FO puppet, and eventual scapegoat.

This is why I no longer get worked up. When fans care more about the outcome than the teams owners/FO do, it's a waste of time, to "Bleed Blue" or whatever tripe saying each team has.

[ocram23]

Yeah I see Roberts looking at that sheet.

In the playoffs you gotta go by feel. You gotta go by gut. Because in the playoffs emotions are different guys cringe in the playoffs that’s why they have playoff performers.

Still didn’t know why they didn’t have Kimbrel on the playoff roster.


Roberts let it slip in the postgame when he said the plan was to have Phillips close it. When you say that. You are admiting you had a script. You didn’t bring in Phillips because he was supposed to close. That was the script. That was the script they had.

Regardless Anderson only gave up two hits 5 innings pitched. 5th inning he comes out.

That we had *anyone* penciled or otherwise considered for closing other than Chris Martin is stupidity beyond all proportion. Dude and sub .60 WHIP and was like 35/3 SO/BB and was literally lights out for us, minus one early game. After that clinker, nobody could touch him.

If Roberts is only here because he is the sock puppet for the front office, that shows several possible alternatives:

1. FO doesn't trust him
2. They brought him in to be a "players" guy
3. They are happy becoming the current version of the Braves, you
know the team of *14* straight division titles and *1* WS win.
4. They figure long as we snag 1 WS every 10 years or so, the fans will
be happy

The other thing it would show, to me, is a lack of self-respect on Roberts part. Happy to be that highly paid FO puppet, and eventual scapegoat.

This is why I no longer get worked up. When fans care more about the outcome than the teams owners/FO do, it's a waste of time, to "Bleed Blue" or whatever tripe saying each team has.

I think the egos are so big with Friedman and his cronies they are making the decisions. that is why I don't give a crap what he says in these press conferences because he is a liar and will never admit to it. I think Roberts winning record speaks to his strengths but he absolutely sucks in big pressure games i.e. the playoffs. I also don't think he has much of a choice either as far as when to pull guys and when to keep them in.

[GoldenRam]

That we had *anyone* penciled or otherwise considered for closing other than Chris Martin is stupidity beyond all proportion. Dude and sub .60 WHIP and was like 35/3 SO/BB and was literally lights out for us, minus one early game. After that clinker, nobody could touch him.

If Roberts is only here because he is the sock puppet for the front office, that shows several possible alternatives:

1. FO doesn't trust him
2. They brought him in to be a "players" guy
3. They are happy becoming the current version of the Braves, you
know the team of *14* straight division titles and *1* WS win.
4. They figure long as we snag 1 WS every 10 years or so, the fans will
be happy

The other thing it would show, to me, is a lack of self-respect on Roberts part. Happy to be that highly paid FO puppet, and eventual scapegoat.

This is why I no longer get worked up. When fans care more about the outcome than the teams owners/FO do, it's a waste of time, to "Bleed Blue" or whatever tripe saying each team has.

I think the egos are so big with Friedman and his cronies they are making the decisions. that is why I don't give a crap what he says in these press conferences because he is a liar and will never admit to it. I think Roberts winning record speaks to his strengths but he absolutely sucks in big pressure games i.e. the playoffs. I also don't think he has much of a choice either as far as when to pull guys and when to keep them in.

Well, for the most part, those jobs do not become available to you if you don't have a rather large ego, you just never get considered.

That said, there is a crosstown model that shows the results of that sort of FO interference, not a long way to gaze at and seed the disastrous ramifications. Granted, we have been winning regular season games, a lot because over the long haul, breaks even out, team slumps cancel each other and rosters are generally set, but you add/subtract pretty much as needed and the Dodgers do a lot of that.

Injury luck factors in .. a healthy Buehler makes a big difference, Gonsolin not getting injured late so that he was essentially a non factor also helps. Blake Treinen and his .40 WHIP, helps. All teams get them, but this year seemed like the only ones the Dodgers got were to key pitchers.

Also helps when you don't have 2 regulars, especially with power basically at the .200 level. To his credit, Muncy does find ways to help at the plate with walks, #4 in MLB if I recall, but having bats capable, at their best of hitting 75+ HR's a year combined, firing blanks hurts. I think Muncy's elbow bothered him all year, and with Bellinger, who the hell knows. I think it's a mental thing now, and I were the Dodgers I would send his ass to the shrink that worker with Artest, frankly IO would have done that with Kershaw early when he was getting bombed in the playoffs after dominant regular seasons

I AGREE 100% that Roberts just sucks ass in playoff situations. You get to the playoffs, you have to unafraid to *and* allowed to, sit players who are a hindrance and move players, especially in the batting order. Mookie may once have been a great leadoff hitter, he is not one now. We should have had Trea Turner there all year. Will Smith should probably have hit cleanup all year, or Mookie, given the power threats.

ON top of that, Friedman and his buds chose Turner over Seager. Now, I don't necessarily disagree with that, but you now have not signed Turner. It could have been done before the season, or even during, now they waited, he's a FA, and he is going east, likely the Phillies. He is an East Coast guy and has made no bones about wanting to play there, but he would have resigned here had we not fiddled while our Rome burned. So it is highly likely that we not only lose a hard to replace bat, but also our *2nd* top shortstop in 2 years.

And for all this vaunted farm system, seems like everyone we bring up stinks. I think this organization is in more disarray than we realize

[ocram23]

I think the egos are so big with Friedman and his cronies they are making the decisions. that is why I don't give a crap what he says in these press conferences because he is a liar and will never admit to it. I think Roberts winning record speaks to his strengths but he absolutely sucks in big pressure games i.e. the playoffs. I also don't think he has much of a choice either as far as when to pull guys and when to keep them in.

Well, for the most part, those jobs do not become available to you if you don't have a rather large ego, you just never get considered.

That said, there is a crosstown model that shows the results of that sort of FO interference, not a long way to gaze at and seed the disastrous ramifications. Granted, we have been winning regular season games, a lot because over the long haul, breaks even out, team slumps cancel each other and rosters are generally set, but you add/subtract pretty much as needed and the Dodgers do a lot of that.

Injury luck factors in .. a healthy Buehler makes a big difference, Gonsolin not getting injured late so that he was essentially a non factor also helps. Blake Treinen and his .40 WHIP, helps. All teams get them, but this year seemed like the only ones the Dodgers got were to key pitchers.

Also helps when you don't have 2 regulars, especially with power basically at the .200 level. To his credit, Muncy does find ways to help at the plate with walks, #4 in MLB if I recall, but having bats capable, at their best of hitting 75+ HR's a year combined, firing blanks hurts. I think Muncy's elbow bothered him all year, and with Bellinger, who the hell knows. I think it's a mental thing now, and I were the Dodgers I would send his ass to the shrink that worker with Artest, frankly IO would have done that with Kershaw early when he was getting bombed in the playoffs after dominant regular seasons

I AGREE 100% that Roberts just sucks ass in playoff situations. You get to the playoffs, you have to unafraid to *and* allowed to, sit players who are a hindrance and move players, especially in the batting order. Mookie may once have been a great leadoff hitter, he is not one now. We should have had Trea Turner there all year. Will Smith should probably have hit cleanup all year, or Mookie, given the power threats.

ON top of that, Friedman and his buds chose Turner over Seager. Now, I don't necessarily disagree with that, but you now have not signed Turner. It could have been done before the season, or even during, now they waited, he's a FA, and he is going east, likely the Phillies. He is an East Coast guy and has made no bones about wanting to play there, but he would have resigned here had we not fiddled while our Rome burned. So it is highly likely that we not only lose a hard to replace bat, but also our *2nd* top shortstop in 2 years.

And for all this vaunted farm system, seems like everyone we bring up stinks. I think this organization is in more disarray than we realize

was a big Seager fan but Turner is better and they should try to keep him but I think the chances of him returning are slim to none.
Friedman is running the show I am convinced of that. Roberts is his puppet.
The farm system is loaded so I think you bring up Vargas and Outman next year along with their stud young catcher and have him play with Smith.
I think you have to let Bellinger go, J. Turner is gone too.
Not a huge fan of the contract they signed Taylor too either.
You are right the injuries to the pitching staff did not help. Don't forget May in that too.

[GoldenRam]

I was big on Seager as well, not a big homer guy but crushed it with doubles. About the same defensively, but at 6'4", Seager would be better off at one of the corner spots.

I was really hoping to keep Trea, but pretty sure that ship has sailed.
If we somehow manage to keep him, he has to be moved into leadoff, though I have to check something. I think with the DH, they hang onto Justin 1 more. His power stroke is pretty much gone, but he came on late and had a ton of doubles, but his days playing third have to be done. Need to take a look at Lux there maybe. Muncy's best position is occupado, and his next best is 2B. If you lose Turner, you can make Muncy the regular DH, and spot start him now and them, to rest players.

If we lose Trea, gotta find an on base% speedball at the top. Cartaya, the catcher, probably not ready. Only in A+ ball. That's a big jump. Vargas should be, but here is what I mean. They have Busch listed as Dodgers 4th best prospect. He is now 24. I have been hearing how he's the next up for a few years now, and there he sits, in the minors.
Cartaya 22 HR, but .254 avg, which is countered by and 892 OPS, and he has a K rate 26.7. Think they salt and pepper, maybe a little garlic, and season him another year. Might want to take a look at the below, or not. Gives a little insight. Midseason Dodgers farm ranked 2. Angels dead freakin last

https://www.mlb.com/prospects/stats?tea ... 22&minPA=1

Not sure who might be out there for us to take a shot at. I really wanted Soto, for two reasons. Walks a ton, so he'll be on base a bunch, but also he's Trea Turners best bud and I thought that would help us with Turner
I 100% agree on Bellinger. Dude is just frickin lost at the plate and if it's because he's not playing 1B, one more reason to dump him, cause Freeman ain't going anywhere soon.

[ocram23]

I was big on Seager as well, not a big homer guy but crushed it with doubles. About the same defensively, but at 6'4", Seager would be better off at one of the corner spots.

I was really hoping to keep Trea, but pretty sure that ship has sailed.
If we somehow manage to keep him, he has to be moved into leadoff, though I have to check something. I think with the DH, they hang onto Justin 1 more. His power stroke is pretty much gone, but he came on late and had a ton of doubles, but his days playing third have to be done. Need to take a look at Lux there maybe. Muncy's best position is occupado, and his next best is 2B. If you lose Turner, you can make Muncy the regular DH, and spot start him now and them, to rest players.

If we lose Trea, gotta find an on base% speedball at the top. Cartaya, the catcher, probably not ready. Only in A+ ball. That's a big jump. Vargas should be, but here is what I mean. They have Busch listed as Dodgers 4th best prospect. He is now 24. I have been hearing how he's the next up for a few years now, and there he sits, in the minors.
Cartaya 22 HR, but .254 avg, which is countered by and 892 OPS, and he has a K rate 26.7. Think they salt and pepper, maybe a little garlic, and season him another year. Might want to take a look at the below, or not. Gives a little insight. Midseason Dodgers farm ranked 2. Angels dead freakin last

https://www.mlb.com/prospects/stats?tea ... 22&minPA=1

Not sure who might be out there for us to take a shot at. I really wanted Soto, for two reasons. Walks a ton, so he'll be on base a bunch, but also he's Trea Turners best bud and I thought that would help us with Turner
I 100% agree on Bellinger. Dude is just frickin lost at the plate and if it's because he's not playing 1B, one more reason to dump him, cause Freeman ain't going anywhere soon.

sad to watch Beli get this bad. He has to be a goner they can't have him in the lineup anymore even though you could argue he is the best defensive CF in baseball.
Loved Seager but he was always hurt. Had no problem letting him go.
TTurner would love to see stay but I don't think he wants to play on the west coast.
JT is done IMO.
Muncy absolutely sucks at 3B, agree with you he is a DH or 2B but that is it. Get him out of 3B.
I think Vargas and Outman need a chance. Platoon Taylor and Thompson in between.
For gods sake go out and sign a true #1 starter.

[GoldenRam]

I'd loved a true #1, but rather than the formula for the magic elixir of a certain, to be unnamed here, team. Seems everyone that goes there suddenly shows much higher spin rate and increased velocity. Now, it could be just "luck", but really?

Not sure who might be available, and t be honest, I don't think many *true* number 1's exist right now. I think Buehler may be done, but whether he is or isn't, not going to be there next year. Urias has blossomed nicely, will be interesting to see Gonsolin next season as well as May, who was ahead of Gonsolin until his injury. I'd like to see another year of Anderson, who to me, was more of a surprise than Gonsolin. I'd bring back Kersh as a 3/4 starter, if he wants to come back, and maybe ask him to work on back flexibility during the offseason. When he pitched last season, outside of a couple of outings, he pitched well. 12-3 2.62 ERA, .96 WHIP, lot better than you'd get from a lot of 3/4 starters. I really think JT bought himself one more year, but only as DH. If Belli could get his ass out of head, work with *someone* who knows ass from elbow and work out a mechanically sound *repeatable* shortened swing, I'd look at him in ST and decide from there, but I believe that's Never Never Land thinking, so, like you, I think he's got to hit the bricks. He and Muncy hittiing 4 and 6 could have been big power surge for the Dodgers. Although I think Muncy's best year was hitting second. Between his power and ability to draw walks, he made a decent #2 hitter. I suspect we'll see something like this if TT leaves.Vargas and Rios battle it out for 3rd base, realizing that Vargas also plays OF. Lux slides to his natural SS position, Muncy to 2nd or DH, depending on whether they bring back JT. I would *love* to get in on the Judge chase, if he goes FA, and I think he's an absolute *idiot* if he doesn't. Yanks will keep a candle in the window for him, but he may find a better situation, say with a team that needs just his kind of production to get over the top, and counter some moves from division foes. Freeman stays at first. Bellinger is the wild card. If he figures shit out, he's in CF. Vargas/Taylor in left, Mookie in right. Taylor also backs up CF and 2B. If he keeps striking out more than he hits, with virtually no power DFA his ass and find someone who understands nothing positive comes from continually missing when you swing. Taylor swings like a guy hitting 40 HR's a year. If Vargas wins 3B and Muncy plays 2B, Rios can be the DH, or platoon there with spot starts at 3B and maybe 1B. I'd like Barnes gone, but K comes back, so does Barnes. Right now I don't see a better option until Cartaya, but he's not making that jump from A+ to the Show. Kimbrel needs to hit the bricks as well. What an absolute stinker of a deal. Not that Pollock was all that, but did well for us and we could have used his bat. Either get out there and grab a top closer or hand the job to Martin and see how he does. I'm tired of Graterol, Kahnle doesn't do it for me either. Martin, Treinen, Ferguson,Phillips and Vesia I'm fine with, but that still leaves some holes to fill. Lastly we *have* to get a bomber in the middle of that lineup, preferably RH.

[ocram23]

I'd loved a true #1, but rather than the formula for the magic elixir of a certain, to be unnamed here, team. Seems everyone that goes there suddenly shows much higher spin rate and increased velocity. Now, it could be just "luck", but really?

Not sure who might be available, and t be honest, I don't think many *true* number 1's exist right now. I think Buehler may be done, but whether he is or isn't, not going to be there next year. Urias has blossomed nicely, will be interesting to see Gonsolin next season as well as May, who was ahead of Gonsolin until his injury. I'd like to see another year of Anderson, who to me, was more of a surprise than Gonsolin. I'd bring back Kersh as a 3/4 starter, if he wants to come back, and maybe ask him to work on back flexibility during the offseason. When he pitched last season, outside of a couple of outings, he pitched well. 12-3 2.62 ERA, .96 WHIP, lot better than you'd get from a lot of 3/4 starters. I really think JT bought himself one more year, but only as DH. If Belli could get his ass out of head, work with *someone* who knows ass from elbow and work out a mechanically sound *repeatable* shortened swing, I'd look at him in ST and decide from there, but I believe that's Never Never Land thinking, so, like you, I think he's got to hit the bricks. He and Muncy hittiing 4 and 6 could have been big power surge for the Dodgers. Although I think Muncy's best year was hitting second. Between his power and ability to draw walks, he made a decent #2 hitter. I suspect we'll see something like this if TT leaves.Vargas and Rios battle it out for 3rd base, realizing that Vargas also plays OF. Lux slides to his natural SS position, Muncy to 2nd or DH, depending on whether they bring back JT. I would *love* to get in on the Judge chase, if he goes FA, and I think he's an absolute *idiot* if he doesn't. Yanks will keep a candle in the window for him, but he may find a better situation, say with a team that needs just his kind of production to get over the top, and counter some moves from division foes. Freeman stays at first. Bellinger is the wild card. If he figures shit out, he's in CF. Vargas/Taylor in left, Mookie in right. Taylor also backs up CF and 2B. If he keeps striking out more than he hits, with virtually no power DFA his ass and find someone who understands nothing positive comes from continually missing when you swing. Taylor swings like a guy hitting 40 HR's a year. If Vargas wins 3B and Muncy plays 2B, Rios can be the DH, or platoon there with spot starts at 3B and maybe 1B. I'd like Barnes gone, but K comes back, so does Barnes. Right now I don't see a better option until Cartaya, but he's not making that jump from A+ to the Show. Kimbrel needs to hit the bricks as well. What an absolute stinker of a deal. Not that Pollock was all that, but did well for us and we could have used his bat. Either get out there and grab a top closer or hand the job to Martin and see how he does. I'm tired of Graterol, Kahnle doesn't do it for me either. Martin, Treinen, Ferguson,Phillips and Vesia I'm fine with, but that still leaves some holes to fill. Lastly we *have* to get a bomber in the middle of that lineup, preferably RH.

the Beli experiment is over this guy can not hit. he is getting worse. sucks because I love his defensive play but as someone on Dodger talk said it is like having the pitcher hit in the lineup. can't have that.
Not a fan of Rios but I agree maybe give him and Vargas a try at 3b. Lux at SS would be a complete disaster IMO. He can barely make the throw from 2b. Buehler will be fine but he won't be there next yr. May is going to be key in this. Anderson is a FA and they need to freakin sign him for sure but he is going to warrant a ton of money. Barnes is gone IMO they have a stud young C in the minors, forget his name, that they should bring up.
Make no mistake they will make a huge effort to sign Judge but I think they are a big longshot. I think it is between the Yankees and Giants.

[GoldenRam]

I think at the end of the day Belli is gone as well, now we have a hole in center. Taylor can play center pretty well, but again .. that bat .. The catcher is Cartaya, but he's in A+ ball, he's at least a year away I believe. We need to find some FA's out there to fill some holes.

[ocram23]

I think at the end of the day Belli is gone as well, now we have a hole in center. Taylor can play center pretty well, but again .. that bat .. The catcher is Cartaya, but he's in A+ ball, he's at least a year away I believe. We need to find some FA's out there to fill some holes.

if they do pursue Judge hard and somehow get him then they can move Betts to center. Taylor is a platoon guy and nothing more IMO.

They may bring up Cartaya and get rid of Barnes. At some point in time you have to promote these guys to see what they can do

[GoldenRam]

True .. but expecting much of anything in the bigs from a player that low in the minors just isn't a great idea. The odd player now and then does it, but it ruins a lot of careers before they get started. It's also not about hitting, though that would be a good sized part of it, or even if he's a good defensive catcher. The biggest things are calling the game, for which you have to know the pitchers strengths, the batters weaknesses, know when a certain pitch just isn't working, and have the respect of the pitcher enough so that he trusts your calls. If you're constantly shaking him off, it's going to create problems, especially if it's your ace. The other trick, and it's so important that Yasmani Grandal still has a career in MLB. Framing pitches well enough to get you that strike you want/need. Not going to get all of them, but good pitch framers get more than their fair share of calls in their favor. It's an art and you just don't pick that up in a couple of weeks/months. Some guys never get good at it. It's one of the reasons some pitchers have their "personal" catchers. Remember Steve Carlton would only pitch to McCarver iirc. Nobody else, unless Tim was injured and couldn't play. Kershaw has Barnes and I'm sure there are others. There is more "art" in catching than almost all other positions. Pitching obviously, but most positions are just what they are. Infield, you field ground balls, you make throws. There used to be some art in turning the double play with the "in the neighborhood" base tap to turn it, but now, you don't hit the bag, dude is safe. NOw there are some guys like OZ, who could make every play look like art, but that is just the Creator given physical and sometimes mental gifts that mere mortals don't possess. Outfield even more straight forward, ball gets through charge and get it in quickly. Fly ball, track it, catch/field it, get it in quickly. Some outfielders make an art out of climbing fences to make ridiculous catches others can't. but it's not the same.

I expect he'll get run in ST and probably promoted to AA. If he does well enough in AA, he could get a call.

Honestly, this is going to be a very interesting offseason for the Dodgers, and crucial to how long we can keep the wolves at bay.
Somehow snagging Judge would be staggering for us. Having that killer bat in the middle of the lineup.

Reason I think Mookie stays in right is his arm. That's the spot you put you best arm and other than Bellinger our guys don't have a lot of strong arms. The Matt Kemp/Andre Ethier dynamic allowed the Dodgers to play Kemp in center because Ethier's arm was almost or just as good so rather than losing anything they actually gained by having a stronger than normal arm in center.

I remember Ankiel in CF. I always rooted for the guy. I mean his brain went south on him and he was pretty much savaged out of baseball. made himself a halfway decent hitter and back to the bigs as an outfielder. Whatever he couldn't do on the mound he sure as hell *could* do out there. What a freakin arm that dude had

[GoldenRam]

OCRAM my friend .. want a little depression in your life?
https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-2022-23-fr ... y-position

That link is to MLB's Free Agents this offseason

I saw like 3 players who actually interested me, well 4, but some of these guys are HUH? Even Judge. All that power, He has just 2 seasons over 30 HR's. Last year and 5 years ago. Those are also the 100+ RBI seasons he's had, with 497 career. Does have a ridiculous career OPS though. IN reality there is F all on the market and the only possible #1 starters on the list might have been 4 or 5 years ago, but not now., and bunch of them just old. DeGrom of the Mets, who I thought about, and the dude is 35 and hasn't won 100 in his career. Same Syndegaard, all the hype year after year, guy has 57 wins in his career. Correa and Bogaerts are there, Correa directly and Bogaerts can opt out. Might try for one of them if Turner is indeed gone.
Also didn't realize that JT is 38, with a club option. I think his .274 with 81 RBI probably gets the option exercised. Kersh, I would still offer him a solid deal. 35 12-3 2.28 .96 WHIP. Nothing out there better, I'm concerned about whether he wants another year here. I think at some point he wants to pitch in Texas, and this could be the year he says he's done in CA. Watch him go to a certain club and his spin rate increase about 500 and his velocity suddenly jump to 95-96.

anyway, Should have been in bed an hour ago

[ocram23]

True .. but expecting much of anything in the bigs from a player that low in the minors just isn't a great idea. The odd player now and then does it, but it ruins a lot of careers before they get started. It's also not about hitting, though that would be a good sized part of it, or even if he's a good defensive catcher. The biggest things are calling the game, for which you have to know the pitchers strengths, the batters weaknesses, know when a certain pitch just isn't working, and have the respect of the pitcher enough so that he trusts your calls. If you're constantly shaking him off, it's going to create problems, especially if it's your ace. The other trick, and it's so important that Yasmani Grandal still has a career in MLB. Framing pitches well enough to get you that strike you want/need. Not going to get all of them, but good pitch framers get more than their fair share of calls in their favor. It's an art and you just don't pick that up in a couple of weeks/months. Some guys never get good at it. It's one of the reasons some pitchers have their "personal" catchers. Remember Steve Carlton would only pitch to McCarver iirc. Nobody else, unless Tim was injured and couldn't play. Kershaw has Barnes and I'm sure there are others. There is more "art" in catching than almost all other positions. Pitching obviously, but most positions are just what they are. Infield, you field ground balls, you make throws. There used to be some art in turning the double play with the "in the neighborhood" base tap to turn it, but now, you don't hit the bag, dude is safe. NOw there are some guys like OZ, who could make every play look like art, but that is just the Creator given physical and sometimes mental gifts that mere mortals don't possess. Outfield even more straight forward, ball gets through charge and get it in quickly. Fly ball, track it, catch/field it, get it in quickly. Some outfielders make an art out of climbing fences to make ridiculous catches others can't. but it's not the same.

I expect he'll get run in ST and probably promoted to AA. If he does well enough in AA, he could get a call.

Honestly, this is going to be a very interesting offseason for the Dodgers, and crucial to how long we can keep the wolves at bay.
Somehow snagging Judge would be staggering for us. Having that killer bat in the middle of the lineup.

Reason I think Mookie stays in right is his arm. That's the spot you put you best arm and other than Bellinger our guys don't have a lot of strong arms. The Matt Kemp/Andre Ethier dynamic allowed the Dodgers to play Kemp in center because Ethier's arm was almost or just as good so rather than losing anything they actually gained by having a stronger than normal arm in center.

I remember Ankiel in CF. I always rooted for the guy. I mean his brain went south on him and he was pretty much savaged out of baseball. made himself a halfway decent hitter and back to the bigs as an outfielder. Whatever he couldn't do on the mound he sure as hell *could* do out there. What a freakin arm that dude had

fyi most catchers in the bigs don't call games. it comes from the bench.
there is talk if they go after Judge Betts may move back to 2B.
OMG Ankiel had the best arm I have ever seen.
Bottom line they have to resign Anderson and then sign 1 more pitcher FA. team needs front line pitchers

[GoldenRam]

Betts to 2B .. Judge plays RF then I would guess. That would Muncy in permanent DH/spotstarter 1B/2B/3B, unless they keep JT and don't have a better option for 3B. If they dump Belli .. now they need a CF.
PItching is going to be a flat out bitch without some sort of trade or a minor league pitching prospect paying off big. There just are *no* top pitchers on the market this offseason. Usually at 1 or 2 come up, not this time. Rodon is on the market, but I think SF keeps him and not crazy about his WHIP. That's one thing Dodgers pitchers learn for the most part. They don't compound their problems with a lot of walks.
Kersh and Urias were both a .96 and there were *8* pitchers on the team lower. Which I guess is a good reason you win 110 regular season games

[ocram23]

Betts to 2B .. Judge plays RF then I would guess. That would Muncy in permanent DH/spotstarter 1B/2B/3B, unless they keep JT and don't have a better option for 3B. If they dump Belli .. now they need a CF.
PItching is going to be a flat out bitch without some sort of trade or a minor league pitching prospect paying off big. There just are *no* top pitchers on the market this offseason. Usually at 1 or 2 come up, not this time. Rodon is on the market, but I think SF keeps him and not crazy about his WHIP. That's one thing Dodgers pitchers learn for the most part. They don't compound their problems with a lot of walks.
Kersh and Urias were both a .96 and there were *8* pitchers on the team lower. Which I guess is a good reason you win 110 regular season games

IMO pitching should be the #1 priority but if they think May and Gasolin are healthy and they resign Anderson they may not think that. I think Kershaw will be back for 1 more year. that gives you 4 starters.
You could also move Betts to CF IMO. JT and Beli should not be on this team come spring training.

[GoldenRam]

I agree on the pitching, just a matter of how to acquire it. In reality, Kersh is the best available FA pitcher. So the only way to upgrade starters that i can see is trade. One of our minors pitchers could step up. By the end of the season Pepiot was doing better. As for trade, as normal humans, we have no idea who might be on the market BTW, *IF* May is well enough and Gonsolin come anywhere close to repeating last season, Kersh and Anderson both come back. we have five starters. Still have Urias. I know the Angels just extended him, but wonder if the Dodgers take at least a small run at Ohtani? Might be problematic as he'll want the DH job when not pitching, which means finding a position for Muncy. They're not paying the guy 13mil next season to sit on the bench and spot start. How about this lineup:

SS Turner
CF Betts
1B Freeman
RF Judge
2B Muncy
DH Ohtani
C Smith
3B Lux
LF Vargas

Pitchers
Urias
Gonsolin
Anderson
Kershaw
May
Pepiot
Martin
Ferguson
Treinen
Hudson
Phillips
Vesia

Bench
Taylor
Rios
Outman

Still need couple of players and if we can upgrade the last two bullpen guys, go for it. Hopefully Hudson comes back strong, as well as Treinen. Kimbrel comes under addition by subtraction

[ocram23]

I agree on the pitching, just a matter of how to acquire it. In reality, Kersh is the best available FA pitcher. So the only way to upgrade starters that i can see is trade. One of our minors pitchers could step up. By the end of the season Pepiot was doing better. As for trade, as normal humans, we have no idea who might be on the market BTW, *IF* May is well enough and Gonsolin come anywhere close to repeating last season, Kersh and Anderson both come back. we have five starters. Still have Urias. I know the Angels just extended him, but wonder if the Dodgers take at least a small run at Ohtani? Might be problematic as he'll want the DH job when not pitching, which means finding a position for Muncy. They're not paying the guy 13mil next season to sit on the bench and spot start. How about this lineup:

SS Turner
CF Betts
1B Freeman
RF Judge
2B Muncy
DH Ohtani
C Smith
3B Lux
LF Vargas

Pitchers
Urias
Gonsolin
Anderson
Kershaw
May
Pepiot
Martin
Ferguson
Treinen
Hudson
Phillips
Vesia

Bench
Taylor
Rios
Outman

Still need couple of players and if we can upgrade the last two bullpen guys, go for it. Hopefully Hudson comes back strong, as well as Treinen. Kimbrel comes under addition by subtraction

IMO you have to take Turner out of this lineup. he is gone. Lux at 3B??? better than Muncy i think.
Love Judge but I don't see that happening either. I think he chooses between NY and SF.
Ohtani??? Come on do you know how much this guy will garner? He is not an FA until after next year so you would have to trade for him and that would be a massive cost to the organization.
what about Outman??? I like him

[GoldenRam]

That was my "if the planets are positioned *just* right" lineup.
Outman is a big guy, so likely he gets a shot at LF, if the FO likes him. We know Roberts opinion means nothing.. MO, if Turner is gone, they go with Lux at SS. It's his natural position and the only reason he hasn't been playing there is Seager, then Turner. Only other guy on the current roster who could play SS is Taylor. At least Lux hit last season. So, at this point we would be

1B Freeman
2B Lux
SS Taylor
3B Vargas
C Smith
LF Outman
RF Betts
CF ?

That lineup ain't scaring anybody. Not sure that lineup is an 80 win team. We either need someone in the minors to step up big time. or find a big bat outfield (then move Mookie to CF) A SS (Correa is on the market) either in FA or by trade. We also have to be ready to pull the trigger in season if Vargas and our Outman aren't ready.

I'll have to look sometime this weekend and see who all is on the market. I posted a link. I'll double check, but outside of Judge and Correa, not much available

[ocram23]

That was my "if the planets are positioned *just* right" lineup.
Outman is a big guy, so likely he gets a shot at LF, if the FO likes him. We know Roberts opinion means nothing.. MO, if Turner is gone, they go with Lux at SS. It's his natural position and the only reason he hasn't been playing there is Seager, then Turner. Only other guy on the current roster who could play SS is Taylor. At least Lux hit last season. So, at this point we would be

1B Freeman
2B Lux
SS Taylor
3B Vargas
C Smith
LF Outman
RF Betts
CF ?

That lineup ain't scaring anybody. Not sure that lineup is an 80 win team. We either need someone in the minors to step up big time. or find a big bat outfield (then move Mookie to CF) A SS (Correa is on the market) either in FA or by trade. We also have to be ready to pull the trigger in season if Vargas and our Outman aren't ready.

I'll have to look sometime this weekend and see who all is on the market. I posted a link. I'll double check, but outside of Judge and Correa, not much available

Not a Correa fan at all. I agree the lineup above doesn't scare anyone. They will have to go out and get somebody IMO.

[GoldenRam]

Boegarts is on the market I believe, and if I recall he plays short, also Anderson is available .. but dude has a career OPS in the 700's. With 811 as league average, not exactly what I'd be looking for. Drury of Cinci is a FA, but hasn't done a lot. I suspect we'll end up back at good field no hit at SS unless we can mine a nugget someplace. The outfield really bugs me, but at least we're not constrained by looking only for a CF. Since Mookie can slide over, we can look for the best we can grab at either and go from there. I don't rec all when the last time the offseason was so unsettled. If both Turners are gone, thats 181 RBI we have to make up, not to mention losing TT's 194 hits at the top of the lineup.We lose a little with Belli as well 20+ HR and another 60+ RBI. We very well could be an entirely different team offensively. While Muncy is never gonna be a high average guy, if he can return to the 35 bombs guy, that would help. He normally has a good OPS and he's a very good career Secondary Average player, thanks to the walks. What puzzles me when I think of him is that when he was called up I thought Peters was the guy coming. Now 5 years later and Peters has never made it. Sure could stand to find another Piazza type in the minors somewhere. The pitching staff is even worse, nto only with all the flux, but with the Bauer thing hanging over year after year. I know he's played his last game in LA, and most probably in the bigs, but, never know.

Look at this kid Primo on the Spurs. Suspicion is the reason for his release was exposing himself to women. However, pending additional information, reports is that several teams are interested in picking him up. Only takes 1 team

[ocram23]

Boegarts is on the market I believe, and if I recall he plays short, also Anderson is available .. but dude has a career OPS in the 700's. With 811 as league average, not exactly what I'd be looking for. Drury of Cinci is a FA, but hasn't done a lot. I suspect we'll end up back at good field no hit at SS unless we can mine a nugget someplace. The outfield really bugs me, but at least we're not constrained by looking only for a CF. Since Mookie can slide over, we can look for the best we can grab at either and go from there. I don't rec all when the last time the offseason was so unsettled. If both Turners are gone, thats 181 RBI we have to make up, not to mention losing TT's 194 hits at the top of the lineup.We lose a little with Belli as well 20+ HR and another 60+ RBI. We very well could be an entirely different team offensively. While Muncy is never gonna be a high average guy, if he can return to the 35 bombs guy, that would help. He normally has a good OPS and he's a very good career Secondary Average player, thanks to the walks. What puzzles me when I think of him is that when he was called up I thought Peters was the guy coming. Now 5 years later and Peters has never made it. Sure could stand to find another Piazza type in the minors somewhere. The pitching staff is even worse, nto only with all the flux, but with the Bauer thing hanging over year after year. I know he's played his last game in LA, and most probably in the bigs, but, never know.

Look at this kid Primo on the Spurs. Suspicion is the reason for his release was exposing himself to women. However, pending additional information, reports is that several teams are interested in picking him up. Only takes 1 team

Drury is on the Padres so not sure if they are going to re-sign him. I like Boegarts. Braves SS is available too would love to get him but not sure he will leave ATL.
Losing TT is going to hurt big time but I don't see him coming back.

[GoldenRam]

I don't see TT coming back either. I guess it may boil down to $$. Can the Dodgers offer him enough to sway him? They had 1 1/2 seasons to see how valuable he is.I don't believe we have any SS in the minors ready, and most likely not as good offensively. So the ball would appear to be in court of our FO.

[ocram23]

I don't see TT coming back either. I guess it may boil down to $$. Can the Dodgers offer him enough to sway him? They had 1 1/2 seasons to see how valuable he is.I don't believe we have any SS in the minors ready, and most likely not as good offensively. So the ball would appear to be in court of our FO.

he is going to get more than Seager got last year.....ton of $$$. I also don't think he wants to come back. He is an east coast guy.
I think Lux at SS will be a complete disaster. I think they will go after a FA.
we draft 5 SS's in last year's draft....so we will have a while for them to get better.

[Utah Rams Fan]

I think at the end of the day Belli is gone as well, now we have a hole in center. Taylor can play center pretty well, but again .. that bat .. The catcher is Cartaya, but he's in A+ ball, he's at least a year away I believe. We need to find some FA's out there to fill some holes.

Bring up Outman……he’s an outfielder and killed it with the bat during his short stint with the team. I think he should have made the post season roster over Vargas.

[ocram23]

I think at the end of the day Belli is gone as well, now we have a hole in center. Taylor can play center pretty well, but again .. that bat .. The catcher is Cartaya, but he's in A+ ball, he's at least a year away I believe. We need to find some FA's out there to fill some holes.

Bring up Outman……he’s an outfielder and killed it with the bat during his short stint with the team. I think he should have made the post season roster over Vargas.

Outman got exposed in the Giants series and struck out like 5 times. Vargas is their best hitting prospect IMO but both of them deserve to be brought up next year.
With the guys I mentioned that should not be coming back, Bellinger, there will be room for an OF spot. Plus Vargas plays 3B as well

[GoldenRam]

One of those things I'm counting on is Vargas with the dual position.
Depending on what moves are made, We get a 3B and no LF, Vargas slides out. Get a LF and no 3B, Vargas plays third. One thing about the Dodgers, at least since the Lasorda days .. they will changes guys positions. Guys like Russell, Garvey, Marshall, Belli, all moved to make room, or fill a need. So guys who are already dual position players have a lot more value, assuming they don't suck at both and can hit.
Forgot that last season they were giving Lux time in CF. At least it gets him off SS