The Dodgers could consider a trade to help their ailing pitching staff, but only if an “impact” arm could be acquired, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports (Twitter links). That said, rotation help could come from within, as Ross Stripling, Zach Lee and Carlos Frias are all in the running to be the fifth starter. Here’s more on the Dodgers…
- The Dodgers’ low-key offseason and now their spring injury plague has led to some pessimism about the club, as Sherman explores in a column. In not stripping the farm to acquire big names at either last July’s trade deadline or during the winter, however, the Dodgers feel they’ve amassed the depth necessary to withstand this injury bug. Yasiel Puig has also been in good form both on the field and in the clubhouse this spring.
- With all the injury gloom surrounding the Dodgers’ rotation, one major bright spot has been Kenta Maeda’s excellent Spring Training, MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick writes. Maeda has a 1.89 ERA and 18 strikeouts over 19 spring innings, firmly establishing his place in the pitching staff. The Japanese righty signed a rather unique eight-year, $25MM contract (with over $65MM available in incentive bonuses) with Los Angeles this winter, a structure inspired by some concerns the Dodgers had over Maeda’s physical.
- Earlier this week, Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan examined the controversy surrounding the Dodgers/Time Warner television contract. Passan criticized all sides for the situation that has led to many L.A. residents unable to watch Dodger games for the last two years, and also explores what the future could hold for all baseball teams and cable TV deals.
Not too worried about the rotation yet. Kershaw and Maeda look solid. Kazmir’s velocity is down, but he says he was just working on stuff in spring training. Ryu will eventually be back, and De Leon looks close to ready if they need him. I get its not the flashy rotation a lot of people expect, but I think they can weather the storm for the early part of the season and make moves later if needed.
Excited about next years rotation though of Kershaw-Maeda-Urias-De Leon-some combo of Ryu/Wood/Lee/Kazmir (If he doesnt opt out)/McCarthy
His velocity was down. It’s funny because that report came out after one game. It was a game in which he wasn’t even throwing his fastball a majority of the time. He was working on his cutter. He’s fine if he’s healthy. He a guy that’s not going to 93-96 anymore but he’s going to around 90-91 and know how to pitch. The Dodgers will be fine the 5th spot will be a rotation which I hope Stripling eventually wins. I like what they did with rotation in the offseason. I’d be more worried about SVS and Thompson staying and producing.
Kazmir is an enigma. Whether his poor work in spring training is any kind of indicator or not, it seems Maeda for now at least has won the number two slot on merit.
He threw 31 sinkers, 11 cutters, 9 sliders, 4 curves, and 15 changeups out of 70 pitches over 4 innings and never topped 89 mph. Most were around 87. He was taken out for an injury at the beginning if the 5th and then said no big deal, it’s just an abdominal strain. We will see if he does his bullpen session tomorrow and if his velocity returns on Thursday.
I would be worried after watching that game.
Too much analysis based on too little information. The man could have had a bad case of gas cramps for all you know.
Can’t believe “your Sox” did something wrong.
Makes me wonder what LA would give up for the “impact” arm. This close to the season, would have to be a premium price. Makes me also wonder if they are playing up Puig’s attitude in the clubhouse to include him in the deal. $24/3 is not a bad price for his services and flair, if he has turned the bat and attitude around.
Can’t see anything getting done. The only possible match could be someone like cleveland, who needs OF help. A puig trade might make sense, but with Ethier out can’t see the dodgers dealing him now. Thinking it might be something closer to the deadline, built around some younger arms, like De Leon, and including Barnes.
Perhaps when Andre Ethier returns to the lineup the Dodgers and White Sox can re-open the reported trade talks that took place between the teams earlier this off-season. The White Sox had allegedly inquired about Yasiel Puig’s availability but the Dodgers were pushing to trade Ethier or Carl Crawford at that time.
The White Sox ought to have a better idea about their rotation come June when Ethier is expected to return. Their rotation looks a little thin entering the last week of spring training, especially with Carlos Rodon and Mat Latos struggling and the enigma of John Danks in the #5 slot. They also lack any immediate help in their system unless Erik Johnson straighten’s himself out in AAA or #1 prospects Carson Fulmer develops quickly in AA.
The White Sox should also know how their mix of four outfielders and the open DH spot are working out by then with Melky Cabrera, Adam Eaton, Ausitn Jackson and Avisail Garcia. If another bat is needed, they might once again be interested in pursuing Puig or even Ethier. Puig would likely cost the White Sox an impact arm like Jose Quintana in a package deal that should also net Chicago another player or prospect…a trade that theoretically might benefit both teams later in the season.
Ideally, the White Sox would be looking for a left-handed power bat to balance out the middle of their batting order but Ethier’s age, contract and no-trade rights figure to be obstacles in any potential deal for his services, especially involving an “impact” arm from Chicago. The Rockies Carlos Gonzalez might be a better option for the White Sox come June, especially with Colorado likely to be well behind the Dodgers, Giants and Diamondbacks in the standings. “Cargo” would also figure to be available for pitching prospects rather than an impact MLB starter off the White Sox roster. Like Ethier, Gonzales also has some substantial dollars left on the remaining two years of his contract but the White Sox do have $13M to potentially invest following Adam LaRoche’s recent stunning retirement. Acquiring “Cargo” might be a good way to reinvest some of those dollars this summer.
The White Sox always looked like a good option. I know they want a left handed power bat, which the Dodgers don’t really have. But if the Dodgers were inclined to move puig, I wonder if something based around Puig and Quintana would work? Would love for them to go after Rodon, but imagine the price would be insanely high.
I agree, at this point in ST it is a stretch that anything major goes down (minus odd timing of Kimbrel trade last year).
But a Carrasco-Puig centered deal would not be too surprising. I know that would be blockbuster and prospects and parts would need to be included. Carrasco is the least controlled of the top 4, Puig’s contract is cost friendly until their two prospects are ready.
Definitely makes sense on paper. If I’m the Dodgers I’d almost prefer salazar to carrasco, but either one would be a big help and Puig would give the indians the OF bat they need. Although I would assume any Puig-related trades will depend on how Pederson bounces back and if Thompson looks like he can be an everyday OF.
I doubt they do anything that involves trading anyone close to mlb level. I just can’t see the dodgers trading guys like puig for pitching when they have Deleon/urias on the way.
I think a large part of it will depend on how Pederson looks this year (was true pederson first half or second half last year?) and if Thompson could be an everyday OF. If Pederson and Thompson look good, I think a Puig trade is more likely.
Although that is why I had been suggesting offers around someone like Barnes, who has good potential, but is blocked by grandal. Obviously Urias/De Leon are untouchable at this point (outside of part of a large package for Gray/Sale), but could definitely see some of the smaller pieces being moved for a Quintana/Salazar/Odorizzi type.
Agreed on the Barnes point. Excellent defender, framer and strong bat – plus positional versatility (ability to play C and 2B well is awesome). Seems to be a logical trade chip – unless the Dodgers really think Grandal can’t stay healthy.
Whether Grandal can stay healthy is one concern, but the other is the limited years of usefulness remaining in Ellis, who already has had his share of problems. Barnes is a keeper if only as an insurance policy but probably more than that if not this year then next.
The Dodgers won’t give up anything. The concept is basically ridiculous given the number of pitching options they’ve got (and this FO’s history and quite apparent strategy). In addition to the three mentioned arms, they have Beachy in the immediate term, and by midseason, potentially Ryu, McCarthy and Anderson, with De Leon and Urias as possible late-season options. Keep in mind we have a sportswriter talking about a team that is way outside of his timezone. Nobody around here is talking about the Dodgers making some big trade for a pitcher, or even a small one.
Agreed, although I think its more likely they make a move at the break than right now. I have real concerns about how Ryu/McCarthy/Anderson will hold if/when they come back and how much the Dodgers can get out of them. Love De Leon and Urias, but not expecting either to contribute this season. I think it would more for something smaller, like a package around Barnes and others for a mid-rotation arm rather than a flashy move for an ace.
They didn’t make a deal for a legitimate mid-rotation starter last July when they were in great need and looking towards a postseason, with nobody coming up who could help, so I sure don’t see them making that move it now. As for this coming July, if at least one of the injured arms doesn’t return then the season might well be cooked by then anyway. Hard to imagine a scenario where they trade for pitching. More likely they’d trade away some of the more expensive veterans for prospects.
You have no ownership in the Sox, therefore, they are not “yours”. Go away
The deal could top out at 6/110M (including the posting fee).
Its not like its a straight 8/25M deal.
Either way, Maeda’s stuff isn’t really all that special, Hes a #3 at best (in my personal opinion). Would love for him to prove me wrong though.
Even if you’re right, the Dodgers get him at a steal of a deal.
I’ve come to wonder why every subject written on this website always turns into a Sox conversation.
Do they think people care? Or going out of their way to be annoying? Maybe both?
Moratorium on anything Passan writes. Dude keeps trying to make his name exploiting negativity and controversy. I’m glad he finally found another team besides the Marlins to beat his ego on. Yahoo is the right place for him, this site doesn’t need him.
You aren’t kidding. He was all over the Mets the last couple years as well. They gave him plenty of material but as soon as that well dries he’s on to the next great controversy.
No bigpapiforever no
Boston sucks
We added an edit functionality to commenting. If possible, could a few people please test it out here?
I’ve seen it the past couple of days. It’s worked fine
it doesn’t work yet on the Android app however. Just on the web. Not sure about iPhone app.
Awesome! I submitted that in the suggestion box. You guys were probably working on it anyway, but it’s nice to feel like the suggestions are listened to!
Works on an iPad. Thanks for adding this feature back in!
The edit function stopped working. Is this a planned outage?
As one of the fans affected by the corporate impasse that blocks us from viewing Dodger games all I could do was drop Direct TV and no give my time and energy to Guggenheim. Perhaps the saddest part is not witnessing Scully’s last season. Scully represents that last link between family ownership and the greedy mega-corporations that have marginalized the fan. Best to Scully. I would have liked to have been there.
As a Padre fan I wouldn’t mind seeing Puig for Ross; although I think the Dodgers would have to give something else up. I know intra-division trades are rare, but these two teams did it just last year, so there’s some precedence. I just hate the idea that San Diego is going to sell too late on Ross or he’s going to blow up.
I really wonder what will happen when the Dodgers rotation is healthy, because they have a bunch of guys and they are eventually going to have to waive some of them, or trade them for very little in return. It’s cool they are so committed to winning, but damn is it risky.
As a guy who watched the Rays develop their players and lose them when they hit a certain financial plateau, and now watching what the Dodgers are doing with that same FO group, I am lost as to what the ultimate goal of this organization is. They waste money by paying other teams to take on players they want to get rid, and then they keep an unbalanced roster, and then they buy prospects. Is the goal to field a winning team or have the best prospect pool? They have the money to do both, but they keep grabbing injury risk type pitchers and trying to save that extra year on a guy like Grienke. I am lost on what the FO is attempting, but I am sure someone knows their objective better than me. I am baffled, but more power to them!
I believe the plan is to do both – sustain a strong MLB team in the short to mid term, while stockpiling the farm to contribute wherever necessary.
The last few years, money has been spent to maintain a winning team at the top – as evidenced by three straight 90+ win seasons. But, due to the poor (really, really poor) state the farm was in prior to Freidman & Co coming along, there hasn’t been much internally to be able to contribute at the top level. This year is really a moving year – we are finally seeing guys like Urias and De Leon on the cusp of breaking through.
It’s been a heck of a job turning the farm system around completely, while not stripping away wins at the top level. Their financial clout has been used to subsidize things – one move in particular that stands out is ridding themselves of a liability in Matt Kemp (both on the field and financially), while somehow still getting talent in return – a top 5 catcher in Grandal.
The idea is not to spend a ton of money just because they have it – everyone knows the Greinke contract will be an albatross eventually. It’s about maintaining a competitive team, using money to swing deals in their favor, and developing elite talent internally.
Have a look at their future $ commitments – it goes against the “Dodgers throw money around” narrative. There’s a difference between spending big, and spending smart. They have been exceptional at strengthening the org, top to bottom, without the need for massive future burdens or “all-in” nutjob trades – ie San Diego, Arizona.
It’s been a long time since the Dodgers have been in such a good position for the immediate, medium and long term.
Awesome narrative!!!!!!!Makes total sense and no matter how I want to disagree, I can’t! I see the great work they have done with the farm system, but paying guys to go away rather than bringing in the right guy instead of several guys that might potentially lead to the right guys still seems weird. Getting rid of Kemp, marvelous move, buying a prospect, marvelous move, 20 player trades bringing in prospects, all marvelous moves…… But signing pitchers who kill themselves by spending summer vacations in the training room instead of the between the white lines seem like shopping at the dollar store when you drive a Bentley. Maybe I just see it from a different view that you have money, and you can get a better pitcher than Kazmir, but you choose cost savings over certainty as just one example of 4 other similar moves they have made. But I do understand, and agree with your assessment. You have made more sense out of the Dodgers than I have read at any point.
Absolutely understand your point about shopping at the dollar when you drive a Bentley.
The one criticism I do have of this current setup is that, while there’s volume and depth, the rotation does seem to be a case of throwing stuff against the wall to see what sticks. I would really like to have more certainty there (I guess every fan can say that of their team to an extent). There’s value in finding guys on mid-range contracts that have the ability to perform above their cost, but I absolutely feel that more of a known quantity would set me at ease. The Dodgers can withstand injuries, but one feels that the injuries are partially due to their unique way of building that depth in the first place.
I’m sure they’ve tried, absolutely, but it just hasn’t come together as of yet. Would really like to know what it would be costing to get one of those surplus arms over from Cleveland.
Nonetheless, awesome post and I agree with you.
You make so much sense!!!!!!! That’s exactly what I was trying to figure out. Why takes chances on 4 pitchers with shaky injury resumes when you can afford to get one that spends more time on the field. And if you need the injured guy because the guy who usually doesn’t get injured does, then you have the coin to go after that injury prone guy. But, you are right, they do have more big league depth in their rotation 1-9 than any team in the history of baseball. Unfortunately some are on dl.
They have no incentive at this point relatively young and extremely cheap. They are pretty much locked up until 2020. So someone will have to stock their major league team with impact players in the OF, 3b, and prized prospects. Salazar is two off seasons from arb. Really the only guy that might make sense for them to trade would be Bauer. Bauer isn’t a guy to this point in his career that has remotely lived up to expectations. None of the young guys you would want would be made available this season unless something drastically happens and a dumb owner like Loria wants to prove of a point. And this is why guys like DeLeon and Stripling are going to be important and too a lesser extent Urias.
I think at some point the young guys have to get a chance. You’re trying to fill the rotation with 4 spots. You have to figure they understand how good Ryu is and was planning on him being healthy. So in a sense what they did was just bump their newly signed free agents a slot down. Kaz would be 3, 4 Maeda, 5 a combo of Anderson, McCarthy, Wood etc. The designation at this point doesn’t really matter until you get to the playoffs. You hope Kaz performs well enough to opt out. Anderson is a good pitcher when healthy but not a guy you worry too much about losing. Wood is an interesting figure, because he plateaued last year. That being said they were probably hoping
that a guy like DeLeon would force their hand. Stripling was starting to but with two spots open due to injury I don’t think their comfortable with giving him the gig right out of ST. This is going to be interesting. It’s a fine balancing act at this point. Around the trade deadline there is a hope that Ryu
Said it before but it bears repeating: the “all-in” deals are the only way smaller and mid-market teams can open a window of genuine competitiveness because they lack the resources of the big market teams to sign the big-ticket free agents or even to hold onto their own controlled players all the way through arbitration. So they really aren’t as crazy as they might look, and yes they do this with complete foreknowledge of the consequences, which could very well be another multiyear trip to the wilderness. This is what a lot of fans seem to overlook when they criticize these moves.