There’s “a lot of trade interest” in Diamondbacks outfielder Jarrod Dyson, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. We already know the Cubs are among the teams that have eyed Dyson. It’s not clear, though, whether the Diamondbacks – who are in the wild-card hunt – will trade the 34-year-old. Dyson, who’s in the last season of a two-year, $7.5MM contract, has enjoyed a considerable bounce-back campaign with the bat. He’s still not much of a threat offensively, having hit .250/.332/.360 (83 wRC+) in 298 plate appearances, but the fleet-of-foot Dyson’s exemplary defense-base running combination gives him a high floor and could help someone in the postseason.
- The Twins, continuing their wide-ranging search for relief help, have shown interest in Marlins closer Sergio Romo, Craig Mish of FNTSY Sports Radio tweets. The soft-tossing, 36-year-old Romo has pitched well for the Marlins since he joined them on a $2.5MM guarantee last winter, making him a strong bet to depart by the trade deadline. Romo has recorded a 3.58 ERA/3.89 FIP over 37 2/3 innings, also adding 7.88 K/9, 3.11 BB/9 and 17 saves in 18 opportunities.
- The injury that forced Brewers righty Jhoulys Chacin to the IL on Thursday is a lat strain – not an oblique strain, as was previously believed – per Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. The Brewers expect Chacin to miss two to four weeks. After back-to-back productive seasons, the 31-year-old has managed an awful 5.79 ERA/5.69 FIP across 88 2/3 innings in 2019. Chacin’s struggles, not to mention his injury, are among the reasons the Brewers could bolster their rotation ahead of the deadline.
- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told Casey Stern of MLB Network Radio on Friday that Will D. Smith will take the reins as their primary catcher going forward. The Dodgers recalled the well-regarded Smith from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday and sent their previous No. 1 backstop, the slumping Austin Barnes, to the minors. Smith, 24, is now teaming with the grizzled Russell Martin to comprise the Dodgers’ catchers. Martin started LA’s win over Washington on Friday, but the plan is for Smith to handle the Dodgers’ next two games.
- More on the Dodgers, who sent corner infielder David Freese to the IL on Friday with a left hamstring strain. The move made room for just-acquired first baseman Tyler White. It seems especially inauspicious that Freese went to the IL with the same injury just over a month ago. It cost him a minimal amount of time then, but it’s unclear whether that will be the case again. When healthy, the 36-year-old has been one of the Dodgers’ most effective hitters, albeit in a limited role. Through 163 trips to the plate, Freese has slashed a tremendous .300/.399/.579 (157 wRC+) with nine homers.
I never thought of Russell Martin as “grizzled” before, but now I can’t stop.
I hadn’t either, and then checked the definition. His beard isn’t gray. I just learned it’s definition. Thank you MLBTR for refining my vocabulary.
He’s 36. He has no potential. Grizzled is an apt description.
Perhaps you should look up the definition of grizzled like the previous poster did.
You have no potential.
I really don’t see the dodgers trading for a catcher. Hopefully this works out for them. They need to win the WS with this group.
They need relief pitching or they’re not winning anything. Jansen is becoming a head case. And the rest of the bullpen is horrible. Although Baez has been mostly good.
If relying on Baez is the plan it’s gonna be another disappointing October.
The Dodgers have at least three highly regarded rookie or minor league catchers in Will Smith, Keibert Ruiz and Connor Wong. There are also several young outfielders and a few starting pitchers like Tony Gonsolin and Ross Stripling. I would hope that packages for Felipe Vazquez as well as for two other quality relievers could be put together, especially with Jansen struggling and Baez also beginning to have troubles again.
It’s wonderful that the Dodgers have a strong minor league system. It’s remarkable that the major league squad has such depth with almost every positon player capable of playing multiple roles. Winning the division several years in a row is something to be proud of, but the greatest thing of all would be a World Series championship in 2019. Call some of us Dodger fans spoiled if you wish, but 1988 was 31 years ago, and memories of Kirk Gibson and Orel Hershiser just ain’t cutting it any more.
Dodger Stadium has 40,000-55,000 fans attend every single home game. There are vocal groups of Dodger fans at almost every road game. An estimated 70 percent of the fan base cannot watch the games on TV unless it is a national broadcast or some social media gimmick. The merchandise is selling. Us fans have done our part.
Two or three high quality bullpen arms, not the usual question marks, need to be acquired in the next few days. Sadler was a nice pickup for now, but I fear like so many others over the past few seasons, his tenure with the team will prove to be temporary.
I’m a big original “Twilight Zone” fan, and one of the first episodes, “Walking Distance,” has a wonderful Rod Serling line about there being “only so many summers.” Clayton Kershaw has played 11 years. How many more summers in his playing career remain? The same can be said for others, but also for many fans. Most Dodger fans under 40 probably have little or no memory of living through the 1988 World Series. Film and video clips cannot substitute for living through a World Series victory with your favorite team.
Andrew Friedman needs to step it up this time. Failing to do so now would be the very definition of “stupid.” The scouts will soon find replacements for those several young guys who get traded now for two or three quality relief pitchers, one of whom must be Vazquez.
31 more would be grand.
I hope it’s 31 more.
The Pirates don’t need outfielders. Polanco, Reynolds, Marte, Dickerson, Ozuna, and Cabrera pretty well fill the roster. If they would choose to move Vasquez, which is doubtful, it would be for pitching.
I really think Pittsburgh is going to trade both Vazquez and Marte for a bundle. Dodgers aren’t the only players in this. Probably down to last minute.
It doesn’t have to be outfielders. The Dodgers have young catching and pitching prospects as well as a few infielders. The point is that something can be worked out which makes sense for both clubs, just as long as the Dodgers are willing to trade top minor league talent for a change.
If the Brewers lose Gonzalez to the IL, which is likely, they have to make a move for at least one starter if not two, and soon. I guess they move Houser, Guerra, and Peralta into the rotation. Not only is that a dismal rotation, it depletes their bull pen. They only sit a couple of games out of first, but they won’t be able to out slug their way to the top.
If the Cards keep playing the way they are playing it won’t matter anyway. Best bet is to hope for a wildcard. And the way the Nats have been playing that seems improbable
Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t a 3.58 ERA bad for a reliever and horrible for a closer for romo? I mean I’m sure some of that came as regular relief appearances with only 18 save ops but that’s giving up a run in less than 3 times out assuming 1 ip.
First L.A is all about entertainment and Hollywood. So it’s all about make belief. As long as L.A can keep the hopes and dreams alive with their fans then they will continue to tease that there is always a chance. I agree that they playing a weak division. That’s why they are said the be the best or have the best record. Yes having a big lead looks good. But compared to the other divisions it isn’t all that impressive.
IF the dodgers really wanted to go back (for the 3rd time) to the world series and FINALLY win it , they would go after the players that would bring them the championship,no matter the cost. I don’t think they will give up the farm , but I can see them giving up money. They are building what looks like an amusement park next year,and I’m sure they will make the cost of that up with the fans paying to see a dynasty on the field.
Let’s check out your “weak NLW” theory by looking at combined division winning percentages as of today:
ALW: .523
NLW: .519
NLC: .501
NLE: .500
ALE: .490
ALC: .466
Turns out to be as much garbage as your “entertainment” and “make believe” theory. What a surprise.
Ewww stats don’t mean shhiii dodgers have such an awesome record. Do great March to September. Then CHOKE in October. Um let’s we. World Series 1 LOST to the Astros.World Series 2 LOST to the Red Sox. Hmm such a great record during the season gets them what? Two world series lost and a reliever who took 5 months to find the strike zone. A so called ace that gives up home runs. And a bunch of AAA players who come up do good a deal go back down
I wonder how much the Marlins would want from the Rays if they wanted to reacquire Romo.
Considering that the Twins are playing .600 baseball with only two All-Stars, Rocco Baldelli should definitely be Manager of the Year!
I’d hate to see Dyson go, but Arizona doesn’t seem likely to break out from the crowded NL Wild card field. If he can bring back a decent minor league piece, it may be worth it to move him and other pending free agents. I don’t see the need to move guys like Greinke, Ray and Peralta yet, unless someone overpays.
Ewww stats don’t mean shhiii dodgers have such an awesome record. Do great March to September. Then CHOKE in October. Um let’s we. World Series 1 LOST to the Astros.World Series 2 LOST to the Red Sox. Hmm such a great record during the season gets them what? Two world series lost and a reliever who took 5 months to find the strike zone. A so called ace that gives up home runs. And a bunch of AAA players who come up do good a deal go back down