Right-hander Brusdar Graterol was part of the first version of a three-team trade sending Mookie Betts from the Red Sox to the Dodgers. But the Red Sox backed out of acquiring Graterol, then with the Twins, in favor of a different package. The Red Sox were concerned that the flamethrowing 21-year-old wouldn’t project as a starter, and they had worries about his health, thereby causing them to back out of landing him. The Dodgers “didn’t disregard” the Red Sox’s reservations about Graterol, according to Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times, but they’re happy to have the 21-year-old after acquiring him from the Twins and Betts from the Red Sox in separate trades. “A guy with his stuff, it’s just a different look for our bullpen,” Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior told Castillo. “The ability to bring that kind of raw power, impact into the game is only a good thing for us.” After a period of uncertainty, Graterol is relieved to know where he’ll be playing going forward. “I really felt like I had a weight on top of me,” Graterol said, “not knowing what to do with the situation.”
Here’s more from the National League…
- Cubs third baseman/outfielder Kris Bryant is two seasons away from possibly reaching free agent, but famed agent Scott Boras is already touting his client’s value when asked. Boras told Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times: “How valuable is Kris Bryant?” He is truly glue. He’s the glue of the team, where if there is a gap offensively or defensively he’s there to fill it. Now he just needs an appropriate nickname, and that is ‘Elmer.’ Because he’s Elmer’s Glue for the Cubs.” And considering Bryant has shown an ability to line up at more than one position and hit in multiple spots in the Cubs’ lineup, Boras said he and others in his office have taken to calling him ”Island Boy.” Whatever nickname you want to give Bryant, it appears he’ll remain a Cub despite an offseason rife with trade rumors. The 28-year-old and the Cubs indicated earlier this week they expect to stay together this season.
- There have been rumblings regarding a trade that would sent Bryant to the Rockies and fellow superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado to the Cubs. Those discussions became serious enough during the winter that both teams’ owners were on the phone with one another, but the talks didn’t get “that close,” Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com writes. Bryant and Arenado now seem as if they’ll stay where they are, at least to begin the season. Arenado addressed the Cubs rumors, though, per Rogers, saying: “That would have been interesting. That would have been crazy.”
- As with Graterol, Bryant and Arenado, Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager was a prominent part of trade rumors over the winter. But like Bryant and Arenado, he hasn’t gone anywhere. The former Rookie of the Year didn’t pay much attention to that speculation, however, as Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register relays. Seager said he was “not bothered, maybe surprised is a better word” by the fact that his name came up in trade talks. Now, barring a blockbuster shortstop acquisition for the Dodgers (Francisco Lindor, for example), they’ll go into the upcoming season with Seager as their starter at the spot. They’re still in better position than most teams there, as the 25-year-old Seager has been one of the game’s finest shortstops since he debuted in 2015.
Anyone have any good nicknames for Scott Boras himself?
I can think think of nothing I care less about than a nickname for a sports agent.
Boras – Greedy, annoying jerk?
Boras the greed
Lock stock and 2 smoking barrels??
One of my favorite movies.
Or…clever manipulator of systems to maximize returns for clients?
More like boraphyll
No I will not make out with you.
I think people get too upset about boras, yeah he’s annoying but that’s what he’s paid to do, however those nicknames he came up with are awful at best, island boy…island boy…he didn’t bother me that much before but island boy is the straw that broke my back with him, I hate boras
Stop looking at me Swan!
People are mad because his greedy ass is driving the cost of the sport up for fans. Who wants to spend 1k to sit in the 3rd deck? Obviously an exaggeration, but these massive contracts affect us as well as the teams we spend our time and money watching. Small market teams will never win because the time they get a great player they will need to trade or he will walk away in FA because they can’t afford 10 years for 900 million…… I don’t care if he’s doing his job, he’s ruining the sport.
Hahahahahahah!
Satan
How about “Boras The Spider” (after the old Who song “Boris The Spider” )
Don’t rujn that song for me.
Cuz a child pornographer playing guitar in the song didnt ruin it?
Boras nickname should be legend . Getting $$$ and years that “experts” and know it all fans say he will never get.
I don’t really care for Boras all too much, but I’ll give him credit for being good at his job and looking out for all of his clientele.
I mean, he got Carlos Gonzalez an invite. I figured CarGo was done in the MLB and would eventually end up overseas somewhere.
Money Head?
To that end, how about The March of Dimes?
How about “Best in the world at his job”?
I never really understood the Dodgers interest in shopping Seager. He has had a few unfortunate injuries but I would not classify him as injury prone and he is one of the best young overall shortstops in the game.
I completely agree. The upgrade from Seager to Lindor for the amount the Dodgers would have had to have given up never made sense to me. Seager is a great player, definitely in the top 10 SS in the game, and I hope he is a Dodger for many years to come.
Agreed. The difference between Lindor and Seager just isn’t that large, IMO. The slight upgrade was never worth what it would cost, and Seager’s ceiling is probably as high. He’s only 25, and his injury issues have been one-offs, meaning not recurring.
Lindor switch hits, but Seager mashes lefties and more than holds his own against righties. He’ll probably move to 3B, and Lux will take over SS. I admit I’m pretty bullish on Seager, but I think he’s going to have a big 2020.
LOL
Very astute analysis.
Imo it was more due diligence than serious interest. When you’re starting with a 106 W base, it’s hard to not improve short of a superstar
In reality, I think they were hoping to get (in their opinion) a similar package for Corey if they went the Lindor route, to gain a small upgrade on the team but keep the farm steady.
From rumors, seems like Lindor price tag was too high for that type of movement to make sense. No team was going to backfill LAD system enough for them to trade a Gavin Lux or Dustin May
Seager isnt even in the same stratosphere as Lindor and Im a Dodger fan-
Lindor is a top 5 player in the whole game
Seager may be one of the most over-rated players in all of baseball and I think the Dodgers brass agree. They would have traded him if the value was right pretty much supports this
5.5, 5.7, 7.6, 4.4. Lindor Fwar since he became a full time starter
6.9, 6.0, 0.5, 3.3 Seager fwar since same year
When Corey is healthy, he’s been better, better, injured, marginally worse. Talk about wrong……. not even in same stratosphere?! Lmfao ok
And he put up 3.3 fwar coming off two surgeries that clearly affected his swing, yet he still led the NL in doubles. There’s very good reason To believe he’s going to be even better with a healthy hip further removed from surgery
The dodgers know more than you do. Any expert in the game will tell you Lindor is worth more than Seager. Seager is very overrated but still a fine player. Lindor is in the elite level. Unless you are a major league scout, I would say your not as qualified as the dodgers to say who is more valuable.
Ole Corrie following right in his brothers footsteps-
Theres a reason why the Dodgers have no intention of going after Seager when he becomes a free agent in 2 years-
If Lux shows ready and they are comfortable with him at ss dont be surprised to see Seager gone before the 2 years is up
Again Seager cant hold Lindors jock strap and Im a Dodger fan who would want nothing more than that to be further from the truth
Whoever throws big money at this guy is going to regret it just like Kyle- Im just glad its not going to be us 🙂
They won’t keep Seager because they have prioritized Bellinger and Buelher over him and now want to keep Betts. How many $30M+ a year players can you keep? Furthermore, what team really wants to deal with Boras? They hope Lux will replace him and then they fill in at second with Busch (or someone like him) now that Downs is gone.
But to say Seager can’t carry Lindor’s jock is a gross overstatement. Lindor is the better overall player but Seager is a better hitter. Fact.
Seager and prospects to the tribe for Lindor didn’t make any sense then and doesn’t make any sense now
The dodgers know more than I do, and kept Corey. So what’s that say when we agree?
Clearly they disagree he can’t hold Lindors Jocatrap, even if JD wants to keep saying it even after I proved him wrong
He’s mad Corey didn’t produce when he was hurt. How dare he!
A healthy Corey Seager has within half a win of Lindors best. You’re just dumb or ignoring actual stats to say they aren’t in the same stratosphere, fandom or not
And they explored deals for the same reason the Cubs did with Bryant- Scott Boras is Seager’s agent
Idgaf if you’re a dodger fan JD, you couldn’t be more wrong
You’re not a very smart Dodger fan. Seager can put up the same offense as Lindor. Lindor is also not a top 5 player lmao get off your knees man.
Lindor is a top 5 player in the game
Seager isnt a top 5 player on our team
Bum4ever- We have never stated any intention on keeping Seager or shown any loyalty- Theres a reason for that, the org knows his name is ahead of his game and will not want anything to do with it come 2022…….. You dont find it odd with how great you guys think Seager is that theres never been any talks of keeping him long term??? Cmon now this isnt that hard…..
He lead the NL in doubles last year you clown. Dude is a stud. There hasn’t been any contract rumors because he is a Boras guy and still has 2 years to free agency. Quit being clueless. The amount of dis respect Seager gets from dumb Dodger fans is sad.
He’s been hurt and has Boras you clown. Of course they want him to put up another 6 war season before they pay him like he will for the next 6 years
But he’s 25 and been an above average big leaguer since he was 21? Aside from injury he’s been a stud
I’ll take Lindor over Seager any day, twice on Sunday. No denying Seager’s talent but Lindor does it all. Gold glove defender, pop in the bat and he can steal bases
This trade proposal never made sense anyways.
Seager looks destined to take over 3rd at some point
Im guessing your not a Dodger fan ! Dodger fans have no clue how good Lindor is or really anyone that doesnt dawn the Blue
Again I will say Lindor is a top 5 player in the whole game, Seager isnt even a top 5 player on our OWN team !!
You know who led the year the year before……. Nick Castellanos Super stud!!
You know who else was destined to be a stud and signed a now unmovable contract…………. Mr Kyle Seager
IM a die hard LAD fan but man you guys need to get out of your bubble
Corrie Seager will never have as much value moving forward from today….Lad knows it, everyone outside of La knows, its time you guys get on board as well
I’m aware how good Lindor is and agree he is a better all around player than Seager. Furthermore, in my opinion, Seager is overrated as a defender but he’s is a better hitter than Lindor. Just look at the stats.
I also disagree about his value today which I believe is at his lowest. He’s coming off a season where he was recovering from 2 significant surgeries and had an awful playoff in front of everyone.
I’m on board with his rebound in 2020 – he’ll return to the .300 hitter that hits line drives all over the field and will garner some MVP votes as a result.
Were the rumors of Dodgers or teams like Cincy wanting Seager? If the Lindor trade had worked out they would have traded him maybe but more likely Seager to 3rd.
So because another team wants a player, first player team hates said player and wants to trade him?
That’s some fancy, idiotic, dancing logic
Dodgers should find a way to trade Justin Turner to somebody like the Yankees for prospects and then package prospects, Pedersen and Stripling to get either Arenado or Bryant
You think you can get Arenado or Bryant for basically the same package that was going to acquire Luis Rengifo? Okay, then.
Turner is a free agent at the end of the year. Maybe Arenado at the trade deadline that would be cool.
At this point, Turner won’t get much in return in terms of prospects. Age is the great equalizer.
Do you want Urshela, Andujar or Frazier for JT? That’s basically who the Yankees have to offer for a JT rental. Probably one of those guys (or at least just one of the 3B) and a low level minor leaguer. I’m guessing the LAD pass. And if I’m the NYY I’m kicking tires on SPs.
Boar-ass
Sorry, Kris has not been the glue, he still could be. And the multiple positions were mainly because of Maddon’s over managing. Bryant is best parked at one spot, probably third.
From an outsider’s perspective, always seemed like Rizzo was/is the glue for the Cubs.
Insider/outsider/whatever—IF Anthony Rizzo was a Boras client and he was coming up for free agency in the near future, he’d be the glue….if Schwarber, Baez, or Contreras were Boras clients they’d be the glue. Bryant happens to fit the Boras client—so he’s the man!!
He is island boy (cubs fan here) only in that Boras and his team are out on an island thinking he is the cubs glue.
He’s “Island Boy” because, in the clutch, he consistently leaves Cubs’ base runners on an island.
B+ player, absolutely.
Super Star, nope.
May and Brusdar back to back 7th+8th inning is gonna be nasty as hell
I agree. Getting Brusadar in the fold for the pen was a nice move.
But do you think May should be starting?
Eventually yea. And maybe even during the year
But he’s 21 and they’re gonna protect his arm imo, given he’s already in the majors.
Could be wrong, but I think 2020 in pen and rotation in 2021 and beyond
I am failing to see how this proposed Arenado Bryant swap makes any sense from the Cubs’ perspective unless the Rockies were to eat a substantial amount of the money on Arenado’s contract.
I don’t see how it makes any sense from the Rockies perspective. Rocks need pitching badly. Why downgrade at 3rd base and not fulfill yours pitching needs. Makes no sense.
I’m sorry but seager isn’t half as good as Lindor Lindor is better offensively and defensively seager is a mediocre shortstop and because no one on the dodgers can take his spot he’s still in there lineup. However because there is lux that can take his spot all of a sudden the dodgers are trying to shop him around. Seager is not that good
I’m sorry but you’re wrong and suffering from recency bias. If you look at their stats you’ll see that Seager is a better hitter – by any measure.
I’ve always thought him overrated defensively but he can hit. Now that he’s healthy, Seager will put up big offensive numbers again this year and we’ll stop with all this trashing him.
That’s wishful thinking. Trashing Seager seems to be a sport on to itself, with its own method of keeping score. It’s as much a time zone as a recency bias.
I mean, coming off 2 major surgeries, he led the league in doubles. Give him another year to get away from hip problems, and yeah I expect Corey to go back to 2015/2016 Seager
Amen –
These guys probably havent seen Lindor play…typical Dodger fans
Comparing Seager to Lindor is a joke
Lindor had 4.7 WAR last year (654 PA’s). Seager, recovering from injury (541 PA’s), had 4.0. Now, WAR is a sloppy statistic. The difference between 4.7 and 4.0 is not necessarily that great. Lindor has had a WAR greater than 6 once. Seager has done it twice. Lindor’s OPS+ was 118. Seager’s was 113. We’ll have to let them play the games and see how they do this year. I don’t dispute that Lindor is the better player. I do dispute the notion that “comparing Seager to Lindor is a joke.”
You can compare anyone to anyone, the question is how to draw reasonable conclusions. Offensively Seager is better than Lindor. Defensively Lindor is better. Swapping one out for the other is roughly a sideways move and probably not worth doing. If you could have both, that would be a move up, for most teams. For the Dodgers that would mean moving Seager to 3B and Turner to first. That would be a hellava infield.
You just started watching in 2018, didn’t you, JD? Cause you sure sound like it
What the heck is island boy supposed to mean? Am I missing some reference to Lost or something? And Boras is good at what he does, but he’s a total tool. These nicknames remind me of, “I guess I’m just a worrier. That’s why they call me Whiskers.”
Now batting for the Chicago Cubs… Elmer Bryant.
Boras The Corny Sleazeball?
This is what Scott Boras said about Chris Davis back in 2015: “For a guy like this to hit the market, it’s just an opportunity teams don’t get: a 29-year-old player who has 40-plus home run power, and he’s already hit 50 home runs. You have to go back to Prince Fielder and [Albert] Pujols and Alex Rodriguez — all these guys with 40-plus home run power. How often are they on the market? And when they are on the market, look at the impact they have.”
I know what you’re trying to say, but that wasn’t really a big boast at the time. Angelos did not want to lose him and it turned sour the next day.
How dare an agent point out his clients best attributes!?
Like really? You’re mad he’s doing his job? Lmfao ok
It’s really pathetic when a dang sports agent is trying to tack on a nickname for a player just to try to raise his value in some way.
I can see fans chanting Elmer whenever he strikes out or botches a play.
Elmer? I guess that explains why we see “E-Bryant” in so many box scores.
I’m not calling him f’n “Elmer”!
Gee, i wonder if when the owner’s of the Rockie’s and Cub’s owners were on the phone if the subject of money ever came up?
Scott the Snot
Bor-ass
The Extortionist….
Elmer’s glue? Now if he would have said Gorilla Glue or Flex Shot, I would have been more impressed.