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Post by Blunashun on Oct 25, 2019 20:42:54 GMT
Huh. He struck out twelve times that year.
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Post by Blunashun on Oct 25, 2019 21:36:41 GMT
One thing the all-time greats would do is choke up just a little bit with two strikes. Striking out was an embarrassment.
Dking nailed it when he called it "Titlist." Tennis changed with the advent of graphite rackets. Gone forever were the days of serve & volley. Now it's much more a baseline game, & I think that's one reason the women have morphed into fat slobs. They don't have to play best of five in the majors. Take the first two & it's over. Just blast the ball past smaller women & roll to victory.
Same with the evolution of golf & their equipment.
Baseball expanded the strike zone after the steroid era. I'm fully convinced of that. They wanted shorter games for a generation with shorter attention spans. But they still have to have the oohs & awws of mammoth homeruns. So we get harder bats & baseballs.
What I miss most about the old style is running. Standing around waiting for a homer can get pretty boring at times. Maybe Friedman recognized part of that with his comments about everyone wanting to be a hero.
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Post by truedodger on Oct 28, 2019 20:28:53 GMT
Will Dodgers pursue Lindor? Sources say yes
By Jon Paul Morosi
In five seasons under Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ thriving homegrown core has been supplemented by half-season rentals and targeted free-agent signings -- but generally not blockbuster moves with multiyear ramifications.
That could change this winter.
Sources say the Dodgers are expected to pursue a trade for Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor as one possible addition to an offense that managed only a .303 on-base percentage during this month’s National League Division Series loss to the Nationals.
The Dodgers’ 2020 planning remains in the early stages, but the team is said to be more open-minded to a shakeup than in recent offseasons. Lindor, coming off a fourth consecutive All-Star selection, would bring star power, on-field energy and consistent production at shortstop.
Incumbent shortstop Corey Seager would become a trade candidate -- though perhaps not to Cleveland -- if talks between the Dodgers and Indians gain momentum. Seager, 25, has yet to replicate the offensive numbers from his NL Rookie of the Year Award season in 2016, partially due to injuries. Seager spent nearly one month on the injured list this season with a strained left hamstring after missing almost all of '18 after Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow.
The Dodgers also could add Lindor while keeping Seager, if they shift Seager to third base while moving Justin Turner across the diamond to first base. (Turner has declined defensively relative to his career-best 2016, according to advanced metrics.) However, that strategy would complicate the efforts of manager Dave Roberts to ensure Max Muncy and Gavin Lux receive enough starts on the right side of the infield.
Seager ranked eighth in adjusted OPS this year among Major League shortstops but was an outlier in a Dodgers lineup that prizes plate discipline. He swung at 51.1 percent of pitches he saw in 2019, according to FanGraphs.com. That was the highest percentage of any Dodgers hitter with at least 100 plate appearances.
Both Lindor and Seager will be eligible for free agency after the 2021 season. According to projections at MLB Trade Rumors, Lindor will likely make in the neighborhood of $16 million via arbitration this season, and Seager somewhere in the $7 million range. The Indians have made no apparent progress on a long-term extension for Lindor, and many in the industry believe there is a good chance he will be dealt before next Opening Day.
In that case, the Dodgers are a natural suitor. Lindor, a switch-hitter, would help the Dodgers achieve coveted platoon advantages, and the Dodgers’ farm system -- viewed as one of the best in baseball -- should give Friedman the prospect capital to put together a compelling offer.
Lindor, one of the game’s most charismatic personalities, surely would embrace the chance to play in Los Angeles, and his omnipresent ebullience could help the Dodgers move beyond their latest postseason disappointment.
While the Dodgers’ system is not as deep as it once was, there are still plenty of good trade chips that could entice Cleveland. L.A.’s top two prospects -- Lux and right-hander Dustin May -- might be tough to pry away given that they already became key contributors in the final weeks of the 2019 season, but with the emergence of rookie catcher Will Smith, it would be easy to foresee fellow backstop Keibert Ruiz (the Dodgers’ No. 3 prospect, per MLB Pipeline) as a centerpiece in any deal. Right-hander Josiah Gray (No. 4 prospect) and shortstop Jeter Downs (No. 5) -- both acquired from the Reds in last December's blockbuster that sent Yasiel Puig, Alex Wood and Matt Kemp to Cincinnati -- are among other possible trade pieces.
The Dodgers have won seven consecutive division titles and finished the decade with the most regular-season wins in the National League. Yet the quest for their first World Series championship since 1988 has become increasingly urgent, and a splurge for Lindor suddenly appears sensible.
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20DodgerMiracle24
Legend
Rob Manfred is a disaster to our national pastime.
Posts: 1,790
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Post by 20DodgerMiracle24 on Oct 28, 2019 20:44:00 GMT
Will Dodgers pursue Lindor? Sources say yes By Jon Paul Morosi In five seasons under Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ thriving homegrown core has been supplemented by half-season rentals and targeted free-agent signings -- but generally not blockbuster moves with multiyear ramifications. That could change this winter. Sources say the Dodgers are expected to pursue a trade for Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor as one possible addition to an offense that managed only a .303 on-base percentage during this month’s National League Division Series loss to the Nationals. The Dodgers’ 2020 planning remains in the early stages, but the team is said to be more open-minded to a shakeup than in recent offseasons. Lindor, coming off a fourth consecutive All-Star selection, would bring star power, on-field energy and consistent production at shortstop. Incumbent shortstop Corey Seager would become a trade candidate -- though perhaps not to Cleveland -- if talks between the Dodgers and Indians gain momentum. Seager, 25, has yet to replicate the offensive numbers from his NL Rookie of the Year Award season in 2016, partially due to injuries. Seager spent nearly one month on the injured list this season with a strained left hamstring after missing almost all of '18 after Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow. The Dodgers also could add Lindor while keeping Seager, if they shift Seager to third base while moving Justin Turner across the diamond to first base. (Turner has declined defensively relative to his career-best 2016, according to advanced metrics.) However, that strategy would complicate the efforts of manager Dave Roberts to ensure Max Muncy and Gavin Lux receive enough starts on the right side of the infield. Seager ranked eighth in adjusted OPS this year among Major League shortstops but was an outlier in a Dodgers lineup that prizes plate discipline. He swung at 51.1 percent of pitches he saw in 2019, according to FanGraphs.com. That was the highest percentage of any Dodgers hitter with at least 100 plate appearances. Both Lindor and Seager will be eligible for free agency after the 2021 season. According to projections at MLB Trade Rumors, Lindor will likely make in the neighborhood of $16 million via arbitration this season, and Seager somewhere in the $7 million range. The Indians have made no apparent progress on a long-term extension for Lindor, and many in the industry believe there is a good chance he will be dealt before next Opening Day. In that case, the Dodgers are a natural suitor. Lindor, a switch-hitter, would help the Dodgers achieve coveted platoon advantages, and the Dodgers’ farm system -- viewed as one of the best in baseball -- should give Friedman the prospect capital to put together a compelling offer. Lindor, one of the game’s most charismatic personalities, surely would embrace the chance to play in Los Angeles, and his omnipresent ebullience could help the Dodgers move beyond their latest postseason disappointment. While the Dodgers’ system is not as deep as it once was, there are still plenty of good trade chips that could entice Cleveland. L.A.’s top two prospects -- Lux and right-hander Dustin May -- might be tough to pry away given that they already became key contributors in the final weeks of the 2019 season, but with the emergence of rookie catcher Will Smith, it would be easy to foresee fellow backstop Keibert Ruiz (the Dodgers’ No. 3 prospect, per MLB Pipeline) as a centerpiece in any deal. Right-hander Josiah Gray (No. 4 prospect) and shortstop Jeter Downs (No. 5) -- both acquired from the Reds in last December's blockbuster that sent Yasiel Puig, Alex Wood and Matt Kemp to Cincinnati -- are among other possible trade pieces. The Dodgers have won seven consecutive division titles and finished the decade with the most regular-season wins in the National League. Yet the quest for their first World Series championship since 1988 has become increasingly urgent, and a splurge for Lindor suddenly appears sensible. I really like Corey, but this trade might make sense. He's a power hitter like Corey but Ks less. And as this article says, we have a good deal of flexibility. Dustin May is MLB quality, but Tony Gonsolin might beat him out for the rotation and having two kids who are still classified as prospects in the rotation wouldn't be good and it's not fair to keep May in the minors, so maybe he could be dealt to the Native Americans and we keep Corey. There's been talk for a few years now of moving him to 3B, moving Justin to 1B, Lux at 2B and Lindor at SS. Another factor in Lindor's favor is that he's a switch hitter. Muncy could fill in at 1B or 2B as needed. We've made several good deals with the Native Americans in the past 2 decades and this could be another, to benefit both teams. And as the article says, Kieburt Ruiz could be dealt away. Like May, he's MLB ready but Will Smith is now our catcher. I frown on dealing Josiah Gray however, cos he's not yet MLB ready but he could be promoted around mid-season. |
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Post by Blunashun on Oct 28, 2019 21:07:47 GMT
Downs & Ruiz. If the Dodgers plan on keeping Lindor they have no need for yet another shortstop.
You can never have too much pitching, especially the way they're handled nowadays. I agree about keeping Gray. The loser between Gonsolin & May can push Jansen for the top spot in the bullpen. We just have to assume (without giving up all hope) that Kelly has been ruined. Build plans around that.
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Post by Blunashun on Oct 28, 2019 21:21:23 GMT
I wonder if they might be interested in Pederson, for that instant jolt, if the Dodgers send money along
Joc for right away. Downs & Ruiz for the future.
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Post by Blunashun on Oct 29, 2019 0:00:14 GMT
One thing that author left out too was Seager's hip surgery. TJ surgery, hip surgery & hamstring issues. The wheels might be flying off Seager. He could prolong his career as a DH in the American League.
The Indians dealt for Puig last summer. Since Yasiel has had those peculiar splits with Turner Ward mentoring him, why NOT Joc Pederson for a subsidized year?
Right now I'm not amenable to parting with pitching (Hill & Ryu probably leaving) unless it was Kelly. Joe has a market value equivalent to a pack of bubblegum
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Post by truedodger on Oct 29, 2019 15:19:35 GMT
Will Dodgers pursue Lindor? Sources say yes By Jon Paul Morosi In five seasons under Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ thriving homegrown core has been supplemented by half-season rentals and targeted free-agent signings -- but generally not blockbuster moves with multiyear ramifications. That could change this winter. Sources say the Dodgers are expected to pursue a trade for Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor as one possible addition to an offense that managed only a .303 on-base percentage during this month’s National League Division Series loss to the Nationals. The Dodgers’ 2020 planning remains in the early stages, but the team is said to be more open-minded to a shakeup than in recent offseasons. Lindor, coming off a fourth consecutive All-Star selection, would bring star power, on-field energy and consistent production at shortstop. Incumbent shortstop Corey Seager would become a trade candidate -- though perhaps not to Cleveland -- if talks between the Dodgers and Indians gain momentum. Seager, 25, has yet to replicate the offensive numbers from his NL Rookie of the Year Award season in 2016, partially due to injuries. Seager spent nearly one month on the injured list this season with a strained left hamstring after missing almost all of '18 after Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow. The Dodgers also could add Lindor while keeping Seager, if they shift Seager to third base while moving Justin Turner across the diamond to first base. (Turner has declined defensively relative to his career-best 2016, according to advanced metrics.) However, that strategy would complicate the efforts of manager Dave Roberts to ensure Max Muncy and Gavin Lux receive enough starts on the right side of the infield. Seager ranked eighth in adjusted OPS this year among Major League shortstops but was an outlier in a Dodgers lineup that prizes plate discipline. He swung at 51.1 percent of pitches he saw in 2019, according to FanGraphs.com. That was the highest percentage of any Dodgers hitter with at least 100 plate appearances. Both Lindor and Seager will be eligible for free agency after the 2021 season. According to projections at MLB Trade Rumors, Lindor will likely make in the neighborhood of $16 million via arbitration this season, and Seager somewhere in the $7 million range. The Indians have made no apparent progress on a long-term extension for Lindor, and many in the industry believe there is a good chance he will be dealt before next Opening Day. In that case, the Dodgers are a natural suitor. Lindor, a switch-hitter, would help the Dodgers achieve coveted platoon advantages, and the Dodgers’ farm system -- viewed as one of the best in baseball -- should give Friedman the prospect capital to put together a compelling offer. Lindor, one of the game’s most charismatic personalities, surely would embrace the chance to play in Los Angeles, and his omnipresent ebullience could help the Dodgers move beyond their latest postseason disappointment. While the Dodgers’ system is not as deep as it once was, there are still plenty of good trade chips that could entice Cleveland. L.A.’s top two prospects -- Lux and right-hander Dustin May -- might be tough to pry away given that they already became key contributors in the final weeks of the 2019 season, but with the emergence of rookie catcher Will Smith, it would be easy to foresee fellow backstop Keibert Ruiz (the Dodgers’ No. 3 prospect, per MLB Pipeline) as a centerpiece in any deal. Right-hander Josiah Gray (No. 4 prospect) and shortstop Jeter Downs (No. 5) -- both acquired from the Reds in last December's blockbuster that sent Yasiel Puig, Alex Wood and Matt Kemp to Cincinnati -- are among other possible trade pieces. The Dodgers have won seven consecutive division titles and finished the decade with the most regular-season wins in the National League. Yet the quest for their first World Series championship since 1988 has become increasingly urgent, and a splurge for Lindor suddenly appears sensible. I really like Corey, but this trade might make sense. He's a power hitter like Corey but Ks less. And as this article says, we have a good deal of flexibility. Dustin May is MLB quality, but Tony Gonsolin might beat him out for the rotation and having two kids who are still classified as prospects in the rotation wouldn't be good and it's not fair to keep May in the minors, so maybe he could be dealt to the Native Americans and we keep Corey. There's been talk for a few years now of moving him to 3B, moving Justin to 1B, Lux at 2B and Lindor at SS. Another factor in Lindor's favor is that he's a switch hitter. Muncy could fill in at 1B or 2B as needed. We've made several good deals with the Native Americans in the past 2 decades and this could be another, to benefit both teams. And as the article says, Kieburt Ruiz could be dealt away. Like May, he's MLB ready but Will Smith is now our catcher. I frown on dealing Josiah Gray however, cos he's not yet MLB ready but he could be promoted around mid-season. IF the Dodgers do this then it would suggest that they are trying to improve the team. People are saying that Seager is Lindor's equal and that he will prove it once he is healthy. A few of things, Seager is 25 and already has an injury history. Second he hasn't shown to be able to adjust to the low and in breaking ball and is a notorious first pitch swinger, that contradicts what the team preaches and that is to work the count. Third he is a Boras client and I don't see the team paying 3 of his guys when they become free agents, Bellinger, Urias, and Seager...IF Lindor is acquired he immediately should become the team's leadoff batter. That is an immediate weapon at the top that can hit and run. So maybe Friedman will be true to his word when he said the roster complexion is something that he would look into changing. If Lindor comes you move Seager and leave JT at 3rd, Lux at 2nd, and Muncy at 1st. Dodgers definitely have the chips to make a trade. |
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Post by truedodger on Oct 29, 2019 15:36:06 GMT
Oh yeah, and you definitely don't move May. If you move Ruiz then you move Josiah Gray.
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Post by truedodger on Oct 29, 2019 15:38:11 GMT
I wonder if they might be interested in Pederson, for that instant jolt, if the Dodgers send money along Joc for right away. Downs & Ruiz for the future. Dodgers have chips, you definitely include Joc, and can work with Ruiz, Downs, and Gray. |
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Post by truedodger on Oct 29, 2019 17:25:47 GMT
In a Nintendo world wouldn't it be fantastic to sign Cole or Strausburg and Rendon and trade for Lindor?
Anyway, to add to this speculation it would be best if the team could do Seager for Lindor plus add something to the pot. I am not too informed if the Indians have anyone to replace Lindor at the MLB or Minor League levels. If they don't then they need someone to plug in at short and last season they were looking for LH bats too.
I would try very hard to persuade them to take Seager + Joc + prospect. That's two starting left handed batters and they pick up a prospect like Downs or Gray.
If what the Indians want are prospects and controllable players then you have to include Joc to lessen the prospect talent going the other way. I am one that thinks that it doesn't matter who is first but rather who is best. That is why I would also include Will Smith. He did okay nothing extra ordinary. In this scenario I would include Smith and keep Ruiz. Ruiz is the blue chipper of the two and at 21 should be ready to handle the Major League staff with the help of Barnes. If the Tribe want pitching then they can have Josiah Gray, Mitchell White, Dennis Santana etc.
If they take Seager and Joc great!
If they want prospects then Seager and Joc can be traded separate deals and gain back prospects to cover for those lost.
These can be the trades:
1. Seager + Joc + a prospect or two
2. Will Smith + Josiah Gray + Jeter Downs or another pitching prospect or DJ Peters.
3. Seager + Smith
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Post by Blunashun on Oct 30, 2019 2:14:38 GMT
Wonder if the Dodgers can re-work Maeda's contract so he doesn't make less money for coming out of the pen. They already wasted 25 million on Kelly. If one or two of Gonsolin, May, Urias & Gray make the rotation, that would make Kenta available for pen duties sooner.
The union won't allow it's players to take less money. What if the bonuses can be amended to games started or finished? Innings pitched starting or in relief? It seems doable.
They don't have to include a clause for saves. The inference to Jansen will be clear by games finished. We're not using Maeda in garbage time. That's Kelly's job.
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Post by Blunashun on Oct 30, 2019 2:21:27 GMT
Just checked the 1966 Orioles for the ages of their starting pitchers. Dave McNally was 23. Jim Palmer was 20. They swept the Dodgers.
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20DodgerMiracle24
Legend
Rob Manfred is a disaster to our national pastime.
Posts: 1,790
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Post by 20DodgerMiracle24 on Oct 30, 2019 3:50:33 GMT
Just checked the 1966 Orioles for the ages of their starting pitchers. Dave McNally was 23. Jim Palmer was 20. They swept the Dodgers. I read in one baseball book about that joke of a WS: "the Dodgers forgot their bats". |
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20DodgerMiracle24
Legend
Rob Manfred is a disaster to our national pastime.
Posts: 1,790
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Post by 20DodgerMiracle24 on Oct 30, 2019 3:58:47 GMT
Wonder if the Dodgers can re-work Maeda's contract so he doesn't make less money for coming out of the pen. They already wasted 25 million on Kelly. If one or two of Gonsolin, May, Urias & Gray make the rotation, that would make Kenta available for pen duties sooner.
The union won't allow it's players to take less money. What if the bonuses can be amended to games started or finished? Innings pitched starting or in relief? It seems doable. They don't have to include a clause for saves. The inference to Jansen will be clear by games finished. We're not using Maeda in garbage time. That's Kelly's job. I like Gonsolin for the rotation. May is good too, but he has less experience and we could use another vet pitcher. Urias, he strikes me as a jack-of-all-trades pitcher, who can fill in any role he's needed in. And Gray isn't ready just yet, maybe mid-season. See a prior post about trading for Francisco Lindor of the Native Americans. Perhaps, if Seagar isn't traded for him and he moves to 3rd, May could be traded so he could join their rotation cos it's just not fair to keep him at AAA when he's a MLB pitcher. And Kenta, he could close if Jensen walks, or, like Urias, fill in where needed. Hill's status is up in the air, with his injury history. Is he FA eligible? We may not get Ryu back. We should consider importing a vet starter, and he doesn't have to be Gerrit Cole. And perish the thought, but next year in the playoffs, Kershaw should be left off the roster. The ball is in our court and we have plenty of options. |
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