The Dodger’s front office is beginning to thin out quite a bit this winter. First Director of player development and Andrew Friedman’s BFF Gabe Kapler was hired to be the next manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. He had been serving as the Dodger’s director of player development since 2014 and his influence on the farm system has been very valuable for the Dodgers. Now Alex Anthopoulos, the Dodger’s current Vice President of baseball operations has been hired by the Braves to be their next general manager.
Can report now Anthopoulos is getting #Braves GM job, announcement possible at GM Meetings
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 13, 2017
Anthopoulos had been the Dodger’s Vice President of baseball operations since January of 2016. Before that he was the GM of the Toronto Blue Jays from 2010-2015. He was named the sporting news MLB executive of the year back in 2015. Of course he’s replacing recently ousted general manager John Coppolella who is being investigated by major league baseball for signing violations.
There is no word yet on any replacements for the recently departed Dodger executives. It looks like Anthopoulos will have all final decision making power while John Hart will remain the Brave’s President of baseball operations. The Braves will announce the hiring at the annual GM winter meetings which start on Monday.
Best of luck to Anthopoulos. So do we now refer to the FAZ as the FZ or the FBZ? (Adding Byrne who’s probably been more instrumental than Anthopoulos anyways/). Both Kapler and Anthopoulos will have their work cut out for them, that’s for sure.
Here is another article on Ohtani, from the LA Times. I don’t think it is too well thought out.
https://sports.yahoo.com/m/5eb4e766-391a-369c-9e7a-37131ae19af4/ss_dodgers-can-offer-the-two-way.html
It simply says that the Dodgers could try different things to accomodate Ohtani as a two way player, but does not state what those are, nor does it evaluate how a role with the Dodgers is anything better than what any AL team can offer (i.e. a starting pitcher plus DH, which is exactly how the Japanese Fighters are playing Ohtani). There is a brief reference of the Dodgers playing Ohtani at first base or the outfield — I tried not to laugh out loud when I read that, given we have zero vacancies at outfield and 1B.
Here is one thing that the Dodgers can do. Again, as I have said many times during the regular season, I think with our pitching staff needs 3 middle relief pitchers, with 2 in heavy usage whenever Hill, Maeda, Ryu and McCarthy/Kazmir/Buehler starts (and possible even Kershaw … wait this is our entire pitching staff!). I think Ohtani can be one of those relief pitchers with his 100 mph fastball and his bat. Our bench will suddenly have a relief pitcher that can hit for average and power! Fewer double switches, the games will go faster (maybe) and we can save some innings in the regular season from Jansen (and maybe Morrow if he re-signs with us). Remember how, every time someone comes off the DL, we fret about whether the coaching staff will carry an extra reliever or an extra bat? If there is any club that NEEDS this, it’s the Dodgers. Now, this type of role will hurt Ohtani when it comes to his pay, but fortunately that is quite a few years away for Ohtani anyways and using him as a middle reliever along with Stripling and Stewart for innings 6 and 7, 2-3 times a week. (And by the way, I remember Verdugo used to be a two way player too and he will be the emergency 17th inning pitcher ….)
Well no big deal or loss. The Dodgers are loaded with former GM’s already. As for Kapler, I think he always wanted to manage in the first place. I think it was a blow to him that he did not get the Dodger job. He will get to work with some very talented kids in Philly.
I wonder how those talented kids will respond to an ego like Kapler.
Anthopoulos should do well in Atlanta.
Talented kids with huge egos will get tired of a manager that out-egos them very quickly.
Gold Glove Award, Wilson Defensive Award, what’s next? Starting to be a joke really, it is all boiling down to just selling licenses and advertising and sticking a “you name award” on it. Sort of like, Milky Way the Official Junk Food of the MLB (well it is the official junk food of True Blue, Thru n Thru).
True
What kind of glove does both Puig and Heyward use, that might be part of this.
Puig uses a Wilson A2000, same glove I used for 40 years. His is the YP 66 model. Of course it is. $250. Heyward uses a Rawlings Heart of the Hide Pro 303, also with his initials on it. 6JB-Hey. $159.95.
Wilson has done this for years. Same as Louisville Slugger has with the Silver Slugger awards. Rawlings Gold Glove, the thing is, if you look a lot of those guys do not use the equipment brand that is handing out the awards. Used to be more than 80% of big league players used Louisville slugger bats. Not so much anymore. When I played I had a Spaulding glove. I thought they were much better made than Rawlings. When I was playing softball I switched to Wilson because they made gloves with a much bigger pocket. But I have never strayed from my Louisville Slugger bat, even for softball. I used a Ernie Banks 33 ounce model. It had a thin handle and you could really generate a lot of bat speed with it. My official junk food is payday……
Badger thanks!
I just saw your answer!
I had a child’s glove, but I had my dad buy me a bigger glove, because I was going to be playing centerfield, when I wasn’t pitching..
That was a big mistake, that bigger glove not only didn’t fit my hand, it was noticeably heavier, then my other glove, so it kind of slowed me down, so I went back and used my child’s glove.
This is both what you want and expect.
You want:
A. A front office that people poach from because it proves you are doing something right on a corporate level.
B. You want a front office that offers opportunity for the people who work there, it creates a good environment and attracts potential replacements.
C. You want your employees to do well.
You expect it because the team had the best record and made it to Game 7.
It will be interesting, given the depth in executives, who replaces Kapler and Alex A. Kapler’s position more important, IMO.
I hope they all do great.
Not sure I understand A. We want people to poach from us? B and C I agree with.
Kapler and Anthopoulos played supportive roles. The muscle in the front office is F and Z.
Yep, we got to Game 7. Laid an egg there, but we made it. How do we close the deal? Well, we put our leaders in position to win, again, and maybe next time they actually come through. The 6th time is the charm. Or, maybe the 7th. This is a Kasten team and if history is prologue…..
Been having some interesting conversations with some guys I’ve known quite a while. Most agree that a bit of creativity could land Stanton in LA where he would be an instant baseball and media icon. 45 home runs, 115 RBIs and a staring roll in the Stanton Chronicles. I’m working the script with Wahlberg and Abrams as we speak.
Anthopoulos went for it when he was the Bluejay’s GM, so I think this is a loss.
I was hoping he would bring a little more balance to our front office, because he had big market experience, and he went for it, in his last year, with the Bluejays.
I thought the Phillies should have got a bilingual manager, because it seems like lot of there young players, are Spanish speakers, first.
Stanton has hit in 100 runs, or more, only two times, in his seven year career, and one of those two times, was just this last year, and this was his best season, ever.
I rather have Otani, because we need good pitching, much more, then we need another bat.
And Otani is just getting into his prime years, and Stanton is almost past, or already past his prime years, at 28.
Stanton has only played in 150 games, or more, twice in his career, because he has had trouble staying on the field, in his career.
If Stanton couldn’t stay on the field in his twenties, it sure isn’t going to be easier for Stanton to stay on the field, in his thirties!
Who wants to pay Stanton up to his year 38 season, especially when the Dodgers don’t have a DH position, to use Stanton in!
“Who wants to pay Stanton up to his year 38 season”
We’ll see. Sometimes teams are willing to pay later for what they hope to get now. Stanton has EASILY earned his contract so far and at $25, $25 and $26 million over the next 3 years he only has to put up about 10 WAR to earn the dough. He could do that in two years. And who knows what the cost of WAR will be in 2021 and beyond.
I still believe a creative GM could convince him to opt out after 2020 with a deal that would pay him even more than the money he leaves on the table. LA is a proverbial gold mine in opportunity for a star like Stanton
Others teams interest (my point A) indicates that are looking to emulate what you are doing, or trying to poach executives who share your strategic and tactical mindset. It’s an affirmative move.
Agree, Kasten has a bad history with winning the big game. We can hope that changes. I’m in the minority, but I’ll take the best record and a Game 7 chance every time I can get it.
St. Louis seems to be the favourite for Stanton, at least according to Crasnick’s survey @ ESPN.
I’ll take it too. As I was telling everybody who wanted sweeps in every series, I wanted a classic series, 7 games, with Game 7 won on a walkoff by Andre Ethier.
What we got was yesterday’s toast.
Oh well, Houston was a worthy winner. Let’s tee it up and go again.
Badger
Isn’t Stanton’s contract, back loaded, so it is going up every year?
And what happens if Stanton is injured, before 2020?
Also , I think it is more likey the salary for major leaguers go up, then Stanton’s numbers will go up, after he turns thirty.
And he has a history, of not staying on the field.
Dustin Nosler, who is great, from Dodger’s Digest has posted some day-dreams and inanity about possible Dodger moves.
http://dodgersdigest.com/2017/11/13/2017-18-dodgers-offseason-plan/
I don’t really like these, but Dustin’s is notable because he gets the team’s payroll down to 186mm.
I love this bit of it:
By now, you’re probably wondering where Adrian Gonzalez has gone. Well, I’m not quite sure. I tried to mock a couple trades up for him, but nothing made even a modicum of sense. Thought about him going to Kansas City to replace Eric Hosmer, but that didn’t work. Thought about him going back to Texas or Miami, but neither of those made sense, either. In the end, I think the Dodgers just designate him for assignment and eat the almost $23 million left on his deal. They did this with Carl Crawford, and I’m not sure Gonzalez has anything left in the tank after an injury-plagued 2017 season. He’s still one of the big names in the clubhouse, but it seems the Dodgers have moved on from him, and he probably recognizes it, too.
Ok, you don’t like Stanton, then Joc to Pittsburgh for McCutchen. (Not really my idea. Jonah is still thinking and contributing from the bench). We’ll have to pay him to keep him but with the money saved by letting Stanton go to SF we should be able to do it
Badger
I know if a front office really wants Stanton, they can make it work.
And I told Jonah that!
And that is why I told Michael the Giants could get him too, if they want to take on his money.
I don’t have a problem with Stanton, my problem, is with his ten year contract.
And I just don’t think we need offense, as much, as we need pitching.
We had quite a few players in our line up, that were playing everyday for the first time in the majors, last year.
I think another year of experience, will make them even better.
Also a healthy Corey Seager, makes a big difference, and Cody was never the same offensively, after he came back, from the DL in September.
If people are predicting Puig will be even better, why do we need another big right hand bat?
Dustin Nosler, who is great, from Dodger’s Digest has posted some day-dreams and inanity about possible Dodger moves.
.
http://dodgersdigest.com/2017/11/13/2017-18-dodgers-offseason-plan/
.
I don’t really like these, but Dustin’s is notable because he gets the team’s payroll down to 186mm.
I love this bit of it:
By now, you’re probably wondering where Adrian Gonzalez has gone. Well, I’m not quite sure. I tried to mock a couple trades up for him, but nothing made even a modicum of sense. Thought about him going to Kansas City to replace Eric Hosmer, but that didn’t work. Thought about him going back to Texas or Miami, but neither of those made sense, either. In the end, I think the Dodgers just designate him for assignment and eat the almost $23 million left on his deal. They did this with Carl Crawford, and I’m not sure Gonzalez has anything left in the tank after an injury-plagued 2017 season. He’s still one of the big names in the clubhouse, but it seems the Dodgers have moved on from him, and he probably recognizes it, too.
That was pretty interesting there Bluto, unrealistic, but interesting. Especially the part about A-Gone. There was an article just yesterday that quoted Freidman as saying the rest should have Gonzo ready to go and healthy this spring. The trades were interesting, and probably doable, but the other team has to want the player. I did like sending Grandal to Cleveland. He also included Charlie Culberson on the roster. I thought that might be more because of what kind of playoffs Charlie had than any real chance of him making the roster.
In all fairness what do you expect a Front Office to say about a player like Gonzalez?
I expect exactly what they said. But if Gonzo is healthy and able to play anywhere near what he has in the past, they are not going to eat that contract ala Carl Crawford. Crawford was a non factor when they cut him loose. Gonzo has value in 2 ways, one, he is a great club house leader, and the knowledge he can impart on Cody Bellinger is worth it’s weight in gold, both in hitting and in playing 1st base. Now, they could trade him, but then they would also eat a large portion of that contract. I am just being realistic. I do not go in for fantasy trades and things that will never happen. When stuff like that does happen, I am usually totally surprised, like them trading for Darvish. And one more thing gang. Stanton has a full no trade, so where ever he goes, if he goes, it will be his choice. Big money is on the Cardinals.
That was a strange article. Nosler could do better.
I think it’s either Minor or Morrow, not both. Love to have both but I think it’s unwise to have so much of the payroll locked up in relievers, who are notoriously volatile. I also don’t think Morrow will take the $2 million buyout on his last year as I think other teams will give him $30-$36 million for 3 years straight up. And finally I think I take Minor over a Morrow if we can get him at half the price as Morrow. This is all guesswork of course.
Best of luck to Anthopoulos. So do we now refer to the FAZ as the FZ or the FBZ? (Adding Byrne who’s probably been more instrumental than Anthopoulos anyways/). Both Kapler and Anthopoulos will have their work cut out for them, that’s for sure.
Here is another article on Ohtani, from the LA Times. I don’t think it is too well thought out.
https://sports.yahoo.com/m/5eb4e766-391a-369c-9e7a-37131ae19af4/ss_dodgers-can-offer-the-two-way.html
It simply says that the Dodgers could try different things to accomodate Ohtani as a two way player, but does not state what those are, nor does it evaluate how a role with the Dodgers is anything better than what any AL team can offer (i.e. a starting pitcher plus DH, which is exactly how the Japanese Fighters are playing Ohtani). There is a brief reference of the Dodgers playing Ohtani at first base or the outfield — I tried not to laugh out loud when I read that, given we have zero vacancies at outfield and 1B.
Here is one thing that the Dodgers can do. Again, as I have said many times during the regular season, I think with our pitching staff needs 3 middle relief pitchers, with 2 in heavy usage whenever Hill, Maeda, Ryu and McCarthy/Kazmir/Buehler starts (and possible even Kershaw … wait this is our entire pitching staff!). I think Ohtani can be one of those relief pitchers with his 100 mph fastball and his bat. Our bench will suddenly have a relief pitcher that can hit for average and power! Fewer double switches, the games will go faster (maybe) and we can save some innings in the regular season from Jansen (and maybe Morrow if he re-signs with us). Remember how, every time someone comes off the DL, we fret about whether the coaching staff will carry an extra reliever or an extra bat? If there is any club that NEEDS this, it’s the Dodgers. Now, this type of role will hurt Ohtani when it comes to his pay, but fortunately that is quite a few years away for Ohtani anyways and using him as a middle reliever along with Stripling and Stewart for innings 6 and 7, 2-3 times a week. (And by the way, I remember Verdugo used to be a two way player too and he will be the emergency 17th inning pitcher ….)
Good read Bluto. In Nosler’s words – “not going to happen.” But that’s what the Hot Stove is all about – what if?
Isn’t Ohtani a better fit in the AL? Yankees or M’s.
Yeah, probably an AL team and likely the Mariners. The Dodgers are the favorite NL team but every AL team will have an advantage. I hope he lands here or with the Angels.
And I still think we need 3 quality middle relievers that can pitch 2 innings every third day.
I checked the Phillie coaching staff because I was thinking that they had a Spanish speaking coach, but Juan Samuel is no longer a Phillie coach. I read his Wikipedia page to see if it had any reference to him speaking other languages. It did not. He had 1 year of minor league experience as a manager in the Red Sox system. Kapler also managed the Israeli team in the World baseball classic. Little trivia tidbit, when Kapler was in spring training with the Dodgers, he was the last player cut by the way, he wore # 35…….Cody’s number….
Michael
Are you saying the Philie’s players, don’t speak Kapler?
That could be…..Kapler is a pretty hard nosed guy, he was that way when he played and I doubt his managerial style will be much different. I will say one thing, he will not put up with not giving your best effort every night.
Michael
That actually sounds like a good thing, if he knows how to handle that, in the positive way.
Wasn’t one of the young Phillies players, accused of not giving there all, or did a player, not obey what his manager said?
Yeah, cannot remember which one, but I think it was their 3rd baseman…..
GM meetings begin today. Seeds being planted as to trades. One month until the winter meetings open.
Michael
Thanks I thought we were told that, when we played the Phillies.
I couldn’t imagine a player doing something like that.
The player was Franco. I remember now, they were talking about the fact the Phils may trade him this offseason because of that and the fact they are loaded with infielders.
Just announced. Dodgers and Padres will play 3 games in Monterey Mexico in May. The games replace a 3 game set that was scheduled for Petco Park so the Padres will be the home team……..Since Adrian Gonzalez is Mexican, how much you want to bet he is still on the roster come May???????
And I read that Granderson said he was playing next year.
Yeah, but not in Dodger blue and only if someone is DUMB enough to sign him….Just announced Cody Bellinger is the NL ROY unanimously! Judge wins in the AL.
Michael
Granderson looks like he is through, if you ask me!
He had a tough time just making contact.
Same here and you could say the same about Utley. I just know that there is no way they bring that guy back…
Are we going to go with a 6-7 man rotation again or are they going to change the 10 Day DL rule? Hope they don’t. We have the same, now older, DL starting rotation next year. No matter who we might pick up, what are the odds he starts 25 or more games?
No change to the rule as of yet. I think the execs and the players both want to keep it.
I think a 6 man rotation will take up too many spots, because there is no assurance that any of our regulars can go even 5 innings, much less 6 or 7, with scheduled or extra rest.
I am all for the 6 man rotation idea, and I think this will come in the future when we have more durable arms, but certainly not with this bunch.
With our current starting rotation, I keep going back to having 3 middle relievers who can pitch 2 innings every 3 days.
YF
I think all of these starters would be able to go 6 innings, at the least.
And we know these starters want to pitch deeper into games..
They started doing those ten days off, way to soon, because non of the starting pitchers were tired at the beginning of the season.
I can see bringing Ryu back slowly last year, but I think they need to think of our relief help, as much as our starters.
And they still need these starters to pitch farther into games, to give the bullpen a fair balance of innings, and to have the starters built up enough, to pitch further into these games, in the post season.
Starters build off every start they make, to improve there command.
And it is ridiculous to only use a starter, for five innings.
Doesn’t the metastasis of the FAZ model throughout baseball mean fewer and fewer long term contracts with gigantic sums of money for players over 30? I don’t think the Pujols, Panda, and Stanton contracts signed under the FAZ model? I guess the Heyward contract was. Just seems fewer teams have the desire to take on a long term contract. Guess we’ll see who bids for JD Martinez.
I think the numbers are in on players over 30. None of them peak after that. Prime years are younger than ever.
I think we are already on an Over 5 rotation YF. Last year we had 10 starters, 6 with double digit starts, 1 with 9. 10 was less than I figured, but we only had one with over 25 starts. We owned the manipulation of that 10 Day DL.
Artieboy
Thank you!
You reminded me of the other right hand hitter, that Boston May think about, other then Stanton.
They could probably get JD Martinez for much less then Stanton, and JD knows all of these pitchers, in the American League.
I just wish we would have gotten JD at the trade deadline, instead of the Dbacks.
His bat would have made a difference, in this last series.
Because he is a good hitter, not just a power guy!
Martinez is a good fit for Boston, especially because of the DH.