After winning the World Series the Dodgers entered the winter with a small group of free agents. The biggest of the names is Justin Turner, but the other Dodger players who are entering their walk years are Enrique Hernandez, Joc Pederson, Alex Wood, Blake Treinen, Pedro Baez, and Jake McGee. Thus far the only one of those guys the Dodgers have brought back was Treinen whom the club just resigned to a two-year 17.5 million dollar guaranteed contract.
Otherwise the Dodgers so far have not made any big acquisitions nor have they had much movement in general. Throughout the winter the Dodgers were rumored to be interested in acquiring former Cleveland star shortstop Francisco Lindor, but he was just acquired by the New York Mets for Amed Rosario and a bunch of prospects. New Mets Owner billionaire Steve Cohen has plenty of cash and wants to win a championship.
So the Dodgers already have to deal with a beefed up Padres club who just acquired Blake Snell from the Tampa Bay Rays and former Dodger and soft bum Yu Darvish from the Cubs. The Dodgers have been reportedly looking for right handed hitting infielders in case Turner and Hernandez don’t come back and relievers for the back end of the bullpen. Thus far all they have done other than resigning Treinen is sign former Brewer reliever Corey Knebel (two-year deal) and right hander Tommy Kahnle (also two-year deal). Andrew Friedman will normally only sign pitchers who have had Tommy John or other major arm surgeries. Naturally both Knebel and Kahnle are both recovering from Tommy John surgery. Kahnle won’t be able to pitch at all until 2022.
The Dodgers did sign a trio of players to minor league deals. They signed Brandon Morrow, Brock Stewart and James Pazos on minor league pacts. They also brought back former catcher Tim Federowicz on a minor league deal as well. The move time warped us back to 2013 with Don Mattingly, Brandon League, Yasiel Puig and Hanley Ramirez. The Dodgers also made a three-team trade with the Rays and Phillies acquiring minor league first baseman Dillon Paulson.
Otherwise the Dodgers have been rumored to be in on many different top tier relievers and infielders. They’ve been rumored to be in on DJ LeMahieu. They’ve been rumored to be in on reliever Liam Hendricks. They are rumored to be in on Brad Hand. They are rumored to be in on Kirby Yates. The Dodgers are also interested in Ryne Stanek.
The Dodgers didn’t get Lindor, but hopefully they can Retain Turner and pick up some good players to help retool the infield and bullpen in order to defend their World Series Championship. The one move the Dodgers must make is resigning clubhouse leader and franchise soul Justin Turner. Apparently the two sides are far apart in negotiations due to length of contract. Turner wants a four-year pact while the Dodgers are not willing to go more than two-years.
Apologies if I missed it, but who won that drawing?
Mex and 2 other guys…not U
I didn’t even enter!
Good for those guys.
Lost Tommy yesterday. A huge part of the Dodger family just left us. He was as exuberant at 93 about the Dodgers as he was in his youth. I will miss seeing him in his usual seat at the stadium.
Used to run into Tommy at the Dugout Club buffet, probably a joke in there.
He was not only a celebrity there, but never gave anyone the high-hat.
We used to also be friendly with Paul Konerko’s brother, who continued to lament the Konerko trade because “between the Italians” (Paul and Tommy) they had agreed that the player would never be traded
I always thought that was a really bad trade. No matter how well Shaw did as a Dodger. Konerko hit 400 homers, which back in the old days would have ensured his place in Cooperstown. I would have rather seen him hit them as a Dodger. Rumor circulating that Bryant is going to be traded before the weekend. Likely destinations are down to two, Atlanta and the Dodgers.
I bought a copy of the DVD that Scott gave away and it was a pretty good representation of the 2020 World Series. It would have been better to win one but it was worth the investment in my humble opinion.
Glad to hear you enjoyed it Pack. I thought it was pretty good too.
It was especially good to hear Vinny again.
Well, good luck to Kiké Hernandez. His versatility and enthusiasm will surely be missed.
As the Dodgers’ continue to spin the revolving door in search for a primary 2nd baseman, the Dodgers had an exceptional, young, and inexpensive 2nd baseman right in their own backyard. Friedman left the backyard gate open, and Kiké escaped and ran off to Boston, like a run-a-way stray, just looking for a new place to play and call home. All Kiké wanted, was a chance to play every day at second base, and get at least 500 at-bats. It certainly was not a run for money, as Hernandez settled on a mere $14M for two years. Dodgers could have afforded to pay him. All Kiké wanted was a little respect. He apparently was tired of his platooning role, and the Dodgers chose to stand firm, and keep Kiké leashed to his part time role.
Now, the Dodgers have a big hole to fill, as half of their platoon at 2nd, and a player who can play almost anywhere, is gone. Let’s not forget his positive influence in the clubhouse and dugout.
Good luck to Kiké. I hope he finds a team that will just let him play, and respect him for the athlete he is. Kudos to Kiké for not allowing the Dodgers to stunt his growth as an everyday ballplayer. At least he leaves with a ring.
Looks like they will soon be losing Joc Pederson, too. Just another victim of Dodgers’ excessive platooning practices. In the case with Joc, the damage is done, as platooning has already turned Joc into just a one dimensional hitter. Could the Dodgers be on the verge of losing JT too? Baez chose to jump ship to the cheaters, and snub the team that patiently made Pedro what he is today. If not for the Dodgers’ willingness to mold his career, Baez would probably be out of baseball and on the streets. Alex Wood got a second chance with the Dodgers, he came back, got his ring, and then split to the Hated Ones.. The defending Champs will be the New Look Dodgers, as other teams are fortifying their rosters, zeroing in on the big red and white target on their backs.