GAME THREAD DODGERS HOME OPENER/DIAMONDBACKS: Back to the minors

Harper is already a legend. Easily my favorite non-Dodger player. I agree though that he'll probably be a Yankee.

 

This is where I disagree. The problem with Greinke was the sixth year and being in that contract until he's 38. Bryce is going to be what, 26/27 when he hits FA? I think there will be a lot more consideration for long term deals for players around that age compared to early 30s.

 

I don't see it. This FO is all about "value." They are not going to go into any bidding war aggressively. Just look at this off season.

 

I mean the offer to Greinke was a good one, the Dbacks are just insane.

 

There is no reason to believe it won't get less insane with Harper. As long as this attitude persists in the FO, don't expect any miracles to happen.

 

I'd give Bryce 40 mil a year. Through his age 34 season with an opt out at 32 no prob

 

Yeah, I don't see any comp between Greinke and Harper, especially from the standpoint where LAD not giving 200MM to their own SP holds any significance in regards to them going big for Harper.
Reason why...it kinda has to with the fact that they actually just spent 200+ on one of their own SP.
What does Clayton Kershaw's contract read?
215MM.
And they actually wanted to give 300MM to CK, I'd say they're willing when it makes sense.

Must cease assuming that LAD searching for value means that all the best players are now off limits to them.
We only talked about LAD clearing a ton of money off the books in 2-3 years all off season.
They'll have the flexibility to add a young talent like Harper in a few years, if he's still going strong at that point and keeps a clean nose ( another strong assumption).
Yes, the value here is incredible because not only is Harper elite, but he plays a very exciting brand of ball that keeps eyes glued to the screen and brings attention from the media, corporations, etc.
He's also polarizing, which is excellent, just basically means he's relevant and that's huge in MLB.
For what's basically an investment firm/FO, they'd have to be drunk to not chase 26yr old Harper if he's still killing it.

The idea that the Yankees are the favorite for Harper is a popular one.
However, know this about Harper, he has his own style.
The hair, the beard, the eye black, all the quotes, etc.
He's the new breed 4 real.
Harper and the NY media, believe it when I see it.
No, Harper and " Yankees tradition " is not a smooth fit and he'll still be a young man, likely not an old vet looking to slow down and conform and all that other shit the Yankees like to stand for.
Harper can keep his beard with LAD, he can keep his crazy hair, he knows Kasten well and Kasten knows him, don't sleep on us making a run, LAD has a loose culture that would accept him as is.
Bottom line, if you're fielding both Harper and Puig + Kershaw and potentially Fernandomania Part II in Urias, you own baseball.

 

Na-na-na....not gonna happen.

 

Talking about it here has no bearing on it actually happening. What was talked about here was wishful thinking, what could be, and pipe dream ideas. The FO has shown NO inclination to do those types of things.

 

What's being talked about here is within reason.
Controlling valuable, young, elite assets is a reasonable goal.
Aside from the fact that it's just AF's and FZ's 2nd year at their posts and that it makes no sense to mention what they haven't been willing to do over such a small time frame, there also hasn't been anybody at or near the level of Bryce Harper on the open market during this period.
If there's no big fish, cast the net for what?

 

This is just a false narrative

 

Being within reason in no way means it will happen.

Two years in and they haven't done it yet? They ain't gonna do it.

Grienke, Price, Cespedes, Heyward = no big fish.

Controlling valuable, young, elite assets at a reasonable price is a reasonable goal.

The bolded part is what is missing from your statement, they ain't gonna break the bank for one player.

 

The Dodgers paid big to get Adrian Gonzalez by taking on Crawford and Beckett's contracts just to get him. They signed Clayton Kershaw to the biggest pitcher contract in history. There hasn't been a guy like Harper on the free agent market in recent years... Good players, yes, but not Harper level. The Dodgers also haven't had the financial flexibility recently that they figure to have in a couple years. It's not guaranteed they go after Harper, but the idea that they do not pay top-salary to get guys is flawed. In fact, passing on recent high-priced guys (Greinke, Heyward, Lester, etc..) makes it more likely they can afford a huge contract player.

 

I'll bet a six pack Harper never wears Dodger Blue as a FA.

The examples you mention were not FA signings. Grienke was the only high level FA signed by the new regime.

 

Trades and free agency are completely different

 

I've yet to see anybody say it will definitely happen, so I don't see the significance.
The point is that those that think it won't happen can stop pretending that it's unreasonable.

That's half-correct, none of those players are Bryce Harper.
CK is, and CK is 215MM over 7yrs.
Greinke is in his early 30's and not a young, dynamic, everyday player.
Price the same.
Cespedes, Lol.
Heyward I love, but no...not Harper.
You're stretching, try being reasonable.

" At a reasonable price " isn't missing, it's just for those that don't bring money and attention to the organization.
Harper is not that.
Harper is box office.
He's the exception to that rule.

 

Perhaps we need to establish who Bryce Harper actually is for some.
There's Trout and there's Harper...from an everyday/box office/watchability standpoint, that's the list.
And one could argue that Harper's not only better right now, but also more relevant because he's polarizing.