NEWS/RUMORS/DISCUSSION Thread

Could work out well for us even if he doesn't pitch a game. Why do you think the Giants were so calm and relaxed on the big stage? Timmy has the best weed in business.

 

Dodgers chase stars as cuts may have to wait
Jon Heyman | CBS Baseball Insider — 3 hours ago

A Los Angeles Dodgers official was overheard to say at the recent owners meeting in Dallas that they'd like to move their payroll to $200 million from a record $300 million, and co-owner Todd Boehly told the Los Angeles Times that they'd like to get it "much closer to $200 million" than $300 million.

Whichever it may be, it won't be easy. Not this year, anyway.

The Dodgers appear to have made their top target their own star starter Zack Greinke, who is believed to be in the market for a $30 million-a-year deal, and word is out they are also determined to upgrade their so-so bullpen and interested in adding a hitter, as well.

So there is some natural skepticism about whether $200 million, or even $250 million, is realistic. At least for this year, anyway.

The Dodgers had an excellent team in 2015, and if not for Daniel Murphy, a possible LA hitting target this winter, turning into Superman for a fortnight and almost singlehandedly wiping them out, they probably would have made the World Series (actually, they could have easily made the Fall Classic the last two years if not for bad luck/timing). They have their history of not having won it all since that magical 1988, a long stretch for the storied franchise that's often made the playoffs since. They also on occasion spent like a Kardashian (i.e., Mat Latos, Michael Morse and $10 million for Dan Haren to pitch elsewhere), creating extra skepticism about the payroll claims.

"They're not reducing their payroll," one skeptical GM from a rival team whose payroll is dwarfed by that of the Dodgers.

Well, maybe not this year.

The Dodgers do have a lot of smart people, and despite a misstep here or there in year one of the new regime, no one should assume they aren't about to go on a winning run of moves. Andrew Friedman was a veritable Houdini as the leader of the Tampa Bay Rays, and perhaps he and his brainy breathren only needed a one-year adjustment.

They are certainly off to a nice start this winter by all accounts with the hiring of the beloved ex-Dodger/ex-UCLA Bruin Dave Roberts to be their new manager. It came down to Roberts and farm director Gabe Kapler, an intense analytics guy seen as the early favorite of the Friedman front office. It may never be known if the higher-ups helped steer it a bit Roberts' way, but co-owner Mark Walter and team president Stan Kasten did meet with the two finalists the weekend before Roberts got the gig. (Word is, some players called in to support Roberts' candidacy, as well.)

Roberts is a wonderful story, Three key things to know about him: He overcame cancer, he is the author of the key steal of the Red Sox's magical run of 2004 and he "understands the nuances of the game," as one Dodgers person put it, meaning he's a bright man who can mix with the studious sorts that run this front office.

Meantime, there is a lot of work to do, starting with Greinke, who appears to be their clear choice, even above David Price, who has a long Tampa history with Friedman. They've talked to the Braves about a trade for Shelby Miller, who has a steep price tag as he's still three years removed from free agency. Murphy would be a nice add to the lineup, but it'd be interesting to see if maybe they aim even higher.

For the pen, they are looking closely at setup man extraordinaire Darren O'Day, who is being pursued by the Braves, Nats and others and seeks four years. "He'll probably get it from the Dodgers," one rival GM predicts, paying no heed to the reduction rumblings.

The Dodgers also were connected here to star closer Aroldis Chapman, and have looked at many other relievers, as well, since their 19th-best pen was a clear disappointment. Chapman is the fascinating one, of course, since the Dodgers already have a star closer in Kenley Jansen. Ryan Madson, a Southern California product who resurrected his career in 2015 after a couple years away, is yet another who'd fit. The Dodgers have already contacted Madson.

Meanwhile, they've already committed upwards of $80 million to international signings (including penalties), enhancing their prospect stash to the point of jealousy and upset on the part of rivals. What galls the others: They already had a productive minor-league system, with top pitchers Julio Urias and Jose DeLeon within a year of bolstering the big-league team.

Many suspect Yasiel Puig could become available, but only if someone offers a top young starter, something that isn't likely to happen considering his abysmal, injury-wracked 2015 season. Others say Carl Crawford is available and also wouldn't be shocked if Andre Ethier becomes available, too. But while there's a lot of money coming off the books, it's still hard to see them getting anywhere near the lowly $200 million figure.

Responding to a question about word of the payroll coming down, Kasten responded, "I never spoke about the payroll. And I don't intend to ever talk about payroll. Our goal, articulated on day one, was to get to be self-sustaining through our minor-league player development system. When we become that kind of team we will naturally be a younger team, but the foremost goal remains to be a better team."

Fair enough. If a goal is really to get down to $200 million, it certainly isn't the main goal. At least not today.

 

Don't know how I barely realized that this is Kenley's last year of arbitration.

Interesting to see what they do with Kenley and Turner since they're both only controlled for one more year and both would be set up nicely in free agency next year.

Gotta think they talk about a long term deal with both in the next months before settling for arbitration

 

Trade woods for Gordon. Bring back the Dee.
Hayward is a huge luxury on this team. I would rather a big dumb left fielder who can mash like Chris Davis or better yet Cespedes.

Dee
Seager
Gonzalez
Puig
Cespedes
Joc
Turner
Grandal

Kersh greinke ryu kazmir