Something was done tho in hopes of bolstering the pen in the form of Frankie Montas and Yaisel Sierra, they're just not producing yet, but they are coming and at least there's that. Although, I can understand the frustration because Hatcher is so up and down. But overall our starting staff's ERA is still ranked like 4th in the NL and the pen has showed signs and been solid for stretches + that help is on the way, so personally I'm cool on that. The offense is the target of my ire, no real fixes coming there. Only 1 or 2 or these gentleman can hit 95+ at a respectable clip and that includes the absent Ethier who can't get around on heat either and it just looks so bad to the eye, so weak. And the FO knew this much, they've watched these same hitters fizzle out when facing live arms in October year after year now, so that's my biggest gripe. Even tho it's AF's and FZ's 2nd year, they have the book on these guys. We have arms on the way to help out, and the division is ass, so they'll make the post. But what about bolstering the lineup/hitting with an eye to post season performance? Looking for progress from young Puig/Joc/Seager is fine, OK, but signing Alex Gordon or Cespedes could've brought some consistency. Now, it's usually a stretch to say that 1 player is going to make that big a difference in MLB, but one cannot ignore the impact that Cespedes has had on these lineups wherever he goes. Don't know what it is, but it happens, and even tho he was a real threat before, he's elevated his game. Definitely understand it's not easy to clear Ethier/CC out of LF and that it would've cost them that much more $ in addition to the $ given to Alex Gordon or Cespedes, but still wish they could've done somethin there because even tho I'm confident that they'll make the post, I'm also confident that when they get there the offense is going stall again. The post is a crap shoot and what not and everybody will need some luck, but LAD is going need more luck than anybody with all these guys that can't get it up against live arms. I chalk it up to the frustration. My guess is that they'll approach him at some point during the season, if they haven't already. But if you're Kenley the open market is your friend, he's that good, that much of a fit for what everybody should want in a big, battle tested, stellar 29yo reliever. Big fella might just be gambling that he can stay healthy throughout and have some leverage to get the best deal possible from LAD, the only thing that's shelved him for an extended period was the bone spur on the foot that time. He's winning the battle with his heart condition and if that ever flares up a little too aggressively he might have to think about new employment regardless.
If Urias turns out to be anything less than a 2 starter or fringe 1 starter, it's a complete fail. We've held onto him at all costs. When tempted for blockbuster trades, we've held on. I'm fine with that. But if he turns out to be a reliever, it wasn't worth it, imo. I would've taken a world series in '13, '14, '15 if the right guy was available at the time (which we'll never really know). Urias turning out to be a reliever...no matter how elite...would be a travesty.
Again, I stated that the scenario was predicated on the Dodgers having a full complement of competent starters, so there would be no need to go for a 16mil starter. This is all "what ifs", and if the Dodgers had the option of spending $12M+ for a closer or $575K to acheive the same results, I think they go option B. Again, assuming the rotation is not an issue. Of course, none of this is going to happen, but it conceivably could.
Yeah, I do, too. But unfortunately, on this team, a solid 3 or 4 would be an improvement. Wood still a mystery somewhat, but Kazmir, with the usual 5 or 6 innings with the 4 or 5 runs he gives up, just is not what we need. People seem to be saying now "pretty good" about it, but , imo, it blows elephant dicks. I really hope Maeda had an abberation last time, a lapse, because that was beyond suckitude. Look away. So, on the LAD, the bar is pretty low right now for Urias.
