2015/16 Offseason: More active than Shakira's hips

[Neddy]

Shelby Miller isn't good enough for that package Ranma.

Dave Stewart is an idiot and his days (from my point of view) are numbered.
It's just a matter of time.

2nd time he's been fleeced by the Braves who we've already fleeced in a deal.
LMFAO at Touki Toussaint to the Braves just to eat Bronson Arroyo's deal.

His days are numbered…AZ people may not know it….but they are.
I'm just gonna sit back and watch it all come down over there.

LOL I was telling anyone who would listen at my office that Dave Stewart's days are numbered for the last couple of days along with Tony La Russa in Arizona.

[Quake Griffin]

That's why I was against Iwakuma as well.

The potential of possibly four 1st rounders would have done wonders to keep us flexible to make a deal if we weren't intent on just developing them and playing them.


Team stream app just said the Marlins asked for Seager, Urias, Joc and 2 more for Fernandez.
I hate that these rumors are really coloring how I view we are moving at the winter meetings but if it's true, then I have no choice in feeling the way I do.
The Marlins offer above (or counter offer?) screams, "look, we told we didn't want to deal him and you're still here asking for him."

[Neddy]

That's why I was against Iwakuma as well.

The potential of possibly four 1st rounders would have done wonders to keep us flexible to make a deal if we weren't intent on just developing them and playing them.


Team stream app just said the Marlins asked for Seager, Urias, Joc and 2 more for Fernandez.
I hate that these rumors are really coloring how I view we are moving at the winter meetings but if it's true, then I have no choice in feeling the way I do.
The Marlins offer above (or counter offer?) screams, "look, we told we didn't want to deal him and you're still here asking for him."

come on man, you know Andrew/Farhan/Josh are not idiots. that is the type of a deal Ned Colletti would do. we are surely not going to give up our core of the youth movement for one Jose. I just hope we dont act too slowly to get back with the Indians regarding Carlos.

Kershaw - Carlos - Kuma - Anderson - Wood - Ryu - McCarthy - Magic Mike make a deep deep 8 men team for 5 men rotation.

as for losing that first rounder for Kuma, yeah it may hurt but it was worth preserving our shot at the 'ship in Kershaw's prime, and now that it is clear as Ranma was demanding that Kuma is our 3rd and not the second, regardless if we end up with Fernandez or Carrasco, is clear that we are in it to win it all next season, not 3 seasons from now, and we are not creating a void in the future as obviously we still have a ton of picks.

but most importantly, remember, that 2016 draft is supposed to be a weak draft. I don't think it makes much difference if we had 4 or 3 picks from top 50.

[Quake Griffin]

Yea Ned, that's my point.
There's the Indians with Carrasco who we can deal with.

Then there's just other teams like the White Sox with Sale and the Rays with Archer.


I dunno what is going on there but the rumors make it seem like we're all in on Fernandez and not doing anything else.
Cut our losses and move on. I don't wanna be our front office in 2018 when Fernandez becomes an FA and Kershaw opts out anyway.

[Ranma]

I'm just as concerned with us wasting Clayton Kershaw's prime years in not winning a World Series championship, but weak draft or not, 4 first-rounders in the top 50 for the 2016 Draft would have bolstered our capital to make more trades in the short-term. The D-Backs trade for Shelby Miller illustrates that even if it was an overpay. We still have the option to sign Johnny Cueto who is a more fitting #2 starter in our rotation.

I agree we still have more work to do to build up this team, so losing the draft pick is a worthwhile investment provided we follow-through and also sign Jason Heyward. I really do like Hisashi Iwakuma in our rotation, but Ken Gurnick describes him as a right-handed Brett Anderson only a couple of notches better. While most teams would love to have an Anderson or Iwakuma in their rotation and precisely because the Dodgers are not as lacking in personnel, I have higher expectations of return. For instance, either Iwakuma or Miller would make a desirable #2 starter for most teams, but for us, they would be more fitting in the role of 3rd starter. I guess we're a little spoiled with having the Kershaw-Greinke dynamic duo and the front office seems to feel the same way in its continued pursuit of a big-name starting pitcher. This and the stopgap nature of his addition is why I feel Iwakuma, as a standalone signing, is not worth the lost pick as it feels a bit like squandering an asset. However, there's still time to change that depending on what eventually happens to Heyward. And to your point, Neddy, the signing of Iwakuma may indeed be a good signal that the Dodgers will be going after him as another free-agent acquisition.

Quake makes a good point about the pursuit of Fernandez. Almost every other MLB team gets the hint from the Marlins that they are not willing to deal Fernandez citing the exorbitant and unreasonable asking price. And yet there was talk of a mystery team--supposedly the Astros--making progress, which only seems to have prompted the Dodgers to become more aggressive. Even the D-Backs backed out of their involvement preferring to overpay Atlanta for Miller instead. Either Miami is playing the Dodgers' front office like a fiddle in having it jump through hoops or Friedman & Co.'s ardent pursuit of Fernandez is an exercise to exhaust all possible scenarios in negotiations before moving onto the other "irons in the fire" that Zaida spoke of just prior to the winter meetings.

idnt-h8urteam via DodgersDigest.com comments

Before turning their attention to Miller, AZ was in trade talks with Miami all day until they gave up. As trade talks progressed Miami kept on asking for more players to include. AZ FO got the feeling that Miami FO was really not that serious about trading Fernandez.

I think MIA is not serious about trading Fernandez

LiveFyre Profile Activity Stream


[tweet]https://twitter.com/i_eatpusssy/status/674439822337925120[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/molly_knight/status/674423859198615552[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/JoeFrisaro/status/674428589580951553[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/JoeFrisaro/status/674426991785955328[/tweet]

[Quake Griffin]

any time now Friedman & Farhan.

Clocks ticking and all [Dodger} eyes are on you.

[Ranma]

Last year Friedman & his front office pips made their winter meetings moves on day 3, so today could be the day if they can pry themselves away from the Fernandez negotiations. Speaking of which, why are we still bending over backwards going after him when he just came off Tommy John surgery? In 3 years, he'll be more tested and stronger being further along in TJ recuperation as a free agent, so we'd have a chance to have both him and Urias in the rotation. Why invest so much time, effort, and resources in pursuit of the guy when there are clearly alternatives that don't require as many assets and present less risk?

Stan Kasten just appeared on the MLB Network saying that the Dodgers are currently on the bridge towards transitioning to their younger players, but he didn't want to say that anyone was truly untouchable when asked about Urias. Kasten took pride in getting us to this point in developing our young players on the cusp of contributing to the major league club soon, so I don't see the point of trading Urias, who is really our only front-line pitching prospect close to being ready. DeLeon is good too but he seems more like a mid-rotation starter.

In any case, the Astros seem just as aggressive in their pursuit of Fernandez, but have also checked in on the Indians, who seem to be open to making moves given their previous discussions on Carrasco and Salazar. Practically everyone is saying the D-Backs overpaid by a lot to acquire Miller for their shot to win now, but they did screw up the trade market--intentionally or not--in driving the price up for everyone else including the Dodgers. Mattingly's involvement in Miami also gives the Marlins' insight into which prospects the Dodgers value highly, but everyone in baseball wants Urias.

The Giants and Angels are in hot pursuit of outfielders with talk that San Francisco is the current favorite for Alex Gordon. The Angels are also talking with Justin Upton. Now there are rumors that Heyward may require a 10-year commitment and with the Orioles' 7-year, $150 million (approximately) offer to Chris Davis, the cost is of concern. We have to address the outfield situation. We need to bring in a Heyward or Gordon before he clear out the surplus currently on the roster.

[tweet]https://twitter.com/BNightengale/status/674634064138235904[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/674176876944953344[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/markasaxon/status/674639957403791361[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/molly_knight/status/674674200234233856[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/JoeFrisaro/status/674636192311328768[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/molly_knight/status/674644687685206016[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS/status/674652432480145413[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/ZackMeisel/status/674638805702418432[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/BNightengale/status/674630958780403712[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/674678040337784832[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/674673286006075392[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/674671935779962880[/tweet]

[Quake Griffin]

looks like another day going by with nothing occurring on the Dodger front.


I'm very disappointed.

[Neddy]

what would take to grab Tyson Ross? I would not mind if the price of getting Tyson is picking up the contract of James Shields and we give up a pair of B level prospects. the Padres are trying hard to shed salary and we can surely pick up 62 million plus 2 mil buy out for the next 3 years of Shields as our 5th starter if he doesn't bounce back. IF he does come back with fury and become a dominant ace again, he can opt out after next season and we will be off the hook. say, give the Padres De Leon + Peraza? throw in Zach Lee if needed? it shouldn't cost us much if Tyson can be tied to Shield's contract they are desperate to get rid of.

[Neddy]

what are the Yanks looking for Andrew Miller?

[Quake Griffin]

I think we have enough to get Ross without all of that. I'd want the Padres to pick up some of Shields' money.


I gotta say guys. I'm very disappointed that nothing has been done over 3 days at the winter meetings.
I'm conditioned to seeing this front office make moves.
Last year we had a trade with the Marlins and a trade with the Padres during the winter. I'm expecting more from some of the best baseball minds in the game.

I'm growing a little impatient.

[Quake Griffin]

The Phillies acquired Ken Giles for 3 prospects. he has 4 years of control.

This will have an affect on what the Yankees want in return for Andrew Miller if he is indeed our next target.

[Quake Griffin]

Bill Plunkett ✔@billplunkettocr
#Dodgers Friedman on trade talks: "We have a few active convrsations that r kind of interesting so we’re investing time to run out the play"
6:45 PM - 9 Dec 2015

[Neddy]

was checking out foreign baseball news and came across a couple of big news.

first of all, there is a reason why MLB in general has been very quiet about Oh the Hanshin TIgers' closer who went back to back in NPB as the save leader. he has been investigated for gambling with his native South Korean authority. the rumor has it that he spent hundreds of thousands at a casino in Macau. although he did not gamble on baseball, gambling in general is unlawful for their government in the particular circumstances Oh had gambled in. there may be a legal ramification coming up, and even if there is no legal trouble for Oh, it is definitely making an impact for his hopes for MLB.

secondly, Shohei Otani from Japan is rumored to be posted after next season. he is the unquestioned Ace of their nation and he will only be 22 years old then. the kid with `100 mph fastball who also plays outfield, is a far better prospect than Maeda for sure and probably better than Tanaka or Darvish. I can see the dodgers being all over this kid.

[Ranma]

I'm a little surprised nothing has happened yet, but that could be the result of their focus in pursuing Jose Fernandez. Still, Zaidi said we had other "irons in the fire". Was he only referring to Samardzija and Iwakuma? Doubtful. Speaking of Fernandez, it looks like the Dodgers have finally gotten the hint and moved on. Peter Gammons came on the MLB Network and mentioned that, prior to making the deal for Miller, Arizona was asked to provide 5 young pitchers, 3B Brandon Drury, and another position player. The graphic on the screen during this segment said that the D-Backs came closest to dealing for Fernandez. Gammons asked someone from the Dodgers about their thoughts and he said that Miami went down the list of all the young pitchers in the organization and the Marlins picked those they knew we wouldn't give up. I'm sure Mattingly and Wallach provided insight into the organization's preferences. Also, I suspect Urias and Alvarez were among the untouchables from the list.

It looks like Tyler Goeddel will be the 1st overall pack in the Rule V draft. I said before that I wanted a shot at him for the Dodgers, but we pick 25th overall in that draft. Luckily, picks in this draft can be traded but I'm not sure it's worth the effort unless they want to trade for either Ethier or Crawford with us eating salary.

[tweet]https://twitter.com/JoeFrisaro/status/674723270025981952[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/ToddZolecki/status/674760791745282052[/tweet]

[Ranma]

what are the Yanks looking for Andrew Miller?

I'm not sure what the Yankees are currently asking for Andrew Miller, but according to the source, he was being packaged with Michael Pineda. Apparently, after the overpay in the Shelby Miller trade, the price for A. Miller and M. Pineda has gone up. Supposedly, that package was offered for DeLeon and other prospects from the Dodgers, but in another example of how teams are always asking more from us than other ballclubs, the Yankees only asked for Aaron Blair from Arizona before he was sent to Atlanta in the S. Miller trade. Seriously, DeLeon is better than Blair and yet we had to add other prospects in order to supposedly get the same deal. Maybe the Yankees asked for less after we turned them down, but I'll tell you one thing, I personally wouldn't give up DeLeon for A. Miller and Pineda right now.

idnt-h8urteam via DodgersDigest.com comments

both. Miller from the Yankees is what I'm hearing, but Cashman is asking for too much right now. He is offering Miller and Pineda, but I'm not sure who he is asking for from the Dodgers.

Cashman is definitely shopping Miller. He called D. Stewart regarding a trade for A. Blair for Miller and Pineda.

While my source and I were golfing Cashman called him offering Miller and Pineda for De Leon among other prospects. Cashman was told by my source that they will get back to him.

LiveFyre Profile Activity Stream

[Ranma]

idnt-h8urteam via DodgersDigest.com comments

I didn't know you guys were interested in knowing who I was. You guys just need to ask. I'll tell you if you really want to know.

I'm the assistant to the traveling secretary for the Dodgers.

Look at me hyperbolizing my position. I'm actually the intern to the assistant to the traveling secretary for the Dodgers.

LiveFyre Profile Activity Stream

[Ranma]

was checking out foreign baseball news and came across a couple of big news.

first of all, there is a reason why MLB in general has been very quiet about Oh the Hanshin TIgers' closer who went back to back in NPB as the save leader. he has been investigated for gambling with his native South Korean authority. the rumor has it that he spent hundreds of thousands at a casino in Macau. although he did not gamble on baseball, gambling in general is unlawful for their government in the particular circumstances Oh had gambled in. there may be a legal ramification coming up, and even if there is no legal trouble for Oh, it is definitely making an impact for his hopes for MLB.

secondly, Shohei Otani from Japan is rumored to be posted after next season. he is the unquestioned Ace of their nation and he will only be 22 years old then. the kid with `100 mph fastball who also plays outfield, is a far better prospect than Maeda for sure and probably better than Tanaka or Darvish. I can see the dodgers being all over this kid.

I've been totally onboard with Seung-Hwan Oh and I'm still high on him for the Dodgers' bullpen. Thanks for the heads up on his situation. While I'm generally not a fan of players breaking rules outlined by their leagues, it's not a big enough red flag in this instance for me to keep from pursuing him.

I came across the Jeff Passan tweets regarding rumors of the possibility of Shohei Otani being posted after the 2016 NPB season due to talk of an increase to the $20 million maximum posting fee and posted it in the International/Draft thread. I'm all in on Otani. The Dodgers should pay whatever it takes to get him and I would think the organization has the inside track for him even if Logan White was the one who laid the groundwork to acquire him with the Japanese league being miffed with us resulting from that. In the end, the Dodgers can offer the most money so I doubt the organization will be snubbed in the bidding for Otani.

Otani himself has ace potential and should be the #2 behind Clayton Kershaw in the Dodgers' starting rotation. He could be eased as the 3rd starter to begin his MLB career and having Iwakuma on the team as a mentor would be a huge plus. We have to get him at all cost. Seriously. I'd rather have Otani than Jose Fernandez even if Shohei is unproven as an MLB player.

[Ranma]

As I mentioned previously, I have growing concerns about Andrew Friedman's approach to building the Dodgers as well as his recognition of the Dodgers' brand and it turns out that my sentiment is also shared by, super agent and the inspiration for the movie Jerry Maguire, Leigh Steinberg.

While I agreed with not caving into Greinke's demand for a 6th year, especially since we were on the verge of keeping him if not for the D-Backs' last-minute play for him, I expressed before my disdain for trading away Dee Gordon, which is representative of the failings of living up to how Dodgers baseball was played previously.

In any case, I recognize how intelligent and clever this front office is, but my faith in Friedman is waning albeit a little for now. It's not like I'm panicking and calling for someone new. I just find myself more skeptical and suspicious of some of his moves now.

I understood that timing may necessitate moving on lower priorities now while putting higher priorities on the backburner, but there've been further troubling signs such as keeping a holding pattern on Aroldis Chapman, especially in light of Friedman's past behavior of buying low on questionable characters with little regard for team chemistry and fit.

I understand still and even appreciate the secretive nature with which the front office is operating as well as its cultivation of options, but as I mentioned before, there are times where we're better off not wasting time and effort with distractions that take us away from Dodgers baseball.

The organization is still saying the right things, but I want to see more of that in action instead of paid lip service.

Leigh Steinberg, Forbes (12/9/15)

Excellent starting pitching is the key to making it to the World Series. The Dodgers are banking on the injured pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu to return and reportedly signed a lesser talent, Mariner pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma to replace Greinke. Relief pitching is also important. Fortunately the Dodgers have Kenley Jansen in that spot. But they felt compelled to add Aroldis Chapman. Only one problem, he is being investigated for domestic violence.

The Dodgers gave up on 2B, Dee Gordon. Gordon gave the Dodgers speed and a talented leadoff hitter. The formula that made the Dodgers great for years in cavernous Dodger Stadium was pitching and speed. But they thought that Gordon had a limited ceiling. Turns out Gordon’s ceiling was limited to winning the batting title in the National League and stealing 58 bases. Howie Kendrick, who replaced him, is a reliable star. But they are not resigning Kendrick. They have signed aging star Chase Utley who hit .212 last year. They also decided last year to sign Jimmy Rollins who hit .224. Yasiel Puig has descended from his exciting debut. Good coaching and front office involvement has helped many immature young players reach their potential.

L.A. Dodgers: Who's Minding The Store?


Jon Weisman, DodgerInsider.com (12/9/15)

“We’ve had tremendous amount of conversations with other teams … and various agents,” Friedman told Rizzo. “We obviously had a lot of dialogue coming into this week. And so we had a good feel for areas we wanted to spend a lot of time on. Some have led to dead ends, and some are still kind of going. We had a target list of guys that we want to try to acquire, and we’re doing everything we can to try to bring some of these guys to Los Angeles.”

“I think the trickiest part of the offseason by a lot is the timing element. Oftentimes, you’re not able to work down your list methodically — it’s the guy who’s third or fourth on your list you can work something out with now, but that means obviously foregoing guys one, two, three, and that’s a risk that you take. … Do you take the chance and wait?”
...

“As you know with free agents, we’re not allowed to talk about them until there’s a deal that’s official — same thing with trades,” Kasten said. “Suffice it to say, we’re very active on all those fronts this week and will continue the rest of the winter.”

“We’re very, very concerned about our long-term health, and the building up of our farm system, which has taken so much time, energy, effort and money, is very important to us,” Kasten said when Rizzo asked about Miami’s Jose Fernandez. “You mentioned one player in a trade. We’re not allowed to talk about other teams’ players in a trade. I’ve seen the tweets, and I know the activity that’s out there (and) questions about that player. There’s nothing we can say about that right now. I think it’s fair to say we inquire on everything … and if we find a price that’s good for us short-term and long-term, that’s what we do.”

Winter Meetings Update from Kasten, Friedman

[Quake Griffin]

http://www.am570lasports.com/articles/whats-happening-467696/listen-andrew-friedman-i-dont-feel-14190810/

check this out.

sounds like he's not pressing to make a deal.
called the activity last year at the WM an "anomaly."