I agree 100% on Freese. He's the new Utley, but he can still play a little. I'm still in on Machado. I know he comes with baggage, but it's never a good idea to lose a player of his caliber just entering his prime. It's possible he's the next Manny, but Manny was 10 years older than Machado in a Dodger uniform. Eovaldi I'm interested in, but I'm a little worried he's burnt after the weird/high usage in the playoffs. I'm still 100% interested. After all this, I'd be pissed if we don't land a top FA this winter.
Everyone is expecting a Kershaw extension today rather than an opt out. I'm guessing 20-25 million per for 4. Yes, I want Eovaldi (is that the right spelling?). Guy super impressed me with the stint in the 18 inning game.
I've got my heart set on Harper. Weirdly Buster Olney said he expects Bryce to be a Giant. @John3:16 is probably happy about that idea.
He compared it to when they brought in Bonds. I honestly have my heart set on Harper just because this was the summer the FO guaranteed us action. They openly punted on last season to avoid the luxury tax so that they could spend this summer. If it were up to me I'd spend 350 million on Harper AND Machado and I'd figure out some way to shuffle my infield so that I could keep everyone happy. If that means putting Machado at 2nd or Seager at 2nd, then I figure it out. I don't like the idea of 26 year old studs walking away from the franchise in their prime. That being said, I certainly would land one of them. I don't care if takes me 400 million dollars, I'm leaving this summer with ONE of those guys for sure.
We're keeping Kersh! Only 1 more year added to his deal, the team doesn't risk long term damage if Kersh declines badly like Kobe.
I think these are good QO's. Ryu at potentially 1 year 18 million is a move that shows that the team is not going to be cheap with money this season.
Well I would think both Yasmani and Ryu decline that QO. Yasmani might honestly get 60 million this summer and Ryu can get probably 30 million easily. There's a VERY limited catcher's market this winter and I would think Yasmani is going to get a good paycheck despite his post season struggles. Ryu is going to be a steal this winter. When he's healthy he's an absolute stud. There's been a decent amount of smoke connecting us to Japanese stud pitcher Yusei Kikuchi. From what I understand he's a mid-rotation arm a la Maeda, but that would still be very helpful. He's likely to cost 50-60 million (including the posting fee). That would give us Walker/Kershaw/Hill/Maeda/Kikuchi/Ryu all available to start the year. Wood and Stripling too, but I'm less excited about them. There's also of course Urias and to a lesser extent Furgeson. Still, my eyes are locked on Harper. I've heard anything ranging from 350-420 million. Do what it takes and get this done.
Kershaw 93M over 3 years extended instead of remaining 65M over 2. I like it. https://sports.yahoo.com/m/993261c9-728f-3d90-82ce-59cb30b0c749/clayton-kershaw,-dodgers.html
Kikuchi is interesting Real, I read that we have been following him for 10 years and was willing to sign him if he wanted to come to the minors from high school (like Ohtani). He's been compared to Patrick Corbin, who's probably the biggest free agent starter out there right now. Meanwhile, look who's available: Might take an overpay to get Kluber, but he's a controllable asset with 3 years left on his contract.
Kluber is interesting. I've got a feeling we're going to trade for Realmuto and let Grandal walk. Someone will offer Grandal a big contract and I think we package Verdugo and some pieces to Miami for Realmuto. Maybe Verdugo/Taylor/another prospect or two. Then we sign Harper to some crazy deal. LF- Pederson/Kemp CF- Bellinger/Harper RF- Harper/Puig 3B- Turner 2B- Kike/Muncy 1B- Muncy/Bellinger SS- Seager C- Realmuto The order being Seager/Turner/Harper/Muncy/Bellinger/Realmuto/Pederson/Kike Or something like that.
Is it OK to shoot the messenger .... since it's Plaschke? https://www.valdostadailytimes.com/...cle_ca6b2215-5643-5c8f-9a10-7938bfefba49.html
Just read that the Cubs have made Kris Bryant available in trade and that they want to rebuild their farm system. Reports are that the FO is mandated to stay under the Lux Tax level. So, maybe a Bryant trade would be more workable than a 350 million offer to Harper?
I am not on the Harper train. I ideally like a #1a or #2 starter next o Buehler as I see Kershaw as a #2 at best in the regular season and a #3 or #4 in the post season. But i don't think there is one available to grab. We also need insurance for Jansen who has not been the same after the WS against HOU. For me, offense is not a problem with Seager back. It's our pitching which has kept us from winning the last 2 WS. Need RP and SP.
Recent rumors with Bryce Harper: Sounds like the Dodgers are facing what the Lakers are facing. Not many teams are gonna give them much for their excess outfielders/potential salary dumps (Kemp, Puig, etc.).
Only indirectly. Apparently the two prospects are decent. The rumor is they are going to waive Homer Bailey. Trade was a straight salary dump. The upside is they MAY be getting ready for signing Harper.
