Duren, Duren

Terrible for the loss of those kids. Hope there are no ugly lawsuits.

Tragic. But watch the scavengers try to exploit his memorabilia on eBay and elsewhere. Happens every time a popular figure dies.

Like them, hate them or neutral, the Dodgers have had a tradition of leaving no stone unturned looking for prospects. Started with Branch Rickey in the forties, and has remained a big part of their philosophy. In the forties and fifties they had two elite AAA farm teams in Minnesota and Montreal providing a steady stream of talent to Brooklyn. Many of those players scooped up by Rickey where other teams didn't look.Then you had Bavasi and the O'Malley's replenishing their rosters through the sixties. And in the seventies most of their championship teams were graduates of their scouting and development programs . Their famous infield of Garvey, Lopes, Russell and Cey were all home grown and came through their system together I seem to recall. In 1981 Fernando entered the scene, but he was just the most prominent example coming from their focus on Latin America. This decade arguably may be their most productive since the seventies in terms of delivering quality prospects to the majors. Management changes for them, but scouting and development have always been a priority. At this point I think Eppler has to stay the course and really prioritize scouting and development. It's tempting to look for a quick fix, and trading prospects for veterans is very common. But when you have elite prospects like Adell and Marsh you have to see things through and graduate them to the big team. If, during the season the team looks like a serious contender then maybe you roll the dice if you are convinced a trade can be a major difference maker. But even then I'd be reluctant to trade a top prospect. Maybe a package of veterans and lower prospects. But patience is needed for the first two or so years of Marsh and Adell. Graduating prospects can have a snowball effect for the franchise as they see the process working and therefore put more resources into scouting and development. Especially the international market. Finding the best local scouts and information pipelines would be well spent money.

The year Walker should have been in the World Series. The most shameful in baseball history, 1994. At age 27 while still with the Expos and in a relatively neutral home park in terms of favoring neither hitting or pitching, he could have made an early gigantic impression via post season play. Look at these team stats. Ironically, Alou was having an MVP type year, and the entire outfield (Walker, Grisson, Alou)were just entering their prime at age 27. With Ken Hill having a Cy Young type season, a 22 year old Pedro Martinez making himself known and a young John Wettland as the relief ace. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MON/1994.shtml Had that team had the chance, history may have been different. Quite realistically the Expos don't sell their stars, move and Walker remains longer. Mind you, he wouldn't have put up the numbers he did with the Rockies and probably doesn't win MVP and other awards. So from a personal perspective in the long run being in Denver probably did more good for him than even playing in multiple post seasons in Montreal.

Everything changes with spring training. All the theories and plans of the off season get a reality check on the field. Remember, Maddon is new to this roster. No preconceived opinions based on actually managing anyone on this team. He and his coaches will use their eyes and brains to evaluate the talent as they hit the field extensively for the first time. Of course no one will be in top form, but you get to see their skill sets and psychological make up. Regarding pitching, it gets tricky. No one will be razor sharp immediately, but velocity, repertoire, technique, and so on will be studied and cross referenced with all their career numbers and tendencies. I think that maybe by the end of spring training Maddon and his coaches/advisors and Eppler will have an in depth discussion about what to expect from whom they have and if trades or other forms of change are worth pursuing. Maddon is the field boss, not Eppler. Obviously they have to be in sync, but the manager has to have a plan on how each player will be used. A pitching staff is an integrated unit, more than a bunch of individuals. Starters, spot starters/long relief, late inning relief specialists. Lefties, righties. Ideally they all have to compliment each other. Realistically there will be weak spots. The off season is when all the fan evaluations and hypothetical deals are discussed. But there comes a point when you just have to let it go and wait till spring training is under way. There may still be some low level trades or player movement but the core of the roster seems set. Spring training will be the time for final tweaking. Maybe semi-big deals, maybe very little. Once the roster is set, I doubt much change will occur till maybe a few months into the season when team patterns are known.

Only one team I hope loses every game. For a multitude of reasons going back decades. Toronto Blue Jays. I've had shorter term dislikes for various teams based on specific events, players, management/ownership. The Astros are on that list now, and may stay a longer time. Yankees and Dodgers will always be power elites, so no point in expecting that to change. Only hope is that all their money and plans fail to take them to the promised land year after year. Red Sox and Cubs get obnoxious when they're doing well but eventually self destruct and can't sustain success. But Toronto? Long may they wander in the wilderness. With every sign of a bright future eventually meeting failure. And let Buck Martinez spend the rest of his already elongated broadcast career having all optimism slowly drained from his voice. And that goes for Pat Tabler too.

Clevinger is ripping into all this from the players point of view. Good for him. MLB wants this to disappear, but I think it's only going to get more intense. https://www.tsn.ca/mike-clevinger-on-astros-none-of-those-motherf-should-be-able-to-look-us-in-the-eye-1.1428984

Stealing signs in game shows players/coaches using their brains. It always has been an acknowledged part of the game. Read any of the old books by Jim Brosnan (precursor to Jim Bouton and Ball Four) and all the anecdotes from old players. Sign stealing was considered a respected skill. And a status symbol for those who were good at it. It was a common topic of discussion in the dugout as a game progressed. Why do you think baseball has had indicator signs and multiple variations of signal sequencing for as long as the game has been played? Each team expects to be analyzed and are ready to instantly change their patterns. Stealing signs was also more than battery related. It involved base running. Steals, bunts, hit and run, squeeze plays and so on. Often the coaches were more adept than the players, trying to break down the opposing signals. The coaches had many more years of experience and familiarity with different systems, and considered trying to get an edge as part of their jobs. Relatively few players had the patience and analytical skills to concentrate on opposition signals when on base and focused on their own coaches and what might happen with the next pitch. As part of the competitive challenge between teams on the field, trying to decipher opposing signals seems fair game. You see it all the time in football, where it is just part of the game. That's why they now have coaches hiding their mouths and using flash cards to try and protect their calls. Technology is the intrusive element that dehumanizes the process, and takes away the skill factor of real time analysis and reaction. Standing on second base, watching the catcher, deciphering the sequence,relaying it to the hitter and bench, having the hitter adjust within a 20 or so second window is an intricate process. Requiring skill and synchronization. Standing in the batters box, waiting for a trash can signal based on video surveillance is a cynical process intruding on the game and not based on player or coaching analytical skills. I know we"re deep into a post modern, technologically enslaved society to some degree. And there is a legitimate debate about how, where and why tradition requires updating and change. A complex subject on many levels. But baseball more than any other sport in North America is proud of tradition and continuity. If you look at baseball history and stats from a hundred plus years ago you still instantly understand and relate to what you see. Even with a new set of analytic metrics superimposed on the past things pretty much equate along similar lines. But if technology gets too intrusive we will see a seismic break with tradition. Replay hasn't had a dramatic effect, mostly just clarifying 50/50 plays. But if Robo umps, hi tech spying and communications and other off field changes become part of the game, then the sport will be entering dangerous territory. Let the sport be decided by the players and coaches using their competitive skills in real time.

It really is an act of cowardice and bad faith just ignoring the players, who gained the most. They fattened their stats, won games and championships. Even the pitchers were beneficiaries, with more run support behind them. I guess betting is considered a worse crime than actual in game cheating. Hard to have confidence in a sport where a major scandal is intentionally spun to protect the actual participants. And I would be furious if I was a Dodger player or fan. Or other playoff opponent. The margins are razor thin, pressure intense and the stakes highest in the post season. This is something systemic amongst the players executed by them and for their direct benefit. Management and coaches watch what happens, but don't have in game power.. The players get into the batters box and look for specific pitches. A home run derby type scenario in effect. Just without the protective cage around the pitcher and the ball thrown at higher speed. Even a very few extra hits coming from this setup is the difference between winning and losing. There are dozens of punitive actions that could be taken beyond the minimal punishment already enacted. If MLB really was serious they would easily find ways that technically don't cross legal lines. Even voiding the World Series results would shame the teams forever. If not that, put an asterisk in the record books and the stats of team players. Poor Roger Maris was demeaned in the record books because he broke Ruth's record in a slightly longer schedule. That act really did have a negative effect on his reputation. These fake champs deserve a hell of a lot worse.

Speaking of cheaters, I was in Vegas recently and as usual, saw Pete Rose waiting to sell his autograph. Also a little fun on the strip!

Take their rings back, replace them with cubic zirconia. Sell/donate the originals to charity. Punishment needs to be shared by those who prospered by cheating. The players. How many had inflated stats and reputations partly based on the benefits of cheating?

USC had a title won on the field taken away for off the field, non game related activity. Astros and Red Sox won championships with cheating help in games. At the least they should be branded like the 1919 Reds. Champs in name only. And the Reds did nothing wrong. How about having all personnel on those teams paying back all playoff/world series money?

Ex-players don't talk crap like that without having some degree of bitterness or resentment. He seems to have grudges and enemies somewhere within the organization. Rejected for jobs? Jealousy? Whatever ... Turning to Edmonds, shows you how different people can be on and off the field. If his libido translated into athletic skills he"d still be playing. He has a slew of kids ranging from twin babies to adult, from multiple women.

Clevenger might need a little physical revival. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/clevete01.shtml

Sign stealing used to be a matter of pride. Players/coaches who could do that were considered savvy and smart. Getting an edge by using their knowledge and experience. And it was an accepted part of the game. Even teams who were victimized accepted it as part of the game and tried to change their signals. That tradition has continued on the field forever. That's why there are so many variations and indicator sequences. The big difference is that now it involves technology. And off the field spying. In the past there were times a home team put a spy with binoculars in the outfield, even hidden within those old style manual scoreboards who would relay signals to the dugout. But even then it was in real time, and required some finesse and cleverness. I still feel players deciphering signals on the field in real time is part of the game. Every player/coach in every sport is trying to get whatever edge they can. And a clever mind can't be legislated against as long as it happens on the field. And if suspected, opposition teams are prepared to change their signals immediately. But technology changes the equation. You have added an artificial dimension to the game. Rules in sports are in a precarious balance. Everyone pushes them to the limit, and sometimes beyond. Thus the constant revisions and changes. There is no middle ground in this context. Either allow all teams to use the same technology or come down hard to keep the game on the field. Technology is becoming too ensconced in real time now. Every sport uses tablets/computers in game. Mostly for replays, study of opposition tendencies, stats updating/scouting. In some ways, where do you draw the line? A really problematic issue going into the future.

So much hype and anticipation about Adell finally becoming an MLB regular, yet now treated by many as a mere bargaining piece. Without even seeing him play at this level. Really, why even bother hyping prospects for years and micro anyzing every stat? It's a long journey to the majors, and if you have belief all the way to this stage, at least keep the faith till he has a chance to play. These are real people, not printouts and names on a data base. Part of the fun of being a fan is watching prospects mature and showing what they can do. Of course many fail, but Adell has been hyped for years as someone special. Calhoun would probably have been resigned if the organization didn't believe in Adell. The map isn't the territory. The game takes place in the real world, not in fantasy trades or idle speculation. Let the guy grab a bat and glove and earn his way into a major league career. Great or disappointing, he has been the crown jewel of Angel prospects so let this play out fully.

Embrace the bat! The team's strength and identity is offense right now. And as a fan, that is the most appealing part of the game. With Castro, it at least makes the catching lineup spot potentially useful. A veteran bat with decent power and familiarity with the league. No one expects a great resurgence, but even if he pumps out 12 - 15 homers and does a good defensive job he is a serious upgrade. Catching was essentially a dead zone most of last year. Adell is the big unknown. First and second will probably turn out decent enough with rotations and platooning. But Adell is going to be isolated in right field. Calhoun may have had some issues, but he mostly was a legitimate power hitter. And an excellent fielder. You knew what to expect and he was a known quantity. Adell has the potential to be a much more dynamic hitter and at least a better than average fielder. The question is, how long will it take? With the 2020 line up, will he be a quick learner and positive upgrade on Kole, or a slower work in progress? Had Calhoun remained in the 2020 line up he realistically would be counted on for 25 plus homers. Especially with Rendon as an addition. As well as steady defense. If Adell can't match that for power right away he could compensate with better hitting/on base production. And solid defense. Everywhere else in the batting order we pretty much know what to expect. Adell is the tantalizing unknown.

Eppler is trying to win the most realistic way possible right now while building for a more balanced future. Prioritizing Rendon over starting pitching tells you that Eppler thinks that great hitting and defense will win more games over the long haul than adding an elite starter. Very pragmatic and realistic, given the makeup of the current roster. With a lineup that should be in the top third of the league in run production or better, why not accept reality as it is for the near future and try and win by outscoring the opposition? It also puts a lot of faith in the new manager and pitching coach to get more out of the current staff. There is decent potential for growth amongst some of the returning starters. Ohtani can potentially become a part time ace. And Bundy and Teheran add stability. They can even just pitch a little above average, eat up innings and make the staff better than it was. Not an unrealistic expectation. The strength is in the bullpen. Starters just keeping games close through six innings allows the pen more rest, and the hitters opportunity to break things open. A 'good enough' rotation can work if the bullpen is solid and the offense produces consistently. Last season was about as bad as it can get for a starting rotation. For a number of reasons. Logic tells you they will be improved with the new additions, coaching and management. The string of injuries and bad luck also has to reverse itself at some point. Embrace the realities of this roster and think positively. There won't be many low scoring pitchers duels or scoreless innings streaks. Just hope for the best when on defense and get excited when the team is at bat. Winning is about scoring at least one run more than the opposition. It doesn't matter how it is accomplished.

Stability at the mid/back end of the rotation can be overlooked. If one or both of the top two starters have bad games in succession, a loss can turn into a losing streak if the rest of the starters don't do their part. Obviously the mid/back end starters won't be as good as the top two consistently, but if they keep games close and sometimes exceed their normal expectations then the team can right itself and still win. Teheran and Bundy are veterans but not broken down or locked into a cycle of regression. With a powerhouse lineup behind them they should consistently eat innings and keep games competitive. They both know how to finesse tough situations and get out of trouble fairly well. At least long enough to not use up the bullpen. Not elite quality, but certainly respectable, established major league starters who may yet do better than expected. And the cost for both are almost steals. Two regular starters and no significant loss of talent or money. Not low end bargain hunting, but mid level transactions that improve the team immediately. Like everyone else, I hope there is more to come. Keuchal or Ryu seem the most obvious. Neither are 'A' listers for various reasons, but each may be a 'B - B +' depending on contract and actual performance. I think Ryu may have more potential to be the better ace, but also more risk. Keuchel should be more steady and durable, but won't regain his prime.. Still, either will be a big upgrade from last year.

A tepid defense of Albert. Sort of. He's here for a couple of more years, so he has to play a role on the team. Like it or not. Despite recent years of injury and regression. He really was not a glaring negative in the lineup. Close to a hundred RBIs, cut down on strikeouts a little. Some clutch at bats and hits along the way. You don't get that many RBIs by luck. His production and stats have settled into a basic 240 - 250 average with 90 plus RBIs. Not superior, but not worse than many other first basemen. He just needs to start less and maybe not have more than 300 - 350 at bats. Keeps him fresher, allows for a transitional phase into retirement. If there was a proven better option at first, fine. There isn't at the moment. Defense is an issue, but the mix of DH/platoon first basemen and defensive replacement scenarios could reduce his presence to an acceptable degree. Just because he has faded from his great years and not lived up to expectations doesn't mean he is useless. If he was just a younger, generic power hitting first baseman his production wouldn't bring on the angst it does for some. Accept the fact that he will be playing a few more years and hope a better option materializes as soon as possible. In the meantime, remember he is a historically significant player who has had a career far beyond almost every player in history. All greats decline. What will Trout be producing when he nears forty? We don't know. If Albert had his great years with the Angels, more respect would be accorded. As a platoon first baseman/DH he isn't the horrible albatross some assume. And obviously there aren't many better options at present. It's a matter of trying to use him to extract maximum value. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pujolal01.shtml

Sometimes the best deals are the one's you don't make. People are reacting reflexively to losing Cole, wanting immediate consolation by quickly acquiring someone else. Kluber is no Cole. Not even close. If he could have been acquired for little loss, fine. But better to keep our top prospects and move on to a new scenario. Cleveland has their own mindset and plan. The Angels just weren't their best option for their own needs. An an already MLB tested pitcher throwing 100 plus is mighty tempting. Will Kluber be better than Baumgarner, Ryu, Price, Stroman or any other potential pitchers available in trades or still unsigned? Given his age and health history, a very short term window at most for him. And still a risk. Eppler has to be pragmatic and move on to other options. Still about a dozen pitchers better, equal or close to Kluber out there.

Quite possibly all this could have played out differently if the Astros beat Washington. A few innings changing future history. Especially in his dominant Cy Young season. He would have his ring, and still be in a contented state of mind. That way he might have thought bigger picture and have more patience. The Angels aren't as close of the Yankees right now, but being part of the core for a contender in a few years may have been good enough. In the end, money also was a factor if it was around at least a 30 million difference. You can't believe the false humility from agents when they try to soothe hurt feelings of other teams and fans. It would be ironic if it turns out game seven last season was as close as he ever gets. Or the Angels do it within this time frame.

Ryu, Kluber and Stroman. One of these at least, and one or two Bundy type low cost trades if possible. We need inning eaters most of all. Ryu won't be as dominant, and is always a health risk, but he will consistently give you a great 5 - 6 innings. Not sure how much he will cost and how competitive the bidding will be, but I wouldn't go more than three years. Not sure how much he values location, but he would essentially be in a comfort zone in that regard. Stroman looks like he can be a dominant ace when he has it all together, but he can also be frustratingly erratic. He had a bit of a soap opera going on in Toronto. Maybe flying under the radar a little, but at the right price he would fit the rotation nicely. Kluber is a little past his prime but probably has a couple of years left of quality pitching. Savvy, experienced under pressure, knows how to use his repertoire effectively. Cost probably will be a quality prospect, a medium prospect and a roster player. Or some variation of that. He would become the default ace however, so you have to give up some value. Maldonado. You know what you get with him and that"s fine given the lineup. As a backup/utility role, Russ Martin. Still useful in a limited way. Good pinch hitter, has some power, experienced receiver, can play a few positions. Short term fills a need.

Looking at the lineup from the other side - defense. Outfield should slightly worse than last year if Upton, Trout and Adell get most starts. Trout is Trout. No problems with range and basic skills though obviously there is always room to fine tune arm accuracy a little more. He also will have to take some of Upton's space on balls hit closer to left center. Upton is a bat, not a glove. If he is positioned carefully and in good physical shape he can be competent. Adell should eventually be excellent, but right now he has big learning curve. Ballparks, hitters, positioning. Calhoun last year was probably better than Adell will be this year, but it will only be short term. I'm a big proponent of having a quality inner diamond defense. Amazing how small things can help pitchers. Rendon and Simmons are top notch on that side. Fletcher has been moved around but seems at least smart and sure handed. Range could be an issue. Rengifo as a part time sub and defensive replacement gets the job done. First is a defensive area on non strength. Pujols wasn't terrible handling throws, but range is terrible. We don't have a defensive star on the roster at that position, so I guess at best it will be average. Hitting will be the priority there anyhow. Catcher is the big unknown.Stassi was unimpressive in a small window. I would seek out a good pitcher handler with a good arm. Hitting won't be a major strength, but if he can get timely hits, move runners and not be an easy out you have to accept it. All in all, an excellent defense up the middle with a solid catcher added and pretty good overall. Left field and first base have always been positions where hitting is prioritized over fielding traditionally.

You need a manager to get the most out of the talent he has. When he comes to a new team he inherits the roster already there plus whatever changes are made. But the first year is often a matter of experiment. Later on specific players will be targeted who are more exact matches for his needs. The new manager needs first hand observation to really get a feel for his team. Spring training will be very crucial in finalizing how he shapes the team. Batting order, on field defensive chemistry, running and pinch hitting skills and so on need to be assessed on the field as well as from stats and past profiles. Plus the strengths and weaknesses of each pitcher. Assistant coaches are very important that first year, when a veteran braintrust observe, consult and strategize. Maddon is in an interesting position. He has a core nucleus with tremendous assets, some others with great but untapped potential and others average or below in various categories. The raw materials are his to use as he sees fit. Based on his record I'm sure he will find a way to maximize production. It may take a month or two, but a well oiled machine will be in place before too long.