Kershaw: Won't 'crawl into hole' despite struggles
A more upbeat Clayton Kershaw says the team's NLDS loss to the Nationals still stings, but he won't let it affect his preparation for next season.
A more upbeat Clayton Kershaw says the team's NLDS loss to the Nationals still stings, but he won't let it affect his preparation for next season.
Clayton Kershaw, speaking at a Dodgers holiday event, said he was "a little shocked" about the Astros' sign-stealing scandal. "When the team and the players are doing what they can on the field to get the signs, that's obviously part of the game," he said. "But when technology comes into play, if that is really true, it sucks."
Andrew Friedman said this tonight about missing out on Gerrit Cole despite reportedly offering a $300M contract: "There have been and there are going to be lots of times when someone's first choice is the Dodgers and we get that advantage. When we don't, we certainly understand it."
Former Oakland closer Blake Treinen will joined the Dodgers with a one-year, $10 million deal, sources said.
Blake Treinen was an absolute force in 2018 (0.78 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings). If the Dodgers can get him back to that level, it'll change the complexion of their entire bullpen.
Right-hander Blake Treinen is in agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a one-year, $10 million deal, sources tell ESPN. Treinen had multiple offers in that range and chose the Dodgers.
The Dodgers might be the most interesting team to watch moving forward. They are very open to making relatively drastic changes to their core group, however that manifests itself, and are having a lot of conversations both with free agents and through the trade market, targeting mostly elite players.
The Dodgers felt good about their chances to land Gerrit Cole and thought they might get him right up until the time he chose the Yankees. They don't think the money was enough of a difference to lose out on him; they think in the end he simply wanted to be a Yankee.
The Dodgers still have a lot of ways they can go, and based on what Dave Roberts said earlier, they'll remain aggressive. They can sign 3B Anthony Rendon and trade for a starter, or they can sign a No. 2-ish starter (Hyun-Jin Ryu, Madison Bumgarner) and trade for offense/bullpen.
With Gerrit Cole off the board, it'll be interesting to see if the Angels make a serious run at 3B Anthony Rendon or Josh Donaldson, both of whom they have expressed interest in. Dallas Keuchel, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Madison Bumgarner make up the next tier of starters. The Angels might be able to afford two, but Arte Moreno has shown a tendency to be more willing to spend on offense.
Although Astros manager AJ Hinch told reporters that he could not comment on the sign-stealing scandal, the Dodgers' Dave Roberts offered some thoughts, including the fact that his team was wary of whether the Astros were working for an extra edge.
Dave Roberts said Dodgers owner Mark Walter "has been at the center" of their offseason pursuit and that Justin Turner agreeing to switch positions "set the tone for the offseason." He also said this, which I thought was interesting: "I would say, as far as with my time here, I think this is probably the most turnover we'll have from one season to the next. I think that's fair."
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that his club has been more aggressive than in years past. "When you look at the players that are available, you look at the economics of the flexibility that we have as a club — those two variables kind of made us a little bit more involved, more interested."
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was thoroughly grilled regarding the sign-stealing allegations that have enveloped the Astros. He said he has spoken to Houston manager AJ Hinch, but declined to characterize the conversation. Added that Hinch remains one of his good friends.
Here is what Scott Boras said when I asked how "close" were the Gerrit Cole negotiations: "'Close' has a broad definition but we're certainly well into the negotiation process to where you can say you can potentially see a finish line."
Aiming to win a World Series, L.A. needs only top-end roster solutions. Which high-end players will it pursue?
The Dodgers have discussed the possibility of switching positions with Justin Turner, which would obviously hinge on them adding a third baseman. Andrew Friedman said Turner is willing. First base would be the position he would move to, not second.
Andrew Friedman said the Dodgers have zeroed in on roughly 12 players they're targeting at the moment. Almost all of them, perhaps with the exception of relievers, are elite. "I'd say it's a much more narrow group than it has been in some other years in my career," Friedman said.
With the MLB winter meetings underway in San Diego, Buster welcomes ESPN's Alden Gonzalez (20:51) and Jesse Rogers (31:51) to discuss the latest in the Gerrit Cole sweepstakes, landing spots for Anthony Rendon, the trade markets for Kris Bryant and Wilson Contreras and more. Plus, Tim Kurkjian on last night's Hall of Fame inductions and Sarah Langs with her take on the changes coming to Mets ownership (11:02).
The Dodgers could do everything and nothing and I wouldn't be surprised by either outcome. What's interesting — and limiting — is that the only players who would help them, at any position, are basically the top 1 percent. They have the financial flexibility and organizational depth to do whatever they want, but they have in past years been more willing to assess needs in-season if they're not comfortable with the demands this time of year.
From the ace in the spotlight to why this year's meetings could actually produce some major moves, here's what you need to know as the hot stove's main event begins.
This is your one-stop shop for free-agent signings, blockbuster trades and the latest rumors and buzz.
One team will land the best pitcher on the planet. The rest of his suitors? They'll have to scramble.
Hoping for a busy week of moves in San Diego? So are we. Here are some deals that would get everyone talking.
The Twins announced plans Wed. to increase the length & height of Target Field's safety netting, becoming the 14th team to install or commit to extensions since a toddler's 5/29 head injury on a foul liner in Houston. They join the Astros, Braves, Brewers, Chisox, D-backs, Dodgers, Jays, Nats, O's, Phils, Pirates, Rangers & Royals.
TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles | 106 | 56 | .654 | - | W7 |
Arizona | 85 | 77 | .525 | 21 | W5 |
San Francisco | 77 | 85 | .475 | 29 | L3 |
Colorado | 71 | 91 | .438 | 35 | W3 |
San Diego | 70 | 92 | .432 | 36 | L6 |