August 17th, 2016 at 7:23 am 
by Ron Cervenka As the 2016 non-waiver trade deadline approached, one of the most prevalent names being tossed around was that of Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy, and with very good cause. The 30-year-old Eustis, Florida native was arguably the best offensive catcher in the game at the time and would be a huge bargaining chip for the perennial-selling Brewers. And while Lucroy’s name occasionally popped up in Dodgers trade rumors, it was clear that the asking price by Brewers general manager David Stearns was simply too high for serious trade talks to even get off the ground for Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Farhan Zaidi.
The reason why Dodger fans would even entertain the idea of trading away the virtual farm for the then .304-hitting backstop (who is now hitting .294) is because both Dodgers catchers were hitting at or below the Mendoza Line and had been all season. But it was very apparent that Friedman and Zaidi weren’t about to throw in the towel on primary catcher Yasmani Grandal after having traded away All-Star outfielder Matt Kemp (and a boatload of money) to acquire him. Simply put, F&Z were going to win this trade … or else.
What was and continued to be blatantly obvious to Dodger fans when the team broke spring training camp this past March was that Grandal was still recovering from off-season surgery to his left (non-throwing) shoulder, this in spite of repeated claims by the 27-year-old La Habana, Cuba native that he was 100 percent healthy. But through the first half of the 2016 season it was painfully clear – perhaps literally – that he was not.
Through the Dodgers first 81 games – of which Grandal appeared in 65 and started 55 – he had a slash-line of .212 / .323 / .434 [there’s a mathematical term for that number progression but it escapes me right now] for a less-than-stellar OPS of .758. But since the June 30 official halfway point of the season Grandal has a slash-line of .293 / .424 / .627 for an insane OPS of 1.051. Additionally, seven of his career-high 19 home runs have come in his last 20 games. This calculates out to one home run (almost) every three games since the All-Star break. In fact, with his now-signature bat-drop home run in the sixth inning of Tuesday night’s 15-5 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, Grandal has tied Lucroy and Wilson Ramos (Nationals) for most home runs hit by a catcher this season at 19.
Grandal’s now-signature bat drop on his “no-doubters” is a sight to behold for Dodgers fans. Note the expressions on the faces of fans sitting behind him. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)
In addition to his incredible second-half power surge, Grandal has thrown out 18 would-be base stealers for a 28 percent caught-stealing rate – 10th-best in the majors. He has also allowed only seven passed balls – 12th-fewest in the league.
When all is said and done and with only 44 games remaining in the regular season, the non-trade of Yasmani Grandal for Jonathan Lucroy (who ended up going to the Texas Rangers) at the trade deadline appears to be the best trade of 2016 for the Dodgers.
Posted in 
Grandal has been very impressive. I think he must be 100 per cent healthy now.
Once again – maybe FAZ knew what they were doing. I think they might have traded but are just not willing to overpay unless it the absolute missing piece for a WS win. That piece is Clayton with the offense seemingly becoming more consistent now.
I agree, I’m happy the Dodgers stuck with Grandal, through his injury plagued slump.
I wonder what the Grandal critics are saying now? All I hear is crickets!
Even during his slump, Grandal’s hits were timely and caused damage to the other team. Right now he’s a wrecking ball to the opponents.
As you mentioned, a good non-trade.
“All I hear is crickets!”
That’s only because you’re only listening to crickets. I was one of those critics, more of his defense than offense. I’m quite pleased with his improvement and have posted such. I have read other similar posts too.
I don’t feel I need to keep posting it day after day, nor apologize for anything. What I said was true.
So, before criticizing anybody for not speaking, try listening.
My post was not about you, RTR. “Critics” is plural, meaning, more than one. Their disdain for Grandal has been well established… and for the most part, silent of late.
Also, I was not specifying this page only. There are a dozens of Dodgers blogs we could reference, but why take the time?
I did not feel your post was about me specifically, nor was my intent to imply that. “I have read other similar posts too.” I can only speak for myself though.
I also was not speaking of this page only. I see much more rational and well thought out comments here than any other page I’ve checked.
I’m sorry that I wasn’t clear regarding those things.
SPOT ON!
Apparently Grandal is very good when he’s 100% healthy. Staying healthy has been a problem, and so has admitting when his presence in the lineup is not helping the team, Ie, last September and this May. I think your observation that the FO was determined to play him no matter what for exactly the reason stated is spot on. If he keeps producing through October and doesn’t fail any drug tests, it will have been a good trade.
I would like to see him get more AB’s from the right side too. I can understand why the Dodgers inquired on Lucroy, but it sounded like they were looking into flipping Lucroy to someone else in a multi-team deal. Let’s hope Yasmani stays healthy.