January 4th, 2020 at 8:00 am 
by 0799291000348 Whether you call it team chemistry, team spirit/morale, or esprit de corps, there was a synergy (for Star Wars fans) a Force amongst the Dodgers on-field personnel during the 2019 season that helped the team achieve greater results than one might expect from the simple sum of its parts. There was a one-for-all team attitude that helped achieve a 106-win season that was not predicted by the most optimistic fans, or Major League Baseball pundits.
Will this synergy carry over into the 2020 season? Hopefully, the answer is yes, but there have been some personnel changes, along with comments by Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and on-field manager Dave Roberts that may cause a disturbance in the Force.
The personnel changes are well known: 36-year-old infielder David Freese retired; left-handers Hyun-Jin Ryu and Rich Hill left via free agency and were signed by the Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays respectively, and 36-year-old free-agent backup catcher Russell Martin is unlikely to return. Others have left, but not with the same effect on team performance and esprit de corps as those four players. But turnover happens every season and life – and the game – goes on.
It is no secret that the Dodgers have pursued – but failed to sign – elite free-agent starting pitchers Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg, and All-Star third baseman Anthony Rendon. Having failed to lure any of the top free agents to Los Angeles, the team is reportedly attempting to trade for Cleveland Indians All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and possibly top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher Mike Clevinger; or, Boston Red Sox All-Star right fielder Mookie Betts. Any of the three would be a terrific addition to the Dodgers 2020 roster.
But what effect will all of these moves, and rumors of moves have on the Dodgers 2020 team chemistry? Players are not immune to rumors and suppositions. Some see or hear their names mentioned in possible trade scenarios, others knowing that they will have to switch positions or in some cases return to the minor leagues to make room for an elite player.
What is current Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager thinking about the team’s interest in shortstop Lindor? Seager has clearly stated that he sees himself as a shortstop, not third base, not second base — shortstop. The Dodgers’ interest in Betts has to raise questions for outfielders Joc Pederson, A.J. Pollock, Kiké Hernandez, Chris Taylor, and Kyle Garlick about their roster spots or roles, knowing that Cody Bellinger, Betts, and Alex Verdugo will not be platooned.
There is no doubt that the current roster of talented players is capable of winning the National League West in 2020; for an unprecedented eighth consecutive season. But the team will go to spring training knowing that Andrew Friedman believes that adding elite talent is necessary to increase the team’s postseason chances, and Dave Roberts has said, “I think that you’ve got to shuffle the deck sometimes… This is probably the most (roster) turnover we’ll have from one season to the next.” What will be the effect on the team be if they enter spring training 2020 in February with no substantive roster changes?
Dave Roberts has done an outstanding job of improving team camaraderie in his four years as the Dodgers manager. But beginning the first day of spring training 2020, his leadership skills will be put to the test like never before.
May the Force be with him.
* * * * * *
Posted in 
I would love to see a trade for Mookie Betts but I’m wondering what it would cost the team in talent.
Corey Seager, if healthy, is poised to have a career year. Pollock and Jansen remain the two biggest issues on the roster.
Spot on about Seager and Pollock; I am hoping for a bounce back year from Jansen.
Don’t understand why Pollock is one of the two biggest issues on the 2020 roster.
At best, he could be one of the big right-handed bats we need.
At worst, he is an overpaid bench warmer, but not so overpaid that he wrecked the team’s finances.
When your closer is not dependable, that is a huge issue. When one of your 6 outfielders is not dependable (even at $12M/yr), not nearly as huge of an issue.
I’m hoping for a bounce back year from both Jansen and Pollock.
I’d bet Seager has a big rebound year. He was a 6 WAR shortstop before Tommy John and hip issues. He would still be quite valuable at 4 WAR. This is why moving him and other parts for Lindor (probably in a 3 team deal) doesn’t seem to make as substantial of an upgrade as Betts would. Lindor over Seager might be 2 wins. Betts over Pederson/Pollack could be at least 2 wins and theoretically cost less talent in return. I’d like to see Betts and Price in LA!
I am with you about Seager and Betts; Price only if Pollock goes to Boston and preferably Maeda as well
I don’t what any part of (soon to be 35 yr old) Price and his remaining $96M in salary. He’d instantly become the biggest roster “issue” for the next three years.
Can’t even see it with Pollock and Maeda going to Boston (unless that is ALL that goes to Boston for Price and Betts). Maeda is a valuable asset and Pollock is only overpaid maybe $5M per yr.
Much rather see Dodgers bidding on Betts after next season without two more years of Price’s $32M per yr salary on the books and Pederson and Hernandez gone.
Dodgers currently have, money, prospects and MLB talent available for ????
Price who hasn’t been good since 2015 isn’t worth blowing that on.
Fair points, but depending on which prospect the Dodgers would have to include along with Maeda and Pollock I would do that deal with Boston. First, Maeda. I do not see him as a valuable asset. Recent reports that Maeda and his agent are not pleased with how he is being used by the Dodgers, sending him to the bullpen toward the end of each season and the playoffs. He will be 32 years old at the start of this season, and under contract through his age 35 season. Ross Stripling stats are just as good when he starts, and IMO more of a team player. (Yes, I have soured on Maeda). Maeda’s contract only guarantees him $3.1M per year, but with incentives he makes closer to $9M. Let’s assume $8M each of the next 3 years. AJ Pollock’s AAV is $12M for the next 3 years, but he will be paid $45M over that period (possibly another $10M in 2023 if his player option vests). Price AAV is $31M; a net AAV difference to the Dodgers ~ $11M for 3 years — in actual payroll dollars the net difference would be $27M over 3 years ($96M – $8M – $45M). In 2017 Price pitched to a 3.38 ERA (3.64 FIP) with a 1.5 WAR; 2018 his ERA was 3.58 (4.02 FIP) and 2.4 WAR; 2019 a 4.28 ERA (3.62 FIP) and 2.5 WAR. That type of production is worth much more than $11M AAV in today’s market. The elephant in the room is Price’s health which has been a huge question mark for the last several years. No doubt the Dodgers would require their specialist evaluation before acquiring Price, but there is another factor. My guess is that Boston insured Price health / injuries; depending on how much of his salary that insurance policy would pay the Dodgers may see his acquisition as very low risk. The other issue, which prospect will have to be included in order to obtain Betts. Perhaps it takes Keibert Ruiz and Jeter Downs (for example). I would do that deal for one year of Betts and the opportunity to negotiate with his representatives for the next ten months. Dodgers offer him 10 years, $380M might get him to forgo free agency.
We’re going to have to agree to disagree on this one.
Maeda 2019
IP: 154, H:114, SO: 169, ERA: 4.04, WIP: 1.07, WAR: 1.3
Price 2019
IP: 107, H:109, SO: 128, ERA: 4.28, WIP: 1.31, WAR: 1.8
I don’t know who calculates WAR at ESPN, but it could be Price’s agent.
I’d rather have the younger Maeda pitching for me at $3M (if he stinks) to $9M (if he’s good) on a great incentive laden contract than Price at $32M. Even more, I think Maeda is a valuable trade piece (because of the contract) if the Dodgers have truly soured on him. Pass on Price.
Leaving Price out of any trade for Betts, Ruiz and Downs, in my opinion, is too much to pay for a one year rental, even if the rentals name is Betts.
As far as being able to negotiate with Betts if we trade for him, not sure I’d want to do that if the price tag is 10 years, $380M for his ages 28 through 38 seasons. Maybe that’s going to be the going price, but I hope not. I’m rooting for average Americans to still be able to afford to go to a MLB game.
Yes; agree to disagree. Doesn’t happen too often.
I also expect a bounce-back season from Seager but have wondered if Boras being his agent has the Dodgers wary.
Lux looks great but how valuable is he as a second baseman if we can get Lindor? If Lux has a future at SS then I dont see why we’d go for Lindor when we have larger areas of need?
I think the trade with Boston makes sense if we can include Pollock to balance out bad contracts.
I have had the same thought about Seager and Boras. My guess, the Dodgers have approached Seager and Boras about an extension and the feedback was not good.