December 31st, 2020 at 8:30 am 
by Ron Cervenka If we have learned anything from (or about) Andrew Friedman as he prepares to enter his seventh season as the Dodgers President of Baseball Operations, it is to expect the unexpected and be prepared for ‘The Big One’ to happen without so much as a hint of rumor or speculation. One need look no further than the blockbuster acquisition of future Hall of Famer Mookie Betts on February 10, 2020, a mere days before pitchers and catchers reported for Spring Training 1.0 as proof of this.
If we have learned anything from (or about) AM 570 LA Sports radio personality David Vassegh, it is to expect occasional nonsense and silliness.
While a guest on MLB Network Radio on Tuesday, Vassegh said that 32-year-old three-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glover, two-time Silver Slugger, and two-time batting champion (including 2020) DJ LeMahieu “…is on [the Dodgers] radar” as a possible replacement for beloved (and 36-year-old) Long Beach, CA native – and free agent – Justin Turner.
“Andrew did say at the beginning of the winter that he would like to add a right-handed bat,” Vassegh told his hosts. “And from what I’m hearing, DJ LeMahieu is on their radar. They are definitely in talks with LeMahieu.”
But is Vassegh merely stirring the proverbial rumor mill pot in an attempt to have it first on what would be yet another huge Friedman blockbuster move, or does Vassegh indeed have it first?
If it is true, acquiring LeMahieu would all but guarantee that Turner would not return as the Dodgers third baseman (or potential designated hitter).
You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who does not want to see Turner, an All-Star in 2017, finish out his solid MLB career in Dodger Blue. However, (and you had to know a ‘however’ was coming), from a pure emotionless business standpoint, offering Turner anything beyond a two-year free-agent deal is playing with fire – something that Friedman is not known for doing.
Although this is not what Justin Turner fans want to hear, from a pure emotionless business standpoint, 32 is a far better number than 36.
…as are three Gold Gloves, two Silver Sluggers, and two batting titles, compared to none.
Play Ball!
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I agree that a 32 year old solid hitting infielder is better than a 36 year old solid hitting infielder with arthritis starting to effect performance, DJLM does not bring what JT would be taking were he to leave. JT’s value in the clubhouse is equal (or dare we consider) possibly greater than his value on the field?
He has still been very solid offensively and defensively and let’s not put aside that JT would likely have a couple Gold Gloves in his trophy case were it not for Arenado also residing in the NL West during his best years. A 2 year commitment to him would be a relative bargain compared to what it will take to sign LaMahieu. Plus, the Dodgers have multiple internal options should a JT decline show itself sooner than later.
I hope Friedman sticks to the trait he has shown for years: the ability to see ahead with startlingly clear vision.
What we know: Dodgers do not leak this type of information (in talks with LeMahieu) so who would benefit the most from that kind of “leak?” The answer – LeMahieu. Would his agent (Wasserman) consider “leaking” that kind of report in an effort to get the Yankees to bid against themselves and increase their offer? Hmmm, I would not put it past any agent.
Happy New Year to all World Champion Dodger Fans(that has a nice ring to it). Would have liked to have JT wrapped under the 🎄 but we will soon have a solution to 3b.
We do need another strong arm in the pen, a right hand hitting 3b and a righty hitter for the bench.
I think the next 30 days will take care of all of these needs.
Best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful 2021.
Stay with jt since you know what he do on and off the field for the dodger organization. You won’t be sorry and I beleive he would like
To stay a dodger. Good luck.
If the NL has the DH for 2021 and Turner wants to sign a two year deal I say fine but without the DH I would sign Turner on a one year deal with a club option for a second. I do think LeMahieu will sign with the Yankees.
Best wishes for a wonderful 2021! I believe the NL will once again have the DH in 2021, and confident that the universal DH will become a permanent part of MLB beginning in 2022. Friedman is a very innovative negotiator and I think we will see him reach an agreement with Turner that will keep him a Dodger for 2 years with a vesting option for a third.
Thinking highly of JT as both a player and team leader, retaining his services at two years with an option year to peak JT’s interest is probably what’s on Friedman’s to do list. Let’s be clear on this, Turner, while in decline can still be a massive asset to the team. He can super sub 3rd, 2nd & 1st. Seager now mans 3rd which was an initial and eventual goal. Aquire Lindor’s services at short, he’s 27 and a switch hitter with a .285 avg. Give Lux his shot at second. The infield is set. Aquire a SOLID closer. Retain Kike as bench insurance. The pitching rotation should be fine. They don’t need DJLM. Repeat as World Series Champs is almost a lock!
Everything I have read, Seager does not want to move from shortstop. Both Lindor and Seager can be free agents after 2021, so the Dodgers could trade several top prospects for Lindor, tick off Seager, and then lose both of them in free agency.
Definitely sign DJ. A leader on & off the field. Leads by example. Dodgers need another top flight starting pitcher. Another WS title in 2021 is very possible.
I prefer JT over DJ
I have very reliable information that DJ has all intentions to resign with the NY Yankees , sorry Dodger fans.
Best move for him, Yankees, and Dodgers.
DJ for 5 years takes him to his 37th birthday as he starts at 2B and spells JT at 3B (who comes back on a 2 yr deal). As DJ ages he plays more 3B and 1B becoming another professional veteran like Utley, Freese, Turner that keep the culture going.
LeMahieu will be 38 midway through the fifth year (July 13, 2026). Justin Turner is only 36 now and in his career has a significantly better wRC+ than LeMahieu (130 to 100). I would rather see the Dodgers sign 30-year old Marcus Semien who can play 3b, 2b, and SS and his career wRC+ is 104
We have perfect scenario bring JT back, platooning a little with Rios and Muncy playing a little third as well. Hopefully DH is here soon. JT perfect dh,part time 3b as well.
Price CK Buehler May Urias Gonsolin big time starting staff. Need another arm in the pen.
Try and sign Seager if possible.
What do you think about signing Turner and Marcus Semien who can play any position on the infield?
I’ve been a Dodgers fan for over 40 years. Seeing the blue crew bring that trophy back home where it belongs,brought tears to my eyes. And having JT be a part of that,was a historical moment for ALL DODGERS fans. If he moves on,he he will be truly missed. He’s a Dodger for life. And NOBODY can fill his shoes. And,I’m very proud to say,he’s the BIG homie from LONG BEACH.
Proud member of the Justin Turner fan club
Lemahieu is known to be a great clubhouse leader as well. Perfect replacement for JT if his demands are too high
Who would you rather have, Turner for 3 years/$45M, or LeMahieu 4 years/$80M?
I would rather have JT. Enough money left over for a deal with Semian and Hand? Then we are set.
If we can’t sign Seager then with Semian we have a solid insurance policy.
I did not have Semien on my list of free agents for Dodgers, but he can play 2b, 3b, and be a fall back option if Seager should leave via free agency. Kiké may be an option if the Dodgers offer him $25M over 3 years?
My gut is that someone will offer Kiké 3/$30 to play every day (which he deserves to). I don’t see Friedman matching that.
LOVE the Semien idea, although he would probably end up in Kiké’s super-sub role; and what is Andrew willing to pay for that (in lieu of re-signing Kiké)?
While I was writing about Semien I thought — why not just re-sign Kiké, who is projected to get much less than Semien. Fangraphs projects Kiké to have a 1 WAR year in 2021, which is worth about $8M (hence the 3 years/$25M). The big unknown — how does Friedman and staff value these players.
nice piece Jesse.
couple of things i don’t see being factored into these comments;
39 men on the 40 and $21M under the tax threshold.
while I’m continuously amused by the fans generously offering kike a bench role or JT a one year deal with an option, it reminds me that i can offer $10K to the salesman but he wont give me the keys to that new Jeep.
there is only room for one player unless someone gets traded or released.
i dont see anyone getting released at this point so it looks like “either – or” to me. i like DJLM but i don’t feel that our needs justify the outlay. i would like to see a deal with Turner Although i hate it, i think the universal DH is inevitable and AF should operate under those parameters. JT has another couple of years in the field either way. (Look at Howie) over paying him for a couple of years vs buying the extra years, even releasing him, works better for the lux tax, but i suspect his final year or two would be utleyesque which could certainly pay dividends with rios/lux/beaty/hoese more than doing so.