Returning the Dodgers to Prominence (1989)
 

I grew up a Dodger fan.*

I saw them win the 1988 World Series behind some historic performances:
Kirk Gibson's home run
Orel Hershiser's dominant run


Since then
They've had some excellent (and terrible) teams and some Hall of Fame players
They have not won a World Series
They have not had a player inducted into the Hall of Fame despite bringing up 3 Hall of Fame talents in Mike Piazza, Pedro Martinez and Adrian Beltre.* All 3 left LA under less than ideal circumstances

This exercise is to see how things could have gone differently

I should note that I started this some months ago, and have already completed the 1989-1992 seasons.* I'll write about those retroactively and will pick up with the 1993 season.

I had 3 main goals when starting this
First - to win a World Series before the real life Dodgers (so, before the 2020 season - or maybe even later)
Second - to have players enter the Hall of Fame as Dodgers
Third - to amass individual awards and milestones
And a fourth - to have fun playing my first real historical game in OOTP. I almost always play fictional or future games experimenting with alternative ways to use rosters.

I'm using historical players, of course, with rookies assigned to their real life teams,* and 3-year re-calc.

While I don't have perfect knowledge of baseball history since 1988, I certainly have a general idea.* I, for example, know that Ramon Martinez' younger brother (and Jesus Martinez' older brother) getting traded for Delino DeShields would be a massive mistake.* So, SPOILER, I'm unlikely to do that, for example.*

This definitely gives me some advantages.* To negate this advantage, I'll mostly be trying to use some personal restraint: Not looking up the details of players' careers, trying to justify OOTP wheelings and dealings with their real life counterparts, some house rules including using a random decision maker to, well, randomize some decisions (such as which player to include in a deal). I'll also have trading on the Hard setting (not,* though, Hardest. I find this makes trading too unrealistic). I'll also target players that did play for the Dodgers, though I may use them in different seasons and different capacities.* I'll be partial to some of my favorite players.

There will be some other challenges.* Such as trying to balance keeping some Dodger icons in blue and white while trying to win championships. For example, Orel Hershiser.* In real life after the 1988 season he was the Dodgers. He had another very good 1989 season, then was injured and never the same.* He went on to have some good, not great, seasons with the Cleveland baseball team and the Mets before returning for a forgettable year with the Dodgers.* In this version, he will stay with the Dodgers.* Meaning I'll keep a Dodger icon but, I'll be tied to a sometimes mediocre pitcher.

Regarding injuries.* My players will be subject to real life injuries.* Each season between the end of spring training and opening day, I go through each player and see who looked like they missed time during the season.* Then I check their game logs to determine which days they were on the real life DL (now IL).* Then I use the editor to give them injuries during that time. Because of this, I will be editing many OOTP generated injuries.* I don't want my players to be in double jeopardy when it comes to injuries.* So, day-to-day or short-term injuries I will leave alone; those I will have to deal with.* Longer term injuries I will edit down to 15 days.* I think this will give me a good balance.*

I'm be using real life league evolution.* So, Rockies and Marlins in 1993 and DBacks and DRays in 1998.* The DH may come to the NL in 1998.* We'll see.

I will typically employ a manager (and will assign mostly real life coaches to my MLB and minor league teams (development is off but coaching is on) and will sim most games.* I usually manage spring training games, opening day, a few games around the trading deadline to get a feel for my team, all games with expanded rosters and a few games here and there to keep myself engaged.*

Results and Awards
 

RESULTS
1993 97-65 Won NL West. Won NL. Lost World Series
1992 81-81 3rd NL West
1991 110-52 Won NL West. Won NL. Lost in NLCS
1990 101-61 Won NL West. Won NL. Won World Series
1989 96-66 Won NL West. Won NL. Won World Series

MVP
1991 Rickey Henderson
1990 Bobby Bonilla

CY YOUNG
1991 Ramon Martinez
1990 Mike Morgan

GOLD GLOVES
1991 2B Willie Randolph
1990 2B Willie Randolph
1989 P Tim Belcher, 2B Willie Randolph

ALL STARS
1993 P Mark Langston. P Tim Belcher, SS Jon Valentin
1992 P Lee Smith
1991 P Ramon Martinez, P Mike Morgan, LF Rickey Henderson
1990 P Tim Belcher, P Mike Morgan, LF Rickey Henderson, RF Bobby Bonilla
1989 P Orel Hershiser, RF Bobby Bonilla

ROOKIES OF THE YEAR


MANAGER OF THE YEAR
1994 C. Beisbol

MILESTONES
1992 Nolan Ryan 300 career wins
1992 Nolan Ryan 5000 career strike outs
1992 Rickey Henderson 2000 career hits
1991 Rickey Henderson 1000 career stolen bases
1991 Lee Smith 300 career saves

1989 The Dodgers look to repeat after an improbable World Series victory
 

What Really Happened:
The Dodgers returned most of the 1988 team
The biggest addition was Eddie Murray who was to provide some much needed offense at first base after 1988 first baseman Pedro Guerreo was traded in season for Jon Tudor. Second baseman Steve Sax went to NY and the Dodgers replaced him with former Yankee 2B Willie Randolph (at a fraction of the salary)

1989's pitching was very good
1989's offense was not
The team missed the playoffs


What Happened in OOTP:
The offense was a problem in 1988.* But the team overcame it.* I wanted to give them some more help

Instead of Jeff Hamilton at 3B, the '89 OOTP Dodger started the season with Bobby Bonilla (acquired with stuff for Tim Leary and stuff)

The SS position was also a question.* I assume Alfredo Griffin was a fine person, and one of the best baseball players in the world, but not one of the best players in MLB.* We decide to start the season with a couple of bat first players competing for time at SS - Mariano Duncan and Mike Sharperson. We have Dave Anderson's glove to help them out. It'll be fine,

The team looked like this to start the season*
C: Mike Scioscia, Rick Dempsey
IF: Eddie Murray, Willie Randolph, Bobby Bonilla, Mariano Duncan, Mike Sharperson, Dave Anderson
OF: Kirk Gibson, John Shelby, Mike Marshall, Javier Ortiz, Jose Gonzalez, ???
SP: Orel Hershiser, Mike Morgan, Tim Belcher, Fernando Valenzuela, John Tudor
RP: Jay Howell, Alejandro Pena, Ricky Horton, Ricky Honeycutt, Tim Crews

The Dodgers were behind a very well constructed Padres team in July.* Mike Marshall was injured.* Bobby Bonilla was raking and committing errors like a maniac st 3B. We brought in decent hitter and good defender Brook Jacoby to play 3B and moves Bonilla to RF.* Marshall was traded to the Cubs for reserve OFer Mitch Webster.* Things started to look much better.*

Then Kirk Gibson tore up a (real life) hamstring.* This didn't bode well.* The Chinese word for "crisis" is not composed of the characters for "danger" and "opportunity" but there is truth to that idea.* In real life July of 1989 Ricky Henderson was traded to the Oakland A's.* In July of 1989 Kal Daniels (if not for injuries he would have been a monster) was traded to the Dodgers.* In OOTP July 1989 Rickey Henderson was traded to the Dodgers.

The Dodgers passed the Padres in September

Beat the Mets in the NLCS
Rickey Henderson hits a two-run home run for the only runs of game 6 and the Dodgers have won back-to-back World Series,
And became back-to-back World Champions

Key moves and decisions were
Trading for Bobby Bonilla
Moving Bonilla to RF and acquiring Brook Jacoby to play 3B
Letting Mariano Duncan play SS.* He had a 117 wRC+ (including a league leading 17 triples) and -0.6 ZR despite 36 errors. All in all, he had a 4.3 WAR season.
Getting Rickey Henderson

1990 Dodgers try to go back-to-back-to-back
 

That was easy. Why haven't the real Dodgers been able to win in 30+ years?
Don't answer that.


What Really Happened:
After a disappointing season, the Dodgers did some minor retooling.* Trading Mike Marshall and Alejandro Pena to the Mets for CF Juan Samuel and signing Hubie Brooks to replace Marshall.*

Injuries to Kirk Gibson and Orel Hershiser early in the season set the Dodgers back. Juan Samuel wasn't working out in CF and Willie Randolph was traded to Oakland to allow Samuel to play 2B.* Ramon Martinez lept onto the scene.


What happened in OOTP:
The Dodgers brought back Rickey Henderson on a 3 year deal (5 years with an opt out).* He's on a Hall of Fame course and we want him wearing an LA hat when he goes in.* So, what happens to Kirk Gibson when he comes back?* In real life Daniels was slated for LF and Gibson played CF.* We'll do that too.* We sign defensive whiz Gary Pettis to play CF while Gibson is on the mend.

We make the painful decision to not re-sign Fernando Valenzuela - instead bringing back John Tudor.* No one is happy about this.

C: Mike Scioscia, Tim McIntosh
IF: Eddie Murray, Willlie Randolph, Brook Jacoby, Mariano Duncan, Mike Sharperson, Dave Anderson
OF: Rickey Henderson, Gary Pettis, Bobby Bonilla, Javier Ortiz, Ty Gainey
SP: Orel Hershiser, Mike Morgan, Tim Belcher, Ramon Martinez, John Tudor.
RP: Jay Howell, Alejandro Pena, Rick Honeycutt, Lee Guetterman, Mike Hartley, Tim Crews
DL: Kirk Gibson

Orel Hershiser makes 4 un-Hershiserish starts before going under the knife. Jim Neidlinger does a heroic Hershiser impersonation.*

Mariano Duncan is a disaster in the field and isn't hitting much better. Mike Sharperson isn't the answer either, but is a definite step up. We look high and low, and settle on Dickie Thon to try and bring some stability to the SS position.

Kirk Gibson comes back and does not work out in CF.* He's not hitting and the defense isn't much better.*

The extremely formidable Padres are out in front, things look bleak.

We rectify our mistake and bring Fernando back to replace John Tudor.* We add another lefty, Bob Ojeda.* We pick up Jim Eisenrich on the cheap to provide the left-handed bench bat that a dejected Kirk Gibson can't give us.* Dickie Thon is mediocre and Mike Sharperson takes over as SS.*

The team catches fire and it's an epic battle with the Padres down the stretch.* They lose in the final game of the season, and the Dodgers empty their bench mid-game to celebrate.

We beat the Cardinals in the NLCS
We beat the White Sox in the World Series

Bobby Bonilla is the league MVP.* Henderson finishes second.

Key Decisions:
Getting the good mojo with Fernando
Jim Eisenrich who hit .315/.366/.443 (152 wRC+) with LA

1991 Can we make it four straight? I'm legitimately worried that we can.* :/
 

What Really Happened:
Orel Hershiser comes back. Not quite as good as before
The Dodgers begin compiling a hometown team by signing CF Brett Butler, RF Darryl Strawberry and SP Bob Ojeda.

It almost works as they miss winning the NL West by 1 game.


What Happened in OOTP:
The owner wants a hometown player so the Dodgers trade for Brett Butler.* The owner is happy
We bring back Willie Randolph who's blend of league average offense and gold glove defense has made him a fan favorite and 4 win player. The owner is happy
Mike Sharperson impressed last year but isn't a SS. Brook Jacoby leaves in free agency and Sharperson is penciled in as the starting 3B
We hope to solve last season's SS woes with a 2B - Jose Oquendo



We start the season like so:
C: Mike Scioscia, Carlos Hernandez
IF: Eddie Murray, Willlie Randolph,* Mike Sharperson, Jose Oquendo, Jack Howell, Paul Zuvella
OF: Rickey Henderson, Brett Butler, Bobby Bonilla, Mike Huff, Bill Bean, Lloyd McClendon
SP: Mike Morgan, Tim Belcher, Ramon Martinez, Bob Ojeda, Rick Reed
RP: Jay Howell, Alejandro Pena, Mike Hartley, Tim Crews, Dan Plesac, Jim Poole
DL: Orel Hershiser

The team is a juggernaut.* So good that our AAA pitchers are making the Major League All-Star Game (Rick Reed who pitched brilliantly as a starter while Hershiser was injured and as well in relief once Hershiser was back, but was sent to AAA just before the All-Star break).
One of the few weaknesses is Eddie Murray putting up a sub 100 wRC+.* We give 3B/1B Dave Hollins a shot - he joins the juggernaut party.* Rick Reed is traded for Lee Smith.

The team wins 110 regular season games.
Rickey is the MVP


Lee Smith is pummeled in game one of the NLCS by the Mets and the Dodgers are eliminated from the playoffs for the first time in 3 post seasons.*

Key Decisions:
Signing Jose Oquendo. Stellar defense (+8.6 UZR) and a ..364 OBP.*
Bringing Brett Butler aboard.* A .391 OBP
Going with Mike Sharperson at 3rd.* He responds with a 3.1 WAR season.

1992 Disappointment mixed with relief after finally failing to win a championship
 

What Really Happened:
Disaster! 99 losses.
The dream outfield of Eric Davis, Brett Butler and Darryl Strawberry sputters.

What Happened in OOTP:
Coming off a 110 win season but a playoff disappointment, we have some medium size decisions to make.

What to do with Mike Morgan and Eddie Murray are the biggest.
Morgan has been superb (leading the NL in ERA the last 2 seasons, 13.6 WAR during those seasons) but is going to be 32.
Murray had a terrible 1991 (.242/.292/.399 for a 99 wRC+).

I think about moving Hollins to 1B to replace Murray - but worry that his bat isn't really enough for 1B.* I think about moving Bonilla to 1B and finding someone for RF.* I think about re-signing Murray.* I think about signing free agent catcher Mickey Tettleton to play 1B.

While I'm thinking about this, Mike Morgan signs with Toronto.* We dance with Roger Clemens but he signs with the Angels. Nolan Ryan is coming off a rebound year where he managed 20 starts for the first time in the OOTP era.* He's 16 wins shy of 300 and 86 K's shy of 5000.* We sign him to a lucrative one-year contract.*

Murray signs with the Royals and the Astros offer us Dave Winfield. We accept. Bonilla is our first baseman, Hollins will man 3rd and Mike Sharperson deserves to start somewhere. He's traded to the Royals for SP prospect Dave Nied.

During spring training we realize we need a backup SS and CF.* We sign Gary Pettis and Jose Uribe.

We start the season like this

C: Mike Scioscia, Carlos Hernandez
IF: Bobby Bonilla, Willlie Randolph,* Dave Hollins, Jose Oquendo, Dave Hansen, Rafael Bournigal
OF: Rickey Henderson, Brett Butler, Bobby Bonilla, Mike Huff, Bill Bean, Lloyd McClendon
SP: Mike Morgan, Orel Hershiser, Ramon Martinez, Nolan Ryan, Bob Ojeda
RP: Lee Smith, Rod Beck, John Wetteland, Larry Anderson, Dan Plesac, John Patterson

Uribe and Pettis are getting a few more PA's in AAA

The boss wanted more home runs. Replacing Sharperson's 4 with Hollins (7 homeruns in 10 games last September) and Murray's down season with Winfield should do the trick.


Jose Oquendo lasts 2 innings before he tears a hamstring.* We have to rush Jose Uribe up.* He never starts hitting.* Ryan spends most of April on the DL.* Dave Nied looks great in his place.* Henderson is on and off the DL.* Willie Randolph finally starts showing his age on defense.* Hollins looks like a 1B playing 3B. Hershiser after signing an extension in the off-season is getting bombed regularly.* Mike Scoscia has like a 50 wRC+. We try Jose Offerman at SS.* He somehow has a -8 UZR in 3 weeks

I keep thinking things will turn around.* They don't.

At least Ryan got his 5000th strike out in May (his IRL 5000th strikeout victim was Rickey Henderson.* This time Rickey is his teammate).* 300 wins looks like a long shot.

We call up catching prospect* Mike Piazza who has hammered the ball at every stop.* He's an improvement over Scioscia with a 70's wRC+.

Dave Winfield is miserable.* This isn't what he signed up for.* We send him to the Yankees for OF Roberto Kelly who has been languishing in AAA.

Bob Ojeda, after 61 starts with OOTP LA (he made 60 real life starts in LA), is put on the trade block.* The Red Sox offer a SS, John Valentin.* That's not a fair trade.* We spin the wheel of chance and throw in IF Eric Young as well.*

Willie Randolph, Ramon Martinez and Bobby Bonilla go down with season ending injuries.* Willie Randolph leads off one final late season game as a pinch hitter (had an opener in the leadoff spot who pitched the top of the first so Randolph could take one last PA) in LA so the fans can say goodbye to him.*

The youngsters, largely, performed down the stretch
Piazza hit .288/.413/.558 in September
Jose Offerman looks much better at 2B than SS in Randolph's absence.
Eric Karros has a productive few PA's in Bonilla's stead.
Billy Ashley homers in his first MLB PA
Catcher Darrin Fletcher is throwing out wouldbe base stealers left and right (10 out of 19)

Though David Nied, who, in April, looked like a viable starter for 1993 is getting absolutely shelled

One old guy had a good Septmeber too.
Nolan Ryan won pitcher of the month with 5 wins and a 1.04 ERA
He ends the season with 17 wins
If you recall he needed 16 to win his 300th.
Congratulations, Nolan.

And we finished on a slight positive.* Or, at least not a negative.* 81-81


Key Decisions:
I really don't know what I could have done differently
It was largely injuries and guys with previously steady performances who didn't perform.

Every position player bedsides Brett Butler had a down year
C Scioscia from 3 WAR to negative WAR
1B Bonilla from 9 WAR to 3 WAR
2B Randolph from 4 WAR to 2 WAR
3B Hollins from 167 wRC+ to 119 wRC+ and 29 errors at 3rd. But, 3 WAR
SS Oquendo from 4 WAR to 0 WAR
LF Rickey from MVP to 3 WAR
RF Winfield was good, Kelly has been negative WAR

I lost like 15 WAR with Scioscia, Bonilla, Randolph, Oquendo and Rickey

To start thinking about next year
Tommy Lasorda retired.*
Rickey has an opt-out.* Will he leave after a down year?* Will he want to come back?* We'll certainly try to bring this future hall of famer back.
We got Nolan Ryan's 5000th K and 300th win to happen in blue.* Do we bring him back for another year?

We have expansion
We'll have to protect 15 players from the draft.* Who will they be?* And who will be unprotected?

1992-1993 Off-Season
 

Tommy Lasorda retires!
Did not see that coming.
Perhaps, though, it's one of those proverbial blessings in disguise. Tommy and I didn't always see eye-to-eye on things. While, it's hard to deny his success, this is a chance to bring in some, also proverbial, new blood.



The following players are free agents
LF Rickey Henderson
SP Nolan Ryan
SS Jose Oquendo
CF Gary Pettis
RP Bob Patterson

Minors
C Carlos Diaz
RP Joe Kraemer

And these players are eligible for arbitration
SP Ramon Martinez
RP Tom Bolton
RP Tony Fossas
RP Mike Hartley
LF Mike Huff
LF Bill Bean
RF Roberto Kelly
RF Lloyd McClendon

We have these players (in addition to the arbitration eligible players listed above) on the 40-man roster
C Mike Piazza
C Darrin Fletcher
C Carlos Hernandez
1B Bobby Bonilla
1B Eric Karros
2B Jose Offerman
3B Dave Hollins
3B Dave Hansen
SS Jon Valentin
IF Rafael Bournigal
IF Clay Bellinger
CF Brett Butler
OF JT Bruett
OF Billy Ashley
SP Tim Belcher
SP Orel Hershiser
SP Pedro Astacio
SP David Nied
SP Jim Neidlinger
SP Dennis Springer
RP Lee Smith
RP John Wetteland
RP Rod Beck
RP Jose Melendez
RP Darren Holmes
RP Mike Christopher
RP Jim Poole
RP Mike Munoz

The following players need to be added to the 40 man roster or will be eligible to be selected in the Rule V Draft.
IF Mike Benjamin
IF Eddie Pie
OF Raul Mondesi
SP Mark Mimbs
SP Mike Mimbs


To further complicate matters, the expansion draft is occurring in a few weeks. We'll need to protect 15 players and the rest of the team will be eligible to be selected in that draft.

Just curious, what happened to Jeff Hamilton? I played in a summer men's league against him a few years after he retired (in 1999). He hit a home run off of us in the only game we played against his team.

1992/1993 Off-Season: Part 2
 

Re-sign Rickey Henderson to a 5 year $20 million contract with no-trade clause.
Rickey wants Hollywood and Hollywood wants Rickey.


Just prior to the expansion and Rule V drafts we work out a deal trading 1B Eric Karros, RP Mike Hartley and P Jeff Hartsock to the expansion Rockies. This move clears 2 spots on our 40 man roster.

The Rockies need players ready for the majors and Karros, who had to be protected or who was likely to be drafted, has put up 3 consecutive 3+ WAR seasons in AAA. But, as a first baseman only, we haven't had room for him on the MLB roster. Similarly, Mike Hartley has 179.2 big league innings over the last 4 seasons with 3.81 ERA (105 ERA+), 3.62 FIP (93 FIP-) and 1.2 WAR. But he's fallen behind Beck and Wetteland on the depth chart. Both guys should get a shot in Colorado. Also going is AAA starter Jeff Hartsock (359 AAA innings, 92 ERA+, 100 FIP- and 4.2 WAR). We get 3 guys destined for the lower minors. IF Neifi Perez (19), IF Vicente Garcia (17) and CF Edgard Clemente (16) in return. Clemente has plus range and some power potential, his discipline and contact will need to improve. Garcia is similar. He's an above average infield defender but might be pressed at SS. He's also got power for a middle infiedler, good discipline, but contact issues. Perez is athletic enough for all 3 infield positions. Has some bat to ball skills and is said to be mature beyond his years.



We go through arbitration with no surprises; everyone comes back except OF Lloyd McClendon who we wish well.


Protection lists for the expansion draft are due
The first few names are easy
LF Rickey Henderson, SP Ramon Martinez, C Mike Piazza, 3B Dave Hollins, 2B Jose Offerman, SS Jon Valentin, OF Billy Ashley, SP Pedro Astacio
Mostly young players who have exhibited some major league success. And a future Hall of Famer.
(Note: Piazza and Astacio were not technically available for the draft having less than 3 years professional experience) but, in the name of making the game more difficult I decided that I'd include them because they had had major league experience.)

The next few weren't that difficult of decisions to make
SP Orel Hershiser, SP Tim Belcher, 1B Bobby Bonilla and CF Brett Butler. All established players with multi-million dollar contracts, but who are expected to produce in excess of those contracts.

Now it's getting more difficult. We finally settle on:
RP John Wetteland and RP Rod Beck. Both were dominant last season and have multiple years on control left.

One last spot
We thought that Dave Nied would have been included in the original group. However, his performance down the stretch was worring. He's still young and has 5 years on team control left, though.
Then, there's Lee Smith. Smith might be hall of fame bound. He's regularly putting up 2 WAR seasons out of the bullpen. But, he'll be 35 this year and only has one year left on his deal.
Both players are very likely to be selected.
Would we rather lose 1 year of an established closer?
Or potentially 5 years of a young fireballer?




Retired after the 1992 season to prepare for summer leagues. His stated goal is to hit 2 home runs vs hillm2ca's team.

1993 Dodgers Top Prospects
 

Top Prospects

#1 SP Pedro Martinez
#2 OF Raul Mondesi
#3 OF Ruben Rivera
#4 SP Pedro Astacio
#5 OF Todd Hollandsworth
#6 C Paul LoDuca
#7 SP Ismael Valdez
#8 C/OF/IF Jerry Brooks
#9 OF Chris Latham
#10 OF Roger Cedeno
#11 OF Billy Ashley
#12 IF Willis Otanez
#13 OF JT Bruett
#14 IF Neifi Perez
#15 OF Karim Garcia
#16 IF Eddie Pye
#17 OF Willie Romero
#18 P Omar Daal
#19 OF Scott Bullett
#20 SP Mark Mimbs
#21 SP William Vanlandingham
#22 IF Wilton Guerrero
#23 IF Roberto Mejia
#24 IF Mike Busch
#25 IF Eddie Rios
#26 CF Edgard Clemente
#27 C Doug Newstrom
#28 1B Brian Traxler
#29 IF/OF Gary Ingram
#30 RP Darren Holmes

60 Team League and Tate Redinger History
 

This is interesting, the 1988 Dodgers were the bane of the Mets,

Sorry for the title in this thread, I meant to post a new thread but I like the idea of this thread

Hope Todd Hollandsworth develops into the prospect he should have been.

If I recall, the 1988 Mets were the bane of the regular season Dodgers.
I re-watched that series a few months ago. And it was incredible. So much drama and weird things that happened. Jay Howell getting suspended. The rain out and muddy, sloppy game after. Not remembering who won each game, I was in suspense nearly the whole time.

As for Hollandsworth. I am playing with 3-year recalc. So, he's not likely to have much more of a career than he did in real life. But he was a useful player for a while.

Expansion Draft
 

We know we are going to lose a few players in this draft. Now, we wait to find out who they will be.

The first pick, by the Florida Marlins is IF Bip Roberts from, nemesis, San Diego
Followed by the Rockies taking OF Moises Alou from St. Louis

With the 16th pick we, surprisingly, lose RF Roberto Kelly to the Florida Marlins.

Soon after, with the 38th pick, more surprisingly, the Rockies take Dave Hansen

Then, less surprisingly, but more disappointingly, the 43rd pick nabs RP Lee Smith for the Rockies.


Immediately after the draft, the Rockies' lineup looks like this
3B Rene Gonzalez
C BJ Surhoff
LF Moises Alou
1B Eric Karros
SS Ozzie Guillen
CF Mike Devereaux
2B Jeff Gardner
RF Scott Brosius

with the following pitching staff
SP Wally Whitehurst
SP Pete Smith
SP Dave Weathers
SP Tim Wakefield
SP Jeff Hartsock
RP Lee Smith
RP Mike Hartley
RP Jeff Shaw
RP Fernando Valenzuela
RP Dennis Cook
RP Marvin Freeman

A few familiar faces we'll be seeing a few times a year with 6 players who spent time as a Dodger

The Marlins look like this
2B Bip Roberts
LF Felix Jose
RF Darryl Hamilton
C Sandy Alomar Jr
CF Roberto Kelly
SS Royce Clayton
3B Jack Voigt
1B Monty Farris

SP Ron Darling
SP Greg Hibbard
SP Mark Gubiza
SP Tommy Greene
SP Roger Pavlik
RP Mike Stanton
RP Jeremy Hernandez
RP Steve Reed
RP Randy Hennis
RP Eric Hillman
RP Mike Remlinger

The Marlins have only Roberto Kelly who used to play for LA.

That didn't go the way we expected. We thought the expansion teams would take players from our upper minors (C Darren Fletcher, IF's Eddie Pye, Mike Benjamin, Rafael Bournigal, OF's Jerry Brooks, JT Bruett, SP Mark Mimbs), instead we lose 3 players expected to contribute this season in LA and now have to be replaced.

That leaves our off-season shopping list looking something like this
2 starting pitchers
A starting right fielder
A reliever
A backup infielder

Winter meetings
 

We've made some headway in addressing our roster. But, have yet to finalize any deal.

We've been focusing on
-Bringing Nolan Ryan back. Ryan had a good comeback season in LA last year, and we'd like him to continue his career here.

-To replace Smith, who was lost in the expansion draft: We've had some talks with the Rockies about bringing him back. We've also looked at free agent Jim Gott. Gott has a 116 ERA+ over the last 2 seasons and a 78 FIP-. That's 2.3 WAR. Smith had a 185 ERA+ and 60 FIP- during the same time. Smith has been better, but he's 2 years older and will cost around a million dollars more. Plus, whatever players we'd have to trade to acquire him.

-We've also talked to the Rockies about bringing back Dave Hansen. We like his left-handed bat off the bench and his defense at 3B and ability to play 1B and 2B. We've also looked into Chris Donnels (also selected by the Rockies in the expansion draft). We had discussion with the Cubs last year regarding Donnels, but eventually decided to go with Hansen. Free agent IFer Dale Sveum is also on the radar.

-The Red Sox approached us with an interesting player - SP Mark Langston. Langston was a favorite of mine. He's getting older, 32, but has put up 3, 4 and 5 WAR seasons the last 3 years. He has one year remaining on his deal at just over $2,000,000. Unfortunately, the Sox' asking price of Ramon Martinez was way too high. Other discussion involving minor league players have continued, but no agreement has been reached.

-The RF hole. We've looked at a number of options for filling this spot. The simplest would be to acquire a RFer. We've checked in with Tom Brunansky (1, 3.6 and 2.1 WAR the last 3 seasons). We've also talked with Bobby Bonilla about returning to RF allowing us to acquire a first baseman. Former Padre nemesis, John Kruk, is a free agent, but probably a bigger deal than we are looking to make. Andres Galaraga is a free agent, but he hasn't performed in the OOTP era (3.5 WAR in 4 years). Former Dodger Eddie Murray is available. He had 2 solid years in LA, then struggled in 1991 and had a bounce back year with the Royals and Mets last year (125 wRC+ and 4.2 WAR). Another option we've looked at is moving Dave Hollins to first and acquiring a third baseman. Gary Gaetti is a free agent, but struggled badly last year (67 wRC+) after consecutive 2 WAR seasons. He's a huge defensive upgrade over Hollins, though. We also toyed with the idea of signing SS Barry Larkin and moving Jon Valentin to 3B – but nothing came of that. Similarly, the Expos are offering IF Tony Fernandez. He could play 3B or SS but doesn't have the power we are looking to replace. The Reds are also shopping 3B Chris Sabo. Bo Jackson is also said to be recovering from his hip replacement. There's some temptation there.

-Lastly, we've made an offer to a player who doesn't fill any of the above holes, but was a favorite of mine as a kid. We'll see what happens with that.

Winter meetings concluded
 

We didn't go away emptly handed.

We added infielder Chris Donnels. We expect him to backup 3B and 1B. He can also play 2B. He's also a decent left-handed hitter off the bench (career 103 wRC+ in 909 PA's with the Cubs and Mets). Donnels is in his first year of arbitration and is owed $190,000.

The Rockies preferred CF Frank Smith in return for Donnels. Smith has an 80 wRC+ in 3 years in the low minors. He's an average base runner and average defensive Cfer.

(Note: using the Make This Work Now button in the trade dialogue, I selected a number of players I would have included in a deal for Donnels – including Roger Cedeno, Todd Hollandsworth, Gary Ingram, Paul LoDuca, Ruben Rivera and Ismael Valdez. Then I used the random decision maker to see which player the Rockies would receive.


Eddie Murray signed with the Tigers for 2 years and $4.9 million

Barry Larkin signed with the Brewers for 4 years and $21.6 million.



We finalize another trade just before the meetings end. SP William Vanlandigham, OF Ruben Rivera, IF Garey Ingram, C Jerry Brooks and P Todd LaValley were sent to Boston in exchange for SP Mark Langston. Langston, as mentioned above, is a guy I really liked, and I'm happy to have him in the rotation in 1993. We manage to hold on to our high end prospects, but give up some quality players. It was especially hard to part with Brooks and Ingram. But, with the Rule V draft coming up, we had to shed some 40-man roster players (Brooks) and Ingram was likely to be drafted leaving us with nothing.

(Note: using the same Make This Work method as described above, some extra players were included in the deal because the deal the Red Sox agreed to felt too light.)

I like the Mark Langston trade, you didn't have to give up Randy Johnson like the Expos did to get him... The Red Sox got nothing back for him.

Chris Donnels,.. he always looked like a player, but never really amounted to much... maybe your sim will give him a good alternate reality

Dodgers sign Nolan Ryan
 

Dodgers sign Nolan Ryan
Nolan Ryan agrees to a one-year $4.5 million deal. Ryan was excellent for us last year, and we hope we can have a better season around him this year. We think our starting rotation for 1993 is now complete: Tim Belcher, Ramon Martinez, Orel Hershiser, Mark Langston and Nolan Ryan.

Rule v draft
 

So many drafts.

This time the Rule V draft. On draft day we have 7 open slots on our 40-man roster.

We add IF's Eddie Pye and Mike Benjamin. Benjamin, we expect to compete with Rafael Bournigal for the backup SS position. Pye, we don't have room for him on the major league roster, but he's garnered enough trade interest that we aren't comfortable leaving him off and taking the chance on him being drafted.

We also add OF Raul Mondesi. Mondesi probably isn't quite ready for the big leagues but he's a future big league player. We don't want to lose him for nothing.

That leaves us with 4 open spots and 3 outstanding free agent offers. We were hoping to have those resolved by now, but, they are not.

We elect to leave twin brothers Mark and Mike Mimbs off the 40 man roster and hope they'll still be with the Dodgers after the draft.

We leave one slot open in case someone comes available that we think can help us in the draft.

We've scouted the following interesting players
RP Troy Percival: 7/8 stuff. 2/8 control. Pedestrian numbers in developmental league last year. Not ready
RP Bobby Ayala: 6/8 stuff. 4/8 control. 2.6 WAR in AAA last season.
C Pat Borders: 5/8 contact, 5/8 power, 3/8 eye, 4/8 catcher rating. Had 3 WAR season in the bigs 3 years ago. Played sparingly since.
C Joe Girardi: 5/8 contact, 4/8 power, 4/8 eye, 5/8 catcher rating. 1.7 WAR part time in AAA last year.
IF Rich Amaral: 6/8 contact, 3/8 power, 5/8 eye, 6/8 at 2B. The Rockies' expansion pick has .9 WAR in about a full season of MLB playing time spread out over 4 years. He looks like a better hitter than either Bournigal or Benjamin. He certainly doesn't have Benjamin's defense.
OF Geronimo Berroa: 5/8 contact, 6/8 power, 5/8 eye, 5/8 LF. Looks like he can hit. Has about a 125 wRC+ over the last 2 seasons in AAA.

Rule V Draft Results
 

Results

The Rockies take SP Steve Schrenk 1-1
The Rockies lose IF Rich Amaral to Florida 1-2
C Pat Borders goes 1-5 to the Red Sox
Texas takes OF Geronimo Berroa 1-10
Former Dodger OF Wayne Kirby goes 1-13 to Pittsburgh
C Joe Girardi goes 1-18 to Seattle

The Dodgers neither select, nor lose, a player in the draft.

December 1992
 

Dodgers Gott our man

Jim Gott agrees to a contract with LA. It's a one-year deal with an $830,000 salary and a team option for the same amount for next season. The buyout is $300,000.

Gott has been successful the last 2 seasons with 2.3 WAR over 135 innings.

We expect him to rack up some saves in Lee Smith's stead, while Beck and Wetteland get important outs in the earlier innings.

(Note: Gott was a IRL Dodger from 90-94).


Padres Try to Continue Gwynning Ways

Tony Gwynn returns to the Padres for 5 more seasons on a $17 million deal.
Gwynn has 10 consecutive seaons with a .300+ batting average. Last year was a down year for him with just a 110 wRC+ (carrer 132) but he still managed 5 WAR.

The Padres traded for Robin Yount earlier in the off-season. Their crowded OF now includes: Gywnn, Young, Shane Mack and Kirby Puckett.

They are still looking to replace free agent 1B John Kruk and retired C Brian Downing.

2B Roberto Alomar, 3B Steve Buechele and SS Carlos Baerga round out the lineup.

White Christmas for Dodgers

In a bit of a shocking move, the Dodgers signed CF Devon White to a 5-year $19,925,000 contract. The deal includes a no-trade clause and bonuses for MVP and All-Star appearances.

White is coming off a ..299/.134/94 (OBP/ISO/wRC+) season with the Braves. He adds some speed on the bases (43 steals 4.3 BSR) but his true value is in his defense. He's been +25 runs or better in 3 of the last 4 seasons in CF (+12 in the other season).

It's unclear what the Dodgers will do with incumbent CF Brett Butler (.404/.043/122). He's not the defender (-2.4 ZR in 1992) that White is so the Dodgers may move him to LF or RF. Hard to forget the Dodgers have Rickey Henderson in LF. Would he be willing to move to RF?

(Note: I really loved me some Devon White back in the day. I was happy he spent some time with the Dodgers, but that was well after his peak.)


Also, former Dodger releiver John Patterson, signed a one-year deal with the Phillies.


Charlie Liebrandt, who we looked into, but was behind Langston on the wishlist, signs with Minnesota for 2 years and $9 million. He had an excellent season last year. 14-11 2.62 ERA. Just 3 HR and 34 walks in 250 innings leading to a 2.45 FIP, 62 FIP- and 8.7 WAR.

New Year, New Team for Gaetti

Gary Gaetti signs a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers for $735,000. Gaetti is coming off a down year with the Astros in which he hit just .268/.098/63 (OBP/ISO/wRC+). Though he had 2 WAR seasons the 2 seasons before last. He still plays solid defense (+2 ZR last season).

OF Tom Brunansky, whom the Dodgers had been in contact with, signs with the Tigers for 2 years and $3.5 million.

Happy new year – january 1993
 

Cardinals say Plesac

Former Dodger Dan Plesac signs with the Cardinals. He had a 2.84 FIP (2.34 ERA) in 41 innings with the Dodgers before being traded to the Pirates last year for AAA CF Scott Bullett. With Pittsburgh he had a 3.96 FIP (4.55 ERA) in 28 innings.


18 Million Reasons to Smile

The KC Royals will give John Smiley $18,700,000 over 4 years. He's coming off a 5.7 WAR season split between the Pirates and Cardinals.

Bruce Hurst also went from the nemesis Padres to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Montreal go Bass Fishing

Kevin Bass signs with the Expos for 4 years and almost 10 million. He had a 3.3 WAR 119 wRC+ season for the Tigers last year.

Expos Roster Continues to Evolve

Danny Darwin signs for 1 year and $2.4 million with Montreal. Darwin made 32 starts of 3.87 FIP ball for Canada's other major league team last season.

No Chile Reception for New York Catcher

Benito Santiago signs with the Yankees for 2 seasons at $2.5 million a year. Santiago was the Padres' starting catcher, and put up 3 WAR seaons in both 1990 and 1991 before being surplanted by Brian Downing last year. Santago still managed 1.7 WAR in 147 plate appearances on the strength of a 149 wRC+ and 43% CS rate.

Franco-phone

Julio Franco will join the roughly 8% of Torontans who speak French as he signed a 2-year deal with the Blue Jays.

The Jays also land CF Otis Nixon for 5 years and $15 million.


The Butler Will Do it in Houston

The Dodgers ended speculation surrounding CF Brett Butler when they traded him to the Houston Astros. Butler spent two seasons in LA putting up a .397/.046/124 (OBP/ISO/wRC+) line and 8.8 WAR. He had one year and a player option remaining on the contract he signed with the Giants prior to the October 1990 trade that brought him to LA along with William VanLandingham and Clay Bellinger for Henry Rodriguez, Fausto Tatis and JJ Munoz.

The Dodgers receive AAA OF Willie Ansley and A OF Gary Hurst. Ansley had a .374/.109/110 line in AAA last season. He also has above average range and speed. Hurst hit .399/.238/181 at the BC Level and .295/.181/88 after being promoted to A ball. Hurst profiles in RF with average range and a strong arm.

Wizard of Tx

Surprisingly, Ozzie, The Wizard of Oz, Smith did not re-sign with the Cardinals, but is going west to Texas. Smith has won four consecutive Gold Gloves for his play at SS (+64 ZR). He's coming of a typical Ozzie Smith season - .341/.044/89 and 4.3 WAR. He's signed for just 2 seasons at $6.6 million.

He replaces Rey Sanchez who had a +6 ZR in 83 games at SS, but hit just .286/.046/68.

Montreal Expects Chili Four Years

Chili Davis who spent last year hitting .362/.164/125 with the Giants and Mets signed a 4-year $14.5 million deal with the Expos.


HALL OF FAME

Phil Neikro and Reggie Jackson were inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame on their first tries.
Rollie Fingers and Joe Torre come close with about 70% of the vote.


Twins get to the Kruk of the Matter

John Kruk who's spent the last 4 seasons terrorizing the Dodgers with the Padres is now a Twin. Kruk, a three-time All-Star, has produced 21.7 WAR in the OOTP era for the Padres. Including a .408/.151/150 5.2 WAR season last year. He's signed for 5 years and $25 million.

Cubs add to Rotation

The Cubs signed ace SP Greg Swindel to a 6 year $27 million contract. Swindel bounced back from an injury plagued 1991 season to post a 14-11 2.72 5.4 WAR, 161 ERA+. 77 FIP- season in 1992.


A's and Dodgers Make Minor Trade

Oakland and Los Angeles completed a deal for two minor league players. Oakland sends left-handed pitcher John O'Donoghue to LA for OF Braulio Castillo. Donoghue did appear in the majors last season making 10 relief appearances and 7 starts with a 6.60 ERA and 5.87 FIP. Castillo managed a 98 wRC+ in 245 PA's with AAA Albuquerque.

(Note: the randomizer chose O'Donoghue for us out of a group including Angel Miranda and Doug Brocail).

February 1993
 

Guzman to Houston

Jose Guzman who went 7-0 with a 2.83 ERA down the stretch for the Padres after a July trade from Cleveland signed a huge 7-year $37 million deal to pitch for the Astros. Guzman has 12 WAR in 6 seasons and is 29 years old.

Closer Jeff Russell signed with the Cardinals for a year and $1.5 million.

Reliever Rob Murphy signs with Baltimore for $900,000.


Much needed Raines in California

The Oakland A's signed LFer Tim Raines to a 2-year $4 million deal. Raines is coming off a .367/.097/124 (OBP/ISO/wRC+) season with Montreal in which his defense and baserunning helped him rack up 5.8 WAR

Giants-Angels

The Angels and Giants completed a trade of 2 young players. 3B Charlie Hayes (2.5 WAR in 1992) goes to California in exchange for OF Dante Bichette (1.6 WAR in 1992)

Spring training catchers
 

Here's a look at the catchers were are bringing to Spring Training

We're short on experience after Scioscia's retirement. But, we think we have some talent. We considered bringing in some veteren depth, but with our organizational depth at catcher, we decided against it.

Piazza rocketed up the organizational depth chart. A 134 wRC+ across 2000+ minor league plate appearances will do that. He's also above average behind the plate. We have high hopes for Lasorda's godson's brother ('s roomate's best friend's ex-petsitter's sister's boyfriend). He's got 6 years on team control and 3 options left.

We hope Darren Fletcher will be able to back him up so we have the right-handed/left-handed combination. We think Fletcher will have be an above average hitter for a catcher as he's posted a 112 wRC+ in 1500 AAA plate apperances. He's also received praise for his defense. And might be a starting catcher in his own right. Fletcher has just 93 days of MLB service time and 1 option left.

Carlos Hernandez was the backup in 1991 and started out last year as the backup to Scioscia, before Piazza's promotion. Hernandez has a 111 wRC+ in 240 MLB PA's but we don't expect him to be that kind of hitter. We also like his abilities behind the plate. Hernandez has 1 year and 78 days on the big league roster and 2 options remaining.

Also joining the team in Spring Training are Pete Gonzalez and Garrett Beard. Both have better than average plate discipline but limited other offensive skills and solid defensive skills

Note: Because of how OOTP scouting works (in OOTPXX), I'm trying to ignore any changes to players since the end of last season as I wouldn't know about them until having a chance to see players this spring.

Note 2: I didn't grab the screen shots for players until after spring had started. So, when we get to the pitchers, some of them will show as fatigued.

Wonder if Dante Bichette becomes the same player without the Coors effect in your simulation. Did he got to Oakland or Angels?

Bichette is a Giant

Thanks for alerting me to the mistake.

Since he's a division rival, I hope he does not. :)

Spring training infielders
 

We're expecting the infield to lineup like this
1B Hollins
2B Offerman
3B Gaetti
SS Valentin

Hollins didn't quite live up to expectations last year after mashing the ball (171 wRC+) in almost 300 post-All-Star Break PA's in 1991. His 127 wRC+ was still excellent for a third baseman as he combines solid power with an above average eye. His 29 errors and -10 ZR last year though, prompted us to move him to 1B this year. We still expect him to get some games at third. Hollins has 5 years of team control left, and 2 options.

Offerman is expected to get the majority of the time at second base. If we believed in filling shoes, he'd have big shoes to fill replacing the retired Willie Randolph. We expect Offerman to provide above average hitting for 2B. He had a 130 wRC+ in 2200 AAA PA's. We hope the move from SS to 2B will smooth out some of the defensive issues he had (56 errors, -7 ZR in 2300 AAA innings at SS). He looked good in 234 major league PA's last year with a 112 wRC+. Offerman has 115 service days and 1 remaining option.

We brought aboard Gary Gaetti to man third base. Gaetti is coming off a down year (66 wRC+) in 1992 but was still a plus defender at 3B. We'll hope for something more like his 86 wRC+ in 1991 or 81 wRC+ in 1990.

The SS should be John Valentin. Shortstop has been a difficult position for us since I took over. We hope having Valentin under team control for 5 more seasons will end that problem. We don't expect him to compete for any platinum slugger awards, but he's solid in all areas with the bat. Similarly, he looks like an average defensive SS more than he looks like a gold glover. But, an average defensive SS who can hit a little, is a valuable player. Valentin has all his options remaining.


Chris Donnels was brought in to replace Dave Hansen who was drafted in the expansion draft (as was Donnels). Donnels put up a solid season as a regular for the Cubs last year (107 wRC+ and 2.4 WAR). He played both 2B and 3B, but is better at 3B. We like his plate discipline and extra base power as left-handed bat off the bench. Donnels is in his first arbitration year and has all 3 options left.

The last infield spot is expected to be filled by either Rafael Bournigal or Mike Benjamin. They are similar players. Both are glove first players who can handle SS and the other infield positions. Benjamin is more athletic with better range and arm, but Bournigal is extremely sure-handed. Offensively, both are lacking. Bournigal makes a lot of contact (7/8 avoid K), but doesn't drive the ball with much authority. Benjamin has a little more pop, but K's a lot more. Neither add much value by getting on base via the walk. Neither are much on the bases. Bournigal has 153 days of service and 2 options left. Benjamin was just added to the 40-man. Both guys are known to rally their teammates around them.

Other infielders of note
Eddie Pye-a sparkplug who can hit a little, but is limited a bit defensively.
Clay Bellinger-solid infield defense but not at Bournigal's nor Benjamin's level and similarly offensively limited.
Mike Bush-a Dave Hollins lite. Good power but is pushed defensively at 3B.
Brian Traxler-one of those professional hitter types, but limited to 1B
Roberto Mejia-looked like a solid defensive SS earlier. Now, he's going to have to hit to have a major league career.

Spring training outfielders
 

Now the Outfield.
LF Henderson
CF White
RF Bonilla

Rickey Henderson. Alamost certainly a Hall of Famer – sitting at 78.9 carrer WAR coming into the season. We expect him to continue adding huge chucks to that each season. Possibly getting to 100 WAR before his current contract expires. There isn't much he doesn't do well. Hits for power (.153 ISO) as a Dodger. Hits for average (.295 as a Dodger). Gets on base (.414 as a Dodger). Provides value on the bases (19.2 BSR as a Dodger). Plays defense (26.8 ZR as a Dodger). Creating monster value (24.2 WAR as a Dodger).

Devon White. Perhaps the best defensive OFer in baseball. He's +99 runs in CF over the last 4 seasons. At 34 we hope that elite performance will continue. He's more average with the bat, a 100 wRC+ over the last 2 seasons. Also provides value on the bases with 12.7 BSR the last 2 seasons. Again, an incredibly valuable packge (12.9 WAR the last 2 years).

Bobby Bonilla has played 3B, 1B, and RF with the Dodgers. This year, we expect him to largely play in the OF. He's not a great defender anywhere (-7.5 runs over 2 and a half seasons in LA in RF, -6 in a half season at 3B, and +.5 last year at 1B). But he can hit (158 wRC+ as a Dodger) for both power (.211 ISO in LA) and not making outs (.361 OBP).

Mike Huff has been a role player during this run. He has a 119 wRC+ and 1.5 WAR in 322 PA's the last 4 seasons. This is largely on the strength of an above average batting eye (.358 OBP). He used to be able to handle CF but looks to be more of a corner guy now. Also solid on the base paths. Can play infield in a pinch. Huff reached arbitration for the first time in the off-season and does not have any options left.

Bill Bean is the left-handed compliment to Huff. Hasn't been as good with an 82 wRC+ and .4 WAR in 250 PA's with the Dodgers. He has a knack for getting extra base hits (18 of 47 hits). Is a good enough defensive player to play CF and is decent on the bases. Also a leader in the club house. Bean is also in his first arbitration year and has 2 option years remaining.

JT Bruett is a fleet defensive OFer who was acquired for former backup catcher Tim McIntosh. Bruett caught our attention with a 128 wRC+ year in AAA last year based largely on a .429 OBP and more walks than K's and +10 defense while playing all 3 defensive positions. Bruett spent last September on the 40 man and has all 3 options left.

Billy Ashley might be next years' starter in RF. He's huge (6'7”) with huge power. He's also got enough range for CF but is prone to make errors. Despite his power and athleticism, his offensive performances in the minors have left us wanting a bit more (119 wRC+). He homered in his first MLB PA. He'll challenge for a bench spot. But, more likely he'll be playing everyday in Albuquerque. Ashley was added to the 40-man last September has has all his options remaining.

If Ashley isn't next year's RFer Raul Mondesi might be. Mondesi has exploded through the system. Starting 1991 in low A and finishing 1992 in AAA Albuquerque. He might be able to hold down CF while he's young, but he have White there so we won't need him to. He's got an above average arm for RF. Offensively, he's a bit raw, and doesn't walk as much as we'd like, but still has a .120 wRC+ across 4 minor league stops in 2 years. Mondesi was added to the 40 man this winter.

Bruce Dostal has a 135 wRC+ in the majors. Of course, that's in just 15 plate appearances. He's not that type of hitter. He's 103 wRC+ in 500 AAA PA's is more indicative. But, good on him for taking advantage of his MLB opportunities. He was called up in 1990 and 1991 as a defensive stalwart and pinch runner. He's slowed down a bit since then and was removed from the 40 man.

Willie Ansley was acquired in the Brett Butler trade. He's a plus defensive OFer and has an outstanding eye. He's spent most of his time at AA where he has a 130 wRC+ based on a .402 OBP.

Spring training starting pitchers
 

Tim Belcher. Belcher has become the staff ace. Nearly 17 WAR over the last 3 seasons. He takes the ball every day and almost always gives us a lot of good innings. He has 2 years and a bit over $4 million left on his contract.

Orel Hershiser. The previous ace. Orel was on a Hall of Fame course before his 1990 injury. A decent half a season in 1991 (92 FIP- and 1.6 WAR in 92 innings) earned him a 2 year contract with a team option. He put up a solid 1992 (87 FIP-, 3.6 WAR, 181 innings). And we expect similar this year.

Mark Langston. Acquired this off-season from Boston. He had 2 excellent seasons with the Red Sox putting up 9.6 combined WAR in 513 innings. Looking forward to continued success from Langston.

Ramon Martinez. Looked like another ace in the making. 5.5 WAR in 1990 and 7.1 WAR and a Cy Young award in 1991. Then 2.4 WAR before succumbing to injury last season. We hope he'll return to his pre-injury form.

Nolan Ryan. The Express. The Hall of Famer. He looked like he was wearing down with just 7 games in 1989, 0 games in 1990 and 20 starts in 1991. But, his 1991 performance accounted for 3.2 WAR in 99 innings. Last season, with LA, he reached 200 innings, 200 strikeouts and 6.3 WAR. He also struck out his 5000th career hitter and got his 300th career win. Ryan was one of the bright spots in a down year for the Dodgers.

Pedro Astacio. The other Pedro we hope will have a big big league career. He's soft-spoken and goes about his business. Last year his business was 135 innings of 2 WAR ball for AAA Albuquerque then 28 innings with a 130 FIP-. He'll compete for the long reliever spot.

Pedro Martinez. Ramon's little brother (and Jesus' older brother). Pedro has some excellent minor league K rates (9.5 K/9 across 573 minor league innings). Those K's have helped him to a 87 minor league FIP-. He uses a devastating (7/8) circle change. Just 21 this season, we have to decide if we want him pitching out of LA's bullpen or Albuquerque's rotation.

David Nied. Nied was acquired last off-season (for IF Mike Sharperson) to give us major league ready minor league depth. He was a good acquisition. He ended up pitching 112 innings with the Dodgers filling in for Ryan and Martinez when they were injured. He ended up with 1.2 WAR but really faded down the stretch. He's a talented arm and probably the leader for the long reliever role.

Jim Neidlinger. Neidlinger was a savior in 1990. After Hershiser went down, Neidlinger did his best Hershiser impression giving us 18 starts (119 innings) of 129 ERA+ (112 FIP-) ball. He's struggled since then though (106 FIP- in AAA) and only pitched 45 major league innings.

John O'Donoghue. O'Donoghue was acquired this off-season to give us a left-handed option.

A's and Dodgers Make Minor Trade



The rotation is pretty well set with Belcher, Ramon Martinez, Langston, Ryan and Hershiser. One of the other 5 starters will make the team as the long reliever and the others will wait their turns in AAA Albuquerque.

Spring training relief pitchers
 

John Wetteland. Wetteland was supposed to be another great starter. That didn't work out. It almost didn't work out that he'd have a career in LA. He managed 37 innings from 1989 to 1991. Then just got a spot in the bullpen last year. He responded throwing fire. Ten K's per 9 and an 80 FIP- and our scouts think he has more in him than that.

Rod Beck. Earned himself a bullpen spot in spring training last year and showed he deserved it with a 44 FIP in 64 innings. Not the same pure stuff as Wetteland, but impeccible control (1.7 walks per 9).

Jim Gott. Underrated veteran who put up 2.3 WAR combined in 1991 and 1992 for St. Louis. Above average stuff, control and movement. A very good pitcher we got on a great deal.

Tom Bolton. A mediocre starter turned reliever. He struggled with Texas last year 101 FIP- before going on the DL and missing most of the season. We acquired him mostly to clear a roster spot by putting him on the 60-day DL. We'll give him a chance to earn a bullpen role.

Tony Fossas. Another left-handed releiver we grabbed on the cheap last season. His fantastic slider especially serves him vs left-handed hitters. He had a solid 1991 in Atlanta (77 FIP-) but was struggling last year (112 FIP-) when we acquired him. He pitched better for us (93 FIP-) and he's got a chance to make the bullpen this year.

Mike Munoz. A home-grown left-hander in the mix for a bullpen role. He struggled in his debut last year (20 innings, 64 ERA+, 148 FIP-) but a 70 FIP- over the last 2 AAA seasons are more indicative of his abilities, we feel.

Mike Christopher. Solid AAA performer. Might pitch some innings in the majors this year.

Darren Holmes. 13 major league innings with a 69 FIP-. That certainly overestimates his abilities. Just as his 94 FIP- in 160 AAA innings underestimates it.

Jose Melendez. Melendez has been on the cusp of the majors the last few seasons. But has failed to run with his opportunites with 36 innings of 137 FIP- performance.

Jim Poole. The last lefty under serious consideration for a spot. Poole had 36 innings with a 1.98 ERA with the Dodgers in 1991. However, his 115 FIP- reflect the struggles he had throwing strikes (5.7 BB/9).

The others, Pyc, Springer and Williams are very much longshots to make the Dodgers.

Spring training
 

Melendez injured
3/1 RP Jose Melendez was removed from the game today after walking Ced Landrum on 5 pitches with tightness in his back. It's not expected to be serious, but he'll miss some time decreasing his chances of making the opening day roster.

Hershiser leaves start in 2nd inning.
Orel Hershiser who didn't have a great first spring start (10 batters faced, 1 BB, 0 K's, 3 hits allowed) didn't have a much better second one. After sandwiching K's to Cecil Fielder and Brett Barberie around a walk to Mike Aldrete Hershisher had to come out of the game with hamstring tightness.

Assenmacher to Cardinals
Paul Assenmacher signs a one-year $2 million deal with the Cardinals. Assenmacher has been one of the league's better relievers with over 7 WAR in the OOTP era. Last year he was traded from Atlanta to Cleveland.

Fletcher to Red Sox
Underrated infielder Scott Fletcher signed with the Red Sox for 1 year and $1.7 million. Fletcher is an excellent defender (8.1 ZR at 2B last year) who plays all 3 non-1B positions. His ability to get the bat on the ball has allowed him to put of league average offense the last two years.

Puckett re-ups with Padres
Kirby Puckett will stay on in Sunny San Diego. Puckett was acquired by the Padres prior to the 1992 for season for SS Jose Valentin, OF Tom Goodwin, OF Vince Harris, 2B Matt Witkowski and LF Dave Staton. Puckett had a resergence with the Padres with a 5.8 WAR season which was more than what he had his in previous two seasons combined in Minnesota. The deal takes him through the 1998 season and will pay him $22 million.

Mike Benjamin to Miss Time
Mike Benjamin was pulled from the game after hitting a triple. He was diagnosed with a thigh bruise. Benjamin (hitting .300/.222/114) is competing for the backup SS role this season. Missing time isn't going to help his cause.

Eckersley to be a Father
Dennis Eckersley signes a one-year $3.9 million deal to save games for the Padres. Eckersley is coming off a 59 FIP- season worth 3.7 WAR

Padres Further Fortify Pen
After signing closer Dennis Eckersley, the Padres also sign Duane Ward. Ward has averaged 2 WAR per season in the OOTP era. He's coming off 67 innings of 69 FIP- ball in 1992.

Clay Bellinger Removed From Game
Clay Bellinger was removed in the 5th inning of the Dodgers' spring game against the Marlins. Bellinger was trying to complete a double play when he came out. He was later diagnosed with a bone marrow lesion resulting from an earlier injury. He's espected to miss significant time with the condition.

Dodgers Get Teuf
The Dodgers sign infielder Tim Teufel to a one-year minor league contract.

With expected starters 2B Jose Offerman and 3B Gary Gaetti putting up -4 and 53 spring wRC+'s, the Dodgers bring in the veteran Teufel. Teufel had a .336/.094/96 line in 134 PA's with the Mets last year and a .300/.139/94 line the year before. He played mostly second, but also third and short.

Teufel will earn $250,000 if promoted to the majors and can elect free agency on the 30th day of the season if not in the majors.

End of spring – catchers
 

No surprises here.

Piazza shows the above average offense we expect him to provide out of the catcher spot. Combined with above average catcher defense we expect Piazza to be an invaluable player for us for the foreseeable future.

We were hoping that Darrin Fletcher would win the backup catcher spot to have a left-handed hitting option. And we saw what we needed to see out of him. An ability to put the bat on the ball and a bit of pop when he does so. The defense has regressed, but he's still a capable backstop.

Hernandez was the primary backup in 1991 and last year until being replaced by Piazza. He'll be ready at AAA should he be needed.

End of spring – infielders
 

A couple of the performances were not quite where we wanted them to be.

1B Dave Hollins looks ready to build on his solid year and a half in the bigs. Avoiding strike outs, taking walks, and hitting for power.

2B Jose Offerman. The 40 wRC+ and .000 ISO don't look good. But, the 17% BB rate compared to a 11% K rate we think are more indicative of what type of hitter he is. Still, we are concerned about his inability to get hits this spring.

3B Gary Gaetti did not have a good spring with the bat with just a 38 wRC+. Unlike with Offerman, Gaetti's BB and K rates don't inspire confidence. Gaetti did look strong defensively at 3B.

SS John Valentin was one of the biggest surprises of the spring. He was about an average SS last year (-1.5 ZR) but he looked much better than that this spring. We also expect his bat to improve over last year's 83 wRC+

Chris Donnels becomes more important with Gaetti's struggles. Donnels was brought in to be a left-handed pinch hitter and backup infielder. Donnels isn't near the defender that Gaetti is, does have a strong batting eye and gap power.

Mike Benjamin is a superb defender. The question is his bat. The .258 ISO he put up this spring doesn't reflect his true abilities. Neitehr does the 11% walk rate. Benjamin missed about a week of spring training, we might prefer to start him in AAA to let him make up those plate apperances.

Rafael Bournigal. Similar to Benjamin in that defense is his calling card. But, whereas Benjamin if flashy and athletic, Bournigal is steady almost never making an error (3 errors in 386 innings at SS last year).

Eddie Pye caught some eyes this spring. Pye isn't has strong defensively as Benjamin or Bournigal, but he can play every position in the infield. He's a high energy player and his bat (116 wRC+ in AAA) is much more developed than either Benjamin or Bournigal's.

Tim Teufel was brought in late in spring training and just had a few plate appearances. He won't make the team out of spring, but he'll continue getting ready in AAA if he's needed.

End of spring – outfielders
 

Looking good for 1993

LF Rickey Henderson. The veteran looks ready for another season of getting on base, hitting for power, and wreaking havoc on the bases.

CF Free Agent acquisition Devon White looked like everything that was advertised in the outfield – making rangey plays look routine. Offensively, he doesn't have any standout skills, other than his speed, but doesn't have any defeciencies.

RF Bobby Bonilla takes his big bat back to the OF after playing 1B last season and looked immediately comfortable there. We expect another 140 wRC+ season from Bonilla this year.

OF Left-handed hitter Bill Bean has some offensive skills and looked quicker in the OF this spring.

OF Mike Huff has always had a good eye and drawn walks to improve his OBP. He's also a good base runner. Also a solid defender in the corner OF positions.

We would have liked to see OF Billy Ashley display more of his prodigious power (and less of his swing and miss) this spring, but he didn't in his 42 PA's.

JT Bruett is fleet in the field and on the bases. He above average eye will help him get on base to use those wheels.

Raul Mondesi impressed this spring. He's solid offensively with good pop, a fast and smart base runner, and enough defense to be able to play in CF.

Willie Ansley walked in 25% of his spring plate apperances. Consistent with his 16% career minor league rate. Defensively, he's got enough range for CF.

End of spring – starting pitchers
 

No real surprises with the expected rotation.

Tim Belcher. No issues in spring, and looks like he's throwing the ball as well as he did last season. But, the results weren't really there with almost as many BB's (4.7/9) as K's (5.1/9). That said, it's spring and we expect Belcher to lead the rotation this year.

Mark Langston. Was the spring ace. Completed all his scheduled innings without incident and had very good results. Look forward to having him in the rotation this season.

Ramon Martinez. Also completed his spring schedule. Didn't look as sharp as before his late season injury last year. We hope he'll shake it off and get back to his pre-injuy performance.

Nolan Ryan. Missed one spring inning due to a high pitch count. Also struggled this spring (4.9 BB/9 and just 2.9 K/9). His velocity is also down compared to last year. Hoping it's just taking him a while to get going.

Orel Hershiser. A few innings short due to a minor spring injury. Outside of that he looked good and had good results. Ready to go for 1993.

David Nied. Didn't finish all his spring innings and never got his control where it needs to be. Though, he only walked 1 in his last 3 inning outing. The K's were there but the stuff looks diminised compared to last season. Didn't help in securing his spot on the opening day roster.

Pedro Astacio. Astacio looked very good this spring (0.9 BB/9 and 9.0 K/9) and didn't allow a run. Didn't steal a rotation spot from anyone, but made a case for starting the year in LA.

Pedro Martinez. Used his devastating change up to good effect (11.2 K/9) but struggled with control (5.6 BB/9). Definitely the highest ceiling of anyone vying for a spot. Would we rather have him in AAA making starts or pitching out of the big league bullpen?

John O'Donoghue. Definitely caught some eyes with his .9 BB/9 and 11.7 K/9 this spring, including striking out 9 of his last 15 hitters faced.

End of spring – relief pitchers
 

John Wetteland was throwing flames. Control looks a little bitter than last year. We expect big things from him this year.

Rod Beck. Doesn't throw as hard as Wetteland, but his command makes him nearly as effective. Looking forward to having these two in the bullpen for a while.

Jim Gott. The solid performer we signed in the off season.

Tom Bolton. The left-hander's stuff looked good, but the results weren't quite there. Especially in regards to control. We think he'll get that worked out pretty quickly.

Tony Fossas. Didn't allow a run in 10 apperances. Again, didn't have his control worked out yet, but the stuff looked good.

Mike Munoz. Had a good spring. Came in ready and competed for a spot on the roster.

Mike Christopher. Also had a good spring. But displacing Wetteland, Beck or Gott is a tall order.

Darren Holmes. Also impressed. The stuff looked better than last season. But, again, the guys in front of him are pretty darn good.

Jose Melendez. Missing a week didn't help his cause. But, had excellent spring results. Doesn't have the pure stuff of some other guys and did it against lesser opponents. Out of options so that'll factor into his future.

Jim Poole. Lefty continues to struggle with control. Blew some guys away though.

Opening day roster decisions
 

A few decisions to make for opening day

The first is the Backup SS Position.
Mike Benjamin, Rafael Bournigal and Eddie Pye were the names we were considering.

Unfortunately, starting SS John Valentin was diagnosed with a minor injury and will begin the year on the IL (NOTE: Valentin missed the beginning of the IRL 1993 season). So, now we have 2 positions. We decide that Eddie Pye and Mike Benjamin will start the season with the Dodgers. Congratulations to both who will be on the major league roster for the first time.


Next the Backup Outfielders
Billy Bean, JT Bruett, Mike Huff and Billy Ashley

Bean makes it as the left-handed pinch hitter. Bruett makes it as the back up CF, pinch runner, and defensive replacement. Who's the right-handed pinch hitter? Mike Huff who excells in drawing walks and getting on base? Or Billy Ashley's raw power? We decide on Huff as we prefer to have Ashley playing every day in AAA.


Right-Handed Relievers
Jim Gott, John Wetteland and Rod Beck hold off Jose Melendez.


Left-Handed relievers
Two of: Tom Bolton, Tony Fossas, Mike Munoz, and Jim Poole will make the roster.

No surprises. Bolton and Fossas who have the most MLB experience will start the season in LA.


Long Releiver
The most difficult decision
Pedro Astacio, David Nied, Pedro Martinez and John O'Donoghue

Pedro Martinez is the youngest and most talented. He'll go to AAA to continue as a regular starter.

O'Donoghue probably looked the best in spring. But, he goes to AAA to show that he can maintain that peformance.

David Nied. We had hoped that he'd be ready for a rotation spot this season when we traded Mike Sharperson for him. He's regressed since then. We think that having him get regular work in AAA is more likely to get him straightened out than pitching sporadically in LA

Congratulations to Pedro Astacio for making his first opening day roster.

Dodgers and Cleveland make minor Trade
 

Relief Pitcher Jose Melendez was out of options and didn't make the opending day roster. He and RP Zak Shinall were shipped to Cleveland for C Steve Bieser.

Bieser is very vesatile, playing C, 2B, 3B and all the OF positions. This hints at his athleticism, he's also fast and good on the bases. Hitting is a problem, though. He has just a 96 wRC+ through 1700 minor league plate apperances which he did, however, equal at AAA last season. He is on the 40 man roster, but his versatility, we think, makes him a useful player.

Dodgers Continue to Fine Tune
 

The Dodgers continue to shape the edges of their 40-man roster. Add left-handed pitcher Angel Miranda. Miranda gets some strike outs with his slider but walks a few batters and gives up some home runs. In exchange the Brewers get C Pete Gonzalez and P William Wengert. Miranda is on the 40-man roster.

Top 100 prospects
 

The #1 Prospect in baseball is C Carlos Delgado of the Blue Jays

The Dodgers place RSP Pedro Martinez in the top 10

Also
#16 OF Raul Mondesi
#29 RSP Pedro Astacio
#53 OF Todd Hollandsworth
#54 C Paul LoDuca
#55 RSP Ismael Valdez
#99 OF Chris Latham

Opening Day
 

Our first game of 1993 is the Florida Marlins' first ever game

Here's the opening lineups.

Opening Day Game
 

First Inning
The first pitch in Marlins history is a called strike by Mark Gubicza
The first batter in Marlins history is Rickey Henderson, who is retired on a diving stop by Bip Roberts.

The Dodgers go down 1-2-3 in the first
The Marlins follow suit.

Second Inning
Dave Hollins leads off the second with the first hit in Marlins Stadium – a single to left.
Mike Piazza becomes the Marlins' first strike out victim.

The Dodgers score the first run when Tim Belcher singles in Dave Hollins.
Eddie Pye and Rickey Henderson also add RBI singles
Dodgers lead 3-0 after 1 and a half.

The Marlins' first base runner is former Dodger Roberto Kelly, who draws a walk
He immediately becomes the Marlins' first CS
Felix Jose creates a souvenir with the Marlins' first hit. A single to LF
After another single by Royce Clayton, Ernie Riles grounds out to end the inning

3-0 Dodgers

Third Inning
Dodgers heart of the order goes down in order

Marlins get a Bip Roberts single, but don't score.

Fourth Inning
Devon White provides the first extra base hit in Marlins Stadium history but the Dodgers don't get him in

Roberto Kelly singles and steals the Marlins' first base and scores the Marlins' first run on the Marlins' first RBI by Royce Clayton

3-1 Dodgers

Fifth Inning
A couple of diving catches keep the Dodgers off the bases

Bip Roberts becomes the first Marlin to steal multiple bases in the same inning and scores on a Rich Amaral single. Amaral gets caught stealing.

3-2 Dodgers

Sixth Inning
Gubicza and Alomar Jr team up for the first wild pitch in Marlins' history. But the Dodgers don't score

Steve Reed become the Marlins' first relief pitcher with 1 out in the sixth. He later becomes the first Marlins reliever to give up a run, on a Dave Hollins single. And, then, the first Marlins reliever to allow a home run – to Mike Piazza.

Candy Maldonado is the Marlins first pinch hitter. He grounds out to defensive replacement Mike Benjamin who comes in to play SS and Eddie Pye moves to 2B.

7-2 Dodgers.

Eighth Inning
Dodgers go down in order

Rod Beck relieves Tim Belcher. Chris Donnels replaces Eddie Pye at 2B.

Darryl Hamilton hits the Marlins' first home run.

Ninth Inning
A Dave Hollins sac fly scores pinch runner JT Bruett.

Tom Bolton gets 3 ground balls

Dodgers win 8 - 4

Week one
 

Dodgers 5-2
5 -2 Overall (½ game behind Houston), +17 Run Differential = 5-2 Pythag

The Good: Won 5 of 7 road games
The Bad: Two walk-off losses
The Ugly: Rod Beck has allowed 4 HR to 19 batters faced

AL Player of the Week – Ken Griffey jr (OF Sea)
NL Player of the Week – Russ McGinnins (C Pitt)

Dodgers are 5th in the weekly Power Rankings

After a 4-5 14-inning loss to the Braves, the bullpen was pretty worn out. Pedro Astacio was optioned to AAA and David Nied was recalled for bullpen depth

The minor league seasons start for AA San Antonio and A Vero Beach

Week two
 

Dodgers 4 – 2
9 – 4 Overall (½ game behind Houston/tied with Cincinnati), +33 Run Differential = 10-3 Pythag

The Good: Mauled the Pirates 28-5 in 3 games
The Bad: Lost 2 games to the Cardinals 15-2
The Ugly: Jose Offerman's 9 wRC+ for the week

AL Player of the Week – Jay Buhner (OF Sea)
NL Player of the Week – Reggie Sanders (OF Cinn)

Dodgers are 4th in the weekly Power Rankings

Nolan Ryan went to the IL after his 2nd start of the season. Darren Holmes was brought up to take his place until April 24th – the next time Ryan's spot in the rotation will be needed.

AAA Albuquerque and A Bakersfield begin their seasons

Week three
 

Dodgers 5 - 1
14 - 5 Overall (3.5 games ahead of Houston ), +59 Run Differential = 15 – 4 Pythag

The Good: Pedro Astacio goes 8.1 innings giving up 1 earned run vs the Phillies
The Bad: Not much. Limited to 2 hits by Randy Johnson in our lone loss of the week
The Ugly: David Nied has a 7.27 ERA and 7.80 FIP in 8.2 innings

AL Player of the Week – Cory Snyder (1B Tex)
NL Player of the Week – Felix Jose (OF Flo)

Dodgers are 3rd in the weekly Power Rankings

SS John Valentin is activated from the IL. After some consideration, Eddie Pye is sent to AAA. Pye hit .333/.138/118 in 30 PA's with LA while playing 47 innings at SS, 9 at 2B and 2 at 3B.

SP Pedro Astacio is recalled from AAA. RP Darren Holmes is optioned to AAA. Astacio will take Nolan Ryan's spot in the rotation for now.

April review - league
 

AL Player of the Month: SEA OF Jay Buhner
AL Pitcher of the Month: MIL SP Chris Bosio
AL Rookie of the Month: MIL CF Chuck Carr

NL Player of the Month: STL SS Alan Trammel
NL Pitcher of the Month: STL SP Allen Watson
NL Rookie of the Month: MON SP Danny Darwin

April Review – Dodgers Pitchers
 

The pitching and defense might have been better than the hitting

We've given up the fewest runs in the league. The starters have the best ERA - 5th in bullpen ERA. 3rd in FIP and pitching WAR and 2nd in strike outs.

The defense has helped as we are 2nd in defensive efficiency and 1st in zone rating.

As expected, Langston and Belcher are leading the way. Hershiser looks very strong as well. Ramon Martinez doesn't look all the way back from his injury last year yet. And Pedro Astacio has been dominant.

The bullpen got off to a bit of a rough start – especially Rod Beck. But outside of the 4 HR he gave up over the course of a week, he's been great (11K's to 1 BB).

April review – dodgers hitters
 

A good offensive start for the Dodgers.

We're 1st in runs scored in the NL, 4th in OBP, 3rd in wOBA, 5th in HR, 6th in SB and 2nd in batting WAR

Devon White, in particular, has been on fire. We expected outstanding defense out of him – which he's given us (+4.2 ZR) but the 150 wRC+ is beyond anything we could have expected.

Mike Piazza's 159 wRC+ also catches the eye.

Jose Offerman's 56 wRC+ and Dave Hollins' 79 will need to improve.

Week four
 

Dodgers 5 - 2
19 - 7 Overall (2.5 games ahead of Houston ), +69 Run Differential = 20 - 6 Pythag

The Good: Keepin' on trucking and racking up wins.
The Bad: Jose Offerman continues to struggle with a 23 wRC+ for the week.
The Ugly: Middle of the week offense only managed 5 runs in 3 games and we only scored in 2 out of 29 innings.

AL Player of the Week – Paul O'Niel (OF CHW)
NL Player of the Week – Sandy Alomar jr (C FLO)

Dodgers are 2nd in the weekly Power Rankings


IF Eddie Pye strained his hip and is expected to be out a month.

IF Tim Teufel has the option to void his minor league contract in the upcoming week if he's not placed on the major league roster.

Week five
 

Dodgers 3 - 2
22 – 9 Overall (1 game ahead of Houston), +78 Run Differential = 24 - 7 Pythag

The Good: This weeks' run prevention – just 7 runs in 5 games. Dave Hollins (.500/.200/212) and Offerman (.385 OBP) warming up.
The Bad: This weeks' run scoring – twice held to just 1 run, and once to 2 runs.
The Ugly: Rickey Henderson with a -20 wRC+ (2 for 18 with a walk)

AL Player of the Week – Deion Sanders (OF - NYY)
NL Player of the Week – Jose Guzman (SP - HOU)

Dodgers are 3rd in the weekly Power Rankings

*Nolan Ryan is the active career leader in wins with 302


SP Nolan Ryan was activated from the IL. He has a solid outing (6.2 innings, 8 hits, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts) in a win against the Mets. But ends up back on the DL. This one looks more serious.
NOTE: This is an IRL injury for Ryan.

David Nied was sent to AAA to open a spot for Ryan. Darren Holmes was called up to replace Ryan.

Pedro Astacio hurt his ankle in his start and was pulled after 4 innings. It's unclear whether he'll make his next start.

SP Pedro Martinez was put on the minor league IL as a precaution after some arm soreness.

IF Tim Teufel was released.

Week six
 

Dodgers 3 – 3
25 - 12 Overall (tied for 1st with Houston ), +82 Run Differential = 27 - 10 Pythag

The Good: Mike Piazza had a 2 home run game vs the Cubs
The Bad: Lost 2 of 3 in Houston
The Ugly: John Wetteland had a meltdown vs the Astros. Allowing 3 of 4 batters faced to reach base and score.

AL Player of the Week – Jeff Kent (2B Minn)
NL Player of the Week – Greg Jefferies (1B NYM)

Dodgers are 2nd in the weekly Power Rankings


John O'Donoghue is called up to provide cover for Pedro Astacio. Darren Holmes is sent to AAA.

Pedro Astacio does make his start. He goes 6 innings giving up 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 3. O'Donoghue gets a 3 inning save, the most asthetically pleasing type of save, in a 13-4 Dodger win.

John O'Donoghue is returned to AAA. Mike Christopher is called up.

LRP Tony Fossas is diagnosed with an elbow strain. He's placed on the DL. Mike Munoz is recalled.

Pedro Martinez is activated from the minor league IL


Steve Buechle signs a 6-year $23 million extension with Padres.