A tongue-in-cheek piece for Dodgers fans.
I have heard from reliable sources that Andrew Friedman (aka “The Professor”) and Dave Roberts (aka “Doc”) regularly turn to ThinkBlue LA for insights and suggestions.
Come on Dodgers fans, here is your opportunity to make your voices heard with suggestions for The Professor and Doc. Here are a few to get you started.
First, for The Professor
No easy way to say it, Max Muncy at third base is hurting the team. Max bleeds Dodger Blue like no other on the roster and is the definition of a team player. He has been a solid run producer for years, but he is not producing offensively and his defense is awful. There are teams looking for help at first base (notably the Boston Red Sox) and others need a Designated Hitter (Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays).
I know that trading Max will be emotionally difficult for the team, but you have made tough decisions like this in the past. Remember AJ Ellis? More recently, Austin Barnes and Chris Taylor? And sending Muncy to either Boston, Texas, or Toronto still gives him a chance to play in October; it’s not like trading him to the Rockies or White Sox.
Have you tried to trade Bobby Miller? Guy has talent, perhaps he needs to pitch for a team without the pressure of being on the bump for the Dodgers. Orioles are in need of pitching, they might trade one of their excess infielders (third base prospect Jordan Westburg for example) to acquire Miller and outfield prospect Ryan Ward.
OK Doc, some thoughts for you.
Great job of supporting Max during his struggles this season, but it is time to move on. Remember K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, …)? Make Tommy Edman your regular third baseman. Kiké Hernández is a terrific outfielder to rest Andy Pages and a platoon partner with Michael Conforto. For second base, platoon Miguel Rojas and Hyeseong Kim.
Give catcher Dalton Rushing more opportunities to hit by playing him in left field. The young man can hit and keeping him on the bench is dumb (sorry for being so direct). His defense in the outfield may not be great, but neither is Conforto’s. Dalton can still back up Will Smith at catcher.
Finally, have you noticed that Teoscar Hernández‘s defense is awful in right field? He is tentative coming in on balls and often muffs a play that gives up extra bases. Is he hurt? His offense is terrific, but his misplays are causing your pitchers to work harder and throw more pitches. Time to have a chat with Teo about stepping up his defense.
My Dodgers cohorts will undoubtedly have additional and better suggestions for the two of you. Be sure to check back daily. We are always available to assist.
Go Dodgers!
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