Time To Bring Up Jason Schmidt
by Eric Stephen on Jul 15, 2009 9:48 AM PDT
in News
75 comments
Now that Eric Milton has had season-ending back surgery, the Dodgers temporarily have a hole at the very end of their starting rotation. No, this is not a plea to acquire Roy Halladay -- although I would do it in a heartbeat if James McDonald was the only player from the major league roster traded -- but rather a look at just what exactly the Dodgers are replacing.
To date, the Dodgers' "fifth starters" have consisted of Eric Stults, Jeff Weaver, Milton, and McDonald. Those four pitchers have made a combined 23 starts this season. They have averaged only 4.58 innings per start, and have put up a 4.78 ERA and 1.585 WHIP. In those 23 starts, the starter pitched six innings or longer only once (the Eric Stults shutout of the Giants in May). So its not like this is some huge hole the Dodgers have to fill.
Ordinarily, I would want James McDonald to reclaim his starting spot, but for now let him continue to deliver from the bullpen, especially in light of recent injuries to Ronald Belisario and Jonathan Broxton.
Its time for the Dodgers to bring up Jason Schmidt. He has been rehabbing in Albuquerque since June 21, and in five starts he has put up a 3.94 ERA and 1.247 WHIP with the Isotopes. More importantly, he has been healthy enough to pitch every five days or so, which is a huge leap forward in Schmidt's comeback trail. Per the collective bargaining agreement, a rehabilitation assignment for a pitcher can last no more than 30 days, so the decision date is July 20. Barring another setback, that is the last day Schmidt can pitch on his rehabilitation assignment. That is also the next date the Dodgers will need a fifth starter, Monday night at home against the Reds.
We all know the story on Schmidt. He was damaged goods when he signed with the Dodgers, and for $47 million the Dodgers have received all of one win in almost three years. But Schmidt is no Andruw Jones. He has worked hard in his rehabilitation, when he just as easily could have thrown in the towel and collected his massive paychecks. I interviewed Schmidt after one of his rehab starts in San Bernardino earlier in the season, and what I saw was a driven athlete trying his hardest to get back to the majors, to help the club that gave him such a large contract.
Schmidt very well may fail in his comeback. In fact, its quite likely he will. But, given what the Dodgers have already thrown out there this season from the fifth starter spot, it can't hurt to give Schmidt a try. He's earned it.
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I agree
particularly contrasting Schmidt and Jones—- I’ve even said Schmidt is no Carl Pavano who essentially just robbed the Yankees for a few years. He has worked hard to get back and fortunately the current Dodger team is so strong and built up enough of a lead that we can afford to take the chance. Pitch him on Monday and have either Elbert or McDonald ready to go in long relief if he can’t stick around. Schmidt wants a chance and the Dodgers are in a unique position to give it to him.
by mwhite06 on Jul 15, 2009 9:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Totally agree
And I’ll be quite surprised if we don’t see him get that shot soon indeed.
by underdog on Jul 15, 2009 9:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Makes Sense
We might as well throw him in there and see what happens
by robotmadeofnails on Jul 15, 2009 10:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
On August 1st, if these men are still with the Dodgers
McDonald
Elbert
Lindblom
Withrow
Ethan Martin
Eovaldi
We should consider it a huge win. Young pitching is the lifeblood of any organization. And this is a really strong core with either minimal or no MLB service time. If Ned trades for a good starter, hopefully he uses mostly position player prospects.
by silverwidow on Jul 15, 2009 10:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Eric & SW...
I agree 100% with you guys. We need to hold onto as many pitching prospects as possible to ensure continued success in the future. And, the Dodgers best canidate to come into the starting lineup and make a few starts as a backend rotation guy might just be waiting for the call in ABQ right now…
2009 LA Kings Hockey: thanks to Joe Sakic's snowblower, WE'RE BETTER THAN THE AV'S!!!!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Jul 15, 2009 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Depends on who we get in return
I wouldn’t have a problem trading one of these guys, or some of these guys, if it gets us into the Series. No use in hoarding young pitching if it means consistently having a mediocre team.
by thinkbluebleedblue on Jul 15, 2009 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No use in hoarding young pitching if it means consistently having a mediocre team.
You realize the Dodgers have the best record in baseball right?
by mwhite06 on Jul 15, 2009 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There are no players that one can obtain that anyone can say with certainty “gets us into the Series”. You could acquire both of the Roy boys (Halladay and Oswalt) and not make the Series. Aren’t the Yankees after their last WS win proof of that?
by David Young on Jul 15, 2009 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
On the other hand hoarding young
pitching doesn’t guarantee anything either. None of them may pan out. If my choice was Halladay and trading young non major league pitching for him, I’d do it. 1/2 of them are 2 years less from just being drafted which would be the same thing you’d be getting with Doc in the draft of 2011. Not an arm there I wouldn’t part with.
by meercatjohn on Jul 15, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wasn't agreeing or disagreeing with Silverwidow
My only point is that you can’t evaluate and make a trade because it “gets us into the Series”. That is a bad criterion to use.
by David Young on Jul 15, 2009 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just saying...
Sitting on talent that may, one day, down the line, help the team is sometimes a good plan and sometimes not. We’re not rebuilding right now. We have a core of young, talented players that will be with us for a generation. If trading one of those pitchers gives us a better chance at winning the Series this year, I say do it. Will it work automatically: No. Are the Dodgers in such a position that trading a young arm will devastate their system: No. Could trading for a serious piece like a front line starter help improve their chances of winning the Series: Yes. Should a deal like this be considered: in my opinion, yes.
I believe there are times to make a move that takes a team to another level. Think Manny, or the Brewers trading for Sabathia. Of course it is a risk, but we’re in a position now that its not going to make us the next version of the Pirates if we unload an arm or two. We have a glut of talent, we should at least consider using it in some trade scenarios.
by thinkbluebleedblue on Jul 15, 2009 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Define "a generation"
In real life, that’s usually 25 years. In baseball, is it six years, i.e., the amount of time a team controls young players? Because of free agency, I think you have walk the fine line: build to win now and grow (on the farm) to win later.
Generally, I’m ok with trading some prospects to get what you want now. Just make sure the pitcher that is traded is the one whose arm is about to explode, e.g., Chuck Tiffany, and not the one who is a future All-Star, e.g., Edwin Jackson. ;)
by David Young on Jul 15, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would do the deal for Halladay if I had to give up even three of those guys. I don’t think it would guarantee the series or anything, but a huge factor is that we have Doc for 2010 as well. Manny is a lock to return, so we will have a great two-year window to do some playoff damage.
Not that I don’t value those pitchers, but rather 9 months of one of the best pitchers in baseball is pretty sweet too.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 15, 2009 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
An interesting idea
I would do the deal for Halladay if I had to give up even three of those guys.
Would be which three to protect and which to let go?
Protect:
Elbert – Primarily because of his upside as a LHP power pitcher
Withrow – I see him as another Bills
Eovaldi – The furthest from the majors, but you can’t ignore the 96 mph from a 19-year-old
by silverwidow on Jul 15, 2009 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
im just wondering
how do you know he throws 96?
by matthewmafa on Jul 15, 2009 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Elbert and McDonald are really the most major league ready of the group
so I can’t imagine a deal for Halladay doesn’t include both of those guys.
Coming through the system who was rated higher (by you or BA) McDonald or Elbert? I’m still really high on McDonald, but for Halladay, I wouldn’t even think twice.
by mwhite06 on Jul 15, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do any of us know the answers to the most important questions regarding Halladay and if the Dodgers want him?
Ned Colletti: I know he’s a veteran (wipes drool from the corner of his lip with the back of his hand), but what’s his makeup? How is he in the clubhouse?
Jamie McCourt: Will he attend WIN functions like Jeff Kent did? Will he donate part of his salary for one of the fifty ballfields?
Frank McCourt: How are you going to get cash in the deal Ned? How much can you sell the Lambo and Eovaldi kids for?
by David Young on Jul 15, 2009 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see no way we can afford him
I’m just with Eric in that I wouldn’t be afraid to trade multiple prospects for him.
If we could afford him I think a deal like this would appeal to him.
McDonald, Elbert, DeJesus, Josh Bell
by meercatjohn on Jul 15, 2009 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could see an argument that the Dodgers could afford the remainder of Halladay's contract
Manny’s suspension money, Schmidt off the books next year, etc., etc., but what would the cost be of getting Halladay to waive his no trade clause? A buyout of it? An extension? Ned will be reluctant to extend more than one year; a two-year extension would exceed his three-year contract threshold.
by David Young on Jul 15, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Jays aren’t granting any extension window so Halladay will have to simply pick whether or not he likes the situation.
Maybe former teammate O-Dog can be the closer ;)
by Eric Stephen on Jul 15, 2009 2:30 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
McDonald
wasn’t even on the radar until his 2007 California League performance. Elbert has been rated in the BA top 10 since the day he was drafted.
by meercatjohn on Jul 15, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your list is encouraging....
What’s the last ubdate on that LH Miller kid? Wasn’t he suppose to be a sure thing? ( I didn’t see him on your list)
by Pedro's curse on Jul 15, 2009 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear he's been relegated to LOOGY status
by mwhite06 on Jul 15, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too bad, I know there was a time he was hyped, but had control issues.
by Pedro's curse on Jul 15, 2009 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s sad…injuries have derailed a once promising career. Even as a LOOGY, he has been uber-wild this year: 11 walks and 6 HBP in 11.2 IP.
Over the last five years, in 236.1 minor league innings, Miller has walked 235 batters. :(
by Eric Stephen on Jul 15, 2009 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
he was a 18 year old dominating AA
by matthewmafa on Jul 15, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt McCarthy, in his book “Odd Man Out,” spoke of how good the 2002 Great Fals team was that was headlined by starters 17-year old Greg Miller and 18-year old Jonathan Broxton.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 15, 2009 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow.
It seems like a lot of young lefthanders ( who throw heat ) have these control issues. I think of Ankiel and a host of others.
Just glad Kershaw isn’t that wild (but he still walks way too many, doesn’t he lead the league in that catagory?)
by Pedro's curse on Jul 15, 2009 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
With Miller the injuries are pretty much the reason for his lack of control. He hasn’t been able to find a consistent arm slot, not sure if its a confidence issue or fear of another injury.
Charlie Hough said earlier this year the club was trying to get him to trust his stuff enough to be willing to throw strikes, and that when he didn’t trust his stuff and threw balls, he lost confidence, and the vicious cycle spiraled him downwards.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 15, 2009 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Has to be a given that Schmidt gets the call for Monday Night
Sure would like to know the scouting reports on how he has been throwing. At the least he should be able to replicate what our current group of 5th starters have done. I’m not as worried about the 5th spot, as I am about Kuroda full filling his role as our number two, and Chad being able to maintain his strong first half into the 2nd half, and have enough left for a nice run in the playoffs.
by meercatjohn on Jul 15, 2009 11:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Question;
in 2nd half 2009, does one Jason Schmidt = a Pedro Martinez?
…. just asking ,,,
by shooterm1 on Jul 15, 2009 12:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Both are unknowns without any recent MLB success or help. Pedro costs extra money; Schmidt does not.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 15, 2009 12:46 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Meant to say “health” there, not “help.”
by Eric Stephen on Jul 15, 2009 12:47 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
A broken down Schmidt vs a broken down Martinez. I’d take Martinez. He’s been through more playoff war’s, and he has better command of his stuff. No more heater, better have some control. But like Eric say’s Martinez came with a price and the Dodgers were not willing. To the Phillies he goes. Hope that move doesn’t haunt us….
by Pedro's curse on Jul 15, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks to Sons of Steve Garvey as usual: The latest Dodger billboard is pretty sweet. I mean: Pretty sweet, latest Dodger billboard is.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 15, 2009 1:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think we’re deluding ourselves if we think Schmidt can be an adequate 5th starter for this Championship caliber team. Honestly, if the Dodgers have opted to stand pat––fine. Let’s put our faith in the current rotation and our musical chair 5th starters. But now is not the time for an “experimental comeback”, or some kind of saving face ploy by Coletti. Let’s not throw away games; second-half–– every game is important.
by Pedro's curse on Jul 15, 2009 1:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t expect Schmidt to be a factor, or even see time in the playoffs. No fifth starters do. I’m just saying that if ever there was a time perfect for the Dodgers to work Schmidt back in to the fold, just to see what he’s got, now is the time.
If he works out, great! If not, he won’t be any worse than anything we’ve already thrown out there already. But its worth finding out. To quote the “punk” from Dirty Harry…“I gots to know.”
by Eric Stephen on Jul 15, 2009 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dirty Harry's the man:)
And, I guess It would be interesting to see him get a shot…
by Pedro's curse on Jul 15, 2009 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like Phil, I would really like to know what's in the scouting reports on Schmidt that are being fed back to Colletti & Co.
I would hazard a guess that they are mixed and they just aren’t certain if Schmidt can cut it or not as fifth starter material. In which case, since push comes to show when his rehab ends, I think the correct thing to do is try him in that start and see how he fares against real, live, major league hitters.
by David Young on Jul 15, 2009 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I hope he doesn’t have to go back on the DL with a sore neck. :)
by Eric Stephen on Jul 15, 2009 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He'll have to learn to stiff neck those home runs
and not whip around to see how far they have gone.
by meercatjohn on Jul 15, 2009 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In regards to the Schmidt question my roomate Josh say's:
“Don’t do it. It’ll be bloodbath, a bloodbath I say…. Just let the man retire with some semblance of his dignity in tact”
not saying I agreed with him, just sayin
by Pedro's curse on Jul 15, 2009 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He didn't go through all this rehab to retire
When the 30-day rehab ends, the Dodger’s hand will be forced. Either they activate him, or they DFA him.
by David Young on Jul 15, 2009 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not as though Schimdt would be taking Kershaw's spot in the rotation
He’ll be starting instead of either Weaver or McDonald. Neither of which have lit the world on fire as a starter this year. It’s not really a high risk move starting Schmidt, you can have McDonald or Elbert ready to come in and relieve if necessary, plus the offense is good enough that no lead should be too insurmountable…
Really, I don’t see why it would hurt….
by mwhite06 on Jul 15, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
beside, deluding oneselve is a must for Clipper fans
After two summer league games I’ve now deluded my self into thinking DeAndre Jordan is going to be one the great 2nd round steals of all time. And holy shit, Blake Griffin has got game and as I remember you were a doubter.
by meercatjohn on Jul 15, 2009 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was a doubter
Totally pleased with the way he’s played in summer league. I still think some of the comparisons with Griffin are a bit over the top (Tim Duncan?) but I had no idea he could shoot like this. I mean, he hit a three pointer the other day!! I loved Rubio coming out and thought a really good deal could have been made to get Rubio and perhaps Rudy Gay, but I will be happy to be proven wrong on this one.
I’m completely with you on DJ. If its me, I would try to sign a combo SF/PF (Marion would have been perfect) and try to unload Camby ASAP. I don’t particularly want Camby taking minutes that should go to DJ—- then again I’m not a fan of Camby’s game at all and I don’t think he’ll be all that useful next year. I think Jordan is a huge part of the future of this team, he needs his minutes.
by mwhite06 on Jul 15, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Has anyone been following the MLB trade value series on fangraphs.com?
Kershaw is 29 and billingsley is 28
by matthewmafa on Jul 15, 2009 1:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
A few questions...
1. how many innings has Schmidt averaged his last 5 starts?
2. what’s the dodgers record in games started by the 5th starter?
I agree with your suggestion, although I would prefer making Kiroda the 5th starter by acquiring Halladay.
by KellyStephen on Jul 15, 2009 3:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
1) 5.93 per start in last five
2) Dodgers are amazingly 16-7 in those 23 “fifth starter” games, but I’m not counting on that going forward
And I’m on board with Halladay, but let Schmidt have his 2-3 starts until Halladay is acquired on July 30 or so. :)
by Eric Stephen on Jul 15, 2009 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I concur with your plan. Certainly McCourt would support the wait; it would mean a couple less weeks of paying Doc’s salary.
Maybe I’ll have you as my GM when I buy the club.
by KellyStephen on Jul 15, 2009 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Concur
Schmidt is a sunk cost that looks like the Dodgers might finally get some value out. Give it a shot.
Witty .sig goes here.
by scareduck on Jul 15, 2009 3:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
In that
does Schmidt remind anyone else of Darren Dreifort?
Witty .sig goes here.
by scareduck on Jul 15, 2009 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No…he was actually the Giants ace for a few years; Dreifort never really amounted to much in the bigs.
The one area they are similar is that both have tried real hard to play even though their bodies said no.
by KellyStephen on Jul 15, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Schmidt has got nothing on Dreifort when it comes to injuries. Jon had a post at DT that showed the injuries followed after he left baseball. He’s had more surgeries then Eric has had birthdays.
by meercatjohn on Jul 15, 2009 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dodgers/Astros Series preview
Jason Schmidt, don’t remind me… lets move forward. Check out this series preview
by arty8u on Jul 15, 2009 5:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Mid-Season Dodgers Top 30 Prospects List
Okay, I tried to make this a Fan Post but screwed up somehow and it wouldn’t go through (too fancy a system over there for this goose-quill-pen-using Luddite, guys). Perhaps Phil or Eric can move it over to the Fan Posts area.
I won’t count 2009 draftees till my end-of-season list. Right now here is how I rank what we have. Will answer all questions directed at me, but please be patient as I am not on the computer all the time
(01). Scott Elbert, LHP
(02). Andrew Lambo, OF
(03). Chris Withrow, RHP
(04). Josh Lindblom, RHP
(05). James McDonald, RHP
(06). Josh Bell, 3B
(07). Nathan Eovaldi, RHP
(08). Ethan Martin, RHP
(09). Ivan DeJesus, Jr., SS
(10). Dee Gordon, SS
(11). Xavier Paul, OF
(12). Steve Johnson, RHP
(13). Tim Sexton, RHP
(14). Brent Leach, LHP
(15). Jamie Hoffmann, OF
(16). Travis Schlichting, RHP
(17). Justin Miller, RHP
(18). Trayvon Robinson, OF
(19). Matt Sartor, RHP
(20). Victor Garate, LHP
(21). Javy Guerra, RHP
(22). Luis Garcia, RHP
(23). Geison Aquasviva, LHP
(24). Cole St. Clair, LHP
(25). Elisaul Pimentel, RHP
(26). Pedro Baez, 3B
(27). Scott Van Slyke, OF
(28). Carl Webster, RHP
(29). Steve Caseres, 1B
(30). Jon Michael Redding, RHP
by CanuckDodger on Jul 15, 2009 8:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Awesome! I’ll ask the obvious one: Why so low for Dee Gordon? Also, how do you see the overall health of the farm system. Are you bullish?
by kinbote on Jul 15, 2009 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gordon
I don’t believe the hype yet. A lot of raw position prospects get over-rated just because they run really fast. It is like the prospect world’s version of loving Juan Pierre. Right now Gordon is the same age as DeJesus was last year, and DeJesus hit .324/.419/.423 in Double A last year.
by CanuckDodger on Jul 15, 2009 8:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Do you want me to post it as a fan post?
by Tripon on Jul 15, 2009 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tripon
Yes, is it possible to move it over there? The questions and comments pertinent to it too if possible.
by CanuckDodger on Jul 15, 2009 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Overall Health Of Farm System
We lack big flash at the top. We have a ton of pitchers that I think can eventually make the majors and stay there, with some of them possibly becoming stars. Our strength in reliever prospects may be the best I have ever seen it, but a lot of experts won’t give a farm credit for that. Outside of future fourth outfielders, we are really weak in position player prospects. I listed only ten position players and only two of those guys are people I can see being major league regulars for the Dodgers in the future (barring more progress from Gordon, and we will see how DeJesus recovers from his broken leg). I rated Xavier Paul higher than I was at first inclined to because while he would never be a regular for us, I can see him being a regular if he is traded to a second division team.
by CanuckDodger on Jul 15, 2009 8:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Canuck!
and thanks Tripon for posting it. I just put the list on the front page.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 15, 2009 9:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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