FanPost

Here's How To Get The Dodgers The World Series Championship In 2019



December 6, 2018

With Paul Goldschmidt headed to the Cardinals, it's time for the Dodgers to think outside the box for 2019. This article has 5 moves the Dodgers should, and could make for the upcoming season. Remember, we're not building the team to only win divisions, we are building the team to win World Championships. With that in mind, let's also not forget that it takes quality players to get quality players.

Let's take a look at some areas the Dodgers need to address this off season.

1. A true second baseman and leadoff hitter.

The choice here is Scooter Ginnett. He has been in the league now for 5 years and owns a .289 career batting average. He also has a .331 on base percentage, not bad for a leadoff hitter. A true leadoff hitter is a hitter who takes a lot of pitches, sees a lot of pitches and is comfortable getting deep in the count. This gives his team mates an opportunity to see what kind of stuff the pitcher has early on and maybe a pattern on how he plans on getting hitters out that day. He is also one who will get on base any way possible, hit, walk, bunt, HBP etc. Scooter Ginnett checks all the boxes here. BONUS! He is also a good defensive 2nd baseman. He has a lifetime fielding percentage of .983, a good arm and will be a good double play combo with Seager. He should come fairly cheap as he is in his final year before free agency.

Here are the trade chips to land Ginnett:

Alex Wood, All-Star lefty starter. He would instantly become a top of the rotation guy for the Reds. The 27 year old is under team control through next year before hitting free agency in 2020. He has really run out of places to be a major player for the Dodgers. He can't break into the starting rotation and doesn't want to pitch out of the pen. He would be a valuable commodity to a team like the Reds. I would also be inclined to give up the Dodgers # 13 prospect in corner IF Edwin Rios. This kid can fall out of bed and hit. Doesn't have a clear path to the big club and with his power would fit in nicely at Cincinnati. Only include him if Wood alone doesn't get Ginnett. If this doesn't get him, move on.

2. A Feared Number 4 Hitter to Anchor Your Lineup

Here is the shocker of the 4 Trades proposed! Trade Matt Kemp to the Yankees for Giancarlo Stanton.

Why this works. Kemp is owed 20 million in salary for 2019, but then is a free agent. Stanton is owed 300 million for the next 10 years. The Yankees should be willing to part with Stanton and his huge salary for a one year deal on a still valuable Matt Kemp. Kemp would be a perfect fit for the DH when he is not playing the outfield. That also frees up money for an even better fit for the Yankees than Stanton, Bryce Harper. Imagine Harpers left handed power in Yankee Stadium. He would be an MVP candidate every year.

Why would the Dodgers want to take on Stanton's contract instead of signing Harper themselves? A few reasons actually. Although Harper is 2 years younger than Stanton, They are very close to the same player offensively and defensibly. The report was out there that the Dodgers wanted to talk to Harper. He won't come cheap. He reportedly turned down a 300 million, 10 year deal from the Nationals. It is probably a good guess he will be looking for something around 10 years and 350 million. Let's compare them offensively. Stanton has more home runs than Harper, slugging percentage goes to Stanton, and on base percentage goes to Harper. RBI's go to Harper, batting average is in favor of Harper(only slightly). Harper has the edge in walks while Stanton has struck out more. Wins above replacement go to Stanton by a significant margin. Stanton has played in 101 more games than Harper.

How about defense

Lifetime fielding percentage

Harper .983

Stanton .981

Assists go to Stanton while range factor goes to Harper. All in all, not too far apart.

Now, let's talk money alone. Harper at 10 years and 350 million, or Stanton 10 years and 300 million. Let's take Matt Kemps salary of 20 million off of Stanton's salary for 2019 of 28 million. That brings his salary in at about 280 million over 10 years. Harper may be 2 years younger but is he worth an extra 70 million dollars?

Okay, Dodgers trade for him but where does he play? Glad you asked, that takes us to the next trade and area of need.

3. Another All Star Caliber Starting Pitcher

I would send Yasiel Puig to Cleveland for Right Hander and all star Corey Kluber. I make this trade in a heart beat, no second thoughts about it. Since Puig is in his last year before free agency, and Kluber is under control through 2020, we have to sweeten the pot. The Indians need out fielders, so we add Chris Taylor, the super utility player. Taylor would immediately become the Indians second best outfielder behind Puig. I still think it will take more to get Kluber, so we add a young pitcher. Dennis Santana is the Dodgers number #6 prospect. He is probably still 2 years away from the majors but has a load of upside. I believe to get Kluber, it would also take the Dodgers #16 prospect in young catcher Connor Wong. After all, the Indians did lose Yan Gomes in a trade. I know it sounds steep, but Kluber will be worth it. If that isn't enough to get him, move on.

Moving Puig also makes a nice landing spot for Stanton.

4. Get a Front Line Catcher

Yes, we are talking JT Realmuto. He wants to leave, Miami wants him to stay. It will take a lot to get him to Los Angeles.

Let's start with an all star right hander Ross Stripling. He is really just hitting his prime years but, has no real spot on the Dodgers pitching staff. To me, he projects as a middle of the order guy, and is controllable for a couple years. I would also include a very good young outfielder in Andrew Toles. Here is a hard luck story on the Dodgers, a good outfielder who can flat out hit, but no room at the big club. He will be an above average big leaguer. That would be two major league ready ball players up front. I know, still not enough for Realmuto. We will have to include some major, minor league talent. This one will hurt. The Dodgers #3 prospect in Right Hander Dustin May. He's a big top of the rotation talent who should be major league ready in 2 years. It takes quality to get Quality. I also think we would have to part with another top minor leaguer in Will Smith. He is the Dodgers #5 prospect and a catcher, who could be ready as early as next year for the big leagues. If this group of talent doesn't get Realmuto, move on.

5. Sign Adam Ottavino via Free Agency

Use him as your 8th inning set up guy. Pencil him in to give Jansen an occasional rest from closing. You could get him for 2 years? higher annual salary, but do not sign him for more than 3.

If he wants more than that, move on.

So, let's take a look at the 2019 Los Angeles Dodgers

1. Scooter Ginnett 2B

2. Corey Seager SS

3. Justin Turner 3B

4. Giancarlo Stanton RF

5. JT Realmuto C

6. Cody Bellinger CF

7. Max Muncy 1B

8. Joc Pederson LF

9. Pitcher Spot

Bench

1. Kike Hernandez IF/OF

2. Austin Barnes C

3. Alex Verdugo OF

4. David Freese IF

5. Kyle Farmer C/IF

Rotation

1. Kershaw L

2. Kluber R

3. Buehler R

4. Ryu L

5. Hill L

Bull Pen

1. Kenley Jansen R

2. Adam Ottavino R

3. Caleb Ferguson L

4. Kenta Maeda R

5. Scott Alexander L

6. Tony Cingrani L

7. Pedro Baez R

Pretty good looking line up and pitching staff. Although you added Stanton, Ottavino, Kluber and Realmuto, you are still hovering right around the 2019 luxury tax limit. You deducted Kemps 20 million, Puig's estimated salary of 11 million, Woods estimated salary of 9 million, Taylor's estimated salary of 3 million plus the Luxury tax moves up this year to 206 million.

If you want to WIN the World Series, we need these changes.

This is a fan-written post that is in no way affiliated with or related to any of the authors or editors of True Blue LA. The opinions reflected in this post do not necessarily reflect those of True Blue LA, its authors or editors.