Dodgers Preview: What’s Next After Signing Roki Sasaki
As the Los Angeles Dodgers wait for the signing of highly-touted pitcher Roki Sasaki, fans and analysts are full of questions about the team's next moves. With the Dodgers’ opening day lineup on the horizon, there are also discussions around some misconceptions surrounding deferred money in contracts.
The Roki Sasaki Signing
The anticipation surrounding Roki Sasaki, the sensation from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, is palpable within the Dodgers community. Although the team has yet to officially sign him, it is expected to happen soon. This has led to murmurs about what other maneuvers the Dodgers might make post-signing, especially as spring training approaches.
With pitchers and catchers reporting in just about three and a half weeks, the team needs to finalize its plans. Although some focus is on Sasaki, other players such as Tanner Scott, a potential reliever, are still up for consideration. It is noted that any actions regarding Scott might not necessarily depend on Sasaki's signing, but rather on the market dynamics for such players.
Roster Moves: Looking Ahead
Currently, the Dodgers' 40-man roster sits at 39 players, leaving room for potential signings, particularly with the impending signing of Sasaki. The discussions even touched on the possibility of re-signing Kik Hernandez, who has expressed a desire to return to Los Angeles. However, the Dodgers are also rumored to be considering other options and trades to optimize their roster.
Chris Taylor's presence on the roster is also a point of speculation. Although his past contributions are commendable, his recent performance raises questions about his future with the team as they look to position themselves optimally for the upcoming season. The Dodgers' front office will weigh sentimentality against performance measures when considering his role and salary on the team.
Opening Day Lineup Speculations
The Dodgers are set to open the season on March 18 against the Chicago Cubs in Japan, and thoughts about the lineup are starting to take shape. There are clear expectations for key players, but the roster also poses some intriguing questions about positions such as center field and second base.
The lineup could see some changes based on the starting pitcher for the Cubs, and how the team addresses the left-handed pitcher issue with players like Shohei Ohtani and any potential alignments with Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts.
Lineup Projections
Catcher: To be determined
First Base: Freddie Freeman
Second Base: Tommy Edman
Shortstop: Mookie Betts
Third Base: Max Muncy
Left Field: Joc Pederson (or another left-handed option)
Center Field: Andy Pages
Right Field: Teoscar Hernández
Designated Hitter: Roki Sasaki, if signed
This hypothetical lineup showcases an interesting mix of power and speed, and would address potential struggles against left-handed pitchers early in the season.
One conversation that continues to swirl around MLB contracts is the role of deferred money, especially in the context of high-value contracts like that of Shohei Ohtani. There is a strong misconception among some fans that deferred contracts circumvent the luxury tax rules. It is essential to clarify that deferred money affects cash flow but does not impact luxury tax calculations.
This misunderstanding has implications for how teams manage their budgets and strategies moving forward. Discussions surrounding deferred money need to be handled with care, emphasizing its nature in financing rather than taxes, thereby allowing teams to allocate funds differently while remaining compliant with the salary cap regulations.
With the Dodgers on the cusp of a new era with potential signings and a season opener in Japan, the landscape looks promising. Strategic roster management will be crucial, particularly with the inclusion of Sasaki and possibly Hernandez. The lineup speculations provide an exciting preview of what’s to come, but until further moves are made, fans will be left to wonder what the final configuration of the team will look like.
As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on how these decisions will unfold, shaping the Dodgers' chances for a successful 2024 season.
Part 1/6:
Dodgers Preview: What’s Next After Signing Roki Sasaki
As the Los Angeles Dodgers wait for the signing of highly-touted pitcher Roki Sasaki, fans and analysts are full of questions about the team's next moves. With the Dodgers’ opening day lineup on the horizon, there are also discussions around some misconceptions surrounding deferred money in contracts.
The Roki Sasaki Signing
The anticipation surrounding Roki Sasaki, the sensation from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, is palpable within the Dodgers community. Although the team has yet to officially sign him, it is expected to happen soon. This has led to murmurs about what other maneuvers the Dodgers might make post-signing, especially as spring training approaches.
Part 2/6:
With pitchers and catchers reporting in just about three and a half weeks, the team needs to finalize its plans. Although some focus is on Sasaki, other players such as Tanner Scott, a potential reliever, are still up for consideration. It is noted that any actions regarding Scott might not necessarily depend on Sasaki's signing, but rather on the market dynamics for such players.
Roster Moves: Looking Ahead
Currently, the Dodgers' 40-man roster sits at 39 players, leaving room for potential signings, particularly with the impending signing of Sasaki. The discussions even touched on the possibility of re-signing Kik Hernandez, who has expressed a desire to return to Los Angeles. However, the Dodgers are also rumored to be considering other options and trades to optimize their roster.
Part 3/6:
Chris Taylor’s Situation
Chris Taylor's presence on the roster is also a point of speculation. Although his past contributions are commendable, his recent performance raises questions about his future with the team as they look to position themselves optimally for the upcoming season. The Dodgers' front office will weigh sentimentality against performance measures when considering his role and salary on the team.
Opening Day Lineup Speculations
The Dodgers are set to open the season on March 18 against the Chicago Cubs in Japan, and thoughts about the lineup are starting to take shape. There are clear expectations for key players, but the roster also poses some intriguing questions about positions such as center field and second base.
Part 4/6:
The lineup could see some changes based on the starting pitcher for the Cubs, and how the team addresses the left-handed pitcher issue with players like Shohei Ohtani and any potential alignments with Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts.
Lineup Projections
Catcher: To be determined
First Base: Freddie Freeman
Second Base: Tommy Edman
Shortstop: Mookie Betts
Third Base: Max Muncy
Left Field: Joc Pederson (or another left-handed option)
Center Field: Andy Pages
Right Field: Teoscar Hernández
Designated Hitter: Roki Sasaki, if signed
This hypothetical lineup showcases an interesting mix of power and speed, and would address potential struggles against left-handed pitchers early in the season.
Part 5/6:
Deferred Money: A Common Misunderstanding
One conversation that continues to swirl around MLB contracts is the role of deferred money, especially in the context of high-value contracts like that of Shohei Ohtani. There is a strong misconception among some fans that deferred contracts circumvent the luxury tax rules. It is essential to clarify that deferred money affects cash flow but does not impact luxury tax calculations.
This misunderstanding has implications for how teams manage their budgets and strategies moving forward. Discussions surrounding deferred money need to be handled with care, emphasizing its nature in financing rather than taxes, thereby allowing teams to allocate funds differently while remaining compliant with the salary cap regulations.
Conclusion
Part 6/6:
With the Dodgers on the cusp of a new era with potential signings and a season opener in Japan, the landscape looks promising. Strategic roster management will be crucial, particularly with the inclusion of Sasaki and possibly Hernandez. The lineup speculations provide an exciting preview of what’s to come, but until further moves are made, fans will be left to wonder what the final configuration of the team will look like.
As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on how these decisions will unfold, shaping the Dodgers' chances for a successful 2024 season.