The more time that passes with the prospective mega-trade between the Dodgers, Red Sox and Twins staying unresolved, the more baseball fans are getting the feeling a deal conceivably may not happen.
Now in its fifth day of limbo, some close to the situation are wondering whether there’s even a common resolution in sight.
Pitchers and catchers are due into spring camp in less than a week. But, at the moment, more than a handful of players are still unaware as to which clubhouses they will be reporting.
According to some of the latest news, the ball is currently in the hands of the Red Sox. Upon reviewing the medical reports of hard-throwing righty Brusdar Graterol, team officials evidently saw something that made them uncomfortable, causing them to ask for additional compensation from either the Twins or Dodgers.
Reporters familiar with the scenario initially believed that a quick resolution was in sight, but at the current rate of progress, it’s hard to tell when any type of final decision will surface.
Perhaps what is most confusing is why the details of these trades were released long before the formalities were addressed, especially the impending deal that saw both Joc Pederson and Ross Stripling being traded to the Angels.
As frustrating as the medicals of Graterol seem to be, situations like these sometimes happen. Teams agree to a trade in principle, but a player fails a physical, causing an apparent snag in the deal. However, fans rarely see details of a trade publicized that is contingent on the completion of another deal, as is the case with the Pederson/Stripling trade.
To complicate matters further, agent Scott Boras has said that there are no concerns with the health of Graterol.
Many fans who are trying to decipher the situation are left wondering where the truth actually lies. Is Graterol indeed a potential health risk? Are the Red Sox getting cold feet? Did Boston change its mind regarding what it should receive in return for Mookie Betts and David Price? Is there something happening that nobody knows anything about?
Other fans are wondering how the details of the trade leaked before it was complete. Los Angeles boss Andrew Friedman is normally careful on revealing his intentions to the media before anything transpires—case in point: the blockbuster a little over a year ago that saw Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Alex Wood and Kyle Farmer traded to the Reds. That particular trade came right out of the blue, shocking Dodgers fans everywhere.
However, the fact that details of the deal with the Angels surfaced when they did left fans debating what was actually transpiring. Why would a deal be revealed to the media if it was based only on the completion of a previous deal with another team?
Still, the fact that Alex Speier of The Boston Globe was among the first familiar with the specifics of the Red Sox’ intentions suggests there could have possibly been a leak from the Boston organization long before a firm agreement was reached.
Regardless of how the details became public, Tony Clark, executive director of the MLB Players Association, decided to get involved with the proceedings on Friday.
“The events of this last week have unfairly put several players’ lives in a state of limbo,” Clark said. “The unethical leaking of medical information as well as the perversion of the salary arbitration process serve as continued reminders that too often players are treated as commodities by those running the game.”
The longer the situation trudges along, the more Clark’s statement gains validity.
In the meantime, perhaps team officials should reconsider releasing preliminary trade information to the media before a deal is finalized.
Obviously, times have changed in terms of the media progressing through the digital age and its styles of reporting, but oftentimes there’s nothing at all wrong with keeping an organization’s business dealings close to the chest until all matters are official.
(Update: According to a story that appeared in the Star Tribune on Saturday, the Twins have completely pulled out of the deal.)
Think Blue Planning Committee 
I can’t imagine Andrew releasing anything before it’s official, especially when there are four teams involved. On the other hand since three separate Dodger deals were made known, it seems as though someone in the Dodger organization has loose lips. Reporters always cultivate front office relationships for just this type of information. I wonder if we’ll ever find out the “inside story” on this fiasco.
As someone already pointed out, the Kemp/Grandal trade was held up by the Padres for a week under similar circumstances so there is still hope and remember, if the trade doesn’t happen, we get Verdugo, Joc, Strip, Maeda and Pages. What a deal!
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We don’t need this to happen but if it doesn’t it sure looks bad for MLB. There is nothing about Graterol that everybody didn’t already know. I think Boston just got cold feet. Either that or it’s a deliberate move to get somebody to pay more. Either way it’s bad form. Manfred is bought and paid for so he will just sit quietly and let the teams sort it out.
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A Twins reporter just tweeted that they have pulled out of the deal.
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If true, can’t say I blame them.
What millions say every year – “hey Boston, go f*** yourself.”
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I don’t blame the twins, it’s not their fault the Sox see Gaterol as a starter, don’t you think the Sox should have done their home work BEFORE they made the trade “ hey twins we’re looking at Gaterol as a starter, is there anything in his medicals that says otherwise” Bloom is looking like he is in over his head.
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So now the trade is between the Red Sox and Dodgers and we see if AF’s genius can provide a quick solution to a total mess. Dodgers have the prospects to make this happen so I see no reason why it should not, just with different pieces in the mix. And for sure they will try to deal Maeda somewhere else since this relationship has taken a serious hit.
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Gaterol was the twins # 3 prospect, I read, so at least we know Maeda has value.
So do you guys think this trade goes through or not.
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We’re beginning to get some more clarity on the real story. Bloom just gave an interview where he explained that he gave the OK to AF on the trade as previously laid out, but due to construction noise in the area, he didn’t hear John Henry banging a trash can lid in the other office. Therefore they can legally cancel the deal.
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This is Boston just making themselves look like fools by trying to hold out for more prospect return and its bitten them in the ass. I say why not just end this shit, bail Boston out by taking Graterol and let them save face by adding one of our mid level prospects or the utility guy coming from the angels in the Joc deal to go to Boston along with Graterol. Done deal everybody goes home happy.
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I told you this was going to happen.
Come on, you got to love it, AF gets credit for making a deal without actually completing the deal, beauty!
Crap like this really screws with the players left dangling, the ones that got moved only to not have gotten moved get pretty pissed off at the employer who offered them up and then HAD to take them back. Classic!
“Life’s a piece of ****when you look at it” *Life of Brain, Python
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Justin Turner unleashed on Twitter. Basically standing up for his team mates. He said they need to get this done because of the stress it puts on the players and their family’s. A couple of posts have said Boston really wants to get a deal done because they really want to shed salary, and probably because what ever relationship they had with those guys is fractured. Same for the Dodgers because one trade is holding up the other. I am pretty sure Joc, who is losing twice since he lost his arbitration case,is not going to feel wanted if he were to return to the clubhouse. Me, if it gets done, fine, if not, that is ok too. They would be no worse off than they were before. Maeda cannot be too happy about the turn of events.
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Maeda should be very easy to move with his ridiculously team friendly contract. I can’t believe they can’t find another team willing to give up a goo prospect for a cheap, middle of the rotation quality starter.
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I think so too. Kenta returning to the club would be a little uneasy for some. He was not happy anyway, so send him somewhere else. Giants lost their backup catcher for 6-8 months, so they will most likely see to getting a replacement from the remaining free agents. Wouldn’t it be something if Farhan signed Russell Martin for the job????
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It would probably need to be a contender since a rebuilding club wouldn’t give up a good prospect, but the Phils, Cubs, Cards, Brewers and Yanks (with Paxton injury) might all be candidates if something couldn’t be worked out with the Angels or the Twins. Lots of possibilities
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The Maeda deal can go forward if we want it to. Graterol might be a great pickup. As far as Boston is concerned, they are under some pressure to get below the luxury tax and are running out of time. Nobody else is going to help them out. I see no reason to bend over for them. They want a starter give them one. Hell, give them Stripling, we’re not gonna need him. Pederson can still go to Anaheim. If you don’t want to piss off Moreno then send them Maeda, who projects a whole lot more production than Graterol does. If that doesn’t work send them Michael Grove or Mitchell White. If none of that is good enough then tell them to pound sand. ZiPS has us winning the West by 12 games without Betts. We don’t need Boston, they need us.
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Padres just traded Margot to the Rays for Emilio Pagan. Another solid bullpen arm for the Friars.
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They’ll have a really nice team once they add Betts and Price next week. Actually, I’ll bet the Red Sox would like to get their hands on Pagan. Just one more thing for Preller to offer once our deal officially blows up.
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Your the one who is supposed to have faith in AF. Most of what I am reading says the deal will get done before spring training starts. Dodgers expected to pony up what ever it takes.
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I have lots of faith in Andrew and I hope and expect he won’t pay more in prospects than he thinks Betts and Price are worth. If he walks away from the deal, I’ll have no problem with that and assume he didn’t think it was worth it. Preller on the other hand knows his job is at stake so he might do almost anything to improve the Pads this year to the point where he’ll keep his job.
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This morning it is looking like there might be some sort of resolution on the horizon. It seems that Maeda will probably still go to Minnesota and we will get Graterol. The Betts trade is being tweaked. Right now no one is sure how. Once it is completed, then the Joc to the Angels trade can be finalized. They want to have the trades in place asap because Tuesday pitchers and catchers report. There will be a slight delay because of any new player attached to the deal will have to have their medicals checked.
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All players must have their medicals checked? Weren’t we there a week ago?
Players agreed upon. Medicals reviewed. Player rejected. Rinse, repeat.
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No, any NEW players added to the deal. Everyone else is ok. And the Maeda to the Twins thing for Graterol is looking like a done deal……more to come.
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Ah, any new players. OK, so what happens is they agree on any additional players to go to Boston. The Sox then leak the deal to the media so they can judge fan reaction. Then they wait 24 hours and take an online poll. If the majority of fans approve they go ahead with the trade. If the majority disapprove, they find a hangnail in a chart somewhere and reject it. Got it!
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Pretty sure with the pressure and flack they are getting from the MLBPA, which is pretty incensed right about now will no allow fan sentiment to get in the way. Boston is getting raked over the coals.
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Now, now, Jeff, don’t go all dark side on us.
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The Friars can’t take the salary.
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Exactly why it failed the first time because they want the Sox to take Myers.
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AF must like Gonsolin much more than Graterol otherwise if Boston wanted a young starter we’d just send Gonsolin. He and Graterol both ranked alike in the prospect rankings. Still think this deal gets done
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I do too. The Dodgers remain the best fit.
If you believe what you read, and who can anymore with as many untruths flying around, Boston looks like a group of dummies. What would be perfect is if Manfred discovers and exposes a Red Sox cheating syllabus. I think that’s asking too much at this point. If nobody admits it, then it didn’t happen, right?
Boston isn’t trying to get better this year. You don’t get better trading your best player. The goal there clearly is to reset. Once that is accomplished the rebuilding will be easy for them. We can help with that process. Just take the $123 million off their hands, give them Verdugo and a young pitcher and Betts can help us win that elusive championship then decide if he wants to go back to Boston. This isn’t that complicated. Stop acting like it is and get it done.
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Just read this;
“Roughly 10 billion rounds of ammunition are manufactured in the US each year, with a weight equal to two Titanics. More to the point, it’s enough bullets to shoot everyone in America 32 times.”
Don’t know why, but I found that to be an interesting stat. Says a lot about our culture. Brings a quote to mind – “Hell is truth found too late.”
Have a nice Sunday morning. Be prepared to duck.
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Excellent, I’ll take a ton of it for my arsenal.
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Then what other “mistakes” did our founding fathers make?
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I think owning slaves was a questionable idea.
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Yeah, they probably after saying All men are created equal should have taken slavery out completely. But the 2nd amendment, do not get me started.
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Latest rumor from Rosenthal, and Heyman, has the Dodgers sending verdugo, and prospects to Boston, Betts, and Price coming here, then the LA receiving a package from the twins. Package May include Gaterol.
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Sounds like the same names are being circulated. This will be done soon.
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Come on guys, let’s not get all political on a Sunday morning.
That’s why I come here, so I don’t have to listen, or read about all that crap.
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Spot on, Keith. Thanks
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Yeah, spot on Keith. You didn’t come here to read all that crap.
Package May and Graterol? I don’t think May is involved. Damm autocorrect. May bite you in the Asstro
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Boston is probably trying to get May, which I don’t think will happen, or Gonsolin, they need to keep Gonsolin to replace Strippling, they need to package Strippling with joc to the angels to stay under the salary cap, so my guess is a couple of other prospects are going to Boston or the trade breaks down. Supposedly the padres are waiting in the wings.
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Pads just traded Margo to the Rays last night and he was supposedly one of the pieces in their suggested deal with Boston, so maybe they think their chances are slim at this point.
Sox may want May but there is absolutely no chance that AF does that. I personally think he might swallow hard and give them Gonsolin, but I hope he doesn’t do that either, and definitely not Gray. Not sure how adamant they are about getting pitching as opposed to a position player. I would have no problem putting White or Santana into the deal.
John Sickels’, one of the more highly respected prospect evaluators, did a revised Top 100 last week and ranked Graterol in the 40’s. I’m fine with keeping him ourselves in a Maeda deal.
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Latest rumor out of Boston, Gaterol will not be going to Boston. Nothing we hadn’t figured out ourselves.
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Latest rumor, Dodgers are sending 8 tons of ammo to Boston for Betts and Price.
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Get your facts straight man. That’s 8 tons of ammo plus Alex Verdugo.
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I will take about 10,000 of those rounds! Just kidding. I have enough for my needs. If anyone ever gets the chance, and you can get on demand, check out the American Heroes Channel. There is a series on there called Against the Odds. If you are a history buff, it is must see TV. Stories of soldiers and sailors persevering against the odds…I respect for all of those guys. As for this trade, it either gets done or it does not. I for one am pretty fed up with the entire process. I was really proud of Turner for standing up for his guys.
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This is why we’ve got to keep JT, even after his contract is up this year. He’s the glue that keeps the team together. I’ve always been really conflicted about Joc. Some days I think he’s a real asset, other days I’m ready to trade him. But of all the guys involved in this fiasco, he really got a raw deal. Not only having to put up with not knowing where he was reporting for ST, but then his arbitration hearing on top of that and having a third party argue the merits. He was a good soldier while he was here and I don’t remember him ever complaining about being platooned. I wish him well.
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These guys get paid tens of thousands every day for 6 months to play baseball, then they’re off on vacation for 5 months. Most of them wouldn’t piss on you if you were on fire. And I guarantee you none of them will show up on that Heroes channel Bear mentioned. They are baseball players, not servicemen. The only raw deal is the escalating FCI.
This has gone on long enough. Make the deal or leave the table.
That said it looks like we are going through with the Graterol deal. Maybe he’s the new closer.
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I feel bad for Joc also. He has always been a team player, and I have defended the guy on many occasions when others questioned his value to the team.He got the shaft in arbitration and that sucks big time. I really believe Turner will get a contract offer. Not for close to what he makes now, and I also think he will be a part of the Dodger family for years to come.
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Bear I hope you’re right about Turner being around after this season. He is the perfect guy to take over that role, on the team that freese, and utley, have previously filled. I’d love to see him stay around two or three more years.
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Here we go:
Verdugo and Downs to Boston.
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Deals coming together.
Dodgers are in agreement with Twins, pending medical review – Maeda and cash would go to MIN for Graterol and another prospect. Other elements perhaps.
Meanwhile, per Passan:
LAD and RedSox in agreement on Betts and Price for Verdugo & Jeter Downs + more.
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Well that is good news. Get this crap behind them. Downs is at least a few years away. I want to see who the other prospect is.
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Downs was blocked. Graterol has more immediate future! Even better deal for Dodgers
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Very true Rich and kudos to the Schlemmings who had steadfastly adored their hero even under such intense pressure. Now we will see if Pederson-Stripling is still in the cards. I would think it is. Padre and Giant hearts are breaking. So are the Dirtbags.
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Connor Wong is the 3rd player going to the Red Sox. Angel deal should be announced very soon…
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Wow Verdugo, Downs and Wong is a steep price to pay for possibly just one year of Betts. Downs has superstar potential if everything goes right. Both Downs and Wong were blocked in our organization but that’s still a hefty price to pay. We get the 73rd pick in the draft along with Graterol for Maeda so I like that deal.
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And another prospect supposedly. Downs and Wong are blocked, at least a year or more away. And they are both still nothing more than prospects. Downs is expendable because they have tons of middle infielders in the system, and Lux is a natural SS. If Seager leaves in 2 years, Lux slide over.
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Correction; 67th pick in the draft, not 73.
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I’ll give props to AF here. He made the big deal while still keeping the core prospects and elements of the big league team in tact while staying below the tax line and also getting pieces to build for the future in Gaterol and the 67th pick. That’s a solid days work for a Tulane graduate
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They are also sending 10 mil to the Twins, and getting 50 mil from the Sox.
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This is nothing short of highway robbery if Mookie signs an extension.
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And don’t not sleep on Price. If he stays healthy he. could give us a big surprise!
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Price is basically a wash with Maeda. Both are #3 starters.
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Now let’s see what the Angel deal looks like! Does AF and staff get time and a half for putting this together on a Sunday?
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LA getting a draft pick and a low level prospect, expected to be an outfielder from the Twins.
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But Alex, Maeda got us Graterol who could be a future closer. And I think Price has more upside than Maeda. It will be interesting to compare their years
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Undoubtedly Graterol starts the year in the OKC rotation. I don’t think they will immediately start him in the big league bullpen even though I’m 90% sure that’s where ends up. You could be looking at the replacement for Kenley.
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I disagree Alex. I think he starts the year in the L.A. bullpen and that’s where he stays. We have plenty of starters but Graterol brings something special to the bullpen. That’s where our need is the greatest.
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So basically AF purchased a prospect, and the 67th pick in the draft for 10million not a bad deal, plus swapped Wong and Downs for Gaterol. This deal seems to be as good if not better than the last version.
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