Now that the 2021 Dodger season has come to it's sad conclusion, I thought rather than looking back on what went wrong (Trevor Bauer), I thought I'd focus on what the team should do going into next year. Who should they keep / stick with / offer contracts or extensions to, etc.
I won't focus on the details, just the bigger picture.
By position:
Catcher
Stays- Will Smith.... To me, Smith is the absolute cornerstone of the franchise going forward. A catcher who can catch, hit, and come up big in the post season.
Goes- Austin Barnes... with Kershaw being doubtful to return, no need to keep a catcher that couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat. Maybe trade him to wherever Kershaw goes... With #1 prospect Kelbert Ruiz gone in that trade to the Nats, there may need to be an offseason trade to upgrade here.
Infield
1st base- Stays- Max Muncy. Nuff said. You have Cody as a back up.
Goes- It's time to let Tio Albert retire...maybe keep him as a hitting coach?
2nd base-
Stays- It's time to give Lux the position and keep him there. He's earned a real chance and that's the place he should play.
Goes- Trea Turner...but...
Shortstop
Stays- This is where Turner should play. it's his natural position and he has more range than Seager. yes, his post season was not great at the plate, but he has proven himself defensively and the team needs his speed.
3rd Base- (I'll get some grief for this one)
Stays- Cory Seager- PAY the guy...he's earned it.. but make him move to 3rd to get that contract he wants.
Goes- Justin Turner should be relegated to part time player. Keep him, but let him sub in and if the DH comes, there he goes. otherwise at 37 and too often injured, his days as a starter all season should be over.
Outfield
Stays- Betts, Bellinger, Pollock, and Turner are a great core.
Goes- Lux NO MORE OUTFIELD. He's an infielder. Keep him there.
Pitchers
Stays- Buehler, Urias, Scherzer (PAY him) and Dustin May would be a GREAT core 4...perhaps the best in baseball. Pay Jansen (he earned it) to stay, keep Treinin, Kelly, Graterol, Bickford and Vesia
Goes- First the easy one... Tell Tony Gonsolin to take his silly furry cat shoes and get lost. This guy has been a HUGE disappointment. I don't think anyone would argue with me on that one. No one would be sad to see Price go either..we had to take him to get Betts....now they can release him..a total dud!
Now the one that'll make fans angry...
Kershaw should NOT be resigned. let him go. he has great history, but he's old, he doesn't have his top stuff, and he is an injury risk every year. Clayton had a great run...and he won a Ring. it's time to move forward and get serious about a Dodger World Series Championship in 2022.
Agree? Disagree? You tell me...