Stan Kasten, 2019 Dodgers Outlook And More! | This Week in Dodgers Nation

The week that passed was a bit quieter than most weeks on the news front. In the wake of Stan Kasten’s comments at Dodgers Fan Fest, Dodgers nation was a bit uneasy about the practices of their team. Our Marshall Garvey had some words for the front office after not accepting “real inside baseball economic stuff” as an answer.

Our Blue Heaven podcast also discussed the situation with the audience during this week’s live stream.

Lastly on the Kasten front, Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic wrote at length about the Dodgers’ spending plan, why they’re out on Manny Machado, and why they chose AJ Pollock over Bryce Harper.

Prospect talk

“Future Dodgers” on Twitter — a fantastic and recommended follow — brought us highlights from Dodger related conversations involving top prospects and other notes.

Leading off, ESPN’s Keith Law spoke on trade talks involving catching prospect Keibert Ruiz and Marlins catcher JT Realmuto.

Next up, prospect evaluator, Kiley McDaniel fielded a question on pitcher Caleb Ferguson and whether his future best lay as a starter or reliever. McDaniel also grades Ferguson within the piece.

Player talk

Opening up on the free agent market, we look again at Manny Machado. Former Dodgers GM Ned Colletti feels that the team is stacked without a return engagement with Machado.

Next, one of the first transactions of the offseason was the re-signing of David Freese to a one-year contract. Having a chance to speak on the subject, Freese openly stated that likely would have considered retirement instead of trying his way though free agency if he hadn’t re-upped with the Dodgers. It’s an unfortunate truth found with MLB free agency as tensions continue to climb.

Our Brook Smith spoke on the Dodgers reliance on Max Muncy in 2019.

Our Clint Evans reminds us about the proverbial elephant in the room with Kenley Jansen after the 2019 season.

MLB Radio analyst Steve Phillips says the Dodgers don’t need Bryce Harper when they have Cody Bellinger. The MLB Network’s “Shredder” also was kind to the 23 year old as he rated high on the “Top-10 Right Now!” list… as a centerfielder.

Fan Fest wrap up

Andrew Friedman speaks with media after AJ Pollock’s introductory press conference. Conversation included the outfield plan in 2019 and where Pollock fits in, and potential concerns with Corey Seager.

Dave Roberts chats with media at Fan Fest to discuss second base plans, and the plan with Cody Bellinger for the upcoming season.

Both Roberts and Friedman also discussed plans for Kenta Maeda in 2019.

Kenley Jansen’s chat with media at Fan Fest included accepting that he wasn’t ready to-go when the 2018 season got underway, and plans to step up in 2019.

Final Notes

Daniel Preciado updated us on the latest draft ordering for the Dodgers.

Assuming the team stands pat ahead of pitchers and catchers reporting to Camelback Ranch, projection system “ZiPS” rates several Dodgers highly in 2019. Are you ready for baseball yet?