Dodgers: Reaction to Andrew Friedman’s end of season press conference

Andrew Friedman held his end of the season press conference at Dodger Stadium today.  He had some interesting things to say.

Today, Andrew Friedman held his usual end of the season press conference.  Although I am sure even he is shocked at how early this year’s conference is coming.  Friedman had some interesting answers to some of the questions he was asked by reporters.  Here is a breakdown and reaction to the most interesting questions:

On Friedman’s contract situation

Andrew Friedman said at the very beginning of his press conference that his new contract will be finalized in the next few days.  This is very good news for the Dodgers’ organization as Friedman has done a stellar job laying the foundation for a team that will contend for a title every year.

Regarding the questioning of Dave Roberts’ job

Friedman defended the job that Dave Roberts has done and said you can stack his resume up against any other coach out there.  He was surprised by the questioning of Roberts’ job which is fair but expected after coming up short in the first round of the NL playoffs.  Like any coach, Roberts makes mistakes but it is ultimately up to the players to perform in October.

On the makeup of the 2020 roster

Once again, Andrew Friedman was very contrite when asked about the potential of the 2020 team.  He said that the “complexion” of the team could be different and they have the depth and financial resources to make changes via trade or free agency.

Possibility of bench coach Bob Geren leaving

Andrew acknowledged that Bob Geren could leave for one of the open coaching jobs and that it would be a big loss for the Dodgers but it would be great for Geren.  If Geren does leave it would be interesting to see who the Dodgers bring in to be their bench coach.  Perhaps Tim Wallach would return?

On Kenley Jansen

Friedman went with the expected answer when asked about Jansen and the closer role.  He mentioned that Jansen is the closer right now but they will see how things play out.  He also mentioned that Jansen needs to sync his body up and there were “chunks of time” when Kenley was very good this season.

Rick Honeycutt transitioning to special assistant role

One of the biggest tidbits of the conference aside from Andrew Friedman’s extension was that Rick Honeycutt will transition to a special assistant role.  Mark Prior is expected to take over the pitching coach role which was assumed when they gave him the bullpen coach position. Honeycutt spent 14 seasons as the Dodgers’ pitching coach.

About the postseason bullpen

Friedman mentioned that he thought this was the best and deepest postseason bullpen that the Dodgers have had since he has been in Los Angeles.  I’d have to agree with that statement although it makes bringing Kershaw into game five even more questionable.

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On Clayton Kershaw

Andrew Friedman was very honest with his assessment of Clayton Kershaw.  He admitted what everyone can see, Kershaw is no longer the pitcher he once was but that he remains a very good big-league pitcher.  He started game two because Ryu did not feel comfortable coming out of the bullpen in game five.

Regarding Rich Hill and Russell Martin playing again

Andrew said that from what he gathered from Martin and Hill all season, he expects both to continue playing next season.  Friedman mentioned that with the catching depth it’s hard to see where Martin fits but that things could change.  He commended Martin on his work with Smith and Barnes this season.

Kenta Maeda’s future role

Friedman said that Kenta Maeda will once again be part of the rotation next season and in the future, he could possibly crack the postseason rotation.  He also said he has talked with Kenta about the need to exhibit better control against left-handed hitters.

Regarding injuries

Andrew Friedman said that no medical procedures are planned that he is aware about.  When asked to elaborate on Joe Kelly’s lower body injuries he said that Joe was dealing with knee, quad, and arm soreness. Nothing structural.