Los Angeles Dodgers Need To Do Something, But Jose Fernandez Isn’t It

Sep 25, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (16) throws against the Atlanta Braves during the fifth inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

There’s no question that Jose Fernandez is one of the best young pitchers in the game and a key guy in the Miami Marlins core group. He’s displayed a powerful array of different pitches that can shut down the hottest bats in baseball. He would be a perfect acquisition for the Los Angeles Dodgers who just lost one of those ace-type pitchers when Zack Greinke signed with the Diamondbacks in the offseason. While it’s certainly understandable that the Dodgers would have premier interest in a guy like Fernandez, trading for a player that caliber would almost certainly bankrupt the Dodger farm system.

Now, I’m not always against trading multiple high-end prospects, especially for a guy as talented as Fernandez. But, for such a mega-deal to take place, the conditions have to be right. Unfortunately, in regards to the Marlin’s ace, there is too much risk for the Dodgers when discussing the all of the moving pieces.

The first thing that should red flag this deal for the Dodgers is the injury risk that comes along with Fernandez. In 2014, Fernandez was only able to make 8 starts before bowing out with the always dreaded Tommy John surgery. After a successful rehab that included plenty of 5-hour energy, Fernandez returned and was ready to deal. Sometimes though, the injury cloud stays above a player’s head like the crown that adorned Joffrey Baratheon and a biceps injury forced Fernandez to make only 11 starts during the 2015 season.

Mar 15, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias (84) throws in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The reason this is so important is because the Dodgers will be forced to part with at least one of their top 2 prospects, Corey Seager or Julio Urias, in a deal of this caliber.  These two guys aren’t just top prospects in the Dodgers system, they are 2 of the most coveted prospects in all of baseball. Now, I understand that injuries can happen to anybody, but if the Dodgers are asked to part ways with one of Seager of Urias, the return should at least be able to show they can make it through 2 full MLB seasons, something Fernandez has yet to do in his short albeit promising career.

The recent signing of Scott Kazmir will certainly help to solidify the rotation post-Greinke, but I’m not foolish enough to believe that Kazmir alone can get the Dodgers over the hump. Kazmir has started at least 30 games the previous 3 seasons and if nothing else will be a dependable innings-eater to give that maligned bullpen a much needed rest every 5 days or so.

Sep 26, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees defeated the White Sox 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

If you’re the Dodgers, I think it’s time to retrace your 2015 offseason steps. Before Aroldis Chapman was shipped off to the Bronx, there was a deal in place that would’ve sent him West to wear that Dodger blue. Of course, an unresolved domestic dispute put the brakes on the Reds-Dodgers deal, and the Yankees swooped in and picked him up. Lets be realistic though, no bullpen really needs 3 top line guys like the Yankees have now. Andrew Miller, Dellin Betances, and now Chapman give the Yankees a real surplus of high-end bullpen guys.

It would make much more sense for the Dodgers to pick up the phone and call Andrew Cashman about one of those guys, more specifically Andrew Miller. Miller has been one of the most popular names in the rumor mill, and his clean background should make the Dodgers feel safer about acquiring him instead of Chapman.