Dodgers Nation: Blue Heaven Podcast

Well... we're here again. The same place we end up every season. It's time to talk about Kenley Jansen once again. I'll preface this by saying that we as a whole want nothing but great things for the Dodgers all-time franchise leader in saves. He's given his heart to this organization -- almost literally. However, you can appreciate what a player means to a club while still admitting that he's no longer the best option for a particular job. Throwing back, we unearth audio from Blue Heaven episode 57 in May of 2019 that puts into perspective the situation the Dodgers are in. And fans. We're stuck in a bad, long-term relationship and we don't know how to get out or fix it. Buckle in and keep an open but frustrated mind while we dig into our thoughts about where to go from here with Kenley. In other topics, we discuss Trevor Bauer's sticky situation, and returning to Dodger Stadium for ring day 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mercifully, the Dodgers survived Colorado (mostly) with a winning record. The boys in blue took 3 of 4 from the Rockies, but unfortunately lost Tony Gonsolin to a shoulder issue before he even made his season debut. We discuss the positives and many negatives of opening the season in the mile-high city. Of course, among the positives, the bats came out on fire scoring 26 runs over 4 games. On the other hand, the LA pitching staff allowed 21 runs in those games. Plus, we lightly preview the series in Oakland before devolving to the Astros being cheaters and Carlos Correa being a dirty player and share thoughts on Yadier Molina of the Cardinals always being in the middle of baseball fights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After all the build up. After all the pomp and circumstance. After all the talk... the Dodgers came out of the gate flat on Opening Day 2021. While it's always easy to point fingers and play the blame game, it may be easiest to say that Coors Field is the absolute worst ballpark to open a season at. The guys chat about Clayton Kershaw's rocky day (no pun intended) against Colorado. And, it's never too early to start worrying about Dave Roberts' in-game moves again, particularly with no universal DH. Also, we try to find and focus on some positives, looking at a great game from Gavin Lux for one. Plus, the infamous Cody Bellinger home-run-turned-out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mere days before stats start counting again, the guys take time to catch up on the latest Dodgers updates and address some burning questions before opening day. Spoiler, it's hard to find problems on this LA ballclub. First, Dustin May secures the fifth spot in the rotation and Gavin Lux will be an everyday player -- things that were starting to get pretty apparent. Along with those notes, Dave Roberts said that Cody Bellinger would be the team's cleanup hitter to start the season. We discuss whether that's the right call for a guy that is still behind in his at-bats this spring. Notably, Belli rakes at Coors Field where the Dodgers open the season. Next, Kenley Jansen and Trevor Bauer are among the burning questions fans had as we head into opening week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is anyone else tired of spring training yet? As the Dodgers trudge toward the end of the Cactus League season, there are a few loose ends to button up. We touch on the latest at Camelback Ranch from the last week, including Dave Roberts' hope that the DH rule sneaks in before opening day, his expectations with divvying up the catching duties, and a Brusdar Graterol update. Plus, we dig into the idea of a possible World Series hangover for the Dodgers and how they're built for success. Chris Taylor and Justin Turner share their varied thoughts on the subject. Next, we dive into our predictions for the opening day roster, discussing whether players like Dustin May, Matt Beaty, and Edwin Rios are guaranteed spots on April 1st. And David Price shows how much he cares about the future in LA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catching up on all the latest out of camp, the Dodgers made their first round of roster cuts which featured some surprise names. The guys highlight some of the bigger names sent to b-camp and focus on Doc Roberts' reasoning for top prospects Keibert Ruiz and Josiah Gray. Next, we focus on 3 players who are hot and 3 who are not at Camelback Ranch, and yes, Corey Seager is listed among the hot. Brusdar Graterol is a focal point as well. Notably, the flamethrowing right-hander has yet to appear in a game leading to some concern. We turn to the Dodger manager for an update on the Bazooka. In the biggest news, more than 11,000 fans will be allowed into Dodger Stadium to start the season. Understandably, some rules and guidelines will be in place at the ballpark. To advertise on this show, please visit https://www.advertisecast.com/DodgersNationBlueHeaven or email Overtime@AdvertiseCast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Opening day is less than a month away and the Dodgers dropped a shocker on Monday. David Price could see some time pitching in relief? We turn to Dave Roberts and DP himself for the latest update and dive into ways it makes sense for the club. Next, we discuss the honor of pitching on opening day and ask who should make the game 1 start this season, and -- perhaps more importantly -- who should get the honor for LA's home opener at Dodger Stadium. In the second act, we sorta build the perfect bullpen for the Dodgers in 2021 but more so layout all the options and wonder who makes the cut and who goes to triple-A. Finally, we visit with our friends Doug McKain and Tim Rogers as we look at some spring training prospect surprises early in camp. And who have been somewhat disappointing. To advertise on this show, please visit https://www.advertisecast.com/DodgersNationBlueHeaven or email Overtime@AdvertiseCast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spring training is underway and the Dodgers are already the best team in baseball! Embellishment aside, over the first pair of Cactus League games, the boys in blue have looked locked in on all sides of the ball. Moreover, Monday marked the highly anticipated Dodger debut for Trevor Bauer. The guys break down what they saw out of the right-hander in game one and some of the things fans should be excited for team-wise with the 2020 Cy Young award winner. Next, Kenley Jansen looked dominant in his first outing of the spring, falling one strike short of an immaculate inning. Could it be a sign of things to come or will it be closer to fool's gold? In the second act of the show, Clint and Brook dig into Gavin Lux and how important of a spring this is after his down 2020. A conversation between Lux and Dave Vassegh of Dodger Talk help fuel the chat. (Special shout out to am570 for the content!) Finally, DJ Peters, CT3, deadened baseballs, and more! Use our promo code BLUEHEAVEN at manscaped.com for 20% and free shipping today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The last episode without real-life baseball until November! The guys dig into a couple of the big questions for the Dodgers -- which are admittedly hard to find -- heading into Cactus League play this weekend. The first big point of topic: what is the plan for the catching position? Will Smith is among the best catchers in the game, at least offensively. On the other hand, Austin Barnes is a top-tier defender. We throw to Dave Roberts and get his thoughts on what fans may see behind the plate in 2021. Plus, new Dodgers beat writer Juan Toribio talks about his excitement for Will Smith. Next, we welcome friend of the show, Dodgers Nation postgame host Doug McKain live onto the show to preview what is sure to be an electric season in LA. A big focus is the starting rotation and the pitching staff as a whole. Plus, could Tony Gonsolin sneak his way into the closer's role? Check out our latest giveaway on Instagram! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dodgers officially signed Trevor Bauer, brought back Justin Turner, and swindled two teams in trades. Plus pitchers and catchers report this week, so the guys are excited! First we recap a busy week for Andrew "Fleeceman" Friedman who waited until the end to pull off perhaps his best offseason yet. Next, we welcome internet friend and now friend of the show Jeff Snider -- host of the Locked of Dodgers podcast -- to preview spring training and the 2021 season. ... but we most dive into predictions. Finally, the Dodgers have gone dramatically over the luxury tax for the upcoming season. We discuss whether that's something to be truly concerned about, particularly in the cases of extending or re-signing stars like Corey Seager or Walker Buehler. Enter to win a signed Kirk Gibson baseball with our friends at Elite Sports Collectables! More details on our Instagram page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dodgers added the top free agent starter on the market to the team last week, building on the excess of excess starting pitching at their disposal. With Trevor Bauer in tow, Dave Roberts has a lot of "good to have" problems to sort through before opening day. Including in the bullpen. So if the pitching staff is overloaded, should the club look to trade from an area of depth to a) trim payroll and b) potentially fill the opening at third base if Justin Turner doesn't come back? We dive into some trade candidates like David Price and even Kenley Jansen and wonder what, if anything, they could get back. And finally, MLB and the players union reportedly at long last agreed to something for the first time all offseason. The two sides came together on health and safety protocols for the 2021 season but still remain apart on expanded playoffs and the universal designated hitter. Plus, the league is planning on "deadening" baseballs next season. So much for the long ball? Check out our giveaway with Elite Sports Collectibles! https://www.instagram.com/p/CLDpONXFFfM/ Check out our website for even more details on our Word of the Day prize giveaway! https://www.dodgersnation.com/dodgers-nation-word-of-the-day-giving-away-1000-in-cash-and-prizes/2021/02/01/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dodgers made a huge splash in free agency on Friday, inking Trevor Bauer to a big money contract. The guys react to what it means going forward for Los Angeles and the best pitching staff in baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR THE AUDIO ISSUES! The settings had a mind of their own today... the second half of the stream gets much better! Major League Baseball is still struggling to get along. Mere weeks before teams are supposed to report to spring training, the league once again has tried to pull a fast one on the players, offering a proposal to the union that could push the season start back. However, the union isn't biting on the deal. We welcome back friend of the show Bob Nightengale to talk about the relationship between the two sides as baseball heads toward a potential lockout next season. Next, we discuss all the latest on the hot stove for the Dodgers, including the futures of Justin Turner, Trevor Bauer, and even slugger Nelson Cruz, if the DH makes its way to the National League. Plus another new giveaway with our friends at Elite Sports Collectibles! This week, we have a signed Clayton Kershaw photo for one lucky Dodger fan! Details on our Instagram page! Check out our website for even more details on our Word of the Day prize giveaway! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're quickly paying our respects to Enrique Hernandez who has left the Dodgers after 7 seasons and a championship. And, of course, we're digging into the offseason hot stove. Justin Turner still hasn't re-signed with LA. Trevor Bauer has been linked in free agency. And a bullpen candidate signed with another team. So what comes next this winter? Well, looking at the calendar, there is still a lot of time for Andrew Friedman to work his magic. Next, we examine the latest debacle facing MLB and the Players Association as the league holds the universal DH hostage over the union for money... in so many words. Plus we remember two more baseball legends lost in 2021. Enter to win the giveaway with our friends at Elite Sports Collectables! More details on our Instagram page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catching up with legendary Dodgers closer, Eric Gagne! The 2003 NL Cy Young award winner shares some thoughts on the recently passed Tommy Lasorda and growing up in Dodger blue. We also dig into the modern game and how even with the buzz words "analytics" and "spin rate", not much has really changed. Plus, discuss a sticky situation going on around the game. Finally, we wrap up with some classic stories from his Dodger days, including that still-record 84 consecutive saves streak and his relationship with "Welcome to the Jungle" today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices