“That is the way this game is – you win, you lose, you celebrate, and you suffer.” – Vin Scully
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Sage words from Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully, who celebrated his 94th birthday on Monday, November 29th. A bittersweet day by all accounts once Dodger fans learned that their 2020 World Series MVP, 27-year-old shortstop Corey Seager, had signed a 10-year deal for $325 million to play for the Texas Rangers.
That, coupled with reports that 37-year-old right-hander Max Scherzer was finalizing a three-year deal with the New York Mets for $130 million, and the Dodgers faithful are definitely suffering. It never hurts to free up payroll, but saying goodbye to great Hall-of-Fame-bound players does.
Some players are trying to secure deals before the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires at midnight on December 1, 2021, while others have taken a “wait and see” stance. Over the years, many have learned to have faith in Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and the Front Office, but that doesn’t mean it has been easy.
This is potentially just the beginning. The team had eleven players who entered free agency after their NLCS Game-6 loss to the Atlanta Braves. With two now seemingly spoken for, fans are still waiting to hear what fate awaits their other favorites.
Will 33-year-old three-time Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Clayton Kershaw finish out his career with the Dodgers? Or what about 31-year-old All-Star infielder/outfielder Chris Taylor, who hit his famous walk-off winning home run in the 2021 Wild Card game? Never mind 41-year-old Cooperstown-bound first baseman Albert Pujols, who was only with the Dodgers for less than a year, but whose famous hugs solidified him in the hearts of his teammates and fans alike.
Whether you have ever met a player in person, been to games at Dodger Stadium, or watched from your living room, these men touch our lives every day from March to October if we are lucky. And when they leave to take the next step in their respective careers, we cannot help but celebrate them and the memories while simultaneously mourning their loss.
Here’s to whatever comes next. Good luck in Texas, Corey! And best wishes to Max as he solidifies his place on his new team.
We all Bleed Blue!