Dodgers Territory - Andrew Friedman Opens Up on Dodgers Big Offseason and the Road Ahead

Episode Date: January 29, 2026

Alanna Rizzo, Clint Pasillas, and Katie Woo welcome Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman to Dodgers Territory for an in depth conversation on the state of the organization and how this roster continues to take shape.  (2:11) Friedman discusses the additions of Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz, the possibility of additional moves -- without directly saying there may be a Kiké Hernández reunion in the near future (12:01). He also shares insight on Shohei Ohtani’s pitching status for the World Baseball Classic (7:32), thoughts on Roki Sasaki's development (9:29), and why the Dodgers believe their starting rotation will be one of the most electric groups in baseball. Plus, an update on Tommy Edman and the second base situation (13:14), Hyeseong Kim's future, and a world without Clayton Kershaw heading into spring training (18:26). Check out DT merch at dodgersterritoryshop.comSupport Guidry's Guardian at guidrysguardian.orgFind Clint on YouTube at youtube.com/@alldodgersRead Katie's work on The Athletic  Subscribe to Dodgers Territory on YouTubeRate and review our podcast on Apple and SpotifySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm Daniel Alarcon, and this is my friend, is much more famous than I am. I wouldn't go that far, but I'm John Green, co-host at the podcast The Away End with my old friend Daniel. On our podcast, The Away End, we'll share with you the magic of international football, all leading up to the 2026 World Cup. Together, we'll find out why, of all the unimportant things,

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Everybody and welcome to a brand new live edition of Dodgers Territory on this fine Thursday afternoon. We have a great guest coming up for you today. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman should be joining us momentarily. I am Alon Arizzo. That is Katie Wu and Clint Paseas. We are your hosts. Can't wait to talk to Andrew guys. Don't forget to like and subscribe.

We're so close to 15,000 subs. We appreciate that very much. Support us, support the show, all of the things. Before we welcome in Andrew, guys, wanted to talk a little bit about, first, Austin Barnes, got a minor league deal with the Mets. And I know he's not a Dodger anymore, but I love Sam.

So Katie, we'll start with you. Your thoughts on Austin being given an opportunity to continue his pro baseball career. So I'm just now finding this out. A lot of breaking news to me. But I like it. On firsthand, why not give a guy a shot to go in there, have another chance to make an impression on a big league team?

A lot of these guys, that's what makes spring training so fun to watch, I think, is that some of these guys come in with a chance to just kind of break camp again. And Austin Barnes, obviously, very, very loved in Dodger Land. So all the best to him. That's good stuff. Yeah, I'm happy. I'm happy he's getting an opportunity. Austin's one of the best people, one of the hardest working people.

in baseball, in show business. And, hey, we know the Mets, a lot of change going on over there. It would be good. It would be good for them to get a veteran, another veteran in that clubhouse. Somebody would just help settle some things for a club that kind of went through a little bit of turmoil, we could say, to a degree last season. So good on Austin. We'll see.

I'm waiting for him to eventually end up back in a Dodgers uniform in some sort of coaching capacity. You know, there's a guy who might be willing to hire him. He's here with us now. Alana, if you want to welcome our esteemed guest. Yeah, Andrew Friedman, President of Baseball Operations joining us now. And Andrew is a man of his word because he told me that he would come on in January. And here he is on January 29th, just at the nick of the nick of time, Andrew. Good to be with you.

My goodness, I tell you what, going into the offseason, I thought, you know, in all of my expert knowledge, that we needed an outfielder and we needed a closer. Not only did you check the box, Andrew, you checked it with a big, big checkmark. Congratulations on the off season. Were those your two biggest targets as well, getting an unbelievable closer, the best available, and getting the best available outfielder? Yeah, first of all, thanks for having me on.

And like I said, it would be in January. So I'd like to kick the can as much as I can, but obviously a man of my word. So thank you guys for having me on. As far as Sugar and Tucker, For us, as we're sitting around, our goal is to have a shorter off-season than everyone else. So as much as we are complaining about it in the moment and, you know, doing the best we can to get caught up on the off-season, you know, we sit down and talk through our existing roster and look at, you know, potential needs and line up the free agent market and the trade market. And for us, Kyle Tucker and Edwin-Diaz were at the top of that list.

you don't know how things are going to play out. In fact, in my head, Edwin was going to go back to the Mets. And so we were more focused on other kind of more realistic targets. But near the end, before we closed the deal, we started to sense that opening that we had a real chance. And we struck. And we talked about Tucker more recently. But obviously, for us, it was about maintaining a shorter-term deal. Anytime you're doing that, you're introducing risk of being able to get that done.

So I wouldn't say we were confident about it. But, you know, five, seven days before we were, before we signed them, we started to get some sense that we had a real chance. Yeah, exceptional additions, obviously. I think the real question we should have opened with, the thing that's on everybody's mind, how were the Golden Globes, Andrew? They were good. They were good.

I'm sure it's on everyone's mind. you know Todd Boler, our ownership group is very involved with Dick Clark Productions. And so it was a cool experience. You know, you're so mired in the day-to-day and the stress of the off-season and the season. So to step back from it and watch other people be stressed was fun. And also being a part of another, you got a viral clip. You're in the background of Leo's shot, whatever he's got going on there. That's a lot of fun.

As somebody who covers his team, watches his team, the off-season was a lot more fun for me. You know, it's funny to me that it feels like the Edwin Diaz signing happened, and we've just kind of glossed over that kind of. Everybody who's already moving on is like, what else do you and Brandon have cooking? You guys were cooking, obviously. A little bit of a slow off season for what we're used to, but still very good bringing back Miggy Row. You got, you mentioned, what is it, sugar and the sugar and Tucker LLC is what Alonah said in our chat. Andy Abagnas added to the mix. what can you say more about adding Edwin Diaz?

Here's the point. Adding Edwin Diaz of that bullpen that we thought would be a massive strength for this club last year. And then obviously you had to scramble a little bit. What does adding a closer to the back end of that bullpen really do to help solidify things and make Doc's life a little bit easier? Yeah, I mean, we talk about this a lot. I think bullpen is the hardest thing to pin down.

And it's funny because it almost feels like there's an inverse relationship between the better I feel about it in spring training and the worse it does versus the more worried, consumed I am by it, the better. Obviously, that's not actually correct, but it's how it feels. It is definitely the toughest part of roster building and just comes with the most volatility. So obviously last year was not the strength we expected it to be. But even going into this offseason, we expect it to be a lot. strength in 2026. Just looking at the names, you know, different looks, right-hand and left-handed,

different arsenal mixes, just felt like it was going to be a strength. Now, that being said, and what that put us in position to do is just shoot at the very top. We weren't looking to lengthen it and add depth. We have a lot of depth. We have a lot of really talented arms. And so for us, if we could put someone at the top of that and be able to, you know, beyond what Edwin does on the mound, just the type of teammate he is. Like we saw it in the NLCS in 24, his willingness to come into a game in the third inning, fourth inning, fifth, whatever. All he wants to do is win.

And just the way that can permeate a clubhouse and an organization beyond the obvious kind of talent points, definitely were a factor as well. Andrew, hi. Hello. Nice to see you. coming to you live from an airport. So that's super fun. So bear with any weird sounds.

Right. In the background. My question for you, we had some topics about the WBC come up. Team Japan released their roster. Yamamoto's on there. We knew Shohei was going to play. No Roki. What were the, obviously, you guys do play a decision here,

the kind of talking points you went through. And then what are the pitching plans for Yamamoto and Otani? Yeah. You know, from our standpoint, it's easy to be. supportive of the WBC as a fan of baseball, someone who loves the game and is looking for it to continue to grow and get better, it's easy to love the WBC. Now in my specific role, it's a little bit harder, but have to kind of set that aside. And so our conversations, we understand the immense pride that these guys feel for representing their country and that competition and

you know that otani trout that just japan u.s game uh was one of the more fun you know because obviously when the dodgers are playing i would not describe my experience as fun ever um so watching that game was like i felt like a fan like there was a real level of enjoyment so i get it and um and the reason it is so enjoyable is because of how much pride these guys have and how bad badly they want to win for their country. And you could feel it, it's palpable. So talking to these guys, it's just about partnering up with them and understanding where they're at, what their thoughts are,

how we do it in the best way. We have designs of playing through October. So what does that look like in February, March, and just how to balance all of it? But really good conversations with all those guys. And, you know, at the end of the day, we are supportive. And Roki Sasaki, Andrew, of course, a big part of the Dodgers future moving forward.

And this is a kid that obviously has a tremendous amount of talent, but he is still young. A third pitch, I think, would be helpful. Brandon Gohm said that you guys see him as a starter, at least in the onset. Would you be willing to have him perhaps start the season in AAA to continue to work on that third pitch? Or what do you see his role in the immediate future? Yeah.

I mean, I think last year, all in all was a really good experience for him. You know, he was able to dominate. in the NPB with those two pitches. And frankly, I think he could hear as well with being able to execute his pitches in a higher level. Last year, just delivery was out of whack. Velocity was down a little bit. Ability to execute was off a little bit.

So it's either, you know, adding that third pitch or elevating the pitch-making ability. And we've seen that from them in the past. You know, we talked about this last year. we see this a lot with guys who have some kind of soft tissue injury, whether it's a hamstring and the way that affects how they get off the mound, which it has downstream effects through their delivery, or an oblique where you're looking to rotate and create it in a different way because subconsciously you're protecting that oblique. We see it all the time, and obviously that happened with Roki when he was in Japan, and then his last year in Japan,

then, you know, we don't necessarily have the same insights that we have when a guy's are a player or playing in the major leagues. And so that coupled with, it takes time to build trust. And we weren't looking to try to force that. We're playing the long game with Roki, but I feel like we got to a place of a lot more trust, and that comes from, you know, building a relationship. And so we couldn't be more bullish on what he's capable of. he is an extremely talented pitching prospect.

And, you know, sometimes takes those guys a little bit of time to put things together. But I will bet on him having a really long and really good major league career. Yeah, that's been my argument for sure telling people who are like, well, they just put Roki in the bullpen. Obviously, you won a World Series with him in the bullpen, but you don't bail on somebody with the upside of a starting pitcher. and as a reason everybody wanted Roki Sasaki last winter. Of course, you guys were lucky enough to be the ones to land them.

Got a pretty good landing spot there. Seeing some of the questions in the chat, I'll find a way to make it a little less direct about a player name, but any other moves in the hopper for you guys before you report to camp in a couple weeks? Maybe a fan favorite. Maybe somebody with some postseason and World Series experience. Maybe somebody with a tober named after them.

Something in the works? Yeah. I mean, we're still having conversations on a few different fronts. And, you know, for us, it's about putting the best team we can together, not just as we break in April, but what it could potentially look like in October. And from our standpoint, we talked about it a lot last year. We want to do everything we can to stay out of the buy side market in July. you know prices are 150 200 250% more at that time so just trying to get in front of it as much as we can

and so we are viewing moves through that lens and continuing to have conversations about bringing back guys that can help us win a championship in 2026 we'll accept that I'll accept that answer I'm john green you may know me as the author of the fault in our stars and now I guess also is the co-house host of The Away End, a brand new world soccer podcast. I'm Daniel Alarcon, a writer and journalist, and John and I have known each other since we were kids. My first World Cup was Mexico 86. I was nine years old. I watched every game, and I fell in love.

On our new podcast, The Away End, we'll share with you the magic of international football, all leading up to the 2026 World Cup. For us, soccer, football, is a story we've shared for over 30 years since Daniel was the star player on our high school soccer team. debatable and I was their most loyal and sometimes only fan I love this game I love its history its hope it's heartbreak and above all it's beauty together we'll find out why of all the unimportant things football soccer is the most important listen to the away end with daniel a rikon and john green on the iHeart radio app apple podcasts or wherever you get your

podcasts I heard and ticot have come together to create something new I love it we're the world of ticot meets your playlist. Three words that will change your life. I heart TikTok radio. The biggest hits across Iheart radio. What's trending for you on TikTok? Tell me a sound that's better than this. I heart TikTok's most influential creators all in one place.

Search for IHart TikTok Radio. Make it a preset and stay connected all day. Ambitious, ambitious, well-intentioned, ferocious and wealthy. Mother looks like in the black community. This Woman's History Month, the podcast Keep It Posit, Sweetie, celebrates the power of women choosing healing, purpose, and faith, even when life gets messy. Love is not a destination. You have to work on it every day.

Keep It Posit, Sweetie creates space for honest conversations on self-worth, love, growth, and navigating life with grace and grid led by women who uplift, inspire, and tell the truth out loud. I have several conversations with God, and I know why. It took 20 years. To hear these and more, listen to Keep It Pies as Sweetie on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Yeah, spoken like a true front office executive, so very well rehearsed. Andrew, I want to focus a little bit on another fan favorite. We talked in the winter meetings that Tommy Edmund is likely going to be delayed to start spring. Let's start with a little prognosis, update on him, if you have an idea on what his spring will look like.

And then while yes, you could make another couple of additions to this roster, what a second base look like for you right now? Andy Abanya is coming in. You can give Kim a longer run. But if Tommy misses extended time, how are you looking to fill that? Yeah. Tommy, the arrows pointing up just went and got evaluated again for that checkup and everything is pointed in a good direction.

Exactly what that means. We don't know yet until we really start ramping up. baseball activity, getting him in spikes and doing it day after day after day, how the body responds will dictate a lot of it. And so we're not going to be foolish and try to cut corners. But that being said, we're also not going to artificially hold him back. And so we'll have a much better feel as we get into February and, you know, kind of by late February, we'll have an idea whether we have the runway to safely build him up and be ready or if we don't. And if we don't, We feel really good about, you know, Alex Freeland, Hesong Kim, Abaynes,

McGee Roe. We just have a combination of guys that we feel like, you know, can help hold down that spot for us and do it at a pretty high level. McGee Row is obviously solidified in terms of what he can do for this club. How much more of a runway, Andrew, if more, would you like to give Heson Kim in terms of being able to see what he can do out there? I know a lot of it is dependent upon Tommy Edmund and the health. But would you like to see him out there more?

What's the plan? Yeah. I mean, I feel the same way about Freeland as well. So, you know, we've got, you know, kind of one spot short of injury and, you know, let those guys kind of duke it out some. Both are really talented young players. They kind of get to their value in slightly different ways. But both great workers, great makeup and real ability. And so, you know, we have to figure.

you're out and you never want someone to get hurt, but obviously things will happen and guys will get some runway. And we need to be able to provide that runway for our young players to get a better sense and a better read. And for us, it's about integrating those guys under our roster over the next two, three, four, five years. So when we can get those runways and opportunities, we're going to be aggressive to do so. One thing that really excites me. And if Mark Pryor, recalls being on our show a couple of times. He knows I love talking pitching, particularly starting pitching. I love this era that we are in of this rotation that you guys have assembled.

I'm going to throw it on the screen because it is an electric collection of arms. We hope everybody can stay happy and healthy and provide some innings for this team over the course of the Reagan season into the postseason. Yada yada. Is this, Andrew, the best starting rotation in the history of baseball? That's a tough question. the best sort of rotation I've ever been around in the deepest. It's also the deepest and best collection of arms I've ever been around as we got into the off season and kind of assessing where we're at, what we're looking for. It really kind of solidified and set in of just how

special this group of arms are and shouldn't take it for granted. It's not a common, easy thing to reproduce. So while mired in it, really enjoying it and savoring it and doing everything we can to, you know, help further it and continue it. Going off of that, we just saw the arms pitching depth as, as you know, one of the most pivotal important things an organization can have, regardless of what you're spending on the major league roster. If you don't have AAA depth and ready to go arms, you don't really have much of anything.

As we get to pitchers and catchers in just two weeks, what excites you about the back end of the rotation. I know we've talked about potentially doing a hybrid six-man to start the year. A lot of these things will answer themselves as spring goes on. But as you're coming to camp, what names are you looking at to kind of fill out the back end of your rotation? I mean, for us, I think there are so many talented arms that it's hard to say, you know, this guy, that guy. But I think two guys I'm really excited to see are Gavin Stone and River Ryan, both obviously really talented young pitchers. You know, Stoney was in the middle of an incredibly impressive season.

River came up and had that, you know, five-start run where he showed off his potential. Both are coming off surgery. Both are doing well, but seeing them in camp and watching how they rebound and how they're holding their stuff are all things that I'm really interested and excited to see this spring. Andrew, how strange will it be to go to Camelback Ranch, be it's very? spring training, start games, all the things without number 22 in that clubhouse. It is definitely going to be, you know, hopefully we're fortunate enough to get him to work with us, but it won't be the same, not having him around on a daily basis and, you know, signed him last year to help provide depth. And obviously, anytime Clayton Kirshaw wants to go at it, you want that competitor on your side.

but for him to finish second innings on our team, you know, based on the conversations in March and how much time he was going to miss to start the year, just isn't surprising with that guy. So beyond what he means, you know, over the,

over his career and the impact he's had on the city, the impact he has in our clubhouse, he was also still really good. And so, you know, missing out on all of those things are a very real point, but hopefully we've got depth and the talent around and then some of his influence around that to help bring it up even more.

What I love is you're so good. That was my shameless plug, Kersh, in case you're listening. Come work for us. Well, we hear he's getting this with us, with us. We hear he's getting this NBC deal. Maybe he's going to be a broadcaster, which by the way, I love to plug him into the booth with Joe and Oral because, my God, the rapport between those three is great. But Kirsch is just, as he's gotten on in years, he has, he's just phenomenal at everything he does. Going to miss that dude in the clubhouse.

Going from Glazing 22 to Glazing Andrew Friedman here, you're so good at your job. You're so good at everything you do. I prefer Glazing Kirsch. I know. I know. That's why I make sure we got a nice intimate two shot here so everybody can see you. You're so good the things you do. You got yourself another gig this offseason, of course, helping out.

Mark Walter with the Lakers. A lot of people are like, oh, this is why they're slow in the offseason early because he's so busy with that Lakers job. Help kind of clear the air for people who aren't really in the know with what you're doing there. Like in that advisory role with Rob Plincon, just what you're doing with the purple and gold on the other side of, well, not the other side of town, I guess, just down the road on the 110 there.

Yeah, I mean, far on spending a lot of time helping, you know, Mark and all of his different interests. I've got a pretty full-time gig here. That being said, you know, we're all kind of under this TWG umbrella, and it's about providing resources to one another and whatever benefits we can get, you know, kind of collaborating, and, you know, that's kind of how we see it. And anything that's kind of under Mark's umbrella,

it's kind of on all of us to be able to work together and achieve the best outcomes for for TWG. So, you know, still a full-time job here, definitely not taking my eye off the ball, but just having really good conversations with Rob Polink, you know, Farhan has jumped in there some, and, you know, Rob came out to our town hall, Dodger organization town hall

and did a Q&A with Gomer and myself and just all kind of leaning in together to work together and try to figure out the best ways to bring as many championships to Los Angeles as we can. Love that. God, I love it. All right, Andrew. Let's stick to the championship talk because, unfortunately, in my prior stop, I didn't really get a lot of postseason games. You, on the other hand, have had your very fair share.

And I was wondering, as you're watching the World Series go on, whether it was game three, whether it was game six or game seven, is there any moment that stood out during that World Series? but I think we can all say one of the best fall classics of all time that stood out to like this isn't normal or this is really cool just as a baseball mind that you were witnessing. Yeah, I mean, it was a very intense series. Everyone keeps talking about how great it was and I'm sure it was for a lot of people. There were times where I had to like step back and remember to breathe like to take breaths. something I'm not very proud of. I may or may not have spiked a bar stool in that game three. And it's because of the range of emotions.

Will Smith hits a ball to center that in my mind is definitely a homer. And bar show goes back and catches it. And so I'm like, the excitement of the homer to the catch next inning, and I might have accidentally let the barstool slip. But, you know, game seven, I've always said that the way I am wired, I cannot handle extra endings of game seven of the World Series. I don't know how people do it. I could not handle it. And it turns out you just do it.

Definitely wasn't mentally prepared for it. You're just in it. And it's a surreal feeling. And just the amount of times I've said that. And then to be in it was pretty surreal. at least you didn't throw the bar stool over the wall at the bar and land on some police officers in Nashville. I mean, you got that going for you. I was waiting for the Morgan Wallen, by the way.

I was waiting for that risk. People, listen, by the way, Andrew, if you ever meet him, your girl, Alana loves him. Let's get that together. Let's talk about the stuff behind you. I love, love, love the picture of Branch Rickey, obviously with Jackie Robinson. So special, so important. a sport changing move, a franchise changing move. So everybody knows about that.

But what about over your right shoulder? The lineup card. What is that? That is the lineup card from the 2020 World Series game six. Okay. And a picture of my family. Look at the kids. How little.

That's awesome. Yeah. Kids are so little there. Oh, that's so sweet. Before I let you go, and I know Katie has to get on a plane per usual. Rocco Baldelli, a new addition to the Dodgers coaching staff, or at least the staff there. I mean, most of your coaching staff is gone unchanged for obvious reasons, incredibly successful. I know you know Rocco from the Tampa Bay days.

What does he bring to the club? What do you expect his role to be? Yeah, I had Rocco as a player and then hired him. He did a lot of scouting. He was involved in a lot of our trade discussions. and just really part of our inner circle, went on to coach the race after I left, and then obviously he was managed the twins for a while.

And he is as good of a person as there is in this game, the way he's able to connect with guys, just the thoughtfulness. And we have a lot of really talented minor league outfielders. We have really talented minor league outfield coaches as well. But Rocco to be able to help add value, there will be significant. Rocco's scouting eye is great.

Rocco's ability to ask questions and just, you know, for him to come in and connect with the people we have in place and get to know them, be around in spring training. You know, we intentionally left it a little bit vague and we'll kind of see where things take us, but he's capable of doing anything in this game and just an incredible teammate. And I'm excited for the guys here to all have a chance to work with him. Andrews, we let you go here. There's a line in Ghostbusters, the original Ghostbusters. They got the tools, you got the talent.

What goes wrong? I thought it was, I ain't afraid of no ghosts. There's another great Bill Murray line, too, which is true what they say. This man has no dick. But we don't need to get into that line as well. Great movie, very quotable movie. What went wrong if the Los Angeles Dodgers aren't three peating this year? Putting you on the spot, man.

Yeah. obviously injuries always play a prominent role but you know 24 and 25 was the first time a team had won back to back in over 20 years the nature of the playoff system in baseball sets up for there to be more randomness than in other sports it's a fact and so you have to have some good fortune and obviously have a lot of talent. So hopefully we're bringing a lot of talent to the table. First, we obviously have to qualify for October, and then if we're fortunate enough to do so, you need some good fortune, but we feel like we'll be bringing a really talented roster to the party.

And for me, I'd rather focus on the things that can go right and all the different outs we could have of how to be as good as we can be. Yeah, you've earned that right. Congratulations. Back-to-back World Series champion. just going for the three Pete. Andrew Friedman, tell Robin and the kids.

Hello, thank you so much for taking the time. We will see you at spring training in a couple of weeks. And just thanks for putting such a good product on the field and giving us something to talk about. It's a pleasure. Thanks so much. Thank you, guys. Thanks for having me on.

Safe travels, Katie. We appreciate to, Andrew. That is President Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman. We thank him for joining us. And before we go, I think we should talk about Morgan. What do you think, Chris? I mean, oh yeah, sure. Not Wallin, the dog.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yes, let's do it. Last Licks. I'm John Green. You may know me as the author of The Fault and Our Stars, and now I guess also is the co-host of The Away End, a brand new world soccer podcast. I'm Daniel Alarcon, a writer and journalist,

and John and I have known each other since we were kids. My first World Cup was Mexico 86. I was nine years old. I watched every game, and I fell in love. On our new podcast, The Away End, we'll share with you the magic of international. All leading up to the 2026 World Cup. For us, soccer, football, is a story we've shared for over 30 years since Daniel was the star

player on our high school soccer team. Very debatable. And I was their most loyal and sometimes only fan. I love this game. I love its history, it's hope, it's heartbreak, and above all, it's beauty. Together, we'll find out why, of all the unimportant things, football, soccer, is the most important. Listen to the away end with Daniel Auerkone and John Green on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This is good news, actually. Morgan was found roaming around a bar in San Diego, Texas, covered in mange, in scabs and scars, overgrown toenails, all of the things in really, really bad shape. The good news is we started taking care of her in June or July of this year. And even better news, you guys, she is on her way to California because she has been adopted by a wonderful family, big Dodger family, big Dodger family. And she's being adopted. But we need some help getting her from Texas to California, if you will. So if anybody can donate a buck, five bucks, ten bucks, a hundred bucks, whatever you can. If you're led to do it, please donate at giddreysgarden.org.

Just put Morgan on the donation form. Let's help her get to her forever home. Appreciate the consideration. guys thanks very much and one of these days i know you're going to eventually you know convince the lady in the middle to get one of those dogs because you know got to establish some roots here in soCal when she gets settled in but yeah she's got a lot going on first she's got a got a lot to yeah uh thoughts i mean that was a lot of fun i'm a firm believer in adopt don't shop so yes i i love talking to andrew he is good he's good at everything and i think uh giving for us as well but fans

this opportunity to kind of get a different look. The not, as Katie will, you know, knows already and we'll learn a lot more covering the team on this beat this year. There's a lot more of the company line and maybe not so much scripted answers, but there were some definitely some freedmanisms in there and things you'd say. But Katie, what was good out of what we learned from Andrew there? Would you like? I thought it was interesting.

Sorry about the video quality, guys. I'm fading fast. But I thought it was really interesting to hear which starting pictures he was looking at with River Ryan and Gavin Stone because you figure I'm at it she ends up going to be in that mix. But under him, like, who are we looking at?

And the Dodgers, I never experienced this in St. Louis. There are like 10 guys coming into camp that all have a viable shot of making that, you know, we'll call it a number six spot in that rotation, knowing that, you know, it could be a potential six-man. It could be a hybrid. But these are all players worth watching that all have the ability to maybe on any other organization

to be a for sure four or five. And now they're in here just trying to be a six. And the depth in the system is going to come up. It's unfortunate. Pitchers get hurt. Andrews are a part of the game. Obviously, I'm not advocating for that in any way. But to be able to really hold yourself to be like a true, true contender,

you have to have depth. And the Dodgers have so much of that. Depth on depth on depth, Riz. That's amazing. I liked the fact that he's a human being and he was a fan and he's throwing barstoles. and he's freaking out and trying to remind himself that he needs to breathe, right? I mean, that's a real thing. And you shouldn't be in those types of positions and you shouldn't be involved with an ownership group that doesn't care about winning.

If you don't care if your team wins and it's just a line item on your P&L, that's a problem. And the Guggenheim group cares about winning. They've shown it time and time again. And he cares. But he's also one of the, and I'm not just saying this because he's on our show. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Andrew Friedman. He is one of the smartest people you will ever meet in the game. game and he's one of the most approachable front office people I've ever been around. To be a president

of baseball operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers, he does not have to be as accessible as he is and he's truly just a kind human. I mean, he'll joke around with you, but he is he's incredibly smart but he's not condescending and I appreciate that very much about him. And by the way, I mean, he's saying this is the best starting rotation in terms of depth and talent and arms he's ever been around. That's impressive. I mean, for him to say that, that's pretty impressive. Yeah, I mean, he just like all of survived that 2022, 2022, season where they ran out of pitching. They 100% ran out of starting pitching entering the postseason.

And that's not a way, that's not a healthy lifestyle. You know, if the World Series was bad, I think it was a little bit worse for him and his heart and his ability to enjoy, you know, baseball, when you don't have starting pitching as opposed to a game seven and all that kind of stuff. But, yeah, huge stuff from Andrew, just a good dude. We appreciate you guys hanging out with us here on this edition

of the show. If you haven't done it already, hit that like button, subscribe to the channel. Help us get to 15K. If this episode doesn't do it, I don't know what will. What else should we tell people? Maybe buy our stuff. What do you think about that, Alana? Buy our hoodies. Yeah, we appreciate it very much. Support, support Katie, support Clint, support myself. The more sales we get, the longer we can do the show, you guys. Honestly, like we are, it's a revenue-based show. So support us. If you like what we're doing, if you don't, tell us how we can get better. Be kind. We can take criticism, but keep it clean, okay. Katie, have a safe flight.

Everybody have a great week. Have a great weekend, and we will be back on Monday, same time, 12 p.m. Pacific, 3 p.m. Eastern. We'll talk to you then. Go Dodgers. Bye. I'm Daniel Alarcon, and this is my friend. This is much more famous than I am. I wouldn't go that far, but I'm John Green. Co-host of the podcast The Away End with my old friend Daniel.

On our podcast, The Away End, we'll share with you the magic of international football, all leading up to the 2026 World Cup. Together, we'll find out why, of all the unimportant things, football, soccer, is the most important. Listen to the away end with Daniel Auerkone and John Green on the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Then she says, have you seen a photo of my son? And I'm like, who is this person? Welcome to the Boys and Girls podcast. Arranged Marriage is basically a reality show, and you're auditioning for your soulmate. And who's judging? Only your entire family. I sacrificed myself to this ancient tradition, hoping to find love the right way.

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