Andrew Friedman's reputation for being a pragmatic executive who looks out for value at the margins while avoiding headline-grabbing acquisitions doesn't apply anymore. Officially, the Los Angeles Dodgers president for baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, who started his career in the front office at the famously thrifty Tampa Bay Rays team, is a big-game hunter.Friedman acquired Yu Darvish (either through free agency, or via trade), Manny Machado and Mookie Betts, Trevor Bauer and Trea Turner over the past four years. This sextet has combined for 25 All-Star Game appearances and four Cy Young Awards.The Dodgers might have been able to pull Turner and Scherzer from the Washington Nationals in the latest move. This package included four prospects led by Josiah Gray and catcher KeibertRuiz. They could be the favorite to win the National League West again.Friedman stated Friday that "I feel like we had an elite team before this," with the talent and the men coming back from injuries. Friedman said, "But when you're in a position to win a title and have impact-type players you can add -- our mindset should be to be aggressive on this and to try to balance today and tomorrow." We've been able to balance the future in some cases.The division-rival San Diego Padres was pursuing Scherzer as the best starting pitcher by a large margin. Because of the allegations of sexual assault against Bauer, the Dodgers had a clear need for Scherzer at the top of their lineup and made him a target. They didn't want premium prospects to be traded for someone they would consider a rental. Both teams were able to obtain what they wanted by adding Turner, a star shortstop, who can be controlled through 2022 and may offer positional flexibility.Now, the question is: Where does Turner play?After missing the past 11 weeks due to a fifth metacarpal fracture, Corey Seager (the Dodgers' shortstop) was activated from the injured list on Friday. Seager will be back in his normal position while Turner works with Major League Baseball to ensure safety and health protocols. However, it is unclear how the lineup will look when Turner returns to active.In 2015 and 2016, Turner was primarily at second base and center field, while Seager played almost exclusively at shortstop in his professional career. It is only natural that the Dodgers would use Turner as a center fielder. This can allow Cody Bellinger to be positioned in a left-field platoon along with A.J., who is right-handed. Pollock, or second base where he can sometimes spell the young Gavin Luxembourg.Friedman and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts are still non-committal.Roberts said that he would talk to Turner and help him to find the right fit for his club. Turner was in the Padres minor league system, and Roberts was their major league coach. He's a Dodger and Corey is a Dodger right now. It's all about winning and we'll put it all together."On Friday, the Dodgers lost 6-5 to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 10 innings. They remain three games behind the Giants who traded for Kris Bryant, a four-time All Star. The Padres remain two-and-a half games behind the Dodgers. They acquired Adam Frazier (the major league's leader in hits) and traded for Daniel Hudson, a back-end bullpen player. Although the Dodgers have won NL West in each of their eight previous seasons, it is not a certain thing that they will do so again.Freidman acknowledged that the dynamics of the division had influenced his approach.Friedman stated, "Right now we've got to really think long and deeply about August and September." Friedman said, "This definitely played a part in this for certain."Although the Dodgers aren't sure when Turner will be available, Scherzer, who pitched six inning of one-run baseball on Thursday, will rejoin the team on Saturday and throw his side session Sunday. He is expected to make his debut for the Dodgers in Wednesday’s highly anticipated game against Houston Astros. Duffy is still recovering from a flexor strain and will not be activated from the IL until September. The Dodgers will then assess his role. The ideal role for the 32-year old left-hander is to be a dynamic, multiinning reliever similar to that of Julio Urias in recent years.The Dodgers started the year with many options for starting pitchers, including Urias. However, Dustin May was unable to pitch due to Tommy John surgery. Bauer has been involved in legal problems that have kept him from the team since June. These circumstances, along with Clayton Kershaw's forearm inflammations and Tony Gonsolin’s inconsistent pitches, made it difficult for the Dodgers to focus on starting pitching before the deadline.Roberts stated, "We all agreed that it was our top priority to move the needle in order to have the best chance of winning the World Series in 21."Roberts selected Scherzer as the NL's starting pitch at the All-Star Game, earlier in the month, and described him as a "fierce competitor", champion, and winner.Roberts stated, "The work he put in every day before starts, and in between starts parallels Clayton's,"Scherzer, 36 years old, has accumulated 131 wins and three Cy Young Awards. He also received eight invitations for the All-Star Game. His 2.86 ERA is his best mark. With 48 FanGraphs wins over replacement (fWAR), Scherzer is the leader of majors during this nine-year period. Kershaw is right behind him with 45.4.Turner, 28 years old, ranks fourth in fWAR among shortstops since 2018. He batting.298/.359/.484 and has 68 home runs as well as 111 stolen bases over 439 games. Turner made his All-Star Game debut this year, and is currently on pace to hit 27 home runs. Friedman described him as "a dynamic player" that would bring a welcome blend of foot speed, contact ability and offense to the Dodgers.The Dodgers have been inconsistent offensively over the majority of the year. Seager returned Friday, and Mookie Betts (hip), will return Sunday. It is hoped that Turner will be activated within days, Kershaw will then follow, and then Corey Knebel, who will return to the bullpen in the next two weeks. This will put the Dodgers in prime place for what will be a thrilling battle in the NL West.Roberts stated, "Anyone, myself included, a baseball fan or sports fan, can wrap their heads around the NL West baseball and see as the dust finally settles it's crazy." Roberts said, "I don’t believe I’ve ever seen anything similar."
