Dodgers News: Friedman Speaks About Greinke, Urias

Andrew Friedman took some time out of what has been a basically insane Winter Meetings thus far to speak about some of the goings on within the Dodgers organization.

Among the topics: Zack Greinke, Yasiel Puig and the front office’s open-mindedness regarding higher-level prospects.

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First, on Greinke’s departure (all quotes via Bill Plunkett of the OC Register):

Friedman was asked if Greinke ever indicated clubhouse issues (ie Puig) were factor in leaving #Dodgers. Said “zero” factor. #itwasthemoney

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) December 9, 2015

So those rumors can finally be put to rest. Puig and Greinke may have had their differences both on and off the field, but with word coming Tuesday that Greinke would be paid roughly $10,000 per pitch on his new contract, it’s fairly easy to figure out why Greinke is now an Arizona Diamondback.

The bigger nugget from the brief exchange, though, was about how the Dodgers view elite prospects like Corey Seager, Julio Urias and Jose de Leon.

Again, via Plunkett:

Friedman on if #Dodgers would trade Urias: “Something we pride ourselves on is not having any hard-and-fast rules. We’re open-minded (cont)

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) December 9, 2015

Friedman cont “on having different conversations. It would certainly save us time to have set rules on certain things.But we’re open minded”

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) December 9, 2015

Now, while Seager and and de Leon were not mentioned, one would surmise Friedman and the rest of the front office feel about the same, but to different lengths. Blanket statements close options, which is something Friedman appears to be against.

Lastly, if the Dodgers are unable to acquire a fifth starter and injuries pop up, it sounds as if Friedman would rather make another move than force a prospect into a situation they may not necessarily be ready for.

Friedman: “Not really. We want to do what’s right for those guys. … Don’t think it’s fair to them and their development” #Dodgers

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) December 9, 2015

These are all very interesting tidbits and might be as open as you’ll ever find Friedman, who is phenomenal at speaking at length without actually saying anything.

Around the same time as these quotes, reports also came out that Ben Zobrist has reportedly signed with the Chicago Cubs (the Dodgers were already well out of the race, by the way). We keep calling each signing the one that might free up the logjam, so we can only hope Zobrist might be just that.