Make It Up As You Go

Today is one of those days which gives me little time to post.  The next three weeks are going to be crazy for me as I have a lot of places to go and people to see.  I wish I were in Arizona but I am headed to Florida. There are a couple of things, but then I am going to turn it over to you.

  • If you are a “glass half-empty” person, then you are going to call Brandon McCarthy’s latest start a bad one.  I think it was real progress – 75 pitches and he pitched just OK.  They are just trying to get him stretched out. Barring injury, he is in the rotation and says that is not a significant achievement:  “If I felt that was a significant achievement, I’m aiming too low,” said McCarthy. “Twelve years in, winning a spot is not where my focus is. It’s making 33 starts and the postseason. It’s doing everything I need to do as a solid Major League starter. Winning a rotation spot is step one. I came to spring this year with the attitude of doing everything every day to be ready for the start of the season, wherever it is.”  Brandon McCarthy is on track.  He has at least one most start, probably two before the season starts.
  • Trevor Oaks = Chase De Jong and more
  • Andre Ethier’s start of the season is in jeopardy due to continued back problems (that’s too bad – this was his chance to shine)
  • A-Gon’s tendinitis has came back. Typically, when someone has that, they have to get an injection and rest for a few weeks, but he says he’s OK – I doubt it.
  • Puig is battling injury too.
  • Kike Hernandez loves the Dodgers and their fans – I can’t help but root for him.
  • Rich Hill has allegedly worked out his problems
  • Grant Dayton, Andrew Toles, Chris Taylor.  Has any team paid any less for any more?
  • I am going to make another prediction and some of you will call me crazy (like a fox):  Rich Hill will win 20 games this year!
  • Always Compete is writing for us now (he makes me look bad, but I’m OK with that).  Does anyone else want to do so?  If so, e-mail me at mark@uswatersystems.com
  • Walker Buehler is a Texas Ranger (aka/Chuck Norris)
  • Is Eric Gagne worthy of a second chance… at 41?
  • So, the last spot in the Rotation belongs to…. Wood or Ryu? If Ryu is healthy, that is a huge game changer.  For that matter, the same is true with Wood.
  • Alex Cobb Rumors – whatever!
  • Just like I predicted, according to The LA Times,The Dodgers are expected to limit Urias to somewhere between 160 and 180 innings this season. The team wants him to be available in September and October, which is why Urias could begin the season in extended spring training, waiting for his opportunity in the majors. Given the organizational depth, the Dodgers can stash Urias there until he’s needed.“Fair or unfair, right or wrong, that’s a luxury we do have,” Roberts said. “We have the depth with the starting staff. To curtail or monitor Julio’s innings, which we’ve done, is obviously prudent.”He added, “It’s not easy. But there’s really no right way to handle this. He’s a special player.”

Today’s Music

This article has 50 Comments

  1. The Dodgers are filling glasses and more and more fans are seeing the Dodger glass as half full, albeit some a little more reluctantly than others. Pitching is filling that glass faster than any other position.
    .
    Alvarez and White could be mainstays in the rotation in 2019. Buehler and Urias could be mainstays in 2018. Oaks and Stewart could wind up as everyday starters in 2017.
    .
    The Dodgers will not need McCarthy, Kazmir, or Ryu by the end of 2017.

  2. McCarthy got his innings in. Kershaw gave up 3 HR’s his last time out, should Dodger fans be worried? And NO I am not making any comparison. Veteran pitchers are not pitching for a spot in the rotation. They are getting ready for the season. Of course we would all like positive results, but the work is the most important. 75 pitches and maybe 1 or 2 more ST starts and he gets up to 100. We all know this is the FAZ magic number. We may not all agree with it, but we do know it. McCarthy starts as #4, and will move to #5 when Urias rejoins the rotation in May. Does anyone expect Kershaw results, or Cashner results? Trevor Bauer is Cleveland’s #4, and he was hit as well. Some will never accept McCarthy because they do not believe that he should have been signed. Forget years 1 & 2, and hope for a better 3 & 4.
    .
    Trevor Oaks will be a back end of the rotation starter, and that is not a negative. Every team needs a serviceable #4 & #5. He passed De Jong last year in the eyes of Kapler and FAZ, or Chase would have been promoted to AAA before Trevor. I like Alex Cobb, but he becomes a #5 in the LA rotation, and is not worth the cost when the Dodgers have several #5 choices right now in Wood/Ryu/Stripling/Stewart/Oaks. and Buehler and White not far behind. With the logjam with back of the rotation starters, it is looking more and more like Josh Sborz will eventually return to the pen (where he truly belongs).
    .
    There are many Kike’ fans, and he can be a good utility player. But I am more of a Chris Taylor fan, and there is no room on a 25 man for both. If Kike’ is added to the 25 man over Taylor, then I will be disappointed for two reasons. One, Chris Taylor did not make it, and two perhaps competition does not mean much to FAZ. When ST began, the discussions were that there was open competition for #4 and #5 rotation, 2-4 bullpen spots, #5 OF/backup 1B, and utility player. #4 and #5 rotation is becoming more clear with McCarthy and Wood. Ryu can still make an argument (beginning today) in replacing Wood (who may be more effective in the pen anyway). Bullpen open spots are still there because of injuries to Romo and Baez, and ineffectiveness of Hatcher. I have made multiple trade proposals for Brad Brach, but FAZ is still not taking my call. Plus with Zach Britton still being tender and not 100%, the O’s need Brach, and he is not going anywhere. #5 OF/1B is coming down to SVS or Segedin. Will competition decide or will ML status be more decisive. That leaves utility player, and Chris Taylor has completely outplayed the competition and deserves the spot. Let Kike’ go back to AAA and prove himself again.
    .
    While I may be writing for LA Dodger Talk, in no way do I make Mark look bad. Mark is far more provocative and able to elicit comments much better than me. I am just learning, and will always strive to get better. While I love the major league team, I am an unabashed minor league fan. I plan on being in Stockton on Thursday April 6 to see the opening game for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. Walker Buehler is currently listed on the Great Lakes roster, but I am hopeful that he is added to the Quakes roster for that opening 4 game set. If not Buehler, Mitchell White is on the Quakes roster, and I am sure to see him in that series.

  3. Who knows who is in today’s cover photo?

    I am planning to go to Ft. Wayne on May 18th to 21st to see the Loons play the Ft. Wayne Tin Caps. Right now, this is what the Loons Pitchers look like (subject to change):

    Imani Abdullah
    Yadier Alvarez
    Walker Buehler
    Caleb Ferguson
    Andrew Istler
    Dennis Santana
    Jordan Sheffield

    They won’t all be there by Mid-May!

    I have never seen pitching stacked like this. It is incredible!

    1. Imani Abdullah , Yadier Alveraz, and Dennis Santana all have good shots at starting the season at Rancho. Santana started 2016 in Great Lakes and was an All-Star, while Abdullah was called up to Great Lakes on 5/19 and Alveraz on 6/20. So they have pitched well at Low A and all three look to be fast-tracked. Outside of Mitchell White, Michael Boyle, and maybe (big maybe) Wes Helsabeck, Rancho does not have a whole lot of SP on their current roster. That opens it up to Abdullah, Alveraz, and Santana. I would anticipate that Santana and probably Abdullah will get the April promotion and Alveraz will start the year in Great Lakes. I hope you get to see Buehler. It is a logical place for him to start the year. I have read some reports that FAZ may want to hold Buehler out west so as not to pitch him in the colder Mid-West in April, so he could be there in Mid-May, even if he is held out west to start the year.

    2. I am reminded of Lake Wobegon and a Prairie Home Companion. It was said (by Garrison Keillor) of the residents of Lake Wobegon that “All the women are strong. The men are good looking. And all children are above average.” (If everyone is above average, isn’t that average?)

      All of the Dodgers’ pitching prospects will be stars?

      1. Probably not. It usually never works out like that, but 3 or 4 years ago, if you look at the St. Louis Cardinals, they hit on most of their TOP 2 Prospects and I have never seen this much talent in the Dodgers system.

      2. Of course they are not all going to be stars. They haven’t even hit High A Ball yet, so to give them that label is unfair to them. But to ignore their potential is also unwarranted. Many of those mentioned are highly valued by the Dodgers and MLB pundits. If one of these A level players becomes a top of the rotation starter that’s great. One top of the rotation every two to three years is a good goal. Walker Buehler and Yadier Alveraz are two potential top of the rotation pitchers, and they are at least one year apart; probably two. Abdullah and Santana have back end of the rotation potential. They could both stall and flame out….or not. Neither Trevor Oaks nor Brock Stewart were considered to be 2016/2017/2018 starting pitchers in the Dodger organization, and yet now they are, with Stewart already achieving that level.
        .
        Keith Law who is a better judge of talent than most baseball talent evaluators, and probably better than anyone on blogs, says that Mitchell White will be the best pitcher out of the 2016 draft. Now that is certainly a high ceiling and probably not reachable. But somebody has to be the best. Why not Mitchell White? I am more than positive that FAZ is not considering that ceiling in their overall talent evaluation and organizational roster decisions. But to ignore his perceived talent is also short sighted. He could be this years version of Brock Stewart and Trevor Oaks, or Zach Lee. Those of us who are glass half full, relish in their potential and undoubtedly over-hype. We are ecstatic when they make it (even if not with the Dodgers), and are very disappointed when they do not. Some like Zach Lee (for me) hurt more than others. But I do like it when you bring those of us who are over-zealous with prospects down to reality.

    3. The Loons only come to Cedar Rapids every other year so I’m betting Alvarez, Buehler, Sheffiled, and White will be long gone by July 19th. I may get a look at a Leonardo Crawford by then. Who knows.

      1. My bad. When I read the question, I only saw the two photos above, and I knew Bon Scottt (former lead singer for AC/DC before he died).

  4. I guess I am a half-full kind of guy, because I see the positive of 75 McCarthy pitches. Really pulling for McCarthy this spring, for a lot of reasons. Two years removed from TJ surgery, can’t believe the piling on McCarthy because of that surgery. People pointing out what a disappointment he has been. Well yeah, usually that way when someone has TJ surgery. Now, get it done Brandon, you can still earn your “entire” contract as a starter or trade chip with a strong showing.
    .
    Chase De Jong (maybe distant cousin) was a nice get and got some nice pieces when going. FAZ simply had to adjust the arrival dates of the prospects. Too many guys getting major league ready real soon.
    .
    Ethier’s remaining Dodger career quickly becoming an after thought. Oh well, it’s a young man’s game and Dodgers have lots of options.
    .
    Gonzalez, so this is what we get for $43M this year? I wouldn’t mind a 34 year old body, but I like my MLB players a little younger. See Ethier comment, although I hope A-Gon still has something in the tank.
    .
    Puig, C’mon already, better be precautionary.
    .
    Kike, Bye Bye, see you in Reno later this season with OKC.
    .
    Rich Hill, looking forward to seeing our #2 in action.
    .
    Dayton, Toles, Taylor, probably some team got more, but I don’t know if for less.
    .
    Hill win 20, love to see it.
    .
    Always Compete, looking forward to reading those thoughtful essays.
    .
    Always liked Chuck Norris, and I already like Buehler LOTS.
    .
    Gagne worth a shot at 41? Not on the Dodgers!
    .
    Wood or Ryu at #5. Very nice!! Really pulling for “two years from shoulder surgery” Ryu!!
    .
    Alex Cobb, At the right price, Always at the right price, right FAZ?
    .
    Urias, how about a June 1st starting date? Right after McCarthy is traded.

    1. Box, OKC Dodgers only host Reno and Sacramento this year. OKC is in the PCL American (8 teams) while Reno and Sacramento are in the PCL National (8 teams). Each PCL American plays each PCL National one 4 game series each year, switching home and away. This year both Reno and Sacramento are in Oklahoma City .

      1. Thanks for letting me know that. I have an email from the Aces ticket guy wanting me to buy tickets now and have been meaning to contact him, but been busy with tax season. Now I will probably just buy on game days.

    2. Like Boxout has said, I want McCarthy to pitch well at least until Urias joins the rotation, so maybe he can gain some value, so the Dodgers can trade him, to open the rotation for for one of the young pitchers, for next year, or at the trade deadline.

      Bellinger is in rightfield today, because Puig is still hurting.

      This is going to be a year that Puig must deliver, or they will have someone else, in rightfield.

      I hope he can deliver, because we need another good right hand bat, in the line up.

      I really don’t think Kike is going to be as ready as Taylor is, because Kike has spent more time on the bench, then he has played, and Taylor is getting his work in.

      It really doesn’t matter about opening day anyways, they will use the 40 man roster all season long.

      Kike needs to get some consistent at bats, to sharpen his skills, and to get his confidence back.

      Why would they have Buehler pitch in the freeway series, if they didn’t have him up, with the major league team?

      Why then?

  5. There are a lot of glass half full posters here. I’m not as sanguine as some.

    McCarthy has done nothing to warrant the rose-colored glasses response here. You’re right – I don’t worry about Kershaw giving up 3 bombs in the Spring because of his recent track record. McCarthy doesn’t have the track record that tells me that he will be any good for the Dodgers this year and his Spring performance doesn’t inspire confidence.

    Rich Hill wins 20? THAT’S optimistic! I would be happy if he got 20 starts. (He’s only done that twice in a lengthy career.)

    Ethier may well be done – or not. I thought he was done in 2014 but he had a solid 2015. On the other hand, the Dodgers are set up so that if he is done they have others who can play LF.

    Taylor has out-performed Hernandez this Spring. He is a better infield glove too. Will that be enough to win the utility infield job? So far, the Braintrust has been good at playing their best players so I hope so.

  6. And that is one thing I do give the front office credit for, when they freshened up the bullpen last year, in the second part, of the season.

    That was a big help, especially after Libertore had to go out.

    It is exciting to see the young players come up, and deliver.

    And I am hoping that Toles can step up, if he is needed.

    I noticed that Thompson got two more hits yesterday, he is doing pretty well, for being off most of the second half of last year, and starting spring training late.

  7. Read the article about Hill and had a couple questions pop into my head. Do you think he may limit the number of breaking balls he throws during the spring to lessen the risk of a blister and does anyone know what the team is doing to try and prevent a recurrence of his blister problem? The Moises Alou method? I remember last season when they took him out because his fingers were too warm.

    1. Jimbo

      From what I read, Hill said he really never had these issues with blisters before

      And he said what he had last year, was much worse then a normal blister, that some pitchers get.

      He said he just needed the time off he had, in the off season, to heal up, so I am thinking he might not even have the blister problems to much, this year.

      1. Hopefully you are right. I think the blister issue would be the only thing that could derail Hill having a good season.

        1. Really? What about his history
          2007 – loss of velocity
          2008 – back, various muscle strains
          2009 – shoulder (labral tear and surgery)
          2010 – elbow
          2011 – elbow (Tommy John surgery)
          2012 – forearm
          2014 – 2 minor league DL stays (unspecified)
          2015 – 2 minor league DL stays (unspecified)
          2016 – blisters, groin

          Lots can go wrong when it comes to Rich Hill. HE HASN’T PITCHED A COMPLETE SEASON SINCE 2007.

      2. Hill also has never used the “spin” on a baseball as he does now. The breaking ball is filthy and he has to throw it, and it’s that spin that causes blisters. I would think there are things he can do to to callous his fingers. As you mentioned Moises Alou wrote the book on that. It was called “Yellow Stream” and was ghost-written by I.P. Freely.

  8. My glass is always half full for the Dodgers! McCarthy being a righty gives the rotation more balance along with Maeda. Unless he implodes he will have a spot until both Urias and Ryu are ready. Wood can go to the bullpen as the first move. Of course another starter could have a setback and the depth is a nice problem to have. Kazmir is a lefty too but seems a ways off, a trade would reduce the logjam. Wood is attractive but McCarthy or Kazmir would require a prospect thrown in and little back and still probably eat some contract. Not surprised about Ethier but am rooting for him. Taylor has my vote for the utility spot and Toles over Thompson if Ethier can’t go. I’m an SVS fan but Segedin and Dickson have outplayed him this spring. Probably the players with options go down to play every day and if they tear it up get the call. Vote no on Cobb-great talent but another pitcher with an injury history that blocks the young arms.

  9. So, Ethier has a herniated disk. He’s out for a while.

    So, here’s the opening day roster:
    1. Grandal
    2. Barnes
    3. Reb Segedin
    4. Ike Davis
    5. Logan Forsythe
    6. Chase Utley
    7. Corey Seager
    8. Chris Taylor
    9. Justin Turner
    10. Andrew Toles
    11. Franklin Gutierrez
    12. Joc Pederson
    13. Trayce Thompson

    Puig, Gonzalez and Ethier are all on the DL

    Lineup:

    1. Forsythe 2B
    2. Seager SS
    3. Turner 3B
    4. Grandal C
    5. Thompson RF
    6. Gutierrez LF
    7. Segedin 1B
    8. Pederson CF

    1. Well the hated ones also have problems. Not sure they have fixed last years bullpen.

      Giants reliever Will Smith did not get the news he hoped for after undergoing an MRI last night. GM Bobby Evans told reporters that the scan showed possible ligament damage that will require a second opinion, as Alex Pavlovic of CSN Bay Area was among those to report via Twitter.

      It’s not yet clear whether there’ll be a need for a surgical procedure, and there’s evidently some hope that a rehabilitation approach will be possible, but the team is bracing itself for a significant loss of time. Evans says that “there are things on [the] MRI that didn’t necessarily show up on [the] last MRI,” Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports (links to Twitter).

      1. Up in Northern California there is a lot of discussion on the Will Smith injury. Even if he does not have surgery, he is probably out until June. David Price is going without the surgery and the BoSox are not counting on him until after May 1 at the earliest. Sometimes these pitchers postpone the surgery and maybe instead of being out 12 months, they are out 15-18 months. I am not a doctor, and I couldn’t understand the medical findings even if I saw them, so it is impossible to judge how to they should respond. Smith may be a Giant, but I hope he makes a full recovery.

      1. I wondered if anyone would complain about that. Actully, Utley would be the LH 1B if Gonzo is out.

  10. Just checked Dodger Box Score

    Ryu, 4 innings, 1 hit, 2 strikeouts.

    Looks good on paper. Anybody watching? Is he looking studly? As noted by many here, this could be HUGE!

    1. Not televised.

      Seriously, he does not need a rehab assignment. He just drove in a run and is going out for the fifth inning!

      This is why Spring Training is the best! Hope springs eternal, even for the blind, crippled and crazy!

  11. No, Ryu did not come out for the 5th.

    Availan did, and proceeded to get “lit up” with a run scoring double and a 3-run homer.

    They are beating him like a rented mule.

  12. Really encouraging outing from Ryu. I haven’t watched him pitch this Spring. I do remember back in 2013 when he was dealin’ he was able to show good command, and induce a lot of soft contact by changing speeds. Does anyone know if he’s back to pitching the same way? Back then, I recall he was pretty consistent and you could count on him for 6 innings per start with 2 runs allowed.

    1. His velocity is not quite back to where it was, but the way he pitches that may not be a big deal… and it will likely get better.

      I like what I have seen… he looks the same.

      This where Hawkeye is supposed to chime in…

      1. So much to talk about today. As far as Ryu goes, his change up is still a dandy. I’m not sure what he velo was because they don’t post it at Camelback, but I would guess around 88-91. Yes, it was the Braun-less Brewers, but Ryu was impressive. There was enough discrepancy between his fastball and change-up that he kept hitters off balance. He looks in shape and strong. Barring an injury if he starts the year on the DL, it won’t be for long. He will force their hand. Babe Ryu also had an RBI single. They let him hit a second time even though he was coming out the next inning.

  13. The Dodgers made five more roster moves Tuesday. OF Brett Eibner was optioned, while INF/OF Darnell Sweeney, INF Jose Miguel Fernandez, INF Willie Calhoun and OF Alex Verdugo were reassigned. The Dodgers have 46 players remaining in big league camp.

  14. Taylor is going to be the utility player in the infield along with Utley. The Dodgers really like White and Beuhler. There is so much depth. I really like ST because I am able to watch the kids. I do not get to see them any other time.

  15. When I arrived today, a bunch of pitchers were getting their throwing sessions in side by side. When I arrived going closest from the fence, it was Hill, Wood, Urias, and Romo. Like Clint Eastwood said in, “Trouble with the Curve”, “you’ll know it when you hear it.” That’s Urias. His stuff is electric and the way he pops the mitt stood out. He was working his full repertoire too. Hill is one competitive SOB. A lot of emotion even in his throwing session. Cursing, yelling, and grunting with every pitch. He and Honey looked very pleased with his session. Wood looked good.

    The second group was Ravin, Baez, Oaks, and someone I’m forgetting probably. Baez was working on his off-speed stuff quite a bit. It was kind of funny because minor league catchers were sent over to catch them all. Pitchers were literally introducing themselves to the catchers. You could see Hill really directing his catcher about what he wanted out of his setup. One knucklehead didn’t have a chest protector. Baez wound up bouncing one and got the guy good. One coach was simulating the batter and standing in there for Hill while wearing no helmet. First from the RH side and then the LH side. Awfully brave to stand there with 92 mph fastballs and his breaking stuff. Even in these sessions, Baez moves slower than everyone else. Ravin throws with velocity but didn’t seem to have much command.

    My son went off autograph hunting so I went and watched the Dodgers hit and take infield on one of the main two diamonds behind the big stadium. The first thing I noticed was Chase Utley doing work at 1st. He was working on his footwork. He was working on stretching when he receives the ball and also coming off the bag as he’s catching the ball(Bill Buckner style). To tell you the truth, he pulled his foot a lot while trying to master the last one. All in all he looked good there. Seager and Calhoun were throwing balls to him from short and JT from third. A lot of throws from Calhoun was lowish or in the dirt. His arm is incredibly weak. After each hit by a hitter the coach would immediately bang on to an infielder. There was a rhythm in which they alternate so no one gets hit by a batted ball. The only player on the other side of the infield at all was Forsythe. He was working on feeding balls to Seager at 2nd. Utley took his turn in his hitting group then went back and worked on feeding the pitcher at 1st first base. It was entertaining to watch Barnes, SVS, Dickson, and Grandal take grounders at SS. Barnes looked like someone who could actually handle the IF. JT also looked pretty good at SS.

    Barnes had a pretty good hitting session. Agone didn’t look like he was swinging full bore. Each time in the cage Puig started by rolling one go short followed by a weak flare. He got upset with himself and then started drilling balls from LCF to RCF. It was certainly making a conscious effort to use the middle of the field and go the other way. BTW, Forsythe can go oppo at will.

    Seager hit a couple rotations. Then I saw him talking with the trainers and pulling at the trainer’s shirts like he was showing them where his oblique was bothering him. He did take one more rotation hitting though. Seager went back out to the field with Calhoun at SS. When they hit balls to Calhoun, Willie would make the throw to coach Flippo who was manning 1B at that time. However, when they hit the ball to Seager, Corey was no longer making throws to 1B. He was just flipping the ball back toward the cage. When all hitting finished on that diamond, Seager stayed for a bit and took grounders on his knees, but made no more throws.

    Everyone had rapped up, but Puig joined Grandal and Culberson and the next diamond to work with Turner Ward. First, Ward was working with Puig on how he picks up his front foot. Puig and Ward’s conversations became very animated again. Ward also started correcting him on what I believe was finishing high on his swing. Puig started yelling at him a couple of times. I scooted up to the fence to try to hear what he was saying. At one point, Puig yelled at him, “I don'[t know what I did differently than the last one!” He also waved his hand at Turner at one point like he didn’t want to hear it. I will say it was an impressive hitting session, but Puig was very frustrated either with Turner Ward or understanding how to implement what he is being taught. I will say that Ward has no problem giving it back to him. I’ve watched them work for two days now. When it was all over, I think Puig was still a bit angry\frustrated. Ward tossed a ball his way to alleviate the tension and Puig gave it a nice off the back of the heal soccer kick.

    I’ve got to take the rental car back now. I’ll post more in a bit.

    1. Very nice, HawkeyeDodger.

      I guess we know why Urias gets an extended spring training. Need that “electric” stuff during the playoffs and got to protect that arm.

      Nice positive on Forsythe. Guy sounds like a true pro. Good get FAZ.

      Barnes has always looked and moved like an athlete to me also. Glad he is finally getting his shot.

      Puig better be giving it his best effort and be coachable. Glad to hear he is working overtime with Ward.

  16. I’m a glass 3/4 full guy! The SC is for South Carolina where I now live near Columbia, but I was raised in Jupiter, FL & watched the Dodgers in Vero.

  17. Sorry, but USC is the University of Southern California, settled in a court case between the two schools. The college of South Carolina has been around longer, but the university was first the University of Southern California prior to the university of South Carolina.

    Born and raised Californian. My wife and myself still own property her ancestors homesteaded after the California gold rush, so despite the other negatives in the state we staying.

    Started going to Dodger games at the Coliseum. Duke Snider, Wally Moon, Koufax, etal…

    Was sceptical of the FAZ management when it started, but they have a clear vision and are building something special.

  18. As for the game today. I already discussed Ryu. I’m sure he feels he’s ready to start the year in the rotation. JT had a nice game. He went the other way with a pitch for a base knock. Then took one yard to straight away LF. He looked locked in.

    You see things in spring training games that I figure you won’t see in the regular season. Toles got gunned out trying to steal 3rd with no one out prior to JT’s dinger. Both Joc and Bellinger tried beating the shift by bunting. Bellinger tried once but it went foul. Joc gave it 3 attemps and failed for a K. . SVS has improved as a defensive first baseman over the years. He had a nice scoop and got one on more of a long/in between hop. Avilan was brutal. Hatcher still stinks. He looks uncomfortable out there. He did put away a couple of guys with with a nice splitter or slider. In an inning of work Hatcher and Wilson let 3 guys steal bases. Stripling looked good. Less nibbling and more going after the hitters

    As for Calhoun, he had an RBI single late in the game. Defensively he had a routine GB that he botched off the heel of his glove. The ball kicked toward RF. He recovered it just in time to throw the guy out. I also watched him take grounders from the 1st baseman between innings. He threw one from around 2nd base that was high and wide toward home plate that hit the Milwaukee dugout. Calhoun looks like someone who knows what the book is on him and is feeling the pressure defensively even when I watch him practice.

    I will also add that Yasmani was working overtime on his RH swing at the cages too.

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