Chicks (and FAZ) Dig the Long Ball

There has been a lot of discussion about the state of the game with respect to Home Runs and Strikeouts. Many of us remember when hitting wasn’t so much hit or miss as it is today, and for many of us remember the game was more enjoyable when teams were “producing” runs.  But the HR has always been the attention grabber.  The first and arguably the most prodigious HR hitter was the Babe.  In 1961 Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle were in a race to beat Babe’s single season record in 1961.  After a hip injury slowed Mantle after #54, Maris went on to hit 61 and beat the single season record. #61 was not well received by many in high places.

 

From this day in history…”He’d hit 61 homers, but his new record wasn’t official. In July, baseball commissioner Ford Frick had announced that he wouldn’t consider Ruth’s record broken unless the player who broke it had hit more than 60 home runs in fewer than 154 games–the number of games Ruth’s Yankees had played in the 1927 season. (By 1961, teams played 162 regular-season games.) Frick had more than a passing interest in the issue: He’d been a good friend of the Babe’s and thought it was his responsibility to guard his legacy as closely as possible.”  Of course there never was an official “asterisk” next to the HR number by Maris, but it took until 1991 when an MLB committee on historical accuracy voted to remove the distinction and award the record fully to Maris, who had died of cancer six years earlier.

 

And then the great Henry Aaron finally broke Babe Ruth’s career mark of 714.  On April 8, 1974, in the 3rd inning, trailing 3-1 with a runner on 1st, and facing the Dodgers’ Al Downing, Aaron hit a 1-0 pitch over the left center field wall into the Braves bullpen for #715.  The famous HR was caught by Braves teammate Tom House.  Many of us watched that game on TV and listened to Vin describe it, but it was HOF Milo Hamilton, the Braves announcer that gets most of the national play.

 

There were numerous HR moments after that famous HR, but baseball became a must watch event again in 1998 when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa put on a show for sports fans from all over the world.  McGwire went on to hit 70 while Sammy hit 66.  I remember that summer like it was yesterday.

 

Barry Bonds was not going to go quietly into the night.  I moved up to Northern California in 2000 and was the CFO for a new home builder in the East Bay.  The owner was also a die hard Dodgers fan who I had worked for twice before in Southern Cal, and went to numerous Dodgers games with.  He had SF Giants season tickets at Candlestick and then transferred them to Pac Bell.  For the next four years I was at Pac Bell and later AT&T for every Dodgers Giants game. And Barry always seemed to want to put on a show.

 

2001 was going to be a memorable year.  On April 17, 2001, I was at Pac Bell (Row G – Seat 1 right behind home plate) when Bonds was batting against the Dodgers’ Terry Adams, and slugged #500 in his career.  He was 36 years and 267 days old at the time.  Who would have thought what he had in store for the next 6 years?  Who knew he had another 6 years?

 

I was again at Pac Bell on October 5, 2001 when Bonds hit #71 & #72 off Chan Ho Park.  With all due respect for this moment in baseball history, I did not wear any Dodger jerseys, which I always wear.  But I was wearing my #8 Mark Grudzielanek jersey on October 7, when Bonds hit #73 off Dennis Springer.  BondsMania would continue through 2007 when on August 6, Bonds hit #756 off the Washington  Nationals Mike Bascik at AT&T.  I gave my ticket to a Giants fan for that game, and do not regret not being there.  On September 7, 2007 at 43 years old, Bonds hit #762, and his final one, at Coors Field off Ubaldo Jimenez.

 

Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey Jr. then gave chase.  A bad hip in 2013 and a one year suspension in 2014 cost A-Rod the chance to catch Barry.  He still hit 696 and maybe if he plays both 2013 and 2014 healthy, he might just have matched and passed Bonds.  Junior was one of the most gifted baseball players ever to play.  He hit 630 HRs, and never seemed to be fully healthy.  To his credit, Junior has never been tied to PEDs.  Junior and Willie Mays are far and away the two greatest CF’s I have ever had the pleasure to watch.  I saw Mickey Mantle in games 3 and 4 of the 1964 WS, but he was a shell of himself at that time.

 

That brings me to today where the HR is now revered more as a strategy rather than entertainment.  Baseball front office decision makers no longer care about strikeouts, and are pushing a change in launch angles for the players to increase the number of HRs.  Exit velocity is now as much of today’s baseball jargon as ERA.  Early in the season when LAD was having problems with winning games, Farhan Zaidi gave us his impression as to why that was:

 

“We just haven’t hit homers,” Zaidi said. “When you look at our overarching team performance, I think we still have a positive run differential. There are some positive indicators. But we have been outhomered. We’re a team that’s played a lot of close games. When you’re playing close games and you’re getting outhomered, it’s really tough to win those games.”

 

Well that issue went away in June when the team set a franchise record with 55, and is continuing into July.  Like it or not, the team is built for power, and strikeouts are a part of that strategy and is accepted.

 

But it isn’t just how the ML team is built, it is how the team is developing their players in the organization.  If you do not believe home runs are being pushed, take a look at the Tulsa Drillers, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and Ogden Raptors.  Those teams are leading their respective leagues in home runs and by a comfortable margin.

 

Tulsa – 139 home runs; next closest at 105; 6 Drillers with double digit HRs and 1 with 9 (Ruiz)

Rancho – 124 home runs; next closest at 98; 8 Quakes with double digit HRs and 1 with 9 (Marte)

Ogden – 43 home runs; next closest at 38; 3 Raptors in top 8, and 2 more tied for 9th

 

Dodgerrick referred to a NY Post article on what has happened to the game of baseball.  It was a good expose on today’s game compared to what many of us grew up with.  I grew up in what was for me the best era of the game (60’s and 70’s).  My favorite Dodgers and baseball players in general were from that era.  In 1974, Mike Marshall pitched 208.1 innings in 106 games in relief.  Today, relief pitchers are worn out after 70 innings.  Forget the 300-inning starting pitcher, the 200-inning starting pitcher will go the way of the dinosaurs.  Now teams are talking about 6-man rotations, when previously 4 was just fine.  Teams are starting games with relief pitchers because there is not enough quality starting pitchers.

 

You can lament the way the game has gone, or you can embrace it for what it is…The Great National Pastime.  The game will change again, as it is always evolving.  We can fight the change or get behind it.  I love the game of baseball and will accept the changes, even the increase in strikeouts (and even the eventual NL DH).

From the minor leagues, Yusniel Diaz and Zach Pop both got into their AA game last night.  It did not go as well as Manny’s did.  Diaz went 1-4 with 3 K’s, and Pop gave up 3 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks without recording an out.  Rylan Bannon has not yet appeared in a Bowie Baysox game as of yet.  Valera has not yet appeared in a AAA game yet either.

Gavin Lux’s 19 game hitting streak came to an end. Jacob Scavuzzo’s 21 game hitting streak came to an end.

Gerardo Carrillo, 19 year old pitcher from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico pitched 6.0 shutout innings for Great Lakes, allowing 3 singles and 1 walk.  In 10.2 IP at Great Lakes, Carrillo has not yet allowed a run and has a 0.75 WHIP. Batters are hitting .132 against him.  Melvin Jimenez gave up the sole run in the game in his two innings, but only allowed a triple and struck out 5.

Pedro Baez pitched in another rehab game allowing no runs on 1 hit with 2 strikeouts.

Jacob Amaya had yet another multi hit game, and is now hitting .362/.474/.521/.995 in 113 PA for Ogden.  Amaya and Ronny Brito will be a lot of fun to follow as they climb the organization ladder.

 

 

 

This article has 52 Comments

  1. In the last thread, Richie F. mentioned Texas’ closer Keone Kela as a potential bullpen target. He is not widely discussed, and maybe because Texas has no inclination to move him. Just like Miami is not inclined to move Kyle Barraclough and Oakland will not be trading Blake Treinen, and Pittsburgh decides to hold on to Felipe Vazquez, and the same with the Reds for Raisel Iglesias. FAZ will not overpay for those types. But there are others that I mentioned that are also non-household names to watch:
    .
    If Texas says no to Kela, what would it take to get 24 year old RHP Jose Leclerc.
    .
    If Pittsburgh says no to Felipe Vazquez, what would it take to get 25 year old RHP Kyle Crick.
    .
    No Blake Treinen? How about 26 year old RHP Lou Trivino.

    1. AC:
      You mentioned some pitchers from various teams but I only mentioned Texas because they along with Miami and the Reds(who you mentioned) really have no chance to make the post season.
      Oakland is still in the W/C hunt and so are the Pirates to a lesser degree. I didn’t mention Miami or the Reds because I personally don’t like trading within the league. That really only left Texas and they do have two good ones. Ithought they may be the easiest to deal with because of the other tesms you mentioned, Texas seems to have the furthest to go.
      I, as we all here, enjoy your slant and knowledge on all things pertaining to our Dodgers

  2. We have 10 days until the deadline. Some teams will start dropping in the standings and become sellers. I’m quite sure we grab someone on July 30/31 timeframe.

    By the way, I can see the reason we were in discussions for Christian Yelich in the offseason. That dude is really nice all around player. Milwaukee got themselves a good one

  3. Strikeouts and home runs are at record levels and most likely the trend will continue that is why a couple of good bat to ball hitters like Verdugo I feel will be so important.
    I am so glad the Dodgers got Machado to play short so Taylor and Hernandez can replace Forsythe at second and for a major position uplift, now if only Roberts would play it that way.

  4. In Milwaukee. Dodgers fans all over waving and high-fiving us. The Mileaukeee air show is today and the Thunderbirds are flying all over downtown. I’ve only been gone a day and AC is just talking about chicks!

  5. Once Turner fully recovers (hopefully), we should begin seeing a lot less of Logan Forsythe.

    In general I’m supremely confident that FAZ will do what’s necessary between now and July 31. What changes occur is totally unpredictable (because nothing FAZ does is predictable). Until then, I can’t say I have a clue as to what will happen. And let’s not forget that stuff can happen also in August.

    1. Puig is expected back for the Atlanta series. Forsythe’s days are numbered. Taylor and Kike’s versatility makes him virtually useless to carry anymore. Plus 3B might be Muncy’s best position. Taylor and Kike bring enough defense that a roster spot for Forsythe to be a defensive replacement is pointless.

  6. 132 home runs versus 65 today, our lineup has hit over twice as many home runs than the Brewers lineup

    1. I prefer trying to hide him at 2B. Does anyone think he makes the scoop Bellinger did on Machado’s throw.

    1. Only 1 ER but if the Dodgers had more reliable setup relief I would have pinch hit for Kershaw considering the base running that took place earlier.

  7. Max is a detriment on the field. Too bad, because he knows how to hit.
    *
    Sorry to see the reception the fans gave Hader. He’s not a hero, he’s a racist.

  8. Fustraring lost for Dodgers. Men on base left and errors. One of the worst games for dodgers this season. Kershaw insists on a low-speed shot by the center in his first pitching

  9. Prior to today I haven’t seen anything to make me question Max Muncy’s play at 3B. Looked to me that he felt rushed today, and was trying to get too much on his throws to 1B.

    And yes, this was a frustrating loss in which the Dodgers wasted numerous opportunities to break open the game.

    1. Muncy is a good athlete who can make a spectacular play at times, but he does not have a good glove and his arm is not accurate.

      I’m praying for the DH next year in the NL.

      1. DH for Muncy or for Kemp?
        .
        Muncy, Forsythe, Baez, $$, for Btitton. FAZ can add to this trade package as is needed. I am just cleaning the Dodger house.

        1. The Dodgers and Braves don’t appear quite as engaged on Zach Britton as some other clubs. LA has luxury tax issues, as Ken Rosenthal has mentioned, and Atlanta is hesitant to dig too deep into the farm for a rental.

  10. I’m sorry to hear the news on Clayton. He’s been my top dog. I don’t see him opting out now. I know this malady and he can be mostly well again if he gets it fixed. It take 12 months recovery to be Clayton again (assuming his arm isn’t shot). I’d like to see him use the surplus of starters we have now to go get well. If he does opt out, well…..

  11. If he opts out I don’t see the FO committing to anything other than maybe adding two years. I want him to be a Dodger for life and he can find “it” again, but he looks like a “shell of his former self.”

  12. Yeah, there’s supposed to be more than 3 outs to an offense! Dodgers, make use of the other 8 innings, please!

  13. Cleyton is still a great picher (look his ERA) he should only learn to click according to his new condition. be less a power thrower and more one experience. you must play more with the corners and the changes of plane and picher. just do not use the straight through the center as the first pitching. Let see the today game, new oppurtinity to win..Arriba los Dodgers!!

  14. In the two games following the all star break Muncy and Machado have given Belli opportunities to show he is a gold glove first baseman. Scooping, leaping, displaying range–he has been fun to watch–on defense. Besides, the opportunity to get a speedy player at first that can hit 40 home runs is a rare opportunity. I want to keep Belli at first base.
    .
    Muncy has demonstrated an ability to play first base and hasn’t embarrassed himself at second. Kike’ keeps doing enough to ask the question of whether he is the best option for second base.
    .
    Trade high on Muncy.
    .
    Turner might be the short-term first baseman if Machado gets re-signed. That would put Belli in CF for a couple of years or sooner if Turner winds up being a DH or non-regular due to too many nagging injuries.

  15. Not sure what the negative defensive metrics are talking about when they say Manny is a bad defender at SS. This dude can really pick it a SS, and his arm is a cannon!

  16. Right groin tightness for Turner. DL him for a couple weeks until he’s ready. Plus it’ll help his wrist

  17. Don’t remember exactly what I said previously, but I recall commenting that after getting Manny, the Dodgers should considertaking their time with Justin Turner. There is no way the Dodgers should bring Turner back until they’re sure he’s completely healed. We need him to be healthy come playoff time. If memory serves, Turner had a sore knee in game 7 of the WS. Would a perfectly healthy Turner have made a difference in that game? We’ll never know, but maybe.

  18. I don’t know about the rest of you, but to me Caleb Ferguson will be fixture in our rotation for years. Even as a #4 he’ll be so valuable. Excellent draft pick. Someone like him , especially at age 21, makes some of our minor league pitchers expendable

    1. Agree and also see that he can be an outstanding 3 inning reliever. He could do a three inning close every third game. Is that more valuable than starting every 5th or 6th game?

  19. 9 runs on base hits; 2 runs on solo HR by Kemp. Give me the long innings and crooked numbers please.

  20. From Bradford Doolittle of ESPN.com:
    “Still, injecting a high-level and highly aggressive masher like Machado could really jolt an L.A offense that sometimes slips into passivity in scoring situations. The Dodgers have walked 10.6 percent of the time in high-leverage spots, the third-highest level in the majors. That’s fine, but the approach has yielded the majors’ second-lowest high-leverage OPS (.649) and lowest isolated power mark (.108).

    Machado hit .377/.514/.585 for the woeful Orioles in high-leverage spots. Sure, there were a lot of walks there, but when facing Baltimore’s lineup, why would you pitch to Machado with the game on the line? In L.A., Machado will have lot of chances to do damage with men on base, and it won’t be so easy to just pitch around him.”

          1. Well, the Dodgers are First in HR and 9th in Strikeouts. They are closer to the bottom THIS year than last year!

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