Five games into the season and the Dodgers are 3-2. There’s really not much to go on, but we have seen some good things, some bad things and some ugly things. In baseball, it is all about Peaks and Valleys. Peaks and Valleys – write that down! The Good 2.25 – That’s the Dodger’s team ERA. They are among the best in baseball. The starters ERA is 2.93 and the…
Evidently Rich Hill doesn’t flourish in Spring Training, and while he was not in mid-season form last night, he was pretty good. Five innings was enough – let him go six his next start. You have to love this guy’s story, determination and never-say-die attitude. What are the odds that a guy finally figures it out at 36 year old and becomes a star? Probably about the same that he…
We now know who comprises the 25 man roster. Is it what I would have chosen? Probably not, but I do understand the reasons for the selections. I was disappointed that Chris Taylor was not selected, but I understand why Kike’ was valued more as utility player. I understand that Taylor is an infielder that needs to learn OF. If Seager goes on the DL, it will not be Kike’…
I AM POSTING THIS EARLY because I leave for Florida at 5 AM Wednesday Morning and won’t be back be back until Monday. Hopefully Always Compete can keep you entertained – I’ll try and get a few in, but we have rented a 6 bedroom condo for the family Spring Break. Cheers! Here’s the IMPORTANT STUFF, the way I see it: Bobby Wilson hit a 2-out 2-run HR (his 4th of the pre-season)…
Andre Ethier is most certainly going to start the season on the DL, but Andrew Toles Grand Salami yesterday iced his place on the team. I punched his ticket! It also doesn’t hurt that he is hitting .348. I think this kid may have Wally Pipped Ethier. Next up is our utility infielder position. Chris Taylor has garnered a lot of attention with his Spring success in the Cactus League. He…
In last years’ amateur draft, the Dodgers took Mitchell White in the second round from Santa Clara University. This prompted a response from a Dodger fan who said that they lived near Santa Clara, California and “had never even heard of Mitchell White.” The purpose of this post in not to ridicule that person, but rather to emphasize that Andrew Friedman and his gang know a hell of lot more…
The 2017 version of the LA Dodgers has nearly 40 players who have shown that they deserve to be on the Opening Day Roster, but many won’t. I am not going to include Willie Calhoun, Alex Verdugo or Cody Bellinger because they will be ready soon enough, but I am talking about players who have demonstrated that they belong on the big league roster. I am not even considering Charlie…
Jokers to the right; Here I am – stuck in the middle with you. Clowns: Scott Kazmir threw a 5-inning simulated game on Thursday and said he felt better. The only problem was that his fastball was at 82-84 which is 10 to 12 MPH off of what it should be. Of course, if he is pitching in pony league, he should do well. I don’t think he’s going to…
It’s March 16th and Adrian Gonzalez will never play in the WBC again… so there is that. He says Little League is ran better and he would be right – it’s mostly a joke! Julio Urias is pissed he’s going to extended Spring Training… and the Dodgers have more good players than they have positions. Life is good! Just to be clear, Urias is not going to the pen or…
Chase Utley is POPS, Walker is not a Texas Ranger and The Kids are Corey Seager, Austin Barnes, Joc Pederson, Willie Calhoun, Cody Bellinger and Julio Urias. Pops I think it was a stroke of genius that the Dodgers signed Chase Utley. He is legendary and the kids all look up to him. Corey Seager begged the Dodgers to bring him back. He will likely have under 200 AB’s this year…