How to Build a Great Rotation

November 20, 2023

Many… or at least some Dodger fans believe that this Winter, the Dodgers will do something they never have under Andrew Friedman and sign two or maybe even three starting pitchers to long-term deals. Let’s get this over with right now: It is not happening! If you look at Andrew Friedman’s past history, you will see that he rarely gives out long-term contacts – Mookie Betts was the lone exception….

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Oh, the Irony!

October 28, 2023

Once again, Bruce Bochy demonstrated why he is a genius. Bochy’s strategy was this: After his starter gave up five runs in 4.2 IP, he told the bullpen not to give up any runs the rest of the way. No one else on the planet would have thought of something so ingenious. Then, in the 11th inning, he whispered into Adolis Garcia’s ear. “If you hit a Home Run, that…

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Tony, Doc, Julio, & Mookie

August 20, 2023

That’s our agenda today, boys and girls! Tony Gonsolin So, now we know for sure that an “elbow injury” is likely going to keep Tony Gonsolin out for the remainder of the season. That’s all we know – there’s a whole lot more to know but at this juncture that Dodgers and/or Tony Gonsolin ain’t sayin’. That’s typical, not only for the Dodgers but also for many other teams as…

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The Gig is Up!

August 19, 2023

After 11 wins in a row, the Dodgers were beaten like rented mules! Sadly, ‘er, I mean happily, I missed it all. Yesterday morning, I had my second eye surgery – this time on my right eye. The left one was two weeks ago. I not only had the cataracts removed (wow! The colors are so vivid!), but I also had both eyes implanted with what are called “Intraocular Toric…

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Sometimes the War is More Important Than the Battle

June 7, 2023

Of course, I knew that everyone inclined would blame Dave Roberts for the loss last night. Right or wrong – everyone has an opinion of him, just like everyone has or is an… well, never mind! I sat four rows in back of the Dodgers dugout and had hundreds of Dodger faithful in all their gear around me. In the first inning, after scoring three runs in the top of…

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This Feels Like Rock Bottom

April 10, 2023

Just a few days ago, the Dodgers were 5-2, and now three games and 29 runs given up later, they sit at 5-5 – all of the losses coming at the hands of the Diamondbacks, who may or may not be a .500 club. Regardless of what their ultimate record may be, they’re young and exciting… and dangerous. Predictably and right upon cue, Dodger fans are moaning and groaning and…

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It’s Still Early…

March 3, 2023

After a week of games, we see things happening and note who is doing what! If you are forming an opinion about certain players… keep forming! There are four more weeks. Some guys are working on certain aspects of their games and others are trying to “show out” in order to make the team. Sometimes the “plodders” win out… you just never know – have you ever heard the term…

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You Can’t Keep Track of the Players Without a Scorecard

February 14, 2023

If you are going to Spring Training, one of the best things is to go as far into the complex as they let you. I have not been there for a few years, but when I went regularly, I had Press Passes and was able to get everywhere, even the clubhouse, which I rarely did because these guys go there for some peace, and I am not the guy trying…

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The Dodgers Rotation is the Best in Baseball

February 1, 2023

For the past several weeks, we have been discussing who is going to play where and how the rookies will fit in. Will Lux play SS or 2B? Will Vargas play 3B, 2B or LF? Will Outman start in CF? Will Busch play anywhere? There is a lot to be decided, and we are not going to solve all that today. That is why they have Spring Training. If I…

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Rules Changes

January 30, 2023

I started working on this piece with the intention of showing that the 2023 rule changes are significant to the game, and this season will show major changes that baseball has seldom seen. That morphed into a look at baseball history and the rule changes that have occurred over the years.  Maybe I went too far, as dipping back into the origins of the game and rules at the outset…

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