Did Alex Cora make a mistake by staying with ERod in the 6th? As a Dodger fan, I say absolutely not. A 3 run jack by Puig put the Dodgers up 4-0. And the Dodgers have not lost with a 4 run lead all year long. 54-0. But what will Boston fans say? Well now they could care less because of the lack of a bullpen by the Dodgers. And the second guessers are going to be out in bunches on Doc’s use of the pen.
Okay, I’ll start. How do you take Rich Hill out while pitching a 1 hitter after striking out Eduardo Nunez in the 7th? Hill only had 91 pitches. He could have finished the 7th. After the game, Roberts said that Hill was tiring. What is he supposed to say? “I screwed up. I felt more comfortable with taking out a pitcher who was dominating the Red Sox for two pitchers who have not been able to get any Red Sox hitters out all series.” The genius of somebody was to replace Caleb Ferguson, arguably one of the best relievers the Dodgers had down the stretch, with Scott Alexander who is a walk machine. And what does he do when he comes in? 4 pitches for a 4-pitch walk, and then he’s gone.
In a replay of last year with the overuse of Brandon Morrow, for some brain dead reason, Doc brings in Ryan Madson who has allowed 5 inherited runners to score already in this WS. He inherited 2 more tonight, and now make that 7 inherited runners scoring in a WS for a new WS record. Mitch Moreland just unloaded on Madson to make it a one run game. But the fun is just beginning for the Red Sox.
Again, much like last year’s WS, Jansen cannot answer in the 8th. I do not know if I can be any more upset with what has happened. The pitch to Pearce was absolutely grooved. How does supposedly one of the best closers in the game (highest paid) groove two pitches in the WS in back to games to blow 2 saves? After doing the same last year. The pitch to Pearce could not have been any more of a hitter’s pitch. I am not sure how much more I can watch at this point. Just like last night, a great start by a Dodger starter is wasted. But unlike last night the bullpen was just a mess and the result was 9 unanswered runs before a 2 run HR by Kike’ in the 9th.
The Red Sox 9th proves what many of us had said at the trade deadline. GET SOME RELIABLE RELIEVERS. Floro was not the answer with allowing 1 run on 2 hits and a walk, leaving two inherited runners on for Alex Wood. Wood gets Benintendi to ground very softly to JT who could not get the speedy Benintendi out at 1st. It is not like Benintendi tattooed Wood, but unlike last night when Wood got more of a feel for the game as he continued to pitch and came through with a 6-4-3 DP, he was pulled after one batter in favor of Maeda who proceeded to give up a 3 run double to Steve Pearce. Maeda then intentionally walks JDM and allows the 9th run on a single by Bogaerts.
Six Dodger relievers, and each one of them gave up at least one run. But the big damage was done by Madson and Maeda who allowed 5 inherited runners to score.
Going back to the home half of the 8th, with the score tied at 4-4, Machado opens up and goes with the pitch, and lo and behold he gets a single into RF. He had not done that all series and with runners in scoring position. After Puig beat out a throw to 1st to negate a potential DP, CT3 singles into left and Puig continued to 3rd. But this year, that is where Dodger hitters stop hitting. With runners on 1st and 3rd and 2 out, Yasmani Grandal PH for Barnes and believe it or not, he struck out. Can you believe that???
The Dodgers are down 3 games to 1, and the chances for a WS victory seem to be fleeting. The Dodgers’ backs are against the wall, so hopefully they will fight through this, but something has to give. Either the hitters are going to have to get hits with runners in scoring position, and/or the relievers are going to have to shut down a Red Sox offense. If my math is right, the Dodgers are 4-18 wRISP in the series. The Dodgers have scored 9 runs in the last 27 innings. 2 came home on errors, and 7 came home on HRs. Tonight, the Red Sox go 5-7 wRISP, while LAD went 1-4, and that was Puig’s 3 run jack.
Clayton goes on Sunday in what some are already calling his final home start as a Dodger at Dodger Stadium. I still do not believe it. I also believe he is going to opt out because some organization is going to offer Kershaw more than $100MM. The question will be will the Dodgers be a participant in that starting pitcher auction.
My spirits are down, but I am not giving up. Let’s win Game 5 and go back to Boston and hope for the best.
Totally thought when our favorite whipping boy Puig, who has came up huge in the play-offs, launched that homer, we had a 2-2 series. The bullpen just friggin blew up. Can’t really rag on Doc for this one, he went with the same guys that bailed him out in the Brewers series. Like J-hair and Nomah have said the last two weeks, in this stage you have to execute, execute, execute when you have the chance. No excuses, that’s what separates the team that get ‘s the ring from the team that doesn’t. Really really surprised that the one place that would let us down was our bullpen. Wow. Just, Wow…
From what I read Ferguson’s velocity was down in the NLCS. Hence Alexander being added. That said Alexander should never have been put in when he did.
You have always said that this team was created for the playoffs, maybe you are right (This series could go 2-2 or even with some luck could go 3-1 in our favor) but unfortunately who was not created for this type of games It’s Mr. Roberts !!
Jorge, this post was written by AC, who to the best of my knowledge has never bought into Mark’s contention that this team was built for the playoffs. And actually I don’t buy into that either. For me, a team that’s built for the playoffs has a lockdown bullpen, and an offense that has multiple ways to score. That’s not the Dodgers.
–
Things don’t look very good right now, and the Dodgers could get knocked out as early as tomorrow. And they could also end the season with a 3 game winning streak. Until it’s no longer possible, I am going to treat these next 3 games as a three game series that the Dodgers have to sweep.
–
By the way, add dominant starting pitching to my list of items necessary to build a team for the playoffs. The Dodgers have that to some degree.
Absolutely speechless
Yes it has been a rough playoff , but nearly as rough as previous years. 2013 and 2014 we’re brutal in the sense we lost to an inferior team. 2017 was brutal in the sense we were equally matched and outplayed Houston but had what I would call horrendous statistical luck and a little Robert’s/FO bull shit sprinkled in. 2018 was brutal because as fans we thought there was no way to recover from 2017 but somehow we were very close to doing so.
Now that I have calmed, and had my Robert’s tireade, I need to talk about the real issue that is bothering me. That issue is heart and resolve and I think Boston has shown more of it and I believe it helped them prevail. The fact, whether true or not, that every player went to Cora and deemed themselves available for Game 4 speaks volume about that club. I wanted to believe our players did the same, but I have come to find out we had players unavailable for a even bigger must win game then for the Red Sox. That, we had a pitcher asked to be watched for tiredness? That we had a generational pitcher claims he has nothing to prove to anyone, all this does not sit well with me. It just does not speak to a champions mentality. I am sorry for saying that. I don’t believe it makes me any less of a fan, I still bleed blue and will be their with bells on come spring training 2019.
Rich Hill was tiring. Huh! Just ask Nunez if he looked like he was tired. The moment he was taken out I knew the game was in serious jeopardy. I was right though when on the previous thread I said the Dodgers would score 6-7 runs. They did. I just din’t figure the Sox would score nine.
.
Analytics drive me crazy. Perhaps over the long haul in a season they are the difference maker. In a series or given game, in my opinion, the manager has to have more of a feel for things and not live or die just by analytics. I think Cora did that. Doc didn’t.
.
Buck Martinez was right when he said , “… just use your eyes.” He didn’t diss analytics totally but indicated just observe what your pitcher is doing. That is, how dominating he is, how sharp his breaking ball is, how well he is mixing his pitches, his energy level regardless of the inning. Hill is a warrior who thrived on the front lines and Doc pulls him.
.
I am not giving up but I am not very confident that Clayton can be Walker Buehler or Rich Hill. He doesn’t seem to have a fire in his belly. Our bats better be alive tonight.
I did not see the game. We were playing bridge. Did tape it, but will not watch. As I said in yesterday’s thread. There are ball players Doc likes and players he does not like. I cannot explain Doc’s moves any other way. He has pulled Hill early quite often in the past two years. Another player is Freese. You bring this guy in for his play off experience and professional hitting. In Friday ‘s game with runners on first and second he has Dozier pinch hit. The only way I can explain Dozier hitting in that situation is Doc likes Dozier and not Freese. Common sense tells me Freese is the better hitter. In the play offs he starts Freese and then he pulls him after one or two at bats. Why start him? Keep him for a pinch hitter situation when you really need him. Doc just wasted a bench player in the first couple of innings. Toles and Verdugo are two others players I do not think Doc likes. Verdugo was given some playing time in September, but Toles was given none. Yet, Toles was a starter until he hurt his leg. In my opinion, Verdugo should of been on the play off team and not Dozier. Taylor and Kike can play second.
–
I am really down on Doc. I just do not understand some of his moves. He just will not manage with his gut. He is strictly metrics. I do not think we will ever win the WS with him as manager. He does not play the kinda baseball that is required to win a WS. How much influence does FAZ have on Doc, I do not know. I wish I knew.
Absolutely no reason to take Hill out of the game and then make all those poor decisions that didn’t have to be made. Roberts is a poor game manager and doesn’t seem to be getting any better or ever accept any of the blame.
Brandon McArthy’s take:
“So if Rich has told Roberts he’s fading, bringing in Alexander, a super GB% specialist, in a lefty lefty double play situation seems like the exact matchup you’d be searching for in the later innings.”
While I see his point I’d still leave Hill in
Brandon Mcarthy’ take:
“So if Rich has told Roberts he’s fading, bringing in Alexander, a super GB% specialist, in a lefty lefty double play situation seems like the exact matchup you’d be searching for in the later innings.”
While I see his point I’d still leave Hill in
Doc, is doomed, stupid, cursed, or insane. Every time he makes a decision it backfires. He doesn’t have a situational lefty on the roster, but uses his lefties like he does. He doesn’t know how to ride the hot hand with his hitters or pitchers. Bringing in Kenley in the 8th and it’s deja vu all over again. Why not use Baez there like he’s done all down the stretch? The definition of insanity is to duo the same thing over gain and expecting different results? I guess we should call me Mad Doc. I’m keeping the faith. We can win 3 in a row. This can happen. Let’s hope the Mad Doc can get out of the way of himself.
The series is not over until it is over but it is over. Somebody said heart may play a part and I agree. Boston players are anxious to pitch while la doesn’t appear to be. Boston is just better, hungrier, and tougher. Hill is such a competitor and shows the belly needed to win but doc did not appreciate it. Where was Baez last night? Roberts falls in love with somebody like Madson who has blown every game. Kenley is a shadow of what he was 2 years ago for whatever reason. I think he has the heart he is just not the same pitcher. This team needs to be blown up. Get younger, rebuild, and refocus. There is not going to be a World Series champ with these core players. Trade joe Kelly for any dodger reliever and we lead the series. Over the course of a full year doc is probably good but in a short series he continues to make dumb… moves. While it is so hard to get to the world series and the dodger organization deserves credit we are missing the pieces to win it including the manager. So sad really but when you have game 7 at home and can’t win in large part due to stupid managerial moves the boat has sailed.
Roberts has always over managed with our pitchers, especially in the post season.
But he has never took any responsibility for his actions, and he has never admitted he thought one of his moves were wrong, so how is he going to learn from his mistakes?
Roberts didn’t learn a thing from pulling Hill last year in the World Series in game two, and having Kenley pitch two innings in that same game either.
And last year Roberts had better pitchers in the pen to work with, unlike this year.
Hill not only was pitching well, he had the one pitch the Red Sox have had trouble hitting all season long!
Because the Red Sox have had trouble hitting curves from lefties all season long.
And Hill dominated the Red Sox line up all day long, and he didn’t appear to be losing anything either yesterday, in that seventh inning.
We all know Hill is not just another leftie that throws a curve once and a while, he has been pitching off his curve since he has came back to baseball.
Because Hil is some what a master with a curve, which happens to be the Red Sox’s kryptonite.
After Hill walked his first hitter, and then struck out his second hitter on three pitches, there was no reason to even think about bringing any pitcher into this game, let alone, Madson and Alexander.
Because these two pitchers have brought anything but relief to this team, especially Madson, in this World Series.
Because Madson came into each of those first two games in this series, and immediately walked a hitter, and then went on to allow every runner on base, to score.
Before last night, Madson had already allowed 5 runners he inherited to score, in this World Series.
In that first game of this World Series, you can understand why Roberts brought Madson into that game.
But in that second game, when the bases were loaded, Madson would be the last pitcher I would turn to, because he walked the first hitter he faced in that game before, and went on to allow every runner, to score.
This is even worse considering how well Baez has pitched all year, and after Roberts rushed Baez out of that prior game, when he was dealing.
Alexander wasn’t even put on the other post season rosters, because he is so undependable.
He almost single handedly lost that game before, because he came into that prior game, and immediately walked the first hitter he faced, like he has, most of this year.
And then he throw a wild pitch to advance that runner he put on, and then he fielded a grounder, and proceeded to throw it over Kike’s head at first, to allow that runner he just put on to score, in a game that was tied and long drawn out, at that point.
Putting Alexander on this roster, was just as bad, as when they put McCarthy on the World Series roster, last year.
What has either of these two pitchers ever did, to think you could trust them in a big game in the regular season, let alone, even one inning, in the World Series?
And what did Madson show in the first two games in this World Series, to think it would be a good idea to bring him into a game, with runners on base?
The first time was an easy mistake, the second time was ridiculous, especially after Madson’s comments about not being able to function in the cold in the game before.
But a third time is felony stupid, after Madson had already given away 5 runs in this World Series, and especially with he way Hill was dealing!
Roberts said Baez was not available, and I don’t agree with that, this is the World Series, and we had just got a four run lead, we needed to step on the Red Sox’s throat at this point in this game, and in this series.
Baez has not been over used, remember Roberts only allowed him to pitch to two hitters, in that first game, and he only pitched two innings, the day before.
Having Baez pitch that eighth inning, would not mess up this team, because winning yesterday, would have even upped this series, so this game today wouldn’t be as crucial, as it is now.
After all, we have to take advantage of every game we played in LA, in his series.
And we had complete control of that game last night, after Puig’s HR, and with the way Hill was dealing!
I don’t think Kenley gets an excuse for his performance either, but I would even trust Kenley to get 6 outs, with a four run lead.
But we only needed Kenley for the ninth, if Roberts leaves well enough alone, and let’s Hill finish that seventh inning, and brought Baez in, for the 8th.
And I don’t want to hear Baez had to have that day off, after Eovaldi threw 90 pitches the game before, this is the World Series!
And I do think the front office was in Roberts ear yesterday, about not having the pitcher face the line up the third time through, even though Hill was dealing.
Once again, there is no common sense with Roberts, and this group.
They are always to busy looking at numbers to really see what is happening on the field, right in front of them all!
But I guess they missed the runners Madson had inherited, and allowed to score, in the first three games, of this World Series.
The series is over, we ain’t winning three in a row, especially two in a rabid and cold Fenway.
Not with this BP, not with these swing and miss hitters, and certainly not with this manager.
So what does Friedman do now? Where does ownership enter the picture because to repeat a phrase used on the other site, no owner or franchise wants to be remembered as the Buffalo Bills. The Dodgers are headed in that direction.
The all or nothing swing and miss approach at the plate has to be moderated, it is not working when needed the most. Real relief pictures must be signed – dumpster diving must not be the only way to find a BP. In game management must improve. Roberts has to grow and evolve, but presently you could almost say Roberts has skills for the 162 season but NOT for the playoffs.
Really like Bellinger’s game, and no I don’t think he’s going anywhere but you have to wonder if the FO has speculated that the Bellinger we see everyday is the Bellinger he’s always going to be. No more ascending to superstar status and an offensive game that has some huge holes and while the power is awesome the K’s can bring a potential rally to a screeching halt.
Could we see a package involving Bellinger for some BP, SP talent? I have a strong feeling the FO will be very aggressive in the Hot Stove League now that the team is under the CBT. Need to continue with the development of minor league talent and then graduating them to the big leagues. Lux, Verdugo, White, Smith, Santana, Ferguson will all be in the bigs next year at one point or another. Will the Dodgers try to acquire Bryce Harper and jettison Puig for some arms?
Personally I’ve seen enough of CT3, Grandal, Dozier, Machado and to a lesser extent Keekay. If Doc survives the WS blunder he has to make some changes to the coaching staff and for me it would start with removing Turner Ward as the hitting coach. Honeycutt has to retire at some point and if Geren is Doc’s right hand man and his confidant, he has failed also and perhaps Doc needs a new bench coach.
While the Red Sox are marching in a victory parade I suspect we’ll hear about some coaching changes to the Dodgers. I’m also tired of hearing the incessant talk that the Dodgers FO are the smartest guys in the room. Just the last two years have proven Dombrowski and Luhnow are a lot smarter, intuitive and more situationally aware of what their team needs to get the final push of players to win the WS.
Second place is the first loser and we’ll soon be in year 31 since our last WS title.
The problem with the Dodgers is:
The only professional hitter on the team is Justin Turner. He knows the strike zone…knows when to attack…and when to dial it back a bit.. shorten up and go the other way…
The rest of the guys do none of the above. And when faced with Red Sox caliber of pitching, the only way to succeed is with two strike hitting…choke up, shorten up, and go up the middle…
The Red Sox have this down pat…name me one guy other then Justin Turner who approaches the plate with that strategy…just one…I’ll wait……
Well done, Larry. Think Steve Sax in ’88:-).
Yep…exactly…good one…!!
David Freese; Corey Seeger and perhaps Alex Verdugo. Other than that ??????
Should be Seager
The problem with the Dodgers is:
The only professional hitter on the team is Justin Turner. He knows the strike zone…knows when to attack…and when to dial it back a bit and shorten up and go the other way…
The rest of the guys do none of that. And when faced with Red Sox caliber of pitching, the only way to success is two strike hitting…choke up, shorten up, and go up the middle…
The Red Sox have this down pat…name me one guy other then Justin Turner who approaches the plate with that strategy…just one…I’ll wait……
A couple of responses. Brooklyn is correct, I have not bought into this team was built for the playoffs. For the last four years I have been a FAZ supporter because their genius is to build a team to get to the playoffs where anything can happen. I still believe the Dodgers have the most versatile and deep team in MLB over a 162 (or 163) game season. The Dodgers have been to three consecutive NLCS and two consecutive WS, so nobody can truly question building the team from the offseason to the trade deadline. This year FAZ went out and acquired Manny Machado. Okay he was not a huge help for the team during the season. But Machado was supposed to get the Dodgers over the hump IN the playoffs. So far that has not worked out. But it is not over.
.
What they chose to ignore (IMO) was the bullpen. Mark believed that putting Maeda and Wood in the pen made the pen a weapon. I have never believed that. Anyone who has followed me at all knows how I feel about relievers. I have never believed that you can just drop a starter into the pen and make it stronger. They prepare differently, they are not used to getting up multiple times a game, they are not used to pitching in back to back games. What I do believe is that you can eventually transform a starter into a reliever. There are multiple examples of just that. But I do not believe that this can happen just for the playoffs.
.
Caleb Ferguson may in fact have lost a little velocity. I do not know if that is true, or if so how much. Then I assume that Clayton Kershaw should have been left off the playoff roster because he has lost some serious velo. But Ferguson threw 49 innings during the season and put together a 4.92 K/BB ratio. He pitched in 6 games in the playoffs (3.0 IP) and allowed 1 base runner on a walk. In comparison, Scott Alexander pitched in 73 games (66 IP) and had a 2.07K/BB ratio. In 4 playoff games, Alexander has now pitched 2.1 innings and has allowed 1 run and 1 hit and 2 walks. Not for a minute do I buy that Ferguson was dropped because of reduced velo. IMO it was all due the ground ball impact. FAZ believes Alexander gave the team a chance to get out of an inning with a DP.
.
I believe in SABR metrics in building the team. But in the game, you hire a manager to SEE with his own eyes what is happening and make decisions accordingly. Rich Hill is a warrior and does not rely on sheer power to get out of innings. Nathan Eovaldi (a power pitcher) pitched 6 innings and threw 97 pitches after pitching in the first two games. Hill was at 91 and still dealing. I cannot see any top manager who would have pulled Hill for Alexander. Anybody can see after striking out Nunez that Hill was IN THE GAME. It was his game to win or lose.
.
This team also attacks the game with a singular purpose…Home Runs. There is no thought to changing an approach because of the situation. Machado has RISP in multiple situations and is trying for a knockout punch, when a single gets multiple RBIs. Steve Pearce comes up with the bases loaded and clears them with an oppo double. Who has more talent? Machado. Who was the better situational hitter IN A PLAYOFF GAME? Pearce. How many pop ups did the team have with runners in scoring position. I keep thinking that Belli is learning and maturing, but then I see him try to do too much and pop up. Yes he JUST missed it. But maybe a little Brock Holt (also a LH Hitter) putting a ball just inside 3rd and down the line for a double to start the 9th is what the Dodgers need. I will give Machado credit, he did get a single into Right Center to start the 8th. Unfortunately Doc turned to Mr. Keep Me Out of October, Yasmani Grandal, to deliver, and he struck out.
.
I will Keep The Faith, and believe this team can come back from a 3-1 game deficit. But it is going to take Clayton Kershaw to pitch a great game, because the Red Sox have done this without Mookie Betts. You have to believe at some point he is going to warm up. The Red Sox are a much better two strike and two out team. And that is what wins playoff games and series.
You start with a flawed basic premise in your love affair.
They did not come here and “build” a playoff contender.
They came here and INHERITED one, from a largely reviled
group that had far fewer resources to work their magic with.
Then spent a billion or so
to improve it marginally. Those are inconvenient, incontrovertible
facts.
No Dud,
`
The present from office inherited a playoff team and made it into a World Series team.
`
The “largely reviled group” also saddled the team with billions in bad contracts (see Kemp, Crawford, Gonzalez, Gordon)
`
I think those are the inconvenient incontrovertible facts.
I think this is quite good.
`
AC was amongst the first to cite the potential problem with the Bullpen neglect at the trading deadline.
`
I think this could be due to the financial constraints, but it does seem like the original sin of this year’s team.
Not be bad wish Roberts catches the flu bug can’t get out of bed Dodgers win today Roberts admitted to the hospital does not make the flight to Boston green manager of the Dodgers for game 6 and 7 and the Dodgers win the World Series big birthday wish.
Last night was one of the bitterest losses I have experienced. EVERY SINGLE MOVE DOC MADE WAS WRONG! When that happens, you can’t put it all on the manager. The pitchers (after Hill) simply did not execute. Boston fans were outraged that Cora left Rodriguez in the game because of what happened, but Boston came back. I was not ready to see Hill come out, but I have seen Rich Hill “lose it” very quickly. Should Doc have allowed Hill one more batter? Two more? We know what happened because we saw it. We have no idea what might have happend because he took Hill out.
–
It was obvious Alexander could not find the plate, but Madson? That’s the biggest blunder I see. He has allowed every inherited runner to score and Doc knows that. That was not a smart move. Then every pitcher who came in could not execute, including their closer.
–
David Price fixed his playoff choking. Clayton and Kenley have not! I think the series is over and I look for Clayton to be sent to the showers early. However, simply losing two World Series in a row has to cost Dave Roberts his job.
–
I think there will be big changes… especially after the Dodgers stayed under the Luxury Tax and it will be reset. You will see them go after a few bullpen arms next year and there are several in the system they may bring up.
–
If Kershaw opts out… so be it – no more offers. It was a great run, Clayton – we will never forget you. MOVE ON! Turn the page!
–
Kenley’s health may be a problem, but you can’t count on him. I would have never re-signed him and I said so at the time. I thought that with Wood, Maeda, Urias and others, heh bullpen would be strength. Boston and Milwaukee and Houston used starters as relievers with success… why can’t the Dodgers? Wood and his lack of velocity and Maeda with his silly smirk should be gone.
–
New manager, New Ace, Goodbye Clayton, New Closer, Goodbye Kenley (who takes him?), New Bullpen, Goodbye Ryu, New catcher (and it ain’t Barnes), Seager back and get rid of the all-or-nothing swingers. Rich Hill has one final year. I would try for Eovaldi if the cost is not stupid.
–
Rotation:
1. Buehler
2. Eovaldi
3. Urias
4. Hill
5. Gonsolin
–
In reality, Doc may not be the biggest problem, but two straight WS loses costs you your job!
Agree.
Just hope Freidman agrees also. Something as dramatic as the epic loss last night must follow.
Mark I could live with this pitching staff,and I’m sure all d Dodger fans can also. Our direction to World Series needs to change meaning not managing only on Analytics there needs to be ways other than hr to score runs. All you miracle Believers can believe if you like I say let’s start building for next year.
Unlike many, I agree with your take on Rich H. He does lose it fast.
My problem (and here I agree with many) was the choice of Alexander.
The kid has looked overwhelmed in tight situations often this year,
even last spring. Fall is not the time that usually changes.
The choices of Ryan M were troubling for me from game one – although,
in fairness, he’s has some bad luck mixed with some bad pitches. But
he also had an ERA at 5.5 or so with the Nats, and some previous shaky
work, IIRC, in big games.
I like that pitching lineup, but there’s an awful lot of potential for
injury in those powerful high 90’s arms.
Biggest and best change for me is hitting approach. No reason why you
can’t swing for chicks dig it WHEN APPROPRIATE, and Rod Carew it
when context requires it. That’s why they get the insane bucks:-).
Mark
When the Red Sox pitcher gave up those 4 runs, it was still a tied game, zero to zero.
When Hill was dealing, he had a four run lead, and he is a veteran pitcher, not a young kid, so that is not comparable.
Lasorda lost 2WS in a row. He also made a bad pitching move in1985 leading some people to call him “lughead Lasorda”.
Giving Holt to Hill would not have been a case of him losing it quickly. Roberts can start his string of moves one batter later and been just fine.
You make harsh points, but that doesn’t make them any less true. In particular, the home run mentality lineup has to go. I’m sure the metrics say otherwise, but the World Series champions definitely don’t agree. They made a hard decision on Grienke a few years ago (although they still offered him a boatload) and I think we’ll have to show that discipline again. Use the saved cash on younger arms.
I would be hesitant to part with Maeda or Wood, because the 5 man rotation you offer can (probably) be counted on to spend time on the DL, and they do eat up innings throughout the year. Also, we’ll have to see if everyone in that group can consistently give us 5 innings per outing. I do think we have reasons to feel good about Urias after his post-season. He almost feels like a gift at this point.
They will not get rid of Roberts. They hired him and are going to admit a mistake was made. They point out the division titles, 2 World Series appearances blah blah blah. I agree that is impressive and the players respect and love him I guess so I hear. But, I think the players can be too comfortable and I don’t understand how you can respect a guy who continuously makes moves that get you beat. I would think the players would be upset about that. Roberts has had great success and when he was first hired he would show urgency to win. Now he doesn’t give his team the best chance to win. A comparison might be when Kinsler made his error Cora didn’t publicly attack him he sent the message by playing holt and how did that work out? But Roberts lets Madson fail over and over. You could say none of the rest did well but he never tried his hottest reliever in Baez but Cora did with Kelley. Although I don’t minimize the success Roberts has had what quality managers could not have taken the talent he has been given and been successful. I would say goodbye to Grandal, Kershaw, Maeda, wood, Jansen, ryu, and anybody and everybody that can improve this team.
Therealten
I noticed, and thought the same about Kinsler!
That was such an epic meltdown I could not even comment until now. Every single pitcher Doc called upon was tagged for at least 1 run, hindsight is 20/20 but Hill should have stayed in with a 4 run lead and pitch out of it. The hitters also failed to rise to the moment but why hit for Freese with Dozier? Why hit for Barnes with Grandal? I am not sure if it’s desperation or insanity to do the same things over and over. There is a path to a 3 game comeback: 1st Kershaw puts the team on his back and the hitters give him run support and head back to Boston. 2nd pitch Buehler on 3 days rest and go as far as he can to win game 6. 3rd use Ryu for 3, Hill for 3 or 4 then all hands on deck for a wild game 7. Teams have done it in the past but having to sweep 2 in Boston is a tall order if they even make it back to Boston. But it starts with today and I will root for Clayton and the team to rally in the last Dodger home game of the 2018 season and hope the Sox are not celebrating on our field.
Back to back losses in the World Series do not necessarily cost a manager his job – Tommy kept his after ’77-78 and got wins in ’81 and ’88. Charlie Dressen lost his job after losses in ’52-53 for other reasons (he wanted a multi-year contract). It’s the “why” that matters. The “why” is the reason that Roberts keeps his job.
–
I agree with everything that AC posted above. It’s what I have called the structural defects in how this Dodgers roster has been constructed. The roster construction, which is based on what the Braintrust views as the best way to win, makes several assumptions:
1 – Home runs are the best and most efficient way to score runs, so stock your roster with HR hitters and tell them to try for a bomb every time up
2 – Relievers are fungible and with a few exceptions are inconsistent from year to year so build your bullpen on the fly each year. You can find enough minor league free agents, AAAA starters and young guys to cobble a bullpen together.
3 – Depth is really important. It’s better to have 2 guys (preferably position players in a platoon) for every position then it is to have big stars.
–
The “why” of Roberts keeping his job is that he has managed the roster assembled by the Braintrust the way that they wanted it managed. Platoon almost everyone, yank your starting pitchers early and then focus on match-ups, emphasize scoring by the HR, etc. Why would the Braintrust fire Roberts when he has done exactly what they have asked?
–
No – this Series loss is on the ‘Trust. And I don’t see the big tear down that others here have suggested will happen. There will be changes behind the plate, there may be outfielders moved due to the glut, to get the payroll down and bring Verdugo or Toles up, and there will be a change or 2 in the rotation. We will have a mostly new bullpen again as we do, every year. But – the Dodgers have made it to the World Series in consecutive seasons and the Braintrust will not construct the roster differently as this will be viewed as a success.
Screw Dave Roberts. Apparently, Hill told him to watch him in the 7th. Hill should have told Roberts to go back in the clubhouse and open an Oregon Pinot Noir and stay there until they win the game. Roberts just can’t leave well enough alone. What is saving Hill for? Roberts probably doesn’t realize Hill won’t need to pitch again this season. All the momentum we had going into this game, Roberts pissed away with removing Hill. And, for Alexander? And, then Madsen? Roberts just can’t help himself. And, his bullshit explanations after the game are just laughable. As I have stated in the past, leave the starter in until they actually prove they aren’t effective anymore. Roberts lost us the world series last year when he pulled Hill too soon and ruined the BP the rest of the series.
As a Dodger fan for 60 years I’m done until they get rid of Roberts. He has proved time and time again he doesn’t have the ability to manage a lineup or pitching staff. Again, screw Dave Roberts. And, there is no way we win this world series with this collection manager and under achieving players.
Unavailable and Tired in a must win game are words that should never come into play in a must win game with your season on the line. Those are loser mentality words, for 2nd place teams. That being said I will say their is probably a 2% chance we can win 3 in a row and I will hold onto that.
Roberts continually over manages and has no idea how to use his players. He should not have pulled Buehler in game three ( screw the pitch count) and Hill in game four. Baez is the hot hand right now and should be the next in when the game is close. And for God’s sake how about giving the bunt sign when the shift is on. Runners on base put pressure on the pitcher. And while I’m at it could we steal a base once in a while. Would like to see Roberts replaced with someone who has some baseball instincts.
It all up to the puppet masters if Roberts stays or goes.
I love the Dodgers, but I sincerely believe we are looking at Boston as the best team in baseball versus L.A. as the 4th best team, in MLB. I think it’s time to look forward to the offseason and possible improvements to the team.
There’s no telling what the free agent results will be, but I would target Bryce Harper, D.J. LeMahieu and Patrick Corbin. With the Dodgers below the luxury tax threshold, they should go all in for these guys. Corbin is important because I think Kershaw exercises his option.
The next thing I’d do is work out a trade with Miami for J.T. Realmuto and let Yasmani walk. I think a deal involving Puig, Will Smith and Dennis Santana may be enough to entice Jeter.
The rest of the offseason would be spent building a bullpen from free agents, trades and spare parts. One of FAZ’s Muncy type finds would be great. Perhaps spending more to get one of the solid relievers on the market would also be worth it.
The basic roster would then look something like this:
1B – Muncy
2B – LeMahieu
SS – Seager
3B – Turner
C – Realmuto
LF – Verdugo
CF – Bellinger
RF – Harper
SP – Beuhler
SP – Corbin
SP – Ryu or Kershaw (If one of them doesn’t go anywhere)
SP – Hill or Wood
SP – Urias
Doug I think you replace Ryu with Nate Eovaldi.
On a different note, who’s ready for some sports in LA today? Your options?
Kings at Staples Center at 12:30pm
Rams at the Coleseum 1:15pm
Galaxy at Stubhub Center 1:30pm
Ducks at the Pond at 5pm
Dodgers at Dodger Stadium 5pm
Clippers at Staples Center 6:30pm
Phil Collins at the Forum at 8pm (That is where I”ll be!)
From Houston Mitchell (LA Times) – Link to full article below
–
It’s one thing if the Dodgers get beat because the other team outplays them. It’s an entirely different matter for the Dodgers to get beat because the manager and the front office can’t lift their heads out of their laptops long enough to pay attention to what is going on.
–
I love analytics. They are extremely useful and I would rely on them heavily if I was running a team. But you have to wake up and pay attention. Madson himself said his pitches weren’t behaving like they should. The computer doesn’t know that. But a manager should. He should pay close attention to what the numbers tell him, but he should also pay some attention to what his own pitchers tell him.
–
I don’t blame him for bringing Jansen in for the eighth. He’s your closer, and though he has been erratic, he is still a top closer. And even if Baez came into the game in the eighth, that just means Jansen probably gives up the homer in the ninth.
–
This game, and yes, probably this series, was lost with the indefensible decision to remove Rich Hill. Just like Game 2 in last year’s World Series.
–
But here’s the thing for everyone calling for Roberts to be fired immediately. Roberts gets a lot of his marching orders from the front office. A lot of “Here’s what should be done in this scenario, and in this scenario …” A new manager is not going to change things that much. So please direct some of your anger to Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi.
–
They can all share the blame for the Game 4 loss. Maybe their computers can tell them what percentage blame each person should receive.
–
By the way, after the game even the Red Sox were saying how relieved they were that Hill was removed.
–
http://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/la-sp-dodgers-dugout-world-series-20181028-story.html
Val
I read Houston Mitchell’s article too.
Joel Sherman also wrote a good article about Roberts, in the New York Post.
It is Trump is Right, What is Roberts Doing.
Don’t let Trump’s name stop you from reading this article.
Sherman doesn’t beat around the bush in this article.
I was so mad last night, I couldn’t get my fingers to text as fast as I wanted them, to do.
That is why I practically made the same post, to many times last night.
I still cannot believe what Roberts did yesterday, and I do know the front office is in his mind, every time he is thinking about a move.
I have never heard Roberts say that one of his moves was not a goo idea, have you?
Nope… I never heard it and I never will. Roberts has gotten away with a lot of extremely bad in game decisions over the last two years. I think in part because southern california fans and media are not as critical and a lot more forgiving than say fans in New York, Boston, Philly, etc.
–
Doc isn’t made of teflon though… and after countless mental blunders in two consecutive world series… the blame is starting to stick. The hate from the fan base is pure and it is very strong. And the criticisms from those in the media have been pretty harsh… but I think well deserved and long overdo.
–
I would still put more of the blame on Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi, if the Dodgers don’t pull off a miracle and win this series. But with the amount of heat being generated by Doc’s decisions in Games 1, 2, & 4 and the overwhelming perception by the Dodgers fans that he was in large part responsible for these losses… I just don’t see how he survives.
I think that things have just reach a tipping point… you can feel it. This is 2017 & 2018… not 1977 & 1978…. if Tommy was managing in this era… he would have probably been fired too.
–
I think the only way that Dave keeps his job is if he manages two clean, uncontroversial games and they make it to game 7. If he makes it to a game 7 and loses… then I’d say his chances of being let go are 50/50
But if the Dodgers end up losing tonight or in game 6… then I think the ownership’s hands will be forced by the
very justifiable anger of Dodgers fans everywhere and they will end up replacing him, Honeycutt, and Geren.
Val
Remember one of those World Series that the Dodgers lost in the 70s, was on Reggie Jackson, and the umpires.
And Tommy went out there and bitched at the umpire, in that particular game.
And those teams in the 70s were really good teams.
We were very lucky we got to the World Series this year, with the offensive problems this team has had.
And we only made it, because the National League, was so weak this year.
I have been calling for more balance in our line up for some time, to make our offense more consistent.
And I do agree with both AC and Rick, about what this front office values.
And I also agree with AC, that this all or nothing line up, may cost us another World Series too,.
But with Roberts bad decisions, that may let this line up the front office made up, escape any of the blame.
But last night’s game was so winnable and Roberts blunder was just so terrible.
And the best teams don’t always win a World Series, but if we would have won last night’s game, I saw some hope that we could win this, with another game at Dodger Stadium, today.
Val9000…”This game, and yes, probably this series, was lost with the indefensible decision to remove Rich Hill. Just like Game 2 in last year’s World Series.”
I can still see Hill cursing Roberts after getting the news, and stalking up the runway…all of the seasons hard work…pissed away by brain dead Roberts…and then throw in the 7th game starter…sheeesh!! Gave Houston 2 games….
I think this is spot on.
`
The Jansen move made sense and was, IMO, the right one.
`
The Alexander move even made sense.
`
The Madson move was quite questionable. As was the one to Maeda.
`
The stats and percentages are essential to building and managing a team these days. BUT, a blind devotion to them is not.
Bluto
Sorry I got upset at you yesterday!
Did/doesn’t and won’t bother me MJ.
While I totally disagree with Doc making the early move to get Hill, I didn’t realize that Baez and Urias were not available because of the night before. That really limits Roberts options in that situation. The no brainer would be Baez, but with that bullet burned the night before, you either have Floro or Madsen. Pick your poison. Let’s not forget, this is the same bullpen that went 8 scoreless innings the night before, and outpitched the Brewers. If any of those guys does his job last night, we are looking at a 2-2 series. Like I have posted before, and they have said time and time again, both J Hair and Nomah have stressed that there is no excuses in the World Series, you have to make that pitch and throw strikes right out of the gate when you are a reliever. We haven’t for some reason, in the keyest of situations, and it is killing us. Also, win or lose, FAZ aren’t arrogant or dumbasses, they tend to learn a little bit every year. I would bet my bottom dollar you will see more contact hitters in the line up next year along with some bona fide relievers. With that said, there is still a season to salvage. Let’s put our Dodger colors on and root for Kershaw to get it done tonight, one inning at time, one game at a time. We ain’t done yet.
Roger
Kenley threw more pitches then Baez the night before, yet Roberts was going to have Kenley pitch two innings, last night.
Why try to save Baez for today, when your in the 7th inning, with a 4 run lead?
Who knows how many runs the players will score today?
And Roberts pulled Baez in that first game, after he only faced two hitters.
I understand about Urias, but this is the World Series, and Eovaldi pitched 90 pitches in that game before.
And if Roberts didn’t want to use Baez yesterday, why was he so eager to lift Hill, when Hill is a much better option, then the other two pitchers, Madson, and Alexander?
MJ,
`
Baez and Urias were unavailable. This isn’t a case of “saving” them, it’s a case of not having them to use.
`
IT’s a vital difference.
Bluto
But you know this team has a hard time scoring runs, why save Baez, with a 4 run lead in the seventh?
Go for the sure win last night, with a 4 run lead., and then worry about today.
Baez only faced two hitters, in the first game, and he threw 23 pitches the night before.
And Kenley threw more pitches then Baez that night, yet Roberts had no problem having Kenley pitch two innings, last night.
Roberts has to give Hill a chance to finish that inning, the way Hill was dealing.
They key line from what Mitchell wrote is essentially what I have posted:
“But here’s the thing for everyone calling for Roberts to be fired immediately. Roberts gets a lot of his marching orders from the front office. A lot of “Here’s what should be done in this scenario, and in this scenario …” A new manager is not going to change things that much. So please direct some of your anger to Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi.”
–
Roberts does what the Braintrust wants him to, so why would they fire him?
Rick
You know that I know, it isn’t only Roberts.
But what did you think about that move yesterday?
I hope Mark Walter sees the light and makes the appropriate changes, what ever those may be.
That really is the only hope for change – slim as it is
Gosh, I don’t.
I want Baseball people making baseball moves. The only changes Walter should ever make is the change Friedman, and obviously that would be silly.
I hope Mark Walter (perennial bridesmaid) is shown the door.
And who is going to show him the door, the CEO, OH wait he is the CEO
OK, a lot of what I read is total BS and opinion. But here is what we do know:
–
1. Last night’s game was a must win game and the Dodgers were in a position to win.
2. Rich Hill seldom pitches into the 7th inning.
3. Rich Hill can lose it quickly! That’s a fact
4. Rich Hill was tiring – he told Doc that. How long he could go was debatable, 6? 7? Maybe. Maybe not!
5. I would have absolutely taken Hill out…. at the end of the 6th inning and brought in Clayton to pitch the 7th and 8th.
6. Clayton was going to pitch today, so he could pitch two innings last night.
7. We know that Kenley likes to give up a long ball or two, so save him for the 9th and the Dodgers win game 4 by a 4-1 or 4-2 margin.
8. Worry about the game in front of you, which was last night. Then pitch Ryu tonight – he’s better in Dodger stadium anyway.
9. Kershaw goes in game 6. That makes the most sense!
–
That’s what should have happend. Alexander, Baez (not available), Madson, Wood, Maeda, Flora and all that – NO! They would have all been ready tonight in a tied series. The mistake was taking out Hill too late!
Assuming that Hill told Roberts that he was tiring, I understand why Roberts was being cautious. Pulling him to allow Alexander to pitch to Brock Holt didn’t make sense. He had struck out the previous hitter – one more hitter was doable.
–
Madson has allowed every inherited runner to score all Series long. That made no sense.
–
Cora isn’t managing as though anyone is unavailable. Baez being unavailable is curious. Assuming that his arm was falling off, turning to Kershaw doesn’t make sense. I agree that Ryu is much better pitching at home, but we know how Clayton loves his routine and his Game 5 start had already been announced.
–
This is the problem with the Dodgers’ bullpen. There wasn’t a single pitcher that anyone had faith in under the circumstances? Only Kershaw? If so, then the team wasn’t built for the postseason and the bullpen isn’t up to the job.
Tell me that it sounds like a bad idea. Hill out after 6. Kershaw in 7 and 8 and then Jansen! That’s what Cora has been doing. One game at a time. I like Ryu in LA better than Boston.
Mark
Most of the balls hit into the outfield last night, would have hit the off the wall in Boston, or went over the wall.
That is why they started Hill at Dodger Stadium, instead of Boston.
Well Mark I would say a lot of differing opinions, not necessarily BS.
That said, I like your scenario primarily because there is a sense of urgency there – something the Dodgers have lacked most of the year, and it is creative.
Bringing in Alexander was a very bad idea (why was he even on the roster), following that with Madison was worse – it made DR look incompetent whether he is or not.
In addition with all the off-season suggestions for a better team – how about a new GM that has baseball experience that balances Freidman. The management team is way one sided toward SABR metrics – its screaming at us, from lineups, to sitting hot players, etal.
Be nice to have a team hire Zadi away from the Dodgers.
The Astros President of Baseball Operations has even fewer baseball experience than Friedman and Zaidi!
My point is there are two nerd heads in the front office with little baseball experience. A baseball guy adds balance
The peeps that are part of the Hedge Fund that own the team. It’s their frikin money and that is what runs this organization. Note I didn’t say team. $$$$ is what is running this organization.
You can say what you want about FAZ but here are two things you can’t dispute:
–
1. The farm system is the best it has been in 20-30 years;
2. They put a team on the field that got to two straight World Series… and are still in position to win it (improbable that it is)!
Another thing Mark, even though none of us are in the mood to hear it, I think Val9000 touched on it, the main goal was to stay competitive this year(which we did), and get under the luxury tax, which we did. Next season IMO we will be right back in the thick of things, with a great farm system like you mentioned, and alot of money freed up to get the guys we need during the offseason and July 31st. I know alot of us, myself included, are very butt hurt about last night, but how many fan bases wouldn’t kill to have their team in 3 straight NLCS’s and two straight World Series? We are truly spoiled by our success, and yeah I know we don’t have a ring yet, but we are still right there, one of two teams left standing, with a roster that FAZ did what they could with financial restraints. I really feel that if they had an open check book July 31st of this season, you would have seen some significant pitching upgrades. I guarantee when this series ends, the oddsmakers will once again have us at the top to contend next year. We are not going away, just getting stronger by the year. FAZ will learn from their mistakes, they are human, and Doc will either get better or he will be gone. Another behind the scenes thing that we don’t talk nearly enough about is while Doc has a lot to learn about in game strategy sometimes, he is one of very few managers out there that can get the whole roster to buy into platooning, to pull on the same rope together, to sacrifice for the goal, to get a ring. That is priceless, and everything that I read or watch from all the different people covering the Dodgers, the one thing they all say is how much Roberts is loved and respected in the clubhouse. That is half the battle. He is no dummy, I think going forward next year, as he matures, you will see more go from the gut moves instead of scripted ones. If you can Roberts right now, you lose alot of the culture in that clubhouse that he built. New guy, new culture. I don’t want to start from scratch, we have come too far. Let’s root for this guy to get better so we can get a damn ring!
We can complain about FAZ, hitters approach these days, etc. but the fact of the matter is this-Dave Roberts lost that game tonight. Those who complain about his over managing have done it all year long. This isn’t a hindsight deal. Pulling Hill last year was debatable but if Kenley hits his target against Gonzalez it doesn’t matter. The Dodgers win the WS last year. There is really nothing to debate last night. He pulled a pitcher rolling and who is left-handed to bring in another lefty to pitch to a left-handed batter. It’s dumber than anything I’ve ever seen. If you felt Hill was tiring the you let him pitch to Holt then get him out. There is absolutely nothing defensible about what took place last night.
Hawkeye
I think I just saw the real line up, and guess what, Kike is batting third.
I didn’t get home from the game until early this morning and I just got home from church so this is the first opportunity that I have had to post some observation from the game.
-Beautiful night, great crowd, lots of Boston fans, place was rocking, $60 to park, park is beautiful, good seats, Dodger dogs…. The game—No one around us could figure out Robert’s moves. Lots of complaining about the “stupid” things he did. Hill was going great and didn’t appear to want to be removed even tho he told Roberts to “watch me”. Why take out a left hander who had given up only one hit to bring in a (unreliable) left hander to face a left hander????
On the radio show after the game that was the big question and Roberts didn’t answer it very well. Alexander did what he seems to have done often lately – 4 balls and none close. Then comes Madson who had said that he felt tired and his arm was worn out. He has pitched in almost all of our postseason games
You should have seen Puig when the home run sailed over his head. You could tell he was mad by his posture and hands on hips. Then when the inning was over, he slowly walked to the dugout while everyone else ran off the field. He was, by far, the last to the dugout and didn’t look happy.
Jansen was the only one warming up in the bullpen and when we saw that, and that it was only the 8th, we were really worried as was everyone around us.
No one could understand why Baez and Uries were unavailable when they both threw fewer pitches on Friday that Jansen did. When Jansen came in we all said we were expecting bad things to happen. I can understand not wanting to pitch Uries, but holding Baez back in a must win game didn’t seem to make sense. Seems like it should have Baez in 8th and Jansen in 9th.
As we were walking out of the stadium there was only one topic of conversation, Robert’s strange decisions. As Mark said, we also talked about every one of Robert’s decisions backfired, nothing went right and the difficult thing is that they were all questionable decisions anyway. On the post-game talk show all of the callers complained about the pitching changes. Roberts had weak explanations about what he did, and when they asked Hill about the decision he avoided answering the question.
We came to the conclusion that if this were the first time that something like this happened, Roberts gets the benefit of the doubt, but this has happened over and over, last year too, and he needs to be held responsible.
Still numb. Did I really witness that debacle last night.
That will go down as one of the worst defeats of all time.
Instead of looking forward to a massive game tonight, the whole thing has gone flat.
–
MJ
You have had this team and management nailed for a long time, like others on here, and I feel your pain.
It makes it doubly hard because you havnt second guessed this.
Watford
Thanks, right back at you!
I still can’t make sense of that move.
Freeze
Turner
Kike
Manny
Muncy
Puig
Taylor
Barnes
Kershaw
I would probably rather have Ryu hitting 3rd than Kike… but that’s just me.
I agree. Especially in a pressure situation. You notice Kike got the home run when there was no pressure. The game was lost. It shows me any time there is pressure he freaks out. Please do no play him tonight. That said I blame Roberts for giving away 2 games.
Bingo! And like I said… I would much rather have Ryu batting 3rd than Kike.
In my opinion, the Dodgers are already the big winners this year even if they don’t win the world series… since they accomplished their main goal of staying under the Luxury Tax Threshold.
I hope they have t-shirts printed up to acknowledge this fact so I can pick one up at my local Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Val
Personally I would hit Freeze third, so we have someone besides Turner in this line up, that can hit in runs.
Freeze batting 1st makes absolutely zero sense in my mind… he should be batting 2nd, 3rd, 5th, or 6th.
–
We don’t have a great lead off hitter at the moment… but CT has done more than anyone else on the team… he’s the logical choice if he’s in the lineup.
You think that is bad about Freeze how about Kile hitting third.
He has hit into double play and flew out with two outs man out third.i believe at this point it is Roberts sticking his fingers in all his critics eyes out of spite.
Did Kike hit that HR off a leftie last night?
Exactly! Not only that, but Cody had one of his best at bats / swings of the series against Price the other night.
Very humorous
That’s why I’ve moved on to 2019. Hopefully, we’re looking at some big changes! I’m psyched to see what they do!
I do not think Doc will be fired either. The Dodgers only have one way to score. There should be many ways to score. Do not put all of your eggs in one basket. We do not run and hit, we do not steal any bases, we do not move runners over from second, we do not take what the other team will give us. It is a HR, walk or a SO.
–
Doc loves some balllayers more than others. Doc loves Joc. He gave him three years to make it. Finally this year he has been pretty good. Still cannot hit left handlers, but he has never been given a chance. He likes Dozier and he should not even be on this team. Doc does not appreciate Freese, Hill, Verdugo or Toles.
–
I absolutely hate his righty lefty line ups. Strictly metrics. Soc does not see what is in front of his eyes. In my opinion, Bellinger, Muncey and Puig shoul be in the line up every day
–
I think FAZ has done a lot of good things. However, they certainly do not value a good bull pen. They certainly do not value good contact hitters. They certainly do not value small ball. It is sad, but if FAZ and Doc do not make changes in the way they do things, we will have the same problem next year.
Idahoal
This is Joc’s fourth year, but maybe you are only talking about since Roberts has been the manager.
Since August 1st, what Dodger has the highest batting average?
Anyone want to guess that it is Kike Hernandez?
I have no doubt on what you say, I’ll take your word for it, but he is streaky like too many Dodgers, presently, in the playoffs he looks worse than Grandal, he probably struggles to hit batting practice.
How about since October 1st?
David Freese – .316
Justin Turner .313
Puig – .298
Taylor – .297
–
No one else above .242
Bellinger takes some of the worst swings I have ever seen. I always feel he is going to come through but he hasn’t. He has never hit for average so I guess he is just not what I was hoping at least now. He is fast with a great arm and power but that is where it ends. As I have been saying for most of the year the catching position is our albatross.grandal has to go down as the worst clutch player in history with Barnes a close second. Turner is really our only good hitter with kemp probably second with freese in there. Machado is good but he won’t be a dodger for long.
But even more better than .182.
I don’t agree Baez was unavailable. You pitch madden every game but Baez couldn’t pitch. Bull, you got Boston starters pitching or warming in every game. Urias wasn’t available which is why he shouldn’t have been on the roster. Where in the he.. was stripling? Was he hurt? I know he finished bad but he has relieved and could have pitched multiple innings. There must be some explanation why you leave Ferguson, stripling off the roster. I have a similar view as mark in one respect. I would have put Kershaw in to pitch to the lefty. Then, if he got him quickly start the 8th then bring Jansen in. Rodriguez was starting after pitching the night before. Kershaw may or may not have started today but ryu probably could have pitched 5 and the bullpen would have been rested. Whatever, questionable roster construction, Roberts his typical dumbs.. moves, and a gutless, weak bullpen. I am amazed at the concern over pitching daily in a 7 game series and 2 days off. You would think this is your chance of a lifetime so embrace it don’t run from it. I know they are not robots but when you see the desire and effort of a guy like evoldi the Dodgers just look like whimps whining about pitching 2 days in a row.
Hopefully Madson won’t be available tonight.
Do you know why Cora left Rodriguez in to pitch to Puig?
–
He was following what sabermetrics told him: Puig can’t hit LH P!
Cora threw Roberts a life line when he burnt Navoldi. Roberts chose not to take it and made the dumbest move that I’ve ever seen. I guess analytics told the front office that Boston is a good fastball hitting team so let’s leave Ferguson off the roster and go with Alexander despite the fact that we’ve seen all year Alexander has no idea where the ball is going. So we can blame the roster move on analytics I guess, but I know if Dave Roberts was still playing CF for the Dodgers and not a manager he would been wondering why the F did his manager do what he just did. Beyond dumb. Felony stupid as you might say.
I think it was sabermetrics but it was more than that. I think Cora felt that Rodriguez should have been out of the inning until the bad throw by the catcher. However, the first baseman made a bad throw to the catcher and my experience is that when you make the first bad throw the second will follow. So, I think Cora was thinking the pitcher should have been out of it, Puig doesn’t hit lefties leave him in. My daughter and I were watching the game and when the count got 3-1 I said to her that if ever a guy should be sitting on a pitch this is the time. Euphoria until Roberts decided to get in the game.
Watching the line up . I can say that kike is son of roberts definitely. Ok whatever…lets go Dodgers ..I can tired to baseball so far so a want more games
I’ll say it again… if we play the way we did in Game 5 of the NLCS, we give ourselves a great shot of winning the game.
–
If our batters decide that they want to all be heroes and swing for the fences once again… it could be another long painful night.
I have a ton of opinions, and likely a lot are interpreted as bull shit by orhers. So I will talk less going forward but one opinion I will not shut up about is that Robert’s/FO have completely mismanaged two consecutive World Series. They are the smartest guys in the room, and therefore don’t have to be contrite or transparent. They true don’t owe us average fans that. However they do need to win and when they fail to do so they derseeved to be criticized. When they make the same mistakes on the biggest stage two years in a row they need be held accountable. :).
Go Blue, 2% miracle finish incoming starting tonight.
So they purposely built a team that got to the World Series twice but was built to lose?
I didn’t read it that way Mark. Yes FAZ has built a team to get to the WS, but Roberts has made multiple head scratching bone head decisions.
I have an idea: Once the game starts tie Roberts up and stuff him in a locker in the clubhouse and let Utley manage the team from the bench through Geren. I guarantee a win!
Maybe stuff Kershaw in the locker next door!
Vegas, I hope you had a nice Place parley on the Dodgers these past two post-seasons.
*
Breeder’s Cup right around the corner.
I have been fretting more than betting but made a little $. I have 2 tickets left that look like a Digest 20. In other words a long shot!
–
I skipped Del Mar last year when all the ticket prices doubled but had a blast at Santa Anita BC with my son 2 years ago. Too far to go to Churchill Downs this year but what a great track!
Just like I predicted.
Not surprised at all! Overrated!
That didnt Take long
Time to turn this off and go see Phil Collins at the Forum.
I still expect a win
Bobby
I hope you have a great time!
Uuffgg KERSHAW very comfortable first pitches
It was Roberts fault
Quit calling the pitches
I WANT FREESE NEXT SEASON DEFINITELY
Player/Manager.
Fuck Kike!!
Killing rallies..great player but no for 3th place in line up
Why not put a .182 hitter in the 3 hole? What could possibly go wrong? Let’s sit the guy who got the hit off Price last game instead. Hell, let’s move the .182 hitter above the guy who hit the 3 run bomb off a lefty last night.
I was encouraged when I saw Kershaw throw a curve on what I believe was his second pitch. Then it was nothing but fastballs until the HR. Kershaw needs to make use of his breaking pitches to be effective.
–
Dodgers need to do what they did after Christian Yelich homered in the first in game 7.
–
Nice answer by Freese.
Why can’t Manny stay in the strike zone with two strikes, he is always going after high pitches out of the strike zone, and making it so easy, for pitchers to get him out!
I still wish Freese was hitting third, this would be at least a tied game.
Kike doesn’t belong in the third position, because he has trouble making contact, when runners are in scoring position.
I would hit Kiké, in the lead off position, before hitting him in the middle of the line up, because of that reason.
kike 3rd, is the Robert’s gut or his love affair with said player. No way that is numbers play.
That’s much better for Clayton.
Adam, if you put two or more spaces in front of an behind :), you will get a smiley face like this 🙂 .
Best thing about Buck calling the game tonight was I didn’t have to listen to him call the Rams/Packers game today!
Wow! That is an entirely different spin than what we knew. The communication between Hill and Roberts was the issue. Roberts was going to the mound with no idea to take Hill out if the game but then Hill handed him the ball and Roberts thought Hill wanted out. A lot of us owe Roberts an apology!
If he wasn’t going to take him out he should have sent Honeycutt out.
Why? Because the manager communicated poorly with his player. Isn’t that supposed to be Roberts strength. He went over the lineup in the dugout with Hill. He should have said then we plan on keeping you in through Holt.
Not sure where my other post went so I will repeat. That’s still on Roberts then. Maybe more so. You could see them go over the Red Sox lineup in the dugout. You tell Hill we plan on using you through Holt. No mound visit was necessary. His ass should have never come out of the dugout. Roberts strength is supposed to be his communication. He F’d that up. And yes he could have said I was taking you out but it should have never got to that point.
Wasn’t not was. Sorry.
That blows most of the narratives you all had.
Most of you will ignore it because your minds are already made up.
If It is true . So it is worst. Why Roberts received the ball?
Actually Mark that further put the onus on Doc. If he came out with the idea of just talking to Hill, then there was no reason for him to remove Hill after he was handed the ball. Seems to me that he just froze in the moment instead of just letting Hill why he was out there. That was no place nor time to take anything for granted.
Exactly, he is the Mgr, don’t take the ball! Sounds like a cover story to me because the optics were so bad.
And what does Honeycutt do during the games… was he in the clubhouse taking a bath?
I completely disagree with that. TOTALLY. Doc went out with the idea of talking and he was handed the ball. That Is BS! No manager would say “Are you sure?” Come on, that makes no sense.
Never mind. Keep your own fictional narrative if it makes you feel good.
Easy Mr. Wishy Washy. Lighten up.
Take it easy man… I know we’re all stressed out… just trying to lighten the mood a little.
I am always chilled. I don’t mean it personally. Just my observations.
😉
Oh nevermind… that wasn’t directed at me. 🙂
How many times,this year, did Doc go to the mound and not a pitcher out?
Brooklyn exactly!
Roberts is the one that is suppose to be the ultimate communcator, not Hill.
Why is Roberts having problems communicating with his players, at the most important moments, in a game?
That is what a manager is suppose to do.
My take is because Hill has been taken out early so often, he has had to learn how to cope, and mute his passion, to want to finish a game, so he is being a team player.
Hill never wants to leave a game, and anyone can see that, if they have watched him pitch enough.
I call BS with Roberts, because anyone that has watched Hill pitch, knows he wants to finish his starts, including Roberts!
Well everyone wants to finish but when your pitcher hands you the ball and I saw the video, it looked like he was ready to leave. No more convo necessary! Should Dic have thought “maybe if I beg him?” Please! Nobody would do that.
I see this kind of stuff in business every day. One person is looking at something from their position and another looks at it differently. Mid-communication happens at very high levels every day.
Oh please.
Up to our old habits. Runner on third with one out and cannot get the runner home.
Wow – they absolutely cannot score without a HR. A gift 3B – runner on 3rd, 1 out. No runs. Crud
Pitiful.
We get on Machado for not hustling. Freese ended up on 3B, but not because he hustled out of the box.
–
Here we go again. Dodgers (even JT) unable to get Freese home from 3B with less than 2 out.
That one really hurts.
He might have had an inside the park homer if he hustled.
We need to change the lineup so that Freese bats 1st and 3rd… so that he can get himself in!
That is why Kike in 3th does not work
Shades of the 2015 elimination game versus the Mets.
Mark, guess we’re going to have to TOTALLY agree to disagree. Doc needs to confirm with Hill why he’s handing him the ball. Did he not understand that Hill was handing him the ball out of habit. A few words would not have hurt. Doc was not thinking on his feet.
In the real world I do not see a baseball manager or a business manager questioning Hill in that situation. It was total mis-communication but I see why it happened.
It happened because Doc is an idiot and not ready for prime time.
Extremely interesting stat about the home plate ump that they just mentioned.
Now it makes total sense why they would start Price on short rest… he’s got his little buddy behind the plate.
That is what I worry about , Robeet’s Inability to think on his feet, he does not have his book at the mound. I don’t watch a ton of other baseball, do lots of managers have little books like Dave?
Yep
Mark
Like I said above, Hill has learned he has to control his passion to want to finish his starts, because he has been taken out so early, so often.
Because he is trying to be a team player.
Everyone who has watched Hill pitch enough, knows he wants to finish every game he starts, including Roberts.
I am proud of how Clayton came back from a bad first inning… until now!
So sad watching this version of Kersh
Wake up offense, getting beat at your own game dammit!!
Please take Kike out of this game!
This just shows the American League is stronger than the National League
Offensive offense all postseason,
Definitely needs some tweeks in the offseason. After we all recover, looking forward to our resident experts takes( looking at you Rick, Ac,Mark, BD and MJ.
Gut punch after gut punch get him out of there, don’t embarrass the legend anymore please
Dodgers:
RISP: 0-2
LOB: 2
Boston:
RISP: 0-0
LOB: 0
Swing and miss is not working
Sorry but every startling pitcher was good excerpt KERSHAW. Ryu, HILL and walker…he MUST reinvent
Ryu had 1 good start against Atlanta. He didn’t pitch any better than this the next two series. Who knows maybe he hits out of the jam in Boston if given the chance but his stat line wasn’t great.
~
Clayton missed his spot terribly vs Martinez and he crushed it. Can’t pitch him low in the strike zone
~
No offense at all.
Why is Kershaw still in this game, with all hands on deck?
After all, Roberts took Hill out yesterday merely for walking hitter, after striking out the last hitter on three pitches.
Roberts is managing this game with no urgency!
Roberts is more worried about Kershaw, then this entire team!
It is to bad Hill didn’t get this type of respect!
Very sad that the great Kershaw in his prime played on teams not good enough to get to the WS, and now with two appearances C Kershaw is not the pitcher he once was.
I wonder how Hill can continue to pitch for this team, with the slap in the face he got, after pitching a one hitter, into the 7th inning.
He’s getting paid $16 million next year to do so and he’s a competitor
I heard an interview this AM and he loves him some Doc!
Roberts double standards are hideous!
Roberts takes out Hill with one hit and no runs, leaves in Kershaw with 7 hits and four runs.
This is a excellent manager we’re witnessing here.
MJ I am sure Robert’s will have his usual BS explanation for your question, maybe everyone in the pen was unavailable, or I liked the matchups. But no way we he ever admit he made a mistake.
Honestly it didn’t matter. Even though you’re correct. The offense didn’t hit. We’ve got Bellinger on the bench. Kike batting 3rd. Our best hitter couldn’t get Freese home from 3rd. I think every Dodgers fan knew the World Series was lost in the 7th inning last night.
Hawkeye
Stop making excuses for Kershaw!
Can’t wait for the post series commentary by Zadi: We didn’t hit enough HR’s
It’s true!
–
But a lot more is true too!
Yes, a lot more. There is not any one answer to this failure.
Isn’t everyone happy that Baez is well rested for this game today?
I am so tired of everyone worried about Kershaw’s feelings in the post season!
He is the highest paid player on this team!
Everyone thank Roberts and Kershaw, for making us watch another team clinch a world championship on our home field!
Roberts never intended to try to win this game, he should be fired on this field right after this game!
Why are we thanking Kershaw. The offense has scored 1 run. 1 run. Off David Price. Why are we thanking Kenley Jansen? Two years in a row he’s blown wins in the World Series.
Hawkeye
I called Kenley out, but Kershaw should have been taken out of this game, a lot sooner.
Kershaw has this team behind in this important elimination game, from the first innning, before anyone got up to hit!
I would have taken him out after 6 but it doesn’t matter they way this team has played and managed behind him. They have 1 run. Our manager doesn’t play his best players. Also, who are you going to? Not Floro, Madson, or Maeda. Baez gave up a dinger. Alexander? An over worked Urias? Not everything is Kershaw’s fault. I will say it was also stupid of Doc to close out Milwaukee with Kershaw. It probably made no difference but just my feeling.
You cannot win anything when 5 out of 25 play well in a series.
Adam
You can’t win when a manager plays his favorites over better players all the time, either.
And has double standards with all the different players.
Do to the previous two games Kershaw was asked to give them innings. Madson, Floro and others are toast. Docs bad decisions last night carried into tonight. Not about favorites.
Hawkeye
It is all hands on deck in a game like this!
Where is Buehler?
They took him out an inning early game 3 in my opinion. You could argue the exhausted pen wouldn’t be so if Buehler had gone 1 more. God forbid our 24 year old pitcher throw 1 more. He’s well rested for spring training now.
Hawkeye
I understand, I just get sick of some people worrying more about Kershaw’s record, then winning a game.
One team playing loose. One team knows the title was lost last night.
Tweet from LAT Dodgers Beat reporter Andy McCullough and I agree with him……..
If your only trustworthy reliever is Pedro Baez, maybe the issue is roster construction, not in-game management.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) October 29, 2018
What’s that have to do with Roberts letting Kershaw continue to pitch in this game, after giving up 4 HRs, after he removed Hill, in the game before, when he was pitching a one hitter?
And you can bank on Kershaw opting out, too!
3
What the difference, he us behind, before anyone could even hit.
The DODGERS fun in the stadium are great. They continue to encourage the team. GREAT ….
Isn’t this the third game in a row for Kelly – so the story about the Dodger relievers not being available rings rather hollow
Kemp batting 3rd against Price would have made more sense than Kike and I’m not advocating for that.
At least give Verdugo and toles an at bat. That’s the least numbnuts can do for this Dodger team
Jo’s swings at a ball needing base runners but looks at strike 3.
Hawkeye
I love you, but I don’t buy Kershaw has to give us innings, all hands on deck today, including Buehler.
And I don’t buy Roberts BS about the way he handled Hill last night.
I have more compassion for Hill, in that situation.
Why is Kike hitting third, if we are trying to win a game?
He has just been terrible in high leverage situations in the post season, and he has even been really bad in lower leverage situations, when a runner is on third, with less then two outs.
Puig has gotten a hit or HR three times in the last few days, with runners on base, with two outs.
But he hasn’t suddenly been moved up!
I’m with you on most of that. If they were going to baby Buehler the other night they aren’t getting him up tonight especially when he’s struggled out of the pen.
Joc looking at strike 3 right down the middle when you are fighting for your playoff life, pretty much says all we need to say about this years team!
And Kelly strikes out the side. Dodgers going down without a whimper.
Question about a closer for the Dodgers; I like Jansen but in 2 WS he has blown 3 saves and lost one game. What does that say about our need for a lock down closer on 5he highest stage?
I’m not sure if I’ve ever heard a more giddy Joe Buck… he sure seems to have a real spring in his step at the moment.
Is there a worse play by play guy who doesn’t hide their bias?
Dave you tactician you, bringing Jansen in a non save situation, keep the good stuff coming DR
How many people truly thought Roberts tried to really win this game today?
We saw Cora manage with urgency from the very beginning of this series.
He sure didn’t play Kinsler again, after he couldn’t make that play.
I think that Dave, Farhan, and Andrew were saving their collective mental energies for the 12 dimensional tiddlywinks tournament next weekend.
Val
But the always swing for the fences is not this team’s problem, or the make up of this line up.
We didn’t win this, because we didn’t hit enough HRs, just ask our GM.
Roberts is talking about character right now, I am sure Hill finds that to be funny.
It’s funny… in the lead up to game one they interviewed Alex Cora and several other ex players that played with Roberts. When asked if they ever thought Dave would end up as a manager… they all said no… they never expected him to ever go that route.
–
Cora said that he saw him potentially ending up as an tv commentator / on air personality. Well, that sounds right on the nose to me. Hopefully he gets that chance next year… I think he’ll be good at it.
You know that or selling used cars or insurance… anything but managing a major league baseball team.
The constant chants between every pitch is so annoying . I don’t know any other park does that. Dodger fans must have mafor ADD.
The precorded chants and organ is constant and annoying.
Hardly knew you Manny, please return Diaz and Dean.
Somehow fitting that Machado makes the last out.
last 6 Dodgers struck out. fitting, isn’t it?
Ending the game with strike outs was fitting for this team – they have been good at that this year!
Great season everyone… you know, except for the whole losing the world series again part.
–
Let the countdown begin to the day that Dave Roberts is (hopefully) relieved of his duties.
–
On the bright side… at least Kike got 4 at bats tonight and was able to test out a new spot in the lineup.
I can’t agree more with you too, Rick and Adam, about the strike outs!
It is also ironic how this front office values strike out pitchers, but have no problem with their players constantly striking out, when runners are in scoring position.
And what is funny, the Red Sox are just the opposite, and they hit more HRs today, then this group.
Because it is already a weakness for a hitter, to step into the box, and think they are going to hit one out.
Pitchers love hitters like this!
I don’t think the front office doesn’t care. We all know priority number 1 was staying under the luxury tax. I expect changes next year to address this. We have won 6 Division titles and 2 straight pennants. That is damn hard to do. So, I don’t think blowing it up is necessary. Nor is it as easy as saying bring Seager back and let Machado walk. Seager’s postseason numbers are bad too.
~
Kenley shouldn’t be asked to go two innings. Especially considering what he went through this year. The Dodgers need to add a second stud to the pen
~
This organization is built to sustain. We will get ours.
Frustrating night, not only watching the game, but getting on this thread also. After my last post (a long time ago) I was unable to get to this thread on my phone, which is what I was using while watching the game. I was able to get to the website, but everytime I clicked on this thread my iphone (the new XS Max) kept on flickering. It’s done that a few times before, but it always stopped. Tonight it just kept flickering, endlessly. Nothing I did, including turning the phone off, and then on again, worked. Not sure maybe it’s the phone, or maybe just the thread. I was able to get to other websites, and also to LaDodgerTalk.com. And when I clicked on a previous thread I could also get on. But any time I clicked on tonight’s active thread all I got was flickering, flickering, flickering.
–
Suffice it to say, I’m now using my computer.
–
I’ll need some time to decompress after watching the Dodgers flail away tonight. But I assume that talk of next season will begin here soon. I haven’t checked a baseball calendar, but if memory serves, free agency begins two weeks after the WS ends.
Brooklyn
I always use my iPhone and I have had no problems today.
But I took a look at Dodger’s Digest, and a guy over there, was talking about his phone freezing up , so maybe you got something on another site.
Hawkeye is right, Roberts lost this series last night!
And he tried to make an excuse for himself, instead of taking responsibility for taking Hill out.
Doc will probably survive this shit show but Turner Ward has to be let go. On another blog I suggested this and was told but the Dodgers led the league in runs scored. Yes, when you lead the league in HR’s you’ll probably lead the league in runs scored but the K’s, the inability to make adjustments, the inability or reluctance to go oppo with pitches is astounding.
Grandal—gone
Kershaw–probably gone
CT3–maybe gone
Madsen–gone
Ryu–probably gone
Norcaldodgerfan
You should look at the runs the Red Sox scored this year!
They didn’t hit as many HRs, but they scored a lot more runs!
And Mark, don’t take anything personal, we know you always like to be on the positive side, when it comes to the Dodgers.
And at the same time, we know your not a fool either.
Turner Ward could be let go because hitting coaches are usually scapegoats. Should he be though? Probably not. Everyone raved about him for a couple of years now he’s no good? A lot of very good hitting coaches have been canned though.
~
I see some players that at times are just stupid in the batters box when it comes to their approach. Joc , Kike, and Grandal come to mind immediately. Bellinger at times. Joc flailing away done four runs tonight then striking out looking when he could have drawn a much needed walk earlier in the count. It almost like they need to put the take sign on these morons at times.
~
Players spend their off season refining their swings and getting them they way they want them. FAZ built a lineup without guys who are not very good a situational hitting. I expect some changes.
~
Taylor or Kike. Maybe one of those guys can start but not both. I know their versatility is valuable but you can’t have them both in the lineup especially with Barnes.
–
Unless Grandal signs his QO I could really see the Dodgers going after Realmuto. FAZ has now seen 4 years of Grandal choking in the playoffs or in September. How bad is it that they felt the need to go to a struggling Barnes in the playoffs. No way can they go into 2019 with Barnes as the starter after this season.
~
LF has to become Verdugo or Toles. I think Turner Ward has done as much as he can do with Joc and what does it say about Kemp’s standing with the team when Kike hit 3rd tonight.
And the Red Sox hitting coach was the Dodgers assistant hitting coach last season.
I expect Kemp to be traded. He has shown he has value which was not evident last winter. Expect the Dodgers to eat a lot of salary, clear some of the outfield log jam and get something reasonable in return.
If the Dodgers can clear $10 million off his salary to spend elsewhere that would be a great return. He leads off Game 1 with a HR but doesn’t even start tonight
I guess FAZ knows a lot more than me. I can’t see that Grandal is worth $17.9 million, and wonder if any team is willing to give him a multi-year contract with an AAV anywhere near that. So if Grandal receives a QO, I wonder if he would consider taking it. So based on my limited knowledge concerning these things, I tend to think that offering Grandal a QO would be a gamble.
–
Watching CT3 drives me crazy. I think the guy could actually be a good hitter if he concentrated on getting on base with simple base hits. If he could learn to concentrate on making contact, I’d be happy with him hitting 3 HRs and hitting for a much higher average. That would also enable him to make use of his speed. But I’m not holding my breath, so if the return is good, I’d prefer that the Dodgers move him.
–
I also have very little faith in Kike’ and Joc.
–
Should the Dodgers try to sign Machado. I have no problem with them doing so, but I also don’t know all of the alternatives that will available.
–
Bullpen needs to be upgraded. Hopefully Jansen has successful surgery, and then perhaps he can fix himself over the winter. This was a trying year for him, but I’m not ready to throw in the towel on him. Maybe he comes back next year as good or better than ever, or maybe not. Only time will tell. And Baez hopefully will build on what he established in the second half of this year. Rest of the pen is full of question marks. Maybe there are trades that can be made, or maybe somebody from the farm will emerge. One guy I keep thinking about is Yadier Alvarez. I know there are character issues with him, and certainly he needs to develop a lot better command. But if his stuff is as good as advertised, he’s someone I see as possibly providing a big surprise. I’m not ready to give up on a young pitcher with an arm like his. And though some people never change their knucklehead ways, I don’t believe that once a knucklehead, you have to keep on being one. It might be rare, but even the most hopeless of people can sometimes be made to see the light. And in addition to possible trades, I imagine that there are other arms in the Dodgers system that might be candidates for the bullpen next year.
–
As for Kershaw, if he opts out, then I think the Dodgers should use his money for two or three other players. And I’m not worried about loyalty. If Kershaw opts out he’s making a decision that could send him elsewhere. That’s a business decision on his part, and deserves nothing more than a business decision by the Dodgers.
–
OK, that’s enough for now.
Good post Brooklyn. No one has driven me more crazy than CT3 this year.
~
Grandal may be so pissed about his benching that he won’t consider taking the QO. He’s good at calling games, he’s good at throwing, he’s a switch hitter with power, and is better behind the plate than he shows in October. He will get a 3 year deal somewhere.