First of all, Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
We are down to 10 ST games with one week to go in Arizona followed by 3 against LAA. Two games in Anaheim and one game at Dodger Stadium. Thus far the Dodgers are 12-8-2, as if that means anything.
Who have been the surprises?
Offensively, Kike’ Hernandez and Austin Barnes have been red hot and IMO have established themselves as starters. Kike’ is hitting .351/.330/.676/1.066, 3 HR, 3 Dbl, 11 RBI, 2 BB, and 3 K. Barnes is hitting .323/.417/.613/1.03, b0, 2 HR 3 Dbl, 12 RBI (leads team), 5 BB, 7 K. Both are playing superb defense. Barnes has thrown out 2 of 5 would be base stealers, and has called great games. Kike’ has made some tremendous defensive plays, and a couple unbelievable plays. I am not ready to label Kike’ JDM but what he lacks in power compared to JDM, he more than makes up for in defense.
JT has been solid hitting .375/.500/.667/1.167 and Alex Verdugo is tied with JT with 9 hits and is hitting .281/.294/.375/.669. Not great numbers for a corner OF, but for a rookie he has certainly lived up to some of the hype with his bat to ball skills. He needs a little more plate discipline and not swing at too many of the pitchers’ pitch. One walk probably indicates a little too anxious, but good enough to make consistent contact. He needs more game experience to become more comfortable.
David Freese and AJ Pollock both have 8 hits. Both are professionals and when the bell rings on March 28, they will be ready to go.
There is no sugar coating it, CT3 has been a big disappointment thus far. He does have 7 hits including 3 doubles and 4 RBIs, but has struck out a team leading 15 times with only 2 walks and NO HRs. Is Brad Miller a better option for the utility player right now? Right behind CT3’s 15 Ks is Joc and 14. But Joc does have 4 doubles, 2 HRs, and 6 RBIs including a bases clearing double against SD lefty Robby Erlin. Max has not given any indication that he will have a repeat of his 2018 season, but he is still going to get his opportunity to make due. I do not expect a long leash for Max. He is going to need to produce, or Belli will be at 1B.
For the surprise prospects…the middle infield looks to be pretty deep with prospects. Gavin Lux had a tough spring BA but he showed signs that he is not far off. He only struck out 3 times in 20 AB and hit the ball hard. Unfortunately for Gavin the balls were on the ground where the defense could make the play. If he can elevate some of those pitches his BA will bounce back. What I absolutely love about Lux is his Chase Utley attitude running out ground balls. I saw Gavin nearly beat out a couple of routine ground balls to 2B.
Omar Estevez turned a lot of heads this spring. 7 for 24 with 2 doubles and 2 home runs, 4 RBI’s. He is still very young (just turned 21) and is just now getting comfortable in the US and may be ready to take off this year. He led the California League in doubles, and had a great 2nd half. There is no way he should return to RC. He and Gavin Lux should continue to be the SS/2B duo at Tulsa to start the season. I would expect Lux to get the promotion to AAA next summer.
Jeter Downs showed a little of why the Dodger scouts love this kid. He went 3-7 with a double and RBI in limited action, but did not strike out once. He showed confidence and was not one bit over-matched. Jeter does not turn 21 until July. He spent a full season in the Midwest League in 2018, so he should get a shot at RC.
Errol Robinson did not embarrass himself one bit. Errol went 3-5 with a double and triple and 2 RBIs. He is ready for AAA. There are multiple middle infielders at the lower levels (including a favorite of mine, Jacob Amaya), so I would expect the Dodgers to be set at SS/2B for a bit.
Keibert Ruiz and Will D. Smith both got a lot of catching in, and played well. Their hitting needs to come around, Neither are ready for The Show, but Smith can catch at the ML level right now, and I will be excited to see Ruiz continue with his development.
Matt Beaty showed that he absolutely belongs in the conversation for getting a call this year, as does Edwin Rios. Kyle Garlick continues to impress and might prove to be a quality #4 or #5 OF for LAD(or someone else). But he looks to be a genuine potential ML OF.
DJ Peters hit a couple of monster HRs and a triple. He had 3 RBIs, and his K numbers were not that distressing. 6 K’s with 22 AB. He will be in AAA this year, and has a chance to get called if he can cut back on his strikeouts. The Dodgers desperately need that RH power bat in the OF, and DJ is the closest they have.
It was great to see Hunter Feduccia and Cody Thomas single in their only ST AB.
Starting Pitching – The starters have been nothing but spectacular. My only concern is that they are not being stretched out at all. The most innings for any LAD is 10 for Ryu and Maeda, each with 4 starts. Urias also has 4 starts and 9 IP. Stripling 3 starts with 8.2 IP and Hill with 3 starts and 6.1 IP. SF Giants have 7 pitchers with more IP, DBacks have 5, all 5 NYM starters have more. Rockies Jon Gray has 5 starts and 17.2 IP and Max Scherzer also has 5 starts and 19.2 IP. With 10 games to go, the starters have a max of 2 more starts and that is if Buehler and/or Kershaw do not start any.
It looks like a lot of 5 inning starts to begin the season. The bullpen will be used.
Results wise, the starters have been fantastic. It will be difficult to keep Strip and Julio out of the rotation, but if Buehler and Kersh get healthy, both will be in the bullpen.
Two MiLB prospects have been absolutely lights out this Spring. Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May have shown that they are future mid to top of the rotation pitchers who are not far away.
Gonsolin – 4 games, 9 IP, 0 runs, 4 hits, 0 walks, and 5 strike outs.
May – 3 games, 6 IP, 0 runs, 3 hits, 2 walks, and 5 strike outs.
They are not ready yet, but they are close.
Relief Pitching – The big surprises for the relievers are a couple of middle inning RHRP, Yimi Garcia and Jaime Schultz. Both have been in 7 games (to lead the team) and have 7.0 IP. Neither has surrendered an earned run, although Jaime was charged with an unearned run.
Garcia – 7 G, 7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 9 K
Schultz – 7 G, 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K
The expected group have also pitched very well. Kenley Jansen has already pitched more innings this spring than all of last spring. Scott Alexander, Pedro Baez, Dylan Floro, Joe Kelly, have all pitched 5.0 IP in 5 games.
Jansen – 5 G, 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Kelly – 5 G, 5 IP, 3 H, 1 run, 2 BB, 4 K
Scott Alexander – 5 G, 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Pedro Baez – 5 G, 5.0 IP, 2 H, 2R, 0 BB, 7 K
Dylan Floro – 5 G, 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K
JT Chargois – 3 G, 6 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K
Stetson Allie has shown a 100 MPH arm, but still shows that he has trouble controlling it. But perhaps someone to follow this year is a name brought up yesterday…Ryan Moseley. The Dodgers traded Vidal Nuno to the O’s in February 2017. DC wrote a very good article on Ryan at the time of the trade. Maybe we can entice him to do an update on Moseley. Ryan spent the entire year at RC and appeared in 47 games with 73 IP. He had a respectable 4.32 ERA in a very hitter friendly California League. He should be at AA this year. This spring, Ryan has appeared in 3 games, 4.2 IP, and has given up 0 runs on 0 hits, 1 walk and 5 strikeouts. You really cannot do much better than that. He is not a high leverage reliever, but he can put together multiple innings and keep his team in the game.
Disappointments are probably Joe Broussard and Shea Spitzbarth. Both were considered potential relief possibilities at the ML level this year, but show no signs of being ready. Josh Sborz needs more work, and this will be a critical year for him. Stetson Allie and Yordy Cabrera should get a lot of late inning relief work this year at AAA.
Overall, this team is going to win because of their outstanding pitching, both starters and relievers. Caleb Ferguson, Dennis Santana, and Brock Stewart will be starters at OKC, but their true future is in the bullpen. Their offense still shows a lack of a lot of clutch hitting, but should still be potent enough to score sufficient runs for the pitching to shine.
I look forward to the next 10 games to see if some of the starters begin to break through. Also hoping for a Kershaw, Buehler, and Seager appearance. That would be very welcomed.
AC, I would add Quackenbush to the list of disappointments. I would also mention that Ferguson did not have very good showings in ST, so far. Has Stewart made any appearances in ST? I can’t remember seeing him this year. I have never really liked his game and am surprised he is still being talked about as a potential roster listing. I guess there is always the hope for improvement.
These kids, Robinson and Downs, look like real players, but both seem slight in body. In this day and age of the ripped slugger, their body types look weak, but I know this is somewhat of an illusion.
Regarding Muncy, I purposely disregarded comments about him not being anywhere near the hitter he was last season, but it’s looking more likely that I might have been incorrect in my estimation of him repeating his success. Defensively, he has passed the test, so far, but so little production from his bat. Is this a case of Van Scoyoc’s system being too difficult for him to implement? Surely, not everyone will benefit from one teacher/one system. Some players are destined for power, not contact hitting. What do you think?
I was not disappointed in Quackenbush because I did not expect anything. I might have been hopeful, but he has received a great opportunity with 7 games and 8.1 IP , and just could not hold on.
Brock Stewart has started two early games, and pitched 3.0 innings. He is undoubtedly working to stretch out in minor league camp. He is expected to be one of the OKC starters.
I wasn’t disappointed in Ferguson as his curve might just be taking a bit longer for him to harness, but he did not walk anyone and did have 7 strikeouts in 4.2 innings. He should be at OKC to begin the season.
AC, just to add to my assessment of Ferguson after the Milwaukee game, another poor performance that ultimately led to the loss. Sure, it means nothing in ST, but as far as making the team based on performance, this will not advance him to the MLB level. Dodgers are not desperate and they have plenty of arms ready for that bullpen assignment.
Yes, disappointment in Quackenbush was the wrong sentiment. Hopeful was a better choice.
I don’t think Muncy has played in the last 2 games. Any word on him?
Nice article AC. You three guys really keep us informed. I read an article on Taylor. He said he probably has too many adjustments on his mind when he bats. He seems to be a really serious person. Maybe it is time for him to see the ball, hit the ball. You cannot be a good hitter thinking about adjustments. He may be his own worst enemy. I think Taylor, Joc and Muncey will all be on a short lease. I am happy to see Barnes doing well.
Idahoal
I hope your having a great time, it was about time, that you crossed off that bucket list, because you deserve this.
I have said that it will take some time with the new hitting discipline. That’s part of the reason the Dodgers have three coaches dedicated to it. Van Scoyoc, Brandt Brown and Aaron Bates are all working with Dodger hitters because like Jeff said, not everyone “clicks” with each other.
Understand that the system Van Scoyoc teaches which is directly from Craig Wallenbrook is closer to Ted Williams’ theory of hitting than anything: “See the ball – hit the ball.” Launch angle can be part of it, but keeping the bat in the zone and shortening up with two strikes is the other part. The Dodgers will hit fewer HR this year, but score more runs.
It is slower out of the gate however, as the new process becomes habit. Remember, this is Spring Training, but the Dodgers are 2nd to LAST in MLB is batting average (St. Louis is dead last – that won’t continue). The Dodgers are 14th in Runs Scored and 21st in HR. As the season approaches, that will all trend up as these guys gain confidence in the system. So far, Martin, Barnes, Hernandez, Turner, Verdugo, Pollock and Bellinger have embraced the new deal.
Brad Miller is showing signs that he belongs on the roster. CT3, Muncy and Pederson are struggling. I am not worried right now, but if 3 weeks into the season they still are, then there are issues. This IS Spring Training.
AS expected, the Dodger Pitching is Number One in MLB. Early in the season, that is important. I think Urias will be in the pen early in the season and I still think Clayton will start on opening day… even if he only pitches 3 innings. Julio will be the long man and join the rotation as the season progresses.
Spring Training means very little, but the Dodgers have the second-best record in the Cactus League, despite obviously not trying to win a few games. If anything, we should be encouraged… nothing discouraging happening.
Since RVS became the ML Hitting Coach, I have been steadfast with a wait and see attitude, and that continues. But my one reservation has always been that there is a difference between a hitting instructor and hitting coach. Coaches determine strategy, instructors teach. Everyone of these ML hitters have a hitting guru they fall back on. But a coach is different in that it is their responsibility to work with the hitter to find the little things that are wrong. Look at hours and hours of film and find where that sweet swing went astray and then work with that hitter in the cages to get that muscle memory back. It is the hitting coach who studies the upcoming pitcher(s) and determine the best approach to attack them. What are that pitcher’s tendencies? What should the hitter look for in certain situations? Is the pitcher always around the plate with the first pitch? Attack the first pitch.
The hitting instructor changes the swing that may not be working. That happens in the off-season. But when the bell rings, that swing needs to stay consistent. That is why I am a proponent of instructors in MiLB and coaches in MLB. That is also why I have been skeptical about a coach who has never done it as a professional. How can RVS know what it takes to work out of a slump as a professional? He knows a specific theory and that may be the new trend, which makes him an ideal MiLB instructor, but not necessarily a MLB coach. But again, I am a wait and see.
Then again, it does not look like Cincinnati is having any hitting problems with Turner Ward.
As far as Kersh getting the Opening Day nod, I am leaning against starting a pitcher who cannot go more than 3 innings on Opening Day. Why? Just to keep the streak alive? Rich Hill is set up to be the opening day starter, and if he can get 5 innings in today, he should be ready to take on the DBacks on March 28. The starters are already not stretched out to go 6-7 the first week, and the number of open dates for the first month are minimal. Therefore the bullpen is going to be taxed from the get go. Why put more pressure on the bullpen so Kersh can go three innings in Game 1? I love Clayton Kershaw as much as any fan, but this is still a team game, and the team is always more important than the individual.
I would like to see the starters go at least 5 in their next start. When will Buehler and Kersh get to pitch in a ST game?
I am still hopeful that Corey Seager will be the glue to bind this lineup. I am hopeful he will get at least a couple of games to get better acclimated to ML pitching before March 28. I do expect he will now be in the Opening Day lineup, batting in that familiar #2 slot, followed by the heart and soul…JT.
I know that the 162 game season is a long season. And I agree with Mark that nothing should (will) happen the first three weeks. But what I object to is that it seems that the current regime looks at the first three weeks as a continuation of ST . Except these games count, and finding your team 10 games below .500 in May is not a good way to start the season. They weren’t supposed to last year, and yet they did. The Dodgers have used 42 pitchers this Spring. I would like to see them use no more than 15 over the next 10 games (not including get away day which always includes MiLB pitchers). The time for experimentation is over. It is time to get ready for the season. Now. Not April 1.
I like pulling for Stewart and Schultz because like Jansen and Baez were not originally pitchers. Stewart was a shortstop and Schultz starred in multiple sports before committing to baseball.
All last year I wanted to trade high on Muncy and he wound up proving me wrong until he didn’t. Now, for me, it is whether I would rather watch Verdugo in RF and Belli at 1B or Muncy at 1B and Belli at RF. I think the Dodgers really want Belli in RF and therefore will be patient with Muncy.
The majority of Pederson’s strike outs came in his first 20 PA’s. He has been making consistent contact in his last 20 PA’s. Colletti on yesterday’s telecast said most players need 50 PA’s to get ready for the season and less for guys like Turner.
I still think the Reds trade is terrible. Dodgers got nothing. In the last few years they given away Peraza, Schebler, etc. For nothing. That is one of the worst trades ever. Giving Puig, Kemp . Above average hitters and Kemp is an RBI machine. For nothing. Kemp had 85 Rbi , joc had 56 and played almost the same. It was a stupid trade. We got nothing in return and we are weaker now. Puig is better than Pollock and has produce more in his career. Idiot move. Kemp played well enough. What they needed to do was fire Roberts and all his coaching staff and of course at least Zaidi is gone. Also i do not agree with putting young coaches who have not even played in MLB or been good baseball players.
Your perspective is backed by the Dodgers back-to-back World Series appearances. The odds of getting back to the WS three times in a row are sizable with or without the players you refer to. We all are just going to have to wait and see how the season plays out before we will have a better analysis of the trades with the Reds.
Thank you for your respectful and well out thought comment. I agree.
Some great ingredients for a moronic argument:
This troika:
RBIs, Peraza and Schebler.
Laughable hyperbole:
“one of the worst trades ever”
Horrible grammer:
“has produce more”
“and of course at least Zaidi is gone”
Let’s have more from Carlos!
Listen you racist. I speak 2 languages. I am sure you barely speak english sir. With all due respect i have freedom of speech. If you do not like the comment i am sorry you get Offended. You are just resented. Matt Kemp and Puig have been one of the best OF in Dodgers History. Is a fact. And Peraza is a very good player now. These trades with Reds have been just dumb. So Do not be Ignorant Bluto. If you do not like it that is your problem and do not take personal attacks here . Each person is entitled to their opinion sir and i challenge you any day to talk and debate but with respect because you clearly have none and are just dumb.
The only moron here is named Bluto. Just by your name it shows you are a moron.
What a great statement from MORONIC Bluto. Make your comment without replying to me with your sarcastic dumb comment. Ignorant
Don’t let anybody push your buttons Carlos. We could all see Bluto’s comments and already agreed or disagreed with them.
Hi Carlos,
Ignore Bluto. Zaidi being gone is a great thing. I too don’t like Roberts, but the Dodgers do, so they will either win or let him lose another World Series 🙂
I am wondering if Muncy had a little injury that he was playing through, because he is not in the line up again today.
Taylor is in the line up again today, but that is not surprising, because he is going to have to fill in for Corey, until Corey is ready.
And Kike is probably going to play second because of that, although Kiké has earned that right up to now too, so I don’t know how anyone could suggest anything differently, when it comes to Kiké and Taylor.
I am not surprised Barnes came to spring training ready to hit, because that is the type of guy he is, and he was never able to get on track last year.
The Dodgers have showed some confidence with Barnes, and that goes a long way with a player.
But there are still players that are not adjusting in these different situations in games, and those are the players that concern me more.
Apparently, Muncy has hurt his wrist. It is one of those day to day type injuries.
I agree you have to keep throwing CT3 out there. The team is better if he gets right. But if the season started today, I would seriously consider Brad Miller in the utility role. If Corey is out, I would strongly consider Daniel Castro to start at SS until Corey is ready. With 10 games to go, the Dodgers have too many sub Mendoza line regulars on the roster. It is time for the regulars to get serious.
AC
I was only stating what I thought Roberts was doing with Taylor, because I don’t think Corey is going to be ready for opening day, from what I have read, and heard.
But I didn’t hear about Muncy having a sore wrist, so I could be wrong, and thank you for mentioning Muncy’s sore wrist.
But that certainly is not good news about Muncy, because wrists are usually not something that heals quickly, and he is going to need some at bats, to get on track.
If Muncy is not ready by opening day, won’t Brad Miller have to be on the major league roster?
I totally agree with you, they can’t wait until opening day, to try to turn themselves around.
I don’t think this team has the luxury of carrying one player on the team that is not producing, like we have in the past, let alone a few players.
I would consider everything you said, about Kershaw, and the other starters, and Miller, if things don’t start to change quickly.
Bluto
I don’t know this for sure, but you might keep in mind that English might be Carlos’s second language.
I thought about that MJ.
And wondered:
1. If that really is anything to consider.
2. If true, should people who are more facile in other languages post in those tongues? Why should the burden be n the poster?
3. There are many, many tools available online to enhance grammar in a click or two.
Bluto
You have to remember not everyone is as good as you, at accessing those different tools, that you talked about.
And because of that, for some that might be a long drawn out process.
I know that might be hard for you to believe, but that is probably because you excell more then most, in this area.
All I am saying, isn’t more about context then content?
Bluto, if you are going to criticize a persons grammar wouldn’t it be smart to use good grammar yourself?
Only Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion.
This is not about English. I posted this from a phone. So sorry Mrs Bluto you got so offended and are Mr Grammar know when you can even post a proper name. Look at the comment and is the idea i wanted to post. I will be more careful with my grammar and i speak English just fine. But this had nothing to do with grammar. I am sure you barely passed high School or even played baseball. But that is okay.
I can also speak 2 languages, and English is not my native language, but I can understand, what I can not understand is why there are people who criticize the language, at least Carlos and I can speak in English (Me, with some errors) Can any of you speak in Spanish?
This is why I don’t post too much, because I am not good with this language, but at least I try…..
This blog is about baseball, this blog is about dodgers …. And fans of dodgers are all over the world, in many countries, in many languages! Who cares about the language? We all want the same: Seeing our beloved Dodgers team as champion!
OK, everyone stop the personal attacks. Just stop!
Thanks for chiming in, Mark. Let’s not degrade each other or the blog.
I will be more careful next time posting and watching the grammar and Expressing my opinion because if it is not what Bluto thinks or likes he will get upset. Sorry everyone !!! I guess Free Speech is not allowed on this Forum or having a spanish name.
Yes, definitely about a Spanish first name.
Sorry if I was inappropriate.
Very sorry.
But RBIs?!?!?!?!?
Dude, stop with the race card. Maybe it was your complete negativity that drew Bluto’s ire. Criticizing your grammar is a low blow. Most people on this site don’t write for a living. But, when you talk about Schebler and Peraza like they are guys that got away, it’s hard not to attract negative comments. Puig was perhaps my favorite player, but he was a pain in the ass, no loved lost. To say that Pollock isn’t as good as Puig can be debated either way. Pollock, is better than Puig when healthy and can play CF which gives the Dodgers more flexibility. Plus, he’s signed for several years now and Puig was gonna walk next year anyways. With Kemp, you’re living in the past my friend. He’s one of the worst defensive outfielders in baseball. Another idiot like Puig, Kemp would have been an MVP if he wasn’t so stupid, ruining his shoulder then his ankle, both on stupid plays. Both self inflicted.
So, keep complaining about two of the dumbest players to ever don a Dodgers uniform and two other players that are bench pieces on playoff teams and you will have some not so nice comments. But, this has nothing to do with your race or color of your skin. Say stupid things and post as Tim, or Steve or Kevin and people will treat you the same.
Free speech is allowed. I value both of your opinions. Bluto crossed the line first, but two wrongs don’t make a right. Keep it civil.
A Spanish name is no problem. Stay around.
Thank Mr Timmons. I was just ranting. I got upset about Puig and Kemp Trade and did not expect that but i got a little like trump twitting back . So i apologize. Thanks Sir.
I doubt Bluto is a Trumpkin, but who cares? Let’s not go down that road.
Stay Carlos and feel free to voice your opinion. Bluto was a little snarky, and he’s annoyed me in the past, so it’s not just your English, but push back a little with wit rather than get upset. You earn respect that way….Did anyone ever see Gran Torino?…think the barbershop scene.
Would it be fair if I was critical of your original comment without bringing your grammar into it?
Bingo!
Come on people. He is not a racist.
I have an Indian name. Can I stay?
Sitting Bull?
more like sitting bullsh*t
Hill is locked in. I think he gets the opening day nod
I have a German name, a French nickname, maybe and have Indian blood. Also poor grammar, old with a broken leg and overweight in my old age to go along with fat fingers. So dump it on me all, I can take it!
I like tacos.
Jajajajajaj. Now i know why Grenkie and most of the team did not stand Puig anymore haha . Joking
Well you probably have a mind that thinks straight. But you might be constipated in your older age as it seems to be a symptom
Puig with a Granny. He may be the MVP this year!
Seriously! I wish him well, but we will be better without him and in 3 years watch for the guys they got for him.
Bluto sees that too, Carlos and it aggravates him, but we all have our opinions.
I used to be worse than him, but I have mellowed in my old age.
Let’s just all get along is my motto… and if we don’t, I’ll beat the hell out of someone! 😉
I agree with Mark, Carlos, I loved the hell out of Puig, but like Mark mentioned a few posts ago, something might not have been right in that clubhouse with Puig. I think if he was hitting like crazy, they would have overlooked some things (over throwing the cut-off guy and allowing a free base so he could try hosing the runner, not hustling down the first base line, then get thrown out going for 2). There was a great MLB piece on Puig a few days ago, and one of the things he mentioned was being free without being told what to do. The writer mentioned that Puig is now playing for a team that is TRYING to contend, which is a way different atmosphere than the Dodgers, who EXPECT to win every year. You are held to a different level of accountability, and that is the culture that has been built here the last 3 or 4 years, which is great for us fans. Heard a great comment from Bumgarner of all people earlier this spring, and he said “When we play those guys they show up ready to go every game. They don’t take a play off “. I think Puig, once again one of my favorite players, starting getting tired of “throwing in for good of the team”, especially when he wasn’t playing everyday, and it really disappointed me when he said he didn’t try his hardest last year. I DO wish him well, like Mark, but I also think we will be a tighter ship going forward. On a last note, during that article , the writer noticed that Puig was the loudest guy in the Reds clubhouse, and some of the players love it right now, but how will that play out over 162 games when they aren’t doing so hot? We shall all see.
Roger i think Puig apart from Clubhouse issues has also bad Grammar (Joke ) !! I think last 2 years seemed to be getting along with guys and was feeling like a veteran but i think well i do not agree with all the stupidity on his social media and that he likes attention and also that ESPN cover and all the attention he got for wrong reasons sometimes and i agree with what you said. As much as i wanted to like him and he did played hard sometimes and i like how he came up big with couple big Home runs on the Post Season but also could drive you crazy sometimes as he was not consistent and put up huge numbers he could have posted. So if you put it that way i agree. I think i liked how Kemp cameback and was having a great season and i know he fell off on the second part but was more of a true Dodger than Puig . So i wish we had left Kemp one more year as i think he is good average guy and run producer and i think he had a good season overall. I know defense is bad now but is not like Joc is a Gold Glover and i do not see Joc yet as a Run Producer or consistent player. But well you make a good point. Puig i think just had too much energy for the wrong reasons and like you said when he was going good he played with a lot of passion and last couple of Postseasons showed up and came through sometimes and liked the big stage but when team was going bad or he was not playing he was moody and did not care sometimes. But yes i think they just got tired of his act and was too much distraction and numbers were decent but not great like they could have been for the talent and potential. He does sell tickets and can be entretaining to watch but also frustrating but he had a much better postseason than Machado and many others. I wont miss Grandal, I wont miss Wood. But Wild Horse and Bison were fun to watch. Overall Matt Kemp has had a greater career and Puig has not come close to having a season like Matt Kemp had in 2011 and others with Dodgers just in his rookie season and first half of 2014 and last couple of seasons were decent but not what was expected. Well i was upset they did not get Harper but now i am glad they did not sign him.
Roger likes everyone. Roger is just plain a nice man.
I have to admit this place is entertaining when we are occasionally being nasty to each other 😉
Not when you are the receiving end most of the time 🙂
I almost wonder if the Dodgers would rather have Miller on the team than Joc. Joc is fine as a 3.5th OF but Verdugo looks capable of doing that exact job. I assume we’ll see CT3 in LF against LHPs and assuming Kikè will be at 2B, that leaves just Freese and the back-up catcher as reserves. Even though he is valuable as depth. Miller also fits this roster pretty well as an Utley replacement with more versatility. Wouldn’t it be something if we replaced nearly our entire starting OF from last year? Joc/Kemp/Puig to Verdugo/Pollock/Bellinger. AAA OF looks to be a little light. Maybe we’ll play Rios in LF full-time. It’s clear LF is an open position with nobody outright claiming it.
Joc has hit .375 since going 1 for 21 to open spring games. In his last last 16 at bats he has 2 home runs, 4 doubles, and 6 RBIs. Every once in a while I have to defend the guy.
If you could add Verdugo’s Batting Average to Joc’s OPS, you would have an All-Star. Unfortunately, we have two more Scheblers, or Perazas. Actually, Joc and Verdugo are both slightly better than Schebler and Peraza. Joc’s 2.3 WAR in 385 ABs beats Peraza’s 2.3 in 632 ABs. Schebler has less than half of Pederson’s 2.3 WAR in the same number of ABs.
You hear that Carlos? Have you seen the stats? Where is Schebler and Peraza gonna play when they’re both worse than the worst guy on the team?
I like Joc and I think Joc is perfectly adequate for what he’s asked to do. However, he’s Arb. Year 2 now and is making $5m. He’ll get a raise next year then be a FA in 2021. Have to think we’re thinking of replacing him and Verdugo happens to play the same position. Verdugo lacks the power and experience but could be a better overall player. I don’t think we will trade him [Joc] because we would be too thin afterwards, but I do think we’re looking for ways to move past him fairly soon. Even if he has a big year, he’d be in Puig’s shoes now. Pending FA on a team doesn’t want to commit to him.
I believe the FO have already made their decision regarding Joc on the 25 man roster. Keep in mind, that Joc brings POWER and good defense, 2 things that are of high value to the FO. While I am not favorably disposed towards Joc, in general, it would take a miracle for Verdugo to displace him or Joc not making the roster. Having said this, I still think Joc is not a leadoff hitter but I don’t think the FO hold the leadoff spot in the same regard as the old timers.
I think that was a fair question from Palmdale.
And I think both Palmdale and 59 summed this up well.
How many of those hits from Joc were when a runner was on base, or scoring position?
That has only happened once.
Because he has hit 3 HRs, and he hit in three runs with his double the other day, and that is his 6 RBIs.
Where is the adjustment?
I know at times Joc has lead off, but that doesn’t mean Joc leads off the rest of the game.
I do know Verdugo has gotten more hits in these situations.
But since I don’t know how many opportunities he has had, I can’t say if his number’s are good in those situations either.
But I do know Verdugo has the right approach in these situations.
But 59 summed it up best, when he said both Joc and Verdugo combined, would be an all star player.
Palmdale is right about Verdugo probably being better in the field too.
And Friedman did say part of the reason he got rid of Puig, was because he didn’t want to pay a player that much, that isn’t producing against lefties.
And that is what Palmdale is pointing out about Joc, and his pending FA.
Just like Kike and Taylor, some are Kike guys, and some are CT3 guys, myself included. You can make good cases on both side of Kike/Taylor, Verdugo/Pederson. Give the everyday day job to the guy that’s producing more. The longer you produce, the longer to tolerate a slump. But, if you’re not performing, give it back to the other guy. Right now, Kike looks like he earned the job, but Taylor knows that Spring isn’t over and he’s starting to get going. Verdugo has made more consistent contact, but Joc has the walks and power, same ole story. Maybe Verdugo is a better fielder, but it isn’t like Joc’s a bad outfielder either. Right now, it’s a tossup for me, but neither of them look comfortable leading off.
I think that is a very fair observation.
I personally think we should have our four best hitters, hitting 1 through 4.
Because although we may think the lead off hitter’s main job is to get on base.
Lead off hitters come up more then you think, when runners are on base, and in scoring position.
And because a lead off hitter is going to get more at bats, then anyone on the team, I still believe we should have a pretty good hitter, that can hit in these situations, in the lead off position.
And if that hitter has speed too, that is another plus.
I hope you had a good weekend too.
MJ,
Do you think Joc is amongst the four best hitters on our team? I don’t.
Whether he bats leadoff or comes up to bat when runners are on base, the odds are against him for hits.
Speed? Almost non existent. He has been caught stealing more times than succeeding in his career.
If that is not enough, he cannot hit well against LHP!!
Verdugo is still an unknown quantity in the MLB. He has never played an extended season. Will his success translate to the pro game? No one can answer this with certainty aside from our likes and dislikes. The deciding factor will be the FO. If they want to gamble on Verdugo being more than a backup, it will be out of character for them to do so. I would think they would be out of their comfort level with Verdugo as an everyday starter. Joc has been their boy. They know what they will be getting and to Joc’s credit, he has improved his standing last year. His BB’s & HR’s have raised his OPS and value. He doesn’t SO like Taylor, Muncy, and Belli. But he’s done nothing to improve against LHP. This was also one of the problems with Puig. Verdugo’s sample size is small, but he is showing less ability against LHP, too.
With Muncy not hitting, Verdugo might get his chance in RF with Belli moving back to 1B. There are some big ifs facing the positional players this season. There are some questions that have not been answered and this could mean poor calculation on the part of the FO not to mention Seager’s status and recovery.