While the Dodgers have two first round picks and 3 picks in the first 78 selections on Monday, the DBacks can go a long way to re-establish themselves with this draft. The DBacks own seven of the first 75 selections this year: their regular picks in the first (No. 16 overall) and second (No. 56) rounds, a compensation first-rounder (No. 26) for failing to sign 2018 first-rounder Matt McLain, two more compensation first-rounders (Nos. 33 and 34) for the loss of free agents Patrick Corbin and A.J. Pollock, a pick in Competitive Balance Round B (No. 74) and another (No. 77) received from the Cardinals in the Paul Goldschmidt trade. Thus the DBacks get seven picks before the Dodgers get three,
This year’s draft is considered weak in comparison to prior years. There are no can’t miss college pitchers, and while the overwhelming consensus of the top two players, Oregon State catcher Adley Rutschman, and high school SS Bobby Witt Jr. are considered elite prospects, the quality then drops to very good for the next 30 or so players. Some of those will obviously go on to have AS careers (as will those in later rounds), there just is no Casey Mize or Mackenzie Gore type talent in this group.
One of my favorite overall drafts was the 2017 draft with Royce Lewis, Hunter Greene, MacKenzie Gore, and Brendan McKay going 1-4 and still considered elite. Keston Hiura, Jordan Adell, Shane Baz, JB Bukauskas, Alex Faedo, and Heliot Ramos were all taken before pick #2, and all are considered potential perennial AS. They have to prove it still, but the talent is undeniable.
While the talent evaluators are so-so on the talent in this year’s draft, the Dodgers’ Billy Gasparino is enthusiastic about the talent that is expected to be available when they select. That is because after the first several picks, the talent is fairly evenly disbursed and the Dodgers figure to get comparable picks compared to the other teams. It’s now who will they select with those picks. Will it be a Walker Buehler or a Jeren Kendall or another JT Ginn.
For the particulars for those draft hungry fans (baseball nerds like me):
Here are the broadcast details for Day 1 of the 2019 MLB draft:
• Date: Monday, June 3
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• TV: MLB Network
• Streaming: MLB.com
• Picks: 1-78 (Rounds: 1st, Supplemental 1st, Competitive Balance A, 2nd, Competitive Balance B, Supplemental 2nd)
• The draft continues with Rounds 3-10 on Tuesday, June 4, and concludes with Rounds 11-40 on Wednesday, June 5. Days 2 and 3 will be streamed live on MLB.com. There will be four minutes between picks in Round 1, and one minute between picks from the supplemental first round through the 10th round. Day 3 is a rapid-fire conference call with one pick after another.
2019 Draft order:
- Orioles (47-115)
- Royals (58-104)
- White Sox (62-100)
- Marlins (63-98)
- Tigers (64-98)
- Padres (66-96)
- Reds (67-95)
- Rangers (67-95)
- Braves (compensation for unsigned 2018 first-rounder Carter Stewart)
- Giants (73-89)
- Blue Jays (73-89)
- Mets (77-85)
- Twins (78-84)
- Phillies (80-82)
- Angels (80-82)
- D-backs (82-80)
- Nationals (82-80)
- Pirates (82-79)
- Cardinals (88-74)
- Mariners (89-73)
- Braves (90-72)
- Rays (90-72)
- Rockies (91-72)
- Indians (91-71)
- Dodgers (92-71)
- D-backs (compensation for unsigned 2018 first-rounder Matt McLain)
- Cubs (95-68)
- Brewers (96-67)
- Athletics (97-65)
- Yankees (100-62)
- Dodgers (compensation for unsigned 2018 first-rounder J.T. Ginn)
- Astros (103-59)
- Red Sox (108-54)
2019 Draft Bonus Pool:
- Diamondbacks – $16,093,7002
- Orioles — $13,821,300
- Royals – $13,108,000
- Marlins — $13,045,000
- White Sox — $11,565,500
- Braves — $11,532,200
- Rangers — $11,023,100
- Padres — $10,758,900
- Tigers — $10,402,500
- Rays — $10,333,800
- Pirates — $9,944,000
- Twins — $9,905,800
- Reds — $9,528,600
- Giants — $8,714,500
- Blue Jays — $8,463,300
- Mets — $8,224,600
- Dodgers — $8,069,100
- Angels — $7,608,700
- Mariners — $7,559,000
- Yankees — $7,455,300
- Rockies — $7,092,300
- Cardinals — $6,903,500
- Phillies — $6,475,800
- Indians — $6,148,100
- Nationals — $5,979,600
- Cubs — $5,826,900
- Athletics — $5,605,900
- Astros — $5,355,100
- Brewers — $5,148,200
- Red Sox — $4,788,100
Both Baseball America (Top 500) and MLB Pipeline (Top 200) have a top prospect lists in addition to mock drafts. Both publications have the same players in the top ten with only the 5th and 6th and 9th and 10th players different. The top 10 prospects are:
Adley Rutschman – Catcher – Oregon State
Bobby Witt Jr. – SS – HS
Andrew Vaughn – 1B – Cal
CJ Abrams – SS – HS
JJ Bleday – OF – Vanderbilt
Riley Greene – OF – HS
Hunter Bishop – OF – Arizona State
Nick Lodolo – RHP – TCU
Bryson Stott – SS – UNLV
Shea Langeliers – Catcher – Baylor
Both publications also agree on 9 of the 10 in picks 11-20 in some order. The differences begin to become somewhat more noticed after pick 20.
The well-established Mock drafts fairly resemble the two publications prospect list. Almost all of the drafts have the first 10, with some having Alek Manoah over Nick Lodolo for the first pitcher selected at #7 (Reds), and Langeliers dropping down into 11-20 in most mock drafts. A couple have Stott dropping down to around #13.
Top Draft Prospects:
- RHP – College – Alex Manoah, Jackson Rutledge, George Kirby, Seth Johnson, Matt Centerino, Isaiah Campbell
- RHP – HS – Matthew Allen, Brennan Malone, Quinn Priester, Daniel Espino, Jack Leiter, JJ Goss
- LHP – College – Nick Lodolo, Zach Thompson, Ethan Small
- LHP – HS – Hunter Barco, Blake Walston
- SS – College – Bryson Stott, Logan Davidson, Will Wilson, Braden Shewmake, Brady McConnell
- SS – HS – Bobby Witt Jr., C. J. Abrams, Gunnar Henderson, Brooks Lee, Matthew Lugo
- OF – College – JJ Bleday, Hunter Bishop, Kameron Misner, Matt Wallner
- OF – HS – Riley Greene, Corbin Carroll, Maurice Hampton, Sammy Siani
- 1B – College – Andrew Vaughn, Michael Busch, Logan White
- 3B – College – Josh Jung, Kody Hoese, Davis Wendzel
- 3B – HS – Brett Baty, Keoni Cavaco, Tyler Callihan, Rece Hinds
- C – College – Adley Rutschman, Shea Langeliers
- 2B – College – Chase Strumph
Who will the Dodgers take? It his highly inconceivable that any of the top 15-20 players will be around for pick #25. Billy Gasparino looks for the best pick at that spot. Sometimes they look at positions, but mostly it is their view of the best pick, generally with the highest ceiling. Other teams draft on need. Since we do not have access to the Dodgers board we have no idea how they rate certain players. I believe that Gasparino was surprised to see Jeren Kendall drop to them, and regardless as to how it may have turned out, it was the smart pick. Kendall was supposed to be a top 10 pick. But fool me once shame on you, fool me twice…That is why I am not excited for the Dodgers to select Kameron Misner, Missouri OF, who is seemingly in a free fall (similar to Jeren Kendall), from a top 10 level. Gasparino loves SEC players and Misner is one who has previously displayed tools, but with strikeout concerns. At some point the Dodgers have to realize that they cannot “fix” all power hitters prone to strikeouts. I will be disappointed if the Dodgers select Misner as I was with Kendall. But I also recognize that Gasparino and his staff have forgotten more about evaluating talent than I will ever know. So I trust the process.
As of Saturday AM, here are what some of the top publications mock draft selections for the Dodgers:
Baseball America – Pick #25 – Quinn Priester RHP (HS) – Pick #31 Brennan Malone RHP (HS)
MLB Pipeline (Jim Callis/Jonathan Mayo) – #25 Daniel Espino RHP (HS) # 31 Brady McConnell SS (Florida)
FanGraphs – #25 Daniel Espino – #31 Kyle Stowers OF (Stanford), Spencer Jones 1B/OF
Keith Law (ESPN) – #25 Gunnar Henderson SS (HS) – #31 Kameron Misner OF (Missouri)
Bleacher Report – #25 Gunnar Henderson – #31 Kameron Misner
CBS Sports – #25 Daniel Espino – #31 Keoni Cavaco 3B (HS)
Beyond The Box Score – #25 Kody Hoese 3B (Tulane) – JJ Goss RHP (HS)
David Hood players to watch:
Quinn Priester – RHP (HS)
Drey Jameson – RHP (Ball State)
Rece Hinds – 3B (HS)
Ethan Small – LHP (Mississippi State)
Brady McConnell – SS (Florida)
Matt Wallner – OF (Southern Mississippi)
Bryce Osmond – RHP (HS) – Two-way HS player who needs to concentrate on pitching
Hood 2nd round Picks:
Dustin Nosler Big Board – Who Dustin thinks will be available for the Dodgers when they select:
Daniel Espino – RHP (HS)
Brennan Malone – RHP (HS)
Maurice Hampton – OF (HS)
Gunnar Henderson – SS (HS)
Keoni Cavaco – 3B (HS)
Quinn Priester – RHP (HS)
Kody Hoese – 3B (Tulane)
Brooks Lee – SS (HS)
George Kirby – RHP (Elon)
JJ Goss – RHP (HS)
Kameron Misner – OF (Missouri)
Seth Johnson – RHP (Campbell)
Noah Song – RHP (Naval Academy)
Blake Walston – LHP (HS)
One intriguing prospect – Noah Song RHP (Naval Academy) –
MLB Pipeline scouting report – Two pitchers from the U.S. Naval Academy, Mitch Harris and Oliver Drake, have pitched in the big leagues and the pair, while talented, provide a cautionary tale for teams trying to figure out if they should draft Song. The right-hander is having an extraordinary senior year and belongs in top-three-round consideration based on his talent, but it should be noted that it took Harris and Drake nearly seven years to make it all the way to the Majors.
Song has a legitimate starting pitcher profile coming from a 6-foot-4 frame. He’ll get his fastball consistently up to 96 mph and maintains that velocity throughout his starts, with the only drawback being that it can be a little straight at times. He gets a lot of swings and misses with his above-average slider and some feel that his curveball could be good enough to do the same if he were to throw it more. He can mix in a solid changeup as well and has done a much better job throwing strikes this year. He does have a little bit of an inverted elbow in the back of his delivery, which might cause some of the inconsistencies with his curve, but overall has not kept him from being very effective.
The big question mark is about Song’s required two-year military service before he potentially could join a Major League organization and the current policy is to not let potential professional athletes forego that requirement (the Air Force’s Griffin Jax was able to join the Twins before that rule was changed). So any team interested in Song’s considerable upside will be rolling the dice.
My hopes: – If none of the top 20 bats fall down to #25, then HS RHP (in this order) – Brennan Malone, JJ Goss, Daniel Espino, Quinn Priester. I do not expect that they will take back to back HS players unless Keoni Cavaco is available (not likely). The cost cost be prohibitive. I would move Priester up except for the forearm tendinitis as a junior. But I would not be disappointed. I would not be surprised if they selected any of the college SS that may be available – Logan Davidson, Will Wilson, Braden Shewmake, and Brady McConnell. Gasparino prefers college players over HS. I would not be surprised with the FanGraphs prediction of Espino and Stowers or Misner. That looks like a Billy Gasparino draft. My sentimental favorite is JJ Goss. There is something about Texas HS pitchers.
We will know who the first three Dodger draft selections are by Monday night. Until then, enjoy the draft. I know I will.
Minor League Report by AC
It was a great night for the Dodgers affiliates not playing in the Dominican. It was particularly a fantastic night for the pitchers and power hitters.
OKC Dodgers 8 – Memphis Redbirds 1 (Cardinals)
Rocky Gale hit his 1st HR to open the scoring in the 3rd inning. The Redbirds countered with a HR of their own to tie the score. In the 5th with 1 out, Jake Peter walked, Angelo Mora (3) and Rocky Gale (3) each hit RBI doubles, before Drew Jackson hit a 2 run HR (4) for a 4-run lead. The Dodgers added a run in the 6th, and with a single and two RBI doubles by Zach Reks (5) and Shane Peterson (7) finished the scoring for the Dodgers.
The Dodgers did not need much as Mitch White took the hill to start the game, and he pitched very well. He gave up the HR in the third for the only run scored by Memphis. White allowed 3 other singles. He did have 3 walks but struck out 9 Redbirds in 5.2 innings. Caleb Ferguson followed White in the 6th to finish the inning with another K. Since he has been optioned, Ferguson has struck out all 4 batters he has faced and pitched in back to back games. Adam McCreery pitched the 7th and got three Ks. Stetson Allie pitched the 8th and Justin Grimm pitched the 9th and also recorded 3 Ks. 16 Redbirds went down on strikes.
Tulsa Drillers 4 – Arkansas Travelers (2) Seattle
The Travelers outhit the Drillers 10 to 7, but the Drillers scored the most runs. In the 2nd inning after a walk, DJ Peters hit his 1st triple of the season and came home on an error for a 2-0 lead. Ben Holmes surrendered a solo HR of his own, and Chris Nunn allowed an unearned run in the 6th to tie. Logan Landon hit his 3rd HR to take a 3-2 lead in the 7th, and Zach McKinstry hit his 6th in the 8th for an insurance run. Cristian Santana and McKinstry each had 2 hits.
Holmes started and went the first 5, surrendering only the one run on 8 hits. He did allow 2 walks t go with 3 Ks. Chris Nunn allowed only the unearned run in his 1.0 IP. Yordy Cabrera and Marshall Kasowski pitched the final 3 innings to preserve the victory. Kasowski registered his 2nd save.
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 7 – Inland Empire 66ers 2 (Angels)
Leo Crawford started for the Quakes and went a very strong 6.2 innings. He did not allow a run. He surrendered 4 hits with no walks and 8 strikeouts. Bryan Warzak relieved Crawford and finished the 7th inning. In the 8th inning, Bryan allowed two runs on 3 walks and 1 hit. Connor Strain came on in the 9th to close it out.
In the bottom of the first inning, Marcus Chiu led off with a single which was followed by a 2-run HR by Devin Mann (8). In the third, with one out, Devin Mann singled and Jeter Downs stepped in to slug another 2-run HR, his 8th. Connor Wong followed with his 10th HR for a 5-0 lead. In the 6th, a walk, groundout/throwing error, a single by Brayan Morales scored one, and a single by Marcus Chiu and the second throwing error of the night scored Morales for the second run. The 66ers scored their 2 runs in the 7th to cut the lead to 5.
Great Lakes Loons 11 – Fort Wayne TinCaps 0 (Padres)
In a merciful rain shortened game with 2 outs in the Loons top half of the 8th, Loons put up 11 runs on 10 hits, five for extra bases. For the second consecutive game, the Loons put up a pair of 4 run innings. In the 1st inning, Miguel Vargas led off with his 1st HR of the season. After a Jacob Amaya walk and a Dillon Paulson single, Jair Camargo hit an RBI double. There was a ground out to score the third run, and the 4th came home on a fielding error. In the 4th inning with 2 outs, Chris Roller and Miguel Vargas singled, and Jacob Amaya walked to load the bases. Dillon Paulson then hit a grand slam, his 7th HR of the year. Jair Camargo also hit a 2-run HR in the 3rd, his 4th of the season. Camargo (7) and Amaya (15) each hit doubles. Paulson had 3 hits, and Miguel Vargas and Jair Camargo each had 2.
While the offense was superb, the pitching was outstanding. LHP John Rooney started and went 5 shutout innings. He gave up 4 hits and 2 walks to go with his 6 Ks. Guillermo Zuniga pitched 2 scoreless and hitless innings. He did not surrender a walk but did have 3 Ks.
DSL Dodgers Bautista 1 – DSL Braves 2
Both highly regarded catcher, Diego Cartaya, and RHP, Jerming Rosario, made their professional debuts on Saturday. Cartaya went 0-3 with a walk, while Rosario pitched 3.0 innings without allowing a run. He did allow 3 hits but issued no walks and registered 4 Ks. Rafael Tua followed Rosario and pitched two innings surrendering a 2 run HR for the only Braves runs. Andrew Budier and Jesus Turizo finished for the Dodgers without allowing a run on three hits and one walk combined.
Offensively, the Dodgers put together two singles and a Luis Yan double.
DSL Dodgers Shoemaker6 – DSL Pirates 10
The Pirates scored 4 unearned runs off the Dodgers’ 6th pitcher of the game, Frankelyn Feliz, for the difference in the game. 7 pitchers went to the hill for the Dodgers, and three of them pitched well enough to not allow any runs. Carlos De Avila pitched 2.0 innings with 3 hits, Raidel Chacon went 1.1 innings with no runs and no hits, Isaac Rodriguez pitched 1.0 inning with 1 hit and 1 walk.
Today was also the professional debut for the third big member of the 2018-2019 international class, 3B Alex De Jesus. Although De Jesus played SS on Saturday. The Dodgers slugged 4 doubles; 1 by 2B Hector Martinez, 1 by Alex De Jesus, and 2 by DH Marlon Cairo. Hector Martinez also added a triple. Martinez and Cairo had 3 hits while RF Rushentin Tomsjansen had 2.
AC has been working on this since Christmas.
Wow! This is the best authority of the draft anywhere.
What a very comprehensive piece.
Excellently written as always.
Another good win last night.
Not sure what will happen with Wil now?
He looks like he belongs.
Great summary AC! Other than what I have read on line, I don’t know squat about any of the players (other than I have seen Strumpf play one game). However, based on what I have read, the FanGraphs and CBS mocks would be very nice selections for the Dodgers. I like Malone as well. Strumpf would be a nice selection at #78 or later.
Still excited about last nights game. What a moment for Will Smith!
It’s hard to get too excited with low first round picks in a bad draft class, but anything can happen. I like that they draft talent over need, hope we hit a home run…
Speaking of home runs! I don’t know what’s better, hitting a home run in your first AB, or hitting a walk off as your first home run. So far, so good for the Will Smith era. The kid has been awesome so far. To work back from a 1-2 hole in the ninth to go 3-2 and put his bat on a nasty splitter to win the game! Oh my!!! The kid looks equally comfortable behind the dish as he does in the box. Wow!!!
I’m a little worried about Urias in the short term, could something be distracting him? I think in the long term he’ll be back to normal, just needs to get a little further away from the “incident”. MLB needs to call “case closed” and let everyone move on.
Not a bad outcome considering JT has sat out these first two games of the series and that the Phillies kept Joc on the bench for most of the night. We’re gonna see more of that especially when we keep hitting Taylor and Kike in the meat of the order against lefties. It’s impressive that we win, win, win, keep winning even when two of our best hitters are on the bench. Getting Pollock back to handle lefties is gonna be huge for us!
Get your brooms out for today’s game!
Wonder if it’s distraction or not being properly warmed up. He’s done it enough times to know the drill but he seems to get more in the groove as he is pitching in relief.
I was wondering that the last time we had the 4 relievers in one inning. They had Floro and Alexander warming together when Yimi was on the bump. When they went to Floro, Alexander sat down, only to be used a couple of batters later.
That is a grand slam AC. Thanks.
I expect Mark is keen on a name like Gunnar Henderson.
The consensus seems to be that the Dodgers will make a high school selection within the first two selections. Some suggest with the 31st pick securing a definite signee with the 25th pick.
Following the Loons game last night, Zuniga had eight pitches in an immaculate inning attempt. He threw a ball breaking it but followed up with another strike.
Great job AC! Especially enjoyed the summary of all the draft services. Now we wait until tomorrow to see how it all comes together. And of course, the announcement that we’ve signed Kimbrel 🙂
Smith just oozes confidence, and I mean that in only the best way. Both he and Beaty really don’t act at all like rookies. I’ve always favored Ruiz over Smith, but I’m beginning to have second thoughts based on what I’ve seen of Will. I was especially interested to see how complimentary Kershaw was. He was practically gushing.
When I saw the pitch Smith hit for the homer, I thought it looked like a really good pitch and Neris confirmed that after the game. All the more impressive that Smith could handle it and turn it into a walk-off.
Good points. High praise from Kershaw for a rookie catcher is the cake and that walk off was the cherry on top. Will’s main job is to handle the staff and so far so good. Seeing his batting line is enough to wow anyone. SSS of course, but most don’t light it up on their first call up.
I sure hope Kimbrel wants to win and inks a deal with us. I’m sure there’s gonna be a bunch of no ways, but you never know.
Thanks AC for the draft analysis. It is very exciting to anticipate a dodger draftee. It is also very sobering to realize the Dodgers will always have to wait their turn. The price of success.
It is also very exciting to know we have a young quality catcher on the horizon. He does look young. If he can hold his own offensively and provide great defense Barnes could be expendable. Smith definitely has a better arm. I could see smith and Ruiz platooning next year. Ruiz is a better lefty hitter. It will depend on how strong smith finishes and how far Ruiz can progress. Probably a long shot but I’m guessing the Dodgers are assessing this. It would be risky to move Barnes but it could depend on demand and return. If smith is ready defensively I’m ready because barnes offense doesn’t appear to be a deal breaker. Risky indeed and does not match the dodger depth profile as it might leave us exposed. If they were to do it AF would be showing tremendous confidence in smith.
Btw I would put John gant on the top of the list of relievers to pursue. Probably no way the cards let go of him but he is worth considering.
Best rookie catcher ever. Reminds me of Johnny Bench. Shoo in HOF. Seriously, if this is the least of the catching prospects, the dodgers have a treasure trove. And the best prospect, according to the scouts, is only 17 years old. Sell them dearly. Make the other teams pay up big time.
Pretty easy really-Martin finishes the season (barring serious injury) splitting time with Barnes and Smith goes back down until Sept. Next year Ruiz is at AAA while Barnes and Smith are splitting the duties with the big club all year. Barnes will still be cheap next year and will have value if they want to move him to make room for Ruiz in 2021. Smith getting to work with all the pitchers now is huge if they do call him back up in a pennant race. Smith is similar physically to Barnes but with a better arm, more speed and more power. He can also play 2B and some 3B so could stick as a 3rd C/bench piece instead of Beaty until AJ is ready to return but would be better off long term catching most every day back in AAA until Sept. Ruiz still needs to prove he can handle AAA pitching.
Vegas,
You are assuming that Martin will be out of the picture? I’m not so sure. He’s a good mentor, teammate, and can still catch and hit.
If Smith continues to make a showing like he has, do you really think Ruiz is a possibility to make the team? For me, all bets are off in this race.
After this draft the D-backs should have one of the best farm systems. The NL West is a tough division now, and will be even tougher in the future. The D-backs, Padres, and Rockies all look good going forward.
The thing with Kimbrel is he won a ring last year so I don’t think that’s a big motivation for him to sign a half year deal with us to win another. Someone will give him a multi year deal and it won’t be the Dodgers. Probably Atlanta
I swear Will Smith’s batting stance and swing reminds me of Buster Posey (granted he’s not supposed to be a Posey like offensive player), but they do look similar up there.
I didn’t watch yesterday, but apparently Kersh had some great stuff? Awesome to hear!
Bobby,
Kershaw is doing amazingly well. He’s still got all his stuff, just not the speed. He’s not mowing them down like he used to, but he’s pitching very, very, well. Taking him out of the game was questionable, but you know how Doc is. Full of Fear.
Just got back from Chesapeake Va. visiting a friend… Rather than going over to Va. Beach for some BBQ we ended up mingling with folks at the govt. building… I hope I never have to repeat that vigil again… My continued thoughts n prayers are with the families n friends of the slain…
OK – back to the Blue… I’m amazed how these kids look so prepared to be in the spotlight… From OKC to a packed Ravine is daunting… Kudos to the minor lg. mgr.’s and coaches… Having vets like Martin and Freese is a bonus…
Kudos to whoever mentioned Harper is probably mumbling to himself I coulda been on that side…
And also kudos to Bill Haselman who managed, coached and molded these kids into the players and good characters they are, preparing them for advancement. Hope we can keep him in the Dodger organization.
Looks like Cingrani is done for the year. He’s having shoulder surgery. That’s unfortunate for him and the team.
I predicted that when he had the latest setback.
Much better lineup today with Cory and Alex in the 3 and 5 holes around Cody. CT3 figured to be in there but batting 7th, as he has launched two dongs against Pavetta in the past and hit .500 off him. Nobody for the Phils has done much against Hill, just Cutch hitting .270 something in 17 AB’s. The ball carries well in day games at the Ravine, Hill has had problems with HR’s in the 1st inning sometimes but then settles down. If he has his breaking ball working it could be a blowout today. Get out the brooms and go for the sweep!
A lot of times I wonder if Roberts looks at OPS stats.
Last night he brings in Urias to pitch when the big bat coming up for Philly is Harper a left handed hitter. Baez has a 272 OPS against left handed hitters and Urias has a 945 OPS against left handed hitters. Home run Harper.
Also with Bellinger on first with nobody out he tries the steal instead of having Hernandez lay down a bunt. Keep in mind Hernandez OPS vs right handed pitching is 613 and he was facing a right hander. Bellinger will score on any ball hit through the infield from 2nd base.
The Dodgers won the game which is great and how they won it was great especially for Will Smith but…………………………..
I also wonder about OPS when the brain trust hits a guy like Beaty 5th behind Cody when he is dead last of every position player they could have put there in OPS and by a lot. The only position players who have had an AB that are lower than Beaty this year in OPS are Gale and Garlic at .000 (Small sample size, thank goodness!)
Some days, despite his age, Rich Hill is very good!! Not watching the game, but following on Gameday. He seems in complete control.
Man, classic Rich Hill. Love it when he can go 90 to 100 pitches and still not look like he’s stressed. Damn he looked good today.
Freese 1013 OPS vs right handed pitching coming into the game. Home run Freese.
Time for Baez to finish or Jansen the 9th.
Just had a report from Bleacher Report pop up on my phone that Cingrani is scheduled for season ending arthroscopic shoulder surgery on Wednesday.
A wasted day for Joc with 4 ground ball outs. That doesn’t upset me swinging at the 1st pitch with the bases loaded, especially since the pitcher just walked Turner, shows no patience. He also did that on his previous AB.
I meant to say: but swinging at the 1st pitch the bases loaded DOES upset me.
Joc drives me crazy with stuff like that.
Look at Alex doing what he needs to and drive in an insurance run!
And maybe Joc reasoned that after walking the previous hitter, the pitcher would be anxious, and just try to throw a strike. I have no problem with him swinging.
Was it a good pitch to swing at? If yes, then he did the right thing. Some people are always going to find fault whether it exists or not. Maybe Joc will do better in his next at bat.
Perfect game to use Kelly.
Even he can’t blow this one… Can he?
Joc is great in lower pressure situations.
And you are a fair weather fan of Joc.
Like the playoffs?
It is very cute and adorable how Mark is falling in love with Joc 🙂
Mark, I was thinking the same thing, and I guess so are most other people. And Joc just made it 8-0.
Even Kelly should have a problem blowing this one. At least I think so.
The Phillies came in with the second best record in the NL and a 3 game lead in their division and get swept. Maybe the Dodgers got lucky yesterday but the offense looked relentless today in the 8th. This team knows how to go for the knockout. They also keep getting better no matter what the lineup or batting order is and the bullpen is a lot less exposed when the starters go deeper. On to AZ where they are having a hard time winning lately.
Joc has come thru in big moments in the last 3 playoffs.
I’d trust Joc over a lot of other guys come October
Unlike Mark’s beloved Bellinger who was what? 1 for 23 in the last WS with 50 strike outs. Or Mark’s beloved Grandal who couldn’t catch a throw home in the post season and was benched?
Or the beloved Yu.
Anyone still think we need Abreau? Freese is now OPSing .999 and he is as clutch as they come. He seems to be fielding the 1B position pretty well too. Robbie Ray goes tomorrow, he has owned them in the past. Big test against a quality LHP, with Buehler going for the Blue. Doc says Smith is going back down as soon as Barnes is ready and Beaty stays, I think that was the right call-for now. I keep waiting for Lux to be promoted to AAA, curious to see how he handles the jump in class.
No on Abreau.
I don’t like the word clutch. Freese OPS stats explain it all.
I’ve been wondering for awhile why Freese doesn’t play everyday at 1B. Muncy looks good at 2B. Of course Turner at 3B. Seager needs to be platooned at SS with that 569 OPS vs left handers, Taylor or Hernandez there. Bellinger in RF. Verdugo in CF. I know I will get blowback for this but I’m a fan of Joc Peterson playing everyday in LF. Catcher is a complicated position so I’m not going to touch that.
NO NO NO
Future Dodgers took a stab at a mock:
Round 1, Pick 25: Brennan Malone, Prep RHP (North Carolina commit)
ALTERNATE PICK: GUNNAR HENDERSON, PREP SS/3B (AUBURN COMMIT)
There’s been really strong buzz for a while now on the Dodgers popping a prep arm with one of their first two picks, and the two guys they’ve been connected to the most are Malone and Daniel Espino. Both would fit here, but I chose Malone because I think they’ll like his size and projection over Espino’s, and Espino has been inconsistent this spring. Matt Allan, Quinn Priester, JJ Goss, and Blake Walston have also been mocked to the Dodgers, but I don’t see Priester or Allan falling this far, and most have Malone over Goss and Walston. Henderson has been rumored here as well, but he’s also got interest from clubs in the teens, as high up as the Phillies at pick fourteen.
Round 1, Pick 31: Braden Shewmake, Texas A&M SS/2B
ALTERNATE PICK: DREY JAMESON, BALL ST RHP
In addition to the prep arms, the Dodgers have also been linked to tons of college bats, including Kody Hoese, Will Wilson, Kameron Misner, Brady McConnell, and others. Shewmake is my favorite of that group of college bats, as I think he’ll grow into more power, which will compliment his already plus approach and bat. Even if he needs to move off shortstop, he could benefit the Dodgers as an offensively focused second or third baseman. Jameson would be a money saver at this pick, and in the scenario that they take Henderson or another bat, I’d think they’d go with a pitcher with the other pick.
Competitive Balance Round B, Pick 78: Ryan Pepiot, Butler RHP
ALTERNATE PICK, FRESNO ST RHP RYAN JENSEN
Pepiot is built like a starter and has good spin rate numbers, which the Dodgers value highly. Jensen is a smaller pitcher with big velocity, without any outstanding secondaries right now. Pepiot had gotten some first round buzz in the past but it appears he won’t go quite that high. He still could go in the early second round, but if he lasts this far he seems like a Dodgers guy.
Round 3, Pick 102: Brennan Milone, Prep SS/3B (South Carolina commit)
ALTERNATE PICK: JARED TRIOLO, HOUSTON 3B/OF
Milone isn’t just mocked here to give the Dodgers both Brennan Malone and Brennan Milone (though it would be amazing). Milone, the hitter, is one of the best prep hitters in the class, albeit one who may have to move off shortstop in the future. This is right around the range where he should go, early on day two. Triolo is one of my favorite college bats, and he does everything solid, and a lot of scouts see him developing more power at the plate too.
Round 4, Pick 131: Korey Lee, Cal C
ALTERNATE PICK: MATT GORSKI, INDIANA OF
Lee is in the next group of college catchers behind Adley Rutschman and Shea Langeliers, but he can really hit, and is pretty good behind the plate too. His two best tools are his power and his arm. Gorski also has a ton of power, and led an Indiana team in homers that led the NCAA in homers. He has a shot to play center field but is more likely a right fielder in the future.
Round 5, Pick 161: Graham Ashcraft, UAB RHP
ALTERNATE PICK: NOAH MURDOCK, VIRGINIA RHP
Ashcraft was drafted by the Dodgers in the 12th round in 2016, but opted to go to school. He’s had a tumultuous couple of years, but still features upper 90s velocity with good spin rate numbers. Murdock is gigantic, at 6’8”, and has continually improved since his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Both of these guys look like early day two picks.
Round 6, Pick 191: Seth Gray, Wright St 3B
ALTERNATE PICK: DAVIS DANIEL, AUBURN RHP
Gray developed additional power this year, and could be gone before this if a team loves his bat. Daniel had Tommy John surgery earlier this year, but looked like a day one pick before that, and if you’re into parallels, just think of Michael Grove.
Round 7, Pick 221: Gunner Mayer, JuCo RHP (Texas Tech commit)
ALTERNATE PICK: BRENTON DOYLE, SHEPHERD OF
Mayer is a huge, 6’6” converted infielder, which sounds like a very Dodgers pick. He’s new to pitching but ha shown promise in his outings, and is super projectable. Doyle has excelled this year, but it has been against Division-II competition.
Round 8, Pick 251: Burle Dixon, JuCo OF (No commitment)
ALTERNATE PICK: MICAH PRIES, POINT LOMA NAZARENE OF
Both these guys are gigantic outfielders, who might profile better in right field down the line, but still could play center thanks to their athleticism. Dixon gets the nod here, as the Dodgers like JuCo players and have hit on several (Calhoun, Peters, Smeltzer) on day two in the past few drafts.
Round 9, Pick 281: Ryan Olenek, Ole Miss RHP/OF
ALTERNATE PICK: AARON OCHSENBEIN, EASTERN KENTUCKY RHP
We should be getting to senior signees at this point in the draft. Olenek has pitched some big innings for the Rebels this year, and Ochsenbein has been one of the best senior relievers in college baseball.
Round 10, Pick 311: LJ Talley, Georgia SS/2B
ALTERNATE PICK: ANTOINE DUPLANTIS, LSU OF
Talley has finally discovered his power this season, making him an interesting senior sign for whatever team drafts him. Duplantis is another high performing senior from the SEC.
Round 11, Pick 341: Gavin Collyer, Prep RHP (Clemson commit)
ALTERNATE PICK: ANDREW PETERS, JUCO RHP (SOUTH CAROLINA COMMIT)
Both these guys will need big bonuses to keep them from going to their respective South Carolina schools. Collyer has drawn Walker Buehler comparisons, and Peters recently had Tommy John surgery. Somehow, both of those things make these guys more likely to be Dodgers’ picks.
Round 12, Pick 371: Jack Conlon, JuCo RHP (Rice commit)
ALTERNATE PICK: CJ STUBBS, USC C
Conlon could be a bargain if he’s healthy and the Dodgers can get him to sign. Stubbs, brother of the Astros’ Garrett Stubbs, would be an interesting prospect as a converted pitcher who’s only been catching for a year.
How many do you think they will get right?
zero point zero.
Does anybody name their kid Bill anymore? Where are all the Bills and Freds? It seems the kids all are named Gunner or Kyle or Seth.
Well we finally found a spot for Kelly today
That will do wonders for his confidence.
Did you see how he varied his pattern?
Once again, trust the process. Doc trots out Kelly with a huge lead to give him confidence, and Kelly looked pretty damn good. On this blog, we can rag on Doc, Freidman, all we want, but they both have a vested interest in getting certain players going for October. As fans, we can trash Kelly, Taylor, Pollock, Alexander, etc, all season long, but the guys that get paid to make the decisions know how crucial everyone of those players are to the Dodgers success. Call me crazy, but I still think Kelly and Pollock will be huge come World Series time. Freidman signed those two after alot of research, he doesn’t make make emotional moves. Kelly has some personal stuff going on, and he is starting to show some life. Pollock is an infection, not an injury. I can’t believe how many guys on this site are ready to call this a “bad signing”. All I can remember the last few years is this guy and Goldy killing us when we played the D-bags. Get on the podcasts and Sportsnet LA and listen to Nomah, J-Hair, Orel and Uncle Ned. They give you insight from a player and GM point of view, and they all preach patience for both Kelly and Pollock. They will not give up on those two, and neither will I. They see things that we don’t from our keyboards.
That is if they are even around by that time and get to play. The team is doing so great without Pollock, you wonder why they even need him back. Kelly you just cant trust.
Well said Roger A. One of the strengths of AF and DR is the patience and willingness to give a player with the potential to help this team the opportunity to contribute.
They are not hurting for attendance so fans must be liking the product on the field.
The long term goal is a WS ring.
And those games are still a ways off, plenty of time for Kelly and Pollock to get ready to produce. In the meantime, what are we complaining about? This team is playing the game pretty darn well.
AC Great job really. I have to say I have no clue who any of these kids are, but I just hope you are correct and the Dodgers don’t pick another Kendall. The teams that don’t waste their picks are the ones that prosper.
I don’t know how you compiled your story, but you did a helluva job.