I have been working on about ten different ideas for what to write, and none of them came to a cohesive blog post. Maybe this one will not as well. There has been a lot of speculation as to who the Dodgers may trade for and who they may be required to include in a trade.
It is a huge climb from AAA to MLB, and yet we are ready to anoint those that are playing well in MiLB ready to take a regular spot on the ML 25 man and just cast aside those that helped build the current lead. I am not naive, and I recognize that this is how the world of MLB turns. I am not even aghast at those that want a change. However when it gets to calling Austin Barnes a black hole and Kike’ Hernandez a loser then I tend to stand up for them. When Joc was being pummeled by everyone not named Bums, I had to come to his defense. These are ML players whether we fans like their production or not. There is no reason to call them black holes or losers.
I have made it clear that I have always been indifferent when it came to Joc Pederson. But I do recognize that he is not a piece of garbage to be tossed, but contrarily does have value. Except for one misplaced 0-2 pitch to Marwin Gonzalez by Kenley Jansen in Game 2 of the 2017 WS, Joc is probably the 2017 WS MVP. This year some want to trade for Nicholas Castellanos or Trey Mancini or Jose Abreu. What they also are saying is that it is time for Joc to go. Joc has a better OPS and WAR than any of the three. He is a better defensive OF than are Castellanos or Mancini. He is learning 1B and maybe he will never be good there. But then again, maybe he can become serviceable there with more experience. The Braves are playing over their head right now and are still 5.5 games back of the Dodgers. The Cubs are 10.5 games back.
Many complain about Max Muncy and his lack of defensive chops at 1B and 2B and 3B. Neither Joc nor Max are playing because of their defense. It is their ability to hit long and prodigious HRs that propel them into a ML lineup.
Two years ago, everyone wanted Grandal gone and Austin Barnes to take over as the primary catcher, especially during the playoffs. Some made excuses for Grandal, but realistically Barnes with over 150-200 ABs had proven that he was the better choice at that time. Barnes had a forgettable 2018 and Grandal got his job back, again only to lose it in the playoffs because of his inability to catch the ball. That is not Austin’s problem. Barnes has a problem hitting the ball, and that has carried over into 2019. But he is doing a good job as catcher, and 25% caught stealing ratio is not bad…just below league average. Now many of those same fans that wanted Barnes to be the catcher want him gone and put Will Smith in his place right now. Because he has done so well in his 29 MLB PA he is now deemed ready to assume the full responsibility of being the regular LAD catcher. What happens when Smith stops hitting as he is prone to do (and has done)? Doc and AF will have told Barnes that he is being replaced by a catcher who has all of 29 PA.
• CT3 had a forgettable 2018 and was off to an even worse start for 2019. Many wanted him cut. Then Corey hits the IL and CT3 takes off. Now he is on the IL due to a fractured wrist. Now it is Kike’s turn to get hot.
• After a ROY and multiple LAD rookie power records, Belli had a tough Sophomore season where he was being platooned, and many thought that was where he was going. In 2019, Belli was having a HOF start, then cooled off and some wondered if it was too good to be true. Then he gets hot again, and then he cools off. Now it looks like his power is back, and the fans are all behind him again.
• Kershaw is not the same as he used to be (how many of us are). But instead of recognizing that he is still an outstanding pitcher, many are labeling him maybe the #4 pitcher on this LAD team.
• AJ Pollock goes to a new team and gets off to a rough start (as many do), and then has a freak injury that needed the plate in his elbow removed because of an infection, and some wanted to trade him. Once he returned, he goes 9-18 with 3 HRs and 7 RBIs. He followed that with 0-5 on Wednesday so I am waiting for the call for him to be a platoon player. AJ misplayed a couple of balls, and he will be the first to agree. Now he isn’t good enough to play CF.
• Corey Seager has two major surgeries, and some want to move him to 2nd, some to 3rd, and some to 1st. Some have even suggested that he should be platooned.
• Last year Dennis Santana was the anointed minor league pitcher who would make the transition fastest to the rotation. He has an oblique injury and is lost for the year. Now he is having a rough year and that prospect shine is tarnishing just a bit.
• Then it was Caleb Ferguson’s turn. Caleb was not too effective as a starter. Then Caleb became the next LHRP specialist. This year Caleb started slowly, was hurt, and sent back to AAA. He was virtuously unhittable at OKC. He got recalled and walked and hit the first (and only) two batters he faced, and fans want him out of here again.
• Some wanted Tony Gonsolin to move to the bullpen this year, but he is also having a tough transition into AAA. Neither May and Gonsolin are dominating at AAA. And yet some are ready to consider them for MLB high leverage relief roles because of what they did at AA.
• Gavin Lux is having a tremendous two-year run, and seems destined to be a future breakout star for LAD. But he too is going to have a rough period and he too will be considered over-hyped when that occurs.
• Now Josiah Gray is the new flavor of the week. He has deservedly been promoted twice from Great Lakes and Rancho. As I write this, he will be making his AA debut on Thursday. I have said all along that Josiah Gray is the prize that the Dodgers truly wanted, and Jeter Downs was the add on (but a mighty good one!!!). It will not be long before some are calling for Gray to be promoted for the back end of the bullpen because of how well he pitched in A Ball.
• If the Dodgers had MacKenzie Gore (How I wish they did!!!), many fans would insist that he be put in the rotation right now, today. He has CY Winner upside written all over him. But he just got to AA (where he pitched fantastic in his first start). There is a minor league for a reason. They are not good enough to be regular participants at the ML level or they would be there.
• Many fans tend to try and equate MiLB metrics with how they will play right now in MLB, until they can’t.
Mark continuously points out how fickle relief pitchers can be. However, it is we fans that are even more fickle. One minute we are the biggest supporter of a player and then he has a bad game or two or heaven forbid even a bad week, and then that player has to go, and we need to become emotionally invested in the new toy. Whether that new toy is the MiLB flavor of the month or the next hot closer that Dodger fans are looking for, it needs to be someone different than the player who is currently troubled.
I tend to go overboard for the player that the fans are giving a cold shoulder to, but when it comes to relief pitching, I am as fickle as they come. I have wanted an elite bullpen for the last few years, and I am also a huuuuuuuuge Dodger MiLB fan. I find it hard to want to lose top MiLB prospects for a gamble (albeit a needed one). Jake Diekman is not going to do it for me. Felipe Vazquez, Will Smith, Kirby Yates, or even Ken Giles is what is needed. But those are going to take multiple key prospects. Or will they perhaps go for the starter and move others (Urias) to the bullpen.
While I am emotionally invested in these prospects, I also know that they all cannot make it to the LAD 25-man roster. Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Mitchell White. Dennis Santana, Josiah Gray, Edwin Uceta, Robinson Ortiz, Michael Grove, Marshall Kasowski, Jordan Sheffield…And then Gavin Lux, Omar Estevez, Jeter Downs, Devin Mann, Jacob Amaya, Jeremy Arocho, Sam McWilliams, Michael Busch …Some may never be good enough to play at the ML level, but so many of us are convinced they are the next ROY and All Star. The Dodgers have held onto top prospects too long so that their value is non-existent. Zach Lee, Yadi Alvarez, Mitchell Hansen, Chris Anderson just to name a few. Has the FO waited too long on Jeren Kendall or should they still continue to hold out hope?
I have never worried about how that traded prospect will turn out, as long as the one the Dodgers acquired helped the team win. If the Dodgers traded Keibert Ruiz and Tony Gonsolin for Felipe Vazquez, and Vasquez saved all four WS games, I will sit back and hope that both Ruiz and Gonsolin have HOF careers. Willie Calhoun – #6 OF with Texas. Grant Holmes, Jharel Cotton, Frankie Montas, and Jose De Leon? The Dodgers have more than made up for their loss. Yusniel Diaz? His prospect star is dropping quickly. I am extremely glad for Devin Smeltzer, but he was never going to be a LAD starting pitcher. Oneil Cruz? I hope he continues to develop, but was he ever going to play for LAD? Yordan Alvarez? The NL does not have the DH, so where was this bat going to play. 20 of his 25 games are as DH.
I am not asking anyone to drink the LAD and AF Kool-Aid 100%. Every one of us should complain when things go bad, even for our favorite players. That is what makes us fans, we live and die with every game. When we see a glaring weakness like the bullpen, we should call it out. That does not makes us any less of a fan. We fans are allowed to be fickle. It is AF who cannot afford to be. He needs to remain unemotional when it comes to players. I will continue to have my favorites, stand up for those that are besmirched with baseless name calling, call out when I see where a team can be improved, and stay absolutely emotionally invested in this team. If that comes from changing my mind and being fickle at times, so be it. Guilty as charged. I love my Dodgers and 31 years is too long to wait between championships.
MINOR LEAGUE REPORT by AC
OKC Dodgers 18 – Iowa Cubs 5
The offense for the OKC Dodgers has skyrocketed once Gavin Lux and DJ Peters moved up to AAA. Yesterday was just another example. The team scored 18 runs on 20 hits including 8 HR’s and 3 doubles. Brock Stewart was the benefactor of this onslaught even though he did not pitch his best game. He allowed 5 runs in his 6.0 innings while Chris Nunn and Shea Spitzbarth finished the final three scoreless innings.
Gavin Lux got his first error at AAA. Oh yeah, he also had 5 hits including 2 doubles (9) and his 7th HR. With 71 PA, he is batting an incredulous .531/.577/1.063/1.640. There is no typo. That is what Lux has done since his promotion. He has 9 doubles, 7 HRs, 7 BBs, 12 Ks, 22 RBIs, and 25 runs. That’s Vladesque.
The Dodgers were ahead 7-5 after 5, and scored 1 in both the 6th and 7th, and NINE in the 9th. With a runner on 1st via a walk, and two outs, the Dodgers put together another walk, three singles, a HR, single, and two HR’s for 9 runs.
Besides Lux, DJ Peters had 2 2-run HRs (6), Kyle Garlick went 3-6 with 3 solo HRs (15), Edwin Rios went 3-5 with his 17th HR (solo), Ben Moore went 3-5, and Connor Joe went 2-6 with his 11th HR (a 3-run shot). This will be an offensive day to remember.
Tulsa Drillers 2 – Frisco Roughriders 4 (Rangers)
Josiah Gray made his AA debut and for 5.0 innings was fantastic. Josiah allowed 1 hit in his first 5.0 innings, and went into the 6th tied at 0-0. Gray allowed a leadoff single, who was caught stealing (Connor Wong). That was followed by a walk, SB, and WP, and three more singles for 2 runs. Yordy Cabrera relieved Gray and after a strike out, he allowed a single for the third run. The Roughriders scored a run off of Andre Scrubb in the 8th before Ryan Moseley finished with a scoreless inning.
The Drillers got on the board in the 6th with Errol Robinson’s 1st AA HR in 2019. They scored a 2nd run with a Cristian Santana double and Keibert Ruiz single in the 7th. Cristian Santana and Errol Robinson each had 2 hits comprising 4 of the total 5 Drillers hits.
RC Quakes 1 – San Jose Giants 6
John Rooney made his California League debut and was rudely greeted by a Joey Bart 2-run HR in the first. 2 doubles scored a third run in the third. After an error and single, Rooney left the game after 5.1 IP leaving 2 runners on. Bryan Warzak relieved Rooney and promptly allowed a single to score an unearned run before inducing a double play to end the inning. Warzak allowed 2 runs (1 earned) in his 1.2 innings before Guillermo Zuniga pitched a scoreless inning in his California League debut.
In the 7th, the Quakes scored their run on a Jeren Kendall walk, a stolen base, and a Brayan Morales single. The Loons offense consisted of 4 singles.
Great Lakes Loons 7 – Clinton LumberKings 16 (Marlins)
The Loons got off to a great start. They batted around in the 1st inning and scored 4 runs. With a Leonel Valera single, SB, a Jacob Amaya walk and a Luke Heyer 3 Run HR (11) for three runs. That was followed by a Romer Cuadrado walk and Matt Cogen triple for the 4th. Everything went downhill from there. 5 Loons pitchers allowed 16 runs on 17 hits and 6 walks. None of the pitchers got through unscathed. Luke Heyer and Matt Cogen led the offense with 2 hits apiece out of 7 total hits.
Ogden Raptors had the night off.
AZL Dodgers Lasorda 6 – AZL D-Backs 1
In what was a well pitched reliever game, four Lasorda pitchers pitched 8 scoreless innings before Yujo Kitagita, the 4th Lasorda pitcher, surrendered a solo HR to leadoff the 9th for the D-Backs sole run. 9th round draftee Alec Gamboa started and pitched 2.o scoreless innings. He yielded 2 hits and 1 walk along with his 1 K. 2018 draftee, Jacob Gilliland (32nd round) pitched 3.1 innings allowing 1 hit, 1 walk, and 1 K. Gabe Benavides and Yujo Kitagita followed.
Yunior Garcia hit a 2-run double (3) to open the scoring in the 1st. Meaux Landry hit a 2 run HR (3) for a pair of runs in the 2nd, and Chalo hit a 2 run HR in the 8th to close out the scoring. Chalo was the offensive star with 3 hits. In addition to his HR, Chalo also had a double (3). Yhostin Chirinos and Rolando Lebron each had a pair of singles.
AZL Dodgers Mota 7- AZL Brewers Gold 2
Another well pitched game led by starter Hyun-il Choi who continues to impress. Choi went 4.2 scoreless innings before reaching his pitch limit. He yielded 3 hits with 2 walks and 3 strikeouts. Michael Martinez followed and pitched a solid 3.2 innings before he seemingly tired. He left with one out in the 9th with one run in on a walk, WP, and double before Cyrillo Watson relieved him. Watson promptly WP the runner to 3rd before giving up a run scoring double of his own allowing his inherited runner to score. Watson then induced two outs to preserve the win.
2 singles, a walk, and a sac fly produced the initial run in the 2nd inning. The Motas broke it open with a 6 run 4th. Kenneth Betancourt opened the inning with a walk, and moved to 3rd on a bunt single by Albert Suarez. After the 2nd out of the inning, Diego Cartaya and Alex De Jesus both walked to load the bases. Ismael Alcantara had a 2 run single. Both De Jesus and Alcantara both scored on a throwing error on a Luis Yanel Diaz ground ball to short. Diaz came home to score the 6th run on a Danny Sinatro double (4) to close out the Motas scoring.
The offense was paced by Diego Cartaya and Albert Suarez who both had 2 hits including their 6th double on the campaign.
DSL Dodgers Bautista 0 – DSL Astros 6
Haisell Baro could not get out of the 1st inning, surrendering 3 unearned runs, 2 hits, and 2 walks. Wilkin Baez 4.0 scoreless innings while two other relievers followed with 3.1 IP allowing 3 runs, 4 hits, 1 walk, 2 HRs. The Bautistas had 5 singles including 2 by LF Amin Valdez.
DSL Dodgers Shoemaker 5 – DSL Indians/Brewers 2
The Shoemakers scored 5 runs on 3 hits, 9 walks, and 1 HBP. Of the three hits, 2 were singles and one was Marlon Cairo’s 4th HR. Five pitchers surrendered 2 runs (1 earned), on 5 hits and 4 walks.
Nice write up. Since the Dodgers got CT3, I’d say they held on to Zach Lee for about the right time.
Totally agree, why not? They can not afford to lose another world series, not anymore!
https://www.dodgersnation.com/dodgers-bullpen-los-angeles-should-rethink-and-adjust-the-role-of-closer/2019/07/17/
The only thing in that article that I agree with is they need a couple more arms. Everyone is actually more inconsistent than Kenley except for Urias, who is used the way he is for 2 reasons. 1) They have to make sure he pitches enough innings so he is built up to be a starting pitcher next year. 2) He gets enough rest to minimize the risk of injury. Because of these restrictions, he can’t be used as the closer.
That is one inane article.
Mark, I think you often jump to conclusions about posts that criticize incumbents. When the suggestion such as bringing up Will Smith to take Barnes’ place is made, it is not an automatic replacement of Barnes, as much as an audition of Smith to see if he has legs for the big league. They are doing it with Beaty, right now. When Taylor returns, Beaty will probably go back down barring another injury to someone. While Barnes is not injured, he is certainly not playing up to MLB level and needs to work on his hitting. He goes down and plays and works out whatever he can down there and returns if there is a change. There is no written in stone law that says a struggling player cannot work through some problems in the minors. Why not test it out? There is also no guarantee that Smith proves to be the best choice, but it’s the best possibility that we have now. Martin is fading, Barnes faded a long time ago. We need a jolt at catcher. Smith is probably ready. We need to see who is going to come through for the team. We’ll never know if we don’t take that chance, and I don’t want to be bemoaning the fact that the Dodgers fell short again in October because they wouldn’t experiment a little with a player or players that were performing poorly. Barnes is performing poorly by anyone’s standards. Nobody is going to take a bet that he will be a .300 hitter by October if we only let him play. If we had no other alternatives, then you let him play. That is not the case.
Jeff, you are replying to AC and not Mark.
Beatty has been awesome but if Smith had been brought up instead, he could give Barnes a mental break as it seems that Martin is mostly sitting and play some third base instead of Muncy to give Turner some rest.
Bums, thanks. I was actually replying to Mark’s previous comments about why Barnes should not be replaced and his equating him with Taylor’s turnaround due to being allowed the time to work it out in everyday play. It took Taylor 1.5 years to snap himself out of it and I’m not totally convinced that he has snapped out of it. Barnes has made no progress offensively and is still chasing balls out of the strike zone. We have lots of time to reinstate Barnes if the FO decides that’s the way to go, but in the meantime, it’s not getting better for him.
Barnes really stinks he is below average hitter. Really bad hitter. Maybe he could start for Oklahoma City Dodgers but this FO do sends Joc to AA a couple of years back and Puig before but over value this mediocre hitter.
Barnes does not need a mental break. He simple cant hit enough or be a starter. If you want him on the team he should be a backup catcher at most. Bring up Smith and let him catch rest of the way. Barnes has no presence in lineup and is an easy out. And also i dont know why he is praised defensively as much he cant throw out any runner.
What I don’t understand is that it seems to have become taboo to even suggest a change to the starting line-up as if you are being a lesser fan to suggest such nonsense. When a starter like Barnes fails to perform night in and night out, you have to consider alternatives, especially when you have what appears to be a logical replacement in the system. .
I realize fans, especially the emotional ones, will sometimes say odd things after a gut wrenching loss (“CK is washed up, KJ should be traded, CT3 should be cut” etc ) but if anyone puts Barnes on the same level as the aforementioned players, well than they are not watching the same game as a lot of us. Has Barnes earned continued playing time as a result of a past offensive surge that is sure to arrive any game now? I suggest not!
I love the Dodgers, but it just seems perplexing to me when we read the constant rant about the need to acquire someone like Castellanos (or some other wild ass trade), but when others suggest an “in-house” replacement to our starting catcher position, our team loyalty and sensibility is questioned as if we are an inferior fan to suggest such irrational nonsense. The team chemistry will be upset some say. I say chemistry is aided by performance and results and when you’ve had two walk-off HR’s in 29 AB’s you’re closer to adding to the team chemistry than subtracting.
Barnes is now hitting .205. Just saying.
Barnes really stinks he is below average hitter. Really bad hitter. Maybe he could start for Oklahoma City Dodgers but this FO do sends Joc to AA a couple of years back and Puig before but over value this mediocre hitter. Barnes has hit .200 last 2 years and he can be strikeout in 3 pitches sometimes with or without swinging like anyone but he just does it more frequently than anyone i seen for position players. Time to sent Barney to AAA .
You can have two boat loads of really good prospects , make it to the playoffs every year and maybe win your division most years . OR you can push some of your chips into the pot and play for a Championship loaded for Bear. With the team we have this year, it’s time to load up for some Bear. Kershaw is aging, Kenley is declining, Freese’s last year probably, JT is aging, Hill is almost over, Ryu on one year contract. If we don’t go this year then when? AF, let’s do this………………
What the heck. All I want is for the Dodgers to stop raising my season ticket prices and a couple of dependable relief pitchers. Is that really too much to ask? Apparently, it is … the Dodgers announced that they are raising ticket prices … AGAIN. As for the dependable relievers, I’m hopeful the trade deadline will help with that. It’s not like the bullpen is totally awful. They simply aren’t consistent. Joe Kelly is part of the solution and he’s getting better. As to Hernandez, one terrific defender with power. If he can just lay off outside breaking balls in the dirt and fastballs off the plate, he could become really good with the bat.
yeah, I got my renewal yesterday too. My 2 seats in Res 3 went up from roughly $4200 for this year to $4900 for next season!!
Just think about what they’d be asking you to pay if they had actually won the WS last year.
I’m hoping we deal with that problem in a few months…..
But a lot of it also is, we have the All Star game here next year as well.
Just pay the bill with the money you’ll get from your unused Clipper’s tickets.
Excellent point
A team needs great defense at the catcher position to win consistently. Barnes gives the Dodgers that. He does not appear to make adjustments to his swing. He is physically built like a second baseman and swings like a first baseman. Might some day he match his swing to his body type? He has way too much swing and miss to justify a big swing regardless of his size.
Hoese, Lux, Seager, and Downs are the most likely future infield and Smith might play there as well. It is generous of me but I would swap Muncy, Downs, and Maeda for Gleyber Torres.
As far as Kike, not sure who called him a loser? I don’t recall that one, but maybe I wasn’t paying attention. I think “loser” is different than “black hole”
Speaking of black hole, Austin Barnes is a black hole. A .205 average says that, not us fickle fans. And that .205 average is not for 1 game, or for 1 week. It’s for all of 2019! That’s a large enough sample size, combined with a .207 avg in 2015, a .156 avg in 2016, and a .205 avg in 2018. Granted he had 1 nice season in 2017, but it’s been surrounded by 4 bad ones. That’s black hole status.
We all hope that if Barnes is our catcher thru October, that he gets hot. We hope Joc continues to produce in Oct. We hope Kike can replicate 2017 NLCS game 5. We hope CT3 hits, and we hope Yimi, Baez, Floro and Kelly can all get hot in Oct. Because we all will root for the Dodgers, not against them. But much like we’d like to replace and add to our bullpen, it might be time to do the same at the catcher position. Are we really putting our best out there?
Barnes has done more than enough to prove that he’s a .205 type hitter, more than the 2017 version (who was amazing). And it’s not like fans are asking for a Rocky Gale or Travis D’Naurd type to replace him. We’re saying that there is no harm to have one of your TOP prospects, who happens to be a CATCHER, be given a shot to see if he’s the real deal.
The Dodgers currently seem to be of the mindset that since we have such a huge lead, and thus have plenty of leeway and time, we can throw Joc at 1b, we can continue to throw Kelly out there all the time in pressure situations, we can continue to throw Yimi and Floro and Ferguson out there to see if they can “get it”.
Well, if that’s the case, then we have plenty of time to play our actual top 4 prospect at catcher, to see if he’s the real deal and to see if he can take over thru October and into the future.
AC, there is a lot of season left. I feel we are not playing well at this point of the year. We are going to have peaks and valleys. However, the bullpen has lost half our games. Obviously, that is our biggest weakness. I don’t see any internal options unless they put urias, stripling, and maeda in the pen. I suppose a lot will depend on the recovery of Hill. In the meantime AF must be devoting 24 hours to improving the bullpen and team overall before the deadline. Barnes was the flavor when he was performing well but he hasn’t for nearly 2 years. I don’t think I am fickle when I believe we can improve at the catchers position.
I believe AF will ride it out until September and then Smith will have a shot. My biggest fear is that we will say Boston won without a hitting catcher, their bullpen was bad, kershaw is still an ace. In the playoffs players and teams can perform at a different level. An example Kershaw performs nearly every time out but he has been unable to reach the playoff level. In the playoffs teams tend to take your best hitters out by pitching them tougher. I don’t want to have key points in a playoff game and have to depend on a 200 hitter for a key at bat. I don’t think that is fickle I think it is proactive. You see a weakness and you try to minimize it.
Seager replaced somebody as did Joc, Belli, Muncy, Buehler and Verdugo (remember what’s his name in right field last year). That’s the lifeblood of a successful franchise. Give your best young players a chance to produce. It’s Smith’s time! What more can the kid do at OKC! AF has already said he’s a gold glove defender and could close his eyes and hit better than Barnes who is I’m sorry to say a black hole and an average defender- check the stats. Barnes hasn’t had a bad stretch. It’s been a year and a half. This is who he is. It’s Smith’s time!
I have just found this blog, and I appreciate the intelligent analysis and respectful comments. Like virtually all of you here, I have been a Dodgers fan for many years. There are certainly things to admire about this current ownership and front office, but it also seems clear that they are always counting money. Every franchise does, of course, but compare what we do to what the Yankees are doing, or what the Astros did a couple of years ago, when we were too cheap to go after Verlander, who would likely have given us two straight titles, going on three.
When it comes to the bullpen, this is accentuated. I had actually fogotten about Madsen already, but not Axford. What kind of pickups were these? And then a year before that, Watson and Cingrani, a bit better, but nothing special. And remember Jim Johnson? These are of the, “Well, let’s show the fans that we are doing something, while not taking any real risks” variety. This team is not going to win a World Series, and may not even make it there, with this bullpen. While the Yankees were slowly building an almost impregnable bullpen, picking up Chapman (Dodgers traded for him, then changed their minds because of an ulimately dropped domestic violence matter), Britton (Dodgers kept being linked to him for a couple of years, but always bailed out with various excuses about him being injured), Ottavino (would have been a fine pickup for us, but too “expensive”?), the Dodgers did virtually nothing to improve the bullpen, except for “buying high” with Joe Kelly, who had the best year of his career last year. And now, if we play the Yankees in the WS, they have a bullpen ten times better than ours, and that is where Series are usually won. Imagine, if they are ahead by one run in the sixth inning, they are probably 90% to win the game. If we are, and our starter is out, we seem to be about 50%. This is a sure recipe for another bitter disappointment. In fact, if this current group is essentially our bullpen, we may not even beat the Braves or Nationals. And picking up Watson again, or relievers of that caliber, is not going to make the key difference.
Obviously, no one can be sure how any reliever trade will work out, but surely some names are better than others. Is the Dodgers’ goal to win the World Series, or even two or more of them,, like other franchises have done in the last 15 years? Or is the goal to make lots of money, keep a steady supply of cost-controlled players, and win divisions, at least until some other teams here get better? Remember that Stan Kasten’s Atlanta teams won their division 12 straight years, and never won a WS, until finally, under a lot of fan pressure, they went after their one big outside acquisition, Greg Maddux. This more wealthy group of owners is somehow doing the same thing here. The Dodgers do make two-month rentals, but seem preternaturally afraid of paying for any long-term deal at the trade deadline.
To me, it seems as simple as this: Get Vasquez or Yates, and we are the favorites to win it all. Get Hand or Smith, and we’re better off, but we still have no set-up man, unless we count Urias, who has to be handled carefully. We have no 7th inning man, no 6th inning man, we have a bunch of very erratic relievers who are as likely to walk five people in a row, or give up home runs, as to get through an inning. You cannot win championships like this, particularly when your playoff opponents always have a better bullpen to throw at you. It is hard to win one in any case, there are always pitfalls and disappointments lurking. But if we just once actually had the best team going in, including bullpen, the odds would be in our favor. The way we do it, we are always at a deficit in what may be the most important area for playoff success; remember Kansas City a few years ago?. And for Dave Roberts to keep saying each year that “he likes the guys in our bullpen,” becomes more and more irritating, when they clearly are not reliable, particularly on a big stage. At this moment, I am convinced that we have no legitimate chance to win the title this year, unless there is major improvement in our bullpen. And that has to come from outside, not from some wishful hope that guys like Garcia and Baez and Floro and Kelly and the current Jansen, are somehow going to do a great job in high pressure games.
William
Welcome.
Supposedly the Cards would consider moving Carlos Martinez. Anyone have any interest? He’s being paid like a starter and used as a reliever so he’s basically being overpaid. Not sure how dependable he would be in either role but I’m intrigued at the possibility.
Personally i do not like him too much but it would be an upgrade over anyone we have right now. But we have to face it. The Dodgers have a bad bullpen but worst direction in how to use it right now. Ferguson was not the option for yesterday’s game when Dodgers were winning. He needs to be sent to AAA or be put on situations when team is losing or where he can suceed and built up confidence. Roberts continues to get confident in games and makes stupid decisions with bullpen thinking game is won already as he did in WS 2018 game 4 after that fiasco of a game when he starts making moves without needing to. He might be a good manager during season but in playoffs he is almost worst than Donny Baseball and uses the whole bench and bullpen each game. Friedman needs to bring a good trade for bullpen and someone with mentality for holding games in bullpen and someone that can close because Jansen is shaky and unpredictable now. This year is chance for Dodgers to win it all. Do not make trades for mediocre players if you are going to do something get the best you can or dont do anything. Tired of all this AAA and mediocre dumpster diving bullpen pieces. Do not overpay but get a good reliever and maybe another arm like Hudson or someone like that for cheap and DFA or sent down Floro, Garcia and company. Thanks have a great day guys !! Still great record but i dont feel confidence on this bullpen is painful to watch late innings with this guys now. Also these Dodgers reliever do not seem to have the Body language or confidence right now to shut down or intimidate hitters right now !!! The bullpen Coach Prior maybe is not working we need a Visit like when Lasorda came to the mound to Jesse Orosco on game 4 of NLCS 1988 . I do not see Roberts being this aggressive. This game of today has gotten really laid back into friendly coaching where coaches do not confront players anymore.
Ferguson just got brought up from AAA and put into a game and only pitched to 2 batters. Did he do well? No, but let us give him a chance. I think he can be a help to the bullpen. Patience .
I know ! I am just saying why use him in a game Dodgers are winning and there is pressure. Team had to secure that game. This one is on Roberts !!! Ferguson needs to be put on situations where he can gain some innings and gain confidence. The young guy was called up and arrived in early morning and he puts him into action and cost the game. Machine Earned runs given Kelly also blew it but he had been pitching better lately.
Let’s see. Would I have interest in a 28 year old former Cardinals top prospect? Yes, I would be interested at the right price. Since he is the current Cardinals closer, I am assuming he is being “shopped” because of his cost, and because they want a top line closer. He does not become a FA until 2022. This is another type of player that AF loves. He has never lived up to his expectations as a top of the rotation starter, but now is closing. Brandon Morrow anyone? Andrew Miller? Brad Hand? All starters projected to be at the top of the rotation. $10.2MM AAV for 2020 and 2021. I would consider him as a potential starter for 2020. Depending on the cash they would throw in for this year, I am not sure that AF would need to include any top ten talent. Maybe a 11-20 (1) and a 21-30 (1). I would be more than willing to pay that price. I honestly cannot believe that the Cardinals would seriously consider moving him. You want a potential player who may be that player before he becomes that player, this could be him.
Not sure if I’m a fickle fan. I have been a loyal Dodger lover since approximately 1958. Among the many things I enjoy as a fan, is the ability to be critical of them when I think they could be doing better. Most of my criticism is expressed in the comfort of my recliner, in conversations that I have with myself. The internet has made it easier for many, myself included, to take same of those private thoughts and express them publicly. I’m not a fan of the “player A sucks” comments. MLB players are the top 1000 of their profession and no matter if they struggle to perform, they don’t “suck.” On the other hand, while I don’t necessarily think Austin Barnes is a “black hole” he is definitely the weak offensive link in the lineup, and I think improvements can come at the catcher position. Whether those improvements come from AB, RM, or WS, or elsewhere, we can expect a little more offense at the position. AB is no less a concern than our bullpen. And, I think everyone on this board, fickle as we are, is pretty much unanimous that the pen needs improvement.
Just read that my man, Dillon Paulson was promoted to Rancho Cucamonga. That’s good news. Let’s see if he can become a prospect there.
Just waiting for Dillon to make better contact. he has good power.
My guy Ryan Pepiot starts for the Loons tonight.
Lux’s numbers are so crazy good that he would be starting at 2B if it weren’t the Dodgers. The lineup is already lefty heavy. Who would you send down? Beaty? I don’t think so. If the pen wasn’t so crappy you could carry 7 relievers instead of 8, but I don’t think that’s happening anytime soon. September call up is most likely barring another injury.
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I would like to see Will Smith catching some more in LA. He was considered a defense first catcher. Kershaw said he’s a big league catcher behind the plate NOW. From what I’ve seen he throws better than Barnes. So, the potential improvement offensively is just gravy. However, I don’t see him coming up prior to the trade deadline and most likely in September. As much as some want to see Barnes sent down to the minors it isn’t happening. Barring an injury/rest on the IL for Barnes or Martin, we’re just going to have to be patient. Most likely Lux and Smith are starting in LA next season.
Hmmmm, let’s see here…
Semantics and the word suck. Don’t take it too literally, or personally. We don’t need thought police here, we have too much of that in politics and the media. If a player is reading this site and get’s offended that some Internet turd says he sucks, then he does suck.
MT, I love him but, Castellanos makes way less sense than Will Smith taking over for Barnes. For a prospect hugger, you would think he would be in favor of a hot prospect at AAA taking over the weakest link in the lineup. He’ll make every argument to say K-Bear is the man while OPSing <700 at AA for two years in a row and make every excuse why Will Smith (OPSing about 300 points higher at AAA) isn't ready. By the way, he was ready defensively last year and he's already showed up clutch in The Show this year.
Urias is a starting pitcher. One of their goals is to get him around 150 innings to he's built up for next year. There's high quality relievers available. It makes zero sense to add a starter when you can roll out Kershaw, Ryu, Bueller and Urias in the post season rotation. Any starter that's available and is better than those four is more expensive then the relievers that are available, in salary and prospect cost.
We have very good controllable players with few needs and a lot of prospects and even some major leaguers that can be used as trade bait. We WILL get a couple of relievers at the deadline. I won't even discount an opportunistic move to add a bat. Friedman is on a whole other level and this team is more worthy of investment than any other team he's had. If the right player comes around, be prepared to stop hugging your favorite prospect. May, Lux and Smith are the only untouchables and I'm not even sure about May.
Smith will take over for Barnes sometime next month or sooner unless Barnes starts going on a tear right now, or Smith goes into a nosedive at the plate. Smith is ready defensively right now – that was last year. Now, he's OPSing close to 1.000 and he's already had a couple of clutch moments in "The Show". K-Bear is being dangled, but other GMs probably aren't biting in spite of his lofty prospect ranking after OPSing <700 at AA for two years in a row.
We do not need Castellanos !!! We need Bullpen Help ! the offense is not the problem. Problem is holding and closing games !! If you can get Castellanos for nothing maybe. But he is not a priority . Barnes does stink . Just bring Smith and Lux or DJ Peters .
Yes, we don’t need Castellanos, that’s what I meant when I said he doesn’t make sense. What’s all the “!!!” for?
Bobby, someone did call Kike’ a loser. At least one other person agreed with that first person. As soon as I read it, I put it in my notes for a future post. I do not write names down, so I could not say at all who called him a loser, and it really makes no difference. I do not want to stifle anyone’s individual opinion. I just do not like name calling.
As far as you referring to Austin Barnes as a black hole, tells me that you give him absolutely no value as a catcher, and that he lacks any ability to work with the Dodger pitchers. Maybe Barnes will be a career backup catcher somewhat akin to AJ Ellis. Is that really a black hole? Back up catchers have value. Neither Barnes nor Ellis are/were good hitters at the ML level, but neither are black holes, because they are/were valued catchers. Barnes has no value due to his ability to also play a competent 2B? I guess I look at the player as a whole rather than label a player because of one attribute. To others, In Barnes’ case, he is not hitting, therefore he has no value.
I have never said that Will D. Smith should not be given the opportunity to win the position. But for those who think he is the next Yadi Molina, what happens when he goes into one of his tail spins which he has done every year except this year? Fans aren’t fickle? Then why is Smith the boy wonder now, but nothing more than a defensive backup last year? Outside of Bums, I do not recall one other person calling for Smith to be the regular catcher. It has always been Smith as a backup to K-Bear. Because of his power and soft hands, some were looking for him to move to 3B and to work on his bat to ball skills. “I do not recall” does not mean that others have not been on Smith as the regular catcher, I just do not remember anyone other than Bums on that bandwagon.
Fans, aren’t fickle? Then why did at least half this site call for CT3 to be exiled (to AAA or DFA). Fans aren’t fickle, then why do some fans change their mind about where Kershaw is in the Dodgers rotation every other start? How many times have at least half this site called for Joc to be traded (because he had no value) or DFA? What happens if Kike’ goes off like he did at the end of 2018. In 2018, in 150 PA, Kike’ hit .352/.413/.574/.987 in August, and .347/.440/.525/.968 in September? Nobody has to answer, I know what the opinions will be.
I did not name names, and I do not consider being fickle a bad trait. So if anyone can look themselves in the mirror and say that they have not changed their minds on specific players because of their current performance, and that is important to you, then good for you, and I was not referring to you. I am also not going to go back in the various posts and write down the names of those I know have changed their opinions. It is irrelevant. People have.
Bobby, maybe you have been in the Gavin Lux corner since he was drafted, but you are definitely in the minority. Most had written Gavin off after his Midwest League season in 2017. Two years ago, nobody was calling for Lux to be the starting 2B in September 2019 as they are now. Fans who are now calling for the two-time All Star, two-time Silver Slugger, 2017 Gold Glove finalist, 25 year old, to move from his SS position to make room for a 21-year-old MiLB SS. Why? Because of how he is “HITTING” at AAA. How many have ever seen Lux play SS. He is not nearly as good of a SS as Seager is. At least only one is calling for Seager to be platooned. What happens when Corey gets his swing back to hit LHP like he did in 2017, .325/.389/.527/.916? By the time September rolls around, Corey should be firing on all cylinders. I also believe that as long as their is no name calling, I have no beef with opinions no matter how I may disagree. I beleive Corey Seager should be the every day SS, and should not move because of Lux. I have never swayed from that, but those who think differently are more than entitled to their opinion. And I honestly do not mean that condescendingly.
There are some here who are still holding out hope for Yadi Alvarez, and have stayed that way since the beginning. Good for them. There are not many of you, but when he was the #1 LAD prospect, a huge majority were bonafide Alvarez supporters. Not so many now. But what happens when Alvarez turns it around with another team. There will be a boat load of fans saying they would never have traded/released Alvarez; that he was special.
AC, always enjoy your commentary, whether I agree with you (which is most of the time) or disagree.
If you have a pencil handy you can mark down my name and a note that on 7/19/19 I said that I’ve given up on Yadi Alvarez and Jeren Kendall. If they go on to have great or even decent MLB careers I’ll freely admit I was wrong and wish them all the best, but as of today’s date, I do not expect them to ever make a Dodger lineup.
With regard to Joc, I would like to see him traded, not because he has no value, but because he has decent value and I think he could help bring us a prime reliever (as part of a package). I would rather see Beaty given Joc’s at bats and this is knowing full well that he has yet to prove himself over a decent amount of MLB playing time. I just prefer what I think is his steady hitting rather than Joc’s very streaky hitting. Just one person’s opinion.
Speaking of Yadi Alvarez. Where the hell his he? It looks like he pitched twice in April, then was abducted by aliens.
Sorry, but I think it’s justifiable to call 201/290/335/625 a black hole. Those are pitcher’s stats.
It’s weird that Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig were sent to the minors, but it’s entirely unfathomable for CT3 or Barnes to be sent to the minors.
It’s weird that it’s okay for Beaty to be called up and contribute with the bat and play a position were you usually get a lot of offense. But, it’s so highly questionable to bring up a very good defensive catcher who’s having a great offensive season and had a great early showing to replace someone who’s clearly struggling.
As far as Lux goes, I think Corey is the better defender between the two, but I think the only difference is that Corey’s arm is a cannon. Lux’s defensive numbers are skewed heavily because of his throwing errors. He’s improving on that front so I don’t think it’s accurate to say he “Isn’t nearly as good”. Again, semantics. His range is as good or better and his hands are as good or better, but his throws are skewing the overall results.
I don’t think it’s entirely out of the question to bring up a hot hitting rookie who’s more than capable defensively to get some time at a position that is very lacking in overall production. If he suffers with the bat and goes into that tailspin, there’s no harm in sending him back down. It happens all the time.
I guess I should stop using the word platoon, because apparently it means 2 guys sharing the same position FOREVER.
When Seager was getting close to returning from the IL and Taylor was red hot, I brought up that Seager should possibly be platooned with Taylor. But what I meant was give Seager rest vs left handed pitching so to not put stress on his body considering he just came back from the IL and I figured Taylor would be the best option. And when Seager starts tearing up righties stop that platoon and give Seager SS full time.
As far as Hernandez and Taylor. When both were clearly in a slump at the same time and Barnes slumping as well, I didn’t like how Roberts lined them up back to back to back right in front of the pitcher spot in the lineup. I called it pretty much 4 automatic outs in a row. But I like all 3 of them. They were all in a temporary slump.
As far as catcher goes, I like having 3 major league catchers (Barnes, Martin, Smith) with one in AAA in case of an injury. But I have been guilty of bringing up the option of optioning Barnes for Smith. But catcher is a complicated position to play so I give a lot of slack to a catcher if he is not producing offensively. So bringing up Smith is not an emergency. I will defer to the people in charge as to when Smith is brought up.
Do not trade Joc. This has always been my stance on Joc.
Seager should stay at SS there is no need to move him. If it aint broke don’t fix it. Even when Lux arrives. Lux at 2B or 3B depending on the need of the team at that time.
AC, you’re questions have obvious answers. The players you reference have had enormous problems at the plate for longer than usual. Slumps are common, but when slumps last for a whole season or longer, there is an inherent problem. Why don’t players like JT, Verdugo, Freese, and Belli go into protracted slumps for a whole season? Because there is an ability there that allows them to make adjustments and correct their approach to hitting. Some players struggle. Those that struggle get called out. Very simple. Dwelling on what some fans said at one time or another is a poor way to run a blog. This is a Mark tactic that lowers the intelligence quotient of the blog as a whole by singling out silly remarks and making them into an issue that doesn’t exist. The fans on this blog have more intelligence than that and are actually watching the games and pointing out weaknesses that should be addressed. We don’t need another Mark on this blog.
On another note, looks like Farhan’s seat is gettin hot. With the recent Giant win streak, all of Giant Nation is clamoring to keep them together and not trade MadBum, Smith, Dyson, Watson, etc. But we all know if Zaida doesn’t pull the trigger, he blows a golden opportunity to reload his team with MLB ready prospects. He could set his team back about 3 to 4 years. I am surrounded by jaded Giant fans here in Paso Robles, and they are all on the bandwagon of going all the way this year. So sick of hearing it yet again. C’mon Dodgers, finish this thing this year.
Farhan is on a new 5 year deal. His seat is so cold he needs bun warmers. He was brought in to dismantle this team, and there is no way in hell he doesn’t trade his expiring contracts.
Roger, that’s an interesting story. That front office has always been about putting butts in the seats and trying to win. It’s Bochy’s last year. Bumgarner wants to win in SF. I’m sure Farhan knows the right thing to do for the organization’s future is to deal MadBum. Really, he’s the only one that they can get a haul for. Smith will get some nice pieces, but he’s a rental. Watson can be moved for a B level prospect. The owner’s knew it was finally time to rebuild and they brought Zaidi in to do it. Will the sentimental ties to Bochy and Madbum force them to go the other way or stand pat? Theoretically, ownership could get in the way of the rebuild.
You’re right Hawk. If SF sells or holds/buys, it won’t be because of Farhan’s decision. Ownership will mandate what he do, and then he’ll analytically go out and do what’s best for the team. And like AC or someone said before, Farhan knows our system the best, so if there are guys he’d really want in SF in return for Will Smith, then we’ll likely see a sf-LA trade.
But ownership will decide in the next 10 days which way they want to go. Meanwhile, Farhan will have his homework all done for both scenarios.
This streak the Giants are on just means Farhan will probably wait until the last hour (literally) to decide exactly what he wants to do with Madbum and possibly Smith. I expect he will probably trade Watson and Dyson in any case. In Madbum’s case he could actually keep him and extend him a qualifying offer which would bring the Giants back a fairly high draft choice since there is no way that Madbum accepts the offer.
The Giants have 11 games remaining before the deadline. I predict they will go 6-5 or 5-6 and be sellers, which is what Farhan was supposed to do in the first place.
And probably what Farhan really wants. Certainly drives the price up too. Madbum’s comments aside they would have no chance in the playoffs.
Today’s lineup v Miami
Joc (1b)
Verdugo
Muncy (3b)
Belly
Pollock
Seager
Kike
Martin
Ryu
Lux
Smith
Rios
Peters
Garlick
Reks
Joe
Jackson
Corcino
Down in OKC tonight
Correction, Turner at 3B! Joc already with an error at 1B. Simple ground ball and he couldn’t bend properly to snare it. The picture of him there is all wrong, IMO.
Cassidy and 59,
I am going to address the Barnes/Smith issue tomorrow. Would you prefer I use another language other than English? It seems to me that your comprehension of English is not good. I would be happy to use GoogleTranslate if that would help…
Remember, I wrote this:
https://ladodgertalk.com/2019/07/13/the-will-smith-era-is-upon-us/
Sorry Mark, I must be mistaken. I thought you were making arguments about not bringing up Smith. I only speak English, so it isn’t that. I look forward to reading and not understanding tomorrow’s post.
59, you and Jeff are a really nice counter balance to the mainstream in this forum. I don’t always or even usually agree but you both know your s*^t and when you are right you are both really right.
Thanks Vegas. I’m glad you and Jeff are here. I really enjoy most of the regulars, but find myself agreeing with you and Jeff frequently. This blog has a good community in addition to AC, DC, MT and now 2D2.
Justin Yurchak promoted to Loons from Raptors.
I’m going to say something that won’t be fun but it’s the reality, the Dodgers can bring the best players on July 31, but if at the WS Kershaw it starts two games and Jansen is the closer, we won’t win the WS, I’m sorry
EXACTLY!!!!
Dodgers looking at Shane Greene according to a tigers best reporter
Cost shouldn’t be that high? A Sheffield /Estevez type package?
Tigers might be OK with something like that but would probably prefer a starter to Sheffield. If I’m a GM I don’t worry about finding relievers until I’m closer to being competitive.
On the other hand, if Farhan decides to keep his relievers, everyone else’s price goes up.
Mark, are you going to convince me about Barnes as well as you did with your bullpen analysis the other day!
Today’s DJ Peters’ turn in AAA. 2 at bats, 2 home runs, 3rbi. Avg now at .366.
If this guy has figured it out, does he shoot up to the top 3-4 of our rankings? A right handed power bat in between all these lefties??
Give him a haircut and send him up. And, keep off my lawn.
He already got a haircut. He’s on a post haircut tear!
One of his HR’s was clean out of the park off the Hampton Inn across the street. He’s looking good in his audtion for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Since he cut his hair, I’m good with including him in a deal. Smith with another dinger too.
As Vin would say, “from your lips to God’s ears”….
59, I was thinking the same thing after I saw his new haircut! Did he do enough to make him untouchable or just increase his trade value? IMO they should keep him and see what they’ve got.
Vegas, I have 3 guys that are untouchable. Lux, Smith and May. They all are close to the majors and they all play positions of need next year. This is the team to invest in. Specifically with DJ Peters, he’s either a 4th outfielder or Belli’s a first baseman. I’m not opposed to Belli playing first.
I’ve seen Joc miss more routine plays at 1st Base in his brief stint there than the my 14 year old first basemen that I coach did the last two years combined. The Marlins 1st Baseman made a heck of a play on the throw by Rojas and saved a run. MLB teams undervalue the importance of a good 1st baseman.
AGon used to save a lot of errors for the IF’rs, Bellinger too. I yearn for the days of Garvey and Wes Parker. Beaty is ok, Muncy too, Freese is shaky and Joc is a liability at 1B.
Muncy was working his way up to average when he stopped playing much 1st. Beaty might be below average too but he’s not the liability Joc is there. Ryu being late to the bag is unlike him. However the Dodgers defense has cost them another run.
And before Agone, Loney was an excellent first baseman.
I cringe watching Joc play 1b. To me it’s time to end the experiment
Loney was good, very smooth and he could start a DP with the best of them, forgot about him Bobby!
Ooooh, I like this new 8th inning dude we got going here! Great trade by AF, and he kept Lux and Ruiz!!
Great, now Urias can join the rotation. Win – win!
Perhaps a few on here will remember how good Gil Hodges was at 1b!
He was great, and he came to play everyday–an iron man. And he could hit too.
Met him in 1953. I was a young kid at the local batting cages. Remember the cages? Automatic pitching machines. Great fun. He was doing a PR in my neighborhood, East New York in Brooklyn. Nice man. 1B was a glamour position. Some of the best players made their mark there.
I don’t like Joc at 1B, but with a 14 game lead I don’t mind trying because him are Freese are an even better platoon than Joc and Kike. But, I have a bad feeling that the ball will find him a lot in the playoffs. Baseball has a way of finding the weak link on defense. I like Joc, but I’m not married to him. Same with Freese. So, if you can get a stud first baseman, outfielder or second baseman, I would include him in a trade.
With that said, I still support the platoon where Joc plays LF and Belli plays 1B against righties. Freese at 1B and Belli back in RF against lefties. There’s a lot of moving pieces, but it’s still better than Joc playing first horribly.