When the Dodgers acquired Jimmy Rollins, I was pretty vocal that Corey Seager was ready and there was no need for Rollins to be the “bridge” to Seager. I still think Corey was ready a year earlier, but FAZ made him wait… and it turned out OK. FAZ had a plan of succession.
In the Spring of 2017, I pronounced Cody Bellinger ready for the Show, but FAZ sent him back to OKC… until Adrian Gonzalez went down and was Wally Pipped. Cody WAS ready, but there was a plan of succession… and it turned out OK.
Many fans wanted to include Alex Verdugo in trades over the past two seasons. Others said he was ready. I didn’t because of character immaturity issues. After a winter of working with Gil Reyes, I felt Alex was ready. So did Andrew Friedman and he traded away two of the Dodgers starting outfielders for prospects who are currently #7 and #10 in their farm system. However, Alex was not just given playing time. He had to earn it.
Andrew had a plan of succession and it’s a been a success with Alex Verdugo. Alex has seized the day and earned that playing time. It’s like the old Smith Barney commercial:
A few days ago, I wrote this article: “The Will Smith Era is Upon Us.” While I do like Will Smith, I do not feel the same way about Will Smith that I did about Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger or Alex Verdugo. Some of you think he is going to be great because he has gotten off to a great start in all of 29 AB’s. I sincerely hope you are right, but 29 AB’s is a very small sample. I do think Will Smith will be solid, but not spectacular (although he has been spectacular in 29 AB’s).
I am all for Will Smith being the Dodger’s catcher, but he is no different from Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger or Alex Verdugo. He has to “earn it” and it has to occur organically. Austin Barnes is a good soldier, loved by his teammates and batterymates. Doc can’t just tap him on the shoulder and say “Get on the bus to OKC.” The Dodgers have shown us over the past four-plus years that they are not afraid to call upon rookies… and they have plenty to call upon. This year, it has been Verdugo, Garlick, Beaty, Rios, Gonsolin, Sborz and Will Smith.
Seven rookies on a team that has gone to back-to-back World Series! That’s a lot, but the Dodgers are not afraid to use them. They just don’t hand them a regular job – they make them break down the door. It happened with Corey, Cody and Alex and Will Smith is knocking. Many of you who want to get rid of Barnes were the same ones who also wanted to get rid of Pollock, Kike, and CT3 when they were going poorly.
I am not under any illusion that Austin Barnes is suddenly going to become Johnny Bench, but I will say that if you happen to be the starting catcher on the team that has the best record in baseball, the best ERA in baseball and the biggest division lead in all of baseball, why are so many people so eager to get you out of there? Due to those three things (best ERA, record and lead), there is no reason to rush the process. Players respect that the Dodgers give struggling veteran players a lot of grace. They have earned it. In almost every situation where players have struggled this year, and the Dodgers stayed the course with them, they were rewarded (Kike, CT3, Pollock).
All I am saying is that we (you and I) are “hacks” while the Dodger brass and coaches are professionals. Don’t make these decisions at home. That said, I would not be surprised if Will Smith is the starting catcher by the end of the season. However, it may not come the way you envision… it may be because of injury. What are the odds that Barnes or Martin have an injury?
The Pen
The pen sure looks different with Maeda as the setup guy. Last night was a glimpse of the playoff bullpen. In 2017, Kenley Jansen’s average cutter velocity was 93.5 MPH. Last night Kenley touched 93 several times as he looked in command in the 9th inning.
Caleb Ferguson is too good to send back to AAA to develop a new pitch. Odds are he will not do that… and he doesn’t need to. Right about now, his problems are between his ears. He was unhittable at AAA – he needs to have confidence in his stuff and locate it a little more often. Doc will try and work him into low leverage situations for a while.
Right about now, Will Smith, Felipe Vasquez, Brad Hand, and several other relievers are not yet on the market and it’s possible all three will not be. Their teams are in the playoff hunt and decisions will be made at the trade deadline. As much as I would like to have Vasquez, the only way the Pirates would trade him now is if you offered them something they could not refuse, like Lux, Smith, and May. Ruiz won’t do it. They need an MLB-Ready catcher now. That’s a “dope-fiend move.”
So we wait!!!
P.S. For what it is worth an “insider” told me that Joc Pederson was being scouted by several teams and he was “in play.”
Happy Anniversary!
Yesterday was our Anniversary and I just wanted to say “Thank you for being my partner the past 22 years through this amazing adventure. So, I took the advice on one of her favorite songs (below). Happy Anniversary, Babe! I doubt that she reads here. 😉
AC’s Minor League Lowdown
OKC Dodgers 11 – San Antonio Missions 3 (Brewers)
The Dodgers were at home ready to take on the PCL leading Missions, winners of 8 straight. The Missions were 18.5 games ahead of the Dodgers. The Dodgers jumped out to a 7-0 lead after 3 and 10-1 after 4, and coasted to the 11-3 victory. Daniel Corcino started and went 6.2 innings surrendering all three runs on 6 hits. Shea Spitzbarth got out of the 7th and Stetson Allie and Luis Vazquez returned for their 1st games in 3 weeks.
DJ Peters was the hitting star for this game going 3-4 with 2 HRs (8). Kyle Garlick had another big game going 3-4 with his 16th HR. Zach Reks went 2-4 with his 14th HR, and Will D. Smith hit his 19th HR of the year.
Tulsa Drillers 5 – Midland RockHounds 3 (A’s)
Edwin Uceta started and pitched a masterful 6.0 innings. Uceta ended his night after 6.0 innings with a 4-0 lead. Logan Salow entered and surrendered 3 runs in his .1 inning. Jordan Sheffield followed and retired the RockHounds without any further damage. Victor Gonzalez pitched a scoreless 1.2 innings to close out the win with his 2nd save.
In the 4th, K-Bear singled and moved to 3rd on a Cody Thomas double (1) and scored on a Connor Wong sac fly. Cristian Santana had a 2-run double in the 5th. Santana had 2 doubles on the night (20) Drew Avans inside the park HR (1) gave the Drillers an insurance run.
K-Bear was 3-4, while Santana and Avans had 2 hits apiece.
RC Quakes 3 – San Jose Giants 4
The Giants jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the 2nd with 3 runs scored against starting pitcher Andre Jackson. Jackson went 5.1 innings. Austin Drury and Max Gamboa got through the 9th without any other damage. In the 10th, the Giants pushed across a run against Connor Strain with 2 outs in the 10th, with a walk-off 4-3 win.
The Quakes tied the score with 3 runs (2 earned) of their own in the 7th against starter Sean Hjelle. In the 7th the Quakes had 2 singles, a sac bunt/error loaded the bases. A ground out scored 1 run, leaving runners on 1st and 3rd. Deacon Liput stole 2nd and Niko Hulsizer stole home for the 2nd run. The third run scored on an error.
Great Lakes Loons 2 – Clinton LumberJacks 3 (Marlins)
3rd Round draft pick, Ryan Pepiot, made his Great Lakes debut and pitched an excellent 2.0 innings, surrendering one hit. Zach Willeman followed with 4.0 innings and gave up the 3 runs. Aaron Ochsenbein continued his scoreless start to the season with his Great Lakes debut as well, with 2 scoreless IP. He now has 7.0 innings without allowing a run. James Bruihl pitched a scoreless 9th. The offense could not get going. There were no Loons with multi-hit games. Jacob Amaya hit a double (23) as did Romer Cuadrado (10) and Luke Heyer added a triple (3).
Ogden Raptors 9 – Rocky Mountain Vibes 5 (Brewers)
Both teams traded runs early on leaving the game tied 5-5 after 4. Jeronimo Castro started and pitched 4.0 innings surrendering all 5 runs. 3 Raptor pitchers (Melvin Jimenez, Jeff Belge, and Corey Merrill) shut down the Vibes for the next 5.0 innings on 2 hits. Melvin Jimenez pitched 2.0 and got the win.
Offensively the Raptors were led by Sam McWilliams who went 2-4 with his 9th HR. McWilliams now has 9 doubles, 9 HRs, 22 RBIs, 19 walks, 35 Ks, and a 1.094 OPS. Jon Littell and Jeremy Arocho each had 2 hits. Brandon Lewis (5) and Andrew Shaps (4) each had doubles, while Littell hit a triple (2).
AZL Dodgers Lasorda 6 – AZL Indians 15
The Indians jumped out to a 2-0 lead after 1 and a 5-1 lead after 2 with all five runs scored against starter Carlos Duran. The Lasordas scored one in the 3rd and 4 in the 4th to take the lead that stood until the Indians scored 1 in the 7th to tie the game, and then jumped on three Lasorda pitchers for 9 in the 8th to close out the game.
D=Eddys Leonard went 2-5 with a double (3) and a HR (3). Aldo Espinoza went 2-5 with 2 doubles (6), while Julio Carrion had a 2-4 night. Jaime Perez hit his 3rd double of the season.
AZL Dodgers Mota 3 – AZL Brewers 2
The Motas scored solo runs in the 4th and 6th for a 2-0 lead. The Brewers tied the score in the 7th. In the 9th, Alfonso Guillen opened with a double (1). Jeremiah Vison pinch ran for Guillen and moved to 3rd on a sac bunt and scored the walk-off run on a wild pitch.
Diego Cartaya had 2 hits for his third consecutive multi-hit game, and a 5-game hitting streak overall. Juan Zabala had a 2-hit night with a double (2), and Alfonso Guillen had a 2 hit night as well.
Julian Smith had a good outing going 4.0 scoreless innings. 4 pitchers followed with Carlos De Los Santos and Igor Avila surrendering the tieing runs. Jacob Cantleberry continued his scoreless string and Daniel Cruz got the final out in the 9th good enough to get the win.
DSL Dodgers Bautista 4 – DSL Red Sox 5
Luis Yan went 3-4 with his first triple. Jose Ramos (7) and Kiumel Bastardo (4) each had doubles. The Bautistas got off to a rough start falling behind 3-0 in the first after Martin Santana yielded 3 runs while only getting one out. He left with the bases loaded and Abel Moya allowed all inherited runners to score. The Bautistas scored three to tie the score, but Abel Moya allowed a HR as the Red Sox took the lead. The Red Sox scored an unearned run for the final score.
DSL Dodgers Shoemaker 1 – DSL Rangers 3
The Shoemakers had 8 singles led by Hector Martinez with 3 of them. The Rangers scored two in the 5th off Fran Castro, while both teams scored a run in the 8th to complete the scoring. Benony Robles started and pitched a scoreless 4.0 innings on 1 hit. Castro and two other Shoemaker pitchers followed.
I agree that Joc is on the market. I’m ready to move on to Smith.
Joc is so inconsistent the 1b experiment does not work. Bring Lux to play 2b and send Muncy at 1b period. Bring Smith up for C. Bring peters as RH bat for September or earlier. Do not trade for any hitters at deadline instead bring couple of good Relief pitchers and maybe a starter. Joc hits 20 home runs by first half almost all the time and then does not hit anything on second half. And they ruined him by platooning him. He does not work as leadoff does not get on base enough, cant steal a base. I mean this guy on minor use to be fast and steal bases and seemed like a five tool player now he is one tool (Only Power ) that is all. Also please make Barnes a Backup. Send Martin to IL. Bring Smith.
Ok the bullpen looks fine and the offense sucks so AF better bring in someone who can hit!
Agreed, we need to change our strategy day by day to make sure we identify the real need before the deadline. Six outs against the Marlins is enough for me to declare the bullpen fixed.
I do declare!
I don’t know if will smith will be great. But, AF has said he is already there defensively so what is the risk. Play smith half the time and designate Martin. I don’t think they are doing it because they don’t want to lose the depth and maybe the money. I think once they get to September they can add smith and still have depth with all 3. The Dodgers would then be protected from a season ending injury of one of the 3. Smith will have time to prove his worth in September. AF knows Barnes is not going to hit and so does Ray Charles.
I agree with Carlos on Joc. He is a force when he is on and he doesn’t help when he is not. He has done this to himself as he cannot hit lefties. He is a good team player who has a flair for the dramatic. Unfortunately, he is not a consistent hitter. While being a good outfielder he is not a first basemen. You can play him there with a 14 game lead but in the playoffs nah.
They better fix the bullpen. That will not assure victory but would give us a fighting chance. We will not win the World Series with what we have now. Maeda could certainly help the right side of the bullpen if he is like he was yesterday. Stripling might be our best trade piece. He is a solid starter but average reliever. Next year the Dodgers would have buehler,urias, kershaw,maeda, and who? That might be why they keep stripling.
Just another reactionary daily post! Listen Mark, I get it. Martin and Barnes are both great guys, great teammates, and are good defensive catchers but both guys are soon headed below the Mendoza line. We can’t afford to give up 3-4 automatic outs against the Yankees or Astros. Every ab will count to beat those two. If you want to win a WS sometimes you have to sacrifice and make tough decisions. Give Smith a shot and get another quality bullpen piece and that gives us the best chance to end our drought. Heck put Martin in the bullpen. He’s been one of our best relievers this year!
It could be that the Dodgers are waiting until after to trade deadline to bring up Will Smith, because everyone would be insisting on him if he showed continued success at the MLB level. They’re trying to keep the focus on Ruiz.
I like Joc. He is more than useful. But, he isn’t getting over the hump and has since regressed into the same Joc he always is. Maybe the move to 1B is negatively effecting his hitting. At the beginning of the year, he was going with the pitch a little more. Now, he’s back to pulling everything. Other teams exploit Joc by using openers and stacking lefties against us. With only one more year of control, it’s time to consider moving him if you can get an acceptable return. It seems like the Cardinals and Martinez might be a fair swap. The Cards are very right handed and we need bullpen arms.
Our outfield is set for the next several years with Belli, Pollock and Verdugo. Pollock is always injured, so it is beneficial to keep a 4th outfielder on the team. I was thinking that DJ Peters was expendable, but he might be the one to hold onto. Zach Recks, Kyle Garlick, Conner Joe are the closest to the majors to go along with DJ Peters, but Peters has the highest upside, while Recks probably has the highest floor.
MT I like your point about a plan of succession. It is always the best case scenario to have prospects coming up to replace fading vets, but it doesn’t always work that way. Cody is a prime example. He busted down the door and luckily Adrian faded quickly and their timelines merged perfectly. This wasn’t the plan. Cody was on the timeline to be a September callup that year. Seager was a little different. In hindsight, Mark’s vision is clear. But, in reality they acquired Rollins before Seager played a single game in AAA. After a brief, but dominant September callup, Seager was deemed ready for the following year. This was because they knew Corey could handle the defense at the position and since SS doesn’t generally produce a lot of offense, they knew that there was a good chance he would be at least acceptable offensively.
Seager and Smith are showing similar paths as Smith is ready defensively and our production at C is horrendous. Not a lot to lose here. Bellinger and Lux are also showing similar paths as Lux in knocking the door down, they just need to open a spot for him and that could be 1B to Joc’s demise. Muncy would go back home to 1st and Lux would take over at 2B. This seems like a very risky move, but if it doesn’t work out they could always go back to Beaty / Freese at 1B.
I can definitely see struggling teams want to get their hands on Joc. He’s a proven hitter who should be hitting 5th or 6th and provide 40hr pop to any lineup (and decent defense in LF). And maybe in a less pressure situation Joc can get his feet wet and learn how to hit lefties.
From our perspective, I think Verdugo, and now Matt Beaty have made Joc expendable. Add in the fact that Joc is due for some serious raises shortly, we can save the cash owed to him by giving more time to Verdugo/Beaty etc. Joc seems like a fantastic dude, and as AC said, he might very well have been the 2017 World Series MVP if our All Stars didn’t choke away the series, but we have a surplus in the outfield. We can trade from depth so i won’t sting as much.
I just saw the video of DJ Peters home run yesterday. Good lord that was crushed. If he’s figured things out, he’s either big time trade bait or he’s got a legit chance at being part of our outfield next season.
I’ve not watched Jordan Sheffield throw. I’ve seen the stats, which are impressive, but I don’t know how his stuff is. Does the ball move? Does he paint corners with heat? Or is it just a straight fastball but in great locations?
Has Edwin Uceta estabished himself as a legit option? Perhaps he’d be excellent trade bait as we go for the Hand/Vazquez type reliever?
I think this team was exhausted from the crazy long trip, and looked incredibly flat last night. Luckily we played a crappy team, and that team handed us the game. But Maeda and Jansen had better stuff last night, which is a good sign.
I hope we give Ryu a week or 2 off later in August, to get him refreshed for Sept and then Oct. He might very well get starts in Games 1 or 2 in every series.
I would add all the SPs to some extra rest. I hope Gonsolin heals soon and comes back up to help out. It was refreshing to see Maeda dominate the 8th. He made all of the Marlins look like early versions of Beltre and Mondesi chasing that slider off the plate. But, keep in mind, he was facing the Marlins. Martin could have pitched the 8th as effectively.
Well, we could try out Martin in the BP. He’s certainly not doing much as a hitter.
Oh, and as far as the Austin Barnes/Will Smith debate goes, I think it’s ridiculous for some to assume that those of us who want Smith to start don’t value defense. If Austin Barnes was on the verge of winning a Gold Glove, then I’d be more accepting of his black hole offense. But he’s not; he’s an average catcher.
If we want to give Barnes credit for the team’s ERA, then do we give him blame for the bullpen’s ERA, or the bullpen’s horrible stats re. inherited runners allowed to score? How much credit do we give Barnes (or Martin) for the starter’s ERA, when he has 3 All Star starters throwing to him? I’m sure some of that success can be attributed to Barnes, but I”d imagine Kershaw, Ryu, and Buehler would’ve been All Stars this year if AJ Ellis, Carlos Ruiz, Grandal, or Martin were their full time catchers as well.
The eye test told many of us that Will Smith’s defense was already upper echelon, and that it was better than Barnes. Clearly that defense, that pitch framing, and the game calling will improve as he gets accumulated to the staff and the league. I’m pretty confident that if Will Smith started to struggle offensively, he’d still put up better than a .205 average! Barnes may be a nice person, but right now he’s not helping the team. Will Smith, the #67 prospect in the game, is ready. It’s a no brainer to me.
All I know is that Smith cannot be worse than Barnes. He’s got a better arm, and is a better hitter. As far as Barnes goes, it’s tough love that he is losing his starting job. This is a competitive sport. He knows it and so does everyone else. He will probably still be Smith’s backup as Martin is fading into the sunset.
Everyone has a plan of succession. Not every plan goes according to its projected timetable. Too many variables. Sentimentality is not part of winning. Barnes is a big boy. Let him fight to regain his job. Make the team demand his presence. So far, he has not. CK has already said Smith is an MLB catcher, now. Not next year, but NOW. The FO has to insure that this year is ours, once and for all. It is ours for the taking and if we take it this year, the dynasty begins.
It would make sense that Joc could be involved in trade discussions. He said the playing time issue is hurting his hitting (maybe a sign of some unhappiness) and it’s obvious that he’s uncomfortable at first. At this point he’s a player without a position. I can’t imagine a world where Joc Pederson is the starting first baseman when the playoffs begin. Smith will probably see regular playing time in September. If it goes well, he may indeed end up as the Dodger starting catcher going forward. I can see Smith and Barnes handling the catching next year. The Dodgers already love Smith’s defensive skills and game calling abilities. What will be interesting to see if the Dodgers are willing to trade Ruiz at the deadline if there is a big deal to be had. The other interesting situation is Lux. Roberts talked about him in great length the other day and he’s obviously on the radar for a September call-up and see where it goes from there. I think he ends up as the Dodger starting 2b next year. As far as “hacks”, I think a lot of baseball people, including GMs might qualify. Not everyone in the MLB is as savvy as the Dodger management team, just look at all the bad long term contracts teams are stuck with … and the impact those contracts have.
Hoese and Busch have been promoted to the Great Lake Loons. Gives us a better opportunity to see what we have in these two. I’ll be writing about our draft signees on Monday.
Awesome. Can’t wait for that. Thanks in advance
https://twitter.com/greatlakesloons
Happy Anniversary, Mark, and many more to come. DBM
Yes. Happy anniversary!
Zack Rakes is absolutely fascinating to me. He’s always been on the older side, but he absolutely Rakes. He’s like an older lesser version of Belli. He started off by being a batting average machine, then all the sudden he’s hitting it over the wall. I would love to see this guy make it and I’m glad to see him playing some first base.
Happy Anniversary Mark! Hope this coming year is the best ever in your marriage!! My wife and I celebrated our 40th a few weeks ago.
* The Dodgers got a Gallen of Zac last night for the first 5 innings. Agree with Bobby that they looked flat and tired. There is kind of a lull after the All-Star Break and the 100 game point when things are a grind. The Dog Days of Summer begin. They were tardy on Gallen’s 92 early and I think this shows up on defense as well. And it’s not just the Dodgers. I see lots of players booting the routine play. Add that, the rain delays, the long trips and plane delays and the focus goes, guys are tires and it shows.
* Jim Reynolds behind the plate was a walking, talking, neon flashing example of why we need the Automatic Balls and Strikes technology. He was just awful beginning with the check swing call on JT. Pitches an entire baseball in the strikezone were called balls; until they weren’t. Throughout the game nobody knew what a strike was. Some umpires look to call a pitch a strike, until it isn’t. Others, like Reynolds, look at every pitch as a ball, until it’s a strike. The “default” is ball. Big difference that negatively changes the game. More walks, more grooved pitches.
* Until I heard Joe Davis’ comments about Maeda’s relief stats as a bridge guy, I had no idea just how effective he’s been in that role. Good news for post season.
* Even the best do things sometimes that makes me shake my head in wonder. Last night, Bellinger is up 0 and 2 with some puss right-hander. Green light special…..takes a center cut 93 fastball for strike one. No biggie. 2 and 1, Super Green light special (you work so hard to get these advantage counts)…………takes another 92 fastball right down the can for strike 2. Finally strikes out on an elevated fastball out of the zone. Even the best occasionally do odd stuff.
Yep, I noticed the same thing with Belli in that AB.
Human umps will still call check swings even after the robits take over. But, I’m all for the Robits on balls and strikes. Humans suck at that.
Doc knows his players are fatigued after that crappy road trip with extra innings and rain delays. He said before the homestand started that he would be looking to rest some guys over the weekend. Add that to a couple of off days and we should be ready for DC and CO to finish up the month.
Dog days begin. It’s hot and humid energy sucking weather right now. Time for Barnes to take a break in OKC.
Happy Anniversary Mark. My wife and I will be married 56 years later this year. As time goes by you will learn the importance of “selective hearing” ha ha.
Happy Anniversary Mark! Great job with the family, congratulations to you and your better half for that.
Also congrats Mark. Your wife must be a saint! Ha ha
Anyone know where all of the posters from mlb.com have moved on to?
Baseball America has updated their top 100.
12. Gavin Lux (+2)
27. Dustin May (+10)
52. Keibert “trade bait?” Ruiz (-21)
56. Will Smith (+15)
I already said to Trade Ruiz before he becomes Zack Lee.
What you say matters about as much as what I (or anyone else on this board) says.
I already said to trade the top 15 prospects in the system and Verdugo and Pederson for Mike Trout.
Not sure why that hasn’t happened yet. Can you look into it for me?
I did. AF said no!!!
But we know better than he does!
Bluto, most of the time you add absolutely nothing to this blog. I at least humor those that get me.
true on one front.
Happy anniversary Mark. Nice to have a great woman by your side.
I would put Muncy at second and Beaty at first. Beaty just looks like a hitter to me. Let Taylor and Kike be the subs for everybody. That would give everybody rest time and give Taylor and Kike almost a starting job.
Yes, Smith has looked good. If you are going to do it, do it around the first of August. Give him two months to work with the pitchers. If not, do it next year.
I think Joc is expendable. If he, with some low level farm kids, would bring a good relief pitcher, do it. Garlick and Rios certainly could be used in a trade. Verdugo, Pollock and Bellinger certainly give us a great outfield.
Why stop at Smith? Let’s go ahead and bring up Lux now, and Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Josiah Gray and DJ Peters, and maybe even Jordan Sheffield. After all what players do in MiLB is easily transferable to MLB.
Neither Mark nor I have ever said that Will Smith should not be brought up and given every chance to WIN the starting catcher position, which many beleive he will (including me and probably Mark). I just do not see the urgency right now. The Dodgers have the best record in MLB, the best team ERA, the best team WHIP, the best K/BB ratio, the least # of walks allowed, tied for the best batting average against, the best at opposing OBP, the least # of hits allowed, tied for most shutouts…
Austin Barnes has allowed 2 passed balls in 480 innings. Only 16 SB with 5 CS. Only 4 errors. At AAA Smith has allowed 3 PB in 405 innings. 48 SB and 13 CS (21%), and 5 errors. In 63 innings at the ML level he has 1 PB. He has thrown out 2 of 6 would be base stealers.
Barnes is obviously not an offensive threat, but he is the primary catcher for the #1 team in MLB, and #1 overall pitching staff (yes even including RP). Even with his lack of offense, the Dodgers still are at the top group of so many offensive categories.
Austin Barnes is not a problem. Can the position be improved on? Absolutely. Is Smith the answer? Probably. But can’t we wait until September, or when either Barnes or Martin are injured? Does it really help the team to send Barnes down for 5-6 weeks or release Martin? Austin is not a stupid person. He knows he is holding the job for someone better to come along, just as AJ Ellis did. Are we that impatient that we cannot wait until September?
AC, you present a valid argument. Of course there’s no rush with a 14 game lead. Of course, we can wait until September or an injury. But, is bringing him up now such an invalid argument?
Is it unheard of to send a struggling player to the minors when that player has options (ala Puig and Pederson from recent memory). Didn’t both of those players improve after being sent to the minors?
Does it make no sense to bring up a guy when he’s hot?
Barnes is absolutely horrible with a bat in his hands, right now. It doesn’t get any worse than this. To say that this isn’t a problem is understating how bad he is. The only reason he isn’t a problem is because his defense is pretty good and the rest of the team can hit. If that’s the case, it’s more accurate to say that the problem, that is Barnes’ offense, is masked by the team’s success.
That last point on the other side of the argument is that it’s probably better for Smith to get as much time as possible working alongside Martin and with the MLB staff to prepare him for the playoffs.
Wait, one more. It’s probably better for Barnes to go to the minors are get some confidence with the bat and bring him up once Martin gets injured, when Smith shows he’s not ready, or when rosters expand so he can compete for the job.
My thought is that Smith should replace Beaty on the active roster. He can play third and give Barnes and Martin
mid-season extra rest.
Happy Anniversary Mark!
We celebrated our 49th on the 18th.
I am really enjoying this team and this season.
48 for me last month.
AC-catching is a tough position. It takes time to know all the pitchers. Smith , in my opinion, cannot learn it all in one month. That is why I said bring him up the first of August or wait until next year. I am not at all dissatisfied with Barnes. Can we do better? Yes, I think we can. If we had nothing better in the pipe line at catching than Barnes, then leave Barnes where he is. I think you have to weigh how the pitchers feel about Barnes. I would certainly not do anything to upset the cohesion in the club house. These are things we do not know. You can bring Smith up in September and let him play a few games, but that is all you can do. In the playoffs he will not be the starting catcher unless there are injuries. Barnes is a good defensive catcher and handles the pitchers well. Offensely, Barnes struggles.
A lot of people are talking about the Dodger lead in the NL West, but I don’t hear very much about home field advantage.
From what I understand, if the Dodgers end the season with the best record in baseball they are guaranteed home field advantage all the way through the World Series.
This should be the goal for the Dodgers. Not just winning the NL West.
Gavin Lux started at 2B yesterday. The fastest way to the LA Dodgers?
Home-field advantage is determined by the pennant winner with the better regular-season record, therefore the only way a wild card can get home field advantage is if it’s an all Wild Card World Series. So yes, if the Dodgers have the best record in baseball and they advance to the WS, they will indeed have home field advantage. Right now, the Yankees have a higher winning percentage, so we would not have it if we faced the Yankees if the season ended today.
Gavin Lux is going to be on the team soon if he keeps this up. But, no one can maintain a >500 batting average.
59inarow
Thank you for the info. Yep so with those 2 or 3 powerfull American League teams, the Dodgers should be focused on continuing to win games.
This next paragraph is not directed towards you 59inarow.
In discussions about improving the team, I hear a lot of excuses about how big of a lead the Dodgers have in the division. Well guess what its not just the division, its home field advantage.
I was hoping that Lux would get a “cup of coffee” when CT3 went on the IL.
There’s as much chance of them starting Lux’s “clock” for a short term injury as there is finding value for Joc Pederson with one arb year left.
Something happened to DJ on the way to OKC. I don’t think he will be on the trading list. I really dislike the term, “trade bait’ as it sounds like the team is trying to get something for nothing or dangling a player to entice another team. Perhaps that is what is being done but the young men being traded are not bait. They are young men. Perhaps being from a fishing community has influenced my view on bait. Well, that’s my rant so back to DJ.
As they say, the sample size is small, but he has been on fire. When you watch him at the plate he is definitely different. It might be described as confidence. He has always had the power but had to improve his bat to ball skills and be more situational. Maybe too soon to call but it appears he has certainly improved in those areas.
Some asked why he was promoted to OKC when his K/BB ratio was less than desirable. Maybe this is the reason.
From a MiLB article:
He’s made the jump from the Texas League look effortless, but he’s had some help. A majority of Peters’ success has stemmed from the relationship with Oklahoma City hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh. Peters grew close with Coolbaugh prior to the season, and the two worked together often in Spring Training. Now, Coolbaugh helps guide Peters before each game.
“I knew that I was ready,” Peters said. “I was already very familiar with Coolbaugh. We clicked right away.
“When a player has a really strong relationship with a coach, as a hitter it helps a lot,” he added. “You trust that person, you trust the game plan they came up with. You get to talk with them about your own personal game plan, which is what Coolbaugh and I did today.”
Peters, a long time Dodger fan, appears to be very happy in OKC.
“When I was drafted by the Dodgers, it was an absolute blessing,” he said. “This is a special place and a special team. We have really good players, even though the record in the first half doesn’t really show that. It’s a really good group of guys here.
“Our lineup is packed every night,” he added. “We’re going to have six elite guys that will kill the ball. I would not want to be the one to make the lineup out, that’s for sure.”
In case we often wonder, coaches can make a difference.
Maybe that’s why Ruiz is getting promoted too.
Ruiz has been promoted to AAA. Think blue LA is reporting.
Ah, Smith is going coming back to the big club.
Seems to me everyone agrees that Smith should replace Barnes. The difference is, some think it should occur now. Others think it should occur in Sept. A few think maybe it should happen next season.
The last 2 days we’ve had some awesome posts and everyone has given great reasons for their position. But I think all that we’re really “arguing” about is the timing of Smith coming up, and nothing more.
Meanwhile, congrats to Ruiz. Does he replace a AAA vet catcher who is being cut? And I didn’t know Lux started at 2b yesterday; that’s great to hear. I’d love to know how he actually looked and felt out there. After all, it could be his home for the next 15 years!!
Well it’s not to back up Smith!
Well we definitely need to go get a reliable leftie now:
“With the search for relief in overdrive approaching the July 31 Trade Deadline, Dodgers left-handed reliever Scott Alexander has been shut down indefinitely with nerve damage in his left thumb, manager Dave Roberts said on Saturday.”
That makes Alexander and Cingrani likely unable to help for 2019. We need a leftie!
Urias
Interesting note from Ken Gurnick:
Last night’s game at Los Angeles featured seven total pitchers, each from a different country. US (Gallen), Dominican (Garcia), Venezuela (Quijada), Taiwan (Chen), S. Korea (Ryu), Japan (Maeda) and Netherlands (Jansen).
Austen Barnes = UNTOUCHABLE
Gotta love Dave Roberts. With the bases loaded he brings in the guy that is most prone to giving up the long ball Yimi Garcia.
Marlins have the worst offense in the NL. Kershaw shuts them down – as soon as he comes out the ‘pen gives up 4 runs. You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig. They have to fix this.
Sorry – 6 runs.
What, me worry? This is the anthem the FO has been singing for the last few years. I feel bad for Kershaw who was lights out and will not get this decision. I don’t want to point fingers, but I will. Shaggy/Ferguson. I can see why Ferguson fools everyone. He has good stuff but no control. Of course, it’s Barnes fault for calling the pitches, and the FO’s fault for allowing these players on the field. Did I leave anything out?
Oh, yeah. I could never figure out why MJ was always talking about Corey being a GG. He’s always struck me as an average fielder, but a very good hitter. I can see him being shifted to another position once the FO figures out who will be the starters for the next few seasons.
Kike is taking Puig’s spot as stupidest Dodger. Belli would have scooped that throw.
Pederson will never have the chops for 1B ala Cody.
Kike has always been a knucklehead. He missed as many cutoff men as anybody last year and overthrew bases more than anyone too.
Ok so Beaty needs to be on the post season roster
Like i said earlier, he’s made Joc expendable
Bellinger at 1B in the postseason, with Joc and Beaty platooning in LF in the postseason?
Muncy has to play because of his mighty bat, but that needs to be at 2B only. Moving around the diamond is not his strength.
Fielding errors led to much of the disaster tonight, but I think this game–especially at home, and on the heels of the meltdowns earlier in the week–just made it impossible for AF to avoid making a significant relief acquisition (or two). A repeat of last year’s feeble relief acquisitions might cause a riot.
Bobby
I agree about Beaty, he’s a keeper, but you do not trade Joc Peterson.
With Taylor out until late August, Beaty might have to be sent down temporarily towards the end of August until September 1st.
Beaty is this year’s Muncy/Taylor … or at least this year’s Kyle Farmer.
Ok Beaty is a keeper.
If the Dodgers believe that Beatty is for real, then moving Joc in a deal becomes more attractive.
Hope this recent defensive lapse is just an anomaly that the Dodgers can put behind them.
Doc stayed too long with Ferguson and Garcia before going to Baez. I
You don’t trade Joc Peterson.
Pollock vs right handers 198/269/363/632
These 2 names are screeming platoon.
I think I read somewhere our bullpen was trending up. Yeah it looks like it is getting better and better. Now the defense is looking almost as good as the bullpen. On a side note I read where joc was rated next to last in defensive first basemen. Sorry but the worst was Beaty. I love what Beaty has done for sure but maybe that is why he has been playing the outfield. I am not saying I agree just reporting what I read. I was being sarcastic about the bullpen. Pretty bad when a 6 run lead is not safe.
How does the left-handed hitting Pederson platoon with the left-handed hitting Beatty?
Oops, my bad on that. It’s late in the Chicago area …
But he has to be on the postseason roster.
The 7 positions besides catcher:
Bellinger OF everyday
Verdugo OF everyday
Peterson/Pollock OF platoon. Look at Pollock’s stats against right handers this season.
Turner 3B resting him as much as he wants or needs with Beaty
Seager SS everyday
Muncy 2B everyday
Freese 1B resting him as much as he wants or needs with Beaty
In this scenario the Dodgers would need to work with Beaty practicing at 1B and 3B.
Lux is a long shot this year. I doubt they rush him.
I do not like to comment during or after games. But tonight I am making an exception. Everyone knows that I am a Caleb Ferguson fan but right now he lacks confidence. He needs to go back down to OKC and dominate like he has been doing, come back in September and pitch in non-high-leverage situations, and come back ready to take a roster spot next year.
We may think Beaty has made Joc expendable but when we read teams want players from the Dodgers roster it’s Beaty not Joc. More controllable years.
Alex Colome and Amir Garrett are two players who could help this pen.
I like Ferguson too but he needs to Go down and learn a slider. Right now he can’t throw his curve for a consistent strike and everyone just sits on his fastball. That third pitch could make him a dominate pitcher! But that may be an offseason project for him.
A win is a win, but as many have said, this BP will not be enough come September.
Some won’t agree, but Yimi Garcia is not, and never will be, a decent MLB standard reliever, unless Mop Up Duties are what you are paying him for.
He just hasn’t got the bottle for it.
To be this dominant with such a flaky Pen is incredible.
AF is a good GM. He is not rushing or pushing, after all he has a 14.5 game lead to play with.
I believe he will come through. He owes it to the players, and supporters.
To me, Felipe Vasquez makes the most sense. We get him for 4 years. He is no rental. No need to pony up the cash for a Closer when Kenley departs. Kenley and Felipe as our 8/9 innings guys for the next 2 years sounds good to me.
I think that because of the incomparable coverage of the Minor League’s that we get here, we have all got a bit more interest in our emerging talent. The names May, Smith, Ruiz, Gonsolin and Lux, feel like can’t miss certainties to us, and we are all getting attached to them.
2 of them, preferably not Lux, plus another decent prospect should get it done.
A back of the Rotation of Baez, Kelly, Vasquez and Kenley, with maybe Urias as our leftie, or Maeda possibly, looks much stronger.
I think we see AF pull the trigger on a big deal.
Man, I’ll bet a lot of knees are sore today!