Since getting off dairy products after last season, Clayton Kershaw has seen no flareup of his back issues and every game he has started he puts up at least 6 innings… or more. Simply put, Clayton is still the Dodger’s Ace, even if Hyun-jin Ryu wins the Cy Young Award. He is now 11-2 and has a 2.77 ERA to go with a 1.04 WHIP.
He’s the amazing part: His career ERA is 2.41 and his career WHIP is 1.01 – that’s otherworldly after 11 years. Everyone says that Sandy Koufax was better, but he wasn’t better for his career. Koufax was the Greatest of All Time his last 5 years, but his career ERAS is 2.77 and his WHIP is 1.106. Clayton is the greatest Dodger Pitcher of All-Time, OVER HIS CAREER, but if you Cherry Pick 5 seasons, then Sandy is the GOAT.
Of course, Sandy was better in the playoffs, but he only pitched in 8 playoff games, while Clayton has pitched in 30! He still has an opportunity THIS year to change his narrative. Barring injury, the playoffs will start with Clayton on the mound, followed by Ryu and Buehler. The 4th starter is still to be determined.
Playoff Pitchers
It appears it will not be Urias and I endorse his move to the pen. In rare instances, we could see him in back-to-back games. You will have to give him some time to wrap his head around his new role, but he has a couple of months to adapt. They will likely not pitch him on back-to-back days during the season… maybe the playoffs.
Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May both have a shot at the playoff roster. There’s enough time to stretch out Rich Hill, but it will be close. Whether May and/or Gonsolin make the playoff roster is a simple choice: How did they pitch? Chicken Strip is still a possibility as a 4th Starter.
The Dodger pitching is #1 in baseball and the bullpen continues their march up the rankings. The bullpen ERA has now dropped to 3.98 and they are now #7 in bullpen ERA. They just passed Oakland who slipped to the #8 spot.
I have an early flight, so I’ll see you later…
The game story in the LA Times this morning mentions Kershaw “shaping” his pitches now. I wonder if this is a hint that watching Rich Hill has influenced Kershaw’s reinvention?
Speaking of the LA TImes, Andy McCullough has left and joined The Athletic.
Watch out! Clayton Kershaw is evolving. As is the Dodgers bullpen. It sure helps when CK goes 7.
I think I saw him hit 92 on the gun a couple of times, if that velo comes back a little, watch out! He might have to make space on the mantle for another CY or two.
If you want a good laugh, check the Giants record since the trade deadline. Way to go Farhan!
It’s funny, I haven’t given the Giants a thought all year until right before the deadline. Now, I’m having fun watching them fail. Just in time for my trip to No-Cal! Taking off on a roadie to Napa today. Taking my fire stick and mlb app so I can watch the D-Bags series in the hotel room. I’m so ready for some R&R.
Don’t laugh. I think Farhan is doing some great and interesting stuff ..
The Giants are in good hands, should be fun.
it will definitely take a few years, but yes, I trust Farhan will build them back up
Interesting take V… I’m just glad we have the new n improved Ace back…
Being an ardent Dodger fan it was almost surreal to see Kersh chucking, Walker watching and Sandy taking it all in… Goose bump time… I only wish Big D was around to visit the ravine and bless us with his presence…
Well were surely rolling now and may health be with us… The discussions in Doc’s office regarding the roster make up must be something… Tough discussions loom in the future…
Impossible to compare pitchers from completely different eras, but what if:
Koufax had first pitched in the minors instead of going straight to the majors as a “bonus baby?”
Koufax home field was Dodger Stadium his entire career rather than 104 games at hitter friendly Ebbets Field (4.04 ERA), and the LA Coliseum (4.44 ERA)? Koufax Dodger Stadium ERA 1.36; Kershaw 2.09.
Koufax pitched in 5 man rotation rather than 4, and was not expected to pitch complete games (averaged 18 per season after team moved to Dodger Stadium; averaging 272 innings per season). Kershaw averages 190 IP, and 2.25 complete games per season.
And, if Koufax had access to the same medical advances as Kershaw and did not retire after his age 30 season?
Both are all time GREATS; one in the HOF, and the other most likely a first ballot HOF’er. I am lucky (old) enough to have watched both — and listen to Vin Scully call their games.
Agree SoCalBum. Also Joc Pederson made an awesome catch in right field last night. Possibly a game winning catch.
Yes indeed, Joc looked like the defensive outfielder Vinny raved about as a rookie.
Joc Speederson found its way into print.
He sure did! As did Belli at 1B.
He sure did, Mom. That was a beautiful catch that also gave me hope that he could play RF. This all means that Belli could remain at 1B and Muncy at 2B if they don’t bring up Lux.
And his yo yo bat seems to be on the rise again. Hopefully he can sustain it through the end of year and into playoffs. We need the good JOC to win a WS
Look up “streaky hitter” in baseball glossary and you will find a picture of Joc
Right next to Kike
Spot on!
For those that haven’t noticed, after the All Star break Joc kept his stance but started bending his legs more and also started choking up on the bat about an inch. He became a singles hitter that also hit into the shift. He has now straightened up a little more and is not choking up as much and his swing looks more fluid.
He tries and from what I read, works as hard as anybody with the new virtual reality technology so he can preview the opposing pitcher before the game.
An Ace does it when it matters. This current Dodger “Ace” has come up short in 5 of 6 Octobers. That’s not an Ace. In Game 5 of a 2-2 World Series, a real Ace holds on to a 4-0 lead, and then holds on to a 7-4 lead. This Ace did not. Yes, he was great in Game 1 which we won, and he was great Game 7, AFTER we were already down 5-0 and there was less pressure! But when we needed the Ace the most, he was basically Yu Darvish. I won’t go into the playoffs in 2013, 2014, 2016, or 2018; I’ve done that enough. And I’ve said he was flat out dominant vs the Mets in 2015, only suffering a Game 1 loss after Baez couldn’t get David Wright out.
It’s fun to get excited about April-September, and add to an already impressive 1st ballot Hall of Fame resume. Do it in October. If he does it in October, I might even go buy his jersey! Every single person here wants 2 things to happen in October:
1) We win the World Series
2) and Kersh is the one on the mound to close it out (with me somewhere in the stands, no matter where the game is!)
This is going to be the year where Kersh doesn’t have a melt-down in the post-season. He has evolved.
We know. Thanks for the cold water that came with your hopes and dreams.
shows what you know. I don’t have any hopes and dreams!
I have them for you.
For those of you who wanted Belli kept in right field, how did you like his play last night at first base? Belli could have made that catch in right but there’s no way Joc makes either of the great plays Belli made at first. We are just better with Bellinger at first.
Matt Carpenter is a beauty. He bitched at the ump every at bat. And he’s hitting .215. He needs to do a lot less bitching and a lot more hitting.
looking forward to today’s game.
Joc is one of the very best players going back for a ball with his back to the hitter. Belli is clearly faster but it is not necessarily true that he makes that catch just because Joc made it. Joc’s biggest challenge at first base is the play that is expected and not the plays like the absolutely fantastic play Belli made.
I love Belly at 1B but I still think he helps the team more in RF. Especially, if Lux goes to 2b
For me right now it’s Belli’s D that gives him the edge over Yellich for MVP. But his bat needs to heat up to keep pace! Yellich is just an offensive stud!
A reminder: The Dodger game on YouTube today.
2deneter2 said the other day he thought Koufax at his absolute best was slightly better than Kershaw at his absolute best. He said it was not by much, I agree but I like Koufax with a little bigger margin and I don´t need to cherry pick
as Mark likes to say.
As as been stated, comparisons are so difficult and perhaps flawed because circumstances are always different. I side towards Sandy because of his complete games (137), more in two different seasons than Clayton has in his career. I also side with Sandy because he has three rings – 1959, 1963, 1965 and twice the WS MVP. I don’t think it is what has been done over careers because Sandy’s was shortened on both ends but what was done with the time available. Having said that, I am so glad Clayton is a Dodger and hopefully for life. When he can bring home a ring(s) he can take that last step up next to Sandy, at least in my opinion. That’s what aces do.
If Pollock is going to play CF and I hope he isn’t then I would prefer to see Verdugo in RF due to his arm strength. It was a real nice play by Joc last night in RF and I’ve always thought that he does a good job in LF.
Today’s sweep lineup:
Joc (RF)
Muncy (2b)
JT
Belly (CF)
Seager
Beaty (LF)
Rios (1b)
Martin
Big Red
To those of you who wanted Derek Holland, now is your chance
Derek, or Greg?
😉
When I see Andrew Miller pitching, I am reminded of you, Mr. Timmons, how unbelievable Miller was and look at what he is today, Holland DFA, etc., of how things can change, in a short time, for relievers.
How does Flaherty have an era of 5+ on the road? He just has insane stuff! How is this guy not one of the 5 best pitchers in the NL?
In the 2 or 3 times I’ve seen Kolarek, he inspires absolutely no confidence in me.
Bowden had a piece in the Athletic naming the top 11 prospects who could help their big league club now. Of course Lux was number 1. The other Dodgers prospect listed was Victor Gonzalez who could provide left-handed relief help.
There’s no guarantee, but I think with Seager it could just be a matter of time. Just before the hamstring injury he was beginning to heat up, and despite this game, he’s been showing signs recently of coming out of it. It’s probably a very small timing issue, and there’s plenty if time for Cory to find it. Like I said, there are no guarantees, but my bet is that Cory will find it.
As for washed up relievers, I’m not too interested. There’s usually a reason why a player begins to show signs of decline. Anything is possible, but I would stay away. Also, given what I’ve seen of our young pitchers, I ‘m leaning towards staying in-house.
I thought it was interesting that Bowden implied that Lux should replace Seager when he commented that he would improved the offensive production at both SS and 2B. I wonder if he really meant that or if was a slip-up.
Seager has been hacking at the first pitch A LOT. I haven’t seen much from Seager this season. The hitting coach needs to do something with him.
I’m building a stable of washed up relievers who might be rejuvenated. Not suggesting MLB contracts but if they’ll agree to a minor league contract we have nothing to lose: Tyler Thornburg (already at OKC)
Luiz Gohara (dfa)
Greg Hollamd (dfa)
Trevor Rosenthal (dfa)
The win is great but it’s getting harder and harder to watch some of these games with the umpiring behind the plate so damn crappy.
How can you not throw Martin another slider. He hasn’t been close all day. Wow poor decision there and cost them the game! But good for Martin he got a pitch he could handle and delivered! Great ab by Smith tonkerp inning alive
Belli must not play 1B, he must play OF and win several GG, when he is a veteran and his speed starts to lower then 1B is for Belli where he will also win the GG. Belli, on the team, is the best 1B, RF and CF. Belli to OF, you have to take advantage of his legs and his arm.
I say let him play both first base and right. He’s fast enough to cover both! Look at the play last night!
Sam McWilliams called up to the Loons from the Raptors.
It is about time. He is having a tremendous season thus far.
Numbers aside, May’s stuff looked much better today than his first start. Maybe it was just the confidence after 1st game jitters, but I saw filthy stuff today with overall better command .
Whereas I thought Gonsolin had a more straight fastball, I thought May’s fastball moved more. Eventually maybe that leads to more HR given up by Gonsolin? Either way, I think Gonsolin’s stuff and command would be really helpful come October.
May looked great today, and I’m glad Doc let him pitch into the 6th. I wonder how Stripling, Maeda, the playoff Rich Hill, and others feel about Doc giving a rookie more rope to pitch the third time through the order than they get?
Small sample size but what I’ve seen from Gonsolin and May inspires me with more confidence coming out of the BP than Sadler, Garcia, Chargois or Floro. One or both should be on the post season roster. Joe “Machine Gun” Kelly looks overpowering!
There was also a piece in The Athletic about the Dodgers attempt to get Buehler ready for a bullpen role in 2017. Buehler suggested that they get Gonsolin up prior to September if they are thinking of using him in the pen. Walker felt he didn’t have enough time to get ready for that role. The Dodgers wound up choosing McCarthy over Buehler for the last spot on the WS roster and the rest is history.
Willie Calhoun went 2-3 today and is now slashing .291/.326/.575/.901 with 9 HRs. He has 28 strikeouts in 141 PA (19.9% K rate).
Last night the Pioneer League All Stars faced off against the Northwest League All Stars, and the Pioneer League came out on top, 11-7. As DC wrote a couple days back, the Ogden Raptors had 6 players make the All Star squad: RHP Kevin Malisheski, Corey Merrill RHRP, Sam McWilliams 2B, Andy Pages OF, Jon Littell OF, Brandon Lewis 3B. Only Malisheski did not get into the game. Andy Pages went 1-2 with a single, Brandon Lewis went 0-2, Sam McWilliams went 1-3 with a 2-run HR, Jon Littell went 1-2 with a 3 run-HR.
Another bottom of 1st lead off HR for Gavin Lux. He now has 10 HRs for OKC. With his 13 at Tulsa, he now has 23 on the year.
Good things going on in OKC. Lux as you mentioned. Barnes hit another HR. Victor Gonzalez is getting more work and they’ve already moved Gyorko to AAA
So not eating cottage cheese cures old mans back disease? Well hell, why not.
I love cottage cheese with olives,
I love Pizza.
I love cheese.
I love butter.
I love whipped cream.
I cut it all out. Well, every now and then I flip off.
I have lost 25 pounds and my back, hip and knee pain is at an all-time low.
I may not be a Freakin’ Gazelle, but I am really, really good.
Reduce the carbs as well especially from white things like rice, potatoes, bread (including pancakes). Butter is better than margin. Humans don’t need milk except in our Cheerios. Sugar is bad. I don’t buy any processed foods that have a sodium content greater than 20% as shown on packaging.
Anyone know what’s going on with Marshall Kasowski? This is the only information I have. “Tulsa Drillers placed RHP Marshall Kasowski on the 7-day injured list retroactive to June 13, 2019.”
I didn’t see the game, timing issues, but Carrottop looks like he pitched well. As long as Hill is out, I’m hoping that both Gonsolin and May continue to make starts and compete for that #4 or #5 position. Can’t hurt.
So far, the LOOGY doesn’t seem to be doing too well. 2 games, 2 blown appearances. He’s not retired anyone. Oh my. OTOH, Kelly slowly mowing them down and reducing his ERA. We are all hoping for a continuation of his dominating pitching.
What is with the negativity against Sadler? He has been nothing short of remarkable. 1.42 ERA!
IIRC both hits against Kolarek were opposite field hits. Don’t remember about today but IIRC the shift was on last night.
Wonder if this as anything to do with shifts and how one needs to pitch in a shift etc?
I don’t know enough about this to answer, not sure I even known enough to ask the question but maybe someone with a lot more knowledge can shed some light on this
They were almost identical. Hits down the 3rd base line against the shift. Today’s pitch was on the outside corner and Carpenter went with it with two strikes on him.
thanks
I see Toles no longer counts against the 40-man. I assume he’s on some sort of restricted list. Can’t the same be done with Alvarez? Is he even with the organization?