(Excuse my first-grade Photoshop skills). Lot’s of guys hit .300 in the Pacific Coast League. The combination of altitude, heat, thin air, juiced baseballs, and fairy dust make it a hitter’s league. Ty France, 3B of the Padres AAA affiliate is hitting .399 with 26 HR in just 276 AB’s. Shoot, AAAA player, Conner Joe is hitting .300. However, not many are hitting .456 while OPS’ing 1.381 in 131 AB’s and Gavin Lux has done just that since he was promoted from AA.
What more does he have to do? It’s pretty clear that he is a man among boys at OKC. I mean, even Will Smith was hitting about HALF of Lux’s .458 when he got the call and so far, he has played very well. Every month this year (EVERY FREAKING MONTH) he has a higher batting average than the month before, even as he moved from AA to AAA. He hits lefties and righties equally well and by the way, he is hitting .350 with 2 outs and RISP.
He has played very well at SS and 2B, leads off and smokes baseball. He is just so much better than his competition that he needs another challenge. There’s nothing more for him to do at OKC. What more does he have to do? Fly? Actually, I am not sure that he doesn’t fly, but it is time for him to ply his trade at 2b in LA.
Yeah, the depth chart for the Dodgers may show Max Muncy, Kike Hernandez, Chris Taylor, and Jedd Gyorko ahead of him, but not one of them can even get close to his numbers. When you are ready, you are ready… and Superman Lux is ready. He hits lefties and righties equally well and he would eliminate the need to platoon at 2B.
What is the holdup? Does he really have to fly? Get on with his MLB Career. The Dodgers are a better team with Muncy at 1B and Lux at 2B. Andrew Friedman just needs to make the move.
Playoff Pitching Staff
I may be more successful in picking the Winning Lottery Numbers than predicting what the pitching staff will look like come playoff time. Part of the problem is that injury might play a part. Will Rich Hill be healthy? How about Ross Stripling? Ryu is allegedly fine. Kershaw is dairy-free and has a healthy back, and Buehler should be fresh.
Kershaw, Ryu, and Buehler will be the Top Three Starters and the fourth is not really important. The 4th starter could be a bullpen game with May, Gonsolin, and Urias. So, we have identified six of the 12 or 13 pitchers rather easily. Add in Jansen, Baez, Maeda, and Kelly and you have 10. Who make the other 3 or 4 spots depends upon what they do the rest of the way.
Casey Sadler has done nothing to indicate he should not be in the mix, while Adam Kolarek has shown nothing that indicates he should be the situational lefty in the bullpen. Caleb Ferguson has a chance and Victor Gonzalez could get a look-see (in fact, I think he will). Scott Alexander is in the running as is Dylan Floro and Yimi Garcia.
Finally, Ross Stripling and Rich Hill’s rehabilitation will play a role. We are all watching to see what happens, however, I’ll say what I said early in the season when the bullpen was blowing games like gangbusters: “The bullpen we have today, won’t be the bullpen we end the season with.” Even the same pieces aren’t the same.
Rants & Raves
- I see that the Dodgers finally put Dennis Santana in the pen. He threw his first clean inning in a long time last night in his first inning of relief. He got the win as he gave up 0 hits, 1 K, and no BB. Now we are talking! What took them so long?
- Kyle Garlick got his 20th HR last night and is hitting .330. I would love to see him as our 4th or 5th OF’er, but it will likely happen somewhere else.
- If the Dodgers call up Lux, the only platoon I would go with is Pederson and Pollock in LF.
- Don’t look now, but Leo Crawford is quietly becoming a very good pitcher.
- Look for Parker Curry in a bullpen at a Ravine near you next year. I see him as a solid bullpen piece with his slider, changeup, and 94+ MPH fastball (I believe he will pick up velocity if he stays in the pen). He is a guy you can get to the 2nd or 3rd time through the order, but his late-moving fastball will play very well out of the pen.
- DJ Peters has cut his Strike Out % to 28% in AAA, down from 37% in AA. That’s encouraging.
- The Yankees average 5.99 Runs a game and have an ERA of 4.33. Houston scores 5.46 Runs a game while their ERA is 3,71. The Dodgers average 5.41 Runs a game with a 3.33 ERA. Pick your poison.
DC’s 10th Inning
Thursday’s Scores:
DSL Dodgers Bautista 4 – Braves 7
DSL Dodgers Shoemaker 1 – DSL Pirates (1) 2
AZL Dodgers Mota 7 – AZL Indians/Reds 3
AZL Dodgers Lasorda 2 – AZL White Sox 3
Ogden Raptors – Postponed (double header today)
Great Lakes Loons 5 – Lake County Captains 4
Ranch Cucamonga Quakes 5 – Lancaster JetHawks 4
Tulsa Drillers – Northwest Arkansas Naturals (suspended after 4.5 innings)
OKC Dodgers 7 – Tacoma Rainiers 3
DSL League:
Lightening does strike twice in the same place. The DSL Dodgers Bautista lost for the second day in a row to the Braves by a 7-4 score. Shoemaker’s Dodgers lost for a second day to the Pirates by one run.
AZL League:
Japanese pitcher, Yugo Kitagata (Dodgers Lasorda), 25, pitched 2 scoreless innings and now has 4 consecutive good relief appearances after a very slow start. Right-hander Axel Acevedo (Mota) has given up one earned run in his last 26 innings.
Ogden Raptors:
The Raptors will play a doubleheader today after yesterday’s postponement. The roster will be bolstered by two additions from the AZL League. Both are from the Lasorda Dodgers.
Twenty-year-old left fielder Aldrich De Jongh was a 17th round selection by the Dodgers in the 2018 June Draft. He had a slash line of .305/.374/.453 in the AZL. Second baseman Jorbit Vivas had a triple-slash in the AZL League of .357/.438/.513 with 13 walks and 15 strikeouts. The 18-year-old hails from Puerto Cabello, Venezuela.
Great Lakes Loons:
The Loons followed the parent Dodgers with a 5-4 walk-off win on a Luke Heyer double. Heyer also had a home run (14) and drove in 4 of the Loons 5 runs. Robinson Ortiz started and breezed through 4 innings but yet again ran into trouble in the 5th inning giving up 4 runs. Jasiel Alvino is proving to be a reliable reliever going two scoreless innings.
The Loons lead the league overall and are 38 -19 on the road. Loons manager John Shoemaker mentioned that just because his team had already clinched a first-half playoff spot didn’t mean they weren’t still competing to get wins each and every day.
Catcher Jair Camargo used the Hunter Feduccia style while catching Ortiz last night. With no none on he put one knee on the ground while receiving. With runners on, he used the conventional style crouch.
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes:
Not to be outdone, the Quakes also pulled off a 5-4 walk-off win but not with a big blow. Two runs came in on a stolen base and a throwing error. Jacob Amaya went hitless in his Quakes debut. John Rooney had a 5.2 inning start with one earned run.
Tulsa Drillers:
The Drillers went into the bottom of the 5th inning up 3-0 on a superb outing by Parker Curry on 3 hits over 4 innings. Omar Estevez continued his hot hitting with his third consecutive multi-hit game.The game will continue today as part of a twin bill with the Naturals.
OKC Dodgers:
Dennis Santana pitched a clean inning in relief on 12 pitches. Kyle Garlick continued to be noticed with his 20th home run and 22nd double. Zach McKinstry and Gavin Lux both had two hits.
Bo Bichette has me antsy to see Lux in the lineup, too. I think Roberts said or implied that Lux wouldn’t be called up because he’ll continue to get more at-bats and playing time in OKC then he would with the Dodgers. Not sure I agree with that strategy, as I’d wager he’d develop more seeing big league pitching and situations. I’ll be upset if Lux doesn’t get the call up by the end of August and isn’t on the final September roster. If he finds a home at 2nd, I’m sure it’d make Muncy and Belli happy.
AC is on to something with Parker Curry.
He grew up in Pelham, Alabama and graduated from Pelham High School with distinction. Around the diamond, he was named the 2011 Pelham High School Defensive Player of the Year and was awarded his high school’s Determination Award in both 2010 and 2012. Away from the diamond he was recognized as a member of the National Honor Society and the National English Honor Society.
Following his graduation from high school, Curry embarked on a four-year program at Samford University which is a private, coeducational, Christian university located in Homewood, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham. Samford is a Division 1 school in the Southern Conference of the NCAA.
In his senior year with the Bulldogs, the 5’9” / 155-pound Curry had a 7-2 record over 78 innings pitched while posting a 3.69 ERA along with 60 strikeouts and 23 walks.
He was not selected in the 2016 June Draft but was signed – perhaps unexpectedly – by the Dodgers on July 6. His message following his signing was a simple, but heartfelt, “Blessed. Thank you.”
In his last 46.2 innings pitched he has allowed 34 hits, walked 8 and struck out 43. 2.12 ERA. Age 25.
I too am wondering when Lux will be called up. I guess AF and company have their reasons for delaying the move, but I for one would like to see him get as much MLB time as possible before having to consider where he fits on a platoon roster. Corey Seager struggled in the 2015 playoffs after his limited September call-up. Getting a little more time to make the inevitable adjustments would likely be very helpful to Lux.
And as I have pointed out before, adding his bat to the mix would likely increase our odds of finding an effective DH if we get to the WS.
Finally, could it be that the Dodgers are trying to preserve Lux’s ROY chances for 2020? I hope not.
My guess is that ROY would be no consideration and that he hasn’t been called up because of the guys returning from the IL and that the Dodgers are comfortably in first place in the division. As mentioned they want him to have regular at bats.
Correction: My reference to “platoon roster” above should have been “playoff roster”.
From Houston Mitchell (LA Times)- impressive group
Born on this date 8/9
1919: Baseball manager Ralph Houk
1928: NBA player Bob Cousy
1931: Former Dodger Chuck Essegian
1938: Tennis player Rod Laver
1939: Former Dodger Claude Osteen
1942: Baseball player Tommie Agee
1943: Boxer Ken Norton
1946: NFL player Jim Kiick
1955: NFL player Doug Williams
1961: Tennis player Brad Gilbert
1962: NBA player John “Hot Rod” Williams
1964: NHL player Brett Hull
1966: NBA player Vinny Del Negro
1967: Baseball/Football player Deion Sanders
1969: Former Angel Troy Percival
1970: NHL player Rod Brind’amour
1974: Former Laker Derek Fisher
1977: WNBA player Chamique Holdsclaw
1982: Sprinter Tyson Gay
Died on this date
1979: Dodgers owner Walter O’Malley, 75
2015: NFL player/sportscaster Frank Gifford, 84
That’s some pretty good company rudybyrd!
You left out my stepdaughter. It’s also her anniversary, so we are taking her and “Meatbead” out for dinner! 😉
Mark,
You left out what I consider another important pitching stat, BAA.
Houston-.217
Dodgers-.226
Yanks-.252!
Not so much difference between the Blue and Astros. Big difference with the Yanks, though.
It’s going to be an interesting 2 months till the playoffs. Lots can happen. The worst would be injuries. Barring more injuries, we’ve got to load our ordnance now. That means Lux and getting the roles matched to the players both batters and pitchers. Pick the players, get the lineups set, and work on the chemistry. Fine tune, brush their teeth, and let’s play ball.
From The Athletic today:
Two years ago, Dodgers hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc started Lux’s transformation from singles hitter to power threat with a mid-May intervention in the middle of Michigan. This week, he named three players who go on runs like Lux: Cody Bellinger, Christian Yelich and Mike Trout.
“Lux is showing that he’s that type of talent at that level,” Van Scoyoc said.
Great piece:
https://theathletic.com/1124489/2019/08/09/welcome-to-the-future-gavin-lux-destined-to-be-the-dodgers-next-big-star/
The bench if all were healthy (against righties)
CT3, Kike’, Freese, Martin
Players that have contributed the most ytd that not be on the playoff roster: Barnes, Beaty, Garlic.
Lux would have to knock one of those 7 players off the playoff roster. Freese might not be physically ready.
All players have worked hard and it would be tough for any of them to not make the playoff roster only to be replaced by a minor league player. The longer Lux remains a minor league player, the harder it will be for the Dodgers to add him to the playoff roster.
Bumsrap, I would add to your list of players who have contributed that won’t make the playoff roster Negron and to a lesser extent White who hasn’t killed us at first. Negron is a nice defender who’s gotten some timely hits. A good utility player on a team with CT3 and Kike so no room. Not sure how he didn’t fit with the Mariners.
Some player just have “It.”
Most of us saw it in Kershaw, Buehler, Seager, Urias, and Bellinger. Trout has “IT.”
I did not believe that when he was drafted, but over the past two years, I can see that Gavin has “IT” too.
If he is not on the field, I believe the Dodgers do not have their “Best Eight!”
I thought Verdugo was ready last year, but he hit .300.
Lux is hitting FREAKING FOUR FIFTY-SIX!
Mike Trout hit .326 in his first year at AAA and at .403 into his second year, he was called up. Lux is 53 points higher! That is insane.
I totally agree with Mark that Lux has “IT”, and needs to be a part of the Dodgers starting eight.
And to Bums’ point, let’s get Lux up here and give him time to establish his credentials to make the playoff roster. There are no guarantees that Lux will do anything to establish himself as a budding star between now and the end of the season. But I see nothing that says he shouldn’t be given the opportunity starting right now.
In the article that Mark posted about Lux (which I read earlier), I recall that Edwin Rios had some very complimentary things to say about him. No doubt that if he produces during a call-up, those players currently playing for the Dodgers would have no problem in welcoming him on the play-off roster.
If Lux gets called up and succeeds, and Corey Seager starts to pick it up, I have little doubt that Dodgers lineup could be devastating, especially in HR friendly Yankee Stadium.
I would not put URIAS in that category just yet !! Has not pitched enough or put impressive numbers on a consistent basis to be put like that. Also Corey Seager this last 2 years due to injuries and all has not been impressive and just slightly above average. Worst thing one can do is glorify ballplayers.
I would like to see what Lux can do on the big stage. He is certainly deserving. But I still believe the Dodgers want to see what their current ML roster can do. Is Negron a legit option at 2B/SS/CF? Is the team better with Muncy at 1B or 2B? Does the team really need another LH bat, even one as good as Lux’s appears to be? Putting top prospects into the lineup in a playoff run vs. putting one into the lineup for a sub .400 team (Bichette and Blue Jays) is quite different. I am not saying that Lux should not get the chance. As a fan, I think he should. I was just trying to come up with a couple of reasons as to why AF is not in any hurry. None of us matter when it comes to player personnel, only AF.
DJ is cooling off quite quickly. To the point that he is ice cold of late. For his last 10 games his BA is .189. No HRs in last 7 games. He has 2 hits in his last 25 AB.
Parker Curry is making the very most of his opportunity. It is easy to like a Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, Walker Buehler, Gavin Lux, or Alex Verdugo as they start their climb to their eventual spot on a ML dugout bench. But guys like Parker Curry seem to periodically jump into your face and scream hey look at me. And that is exactly what Parker Curry has done all year. He was one of favorites from the beginning, and he is now making others notice. He doesn’t have 100 MPH fast ball or a 12-6 curve ball. In fact, he does not do anything special except seemingly get batters out.
Both DC and I have favorites that do not register on most player development watch lists, but to us they are special.
2B Jorbit Vivas was getting a lot of ink from me for his excellent offense this season. He was not on my radar in the beginning, but it sure seemed like Vivas was always hitting. No power I am not sure how good defensively he plays. I am very much looking forward to seeing what he can do at Ogden. Yes, he is another 2B to keep an eye on.
Lux is pounding on that door. Another good article about him in The Athletic today. I think the Dodgers front office wants to and has to find away for Kike and CT3 to get some AB’s soon. Same with Gyorko to a certain extent. Some can be done at Rancho and OKC, but most likely at least two of them will be on the playoff roster so they will need some big league AB’s. We don’t want to see the bad Kike and CT3 when called upon. On paper Lux at 2B with Muncy at 1st looks awesome. They will also have to move someone of the 40-man roster which isn’t a big deal. Lux’s HR streak was hit done in Des Moines, IA not Las Vegas when Barnes hit four in four nights so no doubt the power is legit and we’re all anxious to see his call up. I think I read or heard Negron has never been thrown out stealing in limited opportunities.
~
Kershaw and Belli won the ping pong tournament. Barnes’ demotion brought Kershaw a title. Could it be two in one year? I am glad to see Barnes producing at AAA and I think he will make an excellent backup next season if he isn’t traded.
Give the kid a chance to prove what he can do. What do we have to lose.
Okay MS, I’m convinced about bring Lux up to play 2nd. Your convincing statement to me was the elimination of more platooning. Muncy at 1st and Lux at 2nd leaves only Joc and Pollock in left. I like that a lot. I seriously don’t see much benefit in trying out 5 guys (Lux exclude) down the stretch. Don’t you think that AF, FO and Doc have a pretty good idea, health permitting, who can play 2nd and who can’t or at least won’t in the playoffs. Let’s get to it and not mess around with try outs when folks are healthy. If Lux doesn’t cut it it’s the next man up.
To play Devil’s advocate. I don’t think it would be trying out 5 guys rather getting 5 guys AB’s. If all are healthy and they go without Lux there is still really only one platoon. Joc out vs lefties and Freese in with some shuffling of positions. Bellinger plays first vs righties and RF vs lefties. Don’t take that as me not wanting Lux up on the big squad.
In less exciting news the M’s have traded Jose Lobaton to the Dodgers. A minor league deal so he will take Ruiz’s spot at AAA.
~
I watched some video of Victor Gonzalez. I would very much like to see him take Schultz’s spot on the 40-man and get a look out of the pen too. Future Dodgers is a great little site on Twitter.
Spot on about Gonzalez taking Schultz spot. So far, Kolarek not impressive, and Caleb Ferguson remains a work in progress
The Loons have announced that Jose Martinez has been promoted to the Quakes. I got watch him throw a strong 7 innings a few weeks ago and his velo topped out in his final inning. Now let’s get Victor on the 40-man.
Gonzalez has been lights-out as a reliever this season, both AA and AAA. Looking forward to seeing him tested against major leaguers
Gonzo is coming!
He has to.
If they put Lux in 2B with their SS ranges, with their strong SS arm and soft hands and say the scouting report that has a 25-25 potential, what are we talking about here? That is an incredible player, we are talking, possibly, of the best 2B of the team since Jackie Robinson, wow that is incredible if Lux plays at that level that is projected, this is very exciting !!!
Some scouts rate Lux as the #1 Prospect in all of Baseball.
He’s a superstar in waiting.
early last year I asked if Lux had a Chase Utley type upside. I was told no.
Now I’m wondering whose upside he does have!
That’s right Mr, he’s definitely a very special player, the dodgers have found a diamond.
Since we’re talking about Gavin Lux. What do you guys think of these numbers:
National League overall average OPS 754:
Vs right handed pitching:
Hernandez 197 at bats 738 OPS
Taylor 155 at bats 703 OPS
Pollock 123 at bats 643 OPS
Vs left handed pitching:
Hernandez 122 at bats 746 OPS
Seager 109 at bats 608 OPS
Not a lot to complain about. But could the Dodgers improve the offense by platooning Pollock and Seager? Could the Dodgers improve the offense and defense and bench by adding Gavin Lux at 2B?
It’s a small sample size but Sadler and Gonsolin are making a case to be on the playoff roster:
Sadler 542 OPS against
Gonsolin 548 OPS against
I’m just looking for ways to fine tune this well oiled machine.
You put Lux in 2B and automatically the team improves on defense in an incredible way because it moves Muncy to 1B, Cody to RF and if you put Verdugo in CF and send Pollock / Joc to LF you have a team in defense high caliber The pitchers would be very grateful to you.
Doc’s random lineup of the week is up today:
Pollock
JT
Smith
Belly (RF)
Negron (LF)
Muncy (2b)
Seager
White (1b)
Buehler
Very curious to see how AJ does against the Dbags.
Just curious…Is White a better hitter against left hand pitchers and a better 1st baseman than Beaty?
DodgerBlueMom
You can make your own conclusions but Beaty hit both righties and lefties in AAA and had a perfect fielding percentage at 1B.
So I am probably being dumb but why is not Beaty at first base then. I am not sure I understand.
Dave Roberts and his strict right handed batters vs left handed pitchers and vice versa with only a few exceptions.
It’s a no brainer to give Baety some at bats against left handed pitching if the alternative is White.
Ok thank you BellingerBuehler. I just do not think White is an asset to the team at this point. He has not impressed me.
Beaty has had both good and bad years against lefties in the minors. As long as you’re carrying someone on the roster, like White, you have to give him some AB’s somewhere because you never know when you will need him. His days are numbered though. The Dodgers can only keep Gyorko on a rehab assignment for 20 days. He will most likely take White’s spot.
Gyorko doesn’t get me excited. Roberts won’t let Beaty hit against lefties and Verdugo is a big loss. I’d much rather have Verdugo and Beaty in the lineup against both lefties and righties than Negron and White.
The computer has a virus
I’m looking forward to when Lux makes his arrival on the big stage. I think he has what it takes to be a star.
Victor Gonzalez is the flavor of the day, but he does indeed look like he could help at some stage this year.
Good article on Dodger Thoughts, by Jon Weisman about the highly underrated Claude Osteen, https://www.dodgerthoughts.com/2019/08/09/brothers-in-arms-excerpt-the-underrated-claude-osteen/
Osteen was quite the pitcher and he was involved in 2 of the big trades in Dodger history. The first being when he was traded to the Dodgers for Frank Howard, Pete Richert, Phil Ortega and others. I was a ticked young man when the Dodgers made that trade. Frank Howard had big time power! Though it wasn’t long before Osteen won over the Dodger fans, including me. Not once in his 9 years with the Dodgers did he throw less than 235 inning in a season. He was then traded to Houston for Jimmy “Toy Cannon” Wynn, who after 2 good years with the Dodgers, was traded for Dusty Baker. It was nice to be reminded of how good he was and how pitching has changed so dramatically over the years.
2D2 – Thanks … You took me down memory lane with your comments… I remember throwing gum to the Cannon in the OF…
Those my friend were good old daze…
Watching Kenley in the 9th and praying on it…
I see Dennis Gilbert is back behind home plate stuffing ice cream down his piehole.
That’s funny. McKinstry is having himself a night for OKC.
Still can’t say that Kolarek inspires confidence in me, but that was a nice comeback against Peralta.
funny, in my mind I was picturing him facing Freddie Freeman or Anthony Rizzo.
And yes, I was nervous
Poor Kenley! Will he make the post season roster?
Time to give Joe Kelly a chance to be the closer.
KJ with another blown save. He absolutely inspires zero confidence with his closer ability. Post season is going to be a roller coaster when he pitches.
We all know that KJ is not what he used to be. But this game is further reason why the Dodgers should call up Lux. The offense needs a boost.
I’m not going to be fooled by Negron, that’s why I’ve stayed away from the positive comments about him here.
I made a comment the other day about letting the guys on the IL get fully healthy and don’t rush them back. Well because of Dave Roberts managing I take that comment back and can’t wait for Taylor, Freese and Verdugo to get back.
You never know. Earlier in the game Cody made a great throw from RF to throw out a runner at 2nd base. But my best guess is that he would have caught that dunker by Adam Jones had he been playing first base.
I think I’m over the “fat” Muncy experiment!
Archie Bradley makes me wish we had Kemp for this series only. Kemp owned his ass.
Starters gonna have to throw complete games for us to win a WS.!
Nice to see Doc getting a bit riled up.
2 hits in 11 innings isn’t gonna win you many games.
Kenley ain’t Kenley anymore.
Buehler got the Kershaw treatment. Not much run support and the bullpen blows his win. That was one weak lineup. I can’t believe Negron was hitting behind Bellinger.
Love the fact that Doc and the Dodgers got pissed off tonight. Nothing like a little Archie Bradley talking shit to rile a team up. Trust me, Doc will pull a Tommy Lasorda 2.0 an rally the troops to take it to another level and snuff the D-Bags. Great motivational game in the Dog Days of August.
Dodgers looked totally lacklustered. Dbacks know to throw LHP at them. 2 hits for most of the game. Great lineup, Doc.
While Buehler didn’t look sharp, he had enough to get the job done, but how boring this game was. Without run support, the BP will be nerve wracking to watch. Kenley really blew this one. White doesn’t seem to be able to hit. Does he have to play every game? I can see why Negron is playing. I like him. Belli is slumping big time. We need Verdugo and Taylor back for some hitting. And, then there is Lux…………………………?? WTF are you waiting for, FO? Home field advantage is at stake! I don’t want to hear that this is not important for us.
Anyone else notice how nervous Doc is? He sits at the entrance to the dugout and has brief exchanges with the players. He hardly looks at them when he’s talking and shows no attentiveness to what they are saying. I would summarize his exchanges as abrupt without any feeling. I’ve noticed this for quite some time. He’s like a machine, impersonal with a rat-a-tat response. Even when he smiles, there is no feeling there. He seems somewhere else all the time. Even when he goes to the mound to pull a pitcher, it is abrupt, with no words of wisdom or comfort. Hardly any eye contact with them. The players themselves seem to have a lot of camaraderie with each other, high fiving, joking, chatting with each other. Doc is always in his own world.