Last week we had a preview of some of the teenage position players in the Dodgers minor league system. This week a sneak preview at some of the teenage pitchers which is a more difficult task it seems. As of today, there are at least 36 young pitchers in the system who have not yet turned 20. Left-hander Robinson Ortiz and 32nd round selection in 2018, right-hander Jacob Gilliland, both turned 20 in January. Another right-hander, Aldolfo Ramirez, turned 20 last June. He dominated in the Arizona League with a minuscule ERA of 0.73 over 49 innings with a WHIP of 0.67 along with 61 strikeouts and 9 walks.
Right-handers Carlos Duran and Harold Galindo also dominated in the Dominican Summer League but not so much – albeit in fewer innings pitched – when advanced to the Arizona League. Both will begin the 2020 season still as teenagers in the Arizona League. Righty Hendrick Briones sported a 1.01 ERA in the DSL over 35 innings but struck out only 22 and walked 13. Another right-hander, Israiky Berroa, has pitched with consistency in the DSL in 2018 and the AZL in 2019 while racking up 94 strikeouts in 89 innings pitched coupled with 36 walks.
Limiting the 2020 pitching group to eight does not allow for many, “finds”, as for many the information is limited to the actual statistics in their brief careers. The eight include some who have dominated, some who may dominate and others who will begin their professional careers.
Osvanni Gutierrez – (18- May 24, 2001) Bats/Throws: R/R Ht: 6′ 1″ Wt: 170
Gutierrez signed with the Dodgers as part of the 2018-19 international signing class which also included catcher Diego Cartaya, the top 2018 prospect from Venezuela and No. 3 player in the class, as well as Dominican right-hander Jerming Rosario, the No. 23 prospect in the class.
From Mella, Cuba, he attracted attention in 2016 pitching in Cuba’s 15U national league with a 2.16 ERA in 75 innings along with 60 strikeouts and 29 walks, ranking second in the league in innings behind Astros right-hander Franny Cobos.
According to Ben Sadler Gutierrez has a mix of pitches and pitch-ability that makes him quite interesting. He is armed with a fastball that reaches 93 MPH, and could well add a few more ticks of velocity as his 6’1”/170 lb frame fills out. He also has a changeup and a curve, both of which could develop into solid offerings as well.
While that three-pitch arsenal gives hope that he will develop into a solid starter, it is his makeup that could truly lead to success. He is said to have a high effort delivery, but he throws strikes and has a feel for pitching. With some refinement, Gutierrez could end up being a steal.
He debuted in the DSL in 2019 with the DSL Dodgers (Shoemaker) pitching 30.1 innings over 9 starts posting a 3.06 ERA and a WHIP of 1.02 with 30 strikeouts and 9 walks. After a bit of slow start, he finished strongly with 12 scoreless innings. His last appearance was on July 27 and he missed the last few weeks of the year with either an undisclosed injury or just general workload management.
Hyun il Choi (19- May 27, 2000) Bats/Throws: R/R Ht: 6′ 2″ Wt: 200
I expect most Dodger fans are familiar with Choi whom the Dodgers signed out of high school in South Korea in August of 2018, perhaps hoping for another Chan Ho Park. He signed for a $300.000 bonus.
At that time he was reputed to have a fastball in the low 90’s which is an impressive velocity for someone at his age. His curve needed some refinement but had an all-important solid difference in velocity from his fastball. His changeup with downward movement is a pitch that has a great deal of potential.
More recent reports indicate he works from a low slot and gets good run on his fastball as a result. The ball is hard to pick up out of his hand, adding to its effectiveness. You can make a case the pitch plays to major league average due to its movement and deception. Choi also has plus command of the fastball, spotting it around the zone at will.
His best secondary pitch was a low-80s changeup. Much like the fastball, it has good running action as a result of Choi’s arm slot. He showed confidence in it, using it against both-sided hitters. Choi has a slew of breaking pitches which will be condensed down as he progresses.
During his professional debut in the Arizona League, he went 5-1 with an ERA of 2.63 and a WHIP of 1.05 aided by only 11 walks in 65 innings pitched. He struck out 71.
The next two teenage arms were perhaps the surprises from the Dodgers 2018-19 international signing class that saw them ink 46 youngsters to contracts.
Heisell Baro ( 18 – February 20, 2002) Bats/Throws: R/R Ht: 6′ 1″ Wt: 185
Right-handed pitcher Heisell Baro was signed by the Dodgers in September 2018. He debuted with the DSL Dodgers (Bautista) on June 3, 2019, pitching in relief for seven appearances and after that was used strictly as a starter. In 16 games, which included eight starts, the native of Bahia Honda, Cuba, pitched 44.1 innings with a 1.22 ERA and a WHIP of 0.88. He struck out 47 and walked 16. Opponents struggled to a .156 batting average against Baro.
He has been the 2019 surprise for the Dodgers working as a 17-year-old for the entire season and being selected as an end-of-the-year DSL All-Star team by Baseball America.
Not much is known about him except that he comes from an area in Cuba that is considered to pitching-rich and he might just be one of those hidden gems teams love to find. He no doubt will begin the second year of his career in the Arizona League in 2020.
Jerming Rosario ( 17 – May 8, 2002) Bats/Throws: R/R Ht: 6′ 1″ Wt: 175
Jerming Rosario was the other 17-year old Dodger right-handed in the DSL to shine. He was surprising at so young an age but was signed for a $500.000 bonus so good things were perhaps expected down the road. At the time of his signing, he was listed as Baseball America’s 23rd best international prospect.
Scouting reports indicate he definitely has some tools and he also has time to further develop them.
MLB Pipeline:
“The teenager performed well at MLB’s International Prospect Showcase in February in the Dominican Republic, showing off a fastball in the 89-to-90 mph range and breaking balls to keep hitters off balance. In terms of tools, Rosario has a few considered above average and is expected to improve on his overall game once he signs with a team and enters a club’s academy. He is best known for his fastball, but his changeup and curveball are not that far behind and could eventually develop into his strikeout pitches. As far as his makeup is concerned, Rosario’s competitive streak and confidence on the mound are what has caught scouts’ eyes.”
Baseball America
“Rosario separates himself from his peers is the Dominican Republic as an athletic righthander with the arrow pointing in the right direction on his stuff, possessing the attributes to project as a starter with a three-pitch mix and solid strike-throwing ability. Rosario throws 88-91 mph, with quick arm speed and plenty of space left on his skinny, projectable frame to fill out and throw harder. Rosario’s 79-82 mph changeup is advanced for his age, throwing off the balance and timing of opposing hitters. He sells it well by repeating his arm speed, with good action and separation off his fastball. His curveball is inconsistent, but at its best, it shows sharp bite and good depth.”
In his first season of professional ball, Rosario allowed 4 earned runs in 45.1 innings translating to a 0.79 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP along with 43 strikeouts and 15 walks.
He proved why the Dodgers were so high on him in his pro debut, garnering Baseball America’s Dominican Summer League Pitcher of the Year.
Still 17, he will start the 2020 season with the Arizona League Dodgers.
Axel Acevedo (19 -September 23, 2000) Bats/Throws: R/R Ht: 6′ 2″ Wt: 170
Acevedo is a bit older but caught my eye because of the improvement from his first season in 2018 to his 2019 campaign in which his ERA moved from 5.14 to 0.98.
The right-handed Acevedo was born in the Dominican Republic, but he spent some time in the United States, where he played both baseball and football in high school. He signed out of the Dominican Republic in July, 2017 as an international free agent, landing a $200,000 bonus from the Dodgers.
Pitching almost strictly in relief in 2019, with time in both the Dominican Summer League and Arizona League, he posted an overall ERA of 0.98 and a WHIP of 0.74 over 36.2 innings pitched. He struck out 24 and walked 9. He was promoted to the AZL after compiling a 0.33 ERA in the DSL. He will start the 2020 season back in the Arizona League to get more acclimatized to better hitting.
Jimmy Lewis (19 -November 2, 2000) Bats/Throws: R/R Ht: 6′ 6″ Wt: 200
Lewis was selected by the Dodgers in round 2 of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas. That was the compensatory pick they got for Yasmani Grandal signing with the Brewers over the winter.
During his three-year high school career at Lake Travis, he went 14-0 with an ERA of 0.64 over 88.1 innings pitched. He struck out 114 and walked 25.
He did not make his professionals debut in 2019… no doubt to help keep his arm healthy.
His scouting reports indicate a high-end high school pitcher the Dodgers like to take after a couple of college selections.
2080 Baseball
“At 6-foot-6, 195 pounds, Lewis is ultra-projectable while already possessing electric stuff. He gets good extension on his mid-90s fastball, setting hitters up before putting them away with his 77-to-78 mph curveball with above-average depth. He’s shown come comfortability with a changeup that flashes average, though it lacks consistency.”
Keith Law (Ranked #31)
“Lewis is a projectable right-hander who’s been up to 95 with a promising slider, good delivery and plenty of athleticism to give hope that he’ll still repeat his mechanics even as he fills out.”
MLB Pipeline
“Lewis still has plenty of room to add strength to his 6-foot-6 frame and he already can reach 95 mph with his fastball and carry low-90s velocity deep into games. He uses his size and a high-three-quarters arm slot to deliver his pitches on a steep downhill plane. Those attributes also help him stay on top of an upper-70s curveball with good depth than can become a plus pitch once it’s more consistent. Lewis also demonstrates some feel for a changeup but will have to use it more often against more advanced hitters. He has a fairly simple delivery for such a tall pitcher, and his strength and athleticism bode well for his control and durability. He’s part of a banner Louisiana State recruiting class but becoming less likely to make it to Baton Rouge.”
Where will he land in 2020? I am guessing the Great Lakes Loons although it might be after a delayed start to his season.
Braydon Fisher ( 19 -July 26, 2000) Bats/Throws: R/R Ht: 6′ 4″ Wt: 180
Fisher was selected by the Dodgers 4th round of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of League City High School in League City, Texas.
Fisher struck out 102 batters in 66 2/3 innings his senior year. He holds the record for no-hitters, ERA and most hits at the plate at Clear Falls High School. Billy Gasparino believes even better days are ahead for the 17-year-old.
He might have been one in which the Dodgers saw more potential than did other drafting teams
Gasparino’s Take: “Very athletic. Very fast arm. Again, another guy, probably says this a lot, but up to 93–94 (mph). I think he’s a little bit new to the scouting scene in terms of he didn’t have this kind of stuff this summer and really made a jump into the spring…He was one of our favorite high school pitchers in this draft.”
He debuted with the AZL Dodgers on June 2, 2018, and over 22 innings pitched he posted a 2.05 ERA with 19 strikeouts and 9 walks. Since August 25, 2018, he has not thrown another game pitch.
His 2019 season was spent rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. His start to the 2020 season may be delayed as he continues to work on things following his time rehabbing and he might be assigned to a short-season team. I certainly am anxious to see him with the Loons at some point in the season.
Francisco Martinez ( 18 – May 4 – 2001) Bats/Throws: L/L Ht: 6′ 1″ Wt: 180
Martinez was selected by the Dodgers in the 34th round of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of Puerto Rico Baseball Academy in his home town of Gurabo. He signed for a bonus of $172,500.
Not much is known about him. He was named a preseason All-American in Canada/Puerto Rico by Perfect Game. Perfect Game ranked him the 33rd overall from Puerto Rico but the number one left-handed pitcher.
This is what Perfect Game said about him during the 2018 National Showcase.
“Francisco Eliel Martinez is a 2019 LHP with a 6-0 180 lb. frame from Gurabo, PR who attends Puerto Rico BB Academy. Medium athletic build, plenty of room to get stronger. Works from the stretch with a very high leg lift start, long front leg swing, full arm action through the back, shows the ball to the hitters, extended 3/4’s arm slot, cross body release, creates an angle to the plate. Fastball topped out at 87 mph, occasional late diving life, maintained velocity well. He tends to slow delivery and arm on his curveball but has a good feel for the pitch with a sweeping shape. straight changeup. Mixes up his pitches and throws strikes. Good student.”
PG also has his fastball in the 85-88 range, a mid-70s curveball and low-80s slider. It is now time for the Dodgers development team to go to work.
Martinez did debut in 2019 with one inning on August 19th with the Arizona League Dodgers (Mota). He gave up two runs in the inning.
He will begin his career in earnest in the Arizona League in 2020.
Do not know much about any of these kids, so thank you for the info. State of California has banned large crowd gatherings until at least the end of March. Dodgers might be playing their opening series in front of nobody. Or the beginning of the season could be postponed. So far the Mariners and the California teams the only ones affected.
DC, thanks for this. As you know I have been touting Jerming Rosario and Heisell Baro since their DSL debuts last year. It is almost impossible to project how any of these teenagers will ultimately turn out from their DSL debuts. After all they are still teenagers. But those two stood out, not only for Dodger youngsters but also out of all DSL pitchers. Three others that I was looking forward to were Francisco Martinez (the only lefty), Jimmy Lewis, and Braidyn Fisher. There is something intriguing about a 34th round pick who signs out of high school (academy). The Dodgers have a lot of time to develop young Francisco and the patience to follow through. And then of course is my affinity for Texas pitching prospects and the two LAD pitching prospects from Texas, Lewis and Fisher. Neither of these two will be rushed. The ceiling is high for both.
Great info DC. Nice to read about young prospects. Speaking of prospects. Many of you may have seen last night’s game, which we were lucky to get in at all around the rain, A player iI have never seen, Errol Robinson, made a Lindoresk play in the 6 hole. Full extended dive to the backhand side, popped up with a strong one hopper to first. Highlight play of the night for sure. I don’t know if the kid can hit but this defenseive play was special.
Any games today, at least at 1:00, are unlikely as it is raining like crazy again in the Valleyof the Rain
I wrote this on Errol Robinson on August 5, 2017.
https://ladodgertalk.com/2017/08/05/just-another-middle-infield-prospect-errol-robinson/
He has always had the defensive chops, but lacks offense. He has risen as high as AAA last year, but was not successful offensively and was reassigned to AA.
Thanks AC
IF the rains don’t screw things up today, we have 2 games at 1pm, both on tv. 1 on SNLA and 1 on the mlb network
I really like the monitoring that they give here to the boys, to see how they develop their skills and advance in the system, when one of them reaches the first team it is always very exciting.
By the way, I have the same taste in horse racing, in the futurity category that is where colts and fillies compete, which are the equivalent of baseball rookies.
NHL just suspended their season. Is MLB next?
NBA also suspended their season.
The thing about the NBA, and a lesser extent the NHL, is there is a lot of close contact. It’s not only large gatherings that they need to be careful with. I can see a player with the virus easily transferring it to other players during a game.
I’m most excited about Jimmy Lewis. I like those big tall, lanky Texans.
I wonder what happened to Morgan Cooper?
Just a WAG Looking what happened in China with this virus it lasts about 3 months. If it follows the same trajectory here in this country that will put us about mid June when cases will taper down. Two weeks of spring training and we start 2020 baseball season on July 1.
An idea for baseball and the virus. Play the first part of the season at their spring training locations? Restrict access as much as possible and follow what scientists say is the proper protocol for the situation? They will lose stadium revenue, but it will give the country something to focus on other than the pandemic. Televise all games.
Of course now it’s being reported that MLB is expected to cancel the rest of spring training, per MLBTR.
Have you ever lived in Arizona? By May it will be way too hot to play. Only good thing there is the closeness of the fields, and Florida? Humidity would choke a horse, plus getting to some of those ball parks is nigh on impossible. Travel would be a bear.
I was thinking that the games would be played without fans. I didn’t even consider the weather. It was a desperate attempt by me to keep the season going.
From what I have read from a reliable source, the virus is not heat resistant but it will be killed by a temperature of 80 degrees. It hates the sun.
Australia has cases of the virus and its summer time there. Not sure how wide spread.
Yup, MLB suspends all operations. There goes my plan to watch both of our games at 1pm!
Of course, having said that, some of the Florida spring games are being played right now
It is a real shame that games must be canceled. The NCAA tournament will be, and that is my favorite sports event. But who would be selfish enough to want players and fans to risk their health just to provide viewers with entertainment? The question, of course, is how far should we go with the closures? I guess that is a question for another place.
The virus will not go away, though it may taper down for a time. When would it be safe to resume this baseball season? If I had to guess, I would say that they will not resume this one. Start the season, and then some player or umpire comes down with it, and there is an immense lawsuit? Are the players going to get paid for the games or season that they do not play? I feel very bad about all of this, particularly for the many fans who so much look forward to the games. My girlfriend’s father is 86, a lifelong Yankees fan, and he was really excited about this season. Now, no games, no sports radio discussions of baseball. Nothing one can do about it, I guess, health is by far the most important aspect. But I imagine that one could contract this virus just as easily at a supermarket or bank or restaurant. FDR wanted baseball to continue during WWII, he thought it would help with the morale of the country. This is a much different situation, of course.
The problem with comparing this crisis and WW2 is that we are not at war. This is a pandemic. I think a better analogy would be playing baseball games during WW2 on the battlefield. I get what you are saying though. In times of crisis, it’s good to have something to focus on that isn’t about all the bad stuff happening. It can boost a nation’s moral.
Report out of China said things could get back to normal in June. If that’s the a case it’s a major disruption for this season.
I guess if Puig can’t play then nobody can!
Yours is the clearest take on the coronavirus that I’ve seen yet Cassidy.
Fool with Puig at your own peril.
Puig Still Out There ! If he is not signed. MLB will shutdown
Think of the positive side of the coronavirus: the Astros were finally suspended!!
Another positive is that it could give 2 extra weeks to great Dodgers Signing Jimmy Nelson to recover.
While my expectations are the highest ever for the season my disappointment is lesser than than being proud that there’s so much moving to make the right thing happen. It’s almost shocking that those who call the shots are being so responsible. These moves will save many lives.
Well, the stadium renovations might get done before opening day now.
Hello there,and with the delay of the start of the season, will leave me more time to view my recorded DVR programs and listen to some of my vinyl LP collection. With the delay of OD this year at least I am not sure but Record Store Day is on April 18. But no matter what this is a very tough situation for all concerned.
According to stats put out by Johns Hopkins Medicine :
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-disease-2019-vs-the-flu
Covid19 – 127,000 cases worldwide, with 1,323 in the USA (and growing); 4,718 deaths worldwide with 38 deaths in the USA
Flu – 1,000,000,000 cases worldwide each year, with up to 45,000,000 in the USA; 646,000 deaths per year, and the most that have ever died from the flu in the USA is 61,000.
Hmmm, perhaps we are worried about the wrong virus.
H1N1 hit a few years ago and 50,000 died in the USA. Didn’t see much of a panic then.
These viruses are inevitable. We have to weather through them and that includes continuing to function normally. Cancellation of sporting events is simply putting off the inevitable for a time. This virus is going to spread through the populace and it’s not a death sentence for about 99+% of us. We get it, develop an immunity to it and then move on to the next one.
The NBA had one player with it and they shut down the season. I guarantee if MLB does the testing of players, there are going to be some that test positive. Do they dare shut down the season as well? What a financial fiasco. So much at stake over a new virus that really isn’t any more dangerous than others that have made their way through the world.
Remember last year early in Spring Training the flu bug hit the team and they cut back training early for a few days and disinfected the entire locker room? These things happen. There wasn’t a call to cancel the season. It wasn’t even an afterthought.
I hate to say it is all political but it is.
Oh, and it might be a good idea to wash your hands a lot and drink a lot of fluids.
OK dumbfuck Donnie.
Yea, so I’ve spoken to actual doctors, and they, along with their education and experience , are quite worried about this corona virus.
I’ll trust them and their opinions over yours, but thank you for your long and mostly inaccurate post.
I guess Johns Hopkins Medicine is made up of morons then. I didn’t pull those numbers out of thin air. They are facts.
I’ve been dealing firsthand with arriving passengers from China since December, (who are now trying to circumvent the process and fly in by way of other countries). I’m working hand in hand with CDC counterparts that have been completely engaged since this paranoia hit the headlines. We have had a lot of discussions over this, and our workforce of a few hundred has been in direct contact with persons that I’m sure were carrying the virus long before we knew about it due to China’s coverup of the pandemic for several weeks. Out of our workforce, so far, none have come up ill to the point that hospitalization was necessary. Some have been tested. None positive yet, but I’m sure it will eventually happen.
I’m sure there are Doctors out there that are concerned as you state and they have differing opinions. But tell me. Educate me. What is inaccurate about what I posted Bobby?
It’s about what you posted, and it’s what you didn’t post.
About what you posted, this line was stupid and ignorant:
Hmmm, perhaps we are worried about the wrong virus.
About what you didn’t post:
The following is also from Hopkins:
Antiviral Medications
COVID-19: Antiviral medications are currently being tested to see if they can address symptoms.
Flu: Antiviral medications can address symptoms and sometimes shorten the duration of the illness.
Vaccine
COVID-19: No vaccine is available at this time, though it is in progress.
Flu: A vaccine is available and effective to prevent some of the most dangerous types or to reduce the severity of the flu.
The COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly. Since this disease is caused by a new virus, people do not have immunity to it, and a vaccine may be many months away. Doctors and scientists are working on estimating the mortality rate of COVID-19, but at present, it is thought to be higher than that of most strains of the flu.
Evan Faux Bladh
My suggestion is to keep the talk about politics out of this. This is a Dodgers blog and maybe we can keep the talk about the pandemic to how it relates to baseball. Political post always seem to devolve and get nasty.
And when politics postpone the Dodger season? Is that a topic that can be discussed because that’s what we are looking at?
I don’t think its possible to discuss the pandemic and the cancellation of the season without politics entering in the discussion. I got called out for apparently posting inaccuracies though they came right out of the one of the most reputable medical institutions in the country. I know I should let it go but…Ok, I will.
You see this as political but a lot of people see it as preventative measure to combat a pandemic. The WHO already declared it. You are a writer here, so you’re the boss. I’m just saying that bringing in politics is a good way to get a flame war going.
Spot on!
Evan I believe your stats are inaccurate. As of this morning Washington State alone had 32 deaths so far and 412 confirmed cases. This number is growing daily. All athletics at UW have been suspended no gatherings over 25o people, all college classes on-line only, all state playoffs in jeopardy. This may only be the beginning. This is by no means “all political”.
I understand this is a baseball site but since you opened this can of worms here’s some information.
Coronavirus guidelines:
If you have a runny nose and sputum, you have a common cold
Coronavirus pneumonia is a dry cough with no runny nose
This new virus is NOT heat resistant and will be killed by a temperature of just (80) degrees. It hates the sun.
if someone sneezes with it, it takes about 10 feet before it drops to the ground and is no longer airborne.
If it drops on a metal surface it will live for at least 12 hours. So if you come into contact with any metal surface, wash your hands as soon as possible with a bacteria soap.
On fabric it can survive for 6 to 12 hours. Normal laundry detergent will kill it.
Drinking warm water is effective for all viruses. Avoid iced drinks.
Wash your hands frequently as the virus can only live on your hands for 5-10 minutes, but a lot can happen during that time. You can rub your eyes, pick your nose unwittingly and so on.
You should gargle as a prevention with warm salt water.
Symptoms:
It will first effect your throat lasting 3 or 4 days.
The virus then blends into a nasal fluid that enters the trachea and lungs, causing pneumonia. This will take 5 or 6 days further.
With pneumonia comes high fever and difficulty breathing
The nasal congestion is not the normal kind. You feel like you are drowning. It’s imperative you immediately seek medical attention.
1) NO HANDSHAKING! Use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, etc.
2) Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches. elevator buttons, etc.. Lift the gasoline dispenser with a paper towel or use a disposable glove.
3) Open doors with your closed fist or hip – do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door. Especially important on bathroom and post office/commercial doors.
4) Use disinfectant wipes at the stores when they are available, including wiping the handle and child seat in grocery carts.
5) Wash your hands with soap for 10-20 seconds and/or use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer whenever you return home from ANY activity that involves locations where other people have been.
6) Keep a bottle of sanitizer available at each of your home’s entrances. AND in your car for use after getting gas or touching other contaminated objects when you can’t immediately wash your hands.
Note: This virus is spread in large droplets by coughing and sneezing. This means that the air will not infect you! BUT all the surfaces where these droplets land are infectious for about a week on average – everything that is associated with infected people will be contaminated and potentially infectious. The virus is on surfaces and you will not be infected unless your unprotected face is directly coughed or sneezed upon or by touching.
I’m no germaphobe but this is a big deal.
Very good and useful information, philjones. Thank you.
Thanks for the advice, Philjones!
And thanks for the statistics, Evan!
A lot of conflicting information and predictions. But let’s hope and pray that somehow the virus impact is mitigated, and the lost lives are minimized.
Stop arguing about the minor details guys. Where can I get some toilet paper?!!!!!!
Is it really that bad? I’m glad I bought a ton when it was on sale.
Two words: “Toto Neorest.”
All you need is a towel.
Can never have too much ton.
Corona virus is upper respiratory. An oxygen tank would be better than TP.
You can pick up a Hillary Rodham Clinton book on Ebay for $2.90.
Anyone for cribbage? Just kidding.
Using your Johns Hopkins figures Evan, less than 1/2 of 1% of people who get the flu every year die from it. The current percentage of deaths for COVID-19 is getting close to 4%.
If we only want to worry about people who die from this, you are looking at somewhere around 8-10 times more people. That’s why some of us are concerned. I have also heard other medical people use the figure of 10 times more deaths for this than for regular flu. If you use your figure of 646,000 deaths from the flu every year you might be looking at over 6 million deaths worldwide for coronavirus.
Of course stats are very difficult to come by when only about 4/100 of one percent of the U.S. population has been tested so far. Korea is testing over 10,000 people per day. We’ve tested a total of about 11,000.
OK, so we need to keep this about baseball.
Go Dodgers!
It is pretty much agreed by all that COVID-19 is under-reported. There are a lot more cases out there than the stats indicate, and probably thousands that have it, don’t know it, and are over it in two-three weeks. What I’m trying to say is that 4% mortality rate number is high, because it is based on the numbers reported as we know them. Plus who is to trust the actual figures coming out of China. They have to be much higher than reported. (Then again, perhaps they are hiding the number of actual deaths from Corona too, so I’ll admit, I could be wrong). What we do know that in cases in the USA, almost all deaths have been of elderly patients (many in convalescent homes) with other maladies that were weakened and couldn’t fight off the virus. Similar to many that die from the flu every year.
I just read that the season is officially postponed two weeks and Spring training is now cancelled. I just cancelled my hotel reservations for Arizona, as I was supposed to be there next week. It’ll be interesting to see whether MLB decides to rewrite the schedule or if they plan on making up the games in October, leading to a November World Series. Takes us all back to 1981 and the snowflakes falling in Montreal as they celebrated the pennant after Monday’s historic shot off Steve Rogers.
What do the players do in the meantime? Is there any mention on how they are going to stay stretched? Are they still going to be allowed to practice?
I read where the Dodgers are planning to keep their guys in Arizona and have them continue to train there. Anyone who wants to head home will be allowed to do so.
Of course, if this stretches into May or June (and I’m guessing it will) you can only ask these guys to do this for so long.
Minor League Baseball Statement
St. Petersburg, FL, March 12, 2020 — Minor League Baseball (MiLB) issued the following statement today:
“In light of the current coronavirus outbreak, and after consultation with medical professionals and our partners at Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball will delay the start of the 2020 Championship Season. We will continue to monitor the developments and will announce additional information about the 2020 season at a later date. We will work with Major League Baseball and our community partners to resume play as soon as it is safe to do so. The health and safety of Minor League Baseball fans, players and executives is our top priority, and our thoughts are with those around the world who have been affected by this outbreak.”
Baseball did the right thing. Virus’s have zero political connections. Peoples’ lives are more important than sports. You can read a book, watch old episodes of Laugh-in, get an online education. You do not have to be consumed with a team sport. And some of us have been through this before. The strike during the 81 season, the cancelling of the world series in 1994 and dragged into the 95 season. Teams ended up playing 144 games in 95. Better served making sure you take care of yourself and your families. Some will not be so fortunate. I am close to 72 years old. so I am in what they call a high risk group, and most of this week, I have been pretty sick. Turns out it was not the flu or a bad cold, I have a bladder infection which threw my whole system out of whack. Have the meds now and am feeling better.
Good perspective, Bear!
Hope you are fully recovered soon!
Another article about Gonsolin from BA
Fifteen Players Turning Scouts’ Heads At 2020 Spring Training
Tony Gonsolin, RHP, Dodgers
Scout’s Take: “I really like him, even if it’s in a (Ross) Stripling type of role. I do think he’s going to be an impact guy for them. He’s going to bridge the gap that they’ll need because they’re going to go basically fourth and fifth starter by committee during the year. It’s really good stuff. He showed four pitches that he can throw for strikes that are all at least average to above average. The velo is there, he’s on the attack, the changeup looked really good. It’s all there.”
Evan, I agree with you. Right now we have 39 deaths and almost all are elderly and have compromised health conditions. Most of the deaths in Washington came from one nursing home. Any loss of life is horrible. To put this in context. 30,000 to 70,000 a year die from the flu. In 2009, 16,000 died from the swine flu. I think the health officials are trying to slow the covonaviris down as much as possible. It is slowing down in China, if the reports are correct.
If you are elderly, you need to be careful. I have stopped going to church while this is going on.
I do not go to any large gatherings. I do play bridge yet, but we have disinfectant wipes. Some of you have posted great ideas on how to be safe. Thanks for the advice.
This is a baseball blog.
To think that the coronavirus is not being used (By both sides) for political advantage is ignorant or naive.
We are not here to discuss that. We are here to talk Dodger baseball.
I have been busy most of the day, but I will not let this disintegrate any further.
We are closed until I say so. It won’t be long…