I rethought what I was doing, and I decided to undelete all of the posts. As I stated before, I have no desire to be the thought police and I changed my mind as to what people wrote. From now on, I am leaving it up to the posters to monitor the site. I believe the best response for something that is non baseball related is to ignore it. I cannot see what is in anyone’s heart, so I have no right to judge. Thus if you want a site where it gets political so be it. You may be without three writers, and potentially one other. Maybe the baseball fans will or will not come back. It is up to all of us to determine if we want a baseball only site.
Now that is out of the way, and I can discuss…some positive COVID-19 news. Major League Baseball and the MLBPA issued a joint press release Friday to announce the latest COVID-19 monitoring test results from around the sport through July 16.
The league collected 10,548 samples over the past week, but just six returned as new positives. That is a 0.05% positivity result. Five were players, and the other from a staff member. There was also a five-day period in which no new positives were reported.
To date, the league has collected 17,949 monitoring samples resulting in 23 new positives (18 players, five staff members). That is a 0.01% positivity result, thus the trend seems to be going down. Perhaps the protocols are working. When combining ongoing monitoring testing and intake screening that began June 27, there have been 93 positive tests (80 players) among 21,701 samples, which translates to 0.4% positivity. Twenty-eight of the league’s 30 teams have had at least one positive.
One other situation has been satisfactorily been resolved. the Nationals reached a deal with the city. The agreement says players who are exposed to COVID-19 but test negative and are cleared to return will have to quarantine at their residences for 14 days when they’re away from the ballpark. However, they’ll be allowed to play as long as they follow MLB protocols. Those players will also be permitted to play on the road, but they’ll have to stay in their hotel rooms when they’re not at the park. I am sure that LAD and the City of LA will come to a like-kind agreement. Washington DC and Los Angeles are the only two cities where a potential issue could arise for players coming into contact with a COVID-19 positive person, even if they are negative.
It certainly bodes well for the start of the season next Thursday. We have not yet experienced any travel concerns, so we will have to wait and see what happens after the first road trip to Houston, Phoenix, and San Diego. We will get a brief glimpse when Arizona comes to LA this weekend (Sunday and Monday) for exhibition games, followed by LAA on Tuesday. I am assuming the DBacks will fly while LAA will not need to. That will be another little addition to the equation.
Gavin Lux had a Zoom Press Conference and you just knew the first question posed to him was where was he at the start of Camp. His response was that it was personal, and it will stay that way. He never considered opting out. He lives alone, and has no underlying health concerns. He is a professional baseball player and never considered doing anything other than playing baseball.
Like Corey, Gavin is a video guy. He likes to see videos after each of his ABs to understand the pitcher, where the catcher was setting up, and what his swing was doing. He no longer has that access, but he knows he can adapt to the new rules…just like Corey.
He indicates that he would be lying if he said he did not want to win ROY, but it was not his paramount thought. His #1 thought is to help LAD win the WS.
When asked about playing with no fans in the stands, Gavin said it will be strange, but it is no different than playing a HS game.
I know many here do not consider a 60 game season a legit season, but the players are certainly reacting as if it is just like a 162 game season. To a man, they have all answered the question about the difference and whether there should be any illegitimacy attached to a 60 game season the same way. “Whoever wins is a legit WS champion”. “We all have to play under the same rules”. “It may not be as long, and it may be played under unique circumstances, but it is a legit season, nonetheless”. I am in full accord with that position.
Per Dave Roberts, Walker Buehler will throw two innings in tonight’s intrasquad game. Tonight’s intrasquad game is the final intrasquad game of ST 2.0.
As of Thursday, per Dave Roberts, Dodger head trainer, Ron Porterfield, has been in contact will all four Dodger players on the IL. Doc has not spoken with the players. However, per Dave on Friday, Keibert Ruiz is in Camp. When asked whether he was removed from the IL, Dave was caught off guard, and said he did not know. Keibert has obviously gone through his quarantine period and has had two negative consecutive tests 24 hours apart, so he should be working with the team.
Also in Camp today (and in uniform) is Terrance Gore. They are going to evaluate him over the next week and make a determination as to whether he will make the squad or not.
When Doc was asked about his OF, he was his usual non-committal, but did offer that LF and 2B were two spots he sees as being versatile and flexible. I would imagine that Catcher would also fit that situation.
Tony Gonsolin and Scott Alexander will continue to throw in the pen. Doc sees Gonsolin as a starter and made no comment as to whether he will see any game action against the DBacks or LAA, but he did indicate that Scott could see action in at least one game and possibly two.
I get a sense that many of the Dodgers players are looking at this season as a last chance at winning with the core players. It seems that many want to win this year as many on this team will not be back next year. This is a very close knit team, they believe in each other, and they want to win with this group.
Wow, those are spectacular pics!
You ought to see the sunsets here in Colorado Bobby.
Bobby – on the last thread you mentioned Ryan Pepiot. He was a favorite of mine with the Loons last year. This is the link to the LADT article on Pepiot.
https://ladodgertalk.com/2020/01/09/ryan-pepiot-butlers-all-time-strikeout-leader/
ahhh, I remember that article and thread. Thanks!
Glad to hear that the Nats have solved their potential ballpark problem if an active player tests positive and hope you’re right that the Dodgers will be given the same leeway if it happens here.
Posted just before you closed comments on the last article so am re-posting here:
Pollock confirms that he was late to camp because he had Covid-19. Had some symptoms but is now fully recovered.
Rockies have told old friend Matt Kemp that he has made the opening day roster. I would have no problem if he decides to opt out of all games against us. It would be painful to have him beat us with a homer.
Buehler looked sharp tonight. 7 hitters, 7 outs. Kersh got roughed up in the first, then settled down. Smith took Kersh out of the yard to RF.
AC, good insights. I told you when baseball returns, most of the political posting will disappear. Like most of the other posters here, I come for baseball, not politics, nor medical recommendations from others.
It’s funny, but I actually forgot about AJ Pollock. I guess in my mind, he’s more of a non-factor in my assessment of the team. I can’t seem to work up any interest in him. That could change if he starts to actually play regularly and produces.
Many people read things and begin to repeat them and believe that it’s true. This may be the case for a 60 game season and believing it is just as valid as a 162+ game season. This is seriously illogical. The players are going to play and they are professionals. It’s their job and they are paid well to do it. Anything more than that is just spin. I will watch in the same manner that I do every year, but I will not believe that this season is the same as any other one.
Thank you for the write-up, AC. Watched most of game last night. Kershaw seems ready and Buehler for his two innings looked good. Smith had a nice homerun and Kike some great hits. Taylor looking like a solid shortstop. Though Lux’s defense was good, he seems a little tentative at the plate. Just needs more time, I guess. I am making out my 60 player roster now. Harder to make out the starting lineup. So many to choose from.
Any guesses on the Opening Day Lineup (The Dodgers will be facing RHP Cueto)? This is what I think the lineup will be (although I would flip Belli and Muncy, but that’s just me):
1. Betts RF
2. Muncy 1B
3. Turner 3B
4. Bellinger CF
5. Seager SS
6. Pederson LF
7. Smith C
8. Rios DH
9. Lux 2B
That’s a pretty tough lineup. Here’s Gurnicks projection of the roster:
https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-2020-opening-day-roster-predictions
That looks like the lineup I would like to see opening day, Mark. On the above post, I meant 30 player roster, not 60. Would you split it down the middle 15 position players and 15 pitchers or 14 position players and 16 pitchers?
Well, here are my position players:
1. Barnes
2. Smith
3. Beaty
4. Hernandez
5. Lux
6. McKinstry
7. Muncy
8. Rios
9. Seager
10. Turner
11. Bellinger
12. Betts
13. Pederson
14. Pollock
15. Taylor
16. Gore
So, that leave 14 pitchers:
1. Kershaw
2. Buehler
3. Urias
4. Wood
5. Stripling
6. May
7. Gonsolin
8. Baez
9. Graterol
10. Kelly
11. Treinen
12. Jansen
13. Ferguson
14. Alexander/Floro
Kolark does not make the cut for me, but McKinstry does. He gives the Dodegrs 3 Swiss Army Knives, which could be huge in this sprint!
Gonsolin did not make the cut. He is being sent to the alternate training site, Roberts says he sees him as a starter. His late start is the reason he is being optioned. Gore is a waste of a roster spot.
Your lineup Mark: I would flip Muncy and Seager and for a righty starter I would flip Smith and Rios. As far as the 9 guys you picked, I agree with your choices.
I would also expect them to carry at least 15 pitchers, so if Gore makes the roster (and I’m guessing he will), I think McKinstry doesn’t. He’ll be up before long though. Someone will get injured and he’ll be first in line to replace them.
Since Alexander hasn’t had much Summer camp, I expect Kolarek to make the roster and Alexander to be first in line when someone (at least a left handed someone) gets injured.
I also hope this will always remain a Dodger baseball blog. I think it will as baseball starts up again. Those who want to talk politics should go some place else. I come here to get away from politics and just enjoy the Dodgers comments. I feel the same about the NFL. I want to watch football to get away from all the negative stuff. That is why I like college football. These kids are playing the game for the enjoyment of the game.
COVID-19 is part of the fabric of the game in 2020, but it doesn’t have to be political.
So far, so good!
The way Seager is swinging right now, he deserves to go back to his original spot in the lineup, #2.
I’d go:
Betts
Seager
JT
Belly
Muncy
Pollock
Joc
Smith
Lux
If I were making out the lineup, I would put Betts and Bellinger #1 and #2, and Lux 10 would bat #9 – that puts the 3 fastest players at the top and the bottom.
JT always hits #3 and I think Max Muncy is a power guy with high OB% and lower BA who would slot perfectly at #4. Seager is worthy of hitting #2, but Belli is a lot faster. Speed kills. Put it at the top.
I also think that hitting Belli #2 would force him to become a more complete hitter… get rid of the “clean mentality! Doc doesn’t listen to me much… if at all!
Mark,
I see where you are coming from regarding Belli. Very good points! Where would you put Seager, then? Here is another batter who needs to round out and improve his offense.
Dodgers have optioned Gonsolin to the training facility, meaning he will not be part of the 30-man opening day roster. MLBTR story indicated that they want to stretch him out into a starter’s role and he wouldn’t have that opportunity on the major league roster.
I have mixed feelings about that decision because I think he would be very valuable out of the bullpen this year. In any case, they can call him up at some point and he can still contribute, whether in the bullpen or as a starter.
I had seen his role as a long reliever/spot starter but continuing to stretch him out makes sense as well. This is a team that always has a plan for every eventuality. There isn’t room on the roster to keep 2 pitchers (May and Gonsolin) stretched out. Under normal circumstances OKC is where he would be stashed. I would expect him to rejoin the 30/28/26 man squad as the season progresses. Injuries or their lack will determine his role when he returns.
With Kershaw, Wood and Stripling stretched out, piggy back starts will not be available for multiple players. Urias will also likely be able to go long enough to just use the bull pen to finish the games. May could very well piggy back with Buehler his first couple starts until the schedule or injuries provide a spot for May.
The 60 game season is the perfect one for Urias to go all out in. No worries about too many innings and babying his development. This is the Golden Moment for him and I think he will come out blazing.
Doc said the same thing yesterday. He sees Tony as a starter. He acknowledges that he can relieve, and that may be what he does come playoff time, but it would be best for the team that he goes to USC and stretch out and come back to start if needed. I think it boils down to May came to Camp in better shape and ready to go, The reason as to why is irrelevant. May will undoubtedly piggy back with Buehler as he did in yesterday’s intrasquad game. That was a Friday night preview against the Giants. Except they obviously faced better hitters in the intrasquad game. Buehler may go three or four in that game. Even if he has fewer pitches, I do not think he gets up a fifth time just yet. Buehler 4, May 4, and KJ. Dodgers win.
“ Except they obviously faced better hitters in the intrasquad game. ”
Ouch
So, that means Kolerk makes the team.
I have always thought that Kolarek would make the 30 man. The 28 and 26 man I am not so sure.
Thanks for your post, Jeff, and to everyone who puts his time and effort into this blog!
I don’t think that there should be any asterisks placed next to this season. Baseball is baseball. Let the best team win, whatever the circumstances. It would be great for this group of players to finally win one. There is some great competition this year, and many unpredicatable factors. Still I’m optimistic. It makes sense to stretch out Gonsolin and May as possible starters. We don’t know who may go down with Covid or for other reasons, and in a short season, you need to play the hot hand. And given the Dodgers’ obsession with match-ups, we will probably see any number of pitchers in starting roles. It will be interesting. Let the games begin!
Tigers SP, Jordan Zimmermann, has been placed on the 45-day injured list. He will undoubtedly not pitch this year. For the five years of his contract, Zimmerman had 95 starts, 508.2 IP, a record of 6-10, and ERA of 5.51, a WHIP of 1.431, 362K to go with 121 BB. 5 year – $110MM contract, and a 1.3 bWAR over the contract. $18.333MM per win. That has to be one of the top five worst contracts ever let. The Nats signed Max Scherzer for $100MM more than Zimmerman eventually signed for, and then let Zimmerman go a year later. The Tigers let Max go and then signed Zimmerman a year later. I think the Nats made the better choice.
If Ferguson, Beaty, McKinstry, Rios, and Gray, even Peters, make the 30-man roster, that will make me a happy DBM.
Just throwing in my two cents worth DBM, but I expect to see Fergy, Beaty and Rios on the 30-man. I’d be mildly surprised to see McKinstry, but not totally shocked. But Gray and Peters, that would totally shock me.
Gray is going to be very good but they want him to start and there is no room for him to do that right now. Peters is not having a great camp and there are already plenty of outfielders, so he needs to go to SC and hone his craft a bit more. Maybe he can help later in the year.
Just my opinion, which as many people will tell you, isn’t worth much. 🙂
Not much chance for Gray or Peters. Ferguson, Beaty, and Rios are near locks for the 30 and probably 28. I would project Ferguson and either Beaty or Rios on the 26 man. McKinstry is on the bubble for the 30. Very doubtful for 28 and 26. He will be on the 26 next year with Kike’ moving on.
That is ok STB. You know I am a big rooter for the youngsters. Hope springs eternal so they say.
This is interesting. Wonder if Toronto plays it’s games in Florida at their spring training site now ?
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29488579/blue-jays-not-allowed-play-games-canada
I’ll go with their AAA affiliate in Buffalo. They have already had a breakout in Dunedin/Clearwater.
I agree, especially considering some of the players have already expressed concern about playing in Florida. The article mentions that Buffalo’s lights are considered not up to MLB quality.
Two cures for that:
1) Play all day games
2) MLB pays to upgrade the lighting system
I just read that on the CBC website. A difficult decision but the border is closed to non-essential travel.
I suspect Jeff is correct in their site to play.
Is the scrimmage on anywhere?
The Press Release said there was a game at 1:10, but on the Dodgers site no game is listed!
During yesterday’s telecast they kept saying “we’ll next see you on Sunday night for the exhibition game vs AZ”. So I took that to mean they’re not telecasting whatever we’re doing today
I think it is considered a non-televised hybrid game. Less structured Intrasquad /simulated game. Some guys will bat, but will not play the field. No set lineup. Maybe CT3 gets some OF time. He has been exclusive on the infield in the games. Strip will throw today. Other pitchers will throw BP. AJ and Gavin Lux will get additional ABs. It really is more of a practice with a game feel.
A couple of notes from today’s Zoom Conferences.
Zach McKinstry
• The biggest COVID-19 protocol issue for Zach is not biting fingernails. Apparently, Zach is a big fingernail biter. He had to go out and buy some product to help with that.
• Multiple “stars” including one elite pitcher (Kersh???) said he has looked very impressive and shows that he does belong at the ML level. He may not stick in 2020, but I got the impression that there would not be anyone blocking him for 2021.
• Spent the down time in Scottsdale and worked out at Chaparral Park. When Camelback opened, he worked on hitting with Brant Brown and Aaron Bates.
• He chose to sign with Dodgers instead of returning to Central Michigan because he thought he would get opportunities, and because he was getting older. It seems to have worked out for him.
• When did he think he could actually make it? When he started the AA All Star Game while at Tulsa. He was getting pushed, and he was making the most out of his opportunities. He did exactly what a 33rd round draft pick should do…get noticed early.
Dave Roberts
• Walker Buehler will throw a three inning sim game on Wednesday. He will be in a position to start one of the games in Houston.
• Strip is throwing a sim game today, so he looks to be the current option for the Friday night start against SF.
• Mitch White will start Sunday’s game against the DBacks, but he does not figure to be in the rotation against SF.
• Urias will start against the DBacks on Monday and Woody will throw a sim game the same day. They look to be the #3 and #4 against SF.
• Tony Gonsolin will continue to stretch out at USC. His purpose this year is to provide starting depth just in case. I am guessing that Mitch White will be in the same situation with Josiah Gray. If Victor Gonzalez is not one of the LHRP (and I am projecting he will not be), he will also be stretched out at USC.
• Pedro Baez will not pitch in any of the exhibition games. He will throw some sim games, but will be on the opening day roster.
• If anyone watched last night’s game, you may have noticed that Mookie had some discomfort in his hand after a swing. Per Doc, he saw the same thing, but his hand is fine.
• The team just spent some time with the traveling secretary to go over protocols and logistics on the plane and bus trips. They are still learning how to cope with this.
• Belli will get a handful of games (not necessarily starts) at 1B to save on his legs. Mookie or AJ will play CF in those games.
I will repeat what I said earlier in the week, after Kershaw’s last start. The pitchers seem to be throwing a lot more changeups (including CK). Doc did say that CK will throw the change in games. Is this change in approach due to Mark Prior? Honey used to love the rising fastball.
I have never heard the words “changeup” and “Kershaw” used in the same sentence.
I wrote a column a couple of years ago and said that if he could master the changeup, he could win more Cy Youngs.
Add in Driveline and could this be the year?
He has thrown multiple changeups in each of his Intrasquad games. It will obviously not be featured, but it is going to be a 4th pitch to go with the fastball, slider, curve. Per Doc, he is feeling more comfortable with it, and he will not be afraid to throw it in a “real” game.
We will see Thursday night if his Driveline experience amped him up much. He was at 1-2 MPH over last year in ST. May not sound like much, but the difference between the fastball and his others will be even more of a factor. In yesterday’s game, after the 1st inning, he threw a ton of curveballs and sliders. He needs to stay away from the first pitch fastball over the plate.
I think I heard that CK and MadBum are going to contribute to the large offer from a 2nd tier AL team for Kike’ next winter.
Besides 2020 MLB season as it stands today, there’s a few other things I miss or will miss are :
Waking up between 0500 and 0530 and sipping that first cup of coffee and checking on LAD MILB results… Yep starting with perusing the web sites for the Great Lakes, Rancho C., Tulsa and last but not least OKC… Just checking on the kids made me very happy…
Waking up November 28…Hanging my ND banner in front of the house and waiting patiently to prepare that pre-game left over turkey sandwich…Squaw bread slathered in Mayo, salt n pepper, turkey slices, dressing and last but not least the piece de resistance cranberry sauce…
Gathering in the front room and watching beloved our Notre Dame Fighting Irish open up a can of whoopass on the USC Trojans….
P.S. Seriously my whole college schedule is screwed up UCLA and ND…