One of my all-time favorite books is Jean Auel’s “Clan of the Cave Bear.” After Keibert Ruiz hit a home run in his first MLB at bat, I thought it only appropriate to call this blog the Clan of the Kaybear. By the way, if you have never read that book and the “Earth Children” series, I strongly recommend it.
First of all, while everyone was in love with Will Smith, I have been singing the praises of Keibert Ruiz for three years. I have felt that he was the Dodgers catcher of the future. He is 22 years old (3 years younger than Smith) and while I like Smith a lot, I believe Keibert has some very special skills.
What I did not expect was to see him hit a home run in his first MLB at-bat… but maybe that tells you something about him. In 1,580 minor league at-bats, Keibert has hit exactly 29 home runs. I do not consider him a home run hitter. However, the Dodger Brass has been working with him on his swing and launch angle so that he might be better prepared to hit some more dingers. Is this the payoff? I have no clue!
What Keibert Ruiz has is incredible “bat-to-ball skills.” In 5 minor league seasons, he has a .299 BA with a .351 OB%. However, the most telling stat is that he has struck out just 150 times in 1,580 at-bats. That’s below 10%… that’s below what Alex Verdugo accomplished.
He was in AA ball at age 19. In 2019 at the age of 21, he had the worst offensive year of his short career as the Dodgers tried to “change his swing.” By the way, he is a switch-hitter, but shows much more pop as a lefty hitter, with just two of his 29 homers in his first five pro seasons coming as a right-handed batter. He has solid raw power but likely won’t fully tap into it until he becomes more selective hunting pitches he can drive.
He is young but has the tools to be a very good backstop, however like many “kids” he needs to keep his head in the game. He is very athletic and has what are called “soft hands” to go with above-average arm strength. I think he is a player who will “play up” to his level. I am extremely high on him and have been for three years. Yesterday was his “dream come true.”
One game does not make a career, but he looked fine behind the plate – no passed balls or wild pitches, but you really don’t expect that with him. He’s very good at blocking pitches in the dirt. Will Smith has a better arm, but Ruiz may ultimately be a better thrower, due to his quick release. That is the area where he needs to grow the most. As you will see, he is a very smart and coachable young man who has the drive to be a very good big league catcher. I can certainly see a L-R platoon with Barnes or Smith.
The Rest of the Story
Five years ago, Travis Barbary (the Dodgers catching coordinator) took Keibert under his wing and Ruiz moved in with Travis and his family in Greenville, S.C. Ruiz was just 16 at the time and could not speak English. For five weeks that winter, Ruiz lived with Travis and his wife Raquel and their four children. Ruiz was tutored by a local woman in English twice a week. He worked out at Clemson University. He played soccer in the backyard and video games with Travis’ youngest son Cannon.
It was so well received that Ruiz returned the next January. Before last season, he again spent a few weeks with the Barbary clan. “It was an easy fit,” Travis said. “Really, it’s just more about getting them comfortable in their ability to communicate in English.” Ruiz, who finished last season in OKC, opted to stay in Arizona when spring training was shut down this year. Being on the 40-man roster allowed him to use the Dodgers’ spring training facilities at that time.
Ruiz used to be a little on the “pudgy” side but has now matured into a lean-mean catching machine. I look for big things from him in the future. Some fans feel that Will Smith is the Dodgers catcher of the future… I see Will Smith as the backup. Time will tell who is right. Here is his interview after the game (notice his English). I love this guy! He that “extra something!”
I think Kaybear has that little something extra, but he has impressed me with his work ethic and dedication to be the best he can be… whatever that happens to be. I am excited to see him progress.
The Next One…
On another note, the Dodgers have another catching prospect, Diego Cartaya, who is also a top MLB catching prospect. He is now 18 years old and when the pandemic shutdown baseball, he had nowhere to go. He was not on the Dodgers 40-man roster, so he could not use Camelback Ranch to work out.
Chase Barbary is the 23-year-old son of Travis Barbary and a catcher for the Dodgers. He pushed Cartaya to join the Barbary family in South Carolina. Now, the two are nearly inseparable. Travis Barbary has taken in another young catching prospect who has yet to play above the short-season Rookie ball, helping provide security in an uncertain time while building for the future.
In about three months, Cartaya immersed himself into his second home. He worked out nearly every day with Chase. He learned English. He learned from Travis… just like Kaybear! More importantly, Cartaya found a home base when he needed it most.
This is what makes the Dodgers the greatest organization in baseball. They care about their players and they show it!
Trades Anyone?
It was mentioned a couple of days ago that Gavin Lux could be trade bait at the deadline. I see two issues at play here:
- Kike will most likely walk next year; and
- This team has no holes – they don’t need anything (barring injury).
Salvador Perez was mentioned as a trade possibility but I cannot see AF giving up a top prospect for an aging catcher who has had an OB% below .300 for five consecutive seasons. He’s Austin Barnes with more power for $14 million a year. Besides, it takes time for a catcher to jell with his pitching staff. I think that would be a bad move. No thanks!
I do think Joc Pederson could be on the trade block. He’s becoming “replaceable.” He seems to have “given up.” Thanks Joc, but this time, you need to REALLY move on. If Ruiz keep it up, Barnes could be moved as well… especially if Smith is really healthy (we have no idea how bad his neck is).
Maybe AF should put in a call to Arte Moreno and say “Hey, you can still have Joc, Ross, and I’ll give you Austin Barnes… for Mike Trout.” Shut-up, Arte!
On Doc
Of course, Doc Haters want to pile-on because Doc left Rios in the game after he apparently hurt his hamstring. Doc is a”players manager” and that means that he trusts his players. Rios said he was OK, but he wasn’t. Rios will never do that again. Game, Set, and Match!
Roberts stuck with Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger and it is paying off. A player truly appreciates that his manager has confidence in him. Confidence breeds confidence and the Dodgers love Dave Roberts. He may not be the greatest game manager, but he might be the most loved and that means a lot! The Dodgers have the most wins in MLB – Lay off, Doc!
The Dodgers continue to have the best pitching in MLB and lead all of MLB in Runs Scored and Home Runs. The Yankees have the best winning percentage, but they score fewer runs and allow 1.75 more runs a game. Judge and Stanton are both on the DL and it appears to me that both of these freaks cannot stay healthy for any stretch of time.
Jeff Dominique – A Real Man!
Today marks a really bad day for Jeff and his family. Maybe some of you can know how it feels to lose a child – I can’t. Bear lost a grandchild. I cannot even imagine that. How horrific! How can you even go on? But life is for the living. Death is a part of life we hate to face, but we all do. I have lost a wife, both parents and grandparents, but never a child. How do you overcome that? I can only imagine. Jeff knows and he also knows because life goes on… he has other kids, his wife and grandchildren to think about.
LADT was a big part of my life for 20 years, which is why I offered to write this today… or any day for that matter. Jeff, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Miss Kris, but know you were the best father you could be and move on. The pain will never go away, but that’s the reminder we are all human. Godspeed!
My Theme Song
The book is coming soon… I promise! Very Soon!
Today’s Music
To all my LADT friends!
Great column Mark and and an especially poignant closing.
We all have Jeff and his family on our mind today. Although we cannot feel the pain of having lost a child we do understand the pain in the heart a wonderful, caring father must feel at such a loss. From a distance it can bring a tear to our eyes. The same strength that made Jeff a great dad will also help him through these moments as will his family members and his LADT family.
Diego Cartaya is on the Dodgers 60-player pool, so training at the alternate site (USC). He even made an appearance during one of the Dodgers intrasquad games during Summer Camp. I am a fan of Ruiz, but with catcher injuries and covid-19 I do not believe Dodgers will trade Barnes. Rocky Gale might be moved, but the return would be minimal, so keep him as well. Roster depth is a strength of the Dodgers and there is no need to diminish.
So, on the COVID-19 thing: Why have 60 players if you don’t use them? The Cards were shut down for two weeks because a few players tested positive. It was my understanding that you had this pool of players for times such as that. Now the Cards have to play 11 doubleheaders. It makes no sense to me… and for the record, I do not think they will trade Barnes this year, either.
Excellent point! MLB and Players Association should modify the 40-man roster rules to allow teams to have easier access to its pool of players. Having to DFA players in order to add others is ridiculous. I think the Dodgers will also keep Rocky Gale around; there is just too much injury/illness risk to deplete the catching depth.
Ruiz is hitting .250 with a 50% K rate in the Majors. I too have been calling his name for a year, but let’s cool the jets a bit. It’s going to take a few minutes to get accustomed to this level.
I don’t expect any trades, though I would welcome one in particular.
At what point do we let our starters throw 90 pitches?
We all saw Rios grab his hamstring. For any of you out there with that experience I ask you. – do you let Rios continue? Having done it myself the clear and obvious answer is of course not. Get him off the field and on ice IMMEDIATELY. I hope Doc’s mistake doesn’t cost this young man time on the IL. With Joc playing like he has mono, we need Rios’ bat.
Over the last 10 Arizona is 7-3, Colorado is 5-5. Seattle is 2-8. Oakland may the best team we will play this year.
Haven’t heard a lot lately from the Covid deniers here. Hope they are ok.
It’s been very hot and very dry out here in the West all summer. Gulp.
I was shocked he let Rios stay in especially the way every other player on the team gets babied. Not a good decision by Beaty going for a double. Fortunately Tehran is terrible and it didn’t matter. I don’t expect to see Rios playing for about a month now.
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Ruiz doesn’t have much power but hit a HR. He has great bat to ball skills but K’d twice. He’s great a blocking balls but one got to the backstop. Funny game. I look forward to seeing him play more.
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Smith has done an excellent job and will reclaim the #1 spot when he returns. He’s had bad luck with BABIP. I don’t see Barnes getting moved this year either.
Agree with you about the hamstring. I’ve had pulls and one I guess was a partial tear that my wife had to drive me to work until it healed. Rios running, even at half speed, didn’t help any. I suspect he will miss a few weeks.
MushersPop – there are certainly varying degrees of muscle pulls from severe pulls or tears that you experienced (and me to) to milder pulls to strains to severe tightness. The bad ones like you said take forever to heal and are a constant fear after recovery. Hopefully Rio’s is a mild one.
AC, sincere condolences on your loss. Thinking of you and your family. We care.
Miguel Andújar, Ross Stripling, mmm
That was a very poignant and appropriate finish to a good write up. You’ve done well to create a community here on this blog.
It’s been a long time since I’ve thought of Clan of the Cave Bear. Great book. I read it years and years ago and thought the first was the best. The subsequent ones started to read a little like romance novels.
If Pollack continues to play well and is healthy then Joc and his attitude are expendable. The problem is that his trade value is pretty low right now. . I suppose this being a walk year the Dodgers can trade him for the right prospect, but he isn’t going to have much upside, and Joc being in his walk year the trading partner will be a team the Dodgers might actually face in the playoffs.
The first book The Clan of the Cave Bear was the best.
The Valley of the Horses was the second book and was good, but not as good as the first.
The Mammoth Hunters was book #3, and I did not enjoy it as much.
The Plains of Passage was painful, but I finished it.
I have The Shelters of Stone and The Land of Painted Caves, but have not been able to bring myself to read them.
Not sure the Dodgers should engage at the trade deadline. Not seeing holes or needs. While I think Ruiz has a bright future, the Dodgers seem set at catcher with Barnes, who is off to a good start, and Smith.
I’m guessing you’re right, Mark, about Kiki walking next year. Probably a dollars issue moving forward. Gavin Lux is still the future at second. Hard to make judgements in 2020, just a wierd year, no minors and the short season without fans in the stands.
Good article M.T.
Quote of the week “What a difference a week makes”!!!
I guess that means Belli is safe for now!??!
Damn happy for Ruiz… I’m sure he’ll be going down soon because of the pitching he’ll see… A tad better than he’s seen overall I’d say…
I thought about it later and isn’t it his 1st. ML HR ball was probably returned to him promptly without crowds present and someone trying to negotiate a ticket package from him…
The articles on the L.A. PCL was epic… I was weaned on baseball there… Table in front of me and learning how to score games… Listening for “Angel Annie” down the RF line cheering the Angels on … The woman had a set of pipes!!!
And who didn’t like Steve Bilko??? I heard his PCL record under my covers with my transistor radio…
All is well in Dodger Ville….
Bilko was a legend. Too bad that prodigious power did not translate to the majors. He did play for a short time with the Dodgers. But of course he was blocked at first by Hodges. And below on the depth chart with Larker there. They also had some kid named Gentile in the pipe line but thought it a great idea to trade him to the Orioles.
We are way out in front in RDIFF and have done so giving up 10 unearned runs (only the giants are worse) and having made several base running errors that have cost us runs. And we’ve done this with several players sleepwalking through parts of the season.
We’re pretty good.
Trade Stripling for Andujar? Ok by me. 5 innings of 4.0 for a top 3b prospect. Good trade. Aren’t we going to need those innings sooner or later?
From The Athletic:
[Ruiz] also has lots of experience catching May. The major leagues are the fifth level at which the two 22-year-olds have formed a battery.
“I really like the way he calls a game,” May said. “He knows that he deserves to be here. He’s a great catcher, and he’s gonna be here for a long time.”
AC, sadly I know how difficult and confusing life is after losing children. I also know it’s never ending but it’s a pain one has to get used to. I sincerely feel so sorry for your loss. It will always hurt.
Nice reading article, Mark. Thank you. You summed it up well with a very thoughtful touch. I was excited about Keibert’s s first major league bat. It was awesome and put us in the lead we would never relinquish. I see good things in the future for this young man. Hope Smith is doing better. Darn that Padre’s player.
I read the book too. And saw the movie with a totally believable Daryl Hannah as the Cro Magnon Ayla.
Kay Bear is a cute name. Who came up with that? Not sure why as it is pronounced Ky-bert. Reminds me when so many continued to pronounce Kiké as Kiki. I guess Clan of the Kybert just doesn’t have the same ring.
Carry on.
I wouldn’t guess French. But if it is in fact French it would be pronounced Kay-Bear. All the Heberts in southern Louisiana pronounce their name A-Bear. And there is a lot of them.
Wrong continent. Wrong hemisphere. But I spelled it wrong. It’s Kāy-Bert. Left the a out. At least, that’s how the Spanish dictionary pronounces it. Whatever. Cave Bear appears to be popular.
I’ve never been to any part of Europe. But! southern Louisiana is pretty French and they are proud of it.
Dodgers on a roll?
4 games against one of the worst teams in MLB after a 5 game win streak looks pretty good. Time to shake out the rotation. Wood is going to expect to start when he returns but from what I see he’s the #7 starter and he’s not particularly good out of the bullpen. What happens when he returns?
What happens when Smith comes off of IL? Ruiz go back down? They won’t dump Barnes right now.
This may be the best Dodger bullpen that I’ve ever seen. This has sometimes been a weakness in the postseason but not this year – a good sign.
Good morning all. I love it when they sweep a series. Makes Mondays great. My heart goes out to AC on this sad day. And I hope they can find some peace and solace in remembering how much love they have in their hearts for their son. I thought Ruiz did a nice job behind the plate. He called a good game. The homer was nice for a start in the bigs. I was watching the game on TBS and it was fun to watch the stadium workers and Urias looking for the ball a long way from where it actually landed. So I am not even sure they gave him the right ball. His bounced up the tarp to the next tier of seats, and they were looking down where the tarp was. Not going to pile on Doc or Joc…..Belli looked like he regressed for a game. When that lefty came in, he swung at some pitches he could not have touched with a 7 foot bat. But all in all they played well. I think for a couple of years it will be Ruiz-Smith, probably starting next season. Barnes will be moved then one way or another. One reason is because Ruiz is a switch hitter, and he gives them that extra lefty bat. If they keep Cartaya and Ruiz as a tandem, I can see Smith moving to 1st base somewhere in the future. He has played there some. Losing Kike is not going to hurt the Dodgers, and the same goes for Joc. I have defended him for years because I always thought he would break out, cut down on that swing and make better contact. He did that last season and had his best year. This year, he has regressed. And he just looks disconnected. If Rios is out any length of time, and as of late yesterday he was listed as day to day, they can bring up McKinstry and see what he can do. I have a feeling next season he is Kike’s replacement.
Here is what is interesting:
Will they extend QO’s to Kike or Joc?
At first blush, you might say NO but think about it for a minute
Both players want to start… and will not likely start in LA.
I think both players will get multi-year offers from other teams that far exceed a 1-year QO deal. WE also don’t know what the QO will be next year as it is part of the CBA, but I would guess it might go down, if anything.
Blake Treinen and Alex Wood could also be extended QO’s. I doubt that the Dodgers would offer it to Wood, but if Treinen, keeps it up, it is a possibility!
This year’s QO was $17.8 million. If it goes down it won’t be by a lot.
In my opinion, the Dodgers will not do a QO for any of the guys you mentioned because every one of them would say “yes”.
There are always a lot of outfielders in free agency and the way Joc is playing he isn’t going to get too many exciting offers, certainly none anywhere near $17 mil/year. I think Kike is earning about $5 mil this year. You think he wouldn’t take an offer of $17 mil? Wood has now built himself a rep as an injury prone pitcher and wouldn’t earn anywhere near $17 mil. Treinen would be the one guy who might get a decent offer next winter but I doubt it would be close to a $17 mil annual figure. Would he rather have 1/17 or, for example 3/36. I’m thinking he’d go for the QO.
“every one of them would say ‘yes’”
That’s exactly what I thought STB. So who in that group would be worth $17 million? Friedman has been pretty good at turning over rocks so I say offer them a decent contract if you want them back and let them go if they choose to leave.
This is interesting. If you offered Treinen a QO, that would be higher than the going market AS for relievers, but it might be smart for both sides. The Dodgers don’t have to commit for multiple years, have a hedge in case Jansen can’t close. Treinen might take it because it’s over market value and he could gamble that he has another stellar year and then leverage that for a multi-year deal.
I wouldn’t bother offering QOs for anyone else. Unless Wood comes back and throws 93-95 again like 17, I think his Dodger career is over. Kike isn’t close to being worth 18 mil and, unless Joc finally explodes and plays like first half of 14 Joc, then he isn’t either.
I did a little research last night to see how the home field advantage was holding up without fans. Pretty interesting. The Yankees are 9-0 at home. But in the league over all, it means little. Most teams are like the Dodgers and barely above .500. The Dodgers have the best road record by far and are the only team with 10 road wins. NL West. Home 28-25 Road 31-28. NL Central H. 19-24, R, 27-27 NL East H.25-27 R. 23-27…AL East 26-23 R 28-28 AL Central H 26-27 R.25-25 AL West H 31-26 R 25-25. Only the Giants have a losing home record in the NL West. I would like to see the Dodgers do better at home. And they have a chance to do that with the Mariners in the next couple of days. The Rockies come in this weekend, and then they go to SF where they will play the Giants for the last time this year. Never have read Clan of the Cave Bear or any of those books. I am more into mysteries and historical novels. Reading another of W.E.B. Griffins books right now, and then have the last 2 Lincoln Rhyme novels by Jeffery Deaver to read.
Very sad day for Jeff. I cannot imagine losing a child, but have lost many people I care about. I hope that time brings some peace and solace, Jeff, though I know the pain will always be there. I agree that Jeff, Mark, and the other contributors have done a wonderful job making this a community. I have been enjoying Bear’s posts a lot, as a new writer, and always get a kick from Badger’s comments. Mark’s post today really gave me a feeling about Ruiz as a player and person. He seems like a fine young man. I’ve been following him and Smith for a few years, wondering who will win the sweepstakes of Dodgers’ catcher of the future. I must say that I am surprised at the drop off in Smith’s hitting after all the power he displayed when he first broke in last fall. Maybe someone can explain it. I thought that perhaps the league didn’t take long to figure out the holes in his swing, but I haven’t bothered to read any analyses of it. I don’t know what to expect of him. I remember when Barnes was hitting consistently. That was now a few years ago. It seems that there are not as many big hitting catchers as there were some years ago, or is that just my imagination? In any case, time will tell about Ruiz or Smith. I know that we haven’t played against top competition yet, but it sure has been fun having them show some offense. How they will respond when they face really good competition is anyone’s guess. My hope is that they are functioning on all cylinders by the playoffs. I suspect that the bullpen will be our saviors this year, once we reach the playoffs. If they continue to shut down the opposition,.they will have a fighting chance in any game. Nate Silver’s statistical model continues to give them a 25% chance of winning the WS, with the Yankees next at 17%.
David, all you need to know about Smith is that he was hitting the ball about as hard as anyone in the league but they were not falling in. A lot of at em balls that were scorched. His K rate is way down. Joe and Orel reported correctly that his hard hit ball rate suggested his stats should be better. He had a little better luck just before he was injured. The power is there, the ball is different, so it is not flying like last year. Many players have commented on that and the other night you could see that when Muncy hit a ball he thought was going out that was caught at the warning track. And the only real A list competition this team will see is the A’s and Astros. All the teams in the west are good but not great. They have not seen the Rockies yet, but their pitching staff is playing way over what was expected. And Charlie Blackmon and Trevor Story have been the offensive leaders. They do not play the A’s until the last weekend of the season, and it is only 3 games, all of them at home after a 7 game road trip to San Diego and Colorado. The last 3 games of the year are against the Angels.
W.E.B. Griffin books are great. I think I have read most of them.
I know some on here don’t like the sacrifice bunt, but in the 6th inning the other night against the Angels, Taylor walked with no outs. Muncy was at the plate with the shift on. The one infielder on the left side of 2b was about 15 feet from 2b. Why not bunt to 3b? It would not be a sacrifice. It would be a single. Instead Muncy hit into DP. Why not take what the defense gives you?
Nice post MT especially your closing comments about Jeff and his son. Very thoughtful and sincere.
Some thoughts about yesterday’s game and MT’s comments:
* Boy a trade right now would have to involve some big name and that ain’t going to happen. The catching situation will work itself out. With these young catchers a “rental catcher” is unnecessary.
* It’s easy to blame Doc for leaving Rios in the game. In retrospect it was a poor decision. But Rios has to be more honest with the skipper about his condition. I understand his desire (and Doc’s desire) to stay in the game. He wants to play! I have had many pulled hammies and to check your status you need to run more than Rios did to test it out. About 10 steps a 1/4 speed isn’t a test. So, he deked Doc and the trainer. Rios was as guilty as Doc.
* That whole play that cost us a run was a mess with Rios unable to run and Beaty going for 2. The play with Beaty trying for 2nd is not unusually. Teams will frequently take the out at 2nd to protect from a play at home. But in this case, even without knowing Rio’s inability to run, there wasn’t going to be a play at home. Also, it looked like Rio’s maybe didn’t know the rule about having to score before the out at 2nd. With a little more effort he could have scored even hobbled. All and all, a shitty baseball play.
* I saw Ruiz play a little at Camelback before they pulled the plug on the season but not very much. Wow that home run swing was beautiful. Great balance and very still head. Impressive. The lack of power will not be an issue down the road with that hack. How many young players fill out and grow into their swings. Belli is another example. I think we’ll in good hands (pun intended) with Ruiz. Smith and Barnes for awhile with Cartays coming along.
* May looked great at times. The life on his pitches is great but the second time through he struggled to put guys away. He needs a change up.
* As I see way too often, a blown strike 3 call in the bottom of the 4th set up Rendon’s home run on the next pitch.
* Muncy must have forgotten the outs when he failed to try to go for 2 in the 4th. Fortunately there was no harm done.
* I’m calling BS on Joe Davis when he reported that Smith and Kike used the heaviest bats on the team at 32 ounces. In fact I think there’s a rule that bats can’t be more than 42 ounces and less than 32. So, I’m not sure how players are using 30 and 31 ounce bats. Here I go again, but back in my playing days we thought that and bat that had more then a -1 differential would be crappy wood. I hit with a 35 – 35 and choked up an inch. I think Richie Allen was using a 40 or 42 ounce bat at the time. In retrospect that bat was way too heavy for me but we all played that way.
Kids growing up with metal bats (I didn’t) are used to huge differentials you couldn’t do with wood. A huge barreled 34 – 30 metal bat is just a weapon. So when player now transition from metal to wood they are used to light bats but I question 32 ounces being the heaviest on the team.
* So here is a Joc Petersen at bat: Swing from you ass and get behind in the count on swings that look absolutely shitty, makes weak contact and pop up or lame grounder, yell F**K at the top of your lungs and then completely loaf to first base. He loafs exactly 90 feet as he never runs through the bag. Then he has that pouty swag walk to the dugout.
Others have mention this as well and “I’m personally sick of it! I wonder why Doc and the brass put up with it. I’d sit his ass immediately and make it clear that he needs to hustle or he sits forever. We can’t trade his ass as you’d get nothing for him now . Wasn’t he going to the Angels? They have to be watching this act and smiling that they kept Rengifo. Joc walks at the end of the season so, adios. His act is tiresome.
Seattle is a bad team and we should never lose to those guys. But in a word – you-never-know.
Ruiz just looks like a hitter up at the plate. He needs some work on his pitch framing but I’m excited about his future
By the time Ruiz gets here to stay we’ll have electronic ball/strikes and he won’t have to worry about framing.
While I do not think AF will make a trade at the deadline, it is still possible. A starter with some sort of pedigree might help some. Of course if Buehler becomes the guy he was last year, then the need is not as great. I think May is going to be a monster down the road. His stuff is just plain nasty. I want to see the same type of game out of Urias as we saw last time before I make any judgements on him. Repeating what you have done before is important to pitchers. I sincerely doubt they make a QO to either Wood, Kike, or Joc. Taylor and Muncy got deals over the winter, and Kike, despite his defensive prowess is redundant with younger players in the system. Joc, despite his power and progress last year has slipped back. His seeming lack of hustle and hard play has not gone unnoticed by fans. I would think Doc has spoken to him at some point since he is such a great communicator. But it does no look like it has taken. Seattle throwing 2 righty’s and 2 lefty’s at them over the next 4 games, one is a Japanese import that Seattle signed over the winter. So Joc is going to sit again. With Pollock playing the way he is, I have no problem with that at all. Over all, this team is very good, and not playing it’s best ball yet. I would like to see some consistency from Belli, Muncy, and Kike. If they get their collective game together, things will look much brighter. I hope Joc wakes up and realizes he is in a walk year and if he wants any kind of free agent boon, he had better get of the schnide soon.
Padres lose Pham 4-6 weeks with a broken bone in his hand. Dodgers top the power rankings again. Yanks the # 2.
This pains me for saying this, but right now I am very disappointed in Joc’s play. Not so much in his lack of hitting, others have been in the same boat, but his attitude, at least what I have seen so far.
I have always supported and rooted for Joc ever since he came up from AAA. Heck, my husband just bought me a signed ball of him for my recent birthday.
So please Joc, I hope you are not hurt or something going on in the background that causes these problems. Make this mom proud again for this season.
Who on this team has shown up in the post-season? Muncy and Joc. So, I’m not going to bury them yet . Nor am I going to count on what AJ Pollock is doing in August as what he will do in October. I will hope for the best and I think losing the 15 lbs was a good thing for AJ because he looked like a stiff last year. I can see his quickness getting down the line this year is noticeably better.
Muncy has a combined .217 average in post season play. He has hit some homers, 6, but he has also struck out 25 times in 85 at bats. He also walked 16 times which is why his OBP is high. Other wise he is more likely to strike out than hit the ball. Pederson has a .239 average in 117 at bats with 7 homers, and 43 K’s. I do not call that showing up. Joc was one of the few who had a good world series against the Stros, but he dissapeared against Boston. His other good series was against DC in the NLDS in 2016. Justin Turner is the one player on this team that SHOWS UP. His playoff stats are damn good. . 310 average, 9 homers, 35 RBI’s, only 33 K’s in 200 at bats, a plus 400 OBP, and he has also been hit by a pitch 9 times to go along with 26 walks. Chris Taylor has been pretty decent in the playoffs, 255 avg, 4 homers, and a .392 OBP. Kike was one of the few who had a good series against DC< and he also killed the Cubs in 17. But he too for the most part has been mediocre in post season. Of course Belli's struggles have been well chronicled. He had only 1 series where he hit well. 2017 NLDS against the Cubs. Yet he won the MVP in the NLCS with a .200 average. Most of the rest of the team has less than stellar numbers, and most have little experience. Mookie has been in 5 post season series and exceeded .300 only once, in the 2017 loss to the Astros. So in reality the only player who looks like he will be there no matter what is Turner. What ever they get from any other player will be a plus.
Along with below their norm pitching from Kersh and Jansen. Adds up to 0 WS titles from this group! What a surprise
Those stats (over 7 years of playoffs for some of our guys) show why Donnie or Doc haven’t gotten ut a World Series title
* 2017 doesn’t count
Unfortunately they have not had the same players for all of those runs. In the record books, 2017 does count. If Manfred had vacated the title like he should have, then we as fans would have some satisfaction that Houston did not benefit from cheating, but since they still have the trophy, and can fly the championship pennant, it counts. Gonzo had decent playoff stats except a couple of series. 2014 against the Cardinals, and both of his 2016 series. Hanley did really well in all except his 2013 against the Cardinals. Ethier was solid, but not spectacular in his postseason play. Matt Kemp also had so so numbers in post season play. In the 2018 World series he hit the first Dodger homer. But was rarely used after game 1.
There’s no doubt Turner and Taylor have shown up. Muncy has had some big HR’s. Joc had a great World Series and put up competent AB’s unlike someone we know against the Nats.
BA isn’t relevant, Bear.
At least to the people in charge.
Indians are in need of an experienced outfielder. We have one who could be had for the right price…apply with AF.
I think the Indians would prefer a guy who could hit his weight and OPS over .600. Pederson is doing neither.
That said, maybe going to Cleveland would wake him up.
Mookie has swung at 101 pitches in the strike zone thus far this season and he has missed on just one of those. Thats a 99% contact rate in the zone. Which pitch did he miss?? a 82.5mph splitter from Kevin Gausman the second day of the season. Betts is also slugging at .663 this season. The highest slugging percentage for someone with a 95.0% + contact rate Was Pujols at .653 in 2008.
OK, what do you think Joc and Kike can get on the open market?
BTW, Kike has a 10.0 WAR is 1714 AB’s while Joc has a 10.4 WAR in 2091 AB’s.
Who would you rather have on your team? WAR says Kike!
I think Kike might get a 5 year/$50 Million Deal, so would he rather take a QO for $18 million?
What can Joc get?
I think Joc can easily get 250. He’s a Krispy Kreme away from 240 right now.
U R talking about his weight right? 250 mil? Doubtful
I thought the reference to a donut was the giveaway.
Tho I think Joc would sign for 250 Krispy Kreme’s!
It was…
Mark, you need to save the good bottle of wine for later in the afternoon and early evening. You’ve obviously hit your favorite vintage a bit early today.
There is no way, I repeat no way, in a million baseball seasons that Kike gets anywhere near 50 mil. He’s a very nice utility player and has never proven to be anything else. Someone might give him something like 3/20 but I’ll eat my Dodger cap if he gets anything much better than that.
File my comment away some place and call me on it if Kike gets anywhere near 5 years or 50 million.
STB, you can throw my cap in this ring as well with MT. I like Kike better than most but I see no way he gets 10 million a year from anybody. I looked it up and 124 MLB players make 10 million a year or more. Thats like 15% of active roster players. Do you see Kike being in the top 15% of players in MLB? Not me. File me on your side down the road. I haven’t eaten a hat in a long time.
Who, would pay Kiki $50 for five years? He’s a utility player. He’s proven that he is not starter capable. And, I’m a huge Kiki fan. I was thrilled last year when he started the season at 2B. But, he proved to be very inconsistent at the plate and had some weird plays on defense and on the basepaths. Three years at maybe $18MM.
And, for Joc no more than a 1-2 year deal at $10 per. He’s to much of a headcase for a long term deal.
Marwin Gonzalez who is a similar player to Kiek, although he is not nearly as versatile, cannot play as many positions and is no way Kike’s defensive equal, got a two year deal for $22 million and he is older. Kike will get more than that.
That was before the pandemic hit, and most teams not financially as well off as the Dodgers. Giants with Zaidi at the helm might take a run. But I believe Mark that salary offers for this year at least are going to be much lower than usual.
Previous comment should have been by Campy
What ever they get it won’t be from the Dodgers. Kike’s WAR has a lot to do with his defense. His offense except for one year has never been consistent. Joc is getting, or would have, 7.5 this year. I think he would probably get a 3 year deal at close to 9 a season. Kike will be lucky to get 7 mil a year. I do not think many free agents are going to be offered large contracts after a season as truncated as this one has been. I also think anyone who offers an 18 million dollar QO coming off of a season like this is a few marbles short of a full bag. I can see Treinen getting close to 12 mil a year. Kelly and Jansen both will be in the last year of their deals, so Treinen, if he keeps it up will be a decent fall back if they falter. Graterol to me is the heir apparent to Jansen. Next years Dodgers will have some new faces for sure. I think AF locks Turner up for a couple of years to let him retire as a Dodger, but it will not be the same kind of money he is making now. Kersh will probably get another 2 year deal after next season. But with Buehler, Seager, and Bellinger not far behind, there will be some hard decisions down the road. I also think that Boras would prefer that Cody not sign an extension. I think he wants to see him go through the free agent process. Depending on how he performs the next couple of years, he could get a Betts type deal. As for Seager, he gets through this season with no problems the rest of the way, and has an injury free 2021, whether or not to re-sign him or go after Lindor will be another dilemma for AF.
I have written about Joc’s tendencies last last two years. There’s no way I can prove this, but Joc usually starts out well and then slumps about 30 days before the trade deadline. Once the deadline passes he would, miraculously, end his slump and finish the season strong and carry that through the playoffs. This year he decided to stink the field up right from the start because it was July. Apparently, he didn’t realize that he didn’t play baseball in April, May, or June. I don’t understand what his thinking is being this is his walk year. To me, Joc has always been a space cadet and had minimal baseball IQ. His interviews with Alanna are the worst and he comes off as a goofball.
He came up as a potential Gold Glove CF. Once, he lost his CF spot he shows little interest in playing good defense. He’s adequate at this point in his career. He has the talent to be a All Star player, but he doesn’t work at his craft to be an All Star. I have little respect for athletes like this. To be a major league player and not maximize your talents is just plain lunacy. Most of us would love to have his opportunity.
And, what’s with the F bombs everytime he fails in an AB. Doesn’t he realize that TV can pickup his yelling? I would think that would be a conversation a parent doesn’t want to have with a youngster. “yeah, I know Joc yells that word every time he makes an out, but it’s not OK, OK”? Hey, I’m no stranger to the F word, but come on Joc, quit acting like a 12 year old and grow the “F” up.
Completely agree with regard to Joc’s interview skills. I’m sure Alanna dreads every time she has to put a mic in front of him. But I’m not going to fault him for being a bad communicator and shy in front of the tv cameras.
We just need to hope that he snaps out of his batting funk soon and has a really hot two weeks so that some team in need of outfielders comes calling and we can off load him for a young prospect buried somewhere in the low minors who then turns out to be Yordan Alvarez.
I’ve never been a huge Joc fan so I would be the last one to make excuses for him but I wonder if this lackadaisical attitude is just his way of hiding the embarrassment of how badly he’s playing. He figures he’d rather people think he’s playing badly because he isn’t trying rather than because he’s trying really hard and failing. I realize that’s pretty perverted thinking but people do strange things sometimes, and it still doesn’t excuse that kind of behavior.
Renewing memberships in Joc Pederson fan club. Any takers?
Are you offering a large discount?
3 for 1?
Since our negative comments here are a sure cure for any slump, I assume that Joc will hit about 5 homers between now and Sunday. You’re welcome Joc.
That would be nice STB.
Nice, but between now and Thursday they are seeing two lefty’s, so good luck with that. And definitely not unless his pitch recognition and swing selection does no change.
Cassidy – Do I get a bowl of soup with my Joc fan club membership?
Today’s lineup:
Mookie (DH)
Seager
JT
Belly
Pollock
Muncy (2b)
Joc (RF)
Beaty (1b)
Barnes
Strip
Looking for Ross to go 7 innings tonight against a weak M’s team. Tony Gonsolin gets the nod Tuesday. So far he hasn’t given up a run. Hopefully Doc alternates catching duties between Barnes and Ruiz. This is a perfect time to see him in action. Very impressive beginning to his career last night.
Tonight’s for the first time in their careers, the Seager brothers will be face to face….I think the last time the Seattle and Dodgers met, Corey was disabled.
DODGERS RECALL LHP ADAM KOLAREK
IF EDWIN RÍOS PLACED ON IL
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers have recalled left-handed pitcher Adam Kolarek and have placed infielder Edwin Ríos on the injured list with a left hamstring strain.
Kolarek, 31, has made five appearances for the Dodgers in 2020, allowing four hits in 5.1 scoreless innings. In parts of four Major League seasons, the Maryland native is 10-3 with a 3.58 ERA (41 ER/103.0 IP) and 71 strikeouts, while limiting left-handed hitters to a .197 (35-for-178) batting average against. Since joining the Dodgers on July 31, 2019 from Tampa Bay, he is 4-0 with a 0.53ERA (1 ER/17.0 IP) and 12 strikeouts in 31 games.
Ríos, 26, will head to the injured list for the first time in his career after leaving yesterday’s game against the Angels in the second inning. In 14 games with the Dodgers this season, he is batting .276 (8-for-29) with three doubles, three homers and six RBI. In 42 career games for the Dodgers, he is batting .276 (21-for-76) with five doubles, one triple, seven homers and 14 RBI. Prior to joining the Major League roster last season, Ríos spent five seasons in the Dodgers’ minor league system , hitting a combined .295 (492-for-1670) with 95 homers and 326 RBI in 450 games. He was originally drafted by the Dodgers in sixth round of the 2015 First Year Player Draft out of Florida International University.
Well I think I know who’s spot in the rotation Alex Wood can take.
Not sure why so much negativity about Joc’s defense since he moved to the corners. He’s been a solid LF. Not great but I’ve haven’t seen many mistakes and he gets good reads.
~
Sure looked like Stripling had Seager setup for a change up. Not sure why he threw him another FB. Terrible play by Pollock in LF.
Another unearned run. I keep hearing how goood our defense is. I don’t see it.
That one’s a product of DHing Mookie tonight. I’m not complaining about it. I get it’s a way to rest someone. However if Mookie is in RF then Joc is probably in LF.
I’m going to say joc will get 3 years/29 mil and kike 3 years/21 mil. You got a serviceable outfielder with pop against rh pitching. I believe his conditioning will be a consideration. He could balloon very easily. I think he had his career year last year. I was probably one of the few who wished the Angels deal go through depending on the other prospect. Unless I was real comfy with a deadline trade I would probably keep him and hope he gets hot at the right time. No qualifying offer.
Kike has been a good dodger. Killing lefties at times and playing fantastic defense everywhere with a flair for the dramatic. But he has proven to be a utility player at a time when I don’t think teams are going to be quick to throw big money at utility players. Some team might view him as a starter which would raise his price a bit.
Treinen will depend on how he turns out this year and whether he is signed as a closer. At this point he looks more like a setup man to me. He might get a 2 year 22 mil deal.
If Joc slides directly to the plate he’s probably safe
I thought the same thing. It used to be the idea was to get to the base (plate) as quickly as possible. Not sure what they are being taught now.
We see that all the time now. Especially since the catchers have had to setup in front of the plate primarily.
By the way, I’m glad Doc came up with the brilliant plan to bat Mookie-Seager 1-2
Well you know he’s a big fan of LADT! Where do u think Mark gets all his inside info! Maybe Arte knew what he was doing when he cancelled the trade!
Get Stripling off the field!
yuck
I pointed this out about a week or so ago, Stripling has a high slugging percentage against him, he gives up a lot of hard hit balls.
Give me Gonsolin in Stripling’s spot. Stripling to the pen for good.
Stripling can go to Anaheim.
The end of the Ross Stripling era in Dodger history!
Hopefully the end of 6man rotation crap too. With the way they’re yanking the starters in the 4th and 5th inning the starters arent going to stay sharp especially with 6 starters. They don’t need six. Gonsolin should be the number 5. Wood and Stripling should be in the pen.
Yep I agree.
They need to target a SP for the trade deadline. In this crazy season, not sure if there will be any quality available. Our rotation is shaky and unproven with 3 rookie starters.
Every time a left-hander comes up against Floro I get nervous and every time a right hander comes up against Kolarek I get nervous.
And now I’m listening to Doc talking good about Stripling and making excuses. What he should’ve said is I’m a dumb ass for not looking at career stats and sticking with Stripling forever.
And while you’re at it Doc look at Floro and Kolarek’s lopsided career splits.
I hate the three batter minimum rule. Dodgers have several guys in the pen that have lopsided career splits. It’s just a matter of time that it shows.
It’s also led to pitching switches like the other night. 11-2, two outs in the 9th and Doc switches pitchers because it’s been 3 batters.
Is Doc ever going to let Beaty bat against a left-handed pitcher?
All right I’m done
He had a hit earlier tonight vs a lefty. I figured Kike would hit for Joc not Beaty.
Oops I didn’t notice that.
If the Dodgers win this game and I hope they do, Doc will have gotten away with one.
In my objective opinion, Muncy swung at that pitch. But I”ll take it
He did.
We got lucky.
I too will take it.
Yeah I played it over and over , he got a gift.
Even Hernandez and Barnes are contributing. I’m impressed.
Happy to see Barnes, who I completely gave up on, hitting again. Never would have believed it.
Kenley never does anything easy. Grey hair time again. He K’s Seager…1 down. I am too old for this s***. So far single, walk, K, pop out, hair now completely grey. .100 hitter up. This guy is the size of a Moose. fly out….big sigh of relief. Game over, 11-9 win. 17-7 three games in front of the Rocks who lost 2-1. Will miss tomorrows game, have to take a friend to Denver. She is flying to Cali on Wednesday morning with her son. Have a great day tomorrow gang.
What a wild game.
Kenley always pitches better with weight off – and he’s definitely lost a few pounds.
With the absence of David Price, I believe we need another top end starter for the Post Season, especially if Buehler continues his struggles.
I know he’s not everyone’s favourite, but Trevor Bauer is pitching well, and Cincinnati are struggling.
Bauer is a FA after this season, so the Reds might be tempted?
What would it take?
Plus, we could have a look at him up close before potentially making a run at signing him to a longer deal. He is 29 so has a few decent years ahead of him, and I’m sure I read somewhere that he wanted to play for the Blue?
He’s a North Hollywood boy.
I like him and he’s a gamer.
I agree and was thinking about that earlier today. Strip has struggled his last 2 games, Buehler has yet to show any of what he did last year. May, Urias and Gonsolin are just kids, and Wood is injured and they do not know what they are going to get from him. So, I think the Reds would want some sort of prospect package. Because they would only get him for a month, I do not think it would be the same sort of package they would get in a normal year. Certainly not a top 10 prospect. But they might take someone like Carillo or maybe even Estevez. I think it has to be someone on the roster or in the 60 man pool. I am not sure exactly how it works this season. I think they would want someone they could control for a year or two. I think he is a natural fit. I am also with you that I believe the weakest link on this team right now is the rotation.
That is exactly what I’ve been saying for the past week, Watford. The only stable starter we have is CK, at the moment. Buehler is good to pitch, but how effective he will be is up in the air. Even May has not been able to nail down his starts. Urias is obviously the #2 at this point and even he is not a sure thing, still growing. Our future rotation looks good, but we are talking WS!!
Is Bauer the logical choice for us? Seems like it. Is anyone else a stable starter that would be available?