Halfway… To A Parade ?

This article has 120 Comments

1. Wow, I never saw JD Martinez as an option, but now that you mentioned him, he seems perfect to me, and I don’t think Boston wants to ask too much for him. An experienced and powerful right-handed batter, plus a good starting pitcher would be the only thing it takes, enough waiting, make it possible this year!
   But if you have to decide between one or the other, I would go for the pitcher. I know it’s crazy, but could Sonny Gray be available, along with Trevor Bauer?

2. With a 28 man roster the hooks will be quick in the postseason. If the bullpen continues to excel I’m good with our starters. AF has gone after the rentals at the deadline so maybe Bauer gets a look. I don’t love Lynn. Not enough innings this year from a guy who throws one pitch for me to forget his more recent years and block a young kid with more talent. Kela has been a clubhouse cancer.
   ~
   Bellinger and Muncy both hit lefties well last year. Betts will improve so will Smith’s numbers. If Cody and Max’s numbers vs lefties don’t improve I would hate to count on Kike to be the difference maker. JDM could be an interesting target.

   1. Belli did not hit lefties well the year before (.226/.305/.376/.681). He is not hitting lefties again this year. So which Belli is it? So far this year, it is the 2018 version. Usually at the deadline, teams have had 3.5+ months to work out the cobwebs. Then two months to get ready for the playoffs. The team now has 30 games to find a way to hit LHP. I am not all that concerned, because there are not many NL contenders with a lot of LHP. But in a 3 game series, LHP could become a problem if the team finds two LHP to throw at LAD. Say NYM with de Grom, Matz, and Peterson. Plus RVS “fixed” JDM before, maybe he can do it again.

      I would not advocate blocking May or Gonsolin or Urias. But I want to win this year. SD is on the cusp of becoming good (very good), and they are only going to get better next year with both Gore and Patino ready for a full season. So is Atlanta. Lynn is pitching well this year. 7 starts all quality starts. I do not care about next year. AF can move him in the winter. This year he is a force. His 8th start will be Saturday against LAD. If he pitches well against them, he will be on some contender’s roster.

      I do think Buehler “fixes” it in his next 6 starts and becomes Ace-Like for the playoffs. But as Bobby has mentioned many times, can you really count on Kersh in the playoffs? I am always saying yes, but…Then you have two rookies (May/Gonsolin), and one who is barely above a rookie (Urias) who does not pound the strike zone consistently. I would feel a lot more comfortable with another veteran starting pitcher. THIS year, along with quality starts, Lynn leads MLB in innings pitched at 45.1. He is throwing strikes (50K/14BB), and has a 1.59 ERA and a 0.860 WHIP. In his 7 QS, Lynn has faced Colorado twice, Oakland twice, Arizona, San Diego, and LAA. All teams the Dodgers are going to face in the next 30 games, and all with good offenses (okay maybe not LAA so much). Another team LAD will be facing this year (and maybe WS) is Houston. Career – Lynn has 11 GP (10 starts), 66.0 IP, 80K/23 BB, 2.59 ERA and 1.167 WHIP. Last year he had 4 starts, 28.0 IP (all four 7.0 IP) , 39K/6 BB, 3.54 ERA and 1.143 WHIP. If he helps LAD win a championship, he will not be hard to move over the winter, especially at $10MM.

      If I were a betting person, I would bet AF is NOT going to make a trade and go into the playoffs with what he has.

3. JD Martinez is off to a slow start this season, hitting .228 with 3 HR. I am assuming he is just not energized due to being on a horrid team. He could be re-energized going to the Dodgers. He is owed $19.3 million in 2021 (after which he can opt-out, but won’t) and $19.3 million in 2022. Friedman and Bloom have a relationship, so I am sure they could work something out. Friedman may even be willing to take on the salary without giving up a top prospect… and Boston might do it.

   Imagine:

   1. Betts RF (R)
   2. Seager SS (L)
   3. Turner 3B (R)
   4. Bellinger CF (L)
   5. Martinez DH (R)
   6. Muncy 1B (L)
   7. LF (Pederson, Reks, Raley, Beaty, Rios, Taylor… pick ’em) (R-L)
   8. Smith C (R)
   9. Lux/Kike 2B (L-R)

   I cannot think of a reason why Gavin Lux won’t get the call soon. He made a statement last night!

   1. Look at JDM’s vs LHP for this year. .286/.375/.543/.918. I am not advocating that AF needs to trade for JDM, but if the Dodgers think they have a problem with LHP, JDM could be a solution.

      I still do not think that AF will make a trade, but if he was looking to strengthen a perceived weakness (hitting LHP), then with the teams that will be sellers, JDM would help.

   2. You’ve already dumped Pollock?

      1. Trade him for Martinez?

      2. I knew I forgot someone

4. I thought Bundy would do well if/when he moved on to another team. He is on a very low cost contract. Another O’s pitcher who I really like is Mycahl Givens who has yet to allow a run (11.2 IP; 16 K’s) out of the bullpen. Even if healthy I would pass on Keone Kela, just too many clubhouse confrontations in his career with teammates and coaches, both in Texas and Pittsburgh.

   1. O’s still in the race and could make the playoffs. I do not think they trade a valuable piece.

5. Although I truly believe the Dodgers are the best team in baseball right now you have to be careful when comparing them to teams they don’t play. some other team might not have as good a record but they might be playing against better teams.
   I don’t think we need another starting pitcher but Martinez as a right fielder/ dh is a reasonable consideration.
   Re the Angels, since their problem is pitching they should keep Bundy and purchase more pitching. But Moreno just wants hitters and big contracts and will not make the right move to get his team into contention. They will not achieve continued success until Moreno sells the team.

6. Good read Jeff, plenty to ponder.
   Also hadn’t given JDM much thought, but you’ve got me interested now.

   I said last year when he signed that contract extension, that I couldn’t understand what Trout’s thinking was?

   He woulda got paid anywhere, as and if he loves Anaheim as much as Rendon, why not tell his Agent to get him a deal with the Dodgers?
   That way he contends every year, whilst living in the same house.
   There can’t be much worse than being out of the Pennant Race by the halfway stage every year, while having to haul your ass backwards and forwards across the US?
   Surely he can’t be considered one of the all time greats if he has no Post Season figures to his name?

   On another note, and I must’ve forgotten this until I read it earlier, Yasiel Puig is the Dodger all time Post Season appearance holder with 86.
   I would never have guessed that.

7. These trade candidates mentioned above are having nice years. But when we look at the first of the playoffs in 2020, it’s a 3 game series (where ANYTHING) can happen.

   So if we assume Buehler and Kersh go in games 1 and 2, who starts that potential crucial game 3? Do we trust that Bundy or Lynn are lockdown game 3 playoff starters? Are they really that much better than May Urias etc? Now granted in a Game 3, we’d only need 3-4 ip from that starter, but you’d hope its 3-4 good innings, and not 3-4 innings of 3 runs.

   I say if you can’t get a dominant arm who WILL start a playoff game, don’t waste your time (or money or prospects). As AC said, we don’t need innings eaters. We need dominant. Perhaps May is that Fernando like rookie who steps up big time. But we won’t know until it happens and it will be nerve wracking to see him try proving how great he is in a must win game 3.

   1. No problem, win game one and two and third starter not needed….

8. Urias will be the game three starter. It’s gonna click for him in the second half. And he has playoff experience

   1. I hope you are correct, but I am bothered by his inconsistent command of his pitches that seems to come and go during the course of each game, sometimes during an inning. Right now I would much rather see May, or Gonsolin as the third starter than Urias.

   2. If they are 1-1 in a 3 game series, like the first round will be, I am not comfortable with someone as erratic as he has been starting that game. All his playoff experience is as a reliever.

9. I’m becoming more confident in Dustin May’s ability to start a game 3 playoff game. For one, his two seam fastball is filthy at times. https://blogs.fangraphs.com/dodgers-dustin-may-is-dazzling/

   …but I’m also impressed with his intensity and his competitive drive when on the mound. I think that can get him through any playoff pressure situations. Lynn is pitching well, but he’s relatively cheap at 10 AAV. The Rangers might just hold on to him in case they have a better year next year.

   JD Martinez if a good idea, but I wouldn’t overpay. He’s now 33 and his production began to taper off and drop last year. He was a late bloomer, and it could just be he’s an early decliner.

   1. I too really, really really hate the 3 game playoff format, even at home. As mentioned, you catch an ACE in game 1 and any advantage is immediately compromised.
      I like May alot and would have no problem with him as the 3rd starter in a playoff game. I don’t think he is getting the respect he deserves for his performance this season. He’s mature and collected and I don’t think he’s prone to have rookie jitters in a big game.
      With this bullpen in a short series, you could actually consider an opener and than match up with “Johnny Wholestaff” the rest of the way. It’s going to be a really short hook, I think.
      I’m reading Bauer is staying as the Reds are a contender and Lynn is not going anywhere.
      Great article yesterday in the Athletic (subscription) on Jake McGee. I love Jake in his short stints. He just plays hardball. “Here’s my 96mph fastball. Try to hit it.” After going to the Rockies, Jake struggled in elevation with reduced movement. He’s gained close to 3 map since joining the Dodgers and staying behind that fastball. He’s at 98% fastball and at the top of the zone. He went to a Dodger pen that’s #1 and left a Rockies pen that’s 22nd. I love this guy. Rare back and let it eat!
      I’m NOT in favor of making too many additions to this team and that includes Lux. Maybe if a starting pitcher falls in our lap. Martinez is intriguing as a permanent DH, otherwise, who do you bench between Betts (not happening), Belli (not happening), Pollock, Joc (I’m good with that) to get JD in the outfield. But he’s a right fielder. As a permanent DH, I like the addition.
      Could be nothing changes and I’m way good with that. We’re 22 and 8, the best team in baseball and the team chemistry seems terrific. I’m not fooling with much. If it ain’t broke…………………..

10. In all seriousness, is there anyone, anywhere who thinks baseball is more fun to watch now than before?

    1. Before what?

       Baseball wasn’t much fun to watch when the giants were winning championships. It wasn’t much fun to watch during the Frankie McSphincter years. Honestly I’m enjoying it now because there’s not a whole lot else to do during the lockdown.

    2. No, I don’t think so… but I have lowered my expectations.

    3. I am going with both Badger and Mark on this one. It was not fun at all watching the Giants win 3 WS, especially up here in Northern California. But it is not as entertaining as it has been the last few seasons. However, I am enjoying watching the Dodgers win thus far. I guess it is all relative. It is more fun than no baseball.

    4. Not sure how to interpret your question Bluto.
       Are you asking us to choose between a normal 162 games season vs a pandemic shortened 60 game season?
       Or is the choice a stat-dominated, homer or nothing game vs. the good ol’ days of small ball?

11. Just to expand on this new, 3 game series to start the playoffs where 1 seed plays 8 seed. Right now, we’d be the 1 seed, playing 3 games, at home, vs the 8 seed, who right now is the NY Mets.

    It’s very very conceivable that Jacob deGrom could shut us down in Game 1, out dueling Walker Buehler. Then we have 2 must wins at home. And Game 2 is Kershaw, who already doesn’t do well in October pressure. Then what? This 1st round is really not a sure thing whatsoever.

    1. The Mets will have de Grom, and then two lefties, to win 2 games. That is why I hate the expanded playoffs.

       1. Jeff, the Cubs by Tuesday will have 2 lefty’s. Lester and Quintana. Quintana comes off of the IL on Tuesday

          1. It is more tlikely that the Dodgers will face the Cubs in the NLCS which will be best of 7. But the Cubs with Lester, Quintana, Hendricks, and Darvish will be formidable.

    2. Actually # 8 is the Rockies who are percentage points ahead of the Mets. Their top 3 pitchers are Freeland, Senzatela, and either Grey or Marquez… Mets .462 Rockies. .483. They might even throw the kid that pitched last night, Castellani. He did a pretty good job against the D-Backs.

    3. Bobby, Kersh has had some outstanding games in October. He shut down the Astro’s in game 1 at Dodger Stadium. We all know what happened in game 5. And when he came out of the pen in game 7 he kept the Dodgers in the game. He came out of the pen in a series with DC and saved a game. From 2015 to the NLCS in 2018, his record in post season was 8-3. He was 1-5 in his first 6 post season appearances. His ERA in the post season is skewed by a few really bad games. The last two years he has lost his starts, but it is not like it was all his fault either. DC outpitched them, and Boston in 2018 was the far superior team. So, I would cut # 22 a little slack. The advantage he has this year is that he will not have started 30 plus games going into the playoffs. He will be fresher than he has ever been. And oh yeah, he will be wanting to atone for past mis steps in the playoffs. Meaning he will be ready to dominate.

12. All I remember about Martinez is a 4 homer game he had against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, the only player ever to do that there, and he helped Boston beat us in the World Series. As for a pitcher, they need one more experienced arms. Granted, Urias, May, and Gonsolin have nasty stuff. But they are not pitching against many powerhouse offenses either. Bauer had a bad game last night, every pitcher does. But he would be cheaper than Lynn. But I am also of the mind that Ol Andy is gonna dance with the gal he brought to the barn. He has tweaked at the deadline more than he has dived in. Heck, maybe he thinks they need another lefty reliever? SD lost Yates for the year. Kela is hurt, again. DC is fast falling out of contention, and Corbin is not pitching very well. There is a consensus that since he is a free agent Az might move Ray. Next year I really believe that their main rival for division supremacy is going to be the Padres. Their staff already gives the Dodgers fits.

    1. I remember that 4 home run game. I think it occurred during our losing 17 of 18 games??

       1. If it was in 2017, then probably yes.

13. Not impressed with the new playoff format either, would hate to see them continue this type of format beyond this year.

    Not sure about JD Martinez, satisfied with AJ Pollock. A top flight pitcher might make more sense, should be a couple on the market, but lots of competition. Maybe the Dodgers just stand still.

    Of course, Andrew Friedman will not stand still if there is an opportunity to come away with a jackpot or even improve the bullpen or come up with somebody who rakes against lefties.

    Interesting trade deadline.

    1. But against lefties Pollock plays in left and we need a right handed dh other than Taylor or Kike. If we could have Boston split his salary then JD could be a nice gamble for a few years.

    2. This playoff format is a one year deal. But the DH most likely is here to stay. And I am down with that. Considering we do not have many pitchers who are entertaining when they are hitting. Hill and Ryu were fun to watch. I just wish Dick Mountain had connected for a homer. Kersh, Maeda, Ryu, and Buehler have all hit one.

14. In a somewhat paradoxical way, this is almost a dream season for the MLB owners, except of course for the much shortened schedule. But look, everyone is in contention for the playoffs! Well, that will not boost attendance, because there is no attendance. But it is pretty ridiculous to have a season where everything is compacted, so anybody can get in the playoffs, and then stick in a best of three opening series where any #8 with one top starter, or a little luck, can beat the #1. We want to win the title, and most of us will contend that if we do, it is a legitimate title to be prized. But if some mediocre club which won 30 games manages to take advantage of the playoff format to win, I don’t think that most would see this as anything but a flimsy construct of a season. Only if the Dodgers or Yankees or maybe A’s or Twins win the title, would it gain some decent legitimacy as a reasonable test of who is the best team in that year.

15. MLB had some interesting trade ideas. They also had a list of the moves they felt all the teams would make, and the only move they had the Dodgers making was a trade for Lynn. SD is down both Pomeranz and Yates.. They Had Clevenger going back to the Angels for a couple of thier outfielders, and the Cubs giving up on Kimbrel. They also think that the Brewers will trade Hader. Not that any of this happens. But they did have some interesting ideas. I have an alternate solution for a DH< rather than Martinez. How about Teoscar Hernandez of the Blue Jays? Guy is hitting .294, with 10 dingers, 4 of which he has off of lefty's. Toronto might be induced to move him since they want to keep their young infield core and have some outfielders they might want to move. Hernandez is 27. Just floating stuff out there.

    1. I like the concept. Is he coming into his own in 2020 or is this year an anomaly? He is a poor defensive OF, and the Dodgers do not need another regular OF, so how will he fit in for 2021-2023? Toronto wants pitching. And thye are going to want ML ready pitching, so it is not going to be White or Gray. They would be selling Hernandez at the top of his value. I like the thinking, but I would pass.

16. I like it bear. We need a rh dh against lefties

17. Going back to the scrimmage game yesterday it was fun watching the kids play. Watching on you tube there was no play by play or lineup card I could see or hear. Most of the players were 90 something.
    Interesting watching Graterol pitch with the two coaches behind him. Looked like they were working on his breaking pitches.
    McKinstry made a great catch coming from deep SS to the side of the mound. Very athletic (Kikeish)
    Another play in left, left fielder came full speed to shallow left went into a slide and caught the ball right by his hip. Great catch!
    Anyone know who the left fielder were ?

    1. That was Cody Thomas.

18. Thanks Jeff. I look forward to see him playing in the majors in near future I hope.

19. If only he was a right handed bat!

    1. If only he could hit lefties as well as rights!!

20. The Braves have announced that they are promoting highly touted RHSP Ian Anderson. He will make his ML debut tonight. Should be fun for him as he gets to square off against Gerrit Cole and NYY. This has been a fun season getting to see so many of the young guns make their debut this season.

    Other top pitching prospects making their debuts this year are:

    Miami – Sixto Sanchez
    Toronto – Nate Pearson
    San Diego – Luis Patino
    Royals – Brady Singer
    Detroit – Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal (Is Matt Manning next?)
    A’s – Jesus Luzardo (okay technically he made his debut last year, but to stay with the theme…).

    MacKenzie Gore (SD) will undoubtedly be called up.

    AJ Puk (A’s) – If his shoulder allows, he could also make his debut

    Another fun game I intend to follow along with is Rich Hill and the Twins against Shane Bieber and the Indians.

    In a game that would have been fun to watch in 2013 is Matt Harvey (Royals) vs Adam Wainwright (Cardinals).

    Let’s see what Fernando Tatis, Jr. and Padres can do against the soft throwing lefty, Marco Gonzalez. I am fairly sure that Chris Paddack will not have too much trouble with the Seattle offense. But one could hope.

    Johnny Cueto figures to hang tough with the Dodgers as he normally does. He also figures to go long as his last three starts have gone 93 pitches, 104 pitches, and 112 pitches. And let’s hope that Julio Urias can last more than 4 innings before he reaches 90 pitches.

    1. There is a lot of buzz that the Giants will trade Cueto at the deadline. Breaking news. Indians announced Clevenger will start on Wednesday.

       1. So does this mean that they’ve made peace with Clevinger or that they’re putting him on display so they can trade him this weekend?
          If I had to guess, I would say the latter, assuming they get a decent return for him.

          1. 2 years of control. makes a decent staff better. I do not think it is a showcase UNLESS, he has pissed them off sufficiently to the point that they want to just get rid of the guy. The Indians need outfield help, and fast. The Dodgers do have a surplus of outfielders, but I am not sure Cleveland wants any of them. Some think he will go back to Anaheim if he is trade for two of the Angels outfielders, one being Goodwin. The other their top minor league outfielder behind Adell, Brandon Marsh.

             1. Clevinger to LAA for Goodwin and Marsh is a possibility. The Dodgers do not match up well with the Indians. The Dodgers do not have a surplus of OF. Betts/Bellinger/Pollock and Joc(for 2020). Who after that? Indians do not want Joc, and they are not going to get any of the other three. I know that everyone wants to believe that DJ Peters and Cody Thomas are ready, but they are not. Zach Reks is a LH version of Kyle Garlick, a serviceable #4 or #5 OF. Goodwin would be a huge improvement over what the Indians have now, and Marsh is a projected starter in the OF, and can probably compete there this year over what the Indians currently have. With Triston McKenzie debuting last weekend, the Indians could afford to move Clevinger. It still might take more, but it is a good start to get something done. Dodgers cannot match it.

          2. If they are bringing him up, it’s not to display him. His market is already established. If he pitches good or bad, it will have no bearing on his value. I think they bring him up to keep him… unless someone wants to blow them away. It would take a few prospects, including May or Gonsolin.

    2. I did not know Ian Anderson could pitch… Isn’t he a little old?

       1. He left Jethro Tull to pick up a baseball and see what if…

21. I, too, really enjoyed watching the scrimmage game yesterday. It was exciting to see. Wish I had seen more of it than I was able to. Impressed with Lux and Miller. Can not wait to see them next year whether it is with the minors or majors. Thank you for the article, AC.

22. Today is the anniversary of ” The Trade”. I liked it, there were some who did not. But it cemented the idea that Guggenheim wanted a winner in LA and were willing to spend for it. After the McCheapo years, it was refreshing.

    1. The Trade.

       Yes!!

       Mark? You have an opinion?

       Indians will need Clevinger to get anywhere this year. I think they keep him.

       We don’t need anybody. We just need the guys we have to keep performing.

       1. On THE TRADE:
          
          

          1. Aww come on Mark. U know you loved A-Gone as a Dodger! Besides, none of those guys they traded, including Loney, did much after they left LA. A-Gone as Vinny said was our butter and egg man, Beckett threw a no hitter, and Punto was just fun to watch and Danny DeVito’s favorite player. Even Crawford made some contributions when he was healthy. He hit .300 in 2014, and never was under .265 until the year he was released. One other question, did you have to pick a cartoon where the hair on your heinie is showing? And what in the world did that guy eat to throw up like that?

             1. I did like A-Gon and Punto and Beckett. Crawdad was a curse. However, the Dodgers would have been better to “tank” than to take on that salary. The Red Sox dumped all that salary and then won the World Series. The Trade made the Dodgers interesting… but it set them back at least two years. They could have done a lot better with that money and tanking for a couple of years. I know why they did it – I just don’t agree.

                I just Googled “guy throwing up.” 😉

                He ate some bad Crawfish!

             2. “the Dodgers would have been better to “tank” “

                How un-Kobe like of you. Deliberately losing is for losers.

                That was a funny picture. Good likeness too.

23. Good article in The Athletic, basically about how the Dodgers used analytics to resurrect Jake McGee’s career!

    https://theathletic.com/2018314/2020/08/24/what-dodgers-know-jake-mcgee-rockies/?source=dailyemail

    Sometimes analytics put the fun back in baseball.

    1. My post from this morning
       “Great article yesterday in the Athletic (subscription) on Jake McGee. I love Jake in his short stints. He just plays hardball. “Here’s my 96mph fastball. Try to hit it.” After going to the Rockies, Jake struggled in elevation with reduced movement. He’s gained close to 3 map since joining the Dodgers and staying behind that fastball. He’s at 98% fastball and at the top of the zone. He went to a Dodger pen that’s #1 and left a Rockies pen that’s 22nd. I love this guy. Rare back and let it eat!”

24. I haven’t checked who all are available to trade for, but the Dodgers are in the top 3 in both team offense and team pitching according to the stats I look at. That’s without much from Bellinger and Muncy and practically nothing from Pederson. I expect them to come around.

    I know the bullpen has been good, but looking at career stats including splits I’m nervous and I’m even more nervous because the bullpen is where Doc has the most hands on. Remember last postseason? Yes the hitting wasn’t good in the postseason (And I blame Doc partly for choosing who played and who didn’t) but ultimately Doc and the bullpen eliminated the team from the playoffs.

    I don’t know who is available via trade, but I’d like to see the powers that be trade for at least 1 dominate reliever if not 2.

    As far as our starting pitching, if you are looking for a #3 starter, look no further than the guy that I call underrated, Tony Gonsolin.

    1. I see Aaron Bummer is pitching good again so far this season. But he is not available. The Sox are in the playoff picture and Bummer is on the IL currently.

       I guess if the Dodgers pick up a starting pitcher they can use Gonsolin as a weapon in the pen in the playoffs. Or go with Gonsolin as the 4th starter and use May and Urias in the pen.

       I like where the team is at. Gone are the days when the team needed to fill multiple holes. If the Dodgers add just 1 dominant pitcher watch out.

    2. I’m about to break my leg if I fall off my soapbox praising Gonsolin and lobbying for another start soon. I’m still pissed he got sent to USC in the first place and I’ve bitched about that every day.

       By the way I was looking forward to the Braves – Yankee game. It got postponed and I thought “ugh-oh” hoping it wasn’t virus related. Gladly it was rain and they will play 2 tomorrow.

25. Today vs Cueto:

    Mookie
    Seager
    JT
    Belly
    Muncy
    Pollock (DH)
    Joc
    Kike
    Smith

    Urias

    1. Thanks Bobby.

       1. it’s my only contribution to this board, DBM

          1. Not true.

26. Wood will not be coming off the IL for a while. Per Roberts he is not ready yet. Tony Gonsolin will undoubtedly get a start this weekend. Taxi Squad for SF and Texas: Gonsolin, Gavin Lux, Mitch White, Rocky Gale, Luke Raley. It appears that Lux has once again surpassed McKinstry.

    1. I guess Lux’s two homers yesterday impressed somebody. He’s getting closer.

       You were talking about the Angels possibly trading for Clevinger up above. I’m going to predict that he goes to the Yankees, who can send them Frazier and a couple of other pieces. Angels aren’t going anywhere this year and although they certainly need pitching, the Yanks need it more and sooner. The Indians need outfield help more than they need Clevinger, because they have so much other pitching.

       1. STB, are you sure Lux makes THIS team better THIS YEAR?
          With 30 games left it’s not time for Try-Outs.
          My post from earlier in the day:
          “I’m NOT in favor of making too many additions to this team and that includes Lux. Maybe if a starting pitcher falls in our lap. Martinez is intriguing as a permanent DH………………………
          Could be nothing changes and I’m way good with that. We’re 22 and 8, the best team in baseball and the team chemistry seems terrific. I’m not fooling with much. If it ain’t broke…………………..”

          1. Actually phil, I’m not sure Lux makes the team better. I’ll leave that to AF to decide. I was just commenting that since he’s now on the taxi squad that makes him one step closer to the roster.

             Also, Doc said today that he may be recalled in the not-too-distant future.

             I see your point about not making changes when we’re doing so well, but I’ve got to say that I would rather see another position player instead of Sborz who apparently is just here to bring the bullpen guys water when they get thirsty. He sure isn’t here to do any pitching. If we do add a position player, I’ll leave it to Andrew to decide if that should be Lux or McKinstry or just adding back Rios when healthy.

             I see where Mitchell White and Luke Raley are on the taxi squad. That will make it very convenient when we drop them off in Dallas as part of the Lynn trade this weekend. 🙂

             1. That would be something STB if that happened. I’m reading it won’t happen but never say never. I’m with you on Shorz but I’ve been the guy crying for Gonsolin to be up. He’s a contributor and not a place holder. Other than that, as I said, I’m good staying pat unless Martinez might be available as a DH.

       2. I don’t know much about Cleveland, just what I read in the stats columns. They’ve done it with pitching and I was just assuming that is how they intend to finish it. But, I suppose they could trade a front of the rotation starter for a couple of sticks. I wouldn’t if I were them, but, maybe they don’t want him around anymore.

27. If the playoffs started today, before tonight’s games, the Marlins would be in, isn’t that a surprise, and the 8 seed would be the Giants, who at .467 are a hair ahead of the Mets, .462.

28. Good to see Muncy homer.

29. Bad to see Urias give up one.

30. Well that has to be the worst strike out the side inning of pitching! I’m still a big believer in Julio tho!

31. I don’t know what to say about Urias. He has reverse career splits so if he was in the bullpen Doc would use him against left-handed hitters which is Urias’s weakness. Brandon Belt is a left handed hitter that homered off of Urias.

32. Seager is coming back to being an mvp candidate once again! A lot of talent on this club!

33. I see you guys talking about Lux today. Here’s the thing, it’s obvious to me that Doc values defense A LOT. That’s why Beaty doesn’t get much playing time and Hernandez does. So because of that I am for promoting Lux because it will most likely take away playing time from Hernandez. I just wish Doc had a different philosophy that would allow Beaty more playing time. I think Lux is an upgrade over Hernandez. Just my opinion.

    1. Beaty and Hernandez play different positions. If Lux was ready, Hernandez would play less. That’s on Lux.

       Urias again with too many pitches. Once he starts finding the edges with confidence, he will be a front of the rotation starter.

       1. I know they play different positions. Doc likes Hernandez at second and Muncy at first more than Muncy at second and Beaty at first.

          1. “Doc likes Hernandez at second and Muncy at first more than Muncy at second and Beaty at first.“

             So do I.

             1. I don’t. I’d even prefer Taylor at second over Hernandez.

             2. I could live with that too.

                I think part of the reason we don’t agree on this is the fact defensive runs saved doesn’t mean much to you. It does to me, and to most baseball fans. Kiké has already put up .9 dWAR. That translates to 2.43 dWAR over 162 games which is VERY good. That’s why Doc likes him. One of the reasons anyway. We all wish he hit better. Again, if Lux were here we wouldn’t be seeing so much of Hernandez. Looks like Beaty is just a bench/PH on this team, though his OPS is considerably higher than Kiké’s.

34. Mad Max goes off! Welcome back above the Mendoza Line Mr. Muncy.

35. Urias just doesn’t look good. Nothing but high fastballs and unconvincing breaking balls. Throws too many pitches. Not sharp. No one is fooled.

    1. He’s got 6 Ks in 4 innings. He’s fooling a few of them.

       He continues to miss his spots. It’s a command thing. I believe he’ll find it. Not tonight, but soon.

       1. In 5+ innings, Urias has allowed a minimum of 2 baserunners except the 2nd, and then he gave up a double. Lots of hard contact. Nothing but high fastballs and out of the zone breaking balls. I have seen him 3 times this year and he hasn’t pitched well yet.

          SO – in the post-season, who do you trust to start a game other than Kershaw or Buehler?

          1. Gonsolin.

          2. May and Gonsolin.

             1. May doesn’t even average 5 innings per start. He has good stuff but no experience. 10 starts in his career/ Gonsolin has pitched well enough but he doesn’t throw 5 innings per start either. 3 starts this year, 6 last year – no experience.

                Not really comfortable with this right now. Maybe by the end of the season.

             2. 6 starts 29 innings.

                Come on man.

                He hasn’t been allowed to throw 90 pitches yet. 2.79 WHIP, 1.172 WHIP. At this point I have no problem with him starting in the post season.

             3. Sorry. Got distracted and didn’t edit that.

36. At this point, I wouldn’t trust Urias with a Game 3 start. Never know if he’s on, or if he’s going to nibble, raise his pitchcount, put guys on base for free, and risk a big inning.

    Like Badger said, when he figures it out he’ll be a playoff starter. But for now, no.

    1. If he keeps this pattern up, he’s back in the bullpen for the playoffs.

       1. Agree 100%! A certain apologist we’ve come to love will defend Julio and say we’re all wrong that he’s a future ace, but if you have confidence in him getting a playoff game start you must not be not watching the same game as most of us. Very few clean innings, no consistent put away pitch, lacks consistency and nibbles way too much.

          I believe AF will try to find another starter next week and Enrique has once again showed us why he is not an everyday player with another error. No, I’m not saying he should be jettisoned off the roster, but CT3 should get those 2B starts. Lux is on his way.

37. I’m enjoying listening to Kruk & Kuip call the game, my favorite broadcasters. On point, as usual, with very little fluff. Neither talk about themselves very much but you know they bring a ton of baseball experience and knowledge with them. Orel will never make it into my hall of fame announcer list.

    I think we can safely say that Belli is back.

    Concerns: Kike is quickly playing himself off the team this season. His fielding has taken a hit as well as his offense. Taylor should be the #1 utility guy on the team going forward.

    Urias and the rookies. How do you go into the playoffs with only Buehler and CK ready to pitch? And, with CK’s history, even that is not such a rosy picture. Of course, if we have to field more than two pitchers, which we do, all of the others could start, I just don’t imagine a happy ending. They must get another starter at the trade deadline if they want to maintain their advantage going into the playoffs. Urias, May, and Gonsolin can be our future but the future is not here, today. This shortened Covid season will just give them a growing period but should not be used in the playoffs other than in an emergency situation.

38. Kenley throwing cookies

    1. Good day Watford my Man…

39. Ouch!!! Brandon Belt ties it in the 9th…
    Belli, Muncy and Pollock coming up…

40. It sure seems Giants play their best vs Dodgers. That’s fine as long as it’s ‘not quite good enough’.

    1. Well this one wasn’t fine……….dammit!

41. Why did Taylor ph for Joc? A RH pitcher is what Joc likes.
    No ph for Smith?
    Doc’s brain keeps ticking away………………

42. Big mistake Seager just made! Should have thrown the runner out at 3B

43. Doc is running out of good relievers.

44. Uh oh Santana.

    1. Wouldn’t you just know it! To me, one of the worst choices.

    2. Yep Santana blew it.

       Well the Dodgers are going to the playoffs, so oh well.

45. Hopefully, that will finish off Santana from the roster. The guy just can’t deliver.

46. Santana lost the game, yes, but he did not blow it. They lost the game when Urias blew a 3 run lead. And he gave up another after that. He was piss poor. He put too much pressure on the bullpen. The new rules favor the home team. And they lost the game when they loaded the bases with 2 outs and Smith stood there for strike 3 with the bat on his shoulder. There are many places in this game you can say they threw the game away. So don’t put all the blame on Santana. How about Kenley serving a center cut pitch to their hottest hitter Belt, who hit his second homer? Come on, get real. I doubt Santana will be on the final roster, but they lost the game before he came into pitch. 3-17 with runners in scoring position. Mookie did not get a hit until the 9th inning. Then failed to move the runner over in the 11th. Had that ball in the 10th been hit at Turner instead of to his right, the game would have ended then. Oh yeah, Santana was the guy who held the Astro’s in check when the Dodgers won that 13 inning game from them on Rios homer. Doc pulling Pederson with a RH pitcher on the mound and Taylor went down on 3 pitches. I could go on and on. Urias not going more than 4 caused them to use 8 pitchers tonight. Thankfully Kersh is pitching tomorrow, and he pitches well in SF.

    1. Oh I know there’s plenty of blame to go around.

    2. I am not blaming Santana for the loss, overall. He just doesn’t seem to be able to hold a game very well and his ERA is over 5, Bear. You don’t put a reliever in at the end of a game who has a high ERA and hope he holds the game for the team. You just narrowed the chances of holding the game when you choose Santana over other choices we still had.

       Urias did not lose this game. Agreed, he didn’t pitch very well, but we had ample chances to close it out way after Urias left the game. I put this loss, if I have to blame anyone, on Seager, who should have thrown out the runner going from 2nd to 3rd base and threw the ball to 1B instead. He had all the time in the world to get that runner out but he never even looked over there to get a reading on the play! That allowed them to tie the game and bring it into a crap shoot with most of the BP used up. Thanks, Doc for being such a poor manager under pressure. Then, not PH for Smith with the game on the line.

       The team in general is looking shoddier on defense and base running as we head into the 2nd half of this season. Kike, Seager, and Turner are all looking rather second rate at their positions with less ability to execute on more difficult plays. Kike looks to be absent. Turner is getting too old to be fielding. I love him, but DH is about where he belongs at this point. That Lindor trade possibility is looking better to me. He and a pitcher would be just what this team needs at this juncture.

       1. I agree with all that.

          Says a lot when a team has two blown saves in one game. 2 more unearned runs. This game should have ended in 9 with a Dodger win.

          Very sloppy baseball.

47. Looking for a trade candidate on the Dodgers at the deadline? I have one, Kike Hernandez. I unload him now while he has some value. If someone wants Joc, I trade him too. Kike has been steadily going downhill since opening day, and he is getting painful to watch play. I am tired of both of them. Give Lux, and any one else their spots.

48. All of these 4 inning starts will cost the Dodgers eventually.

    They gave up leads of 3 – 0, 6 – 3, 7 – 6, and 8 – 7. That won’t get it done but you can’t keep expecting the bullpen to pitch 4+ innings every game. this will happen eventually.

    The only starter averaging 6 ip/start is the old man who got started late, Clayton Kershaw. Look it up. Urias averages 4.5, May just under 5.0, Buehler exactly 5.0, Gonsolin just under 5.0, and Stripling just under 5.0. Someone has to eat some innings. The bullpen can’t always save the day

    1. Doc is a mental midget where the use of the pitching staff is concerned. He loves his habits which are unfortunately not suited to every game, every situation. He forces the fit way too often and has little vision further into the game. Very poor managing here.

49. The only thing positive I can think of is that Ferguson looked damn good. Everything else I agree 100% with you guys, you make great points as per usual. I hope for a much better showing tomorrow.

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