Second base has been an enigma for the Dodgers for the last two decades. The concern does predate AF, but he has not found the remedy for the position. The opening day 2B for LAD during the AF era has been Kike’ (2 years), Logan Forsythe (2 years), Chase Utley and Howie Kendrick 1 year each. The best bWAR during the AF era was Kike’ last year at 2.2. It is clear to all LAD fans that Kike’ at 2B is due to his excellent glovework.
Since 2000, the team has only had two players who were considered starters for more than 2 years: Jeff Kent (4 years) 2005-2008 and Mark Grudzielanek (3 years) 2000-2002. The best offensive year for any LAD 2B was Orlando Hudson in 2009.
| Player | Year | Offensive bWAR |
| Kike’ Hernandez | 2020 | .6 |
| Kike’ Hernandez | 2019 | 2.2 |
| Logan Forsythe | 2018 | -.5 |
| Logan Forsythe | 2017 | 1.8 |
| Chase Utley | 2016 | 1.2 |
| Howie Kendrick | 2015 | 1.6 |
| Dee Gordon | 2014 | 3.5 |
| Mark Ellis | 2013 | 3.1 |
| Mark Ellis | 2012 | 2.6 |
| Jamey Carroll | 2011 | 1.1 |
| Blake DeWitt | 2010 | .5 |
| Orlando Hudson | 2009 | 4.1 |
| Jeff Kent | 2008 | .1 |
| Jeff Kent | 2007 | 2.2 |
| Jeff Kent | 2006 | .7 |
| Jeff Kent | 2005 | 3.8 |
| Alex Cora | 2004 | 1.5 |
| Alex Cora | 2003 | .3 |
| Mark Grudzielanek | 2002 | .9 |
| Mark Grudzielanek | 2001 | 1.5 |
| Mark Grudzielanek | 2000 | 1.7 |
If only AF had taken my call in December 2018, the Dodgers would have DJ LeMahieu at 2B. DJLM had a 5.9 offensive bWAR last year. He was off to an even better start in 2020. Unfortunately, he got a thumb strain and was placed on the IL. He returned to NYY last night. Oh well.
Going into the season, the plan (hope) was for Gavin Lux to take control of 2B and settle in for a lengthy career. Then COVID-19 hits and the plans all came to a halt. Upon the return of baseball in early July, Gavin was a no show. There was no reported explanation. I refuse to speculate. That left competition for the position to Kike’ Hernandez and Chris Taylor.
Kike’ had a good ST 2.0 and earned the start on opening day against the Giants. Kike’ had a fantastic game going 4-5 with a HR and 5 RBIs and was hoping that the position was his. Kike’ has started 19 games at 2B, Muncy has started 10 games, and CT3 and Lux 5 each.
We are quickly approaching the final third of the season which should be a preview of the playoffs. I would like to see Gavin Lux get the bulk of the playing time to build up his experience, but he needs to be able to consistently hit at the ML level to be considered a 2B option for the playoffs. CT3 has a BA of .261 and OPS of .757, while Kike’ has a .220 BA and .625 OPS. Both CT3 and Kike’ can play all over the field, but Kike’ is exceptional defensively at 2B. Doc is going to continue to shuffle his lineup to get everyone sufficient playing time. For the next 21 games, I think Gavin and Kike’ will platoon/rotate at 2B, and CT3 will continue to play all over. But when it comes to the playoffs, I have to think that CT3 has earned the starting 2B position. While Kike’ is exceptional defensively, CT3 is only outstanding. They do not lose a heck of a lot defensively with CT3 at 2B, but the bat is much better.
Gavin will have to work hard in the offseason and come to camp next spring ready to take the position. I predict he will. He may have to spend more time in the warmer LA climate to get more practice in. If not, Zach McKinstry and CT3 should be able to hold it down until Michael Busch is ready to take over.
In last night’s game, Luke Weaver showed MLB again that the Dodgers have a real tough time hitting the change up. Corey Seager may not have hit one of his 100 MPH hits, but his bat stayed in the path long enough to hit a couple of hump back liners on changeups. Matt Beaty really struggled against that offspeed with 3 strikeouts (2 on changeups and one on an 84 MPH slider). Austin Barnes also K’d on a couple of offspeed sliders.
Weaver allowed 4 hits and two runs. While the runs were earned, a better throw by Christian Walker to 2B would have ended the first in a double play without the runs scoring. CT3 got the big hit in the first inning on a four seam fastball. Everyone knows the Dodgers can pound fastballs. But they need to prove they can sit back and stay with the change.
Dodger hitters feasted on a very poor bullpen that was decimated with the loss of Andrew Chafin and Archie Bradley. If those two stayed with AZ, I think AZ shuts out the Dodgers on Wednesday. But there is no WHAT IF in life. You do or you do not.
IMO, AJ Pollock needs to finish the season as the regular LF. He is not hitting all that well against RHP, but he is hitting RHP better than Joc. AJ did hit his HR on the RHRP last night. CT3 is hitting RHP at .280/.393/.400/.793. The Dodgers have a lot of options, and I would expect Doc to explore most of them. To predict what Doc will do is mostly futile.
The team is waiting for JT’s hammy to heal so he can get back in the game.
LAD pitching was the bright spot for the Dodgers in the AZ series. Julio Urias pitched more quickly and while pounding the strike zone. He allowed 1 run on a Carson Kelly HR and went 6.0 innings. Walker Buehler came back off the IL and pitched a brilliant 5.0 innings of 2 hit no run baseball. Last night, Clayton Kershaw pitched perhaps his best game of the year. Clayton Kershaw is showing signs of vintage CK, and the hopes of all Dodger fans is that this rejuvenated CK rolls into the post season. Kershaw was exceptional for his 6.0 innings allowing only an infield single and two walks. He did strike out 8 DBacks to pass 2,500 strikeouts in his career, and pass Christy Mathewson for 38th place in most strikeouts. I couldn’t believe that AJ Burnett is in 37th place. I checked and he did pitch for 17 years. Nothing extraordinary, but he did amass 2,513 Ks.
At 32 years, 168 days, CK is the 3rd youngest pitcher to get to 2,500 Ks. Only Nolan Ryan and Walter Johnson got there faster. The only other 32 year old pitchers to reach 2,500 strikeouts at the age of 32 are Pedro Martinez and Tom Seaver. That is 4 HOF pitchers surrounding CK. Kershaw is a certainty to join them on a first ballot HOF vote.
The once invincible bullpen got nicked again. This time Dylan Floro gave up a run on a walk, single and fielder’s choice. His ball moves so much it has to be hard to command. But Blake Treinen and Jake McGee finished strong to secure the victory. Scott Alexander allowed 2 runs in the first game of the series and was quickly jettisoned to USC. This year the bullpen is a strength to be reckoned with.
After a rather pedestrian 11-7 start, the team has now won 18 out of their last 21. If they can beat the Rockies on Friday, they will be playing .750 baseball over the first 40 games. Colorado remains in the #8 seed. San Francisco and Milwaukee are .5 games behind Colorado and NYM is a game and a half back.
This team reminds me a lot of the 2017 team. They are relentless, can beat you in a lot of ways, and the pitching is exceptional.
Since AF has been in charge they have made numerous attempts to fill 2b. Without going thru them all there have been Cuban signings, trades, short term fixes and drafts, and so far none have been successful.
At least AF is aware of it.
Hey, I go way back. I remember Charlie Neal, pretty good player, at second base, Jim Gilliam too.
I’m thinking that Gavin Lux will be given lots of opportunity to step it up in the next four weeks, but we’ll have to wait until next year, a normal spring and regular season to see if he’s the guy moving forward.
Kiki is pretty good defensively, but just hasn’t hit enough — he’ll be moving on. Taylor’s value is being able to play multiple positions. The position is kind of like third before Justin Turner showed up.
The next month may provide insight into what the Dodgers may do this winter. Does Lux show signs of life? Plus how do you read that? Strange times and all.
What’s really obvious this year is that a healthy Cory Seager is a force.
Funny about Orlando Hudson. The Dodgers signed him, he was on fire early, had the best opening day ever, then eventually faded and became an afterthought toward the end of the season. The Dodgers gave up the 16th pick in the draft to sign him, as I recall.
As much as I liked Hudson, I didn’t like him that much. Interesting how some players fall out of favor and how quickly it happens.
It would be nice to return to the days of Davy Lopes. Maybe Lux becomes that player. If not him, who steps up or does Friedman search the trade market.? That hasn’t really worked (Forsythe, Kendrick).
The benching of Hudson was one of the dumbest things I remember.
I agree. I never understood Torre’s wrath toward him.
The story was that as Hudson had performance/games played incentives in his contract, McCourt didn’t want to pay them, so ordered Torre not to play him. i do not have first-hand verification of that story, but it was certainly strongly rumored.
The story was that as Hudson had performance incentives in his contract, McCourt wanted to avoid paying them, so ordered Torre not to play him. i have no absolute first-hand knowledge of this, but it was strongly rumored.
I can picture the guy who was played too. A pudgy latino player who hit a few dingers. All the while Hudson sitting on the bench during the playoffs.
Haha, you’re thinking of Belliard. Yes, he was like a Pablo Sandovol lite
That’s it. Thank You.
Ahh, Charlie Neal. I go back that far and a little farther. But I loved Charlie. Lots of pop out of that bat, and a pretty good fielder too. His best year was 59. But he hit 23 homers in 58 when they first moved to LA. Charlie was 25 when he debuted in 56. But he was done by 1963. Second base was a black hole back then too. Burright, Nate Oliver, Tracezewski, Lillis, Aspromonte, all spent time there until Lefebvre came along in 65. Ron Hunt came in Popovich, Sizemore, Lacy, all had time until 74 when Lopes claimed it for his own. Lopes held on to the job until 83 when he was traded and Sax took over. Randolph took over in 89, then Juan Samuel for 2 years, Lenny Harris. Jody Reed, Delino DeShields, Chad Fonville, Wilton Guerrero, Eric Young, and then the string of previously mentioned players in the article began. So, except for the 2 stretches of Lopes and Sax, only Lefebvre and Kent held the position for at least 4 years. Everyone else it was a year or two. 17 years out of the 62 years the Dodgers have been in LA, there was stability at second base. SO, you expected AF to get that correct in only 5 years? I hope Lux can be that guy, but even though I am not from Missouri, I am a show me kind of person.
I think the change-of-pace is the most under appreciated pitches in MLB. Plural because the change-of-pace may be a circle-change, split fingered, along with various styles that were once referred to as palm balls. I think Ross Stripling would have been more successful if he had thrown his change-up (which appeared to be a good one) more frequently than 16% of the time. Kenta Maeda had a good change and threw it almost 24% of the time in 2019; Hyun Jin Ryu used the pitch more than 27% of the time in 2019 — and both are having excellent 2020 seasons throwing the pitch even more frequently with their new teams. Don’t know what is up with Lux, but the way he is playing right now I would rather see Zach McKinstry getting those at bats.
I learned the change up when I was 12. It was more or less a palm ball my grandfather taught me. He said only use it against good hitters. I was amazed how well it immediately worked in Little League. Nobody else I knew was throwing it. Most Major Leaguers have a version of it. It’s just not that difficult to learn.
Just read the updated MLB.com system rankings. We’re 11th now because we’ve graduated so many. Even at 11 a few names still on the list are with the club. Most notably Lux and Graterol. Kendall Williams comes in at 26th. 2B Michael Busch is 6th. He’s targeted to arrive in ‘22. As much as a lot of us want to see Zach McKinstry he’s way down this particular list at #20. Gray is #2 and slated to be here now.
Lux may be better suited for shortstop. I admit I’m getting anxious to get Seager out of there. To watch his backups play, Taylor and Hernandez, reminds me of how much I want to move him. It’s said Lux may have a lot on his mind. He is from Kenosha. How can it not weigh on him. I sure hope he gets it going soon.
As a minor league shortstop Lux fielding average was .937, mostly because of throwing issues from shortstop. I do not see him being an upgrade offensively, or defensively over Seager who statistically is just a tick below MLB average defensively, while being one of the very best offensive shortstops in the game today. Regarding prospect rankings, I think Baseball America and MLB Pipeline devalue players who are older (like McKinstry and Victor Gonzalez) not because of their talent. Neither publication ranks Zach Reks (age 26) in their Top-30, yet his MiLB slash line is .300/.383/.469/.852 and he hit 28 home runs in 2019.
I’ve been a huge Gavin Lux supporter the last couple years, but man, I am not impressed so far with his at bats. Even when he makes contact, the ball is not squared up very often. Will Smith has a low BA, but we all see how hard he hits the ball; he’s just had horrible luck up till now. But Lux is not making good contact. I wish he’d lay a bunt down the 3rd base line, just to get on base.
But we’re lucky. We have a crazy deep lineup that’s succeeding without even average contributions from 2b. But overall, I agree with AC. If Lux doesn’t seize the job these next 2-3 weeks, go with CT3 in October. He’s looking like he did in 2017, and he always plays good D and plays the game hard.
The 3 kid pitchers go this weekend. It’ll be nice to see them vs the Rockies lineup .
Keith Law on K. Williams:
For Stripling, the Jays gave up two players, one a PTBNL and the other their second-round pick from 2019, projectable right-hander Kendall Williams. Williams, the Jays’ No. 15 prospect coming into the year, is 6-foot-6 but not very physically mature yet, showing good velocity and spin on his curveball, needing more consistency in his delivery — the kind of coaching he should get in a professional player development environment. The Dodgers have a pretty good track record with this sort of pitcher, and are in a position to take chances on low-probability, high-reward pitchers like Williams.
When JT comes back who will he replace on the roster? Will it be Santana or Lux or Beaty or someone else?
Santana is the most likely to be sent down. They are playing with only 13 position players right now, If Lux does not get something going, he will not be on the playoff roster. I do think the way things are, they will go into the playoffs and carry 14 or 15 pitchers.
Thanks Bear
I’m glad Wood has accepted his role as a reliever. His lifetime stats show he’s more effective out of the pen than as a starter.
Nice write up Jeff.
Lux the probably 2nd base solution for the future is not written in stone. Only 22 he has some time to win the position. With more playing time my bet would be this will be a platoon with Taylor next year after Kike moves on. An injury to Seager would slot Lux full time into 2nd with Taylor getting most at SS. With the DH looking like this going to be adopted JT would be a logical choice the get that most of games. Seager moving to 3rd opens things for Lux into next year. Now he needs to hit little bit.
Seager won’t move to third base, I don’t remember where, but I think I already read about moving to third base, and it wasn’t the best solution. I think so!
I have been predicting a breakout for Kike for 3 years. It hasn’t happened, but it took Justin Turner until age 29 season to “get it.” Kike will be 29 next season and I do admit that he has more than double the at-bats of JT. There are times when he looks awesome and then like he doesn’t have a clue (offensively).
At 2B, he is an elite defender and very good in CF, LF, and RF. I have this nagging feeling he will “get it” someday. He looked better last night and has his BA “up to” .220. His OB% is an abysmal .255 because he has only walked 4 times in 84 AB’s. Whatever he has done is not working. He needs to change his approach TOTALLY.
Kike, change your thinking – change your life! This guy has so much potential and it is maddening to watch him squander such talent. He is beloved by his teammates, but like Pavlov’s dog, when that pitch flies, he can’t help but salivate and swing…. and pull it! If he could just hit .260, with his power, he would hit 30 HR, but this won’t cut it!
I am not convinced Lux is the answer at 2B. He is most certainly not a MLB SS. Seager is staying at SS for the foreseeable future. Mike Busch may be the answer, but that’s at least 2022. They can put Muncy at 2B and Rios at 1B.
Kike needs to lose the mustache! That will be the moment he wakes up.
We all really know what that Mustache is called don’t we?
Good stuff, AC. Nice analysis of the 2nd base situation. I love Hernandez for his defensive skills and what he brings to the Dodgers. I am also a huge fan of CT3. I was hoping Lux would be a success at 2nd and he has done well defensively, but not offensively so far. It was mentioned that he is from Kenosha, Wisconsin, so maybe that has been weighing on his mind. He just looks overwhelmed at the plate in my opinion, so perhaps next year will be his year.
That said, I think the best person for the majority of playing time at 2nd base is Chris Taylor.
The Dodgers have been offensively challenged of late. They need to start hitting better as the season winds down and the playoffs get closer. There will be a sorting out process – they need to know who will be able to contribute and who won’t – thus, they are trying out Lux and giving him a long look. I suspect that they will be giving more AB to Rios as well.
I find it funny that many here seem to be ready to give up on Lux at age 22 with only 92 career AB. I remember that one of the reasons that the Dodgers were willing to trade Paul Konerko for Jeff Shaw was that his career didn’t get off to a good start. In 166 AB for the Dodgers he hit around .200 with 4 HR so they thought he was going to be a bust.
Lux hasn’t started off well but that doesn’t mean that it’s time to give up on him.
If Lux is the long term solution to the 2B problem then an infield with he and Seager looks to be solid for the foreseeable future. If not then maybe Busch is the answer. They don’t need a superstar at each position. Turner won’t be starting for too much longer either. Maybe Busch and Hoese come up around the same time?
Nobody’s giving up long term on Lux. He’s just not ready NOW.
Right, Phil. I am not giving up on Lux and hope he can start to shine. I think he is a good defensive infielder and will get better and better.
exactly
Kike is in love with his power swing. He is pull happy, and he is not a very good situational hitter. And sorry Mark, that first hit he got last night should have been ruled an error. Originally it was, and then the official scorer changed it. For a guy of his stature he strikes out too much. He got it for half a season in 15 and had a decent year. Since then his BA has been over .250 once. He hit 49 HR’s over a 3 season stretch, but his OBP is barely over .300. In 100 at bats this year he has already struck out 25 times. I am not sure he ever GETS IT> . And he for sure will not get it in a Dodger uniform. They have younger and less expensive options coming along. And he is redundant along with Taylor, who has already signed a contract extension. Me, I am comfortable with CT 3 there if Lux does not show some signs of breathing. Seager does not scare me at all at SS, He is no Lindor there defensively, but he is more than adequate, and he has pretty good range. To me the concern is this year. I am not worried about the next season. They need production from second and catcher this year. Smith is crushing the ball, but has little to show for it, Barnes has been better. But you can bet every team in the league knows that the Dodgers biggest weakness is offspeed pitches. They will adjust or die.
I can live with his strikeout ratio. CT3’s is even higher, but Kike tries to pull too many pitches and hits it to SS or 3B and he refuses to walk.
Max Muncy is only hitting .209 but has a .341 OB% because he walks.
Kike is in danger of not making the playoff roster. CT3 should be playing more and if Lux can’t cut it THIS year, let’s see McKinstry!
DC…..I just by chance happened to come across an article you wrote on January 11th, 2016, entitled My Dodger Mom. It was a great piece highlighting your mom and all Dodger Moms and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It would be nice if you shared it on here.
Sounds like you had a great mom whom I am sure you miss every day. As a Dodger Mom, and the daughter of a Blue Noser myself, I did some of those same things for my boys and girls, but not close to the extent your mom did. She went the extra mile.
what is a Blue Noser?
Someone from Nova Scotia where blue nose gill are a popular catch for fishermen. For years, growing up, I thought it meant that Nova Scotia was so cold, your nose turned blue, but my mom educated me.
love it! I really do need to get up there and see that area. I love cold weather, so I’d enjoy it
There are differing stories about why we are called Bluenosers. This is the one that I grew up on.
Other people put the name down to the thick wool mittens worn by fishermen, dyed blue by their families to add a bit of colour.
Out on the cold and windy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, running noses and watering eyes would have been common. Using the mittens to wipe their faces would have left blue dye on the fisherman’s nose.
If you want it really cold you have to go the far north or western Canada. Our climate is about the same as you get in Maine. It is quite moderate as we jut out into the Atlantic Ocean. It has changed a lot since I was a kid. The harbor no longer freezes over in Lunenburg in winter and there is no smelt fishing in the LaHave River as it no longer freezes over to be safe on. We definitely see our seasons changing with climate change.
DBM – this is the link if any readers want to check in on it. Thank you for the note. I had an exceptional Mom and Dad.
https://www.thinkbluela.com/2016/01/my-dodger-mom/
I did make reference to it on June 25, 2019 on LADT.
https://ladodgertalk.com/2019/06/25/baseball-moms/
Ok thank you DC. I hope people will take the time to go read the worth-well article. I must have missed your reference to it in 2019. Also, I loved your explanation of a Bluenoser, one I had not heard before. Question….is blue nose gill still popular in NS?
DC, update on my last comment above. Should have done this before replying to you. I went and reread your article in June 25 and commented on it at the time. It was an excellent article. I am sorry. I get frustrated with old fingers making typos. I guess my old brain runs that way too.
Now will go and watch the game before I get into any more trouble. Go Blue.
Dodgerrick wrote, “I find it funny that many here seem to be ready to give up on Lux at age 22 with only 92 career AB.” I absolutely agree with that. I was all in for Bo Bichette in 2016 and was disappointed the Dodgers did not draft him. I preferred Lux to the other uber prospect in the 2016 draft Carter Kieboom. Of the three, only Bichette currently figures as a SS. Lux is at 2B and Kieboom’s latest attempt to make the Nats roster as a regular was at 3B.
But Lux is a Dodger now, and he was the 2019 MiLB Player of the Year, and is considered the #2 prospect in all of baseball. In 100 PA, as a 22 year old, he is a career batting line of .217/.280/.359/.639. He has 2 HRs and 9 RBIs. He has 8 walks and 31 Ks. Let’s compare that to another highly regarded prospect whose MLB debut was widely anticipated. At 21, with 87 PA, Jo Adell is batting .163/.230/.263/.492, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs, 6 walks and 35 Ks (40.2%). I doubt the Angels will be giving up on Adell this year.
The difference between Lux and Adell is that LAA can continue to throw Adell out there because there is no playoff opportunities for the Angels in 2020. OTOH, Lux is on a team that is expected to win the WS. The pressure is a little more intense. Lux does need to be able to learn to handle the pressure, but at 22 he still has time to develop that maturity.
Jeff McNeil was a 2B coming up and did not reach MLB until 26 (2018). He is now one of the best hitters in MLB.
Adam Frazier – Pirates – Debuted at 24
Brandon Lowe – Tampa Bay – Debuted at 23 and was an All Star at 24
Donovan Solano – SFG – Debuted with Miami at 24, became a star at 31
Whit Merrifield – KC – Debuted at 27
Ian Happ – Cubs – Debuted as a 2B at 22. Converted to OF. Sent back to MiLB at 24. Having a breakout year in 2020 at 25.
Brendan Rodgers – Rockies – Five time consensus top 50 prospect. Now 23. In 102 PA, .196/.235/.227/.462. Colorado is not going to give up on Rodgers.
Lux came to ST 2.0 late. No reason given, but he is trying to catch up, and probably pressing. I refuse to judge Gavin on what he does this season. He will get a chance next spring to win the everyday 2B job.
Lux is not a plus defensive SS, but he could be a plus defensive 2B. If you want to see a good defensive SS in the Dodgers organization, watch Jacob Amaya. Jacob’s issue is whether he will hit enough or not.
* It’s sure nice to see CK looking healthy and dominating. I love McGee. He has no interest in tricking anybody.
* I agree with our host that Pollock has earned the everyday job in leftfield. Joc becomes a pinch hitter or occasional fill in. But there should be no rotation / platoon in left.
* Oh 2nd base. The much discussed hole for the Dodgers. And the center of conversation revolves around Gavin Lux. Lux in my opinion shouldn’t even be in the roster and vying for the position. As I have said. he isn’t ready. He may be the guy in the future years but not now. I see no way that I would be comfortable with Lux in a playoff lineup especially against top pitching. I know that unpopular with all the Lux-Lovers but so far last year and this, he has shown me nothing. I know his MiLB numbers but that ain’t now.
So who plays there? Both CT3 and Kike have solid numbers against right handed pitching. Neither hits lefties. Strictly based on offense, our best hitting group versus lefties is Beaty at first and Muncy at 2nd with Rios at DH. But I’m not comfortable with that defensively. I think you end up with CT3 at 2nd, full time.
* If you think Lux should be an everyday SS, then the 1st baseman should be Joc Pedersen.
* Which brings me to my next point. AC stated ” For the next 21 games, I think Gavin and Kike’ will platoon/rotate at 2B, and CT3 will continue to play all over. But when it comes to the playoffs, I have to think that CT3 has earned the starting 2B position.” So why would you do that? I sincerely believe that the “Try-Out Camp” model for preparing for the post season doesn’t work. While I wished otherwise I don’t think auditioning Lux at 2nd for 21 games is good prep. I think that thinking had a huge negative result last year. We had a big lead, played no meaningful games in September, got too much rest, played too many guys that weren’t going to be there in the playoffs and were not sharp and competitive for the playoffs. That really can be an advantage for Wild Card teams who have had meaningful, elimination games and a set line up. I see no value (other than for Lux) to rotate/platoon at 2nd. and elsewhere, while your playoff guy, in this case CT3, is play somewhere else. Either that or declare it Lux’s job now and go with that.
* Damn, I watched Clevinger and Weaver both pitch last night and they might be the most fidgety players ever. It looks like both took a handful of greenies and No-Doze and washed it down with Starbucks and Redbull.
* Did anybody else notice where Belling was in the box last night? First, Dodger Stadium has taken to putting down 2 inch wide batters box lines (they used to be chalk, now paint). The lines are half the normal width. So Belli has both shoes about 2 inches over the line on the inside corner. He is standing on the plate. Weaver tried to pitch in there but didn’t get a couple strikes called so he is forced to pitch away. Belli actually pulled an outside corner pitch to left that he hit on the label of the bat. He can sure cover the outside pitch from there. We’ll see if he keeps that up. And they are wondering why guys get hit more?
I absolutely loved it when Lovello tried a little gamesmanship last night. Bergen warmed up prior to the 7th and Pollock was announced to pinch hit. Out comes the crafty skipper to change the pitcher after the warm up. Pollock welcome the new “surprise” pitcher, Mella, with a home run. Nice try Corey.
It’s time to keep doing what we’re doing and not over think and over manage this deal. Doc’s been pretty good so far and it’s no time to re-invent the wheel.
Updated MLB Farm System Rankings After 2020 Trade Deadline
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2907155-updated-mlb-farm-system-rankings-after-2020-trade-deadline
Dodgers No. 12
The other thing about Chris Taylor playing 2B is that he has never really played well there. This year, he is considered the 4th best defensive on the Dodgers (out of 4) per Baseball Reference.com. Same in 2019. Taylor has just never played well there – don’t know why. Maybe he prefers being on the left side of the diamond. Kike has been the best defensive 2B the past in 2019 and 2020.
Updated MLB Farm System Rankings After 2020 Trade Deadline
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2907155-updated-mlb-farm-system-rankings-after-2020-trade-deadline
Dodgers No. 12
Today’s Game 40 kids. 2/3 of this sprint will be done:
Mookie
Seager (DH)
Muncy (3b)
Belli (1b)
Pollock (CF)
Joc
CT3 (SS)
Smith
Lux
May
Thanks Bobby.
The Dodgers have another 2B at the alternate site. One who hit pretty decent this spring, and is also capable of handling SS if need be. Omar Estevez. Now someone would have to be moved off of the 40 man for him to play, but after the way he played in spring, I would love to see what he can do. Also philjones, it is TOREY Lovullo, not Corey, he is our guy. 21 games left, lets get serious and quit with the frippen auditions.
Over his career, Cody Bellinger has been dramatically more productive as a 1B. He may be the best 1B in baseball.
As a CF’er, here are his stats: .256 BA/.336 OB%/.809 OPS
As a 1B, here are his stats: .279 BA/.366 OB%/.943 OPS
Move Cody to 1B and leave him there. Yes, Pollock is not as good in CF as Cody, but Cody will more than makeup for it if he hits better.
Let’s go with a set lineup:
1B – Bellinger
2B – Muncy
SS – Seager
3B – Turner
LF – Pederson/Taylor (put Rios there if Joc keeps sucking)
CF – Pollock
RF – Betts
C – Smith/Barnes
Taylor also plays a good CF, Mark.
In response to your question above DBM. I hate to tell you I have never heard of Blue Nose Gill
I looked it up DC and you are right. It is called a Bluegill and it said it is native to eastern North America. I do not know where the term Blue Nose Gill came from. Sorry, it is possible my memory is getting old too. Who nose?
Are you convinced that the difference in Cody’s batting stats is caused by the position he’s playing? I would say the odds are just as good that it’s merely coincidence.
Don’t think the Dodger brain trust is anxious to play Rios in the outfield. If you’re going to make a sub for Joc, I think they’re more comfortable putting Beaty out there if you want a lefty bat.
This winter we’re trading for Bryan Reynolds and he’ll be our left fielder next year. AC and I have made that decision. He’s not having a very good 2020 but his minor league stats and his 2019 debut were great. The Pirates could use all kinds of stuff, and don’t tell me they might not want to trade him. They don’t get to make that decision.
I disagree Mark. By defensive metrics first base is the least valuable position on the field. That’s been true since Dick Stuart was a minnow. Centerfield is right up there with shortstop. Bellinger is more valuable to the team in centerfield. As long as he is here, Muncy plays first base.
Speaking of shortstops, maybe Lux doesn’t have the arm for shortstop but he has the legs and he has the glove. Not ready to play short, maybe never will be, and that’s ok. But what’s not ok with me is having a less than average defensive shortstop and that’s Corey Seager. How do I know that? I can SEE it, and I read it. In ‘19 Inside Edge Fielding at fangraphs ranks him 18th. Advanced Fielding has him 16th. I doubt he’s ranked that high this year. In 6 years he’s put up 16.8 total WAR, 1.9 of that is dWAR. Contrast that to Lindor, (who isn’t the top ranked defensive SS) over that same period has put up 28.2 WAR and 9.1 of that is dWAR.
Up the middle defense may not be as valuable as it usta was, but ask any pitcher and they will tell you it’s still important.
OK Badger, work with me here. I think we both value Seager as a member of the team. I know you want to bring in Lindor to play short, so let’s say we could actually find a way to keep them both long term.
Can you tell by defensive stats what Corey’s main problem is at short? Is it range, is it arm? What do the numbers show, if anything? People have long said that eventually he’ll have to move to third. Do we know he’ll make an adequate third baseman based on how he fields his position at short? Maybe he’s better off at second, or more likely at first. Educate me please.
And how many games has Seager cost us at short?
He’s not the best MLB SS and not the worst. He hits and does the job. Why mess with this?
It’s simply about improving the team. Yes, I prefer Lindor at short. I’d also take Baez or Story. I’d even take Boegarts. Seager’s value is his offense. I think a less stressful position would actually help him.
Put Seager at 1st. He is tall enough, has decent range, and it is less stressful on his legs.
If Seager isn’t at SS, he’s not a Dodger. End of story!
Thank you. I’m sure Seager prides himself on being a SS and doesn’t want to move. He’s young and skilled and wants to play the toughest position until age may force a move. He’s not a chess piece.
Why, until forced, would he want to move too 1st? Or even 3rd? We can’t have an all-star team (although Cory is an all-star) at every spot. The budget won’t allow. Would I like to see the SS Lindor, or Tim Anderson theres defensively? Who wouldn’t? Hell Anderson, who’s awesome would just have to move to the other parking lot at Camelback. Or Tatis Jr.? But we have Seager. End of story
Ok, the story just ended twice.
Breaking news:
It remains a never ending story.
I am not moving Bellinger to 1B for his defense… even though it is elite.
I want that offense back.
Someone asked:
Are you convinced that the difference in Cody’s batting stats is caused by the position he’s playing?
All I can say is that it is what it is. Try it and see! I CAN tell you this: Cody like 1B better! If he likes it better, maybe he hits better. The chicken or the egg?
Corey Seager’s persona is that of a SS. He is staying there. Lindor is not coming to LA. The Dodgers have too many others to sign.
According to this, which links to audio of an interview, Bellinger prefers the outfield: https://www.dodgersnation.com/cody-bellinger-i-like-playing-outfield-more-than-first-base-ce1110/2018/10/12/
He’s an outstanding first baseman, but also an outstanding outfielder. I’m with those who think the latter is more valuable, at least in the team’s present configuration.
I’m not confident it would happen, but I’d like to see Seager at first base, not because I am critical of his play at short, but to lengthen his career due to his back problems. But I’d also love to see JT at first and Arenado at third.
Yes.
That’s yes to Bellinger preferring playing centerfield. Yes to Seager moving to a corner. Not sure about Arenado. He makes $35 million (plus bonuses for being good) for a long time. But…. he can opt out after ‘21. He will be 31 in ‘22. Bet he would like to play here.
Lux doesn’t even look like he’s got the arm for 2B! Hard to believe but he is looking wobbly out there.
I’m really not sure if Seager has the arm for 3B.
I’m in with that.
Mark, I’m good with your set line up. Not sold on Joc but you may have said it “if he keeps on sucking”
Lindor may not be coming, but I still want him.
For all those who are so concerned about the SD team, and for those who are so interested in the movements they make, I inform you that they have just promoted Luis Campusano and that he will supposedly play tonight as DH against Oakland, actually I was it doesn’t give a &%$hit what they do, but I am amused by all the controversy it causes among its fans…
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/09/padres-promote-luis-campusano.html#comments
2021 Dodgers:
1. Betts RF
2. Seager SS
3. Bellinger 1B
4. Muncy 2B
5. Turner DH
6. Rios 3B
7. Pollock/Raley LF
8. Taylor CF
9. Smith/Ruiz C
Bench:
McKinstry
Lux
Beaty
Yikes – we need some RH bats.
Funny bit on The Athletic Podcast.
It’s arguable that the Dodgers traded the 2nd best pitcher moved at the deadline.
But we got low probability high ceiling in return.
Good trade.
Speaking of that trade, Strip started against the Red Sox tonight.
4.1 innings, 3 runs (2 earned).
Sounds about right!
And he lost. Strip is better in the BP, IMO.
Muncy bomb.
Good to see. Need him to get going.
Keep going.
I wish Doc would’ve given Beaty and Rios more at bats against both right handers and left handers instead of giving a bunch of those at bats to Hernandez but it is what it is. Looking to the playoffs I only see 6 every day position players and I want pollock in there at least against left handers. So which three guys do you go with against right handers and which two guys do you go with against left handers?
Against right handers in no particular order:
Smith
Bellinger
Muncy
Turner
Betts
Seager
?
?
?
Against left handers in no particular order:
Smith
Bellinger
Muncy
Turner
Betts
Seager
Pollock
?
?
Smith bomb.
AJ Joc bombs.
Mark,
I was unable to comment yesterday but you have said when someone goes bad people trash them. When someone goes good that same person never acknowledges it. Well, I want to go on record that I have said kershaw is not an ace. However, the way he is pitching of late has been dominant. So, I will say he is pitching like an ace right now. I root for him always as he is a Dodger and a true professional. In past years he has been great in the regular season but disappointing in the post-season. Although, I believe the Dodgers are partly to blame for overuse and misuse. I still think he will have to pitch like an ace in the post-season to be held in the same esteem as Koufax. I don’t think that is likely to happen but it would be great for the Dodgers and kershaw. I still prefer buehler in the first game.
Lakers losing. Bucs down 3-0.
Why in the world did Boston let Mookie go? How do you replace a player like him? He does all the little things that contribute to the whole package.
SD 6-0 in the 7th. Machado and Tatis go yard. Mike Minor gave up both HRs. And, to think I wanted Minor at last year’s trade deadline!
So I liked Lux’ AB’s today much better. A hard hit single. A hard hit out to CF. A nice take on a walk, and showed his speed to steal us a run.
And Will Smith is looking better and better. No need to dump him and trade for JT Realmuto
And Jeff, you’re right about Mookie. We got a big time stud!
“We got a big time stud”
Yep.
Let’s do it again. We’re the Dodgers. Studs Are Us.
I think people on here forget how much the Dodgers tried to avoid calling up Lux last year. The tried not to talk about him when constantly asked by the media. The kid raked at AA and then did even better against the juiced AAA balls which forced the Dodgers hand. Give him time. He’s played very few games at 2B. This is not a make or break year for him.
~
I’ve said enough negative about Kike’s hitting lately so I will say something positive. He’s made better contact the last few games and hit the ball more sharply.
He’s also got a very likable personality.
Yes he is.
Graterol can’t walk Arenado there. No need to nibble up three runs especially with NA struggling. Can’t bring up the tying run without them earning it.
There we go. That didn’t take long.
Ferguson gives up the slam. We need to come back, again!!
We will.
We did.
Gonna need another granny!
I would like to see Kenley have a clean inning. He has not done that in a while. Rockies bullpen is the worst in the majors, so I was not scared one bit when they went ahead by a run. Lux looked better at the plate, and it was nice to see Smith get rewarded with a couple of well hit balls. Jansen hit’s Tapia, and he still has not had a clean inning.
KJ never seems to have a clean inning any longer. Save in the playoffs is going to be a scare.
Going to have to start calling KJ “three pack” in honor of what Earl Weaver use to call Don Stanhouse when Earl would go through three packs of cigarettes in a save situation
Well he wiggled out of that one. I always heard that Weaver called Stanhouse Full Pack, because he would smoke a pack while he was on the mound, but I could be wrong. I Just checked on Wikipedia, and it was Full Pack. He was also nicknamed Stan the Man Unusual.