When I took over the administration of LA DodgerTalk , I said that I would continue as long as I enjoyed what I was doing. The time has come for me to announce that it is no longer fun for me.
I was offered an opportunity to consult on back office procedures for a non-profit company involved with School Choice, and I have decided to accept the challenge.
I have advised Mark that I will stay through the end of the Dodgers season. I know there are a few out there that will gleefully say don’t let the door hit you in the a** on your way out. I have tried to keep the site baseball only, and I know that has irritated some. Now that Mark has had his sabbatical, he can run the site any way he wants.
What I will not miss is some of the comments like those following the Dodger WINS against the Brewers. I very rarely comment or read comments during a game. When I got up Thursday to read the comments, some of them were as if the Dodgers had actually lost. I know KJ is not the KJ of pre-2017 WS, but he still has comparable numbers to the beloved Josh Hader. In KJ’s one inning, he induced a couple of weak outs from Eric Sogard and Keston Hiura. And while he may have walked Jace Peterson, he did strike out Christian Yelich on 5 pitches. That is something that Julio Urias was unable to do, as Yelich went 2-2 against him. I didn’t realize that the pitcher had to throw harder than a fan’s threshold to get outs.
Okay, so some of you do not like KJ. How about NYY’s Aroldis Chapman who gave up the hit to score the potential winning run against Cleveland. Second time he was saved from being beat by Cleveland in a playoff situation. Aroldis’ outing was outdone by Cleveland’s Brad Hand who had a MLB best 16 saves in 16 save opportunities in 2020. Not one blown save in 2020. And yet he gave up the two winning runs in the 9th to get the loss. Liam Hendriks, who was probably the best relief pitcher not named Devin Williams, gave up two runs on 4 hits and 1 walk, 1 HR, in 1.2 IP against the ChiSox. Trevor Rosenthal gave up a run to the Cardinals. Twins relievers allowed 6 runs in their two games against Houston. Four outstanding closers, and not one of them pitched well in the playoffs, and yet, KJ gets grief for not giving up a run. Tough crowd.
I keep reading that what the Dodgers need are two dominant relievers. Yet I have yet to read who those relievers are other than Josh Hader. Eric continues to look for Mariano Rivera, and yet one does not exist. Hader still has three years of control. Just exactly what will the asking price be for someone like Hader? Without the deep starting pitching, the Brewers need all the relief pitching they can get, so the price just got heavier. Two of the unsung relief heroes in the first round were Tyler Matzek (Braves) and Lucas Sims (Reds). Who are they? They just became relevant this year. What they do next year, we do not yet know. Liam Hendriks? He was nothing but a middling reliever that took advantage of a very down year from Blake Treinen. Nobody saw that coming. The league is full of relievers that had outstanding seasons.
The Dodgers may already have that dominant reliever on their roster. Tony Gonsolin could absolutely dominate as a late inning high leverage reliever, but the Dodgers will keep him as a starter. Quite often great relievers are born because they did not fare well as starting pitchers. Dennis Eckersly? Rollie Fingers? Mariano Rivera? Andrew Miller? Maybe LAD already has one in Brusdar Graterol. Once he learns to command his fastball and slider to spots (and he will), he will become very hard to hit. The Dodgers may have two or three potential late inning relievers in their farm. This is an area they have been concentrating on in the last three drafts. Why go out and spend $$$ or player capital for a position that is by far the least predicable of any on a baseball roster. Grow a Josh Hader…don’t buy him.
Reds got shutout two games and 22 innings. Cubs score 1 run in two games against the mighty Marlins. Big Bopper Twins score 2 runs in 2 games against the Cheaters without Verlander and with Greinke for only 4.0 innings. Or the likely AL MVP, Jose Abreu leaving 5 runners on base, including the bases loaded in the second inning of the deciding Game 3, when the ChiSox could have broken the game open. Or Paul Goldschmidt striking out against that monster reliever…Austin Adams, in a critical spot in last night’s game. As David Ross said during his Friday game, “Hitting is hard”. But according to some on this site it must be easy because many cannot understand why the Dodger hitters could not hit Brewers pitching.
I won’t even get into the Kershaw October discussions. With his next playoff loss, it will all open up again.
Then there were those who have ripped Austin Barnes a new one. I was a lonely voice standing up for Barnes, and he comes through in a critical situation. How many out there have said that Barnes cannot hit AAA pitching and that a personal catcher is not that important. And yet on two different games, there was a lot discussion as to how important the catcher’s rapport is with the pitcher. It was brought up in the Reds/Braves game when Luis Castillo kept shaking off Tucker Barnhart’s sign for a slider, as he wanted to throw a change. Barnhart would not let Castillo choose his pitch and he threw the slider, and according to ARod it was without conviction. The supposition was that Curt Casali is Castillo’s regular catcher, but he was banged up. If Casali was behind the plate, knowing Castillo better than Barnhart, there would have been a different pitch. We will never know, but it certainly seems plausible. Then the discussion in the Dodgers game about how Barnes has taken over for AJ Ellis as Kershaw’s personal catcher and what a special relationship they have developed. The discussion then went to Maddux/Eddie Perez, and Steve Carlton/Tim McCarver. So while it may not be important for many bloggers, it certainly seems that it is a significant consideration to major leaguers. Nobody suggested that Barnes should catch anyone other than Kershaw. Even though in the game Barnes caught and Smith was the DH, it was Barnes who called and received the Kershaw masterpiece and got two hits, including the key hit in the 5th. These are ML players and they know how to play the game despite what many here may think.
Yes, the Dodgers beat an undermanned Brewers team. Sometimes undermanned teams jump up and bite you. Just ask the 1988 Mets and A’s. Can’t we all just be happy that the Dodgers won? Save the vitriol for when they lose. It is hard to meet expectations, when perfection is the standard that performance is measured against. Me, I am going to support KJ, Max Muncy, Austin Barnes, AJ Pollock, Joc Pederson, all of the relievers… If they lose, I am sure there will be plenty of blame to go around. I can’t wait to read again what a moron Doc Roberts is. But until then, all that matters to me is that the Dodgers score more runs than the opponent in 11 more playoff games. I won’t care if the scores are 12-10 and KJ gives up 5 runs, or if the score is 1-0 and AJ Pollock and Max Muncy (or my favorite…Corey Seager) strike out 4 times each. As long as the Dodgers win is all I care about.
Okay that will be my very last bandstand. Now onto the NLDS against San Diego. SD was the team most expected the Dodgers to face in the 2nd round, so their thumping of the Cardinals was not a surprise. As of this post, both Dinelson Lamet and Mike Clevinger are both listed as “possible” for the NLDS. We probably will not know until the rosters for the NLDS are released. Both the Dodgers and Padres rely quite a bit on the big fly. Globe Life Park in Arlington is not conducive for HRs, so it will be the team that can best generate runs that will probably come out on top. The Dodgers and Padres played three series. LAD won two and split one. Neither team fears the other, and there is no love loss between the two. I am expecting a lot of fans to predict the Padres are hungrier and want it more, are younger, are more exciting, and will beat the Dodgers. I am going with the better team…Los Angeles Dodgers. I will put together a more comprehensive analysis for Tuesday.
A very interesting outcome of the Wild Card series is that of the seven Central Division teams (4 NL and 3 AL), all lost. The final eight teams are two NL West, two NL East, two AL West, and two AL East. Two divisional winners were beat (Cubs and Twins), two second place finishers were beat (Indians and Cardinals), and all four Wild Card teams were beat.
NLDS – Tuesday October 6 through Saturday October 10
Dodgers (#1) vs. Padres (#4) at Globe Life Park (Arlington)
Braves (#2) vs. Marlins (#6) at Minute Maid Park (Houston)
ALDS – Monday October 5 through Friday October 9
Rays (#1) vs. NYY (#5) – Petco Park (San Diego)
A’s (#2) vs. Cheaters (#6) – Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles)
NLCS – Monday October 12 through Sunday October 18 – Globe Life Park (Arlington)
ALCS – Sunday October 11 through Saturday October 17 – Petco Park (San Diego)
WS – Tuesday October 20 through Wednesday October 28 – Globe Life Park (Arlington)
I have often said that writing is cathartic for me. During these times, I need as much help as I can get. Some have said that I will miss it. As I have told them, I will continue to write, but I do not need to publish right now. I am looking forward to traveling to MiLB parks next summer and writing about those experiences. As I told Mark, I never say never. He has asked that after the season I continue to write on occasion. I have not said no.
Sorry to hear this is no longer fun for you Jeff, but no one said it was a lifetime contract. Hopefully you’ll enjoy contributing when the mood strikes you. I always find your baseball comments thought provoking. Thanks a million for picking up the baton when Mark needed someone to pass it to.
Can we assume that Mark will continue to run the site (or find someone else to do it)? It would be a shame to have it disappear all together.
Good luck with your new gig. Hope it brings you lots of pleasure and stimulation. Don’t be a stranger.
I too found your writing thought provoking.
In reading your thoughts this morning, I must admit I’m somewhat surprised. It sounds like you are disappointed with the group response. I’m want ask, what was your intent in taking this on? Was it to get conversation started or was it to find people who agree with you?
Good luck with your next gig. I hope it’s more rewarding for you.
Very sorry to read this Jeff.
I commented recently that I thought this place was going from strength to strength, and meant it.
In my 8 years of being a part of this place I don’t remember a more harmonious time.
The addition of Michael & Badger has livened things up, and the writing every day from the main contributors has been better than anywhere else on the Blogosphere.
Maybe I missed something after the game the other night, but I didn’t sense any vitriol directed against players, only the usual exuberance following a tense win. If you mean the criticism of Kenley, then I think we can all agree that KJ keeps us on the edge of our seats, but I think we all respect what he’s continued to contribute to our club over the years.
Surely that is what this place is for?
There’s always going to be differences of opinion because sport is subjective.
That’s what I love about this place – it makes me think about things in a different way.
Your own comments regarding the negativity directed towards players, certainly made me think differently about things.
I think you have run the site brilliantly Jeff, and am really surprised to read your comments this morning.
This is the best Dodgers site bar none, and you should be proud of the way you have influenced its direction this difficult season.
I sincerely hope that you take a moment to consider how well you’ve done in your first year, and reconsider.
Thanks for your contributions Jeff. Nice work with an always thought-provoking and consistently well researched post. Dodger fans want a WS championship so badly and want to see that WS hero who comes through with a big performance or a clutch hit when the team needs it most a la Gibson, Hershisher, Koufax et al.
The playoffs and the drive to a WS is emotional and heart wrenching when we lose. It’s frustrating and deflating when we see Max or Belli put up great numbers in the regular season (2019) and then appear as if they can’t hit at all when the true biggest games of the year are on the line. It’s just emotion because as fans we want that WS title so bad. We want to see that hero come through for ourselves as fans, but also want the player to cement his place in Dodger lore. I want CK to get his rightly-deserved WS ring in LA and I’m sick and tired of hearing about the Giants with their three in six years WS championships although they had never won anything on the West coast since arriving in 1959.
Comments aren’t always grounded in fact, but more so on emotion and that’s OK. What’s particularly appalling is when posters are antagonistic, self-aggrandizing, and in love with their own self-importance and way too aggressive. We all know who they are, but yet we return each day to be entertained and amused.
Grateful you monitored the blog and kept it baseball related (for the most part) and hope it continues to exist.
I was very disappointed this morning to read your article, AC. I am so spoiled by reading your break-downs of the games and comments which have always been important to me. I found myself agreeing to mostly all of your opinions regarding players, teams managers etc. so, I will miss that.
On the other hand, I am grateful you will not be leaving this site for good and I personally want to thank you for your management of the blog and your contributions which have been numerous and the patiently way you answered my questions and taught me a lot. I thank you also for trying to keep this site about baseball. If it become political, then I will be gone too. I will never forget about the personal heartbreaking hardship you and your family suffered in losing your son and continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
I sincerely wish you well and success in your future endeavors.
It’s my opinion those posts Jeff thought were “negative” were from fans who recognize this team can play better and will need to do so to keep advancing. The Brewers are not really a playoff contender, but in these short series anything can happen. Already has. Who had the Marlins?
5 singles and a double won’t get it done against the Padres. I keep waiting for Muncy and Bellinger to start launching. Same with Turner. And Rios. Smith. Pollock. Hernandez. Pederson. But, it’s only been a few games. They’ll get better.
Why can’t we win with 5 singles and a double? We’ve done it over and over again. With some good pitching thrown in, this Dodger team has the capability to be the best. I just want Seager and Turner to bring it. If they don’t, we are in for a rough ride. I keep imagining a Dodger/Yankees series. Each team blasting away, maybe shooting for HR and Runs records for a WS. It is just too bad that the teams will not get to play in their own parks. Could this be a mistake? Seems very out of sorts to me. Arlington? Give me a break!
“Why can’t we win with 5 singles and a double? We’ve done it over and over again.“
We have? I must have missed those. I know we won over and over again by banging the ball over fences. I prefer that strategy.
Jeff Jr., you were always the main reason that I made this the only blog I ever read and comment on. You’ve always come through with relevant information and stimulated everyone to comment. Since you took over this blog, I also cannot remember a more harmonious time here. I hope Mark is listening. While no one is perfect, and reactions will come and go, I never found you to be unreasonable or extreme, or finding joy in belittling others. Perhaps a lot of the success of this blog goes to you. I’m still wondering whatever happened to 59?
Thank you so much Jeff for all you have done on and for LADT and the conversations we had on Think Blue LA re: minor league players. Unless one has gone through it, I don’t believe we have any idea what the commitment is to keep a blog running day after day. Among the LADT posters only you and Mark know that.
I too take the players as they are. I don’t believe any of them are trying to do less than their best. It is a tough game to play and seems to get more difficult as the years pass. Like you, I saw/see Austin Barnes as a player. I think his run scoring hit was the most important hit in that game. Even more important that Mookie’s. It is what I call a significant hit.
For me, it is with some sadness that you no longer have fun running the blog. Thank you. I send my kindest regards and I salute you with my favorite George Strait song.
Thank you for running this site the past few months and wishing you the best going forward.
Jeff, you ran the blog about baseball which is what it should be. I hope you continue to participate. I always felt your posts were interesting reading.
I have been reading and posting for some years now and I have always felt this was a bit of a cliquish board. Only a small group really discuss. But, Jeff you have been different. I always felt you responded, respected, and included everyone. Thank you for that. I know if I don’t like it go somewhere else. I do read others and am a diehard Dodger fan plus I like the historical posts. I have seen a lot of posters come and go and I suspect I know why.
AC thank you for piloting the site through incredible turbulent times. The pandemic has so many of us in a difficult and grumpy place and comes through in some of our posting. I’m as guilty as anybody on that one. I can’t imagine all the angst it has caused you running the site. But thank you for putting up with us and i sincerely hope that you continue to write. You are a true Dodger patriot. Thank you again
I love Ben Franklin’s quote. Any fool can criticize, complain and condemn and most fools do! Stay positive Cassidy! 11 more wins to go!
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” — Teddy Roosevelt, The Man in the Arena
Looking ahead – we have a 64% win probability in the first 3 games against the Padres. The money likes us.
That’s not the greatest probability.
It’s basically a DJ Lameihu (spelling) base-hit (.360) for the Padres.
But I’m hopeful.
The board will continue on. Bear will continue and I will be here. Evan Bladh has indicated that he will participate. I will not speak for Harold or Rob – I’ll let them speak for themselves.
Whatever happens, I hope AC, DC and 2D2 will at least frequent this joint, and if the spirit moves them, maybe deliver a post or two. No one is leaving on bad terms… and you never know what the future brings.
I can commit to writing 2 or 3 times a week, so I think we will be fine if Evan can fill in occasionally.
After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
And company doesn’t mean security,
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts
And presents aren’t promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today,
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans,
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure…
That you really are strong,
And you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn…
With every goodbye you learn.
Jeff, I understand your reasons for leaving and I wish you well. You gave me an opportunity to do something I had always thought about doing. I enjoy writing for this blog and I have advised Mark that I will continue to do so. Your insight and leadership has inspired me to try and be mellower than I usually am. Sometimes my passion gets the best of me, and I apologize to those who may have been offended by that sometimes. I also dislike all of the negativity, but judging by other blogs I have read, and even twitter, it is what many Dodger fans do. They are just not satisfied unless the other team is whipped soundly. I am not as some think, and have told me such, a know it all. Sometimes my memory betrays me and I make a false claim, but I always try to rectify it. I judge the Dodgers by what I see when I watch the games, and the trends I notice. And then all I am doing is voicing an opinion. Essentially, that is all we here on LADT do. Some louder than others. The Dodgers are not just a team to us, they are a part of all of our lives and have touched each of us in different ways. There are some here who know way more about the game than I do. My forte has always been history. Some coached, some of us played at some level. Some are more into the technical side, and there are us old geezers who remember the old ways. One thing I have come to appreciate over the last few months is the success the team has had over the last 8 years, Unparalleled in Dodger history in ANT era. I may not agree with the way AF does some things, and Roberts has made blunders at inopportune times in big games. But you cannot argue with the results. You have to win to get in. What you do afterwards is icing on the cake. I wish you all the success in the world in you new position. Thanks for all of your help and support.
I told my wife this morning this s— is going to set back my PT…
Jeff, you were a rudder for this ship… I hope Mark can once again take control of LADT..
Maybe taking control is a bad way of putting it.. Let the folks post and see where it goes…
I knew immediately when the post was going to hell in a hand basket and I shut it down..
( prime example not long ago… It was AF to join the ranks of Doc)..
I always thought at the end MT was a little worn out and ‘some’ knew they could push his buttons…
Well damn, I’m just rambling…
Good luck in your future endeavors and please surprise us occasionally with a topic or story..
AC, I’m very grateful for what you have done for this site while you have been the skipper. You are leaving it in better shape than you found it. Your commitment to baseball conversations and the avoidance of personal attacks and political comments have made a vast improvement. And for the most part there is more civility and adult exchanges and less petty name calling and personal comments. The free exchange of information has never been better. And the articles submitted by others on Dodger history and past players is great. So, we all owe a debit of gratitude to you. And you see how many others share my appreciation. I am very sorry to see you give up your role but if it’s no longer fun, who can criticize your decision. Only you know what’s best for you. I hope this site can maintain the high standards that you brought to it. Thanks and best of luck. Let’s all agree to disagree without being disagreeable.
Jeff, I’m sorry to hear you won’t be captaining LADT in the future. You, initially, kept the site alive and then continued to provide an awesome platform for us posters to express out thoughts about the Dodgers. You were quick to set the ground rules when things became too political in the Spring. Your posts are always well thought out (even though I may not agree with you all the time) and I had respect for your point of view and how you ran the site.
But, what I missed the most this year were your profiles and updates of our prospects in MiLB. It was truly sad the minor league schedules had to be cancelled this year. Any Dodger prospect, no matter what level they were playing, was open to have a Jeff D writeup. Because of your stories on our prospects I felt as though I knew them when they got called up to the big club were promoted or offered in a trade. It added to the excitement when a new player came up and did well or showed improvement.
I can’t imagine there are many teams that have a “Jeff Dominique” constantly writing stories on their prospects. We are so fortunate and I look forward to the MiLB starting back up next year and having you write on the next group of future Dodgers.
Thanks Jeff and all the best with your work with the non-profit.
Jeff
Sorry that I said “I would love to have Hader as a Dodger”. I’m just being truthful.
Sorry that I said “if the Dodgers had 1 or 2 dominate relievers I would bet everything I have that they would win it all this year, but they might still win it all”. What I meant by this comment is the Dodgers have a very good team and they might win the World Series, they are that good. But I wouldn’t bet the house on them, but if they had 1 or 2 dominate relievers I would bet the house on them.
And actually I said Doc did fine managing in that series against the Brewers. And I explained why I felt that way.
And as for Jansen, Am I suppose to lie about him and say everything is fine. It’s obvious that he is not a dominate reliever anymore.
As for naming any dominant relievers, what’s the point it’s past the trade deadline and I’d prefer the Dodgers go the route of free agency.
I’m sorry if I said anything that was offensive.
Hey I’m enjoying the ride. The Dodgers ride.
I forgot 1 thing. You are right the Dodgers might already have those 2 dominate relievers. So what. You never have enough good pitching, I’d still buy 1 or 2 in free agency if they are available. And if the Dodgers end up with more than enough because they already had what they needed what’s wrong with that.
Here are your FA relievers. Who are you going to pick as a dominant reliever.
Right-Handed Relievers
Pedro Baez (33)
Anthony Bass (33)
Dellin Betances (33) — $6MM player option with a $3MM buyout
Brad Boxberger (33)
Brad Brach (35)
Jesse Chavez (37)
Steve Cishek (35) — $6.75MM club option with a $750K buyout
Tyler Clippard (36)
Alex Colome (32)
Wade Davis (35)
Chris Devenski (30)
Ken Giles (30)
Shane Greene (32)
Matt Harvey (32)
Liam Hendriks (32)
Yoshihisa Hirano (37)
Greg Holland (35)
Jared Hughes (35)
Tommy Hunter (34)
Jeremy Jeffress (33)
Nate Jones (35)
Keone Kela (28)
Ian Kennedy (36)
Brandon Kintzler (36) — $4MM club option with a $250K buyout
Trevor May (31)
Mark Melancon (36)
Darren O’Day (38) – $3.5MM club option with a $500K buyout
Brad Peacock (33)
Yusmeiro Petit (36)
David Phelps (34) — $4.5MM club option with a $250K buyout
David Robertson (36) — $12MM club option with a $2MM buyout
Sergio Romo (38) — $5MM club option with a $250K buyout
Hector Rondon (33) — $4MM club option with a $500K buyout
Trevor Rosenthal (31)
Joakim Soria (37)
Pedro Strop (36)
Josh Tomlin (36)
Blake Treinen (33)
Nick Vincent (34)
Brandon Workman (32)
Kirby Yates (34)
Left-Handed Relievers
Jose Alvarez (32)
Luis Avilan (31)
Andrew Chafin (31)
Ross Detwiler (35)
Sean Doolittle (34)
Brad Hand (31) — $10MM club option with a $1MM buyout
Derek Holland (34)
Aaron Loup (33)
T.J. McFarland (32)
Jake McGee (34)
Oliver Perez (39)
Tony Watson (36)
Justin Wilson (33)
Eric, I think we would all love to have Josh Hader. Well most anyway. I like to reply to you because of your passion. I grew up loving relievers, and that will never end. But I truly beleive that relievers are found from within and not outside. I have never been against getting a reliever at the trade deadline, because it was easy to see who was having a great year. Who knows how long that run will last. For most relievers, that run does not last long.
Josh Hader was a 19th round draft pick of the Orioles after high school where his fastball sat between 84-88. Who foresaw what Hader was to become. The Dodgers will find their Josh Hader, and perhaps they have in the Bazooka. There is nobody in FA that gives the Dodgers a better chance as a dominant reliever than Graterol. Victor Gonzalez is giving every sign that he can become a dominant LHRP. If anyone has followed me over the past couple of years, know that every chance I get, I have been touting Brett de Geus as a potential high leverage reliever. Will the Dodgers push Mitch White to the bullpen or use him as a trade chit? How far away is Gerardo Carrillo? I have heard nothing but great things about Ryan Pepiot. Bobby Miller, Clayton Beeter, Landon Knack, Kendall Williams, Michael Grove. How many of them will be converted to relievers. They all throw hard.
You have never said anything that I have found offensive. Quite the opposite. I enjoy communicating with you, especially about relievers.
I admit I haven’t done any research yet on which relievers I’d like the Dodgers to get. And after I do the research I might not find any, who knows.
Right now I’m just enjoying the Dodger ride.
I guess what I’m kinda saying is that I wish the Dodgers would have already found a replacement for Jansen. That person might be on the team right now. I just wish that he already existed and we knew who he is already. And make that 2 guys actually to shut it down in the 8th and 9th innings. There’s nothing better than taking a lead into the 8th inning and basically/pretty much know that you have won the game.
I would like to thank everyone for their kind words. I am not leaving because of any one game, one comment, one of anything. Let me answer Badger directly. I had no expectations when I made the decision to assume the responsibilities of running the best Dodger blog in the universe. I do not care if people agree with me or not. This site offered the opportunity to participate no matter what your personal beliefs may be. My only requirement was that the discussion stay on baseball and that personal attacks were verboten. Except for a couple of dustups, the community lived very well in those parameters.
I enjoyed writing when Mark was in charge, so I thought that I could continue in that realm. In 2019, I decided to retire at the end of June 2020 so that my wife and I could get out and about. Travel to see MiLB games. See friends all over the country. I am a US History buff, and one of my bucket list trips was to travel to visit all of the Civil War battle sites. I wanted to go to Washington DC this summer and visit The Wall. I have been to the Alamo and Pearl Harbor and there are not two sites where I have experienced more peace and tranquility that words just cannot describe.
No, it is not the posts that have turned me off. Although it is hard for me to understand how one can be negative to a Dodgers player when they WIN. There is plenty of time for an autopsy of any part of the organization if the team loses. Heck, I have started posts with just that topic.
But for me when I was getting so much joy in writing, I now feel trapped trying to continue with the best blog out there and keeping it the best. I feel quite empathetic with Doc who inherited a great Dodgers team and there was no place to go except down. LADT was my distraction, not my sole purpose, and yet that is what it has become. It has become a chore, and one without pay. I needed something else, and with this pandemic I could not find that primary purpose. I was stuck. I get out and walk 7-10 miles every day just to break up the monotony. My feet and knees get worse, but that is preferrable than doing nothing.
I will still be around. I will continue to run the site until the season is over. I will continue to write during the playoffs. I am hoping that this journey gets another 11 wins for 2020. I need a break. We all know Mark will get all upset at some point and he will need another break. Maybe Mark and I should be a tag team.
I have the utmost respect for each and every person in the LADT family. Like any family, sometimes hurtful things are said, but never said with malice in the heart. I want to thank our stable of very talented writers. I started to communicate with Harold on another blog he wrote for. I know I have written it at least 1,000 times that one of my favorite players since he was drafted was Caleb Ferguson. I knew Harold was very much into the Great Lakes Loons, and when Caleb was promoted to GL I just had to keep in touch with Harold on how Caleb and that great Loons team was doing. It wasn’t long thereafter that Mark asked me to write for LADT and then Harold joined in and we became AC/DC. I cannot tell you how appreciative I was when Harold agreed to continue to write even though there was no MiLB season. I do not know what would take me to Nova Scotia except for the absolute beauty, but I would love one day to meet up with Harold.
I remember when Mark made one of his requests for others who may feel like contributing, and I was thinking that 2D2 would be a wonderful addition. He gave it a shot, and he has been fantastic. I was also appreciative when Rob agreed to continue, and he has never disappointed. Rob and I look for an opportunity to meet up, which I have a feeling will not be that long of a wait. I very much look forward to meeting Rob and his wife.
Bear, you have been absolutely great. I feel a little like that GM/Manager who has given the long time MiLB player that chance and he has taken off with it. You are a very talented writer with a lot to say. I hope that fire never burns out for you. Colorado is one of my favorite states that I do plan on traveling to. I know I plan on visiting Colorado Springs on my MiLB tour. Maybe we can catch a Dodgers/Rockies game when I get to Colorado.
I want to thank Mark for giving me the opportunity. I have met Mark and his beautiful bride in Napa, CA. It was a great day I will never forget. I consider Mark a friend. If anyone actually believes that I have a problem with those that disagree with me, just ask Mark how many times he and I have disagreed with each other.
I know Rudy still reads from time to time. He and I were scheduled to get together later this year in Northern California, but the pandemic has ended those plans. I know that when it is safe again to travel, we will get together. He is my absolute favorite Bruin.
Jeff, perhaps your problem this year is the bizarre season we’re experiencing. I mean no crowds at games. No minor leagues ,etc. The game is not the same and the story lines are few and far between. It’s gotta be frustrating!
I would like that Jeff. The Springs are only 30 or so miles away. And going to a game with you would be great.
I lived on Brookside in the springs in the 70’s. A great place for health. And the women outnumber the men populace so it was very fun living there. I got friends there now and I hope to make a visit before cashing.
To me at any rate, I think this shortened season has turned out very successful regardless of which team stands at it’s end. And you’ve been a big part of that. So thank you for keeping it going.
P.S. I sure hope it wasn’t my commenting on my bedbug problem. But really thank you.
Quas, you have never been a problem. I am tired and need a break.
DODGERS RELIEF GREAT RON PERRANOSKI PASSES AWAY
VERO BEACH, FL—One of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ greatest lefthanded relievers of all-time, Ron Perranoski, passed away at the age of 84 last night at his home in Vero Beach, FL.
Perranoski, who was born Ronald Peter Perranoski on April 1, 1936 in Paterson, N.J., was instrumental in leading the Dodgers during their string of pennants and World Championship between 1963 and 1966 as the ace of their bullpen.
“Ron Perranoski played a major role in the success of the Dodgers as a great reliever and a mentor to many great young pitchers over his 30-year career in the organization,” said Dodgers President & CEO Stan Kasten.
“Perry,” as he was called, played in the major leagues from 1961 to 1973, signed with the Chicago Cubs out of Michigan State University on June 9, 1958 and came to the Dodgers on April 8, 1960 in a trade for Don Zimmer. In 13 years in the big leagues, he had a 79-74 career record with 178 saves and a 2.79 ERA.
Perranoski played for the Dodgers (1961-67, 1972), Twins (1968-71), Tigers (1971-72) and Angels (1973).
His greatest year with the Dodgers came in 1963, when he won 16 of 19 relief decisions and helped the Dodgers sweep the New York Yankees in the World Series. He led the league in appearances with 69 and had 21 saves to go with a 1.67 ERA and a 16-3 record.
Perranoski led the league in appearances three times—1962 with 70, 1963 with 69 and 1967 with 70. He also led the American League in saves with Minnesota with 31 in 1969 and 34 in 1970.
Following his career, Perranoski served the Dodgers as their minor league pitching coordinator from 1973 to 1980 and became
the Dodgers pitching coach for 14 years from 1981-94. He was instrumental in the success of Dodger pitching greats Orel Hershiser and Fernando Valenzuela.
Perranoski is survived by his sister, Pat Zailo of Fairfield, NJ and three sons—“Pope” Perranoski of Orange, CA, Brad Perranoski of Palos Verdes, CA and Michael Perranoski of Thousand Oaks, CA.
Funeral services are pending.
After Ron left the Dodgers, there was a lot of bad blood… perhaps Michael could document that history. I know a little about it and I always enjoyed talking to Ron at Vero Beach. Ron had lived in Vero for decades!
I will see what I can dig up on Perry. Another great part of Dodger history passes. It has been a rough week.
First Jay Johnstone, then Sweet Lou Johnson, then Bullet Bob Gibson, and now I read Ron Perranoski has passed. What a horrible week. RIP to all.
They are going to have one hell of a team on the “Night Shift” which is one of my favorite songs.
That’s horrible! RIP Ron P.
We are losing too many of our star ballplayers lately, Gibson, Johnson, Perranoski, and Johnstone. RIP all of them. Perry was a great reliever for the Dodgers.
Hopefully all are walking through the corn field to enjoy a pickup game on the Field of Dreams.
Jeff, thanks for all you have done to make this such a great site! I look forward to reading it every day. Glad you are staying on through the playoffs. Perhaps if the Dodgers win the BIG ONE, we can get you to reconsider your decision! Did you ever consider trying to monitize the blog, so that it would at least be a paid labor-of-love? Maybe it’s time to add a “donate” button. It must be a hell of a lot of work. Considering how many hours you probably put in, donations wouldn’t be a living wage, but it would be a token of the appreciation of those who follow this blog.
AC. I am sorry to see you leave. You were very good and considerate of everyone. You will be missed. Good luck on your new job. By the way I certainly believe in school choice. I was in public education for 38 years. Public education is failing.
I want to let all of you know that I will keep writing and trying to have subjects I hope you all will enjoy. Starting Tuesday another chapter in the history of Dodger baseball will begin, and we all hope it has a successful outcome. We all love baseball and the Dodgers.
Glad to hear that Bear, I look forward to it and I thank you.
Okay AC, you’ve earned the right to do whatever pleases you!
I wanted to tell you what I liked most of your perspective. It was/is the blend of baseball business and financial acumen! I love reading about the financial side of the business. The where and when to spend/save. Ideas when to be parsimonious and when to go all in (Mookie). Seems like everyone here has their WAR or OPS or other things they cherry pick for comparison. I like how you bring the CFO into the discussion. May not always be right but you need to listen!
So, there you have it! That’s what makes your writing special in my eyes, this blend of the love of the game with financial savvy. One of my neighbors is quite high in the food chain at the BIG A. They could use your skills!!
I’m sorry to hear this, Jeff. You are incredibly knowledgeable and insightful, and your systematic way of breaking down analysis is one of the reasons I enjoy coming to this site. I can understand that it’s difficult to continue to find inspiration when writing becomes an obligation, and I hope you can continue to write the occasional article when the spirit moves you.
It is absolutely 100% the right call to firmly curtail any political talk on this forum. That is the surest way to have things here descend into vitriol and kill off the site. You did a great job here, and, at the risk of sounding political from a policy perspective, it sounds as if your new endeavor is a worthy one.
Thank you for your efforts.
Jeff, I personally enjoyed your opening posts the most; because I will say that, speaking just for myself, I am not that interested in reading about Dodgers players of the past; I have read books about Dodgers history, remember several decades of it, and I guess I would rather focus on this year and what the franchise will do after that. But that’s me, and there are many here who love the essays about past players, and of course they should be able to enjoy them. I liked the game by game analysis of this season, and the overview of Dodgers management, pluses and minuses.
You should never do this if it has become a chore. I do think that we want some healthy disagreement, expressed politely. And part of fandom is criticizing players and the manager, and the owners and front office, the latter which i do. But if people didn’t care, they would not criticize, they would just ignore all of it and do something else. I am sure that everyone here wants the Dodgers to win a title or titles. It has been quite a while, for a franchise which prides itself on its glorious on-field history. So people get frustrated. I think most blogs are like that, whether political or involving social commentary, or sports or entertainment. i hate snark, and i do not like reading insults made to anyone, but there is so little of that here. However, when writing or blogging becomes a chore, one should not do it, at least not enough for it to be aggravating. i used to write quite a bit about UCLA sports, and when they hired a football coach who i thought was very unqualified, but who some were strongly in favor of, until they realized he was a bad coach, I just stopped writing about it, or even really following it much, for a few years. Why subject oneself?
I will say just in general that I would not want to read or participate in a blog where everything had to be positive and rose-colored. For one thing, it does not leave one much to say. But tolerance and opinions vary with the person, everyone is different. Again, I enjoyed your comments, they always were informative and gave me something to analyze and sometimes respond to, even in a contrasting opinion. So I hope you continue to write things as you feel like it. A good, well-mannered and lively discussion is the most enjoyable to read or even participate in,
Well said William.
THIS JUST IN
Charles Haeger, 37, is wanted on suspicion of murder and aggravated assault in the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend. The woman was identified by family as 34-year-old Danielle Long,
Scottsdale police said Haeger’s unoccupied vehicle was found near Flagstaff in Northern Arizona. Flagstaff is 118 miles north of Scottsdale.
“Haeger is still outstanding,” Scottsdale police spokesman Sgt. Ben Hoster said. “We are coordinating with law enforcement in northern Arizona as we continue to search for the suspect.
This does not sound good…