Decisions, Decisions

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1. I hope you are right about normalsie returning, but the fear of pandemic will somehow be altered to more plandemics in order to keep a clinched fist on society. You never want a crisis to go to waste and you never want a crisis to not exist, if no crisis the gov loses the edge on scaring people into submission. So I predict plandemics will be lined up and unleashed upon the sheep, just as one crisis ends another will be spun into the collective brain of society.

   Mark, do you see the stadiums in CA being allowed to have full capacity at any point in this season? I think there will be some states that will eventually allow full capacity in their stadiums (hell no on full capacity in indoor stadiums btw in many if not most states). I really don’t see SoFi Stadium being allowed full capacity for Rams or Chargers games in the upcoming NFL season, we may never see normalsie in any large venues for the forseeable future (the next 3 to 4 years seems very possible and likely in CA).

   Is what I say political, actually I am commenting on the state of sports in the US and the policies that exist and will prevail that may bring an end to sports as we know it, not to mention many other aspects in society. IF society is going to remain on a shut down mode or a percentage of shut down mode, owners of pro teams will not survive and we may very well see teams disappear and leagues shrink, if that happens the trickle down effect on sports revenue at the venue, advertising revenue and thus TV revenue, etc etc will be a crippling blow. So enjoy it while you can, it just might not be there for much longer.

   1. Your right about people not having control over their own lives. What we perceive as reality is really a simulated universe. As we go about our lives we are really dwelling inside someone’s computer. Lord knows what they have in store for us going forward (and why did they want Ohio State to lose in the first round?).

      1. Ohhhhkkkkay……(backs away slowly).

   2. Some places are back to full capacity on opening day.
      https://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-rangers-globe-life-field-100-capacity-opening-day/

   3. Professional sports is ENTERTAINMENT. I am sure there are plenty of right wing sites for you to go to and voice your “opinion” on political matters. PLEASE go there when you feel the need to discuss topics not Dodgers related. Most of us come here to get away from that garbage.

      1. Uhh, what do you see about asking Mark about ballparks in California not being Dodgers related? I’m sure there are plenty of beaches to go stick your head back into the sand, Wake up, use your brain for something worthwhile.

2. Just watched the 9th inning of yesterday’s game. Kendall Williams did a nice job after he settled down. He definitely has good movement on his secondary pitches.

   1. Had not even heard of him until this spring training.

      1. He was part of the trade for Stripling with the Jays, Noda was the other player in the deal.

3. Plandemic? Ugh…Well, clearly paranoia is alive and well.
   The fact is experts had been warning about the likelihood of some sort of global outbreak for several years. That’s why President Bush set up a task force to prepare for it, and President Obama built on that work, and then… oh, well. …The best laid plans, eh?
   But since this is a sports site, let’s remember that, for most Americans, Covid-19 didn’t get “real” until the NBA shut down. Think about that: A private corporation, the NBA, had to take the lead on public health. The NBA–and not the CDC (though Dr. Nancy Messonnier tried).
   And yeah, things got real real fast, even if certain people still wanted to call it all a hoax and even a conspiracy, as in “pandemic.” (Mind if I shout out to QAnon too!)
   Such thinking was lethal, because if you think it’s a hoax, why wear a mask? And no, the virus doesn’t care about your politics.
   Like shit, viruses happen. This was the worst since the Spanish Flu (which didn’t actually start in Spain, but whatever.) But there is good news too: Advances in medical science have produced several vaccines in record time. (I just got my first shot.) The progress is bringing back live sports, and my college-age kids are looking forward to getting back inside the classroom in the fall. If people get their shots–just like they have for decades for the flu, measles, polio and more–perhaps Dodger Stadium will be rocking in October.

   1. Ah, so that is the “Williams” I saw in the box score. The young prospect Friedman got for Stripling. Nice that he got some exposure. The pipeline already has Gray, Miller, Pepiot and others ahead of him.
      I like the fact that Ryu and Maeda have moved on to become true aces–and yet the Dodgers’ pitching just rolls along.
      Though I still worry about how signing Bauer may alter the karma….

4. I think Taylor will be the super sub he is and sub at 2b 25% of the time and in the OF 50% of the time and the other 25% at the other infield positions to give guys a day off. He may end up playing in more games than the starters.

5. On this site the pandemic is apolitical. Don’t push to being political… on both sides.

   1. Since this is your site Mark, you can define pandemic conversation any way you want to, but please realize that throughout the rest of the world any conversation about the pandemic is political. If the pandemic wasn’t all caught up in politics it would be gone by now.

      1. The pandemic is real. The politics are just that… politics! I find both sides deplorable!

      2. I’d much rather focus on the Dodgers here…. But I also feel a certain obligation to respond to comments that I feel are in serious error.
         As to the pandemic being a political topic “throughout the rest of the world,” I beg to differ. In much of the world, particularly Asia, the pandemic is simply a matter of public health, not politics. Mask-wearing isn’t a political statement, but simply a pragmatic way to protect everybody’s health.
         As an American living in Hong Kong–just 570 miles from Wuhan– I happily have had a much safer and saner Covid-19 experience than the typical American. Hong Kongers started wearing masks last January, within weeks of the first reports of a “mysterious illness” in Wuhan. People here remember the nightmare of SARS, which was actually deadlier but far less contagious than Covid-19. The government took action, but more importantly the people did too. It was either late January or early February that I entered a crowded subway, looked around and realized I was the only person who had forgotten a mask.
         The slogan here is: “Together, we fight the virus.” This is not a controversial notion in the lest.
         Hong Kong (and much of Asia) managed to suppress the virus through masks, stronger border controls, targetted quarantines, aggressive contact-tracing (which is practically impossible once it is out of control.) My son, a college student in NY, tested negative but still had to do two-weeks hotel quarantines on his visits home. That’s the rule for travelers. But Hong Kongers have never had a blanket “stay-at-home” order. Yes, there are social distancing rules, and people work from home if they can, and the students use Zoom–but most shops and restaurants have stayed open, the classrooms are open again (with masks). There are annoyances, but no true hardships.
         And the public health measures work. Hong Kong is basically Asia’s version of NYC–a big, teeming global hub of more than 7.3 million people.
         I just checked Hong Kong’s covid-19 dashboard and it shows that the death toll is now at 203–not a typo, really 203. There are 267 people with covid hospitalized including 10 in critical condition. The confirmed “probable cases” number about 11,400, of whom about 10,900 have been discharged.
         How do those numbers compare to where you live?
         If you happen to live in Orange County, my home turf, I can tell you by some quick googling that OC has recorded 4,562 deaths. Also, OC has less than half the population of Hong Kong. (Sadly, the OC numbers includes my wife’s uncle, survived by a wife and two elementary-school age sons.)
         Way back in June, USA Today carried an opinion piece offering a Hong Kong perspective on America’s response to Covid-19. I kind of like it, and not just because I wrote it:
         https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2020/06/28/coronavirus-hong-kong-face-masks-work-column/3262969001/

6. I read the Dodgers signed Andrew Toles to a contract, The purpose was to give him health insurance. It warms you heart to see the Dodgers take care of him, even if he will never play again for the Dodgers.

   1. very much agree

   2. They renewed his contract Al. It allows him to continue to receive health insurance. It was a class gesture by the team. He will never play again.

7. Mark, Julio might have “struggled” some in the first inning but only because Taylor misplayed a pop up. I’m not worried about him and first innings. He’s in attack mode now and not nibbling any more. I like his new slurve pitch. He seems to have more control with it. But the key pitch for him is his change up which can become his put away pitch especially with righties. Can’t wait to see what he does this year!

   1. I have been his biggest champion for years.

      1. 6′ 4″ 250 lbs? I think Magic is a bigger fan.

         1. I am now 6′ 1″ and 225 pounds. Pretty soon my wife will tower over me.

8. I respect everyone’s opinion on here. As for the pandemic, I am through living my life the way they want me too. I will wear the mask when mandated, but I am going to do what I want, go where I want when I want to do it. I am sick and tired of the stay at home mentality that many leaders have. We have very few cases in this county. And no one I know who lives here, and none of the resident’s of my building have tested positive or been ill with the disease. I blame both the politicians and the CDC for the late reaction to the pandemic. I also blame them for the lack of understanding as to how the disease is transmitted. They all screwed up and the ones paying for it are the citizens. The politico’s and so called leaders had their medical needs taken care of while the rest of the country, especially the elderly and the people most susceptible to Covid had to wait. I do not trust any of them, nor do I care about their effed up rules anymore.

   1. Well said Bear and come back soon. We ALL miss you already!!!

9. Hey Bear, your trip to SoCal and up to Oregon sounds great. I have never taken the train up the California and Oregon coastlines but I have heard it’s a great scenic way to make that trip. I have driven Highway 1 up the coast from San Diego to Seaside Oregon a couple of summers ago on my way from my home in Az to my home in Wa. (not exactly as the crow flies) Had the top down on my sportscar and stopped often. San Luis Obispo, Pebble Beach, San Fran. The Oregon coast is spectacular. It was slow in places but i was in no hurry.. Memorable journey and I’m never sure how many more of these I will have left. I bet the train is great.
   Some baseball thoughts:
   Please, nobody wake up CT3. He’s in a coma right now. Great player and always happy to see him do well. I’m perfectly happy seeing him in an everyday utility role, especially in the absence of Kike. I like McKinstry but CT3 brings much more to the table.
   We were all rooting for Lux to earn the job at 2nd. His presence there makes the Dodgers better and allows CT3 to do his thing. I think Lux has earned the job and is looking like the player we expected. If he continues to show that performance and confidence, it makes no sense to me to sit him behind CT3 or platoon him. He’s done what he has been asked to do this spring. To sit him now would do absolutely nothing for his confidence and to reward his hard work and improved play. He doesn’t need another obstacle to overcome. Put him at 2nd and leave him alone with a long leash as long as he’s productive. Leave CT3 in his role and the Dodgers are better for it.
   What sort of value do we have in our AAAA players? Good players who can’t make the roster; Reks, Raley, Peters, Davidson and you pick of pitchers who have no role. What young prospects can they bring to the club? Seems like the next wave of guys like McKinstry, Neuse, Busch, Ruiz, Cartaya, Horese, Amaya, DeJesus and Pepiot leave many of the 20 something guys as trade bait.
   Nice problem to have.

   1. The Dodgers depth is a very nice problem to have because injuries will occur. Not a question of if but when. The DL will be used to perfection to keep pitchers fresh. Bet some money that Kershaw will go on that sometime during the year so he can take a break and refresh. Price most likely as well. Let the youngsters fill in for a few weeks. The outfield with Pollock is almost guaranteed to see guys on the DL for a few weeks or more. Pollock I dont think has ever lasted a full 162 game season.

      I for one would not trade anyone right now unless they upgrade the team. I guess we will see come the trade deadline and who is available and how the injury or performance issues arise.

   2. Takes 26 hours out of Union Station in LA. Then we will rent a car and head to where my daughter lives up by the Oregon-Washington border in a town called Milton-Freewater.

      1. Bear, Milton-Freewater is about 60 miles from my home in Washington. Take your warm weather clothes as it’s on the very hot and dry side of Washington. About 6″ of rain a year. If you are a wine guy you will love all the vineyards around there and Walla-Walla.

         1. Cool. I used to drive through the area a lot when I was driving long haul. Used to stay at that Indian casino truck stop once in a while. They have a great gift shop there. Won 1500 the last time I was there.

10. After Doc said Beaty will have a roster spot it looks like the 3 primary AAA position players will be Neuse, Peters, Ruiz. If there is an injury to one of our catchers and an IL stint, Ruiz will get the call up. IL stint for an infielder, Neuse will get the call up. IL stint for an outfielder, Peters will get the call up. We have great depth when it comes to position players.

    I wonder which 13 pitchers will be our primary pitchers. Kershaw, Buehler, Bauer, Price, Urias, Jansen, Treinen, Gonzalez, Knebel are all locks due to either performance or out of options. That’s 9 primary pitchers. That leaves 4 spots open for several guys including Gonsolin, May, Graterol, Kelly, Nelson, Cleavinger, Alexander, Santana.

    Personally I think Joe Kelly should be flat out released. But that’s just me.

    I think Gonsolin, May, Graterol all deserve to be part of the primary pitchers on this team. If so that makes 12 primary pitchers. I guess that last spot isn’t important because sometimes you need a guy that isn’t important to eat innings in a blow out game.

    It’s a good time to be a Dodger fan.

    1. I think you may be right for the start of the year that Gonsolin and May start the year in the bigs. Graterol I am hearing may go to the extended ST or something like that to get more work in. I think Kelly goes to the DL. I thnk Nelson and Alexander stay with Santana on standby if needed.

    2. I would include Nelson in that list. He looks too good to let go which is 13. IL will be used to include 2nd LHRP, rest etc.

       Think you are right on the 3 AAA position players and how they will be used.

       1. I’m not high on Nelson because I look at those career stats. Anyone can put a good streak together. But I won’t disagree with anyone who believes he will make the team.

    3. That last spot will definitely go to Nelson. He’s a lock to make this team and could be huge in October!

    4. They won’t release Kelly and eat that contract. He will get all the time he needs to get ready.

11. Wow! I thought May’s stuff looked electric today. His breaking ball was sharp and it looked like he was throwing more 4 seam fastballs and getting more swing and misses. I don’t know how they decide on a five man rotation!

    1. I like May as a starter. And I like Urias as a 3 inning every other day reliever.

       1. That was supposed to say 2 or 3 inning reliever every other day or 1 day later reliever. Same goes for Gonsolin.

          1. And Gonzalez.

    2. He had a couple of good curve balls. Others looked like they lacked a really sharp break and he had trouble locating pitches. I did see a few four seamers up in the zone that were whiffed, but I think he needs some more seasoning. He lacked command at times and, overall, seemed a little unsteady.

       May and Graterol need to go to four seam school and learn how to throw that pitch up in the zone. Maybe they need to take some lessons from Bauer, who really improved his spin rate on the four seamer.

12. A Cubs minor leaguer was pulled over by police in Eagle County Colorado for speeding and erratic driving. They searched the car and found 21 pounds of methamphetamine. He is being held on 75,000 bond in the Eagle County Jail. The Cubs are aware of his arrest. His two passengers were released when police decided they knew nothing about the drugs.

    1. I think you’d better correct that to ” an ex-Cubs minor leaguer” . By the time he gets out of jail he’ll be way too old to play baseball.

       1. No doubt they will release the guy anyway. He is 25 and only at high A. As each day passes, I think the decisions are becoming much easier. Taylor will play a lot, as will Lux.

13. I’m bullish on Jimmy Nelson. Love it when a reclamation project pays off.
    Rather than focus on his career stats, it seems legitimate to me to look at his last full year of healthy competition–his 12-6 record with a 3.49 ERA for the Brewers in 2017. He was mediocre before that–but then he sharply increased his Ks and improved his control. Was just a hot streak–or perhaps a new pitch or strategy? Whatever, pitchers often need a few years to fulfill their potential, Koufax being the prime example. Small sample this spring, but so far Nelson is looking like his 2017 self.
    He may help the Dodgers win another championship with his pitching–but also his value. He is 31 years old, and might have a few good years left. A cagey veteran! Nelson is unlikely to bump any of the 7 starters ahead of him. And even in the bullpen, Dodgers have not just Graterol and Kelly waiting, but also Khanle and Ferguson. But it’s not just that Nelson is expendable as trade bait, but he provides a cushion that might enable Friedman to deal his younger talent.

    1. This is what’s good about the Dodgers reclamation machine. If you get enough, and you pick them off the heap smartly, you get some Brandon Morrows. So what if the Bronson Arroyos don’t work out. It’s guys like Morrow – low risk, high reward – that wind up being important impact players and making a difference.

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