- The Dodgers couldn’t jump out of a boat and hit water?
- The Dodgers were 4-13?
- You all wanted to get rid of Kenley Jansen?
- Most of you wanted to get rid of Muncy?
- Gavin Lux had that scared “deer-in-the headlights” look?
Me either! Clayton was very good except for the 3-run HR, and the offense did it’s job. Now, it is just Hurry up and wait for Bellinger, McKinstry, Price, Alexander, Gonsolin, and Graterol.
The Shot
I continued to have a bad reaction to the COVID-19 shot, At about 7:30 last night, my fever jumped to 103.6 and bounced around most of the night. It broke at about 7:00 AM. I got my shot Tuesday and it is a real issue. A doctor told me that if you have had a serious case of Covid-19 (like I did), the antibodies you have literally wrestle with the Vaccine. They thought that waiting 7 months like I did should be fine, but it wasn’t. I hope I don’t have too many more of these days. It is exhausting! The good news is that the second shot should be a breeze (allegedly). This too shall pass… I hope.
Dodger Minor League Low Down
- The OKC Dodgers fell to 1-7 as they lost to the Sac River Cats 5-2. The Dodgers had 8 hits and 5 walks but could only plate 2 runs. Ruiz (hitting #2, as usual) had a double. He is hitting .300. Zach Reks was 3-5 (.333BA . 947 OPS)) with his 2nd HR. Rangel Ravello was 1-3 with two walks. He is OPS’ing 1.042. Newly acquired Nate Jones (he is 35 years old) pitched an inning giving up 2 runs. There is not much in the form of MLB prospects on this team. I believe that will change as the season progresses. Noisy, Peters, and others will help this team… and they need it!
- The Tulsa Drillers improved to 4-6 with a 4-3 win over the Naturals. The Drillers had 5 hits to go with 1 BB. The biggest hit was by Carlos Rincon. Mike Busch OPS has stayed at over .900 although his BA is .231. Ryan Noda also drove in 2 Runs. Ryan Pepiot started and went 4 innings allowing just 1 run and striking out 7. Max Gamboa also gave up a run in 1.2 IP, while Zach Willeman went 2.1 scoreless innings and Guillermo Zuniga closed it out with a scoreless 9th.
- The Great Lakes Loons beat the Whitecaps 3-2 to improve to 4-6. Miguel Vargas was 3-5 (.270 BA/.905 OPS). Jose Martinez (22-year-old RH), went 5.1 innings allowing no runs. Cole Percival followed up with 3.2 IP and 1 run. Melvin Jiminez gave up an unearned run in 2.0 IP to end the game. He blew the save in the 8th, but won in the 9th.
- Rancho dropped to 4-5 as they were beaten by a bunch of Nuts 8-2. Not much good comes from a blowout game like this, but Brandon Lewis, Jorbit Vivas, and Waldimir Chalo each had two hits and their combined ages are 63!. Kendall Williams did pitch 4 innings, allowing just 1 run (1.13 ERA).
Pepiot is so legit. Miller might have the better overall arsenal and Beeter might have better pure stuff, but Pepiot has the arm and the mound presence.
Get well soon Mark, Hope ya feel better my friend. I got nothing but a sore arm from both of my shots. Of course, I do not get sick very often anyway, I did have a nasty bout with a sinus infection and bladder infection at the same time last February, but antibiotics knocked that out. To the game, one great offensive inning and they still needed the extra run to hold on. Jansen was a beast in the ninth, I have to believe he is on a mission to prove the whole baseball world wrong to have written him off. Santana is AAA bound with the GARBAGE he is throwing. They signed a player and picked one up off of the scrap heap and I doubt either is much help. Price might be back next week and Gonsolin is almost ready. Bellinger scheduled for rehab games and Pollock headed to the IL with a broken wheel,,well bad hammy. But the team looks better. 2 more with the fish and then the dirtbags come in, Then they get the Gnats.
Bear, not sure if you actually watched the game, or if you’re commenting on the box score. But, Santana busted a couple of bats in his inning, he got the first two guys out easily, then he gave up two singles. But, I should say that the shift gave up two singles. Lux was just a few feet from second base and Muncy was close to the line leaving a huge hole where the second baseman normally plays with two outs and nobody on. The single was pretty much slapped at, going the other way perfectly dissecting Max and Gavin. The second “hit” was a broken bat soft liner to shortstop. Unfortunately our Shortstop was playing where Lux was playing on the previous play, a few feet on the other side of second base. Again, the shift, not Santana gave up that bleeder. Then he walks the next guy on a full count. Out comes Doc, in comes Gozo, HBP on his 3rd pitch which didn’t hit the batter, and the run is charged to Santana. How the F is that GARBAGE?
Mark, praying for you buddy! I took the J&J vaccine after my daughter recommended it and had no ill effects from it! But, I know people who have had reactions like you had from the two dose vaccines but their’s were usually after the second dose. Again praying for a good result for you!
* Joe Davis mentioned last night how much he would love to see CT3 make an All-Star game. It seems remote at best, but he is an all-star. If he could keep that OPS at .900 and the BA around .275, he could have a shot. If you’ve played, you have an idea how hard it is to play multiple positions at the level he does. I have no doubt that he can be good at 3rd too. He has developed, with Kike’s departure, into an everyday star wherever he plays.
* Santana has had a rough couple of outings. He’s got the deadly combo going; walks and hits in games where the Dodgers have scored 9 and 14 runs. Maybe he should stick to the guitar.
* It’s so unfortunate that Pollock can’t stay on the field. I haven’t seen a report but the IL looks inevitable. Gee, the guy rehabs and reinjures the hammie on a simple 1st to 3rd “sprint”. WTF
* Tell me that gun wasn’t juiced last night? KJ at 97? I’ve never seen him more confident and in control. I think his role of no back-to-back appearances and 3 out saves his the reason. Keep it that way.
* DJ Peters continues to frustrate me. First guy off the bus body and can’t make contact – again. Usually “young” players can hit fastballs. They learn to hit other pitches with experience. (I said usually). Peters doesn’t make any contact on anything.
Good thoughts PhilJones. I really like CT3. K’s are the difference between him being and All-Star and not. He’s a very good middle infielder and he took to the outfield like a lab takes to water. I always thought he was much better in the outfield than Kike, sans that play in CF during the WS last year.
Satana would have had a great outing if Seager was playing shortstop instead of second base. That soft broken bat liner was the difference between a solid outing and what his line score said about it.
Pollock pulled a hammy seven days ago in Anaheim. What ballplayer comes back from a pulled hammy in 6 days (he pinch hit and had to run last night)? I’m not surprised in the least that a 33 year old reinjures a hamstring pull after not going on the DL. If Belli and ZMach were on the roster, he would have gone on the DL for sure. Well, he is anyways now.
Kenley was juiced last night, the gun seemed right. Pender pitched for the Marlins right before him and is know for hitting 98. He didn’t, but hit 97 a couple of times. Kenley is an enigma. The heat is in there, he just forgot how to turn it on.
I don’t like to give up on guys early, but DJ Peters is just a sad look at the plate. He can’t even hit a fastball in the middle of the zone. He’s making Billy Ashley look like a batting champ.
I did not include Peters in my Top 25 Dodgers Prospects
I would not be sad if we traded him for a reliever. I like everything about him but the giant hole in his bat.
Hope you get back on your feet soon.
Mark, I’m so sorry you are struggling with the vaccine. I hope you get relief soon. I’ve had both Moderna shots and had zero side effects. I was very lucky. This virus is so confusing with individuals experiencing such different symptoms and reactions. I hope you are better soon. I admire your toughness and commitment for stepping to the plate while not feeling well. No IL for you.
Mark, I pray that you will feel better soon. I know that you stay informed on Covid 19 as much as you can. I heard/read somewhere in the news that people who have had the virus and get only the 1st shot have more protection (antibodies) than someone who never had the virus and gets both shots. Since you have such a bad reaction to the 1st shot maybe, when you’re feeling better, you should be tested for antibodies before you go for your 2nd shot. You may not need it. Sorry if you’ve heard all this already. Get well soon.
You are absolutely correct and we are considering that.
I was thinking the same thing. The second dose might be worse for you than what’s left of the virus. We never saw SARS come back strong, maybe this will peter out once the population is vaccinated to a certain degree. Good luck and take your vitamins. 😉
Pujols to the Dodgers?
Yep
I suppose he’ll probably be a slightly better option as a righty pinch hitter off the bench than Peters would be.
I don’t see much chance of his staying on the roster when Belli and McKinstry come back (although they’re both left handed hitters). I would say he’s very likely to be dfa by July. That would just be more embarrassment for him.
Not all prospects develop linearly.
We saw Seager meet expectation right away. He was hyped as the next A-Rod / Ripkin Jr. and came out of the gate hitting right away. Injury delayed his greatness, but he is the poster boy for top prospect turned superstar.
Not a lot of people predicted what we saw from Bellinger. He was supposed to be a very good player, most didn’t predict super star. He forced the Dodgers hand a year before he was supposed to be ready and won the ROY was in the MVP conversation and was an All-Star a year early.
Alex Verdugo is looking like the good player, borderline All-Star that was predicted for him. At 25 years old today he’s slashing a respectable, but unsteller 273/333/420/753 in his (we’ll call it) 4th year in the league. He rode the plane back and forth from the minors to the majors in parts of his first 3 years.
Gavin Lux is starting to turn the corner after only 70 MLB games. After a hot Spring and fist week or so, then a wrist injury induced slump, we’re starting to see a solid product. He’s just 23 and last year was basically a mulligan. He’s probably the most athletic guy a roster that includes Mookie and Belli.
It’s hard to believe Dennis Santana is just days older than Alex Verdugo. It’s also hard to believe that he has just 29 MLB games. This guy has great stuff, but he’s lacking an out pitch. He’ll go down to the minors at some point. I’m not giving up hope that he can further develop that slider or change and get some more swings and misses. Once that happens, he’s Dylan Floro. Still young, there’s time.
Crap, the Dodgers signed Pujols.
Better him in a pinch hitting situation than Peters or Raley, no? And he brings a Hall Of Fame presence to the club as well as leadership.
All that leadership didn’t help the Angels much, but I guess he can double as a hitting coach if he ever makes the big club. .198/.250/.372/.622. He’s a toss up with Raley, but can’t run at all. Everyone in baseball is better than Peters right about now.
He can still play a little defense at 1B, but if he doesn’t hit it over the fence, he’s a force out at 1B from anywhere in the field and a double play machine. I just can’t see the Dodgers having a player on the roster that can only play 1B and pinch hit. But, that used to be common.
Against left-handed pitchers this year, Pujols is hitting .259 with with three home runs and six RBI. Better option then what’s available off the bench right now.
.. and maybe, just maybe RVS and company might see something to tweak his swing. Or not… It’s worth a shot.
I know I am tooting my own horn, but I called that one a few days ago, even if it was in jest.
You called it!
DODGERS RECALL RHP EDWIN UCETA
OF AJ POLLOCK PLACED ON THE IL
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled right-handed pitcher Edwin Uceta from Triple-A Oklahoma City and placed outfielder AJ Pollock on the injured list with a left hamstring strain.
Uceta, 23, has appeared in two games for the Dodgers, tossing 4.1 innings, allowing two runs on four hits with three strikeouts. Since being sent down to Triple-A Oklahoma City, he appeared in one game, allowing two runs on three hits in 4.0 innings. The Dominican Republic native has been with the Dodgers organization since signing as international free agent on July 2, 2016. In parts of five minor league seasons, he has posted a 20-12 record with a 3.73 ERA (139 ER/335.0 IP) and 368 strikeouts.
Pollock, 33, will head to the injured list for the first time this season and second time in his career for the Dodgers. The outfielder has appeared in 32 games this year, batting .277 (26-for-94) with five doubles, four homers and 16 RBI. Last season, he finished tied for the team lead with 16 homers and batted .276 with 25 extra-base hits and 34 RBI in 55 games. He is in 10th Major League season and is a career .279 (802-for-2875) hitter with 109 homers and 361 RBI.
I hope you feel better Mark. When will Albert Pujols report for duty? I’m sure he won’t be given his old number unless Seager permits it.
Monday it’s official.
Pujols is probably going to be a right handed hitting pinch hitter for the Dodgers mostly. If he starts it will be against only LHP and Muncy will slide to 2B considering how bad Lux is against LHP.
DODGERS ACQUIRE IF YOSHITOMO TSUTSUGO
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired infielder Yoshitomo Tsutsugo from the Tampa Bay Rays for a player to be named later or cash considerations. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers transferred infielder Edwin RÃos to the 60-day injured list.
Tsutsugo, 29, appeared in 26 games for the Rays this season, batting .167 (13-for-78) with four doubles and five RBI. In his Major League career, he has played in 77 games, batting .187 (44-for-235) with nine doubles, eight homers and 29 RBI. He was a part of the 2020 American League Championship team, recording two hits in 16 at bats for Tampa Bay. Prior to coming to the United States, he was a five-time All-Star (2015-19) in the Nippon Professional Baseball League and was three-time Central League Best of Nine Award recipient (2015-17). In 10 seasons in the NPB, he hit a combined .285 (977-for-3426) with 205 homers and 613 RBI.
I like it.
Clevinger again in the 8th. U know he would walk someone. Especially a guy who can’t hit. Bauer must be excited for Robert’s to go pen. Mb he will do well but not a good start.
Game was in hand. Spread the innings.
What happened to Seager? HBP but what was his injury?
It’s become possible for Dodgers to be back at the top of the division after a win tomorrow night. Dodgers have played 6 more games than the Mets played so far this season. I find that sorta strange.
Joe Kelly for president! His era is almost under 20.00 now!
Dodgers have confirmed that x-rays have revealed Seager has a fracture. Not sure if it is surgical or how long of an IL sting will be necessary but I’m guessing August some time.
Wow, what a bummer to lose Seager now too. Dodgers look like a MASH unit these days. Corey might not be back for a couple of months. Hopefully Belly and McKinstry will be back soon now.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Off topic : To all those who think this vaccination (which was developed in less than a year when any other vaccination before would take at least 5 years to hit the market, in the cases of Pfizer and Moderna with their mRna technology that never got proof before, never getting out of the clinical phase ) I want to read this article out of The Lancet (one of the leading and most respected medicine journals world wide) about the absolute risk reduction of those vaccines (ARR). The ARR is ranging somewhere between 0,83% and 1,3%. Meaning you need for the Pfizer vaccs about 135 vaccinations to avoid contracting the virus over no vaccination. With all the uncertainty over the long term effect and side effects everyone should make a very conscious and individual risk evaluation before taking the shot. Personally I would not take it if I am under 70 years old with no rsik factors. Dr. Ionannidis proved in his meta study that people under 70 years of age only have a 0,05% risk to die because of the virus. Children and young adults run almost no considerable risk at all.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanmic/article/PIIS2666-5247(21)00069-0/fulltext
Go Dodger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have actually read that article and while I do not disagree with much of the premise, understand that many doctors and scientists do not all hold the same beliefs. mRNA technology has been in study and trials in various things for 30 years. Yes, it used to take 5 hours to travel 50 miles, but then came the automobile and cut it down to 1 hour. Where the writer stumbles is that the vaccine does not prevent you from getting COVID-19 completely – it just mitigates the effects of the disease. I agree with the co-morbidity part of it, but as a person who has had it twice – the second time required hospitalization and a 3-month recovery, I am not anxious to get it again. I took the Moderna vaccine 6-1/2 months after I had it the second time and 5 days later I am just getting over the side effects: 104 fever, chills, body aches, etc. Even though that was my first shot, due to the amount of antibodies I have, it was my second (and last) shot.
I never believed the WHO, and the CDC is not much better. This COVOD-19 thing was political more than it was scientific and I am talking about both sides of the aisle. My 22-year-old son is not taking it. Neither is my 58-year old wife, who has comorbidities. I advise everyone to do their homework and make your own decision. Finally, know (and understand) that the Government does not have your best interests at heart!