Excuse me for borrowing the title of one of my favorite baseball movies, but it is a perfect title for this post. Baseball is at a crossroads in my humble opinion. For years, I was a traditionalist. Still prefer the old-style NL game. But it this day and age, that kind of baseball has become very boring for the most part… at least to younger fans. And that is where the future of the game lies.
Promotions and giveaways fuel the attendance, and in some cases, star players. I doubt the Angels would draw as well as they do without Mike Trout. The Dodgers draw because they have had a run of success unprecedented in the team’s history. As good as the Boys of Summer were, they never won 8 years in a row. 2 was their best. And they did that twice. Of course, it was a much different game then. Now teams have to rely on the bullpen more than ever, and a weak starting staff can wear one out in a hurry. Injuries can also contribute to overuse as the Padres are learning the hard way.
Free agency changed the game forever with stars allowed to change teams if their contract demands were not met. They now get traded before they can walk without the team receiving anything but a draft choice in return. Dodgers have gotten a few of those these last several years and kept only a couple while others moved on. Betts is the best example, and I have to believe that Mookie is going to start lighting it up at some point. He just has way too much talent not to.
I was inspired to write about this after I signed into my MLB.com account to change my password, and they asked me to take a survey, which I did. There were questions about Covid-19 and the response of my state government and the Feds. But after that, they got down to some baseball questions about rule changes. I submitted my answers, and I tried to be as honest about them as I could. I am for the universal DH. Anything to not see pitchers hitting anymore.
As a Dodger fan, that may seem a bit off somehow since they have had pretty good success, especially the last several games. But still, pitchers usually are not that successful, and I have always disliked seeing a chance to score squashed because some weak-hitting pitcher comes up to bat. I am against the runner on second in extra innings. I know it gives both teams a chance to score and keep games from being overly long. But it just reeks of little league baseball to me.
I think suspended games should be played from the point of the suspension rather than being started all over again, and by rule, players losing their stats from that game. I am for the automated K zone. As bad as umpires have been calling balls and strikes over the last several years, it is needed. Also, I think these radical shifts should not be allowed. Of course, if hitters just would go the other way, they would disappear. There is a rule being tested in one of the minor leagues where the infielders must be on the infield dirt, are not allowed on the grass, and there can only be 2 infielders on either side of second base. I like that rule.
I think eventually, baseball will once again expand the rosters to 28. They will either do that, or there will be taxi squads available to immediately replace dinged-up players with healthy ones. Especially if a player has a minor injury that is only going to keep him from playing for a couple of days. That makes sense to me. They do have extra players on road trips for this purpose. It would work kind of like the NBA’s game available list. Now, after this season, the players and MLB have to sit down and hammer out a new CBA. I think, and I honestly believe that this is going to be one of the more contentious negotiations in MLB history.
There are a lot of things Manfred has been doing that have the players in a fighting mood. And this latest crackdown on substances on the ball is just another Manfred decision that makes you shake your head and wonder about the future of the game. In my opinion, another work stoppage or strike would be very damaging to the game itself. And unfortunately, I do not trust the powers that be on either side to bring this to a quick and amicable solution.
I also believe the owners do not want another work stoppage, especially after the truncated season and lost revenue in 2020. But it is obvious that changes are needed. They cracked down on PED’s, but it took them years to get over the stigma caused by their use. Manfred to me at least is not a leader and is one of the weakest Commissioners in baseball history.
The Dodgers themselves will have some hard decisions to make after the season. They have some free agents to deal with who have been vital to the team’s success: Kersh, Seager, Taylor. I do not think Kersh will get another 3 year 90 million contract. I would like to see them keep Corey. But we will have to see what kind of deal he wants. Taylor to me is a no-brainer. He is valuable in so many ways, and there really is no one in the organization who comes close to being as versatile. 2 years with an option would be perfect in my mind. Gives the better kids in the organization time for development and seasoning.
Of course, if things go south in the CBA negotiations, it will all be a moot point. If The Dodgers were not where they are in the standings, and were playing very badly, would they consider trading Corey or Kersh? Even Taylor? I do not think so. I believe if they trade anyone at the deadline, it will be some minor leaguers who have an upside or fringe players like Raley. Only time will tell, and hopefully, all sides make the right decisions For Love of the Game.
Vinny’s contributions to this movie is one of the reasons I really love the movie. Vintage Scully for sure.
Raley has no trade value. DJ Peters is the type of guy we could see let go.
You can never tell. Raley has seen more success at AAA than Peters who is a K machine.
Bear: Great article as usual. Five years ago on this date we traded Zach Lee {who?} for our “Swiss Army Knife” Chris Taylor. Where would we be if we hadn’t made that trade? BTW Zach Lee ,last time I heard, was at Diamondbacks AAA team.
Interesting. I thought Zach Lee was out of the game–but no, you are right. I looked it up. At age 30 still trying to hang in there.
Good for him. Great move by the Dodgers, obviously. Lee was a No. 1 draft pick who signed for more than $5 million to forsake being a big-school QB. (No need to think, “Poor guy, being an answer to a baseball trivia question….”)
I agree that this next CBA negotiation is going to be a shit show. Manred has been catching a lot of heat from the players and rightfully so. I’m wondering if balls and strike calls are really that bad, or if it’s perceived that way since the box is on the screen. I too hate the shift and thought it would go away over time when teams started going the other way and taking the free hit. I’m sure Tony Gwynn, Rod Carew and Wade Boggs would do that and try to hit 400.
When you start making new rules, you open a Pandora’s box. I don’t recall a lot of new rules until they implemented instant replay, then the Posey rule at home, then the Utley rule at second base, then a three batter rule, the 15 day DL changed to 10 days and now it’s the IL for some reason, teams changing their names because everything is racist. Still can’t close that damn box. Now, they’re experimenting with larger bases, moving the mound back, screwing with the baseball constantly, shift rules, etc. After all this, the game is less watchable than ever. So what do they want to do? Fix it with more rule changes?
I know I’m in the minority on this site, but I hate the DH. We had it last year, I didn’t really hate it, but now that we have real baseball again, I enjoy the pitchers hitting more than ever. People don’t like the three outcome type baseball? Put the DH in the NL to add another three outcome hitter and take away more strategy. That makes perfect sense.
Steven Souza Jr. was the player of the game last night. I’ve been hearing everyone gushing about what a great guy he is. I’ve seen a couple of interviews with him and I get it. He has such a great attitude and you feel like he’s very genuine when he speaks. This guy completely destroyed his knee a couple of years ago and he goes all out for that ball against the wall last night going knees first into the wall. I love this guy already. Then he bombs a line drive to break a 0-0 tie. I’m hoping for a big resurgence for him.
Sadly, the Dodgers made another mediocre lefty look like Cy Young. But, they did do some damage against a lefty reliever as SSJ homered, Lux walked and Burnes doubled against Mantiply. I think things will improve when the team is closer to full strength.
Every time Mookie has a multi-hit game, we hear that he’s back! Then he proceeds to follow it up by wearing the collar. The press is very kind to him.
Trevor went 7 scoreless last night without gooping. My prediction that his next 4 starts will be better than his last 4 is right on track. Cassidy says it was against a AAA team. Well, Cassidy. You didn’t qualify that his last 3-4 starts included Houston, the top offense in baseball. I maintain my position. Bauer will still be a top pitcher, with or without the goop.
Here’s the teams he played when you calling him out with total runs as of today and his IP Earned runs he allowed.
HOU 384 / 6.0 / 2
STL 278 / 6.2 / 3
ATL 330 / 6.0 / 3
TEX 274 / 6.1 / 4
ARI 298 / 7 / 0
He gave up 7 runs to the two worst offenses and held the 3 best to 6 runs. So much for your AAA theory.
Did the game really become less watchable because of the Posey and Utley rules? Or the 10 day IL? How did the 3 batter minimum make the game less watchable?
There are issues with the game but these are not the problem. Lack of offense due to shifts, batters not adjusting to shifts and to many strikeouts.
Every sport adjusts with the times. Basketball has 3 pointers, football made changes to open up the passing game. Sports need to evolve with the times.
Basketball is having their own problems. The game is becoming less watchable now as well. Only three pointers and baskets in the paint. No one scores mid range shots anymore. I hear a lot of people complaining about this.
Same thing with football. So many rule changes have made the NFL less popular compared to the college game. No one knows what a catch is anymore and there are so many questionable calls on PI and any kind of contact with the QB. I hardly watch football anymore and it used to be my second favorite sport behind baseball.
To me the Utley and Posey rules did make the game less watchable. I liked seeing broken up double plays and collisions at the plate. I think the 3 batter rule improved the game. One of the things that puts me to sleep is the pitching changes.
Yes, sometimes you need to tweak things here and there, but not at the rate we’re seeing.
Bear loves the DH, but it didn’t do anything to make the game more interesting. If you look at attendance numbers for the last 10, 20, 30 years. The top teams are National League teams on average. If the DH was so popular, it would be the other way around.
You say we need to get kids interested. You think we need to change the game to do so. I think we need to change our kids. Get them off their screens and get them active in sports. Our kids are becoming fatter and lazier. Put PE back in schools on a daily basis instead of a couple of times a week.
Change the kids? Good luck with that ( seems like every generation complains about kids these days).
My only disagreement is not liking the sliding rules ……. basically the contact rules. This IS also a business & with the monies they pay to some of the players these days, those hard contacts are just not worth it. To the owners OR the players. I am pretty sure both of most sides players and owners agree. The insurance these super highly paid guys would skyrocket and it already seems like player injuries are at an all time high. Though having a short 10 day DL likely has some to do with that.
Cheers
Totalmente de acuerdo contigo B and P, sobre todo en el último párrafo.
Muchos gracias Jose! Algunas personas pueden ver cuál es el verdadero problema.
For years I was a baseball purist I did not like the AL game, and hated the DH. But now, I can’t stand watching pitchers flail away. A lot of people thought watching Hill hit was fun, I got an ulcer every time he was at bat. Baseball has to change simply because kids today get bored very easily, and the game the way it is, is boring sometimes. MLB wants more action. And the universal DH will give them that. And yes, the umpiring is horrible as far as the strike zone the last couple of years. No consistency.
Seager can go at the end of the season and there is no problem, enough of “great hitter, poor defensive and not always healthy” If it were up to me, I would let him go and try to sign Baez, cheaper, much better defense, good hitter, and a fact that is not talked about much, and perhaps it is not important, but he is Latino, that would be great for the Latino community. Urias and Gonzalez are the only ones currently, but not a single batter. (For obvious reasons, I did not mention Pujols)
Are the Dodgers better signing Seager or Taylor? I like Seager and would like him back but does Taylor fit the overall Dodger needs better?
Recency bias. Taylor is having a career year, Seags in on the IL. This question wouldn’t even be asked last year.
Last year or not with Bellinger, Buehler and Kershaw the Dodgers have major salary issues. Can they afford Seager as well? What provides the team with the best overall ability to be flexible going forward. Are the Dodgers better with Lux and Taylor’s ability to play numerous positions or does a Lux/Seager/Mckinstry trio work better? Does signing Story at a cheaper price and right handed bat work better long term?
I expect the Dodgers will make an offer but at what point would you cut bait? And does Seager become our first baseman? He has not looked good defensively this year.
I would let Kershaw walk before Seager. There’s no guarantee that Story will be much cheaper.
When do you cut bait? That’s the million dollar question isn’t it? Look at Mookie’s contract, is he worth it? You can make an argument that Seager contributed more to winning the World Series, so I guess you can start there. The thing I like about Mookie’s contract is that he doesn’t get no trade protection. The current CBA gives players 5 and 10 rights, is that still going to be around in the next CBA?
With Seager it’s going to be different. He’s already got the 5 and in just a few years he’ll have the 10.
Maybe we can trade Mookie before we sign Belli and Bueller. It’s not like Mookie crushes lefties, so maybe find another righty bat that does. Maybe Lux will be the table setter.
With Seager, you can always move him to first or third. Not sure if you can move Mookie to another position and a lot of his value is with his speed, which sure looks like it’s declining this year.
I really think it’s a waste of energy to suggest trade or contract proposals. Mookie got that boat anchor that everyone said would never happen from AF(except me). Bauer got that huge AAV contract that everyone said wasn’t going to happen(except me). Kenley got all that money that everyone said AF was never gonna give to a reliever(except me). And this year we blew past the CBT, something everyone said wasn’t going to happen (expect me).
Kaybear
Love the answer but what was the question?
How was that Bloody Mary?
Hey Jorge, I want to get some perspective from you. You mention Baez so the Latino community has someone to root for. He is a very good defender and has a rocket arm and a load of power, but doesn’t get on base too much. He’s an exciting player to watch overall. I really like the guy. I’m just wondering who is considered a “Latino” player that our “Mostly Mexican” Latino fan base would identify with. Baez is Puerto Rican like Kike and on deck is Keibert Ruiz who is Venezuelan as is Cartaya. Puig was from Cuba as is Pages and Vargas. Are Mexicans more likely to identify with Venezuelans or Caribbeans as Latino players?
I agree that with such a large Mexican fan base it would be awesome to have a great Mexican position player to root for. But, since Mexico has a pretty strong baseball league, it’s tough to get Mexican players in the MLB due to contractual obligations in the Mexican League. It seems that once they start playing there, they never get to MLB.
Baez is an exciting player. The SS market is sure to be interesting, and Seager’s performance when he comes back will be key to his value. I don’t see Baez being Latino as much of a factor to Dodger brass one way or another. He’s Puerto Rican, so maybe Baez himself would feel more drawn to the Yankees. One rumor has Seager interested in the Yankees, but the Yankees could prefer Baez.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/06/pirates-trade-rumors-closer-richard-rodriguez.html
Kyle Barraclough is available
I prefer a maple doughnut.
We’re there any Diamondback fans in the stands last night? It had to have set some MLB record for greatest percentage of away fans at a game. Incredible! Pantone has to be the greatest traveling fan base in baseball history. My son and I travelled to San Diego in 19 with them. I know for a fact it’s the greatest alcohol consuming fan base in baseball history. Super fun!
Have you ever seen a Yankee game in Tampa? 😉
Great stuff again Bear, as always
* I agree with most everything you said, with a couple exceptions. I want the DH and have been a convert. I have no desire to watch pitchers hit. They risk injury and it is a free out, mostly, for NF pitchers
I like the extra inning rule and think it not only shortens games but creates instant drama in the 10th. I like to see different strategies as well.
*The ABS can’t happen soon enough.
* I think a work stoppage is possible as there is so much contention and dislike between the sides. It would be very clumsy. Your point that the owners my may not be financially willing to get to that point after the last year and a half. I hope you’re right and good sense prevails. Something I don’t associate with Rob Manfred.
Great thoughts and analysis Bear
* “Dancing around the raindrops” is a great description of Bauer’s pitching. He is extremely fun to watch go about his business. He takes to the next level the personal competition he has with each hitter. He’s really fun to watch.
* And another shutout by the bullpen.
* If Lux doesn’t kick it in against lefties, he will end up platooning at 2nd when Seager comes back. His .148 / .451 ain’t gonna cut it as an everyday infielder.
* I’m glad Lux wasn’t hurt at 2nd on dp try in the 4th. But he doesn’t know how to get out of the way. And he’s not alone. It’s a lost art. The rules, beginning in youth leagues, now allow the fielder to basically stand in the base path on the pivot to first. Players no longer possess the ability get up and out of the way with a sliding baserunner. A properly executed “take-out-slide” isn’t taught anymore either. My players (and me) knew 5 pivots at second and practice each one. Some were based on the incoming throw and others were to vary your looks so the baserunners couldn’t predict where you’d be on the turn.
* You will never hear me openly disrespect major league baseball players or teams. You won’t hear me called any club “a AAA club” to devalue a Dodger opponent. These guys are in the big leagues for a reason. They have put in years of work and have obviously found some success. They deserve credit and respect, especially from armchair critics who never played past high school. And you will never hear me use the term “Fat Albert”. It’s disrespectful and comes from a character from Bill Cosby who I really don’t want to credit for anything.
Except for the Astros Phil?
Granted. They are the exception.
I generally respect your thoughts, opinions, analysis and baseball knowledge. That’s why a couple of these thoughts are so disappointing to me.
The thought that pitchers risk injury by swinging a bat, or running the bases is a microcosm of the nerfed and bubble-wrapped society we live in today where participation trophies have become the norm and competition on the field among professional athletes need rules for safely to protect themselves from athletic activities like swinging a bat and running. They are in fact professional athletes, so it’s reasonable to expect them to perform athletic tasks. Nevermind the fact those types of injuries are the smallest of fractions of the types of injuries that keep pitchers on the IL.
Poor ultra rich Albert who makes $30 million a year, lives in Newport Coast with all the other ultra rich can’t be criticized for being over-weight. A nickname like “The Penguin” given to a squatty individual based on his physical characteristics would never happen in today’s society. Instead Ron Cey embraced the name and produced All-Star numbers regardless. And of course, everything that Bill Cosby did before his dubious deeds must be cancelled and never referenced again. It’s not enough to lock him up and throw away the key, which he deserved entirely. But, you have to lock up Fat Albert too?
Let’s say some dubious person invented the cure for cancer and later received a jail sentence for some horrific act 20 years down the road. Do you have to get rid of that cure for cancer because of what he did later?
We need more porpoise boys who embrace their perceived slights by others and overcome their critics and less feigned outrage for calling a fat player fat. Especially one that failed miserably to live up the contract that he signed while spurning the organization that treated him like a king for a few dollars more.
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m almost glad that Albert is a Dodger in the here and now. I don’t hate him like I hate LeBron James. He’s a pleasant surprise and is getting the job done, barely. But, he’s no Man-Ram, or even David Freese.
BTW, you implied that Rob Manfred doesn’t have good sense. He went to Cornell and Harvard and he’s fair game to criticize. But, don’t criticize that AAA team – the D-Bags or call Fat Albert fat? I guess everyone has a different line they’ll cross.
Well said!
Where is Newport Coast?
It’s a little inland and is between Corona Del Mar and Laguna. It’s accessible from the 73 freeway, a toll road, or Lexus lane as they call it over here. Home of Sage Hills High School and Kobe, Fat Albert, Mike Trout among others.
Interesting. Thanks.
It’s a stupid nickname and undeserving for the HOF who has earned respect for his talent. I’ve heard things said about ‘The Babe’ like he wouldn’t even make an MLB team in this days standard because of his weight. The Babe is on the shorter list than perfect games of players who had stolen home plate at least 10 times. And besides all that Albert is a Dodger now. Half of us that comment at this site seem more like anti fans than Dodger fans. While I am somewhat disgruntled when my team underperforms I don’t give disrespectful nicknames to players who have earned their bones. Geez!
What about Steve “Father of our Country” Garvey?
Interesting take coming from a guy that calls himself Quasimodo.
Thanks dude! It has served me well for almost 30yrs. In fact today, I am wearing my #13 PORPOISEBOY Dodger tee ( was always my fave # as a kid ), and has also served as a conversation starter as the entire story is pretty fun.
Cheers
Not in an arguing mood. We all have out opinions and that is what this blog is about. Like I said, I am at heart a baseball purist. I wish the game was like it was when I was growing up. I could really live without analytics, the shift, men on second in extra innings, starters who only go 5 or 6 innings, 20 K’s a game between the two teams, hitters making millions who barely clear the Mendoza line, pitch framing, umpires with short fuses who have no clue what the strike zone is, drunken fans doing the wave, which has been passé since the 80’s, walks by relievers, the 3 true outcome game. I would love to see more bunts for base hits, batters using the whole field instead of trying to pull everything. Example, Will Smith is a much better hitter when he takes the pitch where it is thrown. Remember, this kid is less than a year in the bigs by games played, and has 30 dingers and is the ONLY player in Dodger history to record 5 hits in a playoff game. He has played 147 games in his career and has 90 RBI’s. My kind of catcher and he has improved his defense and game calling skills. As for Pujols, as a player he has my total respect. He plays the game right and brings so much to the clubhouse and bench. it is painful to watch him try and run. But for a guy his age to still even be out there, well, it takes real dedication to put oneself through that kind of regimen, and by all reports, he is the first guy in almost every day. Calling him Fat Albert, well, I like his other nicknames better, the Machine, and El Hombre.
Why can’t pitchers hit? Many of them were the best player on their team growing up. Other players must play both offense & defense. Why not pitchers? So far as the shift, let the team put their players any place on the field with the exception of pitcher & catcher. Before his latest injury, Belli was batting with one out and Lux was in first. The one infielder on the left side of the infield was about ten feet from second base. Why not bunt toward third base? Instead he hits it hard into the shift resulting in double play! ABS could improve ball/strike accuracy.
They simply do not work at it. Pitchers BP is usually just a few swings. They do work on their bunts a lot. Hitters today are coached differently and that is the simple truth. Bellinger’s first big league hit was a swinging bunt that went right down the line towards third. But today, it is mostly launch angle. No one cares about striking out. Guys like Gwynn, Rose, and Boggs would hit .400 against the shift because they would have went with the pitch instead of trying to pull everything. Bellinger’s last couple of hits before he got hurt went to left and left center.
I am now promoting Nelson into the late, meaningful inning group along with Gonzalez,Treinen and Kenley. Kelly soon to follow if he keeps throwing his fastball. Price when he becomes more comfortable out of the pen. Add Graterol when he gets up and running (his slider is the key) and Knebel when healthy. That is a bullpen worthy of October
Hallelujah! That right there’s a damn good bullpen!
I’m more confident in this group in the playoffs than our offense against lefties even when healthy.
With the right handed pinata, sacrificial lamb Matt Peacock on the hill, the Dodgers will roll out their “Surviving” lineup…
Betts CF
Lux SS
Turner 3B
Smith C
Beaty 1B
Taylor 2B
Pollock LF
Z-Mack RF
Bueller P
11 billionty to 0
Close enough
Lux has .148 AVG at 54 AB against LHP.
For only 54 AB, some here, are creating a narrative that he can’t hit LHP and that he’s a platoon player, are you serious?
54 AB equals, approximately, 13 games or two weeks, It’s unbelievable, I can’t believe it,, 54 AB !!!
The Signal and the Neuse
“If Lux doesn’t kick it in against lefties, he will end up platooning at 2nd when Seager comes back. His .148 / .451 ain’t gonna cut it as an everyday infielder.” Horse, notice the “if” part.
The problem against lefties is that he has looked so bad against breaking balls and he takes fastballs right down he middle. It’s like has no plan of attack. How about this. If it’s spinning take it and look fastball and swing!
Latest Doc update on injuries says Seager to rehab assignment early next week as opposed to mid or late next week as reported yesterday. Belli ready to go in the San Diego series and Muncy for Game 2 or 3. I thought Belli wasn’t eligible to come off until the 2nd game. My math could be wrong.
Will Smith is kicking ass tonight. Three for three with a home run.
Buehler is dealing tonight. Offense getting runners on, but has missed some chances to add on.
Might be a blessing in disguise. He already had 100 pitches
Exactly what I was thinking too when they got that hit off him.
we need WB down the stretch and hopefully in the postseaon. He has been our ace or 2-3 years now. I trust him more in a big game than I do Clayton. And that is no knock on Clayton.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!
Tatis reinjured his shoulder yesterday. Did not look good. If he is out it will make it a little easier for the Dodgers in the upcoming series at SD. And we probably will have Belli and Max back too.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Father’s Day to all you fathers.
For those of us who are Andrew Toles fans, Bob Nightengale has a really heartbreaking update on him, as per the following link. His Dad, Alvin, must be one helluva guy. This is what being a good father is all about. My heart goes out to him.
https://sports.yahoo.com/wants-son-back-father-dodgers-120054485.html