MiLB Odds and Ends

Posted By on July 10, 2021

Another rainy day and not great results in the minor league system yesterday.  Well, that isn’t quite true. The nature of the day is not always decided by wins and losses. It is an individual game played in the context of a team game. Here is a bit about some individuals.

Jake Vogel

In Rancho Cucamonga 19-year-old Jake Vogel seems to have shaken off his early injury woes while having played only one game in June. In July he has played six games. In the lead-off spot he has recorded five hits in his last two games, including his first professional home run on Wednesday, July 7.

AC posted a nice Article on Jake Vogel last June.

Brandon Lewis

Over in Midland, Brandon Lewis is gaining some attention. He has homered in four straight games including a two-out game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth on Thursday. His blast to left field left the stadium.  Over seven games with the Loons, he has four home runs and 12 runs batted in with a triple slash of .313/.333/.750 and an OPS of 1.083.

Lewis and Ryan Ward seem to be likely candidates to move on to Tulsa as the season progresses. Right now Andy Pages is struggling. In July he has two hits in 29 plate appearances while striking out 12 times. He now seems very susceptible to the low-breaking ball off the plate and then tied up on an inside pitch.

Luis Rodriguez

Here’s a LINK to THINK BLUE PC with an article written by Dennis Schlossman on Rodriguez.

From Fantrax:

Regarded as one of the big-4 from the 2019 international class, Luis Rodriguez has already begun ascending up prospect rankings before he’s even taken his first swing in a minor league game. Signed for a tick under $2.7 million, Rodriguez hasn’t been ranked as high as Jasson Dominguez, Erick Peña, or Robert Puason as he doesn’t have any standout tools. But for fantasy purposes, he’s highly-intriguing as he could be above-average across the board as a 5-cat asset.

From the right side, Rodriguez has a simplistic swing with fluid motions, but is able to generate plenty of bat speed and torque thanks to quick hands and a strong lower half. He’s exhibited an all-fields approach with legitimate above-average or better raw power to all fields and has a great feel for the barrel. He’s also an above-average runner presently, but likely settles in around 50-grade there once he matures and fills out a bit. But hey, that should still translate to 10-15 steals to pair with a good average and 20+ home runs annually. There might even be more power than that at peak. Thanks to his all-around offensive skills, L-Rod is on the rise and will likely shoot up into many top-50s if he has a strong professional debut in 2021.

Rodriguez had a slow start to his 2021 season in June going 0-8 in two games with five strikeouts. In July in five games he has hit four home runs with 11 runs batted in while slashing .300/.427/.900 with an OPS of 1.317.

These two former Dodger prospects were Players of the Week last week. I don’t really follow them but do know when they are highlighted in some way:

High-A East:  Niko Hulsizer

Bowling Green Hot Rods (Rays) outfielder Niko Hulsizer batted .325 and led the league in home runs (10), RBI (30), slugging percentage (.779) and OPS (1.220). He finished second in runs (25) and on-base percentage (.441) and third in total bases (60). He homered twice on June 13 and homered in three straight games June 17-22. Hulsizer, 24, was originally selected by Los Angeles (NL) in the 18th round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of Morehead State University.

Triple-A West: Cody Thomas

Las Vegas Aviators (Athletics) outfielder Cody Thomas led the league in home runs (11), RBI (28)total bases (74) and slugging percentage (.747) and was second in runs (24) and triples (two). He finished third in OPS (1.124) and fifth in hits (31). He posted nine multi-hit games and eight multi-RBI games. Thomas, 26, was originally selected by Los Angeles (NL) in the 13th round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of the University of Oklahoma.

Alex Vesia: K Machine

This guy is a Dodger toiling with the OKC Dodgers, but perhaps not for long. We may recall that the left-handed Vesia was acquired from the Miami Marlins along with RHP Kyle Hurt to the Dodgers for Dylan Floro.

Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia entered Tuesday’s game in the eighth inning and struck out the first two batters he faced to extend his strikeout streak to 15 consecutive batters dating back to June 17 at Round Rock. Salt Lake’s Jo Adell broke the streak with a single up the middle, but Vesia then answered with a strikeout of Kean Wong to end the inning for his 16th strikeout against the last 17 batters he faced. For context, the Major League record for most consecutive strikeouts by a relief pitcher is 10 by Eric Gagné in 2003 with the Los Angeles Dodgers…Over his nine appearances with OKC, Vesia has allowed just one run and three hits over 9.0 total innings with three walks and 19 strikeouts.

In his minor league career, the 25-year-old left-hander has struck out 157 in 109 innings pitched while walking 29. With OKC he has struck out 19 in nine innings and walked three. We might recall that with the Dodgers he struck out 16 in 10.2 innings but walked 11.

HERE’S A LINK TO VESIA’s 13 STRAIGHT STRIKEOUTS AND RYAN PEPIOTS NO-NO

The Other Vargas

Everyone knows about Miguel Vargas and with good reason. The 21-year old third baseman has worked his way up to AA Tulsa. Hands up! How many know about the other Vargas? Bluto does as he asked about him back on May 24 and Mark posted a video and note on Vargas.

The other Vargas is right-hander Jesus Vargas.

This is Mark’s note:

Bluto asked about Jesus Vargas, who has been in 4 games for Great Lakes. He has a 2.51 ERA and a 0.63 WHIP and has seemingly been in the Dodgers system all his life. Actually, he has been in the system since 2015 when he was 16 years old. He was signed as an international free agent in December 2014, and has a career ERA of 3.15 and a WHIP of 1.11. This is his second tour of duty at GL, In 2018, he was there as a 19-year-old. He missed 2019 with injury and 2020 because of COVID-19. This is the first we have seen him in two years. He was a scrawny kid when he signed, and he is still slim but is now 6′ 2″ tall. He looks like he throws in the mid-’90s and has late movement, but that is just from watching him once on MiLBTV.

The 22-year-old Vargas is a versatile pitcher, capable of starting or relieving especially piggybacking with a starter such as Clayton Beeter as he did on Thursday.

He delivered five innings in relief for Great Lakes, walking two and striking out three. Vargas surrendered one earned run on four hits, exiting with two outs in the seventh inning.

He is the only Loons pitcher to qualify with one inning pitched per team game. To date he has pitched 50.2 innings with a second best ERA in the league at 2.66 and a league leading WHIP of 0.91. He has struck out only 35 but has walked only seven while giving up 35 hits.

HERE’S A LINK TO MY ARTICLE ON PEPIOT BEFORE THE PANDEMIC

This article has 89 Comments

  1. Nice.

    Pepiot/Miller/Gray all scheduled to pitch today. Our big 3. Jimmy Lewis too but he’s a tier lower.

  2. Thought exercise: assuming the Dodgers have a Top 30 prospect list, what number will the new draftee [R1/#29] be after he signs?

  3. Jake Vogel was 2-3 again last night with a walk as well.

    Vargas, Pages, and Busch are all struggling with advanced pitching and I believe all will adjust. It takes time.

    Great Lakes lost both games of a doubleheader 2-1.

    Kevin Quackenbush has been a journeyman reliever in his MLB career which spanned 2014 to 2018. He has pitched in the minors ever since. In his major league career, he is 13-15 with a 4.38 ERA and a 1.329 WHIP in 207 IP.

    In 358 MiLB innings, he is 25-15 with a 2.16 ERA and a 1.110 WHIP. He has 149 Total Saves, including 11 this year, and a 0.00 ERA in 21 IP.

    He might be worth a look-see, but they would have to clear a roster spot. Perhaps, right about the All-Star Break would be the time to trade Barnsie and a lower-level prospect or two for more depth and call up Ruiz and Quackenbsuh. Nunez looks like the real deal!

    2. Just wondering if Ruiz can play any other positions? He obviously can hit, but can he field? If so, bring him up as a utility guy and keep the pitchers happy as they love Barnes.

      1. He won’t be playing any other position this season. If he comes up, which is likely when rosters expand to 28 in September, it would be as a 3rd carcher and PH.

        Down the line, 1B & possibly LF would be the only options.

        Will Smith, however, could potentially play 3B, 1B and possibly 2B.

    3. Seems like Tulsa isn’t the greatest place to hit. Remember that Ruiz couldn’t hit his way out of Tulsa then took off when they promoted him anyways.

      Quackenbush is worth a look-see just for his name.

      Nunez deserved better than the line he wound up with. He’s this year’s V-Gone.

      I remember when it was optimal to have two lefty relievers in the pen. Alexander, Nunez, Cleavinger, Vesia and V-Gone should get the job done.

      Shouldn’t Seager be on a rehab assignment by now?

  4. Nice update on the Farm DC. It helped take my mind off the horrid display that I had to turn off last night. Unfortunately the distraction didn’t last long.

    What a joke of a game yesterday. How does a team go to town and bury the Nats, and then phone it in for the rest of the games leading up to the break? It’s like they’re all looking forward to their vacation plans.

    The defense is pitiful this year as a whole and it was on full display last night. The ground ball that JT missed as disappointing and the ball that Muncy whiffed on was inexcusable. But the sac fly turned Home Run really takes the cake. How the F was Mookie not able to get to that ball? With Nunez pitching, it seemed pretty predictable that any batted ball would be really early or really late. What the hell was Mooking doing playing Right Center? How do you give up a 330 foot homer that barely clears that waist high fence with all those Gold Gloves? Then put a cherry on top with another 0-fer from the leadoff spot.

    There were some bright spots. Vesia and Nunez both looked good even if Nunez’ line didn’t reflect accurately on his performance. I can see why they would comp him to Chapman, but it’s a bit of lazy comp unless you’re sitting triple digits. I’ll take 94-97 with that wicked change in his debut. He should have had a clean sheet if it weren’t for the JT ground ball and Mookie’s non catch on a perfectly catchable homer.

    Invisible man AJ continues to roll with a homer and double from the 8th spot in the lineup. The algorithm apparently hasn’t noticed either.

    Can we just go ahead and move on from Uceta? He’s clearly not up to the task of competing at this level. I can’t say he won’t ever be good, but he certainly isn’t fulfilling the role of a multi inning reliever.

    Price wasn’t efficient, but he was effective. With a minimum of 6 days of rest before his next start, they couldn’t stretch him out to 4 innings? Give me a freaking break.

    Lux reminds of that guy in the movies with a shovel that has to dig his own grave. JT gets two days off during the Marlins series and Pollock seems to sit every time he has more than one hit, but they seem to roll Lux out there every game when he clearly needs to sit from time to time when he isn’t producing at the plate.

    I’m not saying the Lux doesn’t have a future here, it takes a little longer for some to develop than others and the short season last year didn’t help his development.

    This team is like binge eater. They’ll feast of long winning streaks just to go lay a big turd afterwards. So much for 1st place at the All-Star break. Still hopeful for a large lead by the end of July.

    I swear that the Bauer drama is more entertaining than the product on the field right now. I would love to be a fly on the wall when Bauer’s lawyers depose Tatis Jr. and the other Clevinger. I can only imagine what they’ll find when they subpoena the accuser’s text messages. So, far we’ve only see the texts from Bauer and the accuser’s “friend”.

    2. Lux was hitting way over .300 with some walks his last 6 games. I dont understand that continuous criticism of the kid. Could he do better ? Sure, no doubt about it . But he is holding his own and is doing an acceptable job .
      That can not be said about Bellinger and Betts. Those are the two big bats that should make this engine go but they are heavily underperforming.

      Go Dodgers<111111111111

      1. I’m not seeing what you are seeing regarding Lux. He has an occasional good game but it seems for the most part, I see 0-3 with 2 Ks. Batting .230 is not what we expected….but at least it is far better than Cody’s .174. Both players should be platooned because both can’t hit LHP. In fact, Cody should not even be resigned for next year. Give the money to the man who is clutch in September….Mr Seager.

      2. Lux also made a few errors and misplays that technically weren’t errors–but I hope he thought of them as such.
        Not sure about his recent games, but Lux has been terrible against lefthanded pitching. If he doesn’t fix that, his future is limited. Might be OK if he had a great glove, but he doesn’t.
        Perhaps we Dodgers fans expected too much from Lux based on the quick ML success of other top high draft picks like Seager, Buhler, Belli and Smith. Of course it also seems the Dodger brass has expected more from Lux, too, hence the “runway.”
        As for Betts and Belli, they’ve proven what they are capable of. Slumps happen, so fans can be patient. Same is true of Seager. Lux really hasn’t proven all that much at the ML level.
        Certainly Lux has talent, but…
        McKinstry, a late pick who grinded his way to the bigs and was never granted a “runway,” now has 7 HRs while Lux has 6–and Lux has been up to bat more than double McK. McK’s OPS is .763 while Lux is at .676. Not sure who is the better fielder–McK did have a nice play at 3B today–but McK is certainly more versatile.
        Chris Taylor has made the transition from UT guy to All-Star. Perhaps that is in Lux’s future.

        1. “ As for Betts and Belli, they’ve proven what they are capable of. Slumps happen, so fans can be patient…”.

          Me: I will give you Betts, but not Bellinger. His slump has lasted 1.5 years, and I don’t see him getting any better, do you? He was mediocre at best last year. Except for a few big swings, he stunk again in the playoffs. He is stinking it up again all year this year. Let’s call a spade a spade….the pitchers now have a reliable book on how to pitch Cody, and he is helpless against good pitchers. I’m sure he can hit a poor #4, #5 pitcher, like our whole team hit last night against 4 Arizona bums….but he (and Lux) won’t be doing that against the top teams in the playoffs, especially against LHP.

          I’ve seen enough….trade Bellinger to Atlanta to fill in for Acuna and pick up a few top prospects. This way, we don’t have to fret about paying Cody or Corey. It’s now easy….Pay Mr Seager!

  6. Why did Nunez throw a fastball and not his change? He was making him look silly with the change. Why is uceta always in the ninth? Whose bright idea was it to bring up Reed? We look like Oklahoma City. Muncy has come back to earth. He is first pitch swinging with no results. His defense is unacceptable. Betts should drop out of the all star game. Use an injury as the excuse.

    I used to watch Taylor and as soon as he got 2 strikes I just wrote k in the book. Well somebody showed the stat and it was unbelievable how true that was. Bellinger looks like Taylor with 2 strikes. It gets a little old watching them bring Beaty to ph. He is a dp waiting to happen. Our catching is really in a funk. Smith looks bad on both sides of the ball. Barnes well embarrassing!

    The silver lining is the team is still within 2 games and can’t play much worse!! Of all the pitchers it seems like Buehler is just missing something. He just doesn’t seem as competitive or dominant. Finally, as bear says forget Robert’s he is their guy but what a dumbass. How many times can u set uceta up for failure? Do the same thing over and over and expect a different result? Insanity!!

    1. Buller has the lowest ERA and best winning percentage on the staff. He’s starting to hit 97, I’m still looking for 99 like last year.

      That Nunez fastball was a loud out if Mookie wasn’t playing in the gap. But, that changeup is really dirty.

      Bellinger is pulling off everything. How about a 95% swing for a while. He’s also swinging out of the zone constantly.

      I always thought Muncy was below average defensively. Fat Albert catches that ball every time. Muncy has carried the team most of the season. His strikeouts are way down and his doubles are way up. So, the bat seems to be getting better. His defense is acceptable at 1B considering his bat. He’s well rounded, as far as filling out his uniform is concerned.

  7. PLEASE
    Could someone tell me what Tatis has to do with everything related to the Bauer problem? I missed that information and read that Tatis and Clevinger are involved, and the only thing I can think of (not knowing anything about the facts) is that …. Tatis and Clevinger hired and sent that woman with Bauer? Was it a plan to get him into trouble? It wouldn’t seem strange to me coming from those SD assholes!
    In fact the only thing that would be strange is that Manny was not involved
    I know, I think I’m exaggerating, but nothing is impossible and everything is possible

    2. Clevinger and Bauer are best friends. I can’t imagine that he would do something to setup Bauer. Tatis Jr, on the other hand may be a different story, since he’s already had a ride on that bike. I’m amazed at the lack of self-awareness by the women involved calling Clev and Bauer “whackadoos” after referring to her hookup with Tatis as an “achievement”.

      I don’t think you’re exaggerating. As information keeps coming out, it gets stranger by the day. Hopefully Bauer learns from this transgression. I’m actually beginning to feel sorry for the guy. At a minimum, the info in the article suggests that she had malicious intentions before they ever met face to face.

      1. What article? Radar Online? Seriously?

        I don’t know what really happened. Neither does anybody here. The woman set him up? Maybe. But if Bauer is stupid enough to walk into that trap he’s gonna pay for it. And what male among us hasn’t employed poor judgment triggered by testosterone? The difference here is Bauer has a lot more to lose than the rest of us. She asked for it? Yeah, maybe. She got it. Now she’s asking for a lot more. And she’ll probably get that too.

        A few here keep saying “Innocent until proven guilty”. Uh, no. Not in our justice system. Once you’ve seen in operation, you know better.

        Lux is OPS’n .789 the last week. Doesn’t feel like it, I know. He OPS’s .850 in the 6 hole. 40 PA’s. Put him there. And oh yeah, teach him how to receive throws (phil pointed that out) and hit him a hundred grounders a day until he can field a hundred in a row without muffing any.

        Nunez yes, Uceta no.

        Go get a starter Andrew. 3 bullpen games a week ain’t gonna work.

        There’s more, but, as you were.

        1. You know Badger, when I saw “RadarOnline” as a source I was more than a bit sceptical was well, until I read the article.

          Radar spoke to the friend and the friend’s attorney, Daniel Gilleon, who both corroborated the messages and said they had been given to both PPD and MLB.

          Since you probably didn’t read the article, let me show you something pertinent…

          The woman referred to PPD as “those corrupt f–kers” and said cops had interrogated her about “setting this up” and how she “joked about his amount of money and how I wanted to be a baseball wife.”

          That’s the accuser’s own words. She believes that the cops think this is a setup.

          I agree about our justice system though. It ain’t perfect.

          1. You assume a lot Bullpen

            I read it. But I also researched the source. It might be accurate, it’s more likely it was deliberately sensationalized. Believe what you want. I believe Bauer exercised incredibly bad judgment. I believe what she said about the cops. I also believe there will continue to be loud voices calling for “justice”. I don’t trust MLB to do the right thing because… well, because of their history. What I am more interested in is what will the Dodgers do?

            I too once believed innocent until proven guilty. I learned the hard way, as many do in this country.

        2. People used to say that about the Enquirer & TMZ. They have broken more sports & entertainment stories in the last decade than any MSM source has.

  8. Dodgers: Justin Turner and Walker Buehler Added to the NL All-Star Team

    1. Nice of Doc to rest Justin twice during a 4 game series so he can get a couple of innings at the All-Star game. Glad Mookie is bowing out. He’s showing that it’s more important to play for the name of the front of the jersey.

    2. I personally don’t watch the all star game anymore since Mays and Aaron. I am glad Mookie opted out. Although I am happy for our players to get the honor I wish they were resting during this break.

      Bauer exercised poor judgement for sure. Humans have a very difficult time handling a position of power. People who are financially independent and worshiped keep seeking more. That is why I can’t stomach politicians. It is all about power and the next election. It is what makes kershaw so special great player class person.

      Seager was going to b out 4-6 weeks and now it has been 8 weeks so I have read. This is why I hate to listen to docs medical reports. Even when he gets back he is not likely to b the Seager we remember.

      I mentioned that buehler is missing something. Well he wasn’t initially chosen for the all star game so I wasn’t the only thinking this. My point was u could count on buehler in a big playoff game but this year not so sure.

        1. I did not say he was crappy!! He has been very good but I c a velocity drop and also a k drop. Just thinking something is missing from his usual dominance.

          1. He is sacrificing K’s for performance/efficiancy, trying to go longer & it is working. Better to get a one or two pitch groundout than a 5 pitch strikeout.

  10. I believe none of what I read about Bauer. Good or bad. We may have more info after the All-Star Break, but don’t hold your breath. Obviously, Bauer used poor judgment, but to what degree? We do not know.

  11. The reason I would like to see Ruiz is his low strikeout rate. This is in huge contrast to the rest of the team. Plus he is a switch-hitter. I like Barnes, but I think Ruiz is better… much better!

  13. Badger brings up some good points about our justice system. But, I think he’s looking at this from the lense of his own personal experiences, sorry to rehash Badger…

    “Innocent until proven guilty”. Uh, no. Not in our justice system. Once you’ve seen in operation, you know better.

    She asked for it? Yeah, maybe. She got it. Now she’s asking for a lot more. And she’ll probably get that too.

    Not so fast Badger. Maybe for me or you, but this case involves Trevor Bauer, Fernando Tatis Jr., The Los Angeles Dodgers and Guggenheim. We aren’t dealing with the guppies, we are dealing with the sharks.

    The Pasadena Police Department, I’m sure, has plenty of experience dealing with extortion involving their rich residents. The cops had interrogated her about “setting this up” is very telling to me. The Radar Online text messages between her and her friend back this up. Do you realize that she is a guppy like me and you? Not a shark like Guggenheim, the Dodgers and Bauer and Tatis. This could completely backfire on her and exhonnerate Trevor.

    The case is very political considering how vocal Bauer has been regarding the current commissioner. But, Marfred has to tread lightly here. If he does something that looks retaliatory towards a big name player the upcoming CBA is going to turn into a shit show like nobody has seen before. The fact that the new “Face of Baseball” Tatis just got dragged into this makes it all the more complicated. Is it coincidence that Tatis is .233/.258/.467 over his last 7 games?

    If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck…

    Talk about sight vs vision.

    I’m wondering if Kasten is talking to Manfred behind the scenes letting him know how bad it looks that she was doinking Tatis right before the Bauer setup.

    I’m wondering what a suspension would look like if lawyers could show coordination between Tatis and the accuser. Everyone involved has been stupid enough to use text messages and dms which can be easily recovered. The Internet is forever.

    I’m sure MLB as well as the PPD are looking more at this as applying damage control as opposed to justice.

    1. When you have the money and attorneys that Bauer does, the Police will tread lightly because he is famous and this is in the limelight. They will make sure they do it by the book.

      Of course, there is allegedly a presumption of innocence but in sex crimes, public perception often drives the train. So many have Bauer already convicted and sentenced. Badger is speaking from his experience and if one does not have the money or an iron will, the system often eats them alive! That is a fact!

      1. Yep, that’s what happened. We could afford only the $100k lawyer. He wasn’t willing to take on the police department. I also learned cops and prosecutors are allowed to lie in court. They have their own word for it – testilying. Academic papers have been written on it. I didn’t read them until the trial had started. Cops and lawyers lie in court every day. There are several doing it somewhere right now. It starts with the arrest report and the charges filed, and continues in court. They can say whatever they want, it doesn’t have to be true, but it’s up to the defense to prove innocence. And here’s something else I learned the hard way – juries believe cops. It may be different now, as today we have video. It wasn’t true a few years ago.

        I doubt Bauer will have to put up with that. He’s rich, he’s a celebrity, we know how that can go. But, he is considered guilty by many, and will have to prove his innocence. I wish him luck with that. I’d like to see him return. He pitches good. As of this moment, I have my doubts.

  14. Dodgers Will Be in Attendance When Free Agent Pitcher Cole Hamels Throws a Showcase
    A southpaw arm to watch for the Dodgers.
    Hamels is now 37-years-old and was last with the Braves after signing an $18 million deal in December of 2019. He pitched in just 1 game and was charged with 3 earned runs with Atlanta. Shoulder issues kept him out of games for most of the shortened season, but the Dodgers might need him.

    1. Right now the Dodgers would be in attendance if Tommy Lasorda came back from the grave and had a throwing session!

  15. Lux is the jewel in the future, but for some he is the favorite villain, just leave him in the eighth place in the line up and from there do not move him, in most games he gets a single and a BB, he has a positive defense in the SS and he already has 2 WAR, let him play, Lux IS NOT THE PROBLEM, injuries and SBs allowed IF THEY ARE.

    1. I hope you are right and I agree, keep him at #8 where it seems he feels less pressure. But I no longer consider him any jewel. He’s just okay….much better against RHP. When Seager returns, he should be platooned at 2B with Taylor. He should not be an everyday player unless you want a .200-.230 player in your everyday lineup.

      I have not done an analysis on him, but I wonder who he is getting most of his big hits against, like last night’s triple and his HRs? I’m curious to know, are they against opposing top pitchers, or are they against the bottom pitchers? Maybe somebody will do that analysis for all of us. Honestly, I’m not motivated to, but I’m thinking, I wouldn’t be surprised to know most big hits are against the bottom feeders, or guys who are mediocre or less.

  16. Proud of Mookie for bowing out of the game. He has been there before and he felt he was not having a very good season, He also cited the fact he has been battling wrist and back injuries. I am tired of the Bauer circus, and will be glad when the whole damn thing is just over. I like Lux, but he should sit against LHP same as Joc did. Neither can hit lefty’s worth a damn. Nunez impressed me a lot. He made one bad pitch. Defense still a problem this week. 14 errors over the last 5 games? Terrible. Muncy leads all 1st basemen in defense, so the criticism of his fielding is wrong, he just misplayed that ball. Pollock is a much better hitter when he uses the entire field. Bellinger needs to be moved down in the lineup. He is not a viable option in the 4 hole right now. I do not know how Theralten can even think that we could not count on Buehler in the post season. He gets stronger as the year goes on. He did it last season and he is doing it again. In my estimation, he is the ACE of the staff. Not Kersh or Urias. Yep, Roberts makes the strangest pitching decisions at the worst times. Uceta had no business coming into that game. You need to beat teams like the D-Backs, especially when your two main protagonists are both starting to win again. And the Pads are playing the leagues other big patsy, the D-Backs. Hoyer now says the Cubs will be selling at the deadline, and the clamor on Twitter for the Dodgers to bring back Joc is huge. Not so much for Kike.

    1. I been saying buehler was the ace of the staff the last 3 years. When it come to the playoffs the Dodgers believe that 2 because he has started all the key games. All I meant was his k rate is down his velocity is down. When I watch him he can’t seem to put guys away with 2 strikes. He was not picked for the all star game for some reason. Why is that? His last game against Miami he got 2 outs and just let the game get away. He just doesn’t look as dominant to me. Just an opinion. U have yours I have mine. I hope that changes starting tonight but if we were in the playoffs tomorrow I would have some doubt.

  17. Negative rants:

    Lose 3 out of 4 to the Marlins.

    Lose the 1st of 3 to the Diamondbacks.

    Betts OPS is .799. Consider the money he is making.

    Bellinger OPS is .594.

    Lux OPS is .671.

    Uceta in the 9th inning in a close game not once but twice.

    Doc’s insistence on resting guys right before the all star break.

    The last 5 games have been mind boggling.

  18. Bellinger STINKS! Send him to wherever Uceta is going! I can only hope and pray that Mark posts my comment and calls me a moron come October! It won’t be the first time!

  19. I haven had much to say lately. There isn’t much to say. I’ve never seen us play worse and the reasons have all been explored ad nauseam.
    I’ve heard all the updates and speculation I need to on the Bauer situation and refuse to add any more. Nobody here knows either, so until something concrete is comes out, it all bloviation.
    I’ve talked enough about Doc’s bullpen use and in-game decisions while knowing how difficult it is to navigate these waters without a full navy.
    We still need 1.5 more starting pitchers at least
    While I have no clue about Bauer’s guilt or innocents and refuse to comment on it, I do know his poor judgement has created more problems than just his absence and has killed what’s left of the Dodger rotation and bullpen. So far, his 2 missed starts have necessitated 2 more bullpen games and 15 more appearances, stressing more an overly stressed pen. That’s made for 4 pen games in the last 6 games. That’s made for 28 pitching appearances. That’s 7 pitchers per game which in entirely unsustainable. While I can question Doc’s use of these guys until the cows come home, this just can’t work.

    Our play is streaky and inconsistent. Is it possible Doc’s line ups du jour have caused some of the stability problems?There’s plenty of blame to spread around like manure. I’ve said enough and read enough about Bellinger’s batting. I personally don’t like how he hits but he’s never been that fond of me either. He is who he is. He will always be streaky with the long swing with all these moving parts He relies on timing more than more most anybody especially those with simple swings. He will be awesome when he gets hot for awhile and than he won’t be able to hit a bull in the ass with a tennis racket.
    I need an all-star break.
    I also am finding that I’ve become less patient with a couple of posters who feel the need to dominate the site. One troll likes to constantly reply to other’s posts with nonsense and feeble attempts at humor. He’s failed his anger management class and gets very personal when he feels challenged.
    The other has emerged as Mr. Baseball in his mind. Somedays he has 1/4 to 1/3 of all the posts, needing to prove he’s the smartest guy in the room. Now he can’t talk enough about the Trevor Bauer situation. He too becomes combative and competitive when he perceives to be challenged with other people’s opinions. He goes to extremes to defend his statements even if they are based on something he misread or misunderstood. He has thin skin and a long memory and will never be a good relief pitcher.
    I find both overbearing and somewhat bullying to others. This site is a competition for both. I’m not interested in that. So, I will just be quiet and read the blog without comment for awhile.

    1. I resent those comments and only partially resemble them.
      I may make feeble attempts at humor, but my skin isn’t thin just very loose and I don’t have a long memory.
      I do remember in 1961 had the opportunity to visit the Giants club house at Candlestick and not only did I get an autographed baseball by by Willie McCovey and Orlando Cepeda but some them clad only in there jock straps.
      Now what was I saying?

    2. Stop talking about Timmons like that. It’s his site. 😉

      Seriously though, I understand finding certain personalities here that push your buttons. I get my buttons pushed by posters here too, trust me, but I don’t know what kind of … sort of … calling them out … but not calling them out was supposed to accomplish? If they have thin skin as you say this isn’t going to help.

      Just to play your guessing game, I’m pretty sure I can figure out one of your culprits, and, yeah, there’s a little competitive posturing that goes on sometimes, but he has good takes even if I don’t always agree and knows baseball, so I don’t usually get annoyed. He’s been posting a lot, but whatev … I just skim if I’m not into it.

      If you have an issue my suggestion is to address it constructively and respectfully so you have a better chance at resolution and changing the offending behavior. That means being a little less defensive on your end.

    3. Gee, I wonder who you’re talking about.

      I’m naturally sarcastic and sometimes my attempts at humor might strike a chord with some. I’m not sorry about it. For every butt hurt there’s another that gets my humor.

      I like to comment on other people’s posts when they say something ridiculous to bring them back to reality, or when they say something informative to let them know that someone else appreciates their thoughtful contribution. That’s why I post so much, and also because I’m obsessed with Dodgers baseball, and because I’m bored.

      This isn’t the first time you said something like this and I’ll assume it won’t be the last. But, take note. I haven’t complained about you or really anyone else. You drew first blood and the old me would have come out swinging.

      I do feel bad for you to have the view that I need to prove I’m the smartest in room. Maybe you should look inward at that one, it might just be inferiority complex. Besides, we all know that AC is the smartest guy in this room, and he’s been wrong before, just like the rest of us.

      What you see in me as arguing, I see as discussing. When you discuss things, you bring up your point and maybe someone disagrees and shares their view and sometimes there’s a back and forth. If you scroll above, you’ll see that I don’t always have the need to say the last word, negating your smartest guy theory. What you see as being combative is in my view of giving another side of the story that might not have been thunk about. Maybe I’m repetitive and long winded at times, everyone has their flaws. I mean no malice until someone attacks me.

      Self-awareness is not your strong suit. Talk about getting very personal.

      Just one question. Are you not posting because I’m overbearing and bullying or because there isn’t much to say? Your premise is in conflict with your conclusion. Oh damn, that’s me being smart again.

      I guess you don’t like my Bauer puns.

          1. Bulldog,I enjoy your comments also.Both of you know tons more baseball than I do.I am like u Bulldog,I love the Dodgers way too much.God may ask me about that one day.We fans are not going to agree on everything but we sure can act like friends and enjoy this great blog.Peace my brothers!

    4. Phil,I don’t comment much but i really enjoy your comments.I grew up a basketball nut and understand the game inside and out and always loved to think I was a good high school player.I did not play baseball ,but I have always loved baseball and played and coached softball till my 40s.But you have taught me baseball that I didn’t know,things I didn’t think about.People want you to comment!Dont stop!

      1. Thanks Northmsdodger, I appreciate the compliment. I’ve always tried to use my playing and coaching experience to discuss the finer points and from a players perspective.

  20. Tonight’s lineup:

    RF Mookie

    SS Chris

    3B Justin

    2B Max

    1B Albert

    CF Cody

    LF AJ

    C Austin

    P Walker

    Finally Cody dropped to sixth. He needs to stay there.

    1. Unfortunately it probably has more to do with a lefty being on the hill.

    2. I’d use reverse psychology on Cody.
      I’d bat him leadoff and tell him he’s there to bunt and hit singles and when he gets on to steal bases.
      I’d tell him every time he hits a grounder to the right side of second base it’s going to cost him $500.
      Maybe that would convince him he has a lot more to his game than hitting long fly balls and grounders to second base.

      1. 50 years ago it was possible to fine a player for not advancing the runner, be nice if that was still possible

  21. Uceta still in the pen, Dodgers made a trade today, they sent Hugo Beltran to the Orioles for Cash! Money, dinero, lettuce. Snakes sent last nights starter Weider back to AAA and activated former Angel Kole Calhoun from the IL. Acuna carted off of the field with a leg injury. Braves will know later how serious it is. Anyone see Ohtani’s 33rd HR on replay at all??? He hit it into the upper deck in Seattle. What makes it more amazing is that he hit it off of a lefty. Ball was hit 115.6 MPH and supposedly traveled 463 feet. Maddon said he thought it was hit farther than that. My pick to win the darby. Bellinger needs to stay low in the order until he starts hitting. No Lux today against a lefty. None of the Dodgers have had much experience against this guy. But they have been better against lefty’s lately than they were earlier in the year. Theralten, I respect your opinion my man, but listening to the broadcasts, Buehler is making a concerted effort to be more pitch efficient and not getting a high pitch count so early in games, so he is pitching more to contact than he has before. That means taking some velocity off of some of his fastballs. He still dials up 98 pretty regularly. Personally, I would have dropped Bellinger to 7th and have him hit behind Pollock, who has been a much better hitter than Cody all year long.

      1. I have more confidence in him than I do any other pitcher on the staff, including Kersh.

    1. 4.0 IP, 1 hit, 0 walks, 4 K. 53 pitches, 38 strikes. I watched his game, and he looked good.

  24. Ronald Acuna tears right ACL. Obviously out for the year. Troubles continue for Atlanta.

  26. I’m not opposed now to using Lux in a trade for an impact arm and letting CT3 and ZMack take over 2b.

  28. Why is there no mercy rule in baseball? I thought that MLB teams tried not to humiliate their opponents in lopsided games. This strikes me as bad karma, piling on like this when AZ puts in Josh Reddick to pitch.

    1. Teams are not supposed to pile on by doing things like stealing bases or swinging at 3-0 pitches when the score gets lopsided. They’re still expected to keep on hitting and pitching as usual. Players are expected to attempt to enhance their personal batting and pitching stats. So whatever Reddick was throwing they’re supposed to hit, without any hint of mercy.

      Nice offensive night, but nothing to get excited about. We’ve found out too often that getting excited by any single outburst is not advisable. I want to see what happens when Seager returns and Bellibger, Mookie, Muncy and the rest of the lineup begins to protect one another.

  31. Hey, I could care less about Reddick He sucked as a Dodger and I would have loved to see them score more off of him. Pujols crushing a 60 MPH pitch just made me feel that much better, Why should any of us care about embarrassing a team as bad as Arizona??? They embarrass themselves every time they set foot on a ball field.

  32. Best thing about last nights game? Only 4 K’s all night. Considering how many times they have been striking out lately, seeing all of that contact was fun. I am pretty sure Arizona did not have any fun.

  33. I hope we saved some runs for today’s game before the break. A reminder today at 7pm EST, the the First Year Player’s MLB draft starts on the MLB Network.

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