Dodger Baseball… Please!

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1. You’re up early. Me too.

   F Texas. Sorry. That may sound rude but I think we should allow Texas to secede.

   Ok, my post in reply to Bear, who I know is up too …

   Bora$$ gonna spin because that’s what Bora$$ do. It’s possible Seager has just been unlucky, but some players are unlucky with injuries. Tulowitzki comes to mind. David Wright. Remember Brandon Webb? I believe he was gone at 30. Grady Sizemore. It can happen. I believe the Dodgers will make a reasonable offer at the same time they are making other plans. Sure would change the landscape if Lux tore it up in the second half. I noticed he is now taking throws more better at second base.

   That reminds me – philjones, I assume you are still out there reading. I just want you to know, one old coach to another, more knowledgeable old coach, your baseball insights are missed.

   1. One more thing, since today’s topic is again of a political nature:

      I’ve known you over twenty years and I know nothing I say is going to change your mind. Mine won’t be changed either. I don’t know what cemented your values, but having lived in the Midwest I know your upbringing must have had a lot to with it. There’s an excellent book that Bumswrap recommended to me – “American Nations – A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America” that helps explain how we are historically divided and why we may look at same thing and see something completely different.

      For me, yes, it absolutely is a choice of lesser evils. It likely is for you too. It’s extremely hard for progressives to look at Donald F Trump and see what it is you see in him. I think he’s he is a disgrace. As for Democrat or Republican, our only real choices in elections, I believe Charles Barkley summed it best several years ago when he said “I was a Republican til they lost their minds”

      1. Funny, I feel the same about Democrats, especially so-called progressives!

      2. “F Texas. Sorry. That may sound rude but I think we should allow Texas to secede.”

         Why even talk like that? Seriously. Why is Joe and the chorus of Democratic politicians making Civil War 2.0 talk? Over what? … a restriction on drive through voting? Are you kidding? Which Democratic strategist thought that kind of messaging was ok? Why say it? …apparently that kind of speech is now matriculating into the minds of the people who are exposed to it and receptive to it, because now you’re openly saying it.

         Compare and contrast with what the President said on the eve of Civil War 1.0

         “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”

         The way things are going, unless there is an abrupt change, in my lifetime, probably our lifetimes, there will be a dissolution of this country … for reasons I don’t think either of us really understand. You might be ok with that. You might welcome that. I don’t.

         We live within 5 miles of each other. We both were born and raised in Southern California. Regional components obviously play a role in how Americans see the world, but there are obviously other factors as well.

         1. Thanks for the civility lesson. It just reeks of sincerity.

            It was said tongue in cheek. I’ve been to Texas several times, kinda like it there. Considered a move there a few years ago. Decided not to because of Texans.

            1. F you

            2. Seriously?

            3. Its pretty easy to see people are leaving CA and NY in droves and moving to places like TX and NC and SC…..

               Texas is a fine place. CA., NY, not so much….

         2. What Mark leaves out of his text is empowering of poll watchers. As recently as 1962, Republican poll watchers in some parts of Texas challenged Black and Latino voters to read and explain the U.S. Constitution before casting ballots as part of a campaign dubbed “Operation Eagle Eye.” In 2020, then-President Donald Trump cited unverified observations from GOP poll watchers to spread doubt about the results and make false claims of fraud.

            1. You are talking about 50 years ago? Right?

            2. I’m listening to the minority leaders plead their case across the nation. They are dead serious. They believe they are being discriminated against. I believe it’s true in policing policies. Has been for decades. Why wouldn’t I believe they would know a whole better than I do whether what they say is happening is true or not. Am I to believe them, or the Republican leaders who stand to lose more often if minorities vote more often? I think I believe the voices of the oppressed.

            3. As recently as 1962? I wasn’t even born. Just to put that into perspective…

               The Bolshevick revolution occurred in 1917 which is closer to 1962 that we are today in 2021.

            4. In the early 1960’s Democrats were murdering civil rights workers, blowing up 4 little girls getting ready for church, using fire hoses and dogs against peaceful black protesters and shooting Medgar Evers in the back, and you’re complaining about an anecdote about Republicans asking black voters about the Constitution before voting?

            5. Mark,

               What about what Trump did regarding poll watchers?

               Also the voting rights act of 1965 which was put in place for such instances was gutted by the Supreme Court several years ago because things were ok. Since the you have seen more states with poll watchers which historically have been used to intimidate voters.

            6. Ray, it’s true De La Beckwith was at that time a Democrat. He was also a KKK member.

               That was over 50 years ago. I believe that switch has been flipped.

         3. Joe is talking about Jim Crow Civil War stuff because he wants to avoid talking about the serious issues affecting our country today, both at home and abroad. Maybe he also has some cognitive issues inhibiting him so maybe he is being told to keep his topics to the press simple….and to keep pounding away on the issues that some believe make him appear sharp and “with it” …..the virus/vaccination, LBGTQ or Black Lives Matter.

            I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that he is being advised to not talk about issues that he has no answers or solutions for…..such as: the deficit, Afghanistan, illegal immigration, Iran’s nuclear capabilities, bombings in Israel, the rising food prices, Russia hacking into our systems, voter fraud, or unemployment. Discussing these would probably make him look weak and confused. So maybe he is being told to KISS….and this will keep the “progressives” on CNN happy while they continue to look for more news to smear Donald Trump over, which keeps the spotlight off of Uncle Joe.

            1. And DO NOT believe the bullspit about the “switch being flipped”. The left was lionizing Robert Byrd until his death and eulogizing him as a great man even after death. Just a bunch of phony revisionist history.

            2. Joe has talked plenty about the serious issues, and he’s taken action too. The idea that he’s done nothing is absurd.
               Some obvious examples: You might have noticed that covid has been handled much better under this administration than under the former administration. This included its economic impact.
               And you might have heard about the major infrastructure bill the Dems have been working on .
               And yes, he is withdrawing from Afghanistan. This might have happen when Obama was POTUS if not for the fact that W decided to invade Iraq, a nation that had nothing to do with 9/11.
               It’s ironic that you bring up the deficit. Republicans always do. Funny, but the last POTUS to balance a budget was Clinton, and Obama was much more fiscally responsible than the guy who preceded him and the guy who followed him. You can look it up. (Fun fact: Republicans running for President have only one the popular vote one time since Clinton was election–and when W won re-election, Kerry totaled the second most votes for POTUS in history, edged only by the “war president” incumbent. Remember when W had a 90% approval rating after 9/11? What was it when he left office.)

   2. Come back, Phil Jones. Your takes are important. Ignore the morons.

      1. Badger you are listening to Democrat minority leaders. Are you aware that black Americans favor voter ID in polls? They also support school choice.

         1. Thanks for the question Ray. Yes I am. 69% I believe. I am also aware that American voters favor expanding voter access, and are not concerned about voter fraud. Voter fraud is a dog whistle.

      2. Yeah, where is that guy???

   3. If Texas were to secede that would mean 35 fewer precious Electoral votes come ’24. That can’t happen.

   4. Hey, nice start on the post-All Star game season!
      I mean the Dodgers.
      As for this rant, nope. Jan. 6 marked the first time since the Civil War that USA failed to have a peaceful transfer of power, and there’s reason to believe things will get worse. The threats against democracy are very real.
      In several states Republican legislative majorities have advanced bills that would effectively strip the right of their citizens to determine which presidential candidate wins the Electora College votes. Think about this: The citizens of state decide that Joe Democrat should be POTUS because they’ve had their fill of President Republican. But the Republican legislature steps in and says, “No, we politicians have to power and you, the people, don’t.”
      So let’s imagine a ripple effect here–and let’s flip the scenario. Say that the people of Anystate decide they think Ron Republican should replace President Democrat, because that rhymes-with-witch really sucks. But the Democratic legislature steps in for some trumped-up reason (see what I did there?) and says, “No, President Democrat gets Anystate’s electoral college votes.”
      And since Anystate is a swing state–the Florida of this future election–Anystate’s Democratic legislative majority can effectively determine the next POTUS. Never mind that Ron Republican had a 10 million victory in the popular vote.
      Screw those people. Sucks for them, ha ha! Just like it sucked for those stupid Gore voters and Hillary voters. They ought to just stop their whining. What do they think this is? Some sort of democracy?
      So obviously, the voting law in one state can influence the entire nation. The 537 Floridians chose Bush over Gore ultimately meant everything, while Gore’s 540,000 vote margin nationwide mean zilch. Think about that: You could fill Dodger Stadium ten times over with those Gore voters.
      Sucked for them, right? And how many Americans are happy now that W invaded Iraq before finishing the job in Afghanistan?
      Anyway, the political culture of the USA is seriously screwed up. The stakes are not low. Jan. 6 marked the first time since the Civil War than the US failed to have a peaceful transfer of power–and there is reason to think this will get worse, not better. Americans have been engaging a lot of self-destructive behavior lately–note how the Delta variant is raging in the least vaccinated regions–and we are perfectly capable of destroying our own democracy.
      Worth a read: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/07/15/american-democracy-survived-its-reichstag-fire-jan-6-threat-has-not-subsided/
      As for the Dodgers, a few thoughts:
      –Loved how the All-Star game showcased three Dodgers who were essentially castoff. Fans of the Mets, A’s, and Mariners look at Turner, Muncy and Taylor and wonder why. This trio, as much or more than the Dodgers 1st Round draft picks (Kersh, Seager, Buhler, Smith) explain the team’s success. Great to have a scouting system that finds diamonds in the rough.
      –Mookie is getting on track. We’ve been waiting, and some people have been complaining, but even in this down year he’s been a lot better than several stars both inside and outside the Dodgers. (Yelich, Rendon and Soto,for example.) Plus, I just watched the MLB’s rundown of 50 top plays of the first half. Two were Mookie on defense, and third was him getting robbed of a double.
      –If Seager comes back and just picks up where he left off, well, it would be better than Lux, but still not that great. We expect a lot more from him and Belli too. So, yeah, Muncy, Turner and Taylor have been carrying this team.
      –Julio is now 12-3. His ERA of 3.78 doesn’t reflect how effective he’s been. One bad pitch to Cron.

2. I also would like to see Phil Jones feedback. I can’t take all these political takes and won’t reply to any of them and I appreciate his baseball knowledge.

3. Not sure how much more we will know after Bauer’s hearing. The purpose of the hearing is to consider whether a restraining order against him should remain in force. Bauer will most likely not speak as it could put him in legal jeopardy. Some facts make come out but i get the feeling nothing will really change until the PPD states their findings.

   https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2021-07-07/dodgers-trevor-bauer-restraining-order-felony-sexual-assault

   1. I went to read that and was asked for $116. It might be worth it, but, maybe you can just sum it up for me.

      1. Funny it was free for me. Anyway, hears some of the pertinent points:

         Bauer has not been arrested or charged. In the event the investigation remains ongoing at the time of the hearing, any testimony Bauer might provide could be used against him in a potential criminal case, said Chloe Wolman, a Los Angeles family law attorney. She said she has advised clients in similar situations not to testify in hearings involving restraining orders.
         Though Bauer’s attorneys could “refute and defend him against the allegations” at the hearing, their arguments would not be considered as evidence, veteran family law attorney Lynn Soodik said.

         Bauer also could agree to the restraining order while continuing to dispute the woman’s allegations,

         1. Refute and defend. Sounds tough. I know from personal experience it ain’t.

            Is there enough there for a conviction? Maybe. Do either of them want this to go public in a courtroom? I don’t know, she might. I’m quite certain Bauer, and the Dodgers, do not.

         2. To me it seems that first someone comes forward and then others follow. So far I haven’t heard of ‘others’ substantiating the accuser’s claiming this is something in his M/O. But on the other side a once friendly now hostile witnessed the accuser’s M/O this behavior and even with other star MLB players. I think she’s trying to create a payday for herself most likely.

            1. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck.

            2. If that’s the case, and I don’t know it is, then pay the woman and get it over with. Stupidity can be costly. I believe many in here know that from experience.

4. President Biden is President in title only. If anyone really thinks he is of sound mind and is truly in charge they are simply not watching what I’m watching. It’s clear he is being handled by a group of handlers and delivering policy consistent with the agendas of AOC and the rest of the squad along with Kamela.

   They’re now blaming the uprising in Cuba on Trump’s embargo….yes the same embargo originally imposed by JFK. Amazing when you think about history. Regan telling Gorbachev to tear “down the wall” separating East and West Berlin that started the downfall of the Iron Curtain, while the current administration can’t even mention Cuba as an evil oppressive government where the Castro’s are millionaires and Cubans suffer in squalor.

   Cuban’s marching/protesting in Havana with American flags and perhaps that country on the precipice of a regime change and democracy, but yet AOC and the like want to blame Trump out of fear he just might get credit for the start of something good in our world. Amazing how this life-long politician (Biden) can’t think for himself, has to use que cards to even remember where he’s at, won’t take questions from reporters, told us Trump’s vaccine was bad, but now touts that same vaccine as the saving grace . I’m not an anti-vaxer, but you cannot have it both ways.

   I’ll soon be leaving California where I’ve lived my entire life. Paying nearly $5.00 a gallon for gas, homeless and vagrancy everywhere, de-criminalization of many what use to be crimes, a one party state, release of over 35, 000 inmates from prisons because the State couldn’t provide adequate healthcare. Instead of building jail bed space and improving healthcare in the penal institutions the democratic politicians decided a better option would be to release those inmates prematurely back into society where they could continue their life of crime by victimizing hard working Californians.

   Mark has gotten nearly everything right from my perspective and I enjoy the LADT blog even with its occasional political spin-off. Now back to baseball.

   1. Now see, you right flipper guys have the advantage in debate. You have alternative facts, we left flippers don’t.

      Yes, back to baseball.

      1. Ya know, it actually takes TWO flippers to make the porpoise go dontcha?

   2. My wife is from the Bay Area and lived there for 30 years.

      She has now lived in Indy for 28 years and while we go back every year, she no longer knows the city and is ready to leave after a day. Even Napa is not what it used to be.

      The city is becoming a S_____ Hole.

      1. SF or Napa? I loved living in Napa. And SF was a great city to go play in. Haven’t been to either place in over a decade.

         S___ Hole! I’m sure the people that live there will be sad to hear that.

         1. The amount of people who “will be sad to here that” gets less and less each day.
            >>>>Since the beginning of the pandemic, net domestic exits from the Bay Area “have increased 178% compared to pre-pandemic trends, with a 9% increase in departures and a 21% decrease in entrances in the last three quarters of 2020 relative to the same period in 2019,” according to the study.
            During the last three quarters of 2020, San Francisco saw the largest percentage increase in residential exits of any county in the state, data shows.<<<<
            And as far as Napa goes, it is just a big money grab these days. I much prefer how it was 30+ years ago laid back & friendly and affordable to tour. Though much smaller I much prefer our local "winery scene" here in CO in the Palisade and surrounding areas. Most tastings are either free or a buck or two. Good traditional wines, and since this is the CO "fruit basket" we have TONS of interesting fruit based wines, a meadery and a couple cool distilleries to boot.
            Cheers All
            pb+

            1. I lived in Napa for 5 years. That was 20 years ago. I was still working, helping a buddy build homes, I was playing in two softball leagues and an Over 30 MABL team (hit my last home run at age 50 on the Napa College field in playoffs) and I was umpiring. I was still drinking wine then and had some relationships with wineries up and down the valley from my days in advertising there. I LOVED living there.

               That said, I’m doing none of that now, haven’t been there in years, and have lost most connections. I don’t really care anymore. I recall SF as a beautiful city with great restaurants and plenty to do, but it’s a city hit hard recently. I haven’t been there either but I seriously doubt it’s a sh*t hole.

            2. Porpoiseboy: Your facts contradict Badgers narrative. They are therefore “alternative “ facts.

            3. That’s okay Ray, I live in a “alternate universe” according to some anyway.
               Hell the word “fact” may be the 2nd most misused word in the language today, right after nazi.
               Cheers dude
               pb+

         2. SF is a lot worse, but Napa is not what it used to be.

            1. I’ll take your word for it.

            2. I did always like V Sattui winery though. I think it was my fave. By a bottle or two & some cheeses and cold cuts & sit out on the lawn with friends ….. good days for sure.

            3. Peju, St Clement, Stag’s Leap, Silverado, Clos Pegase, Beringer, Clos du Val… just to name a few. I played baseball for the Sutter Home Classics, so, I got a few bottles from there. Meh. Ok. Price was right.

            4. I lived in Vacaville for 4 years and visited Napa Valley at least weekly. The Clif Family Winery was my favorite because I loved the cycling museum. I also enjoyed the museum at the Inglenook estate that he pieced back together, then sold.
               I have no idea what it was like before2009, but we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Great wine, food, and art. The “English” muffins at Central Bakery in Napa were a favorite treat.

   3. Spot on on Sleepy Joe. If his wife does not hold his hand guiding him he wont even find his way on a porch.

      Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      1. One of my faves is the vid where he says “why am I here?”. INSTANT CLASSIC!

5. Voltaire said that “Common sense is not so common”.

   I love to read literature because I amazed that the same problems that people made for themselves hundreds of years ago are being repeated in contemporary times.

   The next time a person’s political views are changed as a result of a discussion on the Internet will be the first time.

   The Dodgers were playing what I would describe as uneven leading up to the break. They beat down a surging Nats team and lost 3 of 4 to the Fish before losing a home game against the D-Backs.

   I was looking forward to the break to alleviate my frustrations with the less than stellar play, roster deficiencies, scheduled days off for hot players right before a short vacation, bullpen games, mystery injuries resulting in short DL stints and the anticipation of getting our All-Star shortstop back from a lengthy IL stint.

   After the political shit-show here during the last few days, I find myself yearning for a baseball game so we can discuss why Lux, Pollock and Bellinger suck.

   As I write this, we are just about 10 short (or long, depending on your political views) hours until first pitch in Colorado. I appreciate the early start time after the 4 day layoff.

   Besides the upcoming game, we are now officially in trade season with just two short weeks before the deadline. AF has already said that pitching is a priority and although as starter would be preferred, a bullpen arm isn’t out of the question.

   I don’t find it coincidental that Bauer’s paid vacation was extended by two weeks this time after having back to back 1 week sentences. It sure looks like MLB is waiting for the PPD investigation to conclude before imposing their will. I can only speculate that they will follow PPD’s lead. If charges are dropped, the suspension will be such as to allow Bauer to come back this season. If charges are filed, Bauer will be suspended for the remainder of the year. This gives the Dodgers time to pull the trigger just ahead of the deadline.

   Unfortunately, the starting pitching market looks about as thin as I’ve ever seen it. It seemed logical that the Braves, who are sitting a a game below 500, would be sellers after losing Acuna for the season. Hell, they can save a few million by unloading the remainder of Morton’s contract and at 37 years old, and on a 1 year deal, there’s little reason to include him in next year’s plans. I think that shows just how valuable post season games are to a franchise.

   As Bear pointed out regarding Black Friday, it isn’t until November that retailers paint over the red in their Income Statements to black. Post-season games are where MLB franchises really break out the black paint.

   It’s too bad that Gray and Pepiot’s most recent starts give little reason for the Dodgers to believe that either will be a viable replacement for the loss of a top of the rotation guy. The Nats are a sinking ship losing 4 more going into the break, and with very few, or actually no arms with Scherzer’s resume, they’re in the catbird seat to extort a haul for one of the game’s top pitchers. That doesn’t sound like an AF move.

   As I hinted at yesterday, maybe the Dodgers would be better served to move Ruiz to the Marlins for one of their young pitchers and get a little control and a lot of upside instead of going for the big name.

   I’ll be refreshing all the sites today to see if Seager will be activated ahead of the game tonight. It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to make that move ahead of the Giants series.

   Hopefully karma, luck, statistical regression to mean and the baseball Gods will be kinder to the Dodgers in the second half. Price will return to his 2017-2018 version, Gonsolin will begin to go deeper, Kershaw’s “swelling” was more of a planned breather and Urias shows no ill effects by throwing 200+ innings. Bellinger will get his timing, Seager will regain his range and Mookie will start being that dynamic player again. Jansen will start getting those first two hitters out, Treinen will start having ground balls find an infielder instead of a hole, V-gone will get his command back and Knebel will miraculously begin his rehab assignment in short order.

   We let the Giants have the first half, now we will see the Dodgers claim their rightful place on the throne with a dominant second half.

   You’re right Mark, It’s time for Dodgers Baseball!

   1. Solid post Bullpen.

      Frankly I’d prefer to keep Gonsolin and Price in the bullpen. Both of them could pitch 2 innings every other day if they throw strikes.

      Seager and Bellinger returning to form will, in my estimation, help the team avoid so many offensive offensive sputters. I look for Mookie to be better too. I’m not as concerned about the offense as I am about pitching. I don’t believe we will ever be an above average defensive team. I think it’s important, but I get that’s not as important to the success of this particular club.

      I had of course planned on Rios giving Turner a break but now I’m fine with McKinstry taking that assignment. I leave Muncy at first, and I leave Lux at second.

      Bauer. If he’s there, great. I hope that happens. But I believe the trade deadline will happen before we see him again, so, starting pitching is my #1 priority.

      Was talking with STB recently about Scherzer, the Dodgers and Preller. Yeah, he’s more of a gambler than Andrew, he’s had the superior system to get better. Must have more money now too, but my question is – do the Padres have the money to offer Scherzer the extension he is apparently demanding. The Dodgers do. They can do whatever they want financially. I think with Andrew prospects are more important than $. The Scherzer play will be interesting to watch.

      1. The most recent farm system rankings from BA rate the Padres below the Dodgers.

         Seager batting second moves Muncy to 4th and Belli to 6th. That’s going to create a juggernaut of an offense. Price looked like a big game pitcher against us in ’18 and Urias and Bueller both look like big game pitchers. Knebel, Jansen, Treinen, V-Gone look to be a very formidable back end. Bickford, Kelly and Graterol are more than enough to provide a bridge and Alexander, Cleavinger and Vesia are enough to fill the second lefty role.

         All we have to do is make sure the guys we have are healthy enough to do their thing in the post-season. Another Ace type pitcher is frosting on the cake. An innings eater should be enough to provide insurance and keep guys from running out of gas.

         Urias was steller in relief, but I would rather have 6 innings and a change to win every 5 days. If we get an Ace, I am fine with moving him and Gonsolin to the pen. I would like to see more Price as a starter before making a decision on him.

         So nice to talk baseball.

         1. F baseball.

            Ok…. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. So why say it? Iontkno. Guess I’m just impulsive. I’m a Vietnam vet. I have no filters.

6. It’s nice to be baseball fans and friends with different takes and opinions on players and the game.
   Lately it has become more important to be right than to be friends or even friendly.
   In my opinion, right or wrong, I hope we can become friends again, or at least friendly, and not so much fanatics.

   1. Good point.

      Let me be first to apologize for my passive aggressive remark to patch. I’m sorry.

      Yes, we live close to each other. Maybe we should meet. If after sharing coffee together you still want say what you said, you’ll have opportunity to do so in person.

      1. Yeah you guys – was hoping we could get together next May for some lunch and a game.
         Don’t wanna have to be a Henry Kissinger figure (hope this is not political).

         Any thoughts on The Braves new signing?

         1. Probably means they won’t be selling Morton.

         2. My thoughts are they will see where they are in two weeks. No reason to sell pitching until right before the deadline because supply is low and demand in high.

            1. Yep. They win 10 straight they are back in business!

               In the mean time, keep the phone lines open.

      2. I’m down. Come down to HB and we can have a beer and enjoy the cool breezes. Patch can ride his bike from Irvine!

         1. Get my email from Mark.

            1. I hate to bug Mark for that. It would be easy to agree on a time and place right here and exchange info when we meet up. Mark is welcome and permitted to share my email with you or you to me if he feels inclined to do so.

               I am always up to take a bike ride down to the pier on just about any Saturday or Sunday, preferably in the morning. If you want to agree on a time, we can meet up for breakfast or lunch this weekend. Sunday is a 12 o clock game, we can meet at the Brewery on Main street and watch the game.

            2. I’ll give it some thought. We are on call for Mom, weekends are generally quite busy for us.

7. We play the rocks tonight. The only “politics” I care about is that since I am blacked out in CO for mlbtv, I have to watch the WORST broadcast team going. I KNOW I will be yelling “F the Subaru strike zone & F the Subaru slowmo over and over and over again the next few days.
   Cheers all
   pb+

   1. I do not get the Rockies channel on Spectrum anymore, so I can only listen to the broadcast or wait 1 hour after the game to watch. When they left Root Sports and moved to AT&T Sportsnet, that was it.

      1. Well in a way, and referencing my post you may be the lucky one. And it just does not work find an alternate audio feed since it NEVER matches the broadcast timing so I am stuck with the horrible Rockies announcer team. But as noted, it does give me ample opportunity to yell at the screen.
         Cheers
         pb+

         1. Since it is blacked out, I will listen to the Dodger radio feed on the TV and read a book while doing so. Drew Gooden is the worst homie in baseball, and his broadcast team truly sucks.

            1. True story. There are several broadcast team ratings sites & those idiots are near the bottom on every single one.
               Cheers
               pb+

8. Anybody remember a poster who went by the handle Dirk Pitt? He had other names, don’t remember them. I think his name was Art. He dropped off the planet a few months ago. I hope he’s ok.

   I think the Braves should sell. I don’t think they are going to make the playoffs.

   1. They are now predicted to win WS.

      1. I really enjoy your unabashed love and support for Joc. I love him too. But, I think there’s an appropriate time for all of my favorite players to move on. I used to think I wanted the Dodgers to keep Kershaw for life. Now, I’m not so sure. Just explaining how I feel about keeping players in their waning years. I still go by the Branch Rickey matra of “Better a year too early than a year too late”.

         1. I root for Joc. I used to root for Loney. They never returned it with their bats.

            I was hoping I could root for Lux but not going down that rabbit hole.

   2. I remember, but he hasn’t posted here for a long time.

      1. My email address for him goes to a closed account. I know a couple years ago he was having health issues.

9. Lakers rumored to want Ball back. Sign and trade seems to be their best option.
   Maybe Portland would be the 3rd team.

   Damian Lillard to Pelicans, 1st round draft back to Portland. Ball to Lakers, Schroeder to Portland. Each state’s elected congressmen get final say.

   1. Did his dad get locked up or something? Or do they think the Ball’s antics will detract from LeBron’s?

      I hated LeBron before he came to the Lakers. I hate him even more now even after winning a Championship.

      I’d rather have Schroeder than Ball.

      1. If Magic says Schröder “lacks a winning mentality and attitude” I believe him.

   2. .378 3 point percentage. I’d like to see .40. Defensive rating sucks, but Vogel and the Lakers might could help improve that. He might work. Keep looking.

10. Alex de Tocqueville 1830.French sociologist “The American republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that It can bribe the public with the public’s money”. Another quote from him. “Americans are so enamored with equality that they would rather be equal in slavery rather than unequal in freedom.”

    1. I have that book in my e-Library. Damm tough read. I know I read an abbreviated version in high school. Interesting take, but all very early in our nation’s history.

       1. But very prophetic!

    2. Very prescient ….. maybe even more so than 1984.

11. It would be nice if Friedman could get Scherzer and Kimbrel without giving up the farm. I’m not a gambler but I would put some money on the Dodgers winning it all this year if Friedman added Scherzer and Kimbrel for prospects only.

    1. Ruiz, Raley, Gray, White, and Busch will get it done.

       I say no.

       1. Yeah, it would.

          I say no too.

       2. Cartaya, Raley, Gray, White, and either Vargas or Pages and I say yes.

          I don’t want to lose Ruiz and Busch.

          1. Not Cartaya. Maybe Busch. Maybe Ruiz. I don’t believe it will take as much as you might think. He’s a FA has 10-5 rights and wants an extension. I don’t know how Washington feels about it, they will ask for the AA franchise knowing full well they won’t get it. Throw in some upside A arms. We’ve got plenty of them now.

12. There’s no way I trade Cartaya. He’s on a good trajectory to provide insurance towards Smith’s free agency. I also say no to Vargas. He’s probably the best bet to take over for JT and he’s hit pretty well at just about every level.

    I don’t mind using Ruiz, Raley, Gray, White, Hoese or Pages as chips to play with.

    My refrain from trade list includes Busch, Cartaya, Vargas, DeJesus, Rodriguez and Lewis as position players. Pepiot and Miller as pitchers.

    1. I hate to say it but I agree with FanSided’s take – the giants have the best shot at landing Scherzer.

       1. They also have the most players to replace next year. So, do you go all in this year and have a longer rebuild?

          1. Do I? No. Does Farhan?

13. It appears that Scherzer wants an extension if he waives his non trade clause. Let’s say the Dodgers can complete a trade for Scherzer with Washington that would need to include an extension. If Bauer’s salary is still on the books next year and won’t play for the Dodgers again and with Kershaw a FA IN 2022 what would you do? With Bauer still on the books and unavailable who would you prefer for the next two years, Kershaw or Scherzer? Or, would AF consider keeping both? If Bauer doesn’t return maybe renegotiate his contract to deferral payments.

    If Scherzer isn’t an option then Kimbrel should be a target by AF. With Gonsolin and Price as starters the BP is going to be quite busy. Also, he is signed through ’22 at $16M and can replace Kenley. We can still resign Kenley but at a much lower price. Going into the playoffs with a BP of Kimbrel, Jansen, Treinen, Kelly, Gonzalez, Gonsolin, and Price would be huge.

14. Cassidy: speaking of (Democrats) bribing the public, we received a deposit of $250 in our bank account yesterday because we have a minor child. So did every American family with a child.

    More Tocqueville, on what he called “soft despotism”:

    “Above this race of men stands an immense and tutelary power, which takes upon itself alone to secure their gratifications and to watch over their fate. That power is absolute, minute, regular, provident, and mild. It would be like the authority of a parent if, like that authority, its object was to prepare men for manhood; but it seeks, on the contrary, to keep them in perpetual childhood: it is well content that the people should rejoice, provided they think of nothing but rejoicing. For their happiness such a government willingly labors, but it chooses to be the sole agent and the only arbiter of that happiness; it provides for their security, foresees and supplies their necessities, facilitates their pleasures, manages their principal concerns, directs their industry, regulates the descent of property, and subdivides their inheritances: what remains, but to spare them all the care of thinking and all the trouble of living?

    Thus it every day renders the exercise of the free agency of man less useful and less frequent; it circumscribes the will within a narrower range and gradually robs a man of all the uses of himself. The principle of equality has prepared men for these things; it has predisposed men to endure them and often to look on them as benefits.

    After having thus successively taken each member of the community in its powerful grasp and fashioned him at will, the supreme power then extends its arm over the whole community. It covers the surface of society with a network of small complicated rules, minute and uniform, through which the most original minds and the most energetic characters cannot penetrate, to rise above the crowd. The will of man is not shattered, but softened, bent, and guided; men are seldom forced by it to act, but they are constantly restrained from acting. Such a power does not destroy, but it prevents existence; it does not tyrannize, but it compresses, enervates, extinguishes, and stupefies a people, till each nation is reduced to nothing better than a flock of timid and industrious animals, of which the government is the shepherd.”

    1. For me a good example of this is LBJ. He was a virulent racist and yet touted as the architect and certainly took credit for “The Great Society” social programs. And most left leaning pudiits give him a pass and say his social programs should overshadow his racism. Always some excuse, like they did for Byrd for decades. All designed to keep people on the govt dole & therefore control them & make them dependent on the govt.
       The last guy in office actually put POC & women TO WORK. Huge diff IMO.
       Cheers
       pb+

    2. Did you return the $250?

    3. Must be something about those 19th century French ……..
       >>>“He who is not a républicain at twenty compels one to
       doubt the generosity of his heart; but he who, after thirty,
       persists, compels one to doubt the soundness of his
       mind.” Anselme Polycarpe Batbie (19th century academic
       jurist).

15. Sorry Y’all, but screw politics, screw Joe Biden and his band of incompetents, screw both party’s since neither has the welfare of the citizens and the protection of our country as it’s primary function and to hell with all of them, No politician is worth spit.

    1. I like Katie Porter. Wicked smart. Seems motivated to do the right thing.

       So, I’ll ask you what BullPen asked me – if you the giants, you go all in this year or wait for payroll to clear.

       1. So, do you go all in this year and have a longer rebuild? I said nothing about payroll. Scherzer’s real cost is the prospect cost.

          The tax and payroll spent on Scherzer is mice nuts compared to the money made after winning a World Series or even a deep payroll run. The money you make by playing additional playoff games offsets the remaining salary and associated tax.

          Their farm system is ranked just two slots above ours and has a lot more players to backfill in free agency next year. If you trade major chips from a middle of the pack farm system, it stands to reason that the rebuild will be longer.

          We have fewer players to replace in the near future and a comparable farm system to dip into.

          1. SF has about $60 million clearing the books next year. I assumed that went into your rebuilding question. They too can afford to do what they want, which will be to add a couple free agents to replace those veterans who won’t be retained.

    2. Sorry Bear but the bad guys have always benefited when decent people equate the flawed but better side with the destructive and dishonest side. Pick the better side, be open about their flaws, but please don’t help those harming the country with the “a pox on both their houses” rhetoric.

       1. Not rhetoric, neither party gives a rats ass about you or I. I chose to vote for the person, not the party, I think will be the best choice. Biden was not even on the list. Trump was an asshole, but 10 times the leader Biden is. Biden is nothing more than the DNC’s lackey. I am glad Trump is no longer in politics. But the choice was between him and the village idiot. I do not care about voter fraud. There was none here in the city I live in or the state. I had to show my ID to vote, and it did not bother me at all. But I served my country for 9 years, and this is not the country I was born into. It is not better, it is worse. There is not one single politician I trust, and if you trust any of them, you are a fool. They all are more interested in their own agenda’s than your welfare. I worked for everything I have. I am trying to enjoy my retirement in a nice quiet town away from the squalor and bullshit big city politics bring to the game. I take care of my family and myself, That is where my loyalty lies, not to some symbol of an ass, which describes every member of the Democratic party in my eyes, or a frippen Elephant, which describes most Republicans. If I do not respect the man, how can I possibly respect his party??? Three things I value most, my family, my freedom, and my right to do what I want to do without some politician telling me I cannot. I also value the right to defend myself, against all who would do harm to what I value the most. You mess with my family or my freedom, you will pay for it.

          1. 100% agree Bear, I have told many on conservative sites that I think Trump is an ahole and seems to be a pretty weird dude to boot. But IMO he is the ONLY prez I remember in my lifetime who actually tried to do everything he promised he would do while running. And his economic successes are hard to deny, unless you are one of those idiots that try to credit Obama for the economic success. You know, the guy that said “those jobs are never coming back”? And then they started to thanks to Trump. Frankly, I was done with judging the idiots in the beltway by their personality LONG ago. With cucks like Kennedy & Clinton banging everything that moved. All I care about is keeping your word & actual results.

          2. Bear I agree with nearly word, except you place too much emphasis on whether politicians “care” or not. To use your word, measuring how much a politician cares is a fools game. I am concerned about what they do, not how much they seem to care, and also again, creating an equivalence between Dems and Republicans helps the liars and the power-hungry, though it may feel good.

             1. What they do, shows they do not care OK? Sorry, I do not trust any of them, the moron in the White House least of all. Does not matter to me their political affiliation, independent, progressive Dem, Republican, Libertarian’s. I don’t trust any of them, and the biggest problem is that I do not see a single one of them fit to lead even a boy scout troop. They are all self serving. If Nancy pamby Pelosi served her district, it might not look like the pig sty it is.

    3. Bear,i total agree screw all this BS about politics on this site. Who the hell wants to read this BS here. YOU CAN REFER to the politic garbage on your news channel.

16. Badger, ping me during the week. There’s an Irish bar down there that does specials for the Dodgers game. We can do a weekday game some time.

    1. Ok, but I’m not interested in bars anymore. How about a morning latte, down the street here so I can run home if I’m frightened.

17. Hello Dodger Brethren – love this site when we’re talking baseball. Get enough politics in the world these days, nice to escape here. Sure few of you play fantasy baseball – have interesting trade proposal :
    Bauer for Snell ( I would be getting Bauer)
    again this is all in fun but kinda tempted to roll the dice. If Bauer doesn’t play rest of the year there are other decent SPs on waivers can pickup. What do ya think ?

    1. Hey Cannon I totally agree. But they got off on a tangent yesterday and unfortunately it has not abated. I abhor politics. But after tonight we will at least have a game to talk about, also, they still have an open roster slot they have not filled yet. Lux is hitting 8th and playing SS tonight, so Seager is not back yet. They sent Gonzalez to Rancho on a re hab assignment.

18. My take on the Bauer situation. Not that anyone’s asking. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Even if consent was given I find his behavior absolutely appalling! If the Dodger organization is who they claim to be then Bauer should be gone regardless of the consequences!
    .

    1. I agree puts Dodgers in tough spot. Even if he’s never charged and they bring him back – PR not good. Do they release him and then does somebody else take a chance ?

    2. Cassidy, it has been mentioned here & something I agree with, and mostly due to a lot of searching my wife did about Bauer. I really think he is on the spectrum. Very intelligent, but not really being socially aware. Back in HS he had some behaviors that reek of that, he was teased a lot for doing things like wearing baseball pants all day long at school and such, AS IF inviting the teasing, etc. Seems to fit the description to a tee. Not make excuses for him at all, just trying to put a “fit” on how someone in this day and age can be so clueless about their social interactions.
       Cheers
       pb+

       1. Well, he’s an adult now and responsible for his actions. Personally I don’t care what he does in his personal life, which at $40 mil per runs from November to February. And take it off continent, preferably on a boat, but certainly at least on an island where just about anything can happen without consequence. My prediction hasn’t changed yet. I think the Dodgers will do whatever they can to terminate the relationship. Mental illness is one thing, but this isn’t that.

    3. If you want to just stick to facts, and only facts, nobody knows if Bauer did anything wrong at all. Pretty much everything that’s come out so far has been from his accuser. There’s no witnesses to corroborate either side’s version of the events.

       The only thing Bauer has admitted to is choking her out at her request and punching her in the rear while she was out.

       The injuries she suffered could have been self inflicted or from a buddy trying to set Bauer up and cash in on the extortion money just as easily as it could have been from Bauer.

       I’m not going to let my righteous indignation take over and condemn other people for what they do in the bedroom. I’m of the ilk that two consenting adults can do whatever they want with each other without government or public approval. This is a he said, she said situation.

       Why should the Dodgers be quick to judge and take one side over the other without proof of what happened?

       1. The only thing(s)? He’s also embarrassed the Dodger organization and put every teammate in an awkward position. And again, that’s my opinion. Maybe the Dodgers come out with a statement backing their player. Other organizations did… right? This guy has a history of blatant disrespect and lack of self awareness. And even with the history, this happens? He hasn’t learned a thing. His merchandise has been removed, bobblehead won’t happen and teammates were quick to unfollow him on social media. I think he’s done.

          That said, I hope this is settled soon.

19. It is kind of ironic that Mark has railed against baseball (and rightly so) for injecting so much politics into the game. It has caused many fans to step away from supporting the game. Mark himself has told us how he has personally reacted to all the politics. Then, on this baseball site, there is a sudden insertion of a myriad of political posts with even some rather controversial statements that have caused some hostile responses and Mark, you have led the way.
    Many of us now have the same reaction to these posts as Mark has expressed toward the politicizing of baseball. If politicizing baseball is offensive then you must expect that politicizing a baseball web site is equally offensive (at least to some of us). I would prefer to get away from the divisive conversation that we face almost everywhere we turn these days, and be able to talk about baseball.
    Mark, I personally want to appeal to you to put an end to the political nature of these posts and get back to baseball so we can enjoy some peace in our lives (unless you let Giant fans start posting, or in at least one case, Padre fans).
    I enjoy the site when it is about baseball, but the political wrangling is really hard to take.

    1. I agree, and what I posted above is the last political statement I shall ever make here. Baseball only. And since the second half, well the last 71 games begin tonight, tomorrow is a new day!

       1. I made another simply because someone replied to what I said in an earlier post. I do not really need to defend my position, and if someone disagrees, well that is their right, but at my age, and experience, there is no way in hell anyone is changing my mind about any of them. Politicians are trash and liars, all of them. As for Bauer, I hope he never wears the uniform of the Dodgers again.

    2. Amen!

    3. I hear you and agree with you. I will have a response tomorrow on the Blog. Do not lose hope!

20. News: Seager will play a sim game in Arizona tomorrow. If all goes well, he will be in LA for the first game of the Giants series per Roberts. Still only 25 men on the active roster, 2:30 before game time.

21. DODGERS ADD RHP JIMMIE SHERFY

    LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers added right-handed pitcher Jimmie Sherfy to the active roster and optioned outfielder Zach Reks to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

    Sherfy, 29, was claimed on Tuesday by the Dodgers from the San Francisco Giants . He was 1-0 with a 4.22 ERA (5 ER/10.2 IP) and nine strikeouts in 10 games for the Giants this year, prior to being designated for assignment on July 6. In parts of four big league seasons with the Diamondbacks (2017-19) and Giants (2021), the Thousand Oaks native is 4-0 with a 3.21 ERA (20 ER/56.0 IP) and 57 strikeouts in 53 career games. In 288 minor league relief appearances, Sherfy is 21-17 with a 3.51 ERA and 93 saves. He was originally drafted in the 10th round of the 2013 First Year Player Draft out of the University of Oregon.

    Reks, 27, appeared in two games in his second stint with the Dodgers, going 0-for-2 with two runs scored from July 10-11. On the season, he is 0-for-4 with two runs in three MLB games. He has spent the majority of the season in Oklahoma City, batting .325 (52-for-160) with eight homers and 29 RBI in 42 games. In 298 career minor league games, he has batted a combined .303 (324-for-1068) with 43 homers and 174 RBI. The Chicago, IL native was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 10th round of the 2017 First Year Player Draft out of the University of Kentucky.

22. Rockies evidently dealing with COVID, OF Sam Hilliard, RHP Antonio Santos, LHP Zac Rosscup, LHP Ben Bowden are up. RHP Antonio Senzatela, RHP Yency Almonte, RHP Jhoulys Chacín, OF Yonathan Daza down.

    Josiah Gray might start against the Giants, taking Keyshawn slot.

23. Wow… I’ve missed chiming in every once in awhile, but posts like today and others in the past just turn me off..
    MT reminds me alot of Rev. Jim Jones at the podium when he was ramping it up in Indianapolis (or some place in Indiana) and finally San Francisco…
    Just about to turn 75 and on the back 9 heading home… My surgeries have left me a mess… Gotta lean on ODAAT…
    Don’t strip the farm for Max with what we may lose next year.. I believe there’s a young gun gem in the minors to fill a starting slot..
    I wonder if Seager is ready for the spotlight again ??? A lot of pressure…
    Bear, if you promise I promise..
    I hate playing in CO…
    We should be rested and ready so lets kick some ass and take no hostages…
    P.S. If Texas wants to bail out could they take Florida with them???
    If all else fails, never forget “the South is going to rise again.”

    1. Drink the Kool-Aid!

       1. Cherry…mmmmmmmmmmmmmm Feeling sleepy.

24. DONE WITH THIS. KEEP YOUR DAMN POLITICAL VIEW ON ANOTHER SITE. THIS IS DODGER TALK. DID YOU FORGET.!!!

    1. I did not forget. MLB (whom the Dodgers are part of) started it!

    2. You could go to TBLA where they talk recipes, hot dishes, someone’s manic episodes, SEC football or more specifically Auburn football along with some relationship experiences.

       For me I’ll take the baseball talk and some occasional political discussion right here at LADT

25. Can’t help yourself, can you? If MLB started it then go on that site. I ‘ll find another site to talk bb.

    1. Make me cry! Sounds like “itch.”

26. Just wont give up Reverend MT… Drink the Kool Aid… Classy!!!
    Too many here want to talk baseball…
    Hang in Steve… There’s alot of baseball knowledge here…

    1. PerterJ I can’t tell if you’re joking but telling MT that he reminds you of Jim Jones justifiably screams for a Kool-Aide reference since that’s where the reference comes from in the first place. Why give him grief for hitting a homer when you put it right down the middle?

       1. Some people can deal it out but they can’t take it. If he weren’t so damn old I’d kick his ass. 😉

27. So, it’s gonna be one of those games.

28. I had a baaaad feeling about that CJ Cron at bat.
    Bet I wasn’t the only one

29. Mookie 3 for 3

30. Mookie RBI

31. Way to go Cody. Somebody has to remind him about Mat Kemp
    Get your freaking head in the game bro

    1. I think Cody needs a day on the bench, sitting next to Pujols and force him to listen to The Machine talk hitting. He cannot catch up to a high fastball and he keeps on chasing them. Boy needs some schooling.

32. Mark’s comments are full of reasoning and logic. Badgers’s comments are all emotion and trash talk. Slave owners were Dems, KKK was Dems, Dems filibustered the Civil Rights Act. Their feelings have not changed, but with the help of MSM they are using blacks and minorities in a smarter way now. They know that they can throw out any accusation they want against conservatives and MSM will support their claim no matter how preposterous. Something else about progressives, they don’t want to just disagree with their rivals, they want to destroy them. Their goal is to divide the nation in order to conquer it.

    1. WJ, “…with the help of MSM they are using blacks and minorities in a smarter way now.” Would you please explain that?

       1. Richard, maybe I can help:
          1. “Help” black students by placing them in Ivy League colleges they were not prepared for. Call it Affirmative Action. Ignore the predictable high dropout rates and major changes. Pat yourself on the back for “caring” anyway.
          2. Pay black women for having children, but only if they don’t get married. Pat yourself on the back as black families are destroyed.

33. I really was wanting to see Bickford score a run as chances of him doing so will be coming to an end when the DH comes to the NL. And that’s especially so for RP’s. .I’d rather see the AL remove the DH. I shouldn’t be concerned as I don’t think I’ll see another opening season.

    1. Sorry to hear that Quas. I did not know you were ill. AL will never remove the DH< and why would they? MLBPA would scream bloody murder. They like the idea of older vets who make a lot of money having roster spots on teams. And the league wants more offense.

34. And I, for one, am thrilled that the Sherfy Era has begun!

35. Gotta love Joc

    Took no22 in Atlanta as a tribute to his mate Clayton.

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