I may not always be the “sharpest knife in the drawer” but I tend to stay with things until I figure them out and I think I have finally figured out why so many fans have an irrational hatred of Dave Roberts. It took me a while to identfy it and maybe you have not yet identified it either. However, once you understand what I am about to say, I think you will at least feel a little differently about Doc.
It appears to me that a big issue many of you have with Dave Roberts is that he will make a move and not explain why. For example, over the last week, Dave has sat Justin Turner, Trea Turner, Max Muncy, Chris Taylor, and others without explanation. Now, many managers when asked will say, “well, so-and-so has a little calf strain so we are going to let him rest tonight.” You don’t get anything like that from Dave Roberts… but that is not on him. That is how Andrew Friedman and the Dodgers’ Front Office operate. It was months before we found out that Mookie Betts was having hip problems and it even then it took a while to find out the entent of the problems.
It was many months after Joe Kelly had shoulder surgery until we found out. Right or wrong, Andrew Friedman seeks every advantage in this Grand Game of Baseball. Believe it or not, there are pitchers who, if they knew Mookie had a bad hip, would try and drill him in that hip. At the very least, they may figure out that with his hip he can’t hit a low and inside pitch (that’s just and example) and feed him a steady diet of low and inside breaking balls.
Andrew Friedman wants to maintain a very high level of secrecy about injuries and player movement and I suspect that it is communicated to each and every employee that “loose lips sink ships.” By the way, that phrase meant “beware of unguarded talk”. The phrase originated on propaganda posters during World War II. The phrase was created by the War Advertising Council and used on posters by the United States Office of War Information. Just a little tidbit.
Many of Dave Roberts moves are made without explanation, but rest assured that he had his reasons whether it be a planned rest day, concealing an injury or the result of the “Notebook from the War Room.” That is the mountain of information compiled by the Dodger analytic department each series and each game relating to the proclivities of the other team. Andrew Friedman believes in playing the odds. If statistics say that eight times out of ten, a player will do a certain thing if you do a certain thing, he provides Dave Roberts the information and 80% of the time it works. If it doesn’t work the other 20% of the time, some fans think Roberts is an idiot.
If jumping to conclusions were an Olympic Sport, many of you would be Gold Medalists. I think a lot of moves that you criticize from Dave Roberts are moves that come from higher up. Dave Roberts is not a puppet, but he is given information and told to execute managements’ plan, just like any other manager. Some of you will disagree with me, but I even believe that in 2019, when Roberts brought in Clayton Kershaw to pitch in relief against the Nats with disastrous results, there was a statistical basis for that.
Kevin Cash made what many of us believe were blunders in last years’ World Series, but I also think he was using statistics… which are not always right, but they are wonderful when they are. The Rays knew what he was doing. He was singing out of their hymmbook, even if the results weren’t what they wanted. It happens whether you are managing by statistics or “by your gut.”
So the next time, Dave Roberts sits a player, instead of saying “what a stupid idiot” maybe there is reason – a reason you are nor privy to. Otherwise, the idiot may be the one staring back at you in the mirror. “Loose lips sink ships.” I am one of the few fans who rarely second guess. Don’t take offense, but to me, it takes a really shallow thinker to second guess because you know the result but do not know what your result would have been. You criticize a lineup and they lose, you were right… but were you? YOU CRITICIZE A LINEUP AND THEY WIN. What were you?
Why do so many fans second guess Doc resting players? Bluto summed it up very sincinctly: “The Dodgers don’t need to win games. They need to position themselves to best win the World Series. Obviously, you’d think not playing in the Wild Card game would help. But so would having healthy, rested players and knowing who can cover 3rd in case of injury. So too would all players having confidence and mechanical issues addresses. To name but a few other key criteria.”
Gabe Kapler is your current Flavor of the Week. You always have those. I am not taking anything away from Gabe (I happen to like him), but you have to “forget” a lot to choose him over Doc. I mean you have to have total amnesia! I also write this in view of the silly piece in Dodgers Nation on Dave Roberts. I rank that piece right up there with my 7-year-old granddaughters’ writing. You can “Cherry pick” facts and they did a wonderful job of nothing. You can do the exact same thing with any manager: pick things that didn’t work and castigate them for it. That’s Chicken Bleep!
Rants & Raves
- I have always liked Mitch White and his stuff. I just did not think he could stay healthy, and I am still not sure, but I do think his future is in the bullpen. THINK: A RH Andrew Miller. He has elite stuff… maybe enough to close. For the present time, however, it looks like he will stay in the rotation.
- Justin Bruihl – does he have a future in MLB? He’s a soft tosser and kinda reminds me of Eric Stults. I like the guy, but he is going to always be on the fringes. Of course, that’s much better than me.
- Someone posted that Kenley Jansen has given up 20 runs in 30 IP with Will Smith and 0 runs in 17 IP with Austin Barnes. I did not look it up, but maybe it’s true. If so, write that down and remember it. As Jeff said yesterday: “Catching is important, and the Dodgers should have enough offense to mask Barnes’ offense. In the WS, I would expect to see Barnes catch more and Smith DH. That is what happened quite often last year in the playoffs with the universal DH.“
- The Dodgers are now #3 in Bullpen ERA in all of MLB. NUMBER THREE. Do you remember losing your minds on this issues for weeks and months at a time? The Dodgers bullpen has blown 24 saves. The Giants bullpen has blown 23 saves, including one last night!
- Since the All-Star Break, the Dodgers have 2.85 Team ERA. The Giants are at 3.49… and fading fast! The cream is rising to the top.
- Max Muncy is in the MVP Discussion.
- Trevor Bauer Report: I think that the upcoming ruling on the Restraining Order by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Dianna Gould-Saltman will be decided by whether she follows the law or follows the court of public opinion which seems to be the direction it is heading. That’s all I have to ay about it.
- Dodgers New Top 10 Prospects: #1 Diega Cartaya; #2 Ryan Pepiot; #3 Mike Busch; #4 Bobby Miller; #5 Andy Pages; #6 Miguel Vargas; #7 Andre Jackson; #8 Landon Knack; #9 Clayton Beeter; #10 Wilman Diaz. The full list is HERE .
- Michael Grove FINALLY pitched 3 shutout innings, striking out 4 and walking 1 while allowing 1 hit. That took his ERA down to 8.56. The Dodgers must see something…
- Miguel Vargas is now hitting .318 at Tulsa. Will they promote him to OKC THIS YEAR is my question?
For the record, I don’t “hate” (to strong a word) Doc….I just don’t want him to keep trotting out a guy from the bullpen to close who is not a given (Jansen).
Mitch White- who saw this coming? Nice not to see 7 guys’ name come out of the pen.
Marvelous Max- anyone besides me think he is our best hitter? And that includes Mookie. So, I wonder how much he will resign for whenever his contract is up?
Pollock- who is this guy? I’m also glad CT3 got a night off…he needed it.
1st inning- don’t you love it when you look at the scoreboard and see LA 3 other team 0 after one inning? Man, I can sleep so much better going to bed with that knowledge.
I’m reluctant to add this last one because I’m sure a few of you will throw rocks at me, but what the heck, i like being funny…..Who needs Cody and Gavin? Anyone surprised to see ofers from those two when most everyone else is mashing? Oh, and if you think Cody is back, he is only batting .235 in August and sinking fast, so maybe you should reserve judgment a bit. But the good news is this- leave them batting 7 and 8 with the pitcher at 9. Might as well put all your “automatic” outs together. That way, for those who are watching the game on the tele, this would be a good time to leave the room to grab a bite to eat. Or for those a bit more daring, see if your significant one is interested!
TM
PS. I know Cody is not really an automatic out…I think.
So, do you really believe that the Front Office is also not “IN” on trotting Kenley, Cody, and Gavin out there? Why shoot the messenger?
A few weeks ago Eric Stephen wrote a piece on Kenley Jansen that summed up what we had been seeing for quite some time. I didn’t have the exact numbers but I had a pretty good idea what I was seeing.
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/7/25/22591828/kenley-jansen-days-rest-dodgers-closer-dave-roberts-faith
Kenley is, by baseball measurement, an old horse. Obviously he’s still capable but it’s unwise to ask an old horse to work hard two days in a row. And 33 pitches is insane. I understand that Jansen is the Dodgers closer but I think if you want him closing playoff games effectively, overworking him in the summer is a really bad plan. Even with that, what this pen has accomplished is remarkable. What this team has accomplished, and is accomplishing is also remarkable. I don’t always agree with each individual Roberts move but I look at what he has done in his years here I am grateful the Dodgers have him as their leader.
As for Cody and Lux, I’ve seen improvement. Obviously Cody stays in my lineup. It would be foolish to bench him. Lux? He needs experience. The more at bats he gets now the more confidence he will have coming off the bench later. And on this team, his role will be to hit off the bench.
I saw Roberts talking to reporters yesterday and he said Mookie could be back as early as late next week. That surprised me. I hope he’s right.
I still see us winning the Division. That opinion has not changed and it won’t change.
You are CORRECT. You never give the enemy intel they could possibly use against you. I never see why fans insist on knowing everything, they have to realize that if they know it, the enemy does too.
Mitch White looked very pitcher-ish last night for sure. After going to bed right after Cory hit that last HR I was surprised when I woke up to see he went the distance & threw 90 pitches. Pretty impressive.
Better go shut things down now & let the boss know I am out of commission for a while as we are getting hammered by thunderstorms and flash flooding here in western CO & we lost power about 30min ago. My UPS battery won’t last forever.
cheers
pb+
Wow, that was a really dominant performance by Mitch White last night. I’m so happy for that kid. While Bruihl was still in the game, the camera panned over to Mitch in the bullpen. He was just chilling on a folding chair, relaxed and comfortable. He looked more like a disinterested fan waiting for the game to begin rather than a Starting Pitcher getting ready for a game.
While not technically a Starting Pitcher, he sure pitched like one. Starter, reliever, or Ross Stripling 2.0? Was that performance enough to keep him on the 26 man and in the rotation for the time being? Or, will AF do the shuffle and banish him for 10 days in order to call up another reliever?
Damn, I was a little disappointed that I didn’t get to see Neftali Feliz for the second game in a row since being called up. I think the chances of seeing him in tonight’s bullpen game are pretty good. It was a good move by Doc to let Mitch finish his masterful performance and save one more arm for tonight’s bullpen game possibly giving Mariachi Joe another day another day to recover from the Fluvid.
Just a few days ago people were freaking out that we were 5 games out with just under 7 weeks to play. How does everyone feel about being 3 games back with a full month plus the rest of August? We have them just where we want them. But, can we remain healthy for the rest of the schedule?
After tonight’s bullpen game, we’ll start to look like we have some semblance of a rotation with Bueller, Sherzer and Price lined up for the last three games in the Mets series. With the off day on Monday and Urias eligible to come off the IL on Tuesday to begin the SD series, White would be available to follow Urias on six days rest and Bueller would line up for the 3rd game. Scherzer, Price, Urias, White, Bueller until Kersh is ready to rejoin the rotation with Gonsolin on standy by.
AF is playing 3D chess with the 40 man to the extent that I can hardly keep up. He’s the best in the business at shuffling roster spots between core superstars, minor leaguers with options, reclamation projects and talented cast offs that are in need of a tune up to turn them into solid roster options.
I’m a huge Oakland A’s fan this weekend, as they host those no good Bums by the Bay. The A’s are in a hot Wild Card race with the Yankees and Red Sox all bunched up together fighting for those two spots while also just 2.5 games behind the Astros for the Division lead. They have everything to play for this weekend in their home park with the season on the line.
On Internet:
A lawyer’s look at the Bauer hearing (day 2)
https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2021/8/18/22629072/what-we-learned-from-day-2-of-the-bauer-hearing
(day 1)
https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2021/8/17/22623536/what-we-learned-from-day-one-of-the-bauer-hearing
FanGraphs on the Dodgers and bullpens:
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-rays-and-dodgers-each-add-a-former-all-star-to-their-banged-up-bullpens/
Double-A Tulsa 3B Miguel Vargas (Dodgers) homered twice on Saturday. That gave him 12 home runs since his promotion to Tulsa and 19 overall this year
The Giants could lead the majors in Homers and not have a single player eclipse 30:
https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2021/8/4/22607942/sf-giants-could-lead-the-majors-in-home-runs-and-not-have-a-30-homer-hitter
FanGraphs on the points of strength/weakness for the Dodgers’ depth:
Strengths: The Dodgers’ depth has already been tested on nearly every level due to what feels like a never-ending stream of injuries, but they’ve survived and a healthy version of this team remains an exceptionally strong World Series contender. The addition of Trea Turner creates a cornucopia of options on the infield, which is important since their group at Triple-A is exceedingly light. A healthy Mookie Betts does the same for their outfield situation. Chris Taylor is the best multi-position player in baseball, and a walking depth-machine nearly everywhere on the diamond. The bullpen has been banged up like much of the rest of the team, but they’re getting healthier and have found surprising production from some unexpected sources, like Alex Vesia.
Weaknesses: At this point, when it comes to the rotation, it’s quite simple: If Julio Urías and Clayton Kershaw return (and more importantly, return to form), the Dodgers should be fine. If not, they’re in trouble as they try to catch the Giants. The acquisitions of Turner and Max Scherzer cost the club Keibert Ruiz, and while Will Smith and Austin Barnes are a fantastic catching combo, any injury would force the club to lean on a sub-par vet like Chad Wallach (on the 40-man roster), Tim Federowicz or Tony Wolters.
For the second time in three starts, Low-A Rancho Cucamonga’s Gavin Stone (Dodgers) held a team scoreless for six innings. This time it was Inland Empire he shut down, fanning 12. Since July began, Stone has struck out 56 and walked only 4
Fangraphs on Phil Bickford:
Next is Phil Bickford, who has finally seized hold of a big league role after a very long and eventful prospectdom. Bickford had a velo spike as a high school senior but teams were late to identify and vet him. The Blue Jays took him 10th overall but failed to sign him; Bickford went to Fullerton, where he struggled as a freshman. On the Cape after his freshman year he was so electric that in order to take advantage of the spike in his stock, Bickford transferred to the College of Southern Nevada to be draft eligible as soon as possible. He was often 93-96 with a plus slider at CSN and went 18th overall to the Giants in 2015. Traded to Milwaukee, then later suspended for a few positive drug tests, Bickford languished away at High-A for several years and last appeared on a prospect list in 2018. He was only sitting about 88 during his 2020 big league debut. Now he’s parked in the 93-94 range with the Dodgers and looks like a middle relief lock again. He’s been added to the 40 FV tier on the Dodgers list.
Baseball America on Beeter:
Clayton Beeter, RHP, Dodgers: The Dodgers have put Beeter on an unusual schedule this year in his first pro season. Beeter is a starter, but Los Angeles has held him to very strict pitch limits. He didn’t go beyond the first inning until his ninth start. He didn’t edge past two innings in an outing until August. And he’s now moved up to three innings in an outing. Beeter has still not thrown 50 pitches in any appearance this year, but he has made 23 appearances and 22 starts, which means he’s easily leading the minors in starts. Beeter struck out six of the 10 batters he faced on Sunday, allowing one run in 2.2 innings.
FanGraphs on Yurchak
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/sunday-notes-under-the-radar-dodgers-prospect-justin-yurchak-is-raking/
Is David Price now a $30mm swing man?
https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2021/8/6/22611498/what-are-the-dodgers-going-to-do-with-david-price
Fan graphs needs to recheck the AAA roster. Wallach was claimed off waivers by the Angels on the 7th of August. Bemboom, and Fed Ex are the vets at AAA now. Fed Ex is on the injured list.
After reading I’ve decided to bring charges against every female I’ve had sexual relations with including one night stands as I have memories of every one of them attacking me sexually while I was sleeping causing mental damages with images that left me seeing sex as more like sneezing than an act of love. And this is what has left me to be lonely in my later years of life. I’ve still got all the bruises to prove this.
Back to the story at top…..Great take Mark. Even before AF closed lips have been the Dodger way as long as I can remember. While it makes it hard to make decisions with my team {and that’s what I’m paid for) it’s also why I get paid nothing. Sometimes it seems I should proofread what I post before I post because rereading after I’m able to see how things can be taken as the opposite of meaning. I hope I haven’t come across as a Doc hater or for that matter any kind of hater Dodgers related. Well, I guess losing makes me somewhat disgruntled. I’m not around the clubhouse and very seldom do I get any info inside related and none of which is ever firsthand. My job with the Dodgers is to cheer when they win. My takes on the road to victory are not real far fetched and from my seat often prove right and nowadays I post even less of them because they have no value. But I know This site is looked at as one of the more legit baseball IQs and I know followed by some on Dodgers roster. I keep that in mind and I’m pretty certain I’ve got a couple Quasimodo fans on the roster. Not that what I have to say is of great importance it’s only two cents of a worthless opinion. Apologies the most to Juan Uribe for my bad read. I know he had forgiven me.
Going forward sure hope Giants lose 4 more games than Dodgers lose. Knock on wood. Go Dodgers!!!
Alas, somewhere in the lower third of whatever CMS Mark uses is my latest post about stuff from around the Internet.
Dare I worry it’s been lost?
Dang nabbit!
Thanks. It was in Spam.
That’s a blow to my ego.
One more to add:
The Ringer on Buehler and the Cy Young Race:
https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2021/8/19/22631601/nl-cy-young-race-walker-buehler-zack-wheeler-corbin-burnes
Thank you, Bluto (for the links)………
I don’t comment much, but I visit every day and look for Jeff’s, Phil’s, Mark’s, and your posts to keep me steady in this unsteady season. At the end of the day, this Dodger season will be one I look back on fondly no matter the outcome.
You do not like my takes??? I am crushed…….LOL..
I just read the new uniforms Los Dodgers will debut Friday and Saturday. How often will the Dodgers wear those unis ? Only on special occasions or is this the new standard uni now ? I would miss the classic Dodgers unis. IMHO the best in the game. Timeless.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!
Those are the city connection uniforms. Since the city is connected heavily to a Hispanic heritage. They as far as I know are only used this season. The Giants have already worn theirs several times.
As far as the lame City Connect uniforms go, the Dodgers have one of the least obnoxious ones that I’ve seen so far.
https://dodgers.mlblogs.com/photos-dodgers-unveil-nike-city-connect-series-uniforms-fc2062e09593
I’m not too thrilled with the script on the hats, or the phrase “Los Dodgers” when they could have had some fun with it as “Los Doyers”. Simply having “Los Angeles” would have been better as well. IMHO “Los Dodgers” just sounds corny to me by lazily throwing a nod to our great hispanic fan base by putting a “Los” in front of their “Anglo” team name.
I like the blue pants to go with the blue jersey which would have been a great option for the Color Block uniforms instead of the white on white that they did a couple of years ago. My favorite alternates so far was the powder blue uniforms they used quite some time ago. I think that one featured the Brooklyn “B”, always a classic nod to the past.
The one the Snakes used in the last series there was just flat ugly. And the Giants bright orange trim on that white uni just looks wrong. The script G on the front and an outline of the Golden Gate bridge. I think they would have done better using all black with the orange.
They certainly could have done better than light orange on white. 😉 Made my eyes hurt. I didn’t hate the Serpientes uni’s and thought the desert theme was on the mark.
Maybe, but that baby crap yellow was ugly.
I really liked the City Connect caps worn by the Cubs and the D-Backs. I liked the light sand color and black Arizona A on the cap.
Cubs si, D-Backs nada. I just thought the yellow was awful. But that’s me.
Mark, I don’t think I can remember posters saying they hate Roberts. Constant criticism maybe, but not hate. I don’t hate anyone. It’s a waste of energy. I’ve been critical of Roberts in the past, especially in the postseason. This season I’ve begun to realize that he probably has little input into pre game or in game decisions. It would be nice to get an explanation from the FO on why they rest players after a successful offensive performance or if they are on a hot streak. Also, I believe his dealing with the media on injuries is FO driven. This replacing pitchers with two outs was the latest indicator for me that Roberts has little to say about player moves during the game. This screams to me as a “eureka moment” by a nerd in the analytics department. ” Let’s see, with two outs and nobody on the odds are 50.158753% in our favor if we make a pitching change”. So the pitchers get lined up for the game and forwarded to Roberts to make the moves at the appropriate time. But, that’s an assumption my my part. So, why bother to criticize him. He’s just following orders.
Bluto summed it up very succinctly: “The Dodgers don’t need to win games. They need to position themselves to best win the World Series. Obviously, you’d think not playing in the Wild Card game would help. But so would having healthy, rested players and knowing who can cover 3rd in case of injury. So too would all players having confidence and mechanical issues addresses. To name but a few other key criteria.”
This is a quote from above on Roberts reasoning for resting resting players when he does. But, it’s the front office making those decisions, not Roberts. So there’s that. And, what does that quote actually mean? I know I’m a moron so, please, tell me what Bluto’s original quote is trying to say. It makes little sense to me regarding what the Dodgers are trying to accomplish. Right off saying the Dodgers don’t need to win games seems to be a ridiculous statement. So by the end of the season we have played .500 baseball, qualify for the wild card game, and have all or most of our players available with all mechanical issues addressed should be the goal. As far as confidence goes what would create more confidence? Winning baseball games! Not resting players to preserve health. Not working on fundamentals toward the end of the season. By resting players doesn’t guarantee that they will not get injured in the future. Having a goal of playing in the wild card round with hopefully a healthy team seems weak to me considering the talent and depth the Dodgers have. And to use the remainder of the season to see who can cover third in case of an injury, again, doesn’t make any sense to me. That this front office and the coaching staff would spend time on this subject would be hard to believe at this point of the season. My input would be Muncy, Taylor, or McKinstry just off the top of my head. And, I’m a moron. So, what am I missing in how Bluto’s statement should be the Dodgers’ goal? it seems passive and not aggressive or competitive enough.
I think though, that this is what Mark was talking about. >>> It would be nice to get an explanation from the FO on why they rest players after a successful offensive performance or if they are on a hot streak.<<
But if you know, everyone knows. Telling the enemy how you approach situations gives them info they can try to use against you. I think the takeaway is, enjoy the game, enjoy wondering & gossiping about what you THINK is going on, but NO ONE from the FO is going to tell you anything useful, most of the time, and all the hand wringing & complaining about it is not going to change anything.
cheers
pb+
Unlike the NFL, MLB teams do not have to submit an injured list showing players who are probable or not probable to play. NFL teams also have a taxi squad from which they can pluck players to plug in. MLB they have to put them on the IL or just carry them until they are ready. NBA allows teams to have 14 player rosters, but only 12 available at game time.
Well I’ve had a good nights sleep to reevaluate Roberts poor performance last night. He needs to learn how to un-motivate his hitters when we get a larger lead against a poor team like the Pirates. Save those runs for the upcoming series with the Mets. Why does he allow Muncy to hit another home run when the game is already won. Also why didn’t Roberts pull Ehite after the seventh inning and Dave those last two shutout innings for the Mets. He should have brought Hansen in for a two inning save so when he gives up 3-4 runs we still get the win.
Jansen. Also correct me if I’m wrong but I think Roberts sets the schedule. So why didn’t he schedule the Pirates for two or three more series the rest of the way do we could catch the Giants. This clown has to be fired!
HAHAHA ….. you forgot the part about where he is secretly on the midgets payroll!
cheers
pb+
At the end of yesterday’s stream, someone posted why didn’t Roberts let Bruihl pitch to the next hitter, he was left handed. Not quite. The next hitter was Wilmer Difo, he is a switch hitter. So maybe Roberts wanted him hitting from the left side. Why worry about pulling a opener after 1.1 innings? Some of the more ridiculous complaints about Roberts. D-Backs pitcher, Caleb Smith was removed from last nights game and his glove confiscated for a possible foreign substance. He became the second pitcher removed for that reason this season. He vehemently denied using any substance.
I read he threw his belt at the ump too.
Nope, that was Lynn of the White Sox. After he finished the inning, he left his cap and glove for the ump, he was headed down to the clubhouse to have some work on an issue he was dealing with and the ump said, I need that belt too, so he tossed it at him and the Ump threw him out. Over reaction on the Umps part in my view.
My bad.
No biggie, it was one of the lead stories on ESPN.com which I read every day before I come on here.
Mets pitcher tonight is Tajuan Walker. Same guy who no hit them into the 6th over the weekend. I do not think it takes that long for them to get a hit off of him tonight. No starter named yet. Supposed to be another BP game.
I don’t think that most posters here hate Dave Roberts. He has limitations but is the perfect company man. He performs as expected. He seems to be a “player’s manager” and a good communicator and gets buy-in from players who don’t always play every day (although they would on other teams) or play just one position for the good of the team.
I’m not thrilled with the way he handles the ‘pen or micromanages at times, but he seems to be improving.
He’s not supposed to share why he makes moves or doesn’t play someone or about a player’s injury if he would be disclosing something that might hurt the team.
On an unrelated subject, Houston Mitchell of the times has an interesting article about the Dodgers’ defense this year, and it doesn’t compare well to the Giants’.
Total fielding runs above average – Giants are 1st, Dodgers are 9th in the NL.
“As you can see, the Giants are in the top five at every position except second base (12th) and right field (sixth). The Dodgers are in the top five at three positions and the bottom five at four positions. Which is probably why this is happening:
Most unearned runs , NL – 1st – Dodgers – 63”
Dodgers are 1st in NL at 1B, 4th at 2B and CF. Worst defensive player using this metric is Corey Seager.
Out of 15 teams in NL, they are 13th at C, 12th at SS, 11th in LF (Pollock is OK but the revolving door of AAAA players drags the number down).
Again Roberts fault for not putting players in a position where they can be successful. Like the bench!
A pox on him! Damn doesn’t he know we know more than he does?? LOL
* Awesome performance by Mitch White. We’ve all been disappointed with the performances of the AAAA/AAA players this year. Well, here was a case when we got a terrific performance. Really nice to see.
* So I’m not in with the new Plan-B. The one where “The Dodgers don’t need to win games. They need to position themselves to best win the World Series.”
That one doesn’t work for me. I want to win the Division and I think we can. I think we can win a Wildcard Game if we need to but I’m not playing the rest of the season with that in mind. I think players can use rest days, especially guys like JT with the groin. CT3 needed a day. My point is don’t sit 2 or 3 regulars at the same time. We are playing great right now so I see no need to screw with that. For the most part, our guys are competitive, veteran professions, who don’t need or want extensive rest to prepare for the post season. I bet each one would prefer to play and try to win the division instead of saying “ We Don’t Need to Win Games”.
* I’m not particularly interesting in “forcing” Lux into this line-up. I think his role should be as a pitch hitter for the pitchers against righties and as a fill in at 2nd. That’s it. He would not start at 2nd for me instead of TT, CT3 or even Muncy, in any meaningful game.
* I was kinda sorry to see Tim Tebow’s career as an athlete come to an end, when he was released by Jacksonville. I mention this because I saw Tim in Fall Ball a couple of years ago when he was trying to be a Met. He was physically impressive and very fast for a big guy. But he looked stiff didn’t seem to have the actions. He made it way farther in baseball then I would have ever predicted. I was never really a fan until I watched his behavior that day. He was great with fans especially the kids. He may have kept the bus waiting or he had his own ride post-game because he absolutely would not leave until every autograph was signed and every photo request honored. A very good guy who got too much guff for being a good Christian man. I really don’t know why he had so many root against him. Sorry his football try didn’t work but there’s no doubt he will land on his feet on SEC TV or elsewhere.
I always liked Tebow and was pulling for him to succeed when he went to baseball. He had some skills, just not MLB level. He is a very decent man. He played in Denver for a while, and it was pretty obvious his QB skills did not relate to the level of most NFL QB’s. I wish him well whatever he decides to do now. I am pretty sure he will find something suitable to his talents.
No sure this will happen but what happens if TB is found innocent of all charges? Will he be welcomed in the dugout? If not, will he still pitch for us? Wouldn’t he be a great addition(again) to the staff. How long would it take to get into shape and be stretched out? etc. etc. etc.
Hard to say Richie. He has not even been charged yet, and the proceeding he is in right now has nothing to do with the possible charges, it is a restraining order hearing. Now, if they grant a restraining order, maybe then the Pasadena DA files formal charges. If that happens, the court battle is just beginning and no way it is settled before the playoffs or end of the season. There have been UNCONFIRMED REPORTS, that his team mates do not want him back.
I’m not sure if the PPD is waiting to see if the restraining order is grated before charging him. I think they are mutually exclusive. I think the thing they’re waiting for is to see if any new evidence is produced as a result of this proceeding. I haven’t seen anything new thus far.
Could be, but it is still up to the DA. We are waiting!
Just spitballing here, but since I have seen a lot here about how the MLB and specifically Manfredo and how he hates the Dodgers, wondering if they would decline to do anything to stick us with a contract we cannot unload? Just a thought.
Thanks Bear.
I guess Mark (and maybe others) will never understand my dislike (not hatred) of Doc. It’s about a different philosophy about baseball and how to run a team and handle the bullpen.
I won’t get into the handling of the bullpen because if I did this post will be very long. My difference with Doc on other things besides the bullpen is that Doc is a defense first guy and I am an offense first guy, therefore I disagree with Doc sometimes about who he is starting (the starting lineup) and I disagree with Doc about giving guys unneeded rest days (this has nothing to do with injuries, I understand not starting someone because of an injury).
Therein lies your problem Eric. You are not privy to the same information that Roberts is so every decision you might think is right is based on what you feel. The rest he gives these guys might be un needed to you, but the organization thinks otherwise. His lineups are based on more than just his feelings about a player. They are based on information you, I or anyone else on here is not privy to. I also disagree that Roberts is strictly a defense first manager. I have seen him run offense first teams out there many times. As for a guy like Bellinger, yeah, at this point in time he is out there more for his superior defense than his offense. And there is no other Dodger player who comes close to being that good of a defensive CF as Cody. You are a passionate fan, and I totally understand that. But you base how you view Roberts on feelings not facts.
I have heard comments straight from his mouth that tells me he is a defense first guy. That is a fact. I’m not making it up. It came straight from his mouth. Doc is a defense first guy. That is a fact.
I never said anything about Bellinger in my post and I haven’t complained about Bellinger being in the lineup because I know what he is capable of doing.
By the way, I am an offense FIRST guy, not an offense ONLY guy.
Wow. Good for you. You heard Doc say he values defense first. Does not mean he sends a defense first lineup out there every night. I used Bellinger as a reference because he has not been giving them much offense for a while, so he fit the type of player you were referring to. I get it. You like offense first. Cool. Most fans like their teams to send the best offensive players out there every night. Unfortunately in this day and the way the game is played now, that does not happen every night. Like I said Eric, Doc uses the tools he is presented with. Based on inside information. Do you think playing Lux at 3rd the other night was a defense first lineup? The kid had never played 3rd in his MLB career. No, he was giving Turner a blow. Simply because JT has only been back from a groin strain for a couple of games. I doubt Lux will play many more games over there as long as there are better options. He has the resources to make informed decisions on the lineup. We do not.
Lol. Doc said before that game that Lux is a great athlete and he has all the confidence in Lux to handle 3B. Straight from Doc’s mouth.
Defense FIRST, not defense ONLY.
Okay, He is a great athlete. But he is a marginal 3rd baseman at best. At least making throws from that position. And it still does not validate in anyway your belief. Confidence in a player does not make it so. Bellinger is a great athlete, as is Mookie. But Taylor, who can play more positions than either of them is not considered a great athlete, just multi talented at several positions. Defense first? Okay, but if that was his idea. Lux, who had never played there would not have been his first choice if JT was available.
Looking at stats including some posted today, you would kind of think the opposite. With our unearned run total vs our runs scored diff, you would ASSUME we are an offense first team. Maybe they know that the D is what we need to concentrate on most, since the offense seems to come easier to us.
cheers
pb+
Definitely offense first. Unfortunately it is sometimes very inconsistent.
Doc is defense first guy?!?!?!??!
Where in the world did that come from?
On one hand it makes sense because of the limited quantity of outs.
On the other hand, there’s been quite a lot written about how advanced the Dodgers are with placing fielders and shifting to counter the lack of mobility or comfort in some players.
Seriously, just curious about where you read that Roberts has a defense-first mindset.
I don’t need to read someone’s so called “expert” comments/opinion. All I need to do is listen to Doc, straight from his mouth.
OK.
When has he said it?
I mean Smith is sub-Barnes at C.
Seager is sub-Turner at SS.
Pujols and Muncy are sub-Belli at first.
You are talking nonsense. You are talking defense ONLY.
Dude. I’m sorry for confusing your brain.
When has Roberts said he values defense over offense?
Dude. I’m sorry your brain can’t read between the lines (you gave me an attitude I’ll give it back) when listening to Doc.
Please Eric.
Indulge me. I’m sure it’s at your fingertips.
When did Roberts say his preference is defense over offense.
Please
Unless he can find a video or a quote of him saying that online you will be waiting a while.
I know, but he made it seem like there is a quote or video.
Am I right on this? Am i putting words/sentiment into his mouth?
(Assuming Eric is male.)
First salvo fired in the next CBA talks. MLB proposed a 180 million ceiling and a 100 million basement for the Luxury tax. Doubtful the MLBPA is going to want to reduce the amount of money it’s best players can make by lowering the tax threshold. And there would be 3 different levels of penalty’s for those who surpass the tax. The Dodgers would be paying a huge penalty under this new system. Penalizes the organizations who have resources to improve their team with big ticket players.
Bauer is done. TrueBlueLa has commentary by Sheryl Ring. Her analysis makes it clear that Bauer admitted to doing sexual and violent things with an unconscious woman. Consent can not be given by someone that is unconscious. Sex without consent is rape. Whether the restraining order happens or not is irrelevant. Bauer will end up in jail if our nation is in fact a place of law and order.
LA ownership, management, front office et all should be gravely remorseful and embarrasssed for ever getting that guy in Dodger Blue.
I agree he is most likely done and someone at the top did not make a very good personnel decision and they obviously missed some vital info. I doubt his team mates would want the guy back even if he gets off.
Yep. And I assume that AF and his staff will do a better job of vetting controversial job candidates in the future.
Well, if Sheryl Ring is saying that, as an observer, on TrueBlueLA, then it’s definitive!
What further could anyone be waiting on?
I do think it’s reported there’s some hesitancy in the dugout for Bauer’s return.
It wasn’t sex without consent. That’s working words but isn’t getting to the truth. She was in his bed and had sex with him prior so rape is hardly the case. At what point did she lose consciousness? Did TB provide drugs she was unware of taking? Were they drugs she took on her own? then for what reason did she take them? I have a hard time believing she filed for the reasons she feared for her life. And TB has become so financially powerful he would be able to do her harm in the safety by proxy. What could be her real motive? TB is an idiot for allowing any of this to be. It’s just so reckless to even meet a woman under the circumstances given. There is a plot somewhere in all this.
Breaking News. According to ESPN, the judge DENIED a permanent restraining order against Trevor Bauer. Again according to ESPN.
This trial is such a joke….Why would Trevor even want to see her ever again?
I don’t think you meant to post that TM, or at least phrase it that way.
I do not think Bauer would ever want to see her again, but the trial was not a joke. It was something both he and his lawyers took very seriously. Now, the problem is in MLB’s lap. His admin leave is up tomorrow. Do they reinstate him, or try extending the leave again, which since the ruling by the judge was against the accuser, the MLBPA will fight. And then it is in the Dodgers lap if he is returned to the fold to decide how to handle the whole mess.
Here is what the judge said …. from AP story …..
>>> A Los Angeles judge sided with Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer on Thursday and denied a restraining order to a woman who said he choked her into unconsciousness and punched her repeatedly during two sexual encounters.
In denying the order after a four-day hearing, Judge Dianna Gould-Saltman said that according to the 27-year-old San Diego woman’s testimony, Bauer followed her boundaries when she set them, and he couldn’t know the boundaries she didn’t express to him.
“We consider in a sexual encounter that when a woman says no she should be believed,” Gould-Saltman said, “so what should we do when she says yes?”
The judge said the woman’s petition asking for the domestic violence restraining order was “materially misleading.”<<<
And Bauer did not take the stand having indicated he would take the 5th to every question they might ask.
YIKES!
I meant what I said. How did you take it?
He’s admitted he committed a crime. It’s a matter of time before something happens with that. Personally I doubt he’s convicted of anything.
“Bauer will end up in jail if our nation is in fact a place of law and order.”
Look around Drew.
I agree with Badger – I doubt he will be convicted of anything. But the optics are pretty bad even if he didn’t do anything “illegal”.
The problem is that he is toxic to the media and they will continue to go after him and any team he plays for. The Dodgers will be under a lot of pressure to eat his contract if he isn’t suspended and I will be surprised if he plays anywhere in MLB again – at least for a few years.
I cannot even imagine the fans, especially in away games ………
This wasn’t a criminal trial. This trial was just for the restraining order.
If what I read in the TrueBlueLA report is accurate, there could still be a criminal trial.
So, law and order is only applicable to the poor masses and not entitled elites of industry, entertainment, politics finance etc etc… Should that be the case, we have a lot more to worry about than f***ing baseball games. Sounds like the greatest threats to this country are domestic and not foreign. There’s something in the pledge about liberty and justice for all. Just an idea that hasn’t actually been reality for most of the population then.
Good take. According to what I read. The investigation by PPD is ongoing. So the admin leave might be extended. But until there is some resolution of the charges or if he is not charged, nothing is going to change dramatically.
Badger, maybe you have some information that’s not available to the rest of us, but I can’t find anywhere that Bauer admitted to committing a crime. His attorney’s admitted that he engaged in rough consensual sex, but not to a crime.
Based on the evidence presented and the nature of this type of hearing, this is the only decision this Judge could have made. If there is no continuing danger to the victim, the TRO will be denied.
I know that’s hard for some of you to understand, and certainly with the disdain many have for Mr. Bauer it can further cloud that understanding. This was not a criminal trial, and it was not a civil trial(frankly, I doubt that she will ever file one).
We can complain all we want about how the Dodgers do things but 8 straight division titles and a WS title and should have been two speak for themselves. Besides no offense to anyone here but I think AF is smarter than all of us at LADT combined. Yes you too Eric!
I would have to concur with that statement even thought it is a huge blow to my bear sized ego. Anyway, he will continue to make his argument as is his right as an American and a loyal Dodger fan. That’s cool. All I am concerned with are W’s and L’s. As long as we keep putting up more W’s than L’s, I will be content with whomever Doc runs out there even if it is Porpoise boy. Who is past his prime, like me, and wishing he were 20 again! LOL
Evidence doesn’t matter. What matters more is opinion. That is reinforced daily, not only in here, but out there in our communities as well.
Is that to imply there’s holes in any of his defense? There surely are holes in her complaint and TB picked the wrong one.
DUDE ……… TWENTY?!?! those were HORRIBLE years for me. Now when I met my wife & had kids starting at about 34 ….. that is when REAL LIVING started for me. Wouldn’t mind turning the bio clock back to 35-40 though. Porpoiseboy is one word btw. I know you are devastated you got that wrong. 🙂
cheers
pb+
ps…… I COULD possibly still pinch run for Tito Albert I reckon …….
Oh yeah, and “past his prime like me”?!?! Are you within 10# of your HS playing weight? I am. 🙂
cheers
pb+
I am within 10 pounds of my playing weight.
When I graduated from HS, I was 6′ 4″ and 225 pounds and could bench press 275 lbs. 25 times.
At age 68, I am 6′ 1″ and 235 pounds and can bench press 25 pounds 275 times (over 2 days).
SO, yeah, I am pretty much the same.
Not even close. But I am 160 ponds lighter than when I was at my heaviest. And oh yeah, mentally and physically at our age, we are well past our prime my friend! LOL>
Good on you! Really important IMO. I did not play baseball in HS, wrestled & football. Was 6’1″ since 8th grade, started wrestling at 125# as a freshman & was 185# as a junior when I graduated. When I was around 50 I had gotten up to 265#, did not like it, now back down to 185. Though I had gotten to 178 b4 “the covid”. When not at the gym for workouts, I try to do AT LEAST 100-150 pushups a day & do min of 2.5mi of cardio. I need to get ready for ski season which will be in full swing when I retire on 12-31. My goal is to be out at least 4 times a week, as long as my hips & knees agree with me. I like to go steep and pretty bumpy, which does get harder to do every year.
cheers
pb+
ps…….. I can do 275# five times over 10 days ….. TOP THAT!
I do 260 every morning when I get out of bed. LOL>
Nothing better than self deprecating humor dude. NICE ONE!
Depreciating true. And also true that I do that, but I have lost 25 pounds since I got back from California and am working on losing more. Diabetes is a bitch.
Hey, Bear
I was going over what I missed after I got off here yesterday & saw a reply of yours where you said ….. >>>I live in the pretty part of the state, and you probably up somewhere close to Denver.<< ….. WRONG
I THINK you live somewhere around Pueblo, but just from some comments I was a while ago where you were visiting some museum in that area or close to it. Never been in that area directly. The closest I have been that far south and east is probably in the Salida area to ski.
But, IMO I live in THE BEST part of the state & it sure is NOT the Front Range, I have a policy that I will not live east of the divide. I live about 45mi south of Grand Junction in Delta & I will take this area over anywhere else I have visited in the state hands down. It is beautiful and quite uncrowded here & hopefully it will stay that way.
My office is in Denver, but even pre-Covid I would only go to the office 3-4 times a year. Have not been there at all in almost 2yrs. My boss asked me if I would come in that way for a retirement bash & I told him that depends on mask laws at the time. I may never go back again, and that will be just Palisade peachy with me.
cheers
pb+
I live in Canon City, 35 miles west of Pueblo and 57 east of Salida. I have been to Delta, and it is not even close to being as nice, or as sparsely populated as Canon. We are right on the Arkansas River, right next to the San Juan range, and 50 miles from 3 lakes. Our main employer is the prison system. 7 of them in the area including Fed Max out by Florence. The Royal Gorge is 8 miles away, and the Dino exhibit is there. Used to be a wild west town called Buckskin Joes up by the Gorge, but it closed some years ago. The scene in “The Cowboys” where John Wayne and Slim Pickens ride down the deserted streets of town was filmed there. Delta’s main drag is cool. But about 5 times as long as ours. Come on down sometime. You will like it!
So I know where that is & it is actually the furthest SE I have been ( actually had forgotten this until you named it ). Drove through Salida to get there. My son & I drove there once to pick a a Subaru Baja. Never made it into town, as the place we went to pick it up was west of town. But DUDE you could not be more wrong. First off Canon City population is 16k, Delta is 8k. Fremont county is 47k, Delta county is 30k. Population density for you is 31 per sqmi, Delta is 27. We both live in pretty rural areas pal. We have TWO rivers that run through town, hence its name. Greener than the Jolly Green here, but get outside of where they farm or water stuff, especially west & it has the beauty of Moab with ZERO crowds. And you are quite a bit closer to larger population centers there.
You must have a small main drag for a town your size, are you sure you mean Delta, and not Montrose? Our downtown is literally 7 blocks long, from 1st St to 7th. That’s it. Very nice though with old west type brick bldgs with nice historical murals and the like. Frankly, I like it here because it is a good place to “hide out”. Though I go to the gym here, I do not bank here, neither of us work here, etc. I find living in a small town gets too gossipy when too many peeps think they know you. We came from a town of 100 in NE Cali when we moved here, so I have also lived in what I can only term a remote area, where it was 30mi to a town of 2k and 120mi to either Susanville, or Klamath Falls. Once I get retired I would love to have you show me around that area. Come west & I would be happy to show you what is going on here. The Grand Mesa is our backyard & IMO you cannot beat it. Skiing, 300 lakes, off roading, paddling, granted mostly outdoor stuff unless you like farmers markets or north to Palisade for wine & booze tasting.
Anyway
cheers to you Dude
pb+
cheers
pb+
I thought Delta was bigger. I stayed in a hotel there one night on the way back from Cali when it was way too late to make the rest of the drive. Went fishing a couple of times at Blue Mesa which is close to Gunnison.
Yep, we typically go ski Monarch 2-3 times a season. I really would like to fish that, I hear they have some trophy lake trout in there. My old chiro used to fish there a lot & he had pic after pic of lunkers. Also ski CrestedB every so often, so know that area well.
cheers dude
To all the lawyers in the house, now that the restraining order has been rescinded ,what happens next in the Trevor Bauer case with MLB, the law and the Dodgers?
I’m definitely no lawyer.
BUT
I think the next major step is whether criminal charges are filed in Pasadena.
Based on what I posted the judge said …. even though this only related to the restraining order …… seems to be getting unlikely. That with how his team ripped her yesterday about things they presented but she and her team left out of testimony, she really starts to look like she set things up. Not saying she did, but their rebuttals & questioning of her made it look that way.
cheers
pb+
Yeah, I’ll say.
In denying the order after a four-day hearing, Judge Dianna Gould-Saltman said that according to the 27-year-old San Diego woman’s testimony, Bauer followed her boundaries when she set them, and he couldn’t know the boundaries she didn’t express to him.
“We consider in a sexual encounter that when a woman says no she should be believed,” Gould-Saltman said, “so what should we do when she says yes?”
After seeing this, what makes you think there’s a snowball’s chance in hell that PPD will file charges? If anything, this ruling makes it harder for them to justify filing charges.
Game over. The ball is in Manfred’s court.
But, I enjoy all the links you post.
AVF – please don’t take this as being picky, because yours is a good question, but the request for a restraining order was not rescinded, it was denied. What happens next is the DA concludes its investigation and decides if it wants to pursue criminal charges against Bauer; MLB concludes its investigation against Bauer and metes out some form of punishment and the young lady files a civil lawsuit for damages. As to the civil lawsuit, I said in an earlier post that I didn’t think it would happen. The reason I think this, is that I believe MLB, Tatis, Jr., and Mike Clevinger, among others, would not like to see that happen. If she files a civil suit these players, and possibly others, would all be subject to being subpoenaed for deposition. Having to testify under oath about their sexual dalliances would motivate these players to possibly pay her some money before that ever happens. Moreover, Manfred would be wetting his Brooks Bros. suit, when Bauer’s attorneys subpoena all MLB’s records related to their investigation. No telling what those documents would reveal. Given Bauer’s motivation, I could see that getting very ugly.
The denial of the restraining order is a huge setback for the woman.
In denying the order after a four-day hearing, Judge Dianna Gould-Saltman said that according to the 27-year-old San Diego woman’s testimony, Bauer followed her boundaries when she set them, and he couldn’t know the boundaries she didn’t express to him.
“We consider in a sexual encounter that when a woman says no she should be believed,” Gould-Saltman said, “so what should we do when she says yes?”
The judge said the woman’s petition asking for the domestic violence restraining order was “materially misleading.”
I would not say the investigation is over, but I would say that it is on life support.
Now, Rob Manfred is put into a trick bag and if he does not re-instate Bauer, he is going to get his a$$ sued.
I have no idea what his teammates think. Maybe it’s “Damn, with Bauer, Scherzer, Buehler, Kershaw, Urias, Price, White and all the rest, who the hell can beat us?
By the way, I am not a lawyer, but at one time I could have passed the bar. Probably not now…
The judge ruled on the evidence, not public opinion.
I had honestly not read much about the actual goings on lately, but today read some stuff from the trial yesterday. One that stuck out was when she was asked about a text she sent where she said “he can punch me in the vagina for 50 million” …… when asked if this was still true she replied “not necessarily”.
WTF?
There is still this:
“You say you were unconscious and when you came to he was having anal sex with you?” the attorney asked.
“Yes,” she said, before clarifying that no lubricant was used. Holley said that [Petitioner] told Bauer to stop, so he did.
Holley asked if [Petitioner] had her period during that time, to which she said no.
This colloquy is devastating for Bauer. Holley is attempting to show the court that the Petitioner could have said no to Bauer’s actions. However, the Petitioner’s testimony that she did so after Bauer already started putting his fingers down her throat, and further did so via a movement she could not make whilst unconscious, buttresses the Petitioner’s version of events. Further, reminding the judge that Bauer stopped when Petitioner woke up is awfully close to a judicial admission of forced sex whilst the Petitioner was unconscious, which is a crime.”
A crime that Bauer is not denying appears to have been committed. The question remains, will he be charged.
This could go on for months. I have no idea how morality clauses are worded in contracts but I’m assuming until there’s a conviction the Dodgers will continue to pay Bauer. I’m also assuming MLB isn’t going to allow Bauer near a ballpark until this is over.
If you tell someone to choke you out when you’re having sex, it’s safe to assume there’s a possibility you will still be having sex when you wake up.
Kind sounds like something the #’ers never thought of. Since I am also NOT a lawyer, I am just forced to muse about this. It is “rape” if you have sex with someone who is unconscious, but WHAT IF prior to said unconsciousness the person ASKS to be made unconscious? Seems like a gray legal area that might never have been litigated to see what a judge THINKS the law says, since I am pretty sure there is no actual law that specifically deals with that. Oh boy, just what we need, more laws to deal with the proclivities of the sexually freaky.
Apparently anal sex crossed a line.
Bauer did not testify, so he can admit nothing.
I think this is mostly if not all wrong.
I don’t think the woman’s consent goes very far with criminal cases. If I consent to being murdered (for insurance or whatever) the person who kills me is still a murderer. If I consent to buying cocaine, it’s still an illegal act.
At the end of the legal day, even if the woman consented he still beat her unconscious, which is assault and sexual assault every day of the week.
Right?
From everything I read, Bauer’s still most likely suspended through 2023. The life of this contact.
Unless he is convicted, that will never happen.
In a criminal case, it is “guilty beyond a reasonable doubt:, while in a civil case the standard is simply a “preponderance of the evidence.”
I think many people are jumping to conclusions. She said he beat her unconscious. That was not proven or admitted.
1. How exactly is writing:
The denial of the restraining order is a huge setback for the woman.
Not leaping to a conclusion?
2. Unless he is convicted that will never happen? What will never happen?
3. The hearing actually established that she DID become unconscious.
I don’t think anyone is jumping to conclusions. The suspension would be right in line with the Callaway suspension.
The denial of the restraining order simply means that the Judge did not believe Bauer was a danger to her. In making her decision, the judge noted that the woman invited rough sex by asking Bauer to choke her out and texting him to “gimme all the pain” leading up to the second encounter.
“When a woman says ‘no,’ she should be believed,” Gould-Saltman said. “So what about when she says ‘yes’?”
Gould-Saltman noted that Bauer didn’t pursue or threaten the woman following the second sexual encounter on May 16, saying that there was “no factual basis” to support her fears of Bauer after she went to an emergency room or after obtaining a protective order. Gould-Saltman added that there was “no supportable evidence” that he would harm her in the future.
The medical examiner stated that the woman’s injuries, which she analyzed through digital photographs, were not consistent with the woman’s description of what happened during the second encounter.
All we heard was the case against Trevor Bauer. Essentially, it is the prosecution’s case.
I do not believe he will be suspended unless there is a prosecution.
Callaway is accused of sending inappropriate texts and harassment that were not asked for in any fashion… and they were proven. Bauer’s accusations were more egregious but were not proven.
If I were you Mark, I’d delete that post and review what Bauer and his team admitted happened in the trial that just ended.
Callaway sent texts. Bauer beat a woman. Regardless of if it was consented to. He. Beat. A. Woman.
There’s zero chance MLB with their brand and family audiences are not going to suspend him.
Are you bonkers?
I’m good.
Don’t say I didn’t tell you to delete it.
The lesson learned here? You sleep with dogs, you wake up with fleas.
AWESOME !!! I have got to have that in my snappy retort bag! That along with the classic Rickles line, lookin at you I can understand why some animals eat their young!
I am more concerned about TB the person than TB the player. I was not a fan of his signing, but accepted it, as that meant the Pads would not have his services. He has made enough to live comfortably if he never pitches again. No team wants the stigma of having a player with such universal condemnation in the eyes of the public. However, he has family members that will forever be embarrassed by this ordeal. They are the ones that will suffer the most. I do hope that TB realizes that some changes need to be made to his lifestyle.
And there is also the question of how he would be recieved by his team mates if he is reinstated. Now obviously, the guy is not going to be able to pitch right off the bat. He would need build up and some reps. How would he get that? Sending him to AAA where he can be piled on by outraged female fans? Doubtful Surely not at low A Rancho, only a stones throw from LA> So he would probably have to do so on the back fields in Arizona against minor leaguers. Personally, if he never pitches for the Dodgers again, I am ok with it. Financially, what ever happens is going to be thrown back at the Dodgers for signing him. MLB.com made no mention of the ruling on their web site. ESPN did.
Dodger players against Walker have hit 5 HR’s in the past, Bellinger, Muncy, Pujols, Seager and Smith have taken him deep in the past. Best avg against is Pujols .400 in 5 AB’s. Seager and Smith the only others over .300 against him. He is 3-2 lifetime against LA. No starter named yet for tonights game.
Doc has the right 8 guys in there today considering Betts is injured:
T Turner
Muncy
J Turner
Seager
Smith
Pollock
Taylor
Bellinger
Knebel
Strong lineup. Should be a good game since Walker is close to being their best pitcher right now. They can gain 1/2 game on the Giants since Sf is off tonight.
Speaking of fun, Gavin Stone debuts with the Loons tonight.
Per Washington Post; MLB official said that Bauer’s leave had been extended again, to Aug. 27, under an agreement with the players’ union.
Well that had to figure. They have enough on their plates already.
The Giants next 13 games, just before they play the Dodgers, are all against contending teams. Oak 3. Mets 3 Braves 3 and Milwaukee 4 then the Dodgers for their last 3 games this season.
Jack Morris, the Hall of Famer, suspended by the Tigers and Bally Sports for making some racial remarks about Ohtani. He apologized but MLB is getting pretty POed about this stuff.
https://youtu.be/MhrzUVBhrLQ
I guess this wouldn’t work today LOL
It was stupid and sophmoric. Worse than being suspended, he should be profoundly embarrassed and shamed.
Not Dodger related, but did anyone see Ohtani yesterday? HOLY COW! I caught the end.
8ip, 6 hits, one run, 90 pitches 69 for strikes, started out with a 92-93fb & by the end it was 98 and his sinker was unhittable. Oh yeah, plus he hit his 40th dinger. Then today they come back from 8 down & he goes 2-3. Always like to see local boys doing well, except against us.
cheers
pb+
Has to be one of the greatest seasons of all time!!!!
Pulease. He is having a great season, but off all time?? Not even close.
I think the Dodgers should trade Bauer straight-up for Ohtani. If AF does not get this done it will prove that Roberts is a poor manager.
08/19/21 Los Angeles Dodgers activated LHP Victor Gonzalez.
08/19/21 Los Angeles Dodgers optioned RHP Mitch White to Oklahoma City Dodgers.
Is there really anyone that “hates” Dave Roberts?
I don’t even hate Altuve, Springer, or Bregman. I don’t know them.
I can’t speak for everyone else, but I just think he is a poor field manager. Who cares that he has great people skills? So does my neighbor.
I think stating that Roberts is a poor manager has really nothing to do with controlling the flow of information about a particular player. I have never really cared about that personally but I guess some people do?
Sounds a bit like a strawman argument to me.
So many terrible decisions over the years that I can name but again, going back to leaving Kershaw to pitch after the first homer against the Nats? Totally and completely unarguable that was a terrible call. Watching Jansen or Kelly load the bases time and again and usually without anyone warming up?
Nobody that I know has a Dave Roberts voodoo doll but he is not a good game manager. Never had been but maybe there is hope
Well, that is a Dandy argument. “He’s a bad manager because I said he is.”
There you have it. What a compelling statement.
On the Bauer hearing:
The hearing this week was simply for the purpose of continuing the restraining order. It was not an evidentiary hearing as to innocence or guilt. Many allegations were made and Bauer did not testify to admit or disprove them. He did not need to. It was a moot point.
The temporary restraining order was dismissed and will not be extended. The Judge did not have to comment but did and that is surely telling.
Allegations have been made. Nothing has been proven and that is where everything stands.
The Police have been investigating for 3 months and MLB for 7 weeks. Today’s hearing was a big win for Bauer and drastically hurt the woman’s case… and ultimately, it may have killed the criminal case.
The admin leave was extended until the 27th. Next week. After that there should be some sort of resolution, but I doubt it.
Gould-Saltman said the injuries shown in photographs were “terrible.” But the judge added later: “If she set limits and he exceeded them, this case would have been clear. But she set limits without considering all the consequences, and respondent did not exceed limits that the petitioner set.”
A sensible ruling as far as I’m concerned.
But what about the ongoing investigations, including MLB’s, and could there be a civil suit?
Bauer’s own lawyer said that she was choked until she was unconscious and punched whilst unconscious. Bauer’s lawyer said that.
Further, I can’t believe this needs to be said, but hitting when they’re unconscious is literally illegal. Regardless of where it happens. This has also been admitted to.
Further, and this is bound to weigh in as well. Bauer hasn’t apologized (YET) Urias did. Chapman did. José Reyes apologized. Even Addison Russell apologized.
Speaking of Chapman, remember when the Dodgers wouldn’t trade for him after the allegations? Same upper management.
If you think MLB is gonna be fine and dandy with that, I’d recommend you stay off hallucinogenics.
If it’s illegal why haven’t they arrested him. I can’t believe how long this has taken. He should’ve been arrested by now or the charges should’ve been dropped. Something sounds fishy to me
He’s beyond wealthy. The case will be costly.
It’s kinda a victimless crime (that reads a LOT more harshly than I mean it to).
And, they haven’t decided NOT to pursue the criminal case.
Jaywalking is illegal.
Opening a driver’s side door into traffic is illegal.
Speeding is illegal.
Do you see everyone who jaywalks arrested?
Are you really comparing this to jaywalking you’ve got to be kidding me. And I don’t see how you could call it victimless if the accusations are true.I’m not sticking up for Bauer it seems he has admitted wrongdoing, just curious why he hasn’t been arrested
Went right over your head.
Bauer’s own lawyer said that she was choked until she was unconscious and punched whilst unconscious. Bauer’s lawyer said that.
Where?
This is why I told you to delete your post and read what Bauer’s team admitted to.
So.
Delete your post.
READ what Bauer’s team admitted to.
If you’re still convinced you are on a good path, put the post back up.
I read it. The burden is on you! They did not say that.
The DA will charge only what they believe they can prove. That judge just ruled “she set limits without considering all the consequences, and respondent did not exceed limits that the petitioner set.” If the DA sees it differently, there may be charges. I doubt he will see it differently, but won’t be surprised by anything. I also think MLB will have something to say about it. And, I still have a question about a civil suit.
1. I am not a Bauer fan.
2. I do not believe it is ever acceptable to hit a woman… under any circumstances!
3. This is not like any sexual assault case on record in MLB history, and can’t be compared as such.
1. Sadly, I don’t like Bauer nearly as much as I did before this happened.
2. I do not believe it is ever acceptable to slap-ass Scherzer… under any circumstances! He made that perfectly clear, she did not.
3. This isn’t even a sexual assault case and shouldn’t be treated as such.
It’s shameful that this women screwed so many other people by screwing Bauer, Tatis and Clevenger looking for a payday.
The train Treinen, a train is coming over you at 98 MPH
That’s how to close a ninth inning! Thank you AF for resigning Treinen when we all thought you overpaid! Cmon Eric even you have to be impressed with this bullpen now.
There are several circumstances I can imagine to hit a women.
Saying it is not acceptable under any circumstances is not thought through.
It sounds more like sentiment than reason.
If a women was coming after your wife or grandchildren with a butcher knife and your only means of stopping her was to hit her, I imagine you would hit her.
There are circumstances that do call for that sort of reaction. I am pretty sure what he was talking about was in a situation like Bauer was in. No excuse for violence towards any one who is weaker or smaller than you if it can be avoided.
Bullpen did a great job. Offense did enough to get the win, and the Mets are fading fast. Personally my friends, I do not want to see Trevor Bauer in a Dodger uni again. That is just my opinion. In my eyes, he just is not the kind of person I want on my team.
I want Bauer back. Makes this team which is already very, very good that much better .
Bauer, WB, Scherzer, Kershaw in a playoff series with Urias being able to come out of the pen. Almost a lock to win the WS again.
I dont like what TB did and he certainly is a very troubled human being but if his teamates are okay with him returning the Dodgers should go that route for a title run in 2021. Can still trade him over the winter if there are teams willing to take him on.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
According to Mookie Betts, he is almost ready to return and feels better than he has all season. He had another cortisone shot and it has been successful in taking the pain he was feeling away. He says he is close to returning.
I get it, that’s what Mark probably meant, a situation like Bauer was in. Although what he said was
“ under any circumstances “.
And regarding the Bauer
situation, none us were there and so far no reliable or credible witnesses have testified. Neither Bauer nor the woman are reliable. We seem to want him in jail (otherwise it is a judgement on our society) or to never play in the MLB again, at least not as a Dodger.
Would anyone like him to get a fair trial, not a trial by public opinion or by bloggers who don’t have the facts much like they don’t have all the facts influencing Dave Roberts’ in game decisions before jumping to conclusions.
You or none of us may like Trevor Bauer much anymore, but for the sake of every man and every woman he should get a fair trial, in a court of law before being convicted and declared guilty. That would be best for society.
Nice win by the bullpen. Sets us up nicely starting pitching wise with Buehler, Scherzer and Price against the Mets and Urias, Buehler, and Scherzer against the Pads in the next series with a day off Monday. Hopefully Mookie is back sometime in the Pad series and Lux returns to Oklahoma City for more at bats and work at 3rd base.
Dodgers have now whittled the Giants lead to 2 1/2 games….
And soon the Giants and Padres will duking it out over several games. This is probably a make-or-break series (actually a pair of series) for the Padres.
I prefer to be an armchair GM or manager to an armchair prosecutor or defense counsel.
Fresh observations:
— Let’s at least have Treinen share the closer’s role. And Bickford has earned his workhorse role. Glad to see VGon back. Vesia continues to impress.
–Very glad AF ignored my advice to make a big deadline deal that included Mitch White. He could be the fifth starter in 2022.
–McKinney’s OF skills give him an edge over Lux–especially if Lux keeps botching opportunities. (What will the bench look like when Mookie comes back?)
–As the Youtube baseball dude Fuzzy put it, DJ Peters nearly made “the catch of year” for the Rangers. He was playing CF running full speed to the fence, leaped and gloved the ball–but lost it as his torso smashed high against the fence. The highlight was impressive even though he couldn’t hang on to the ball. Rooting for that guy.
–Oh, some people here are such homers that they diss the Giants’ Brandon Crawford and his new two-year contract. That guy is to the Giants as Justin Turner is to the Dodgers: a reliable heart-and-soul guy. He’s won 3 gold gloves and 3 rings—and now he’s having the best offensive season of his career. He had a poor 60-game season, but now he’s playing so well that SF fans are saluting him with “MVP” chants. So maybe he’s sort of a hybrid of JT and Muncy.
Just looked at the ESPN power rankings. Wow, we win 7 in a row and fall to second behind the Midgets.
Says a lot about the division and the Midgets.
This will go down the wire .
I hope MLB reinstates TB next week. After the judge denied the woman and looking at the reasons she gave there is no way MLB should suspend TB longer than he already has technically been with all thos extended leaves.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trevor Bauer is history and will never be accepted by the Dodger fans or players or pitch another game for the Dodgers again. This has already been decided in the court of public opinion. The only thing that has to be decided is how much they will have to pay on the remaining contract and if there will be a MLB suspension, A settlement on the money issue is possible .Move on dodgerram,