It’s no secret that many Dodger fans want to be rid of Kenley Jansen. I started this blog before the game last night and finished it this morning, so I am not just riding the bandwagon of the “Good Kenley,” who notched his 26th save last night on just 7 pitches – all strikes!
Some fans will say it is because Dave Roberts is just a bad manager as to why he has not removed the Closer tag from Kelley Jansen’s name. The last I checked, it is a free country (although some may debate that) and you can believe what you want. I say he has not removed the closer tag from Kenley’s name is because he is a good manager.
What do labels mean anyway? Does Dave Roberts need to put the sign “Closer” above Kenley Jansen’s Locker? If so, should they put this sign above Albert Pujols locker: “Washed up Hall-of-Famer, Now a Sub“? How about Trea “Many Think He Should be the Dodger SS” Turner? Or, maybe, Cody “Send his Butt to OKC” Bellinger? Should Blake Treinen or Corey Knebel be the closer? Both are capable and both will close games this year. I guarantee it! But the Closer Tag needs to hang on Kenley… kind of like the Ace Tag needs to hang on Clayton Kershaw. They have earned it by their tenure.
A good manager does not need to talk about it. When he calls to the bullpen, whoever is asked to get up, just needs to do their job and man-o-man has this bullpen ever done their job! I would be remiss if I did not remind you that I have been saying this all year that this bullpen would be great, and I have been shot down at just about every mention of it… until it’s no longer possible to argue otherwise. Even Eric has had to admit that these guys are pretty dang good!
Most fans blasted the Adam Kolarek and Dylan Floro trades, but Kolarek is back at AAA after having an ERA over 8.00 and a WHIP of 2.22 with Oakland this year. The jury is still out on Sheldon Noisy and Gus Varland, but Kolarek was no loss. Dylan Floro has been solid with the Marlins, but right here, right now, I take Alex Vesia every time over Dylan. Vesia is also capable of closing… maybe even this year. The Dodgers needed a LH high-leverage reliever to go with Victor Gonzalez, who has struggled but seems to be getting healthy right about now… if he doesn’t kill himself belly-flopping.
The Dodgers now have a 3.04 team ERA… by far the best in baseball. No one will catch them as they will again win the ERA title. They will not win the bullpen ERA title, but they are solid at #4 right now and could get to #2 as the Rays arms start to fall off with the number of innings they have pitched. This bullpen is currently the best in baseball and the stats prove it. I am not talking about for the season, but I am talking about right here, right now! Look at the list of players who will be competing for bullpen spots for the playoffs:
- Scott Alexander – He has been solid when healthy, but that is the problem.
- Phil Bickford – He has emerged as the “go to guy” when the bullpen come in.
- Justin Bruihl – It’s hard to see him on the playoff roster, but so far he has not flinched.
- Garrett Cleavinger – It seems like “next yaer” is his time, but you see flashes.
- Neftali Feliz – Does he have anything left? We don’t know… yet.
- Tony Gonsolin – Has not been healthy most of the year, but is a solid swingman when healthy.
- Victor Gonzalez – He is “rounding” back into shape (Round is a shape).
- Brusdar Graterol – The Bazooka is learning to pitch. He is still developing.
- Shane Green – He has the experience, but can he still pitch? I have no clue.
- Andre Jackson – Something really bad has to happen to a lot of pitchers for him to make the playoffs.
- Kenley Jansen – Closer.
- Corey Knebel – Closer too.
- Darien Nunez – A year away.
- Evan Phillips – Organizational depth
- David Price – Swingman
- Blake Treinen – Another closer.
- Edwin Uceta – Wait until next year
- Julio Urias – Could see time in the pen in the Playoffs.
- Alex Vesia – Set up man.
- Mitch White – Electric arm, great stuff, starter, reliever.
There are going to be some really good arms left off the playoff roster. Everyone is getting healthy all at once and if Jimmy Nelson were not injured this might be one of the better bullpens of all time. Still, it is pretty dang good as these guys have grown into their roles. It has been fun to watch them through this season and see the progress. That is one of the main things I love about the game. Many of you see a player pitch poorly and want to send him back to AAA – I see flashes of brilliance and know he can build on that. Alex Vesia and Phil Bickford are two such guys. There are a lot of great arms in this bullpen.
The Dodgers are now 1.5 games behind the Giants and I predict that Mookie Betts will be activated tonight or tomorrow… if he does not have any pain today. He has not been out long enough to warrant a rehab assignment. Also, it will be a big shot in the arm for his teammates to see him walk or run to his position in RF. I am predicting it right now. Let’s see what happens.
Then, there is this Trevor Bauer thing… It is going to have to be decided by MLB before the end of the month, in my opinion. Lots of people have weighed in on this issue, but I am certain of one thing: Most of them do not thoroughly understand what constitutes “Evidence.” I have heard so many conflicting opinions. I even read an article by an attorney that I thought was total BS. But what do I know? I was just the only white guy in America who predicted OJ would be acquitted in his criminal trial, but even Ray Charles could see he would lose his civil trial. I have no opinion about the guilt or innocence of Bauer, but what I do know is that right about now, all we have are accusations. I think a lot will happen in the next 10 days. Stay tuned!
Dodger Minor League News
- Ryan Pepiot was beaten like a rented mule last night – 4.1 IP/8 Runs/ 4 BB/2 HR.
- Sheldon Noisy was 3-5.
- Jeren Kendall hit his 10th HR and was 2-5, as was Busch who hit his 15th HR.
- Vargas continues to rake and was 3-6 (.317 BA).
- Cody Hoese was 2-5.
- Mark Washington pitched the final 3 (scoreless) innings and got his 5th win.
- Ryan January (catcher) was 3-3 with his 5th HR for the Loons.
I want Bauer back on the team …. It would be one of the best rotations of all time, maybe the best!
Whatever it takes to win this year, I personally don’t care what he does off the field, what he does on the field is what really counts.
I don’t understand why many people say they don’t want him back on the team, please, has none of you ever done something bad or inappropriate in your life? And nobody judges you
You don’t understand why so many people say they don’t want him back? Really? I think it’s obvious but will avoid stating that obvious here.
At the beginning of the year I thought this bullpen could be historic. Then it exploded. But, it is still performing. Damm impressive if you ask me.
It looked like Bellinger was coming out of it. But he’s 3 for his last 25 with 7 Ks and no walks. He’s hit a few line drives that we’re caught, but he’s launched nothing. Taylor has lost his slug, McKinney is OPSn in the 5’s now and any night Barnes is playing the O takes a hit. The bottom half of the position lineup last night was 1 for 12. The team was 5 for 29 with 10 Ks and 1 BB. 1 for 5 WRISP. We won that game with pitching.
Jansen sits tonight. Right? I know he only threw 7 pitches in the game, but he threw 20 warming up.
It has taken Roberts about 5 months but in his post game analysis he sounded like an addict who was having “his come to Jesus moment” when the evidence was just too overwhelming and he had to speak the truth that most Dodger fans have known for a while. He was effusive in his compliments for Treinen. I was absolutely gobsmacked with the length and depth of his feelings about how well Blake has just dominated each and everyone of his appearances. He finally admitted it, without really saying it, that he now has 2 closers. This is a big step for Doc to make this admission. I commend him. Up to now, DR has stuck to his singular belief that his bullpen has only ONE CLOSER. Against the best teams in the league, I want Blake closing those teams out. His stats speak for themselves and he has achieved his excellence with an incomparable consistency. For the next 3 weeks we are going to see Treinen and Jansen relieving on alternate nights like we have seen for the past 2 games. But Doc, like almost every addict, he doesn’t want to go cold turkey by saying Treinen is “my guy”. But after this experimental timeframe between now and the end of the season, everyone will understand, that Blake is OUR GUY in the playoffs.
Can you imagine what our line-up is going to look like when Mookie returns and replaces Bellinger ! But keep this in mind, Mookie is not as healthy as he is expounding about to the press. The cortisone shots he is receiving are not a cure…….all they do is mask the pain. Once he starts playing again on a regular basis, the inflammation that arises from the bone spur penetrating the surrounding soft tissue, will become more probable. I just hope, by giving him intermittent days off, he will be able to lead us again to another victorious Fall Classic.
Mookie will not replace Bellinger. Bellinger will be in CF almost every night with Mookie in RF. Belli will hit in the 8th hole and give them top notch defense and occasionally a big hit. He is not going anywhere.
I don’t think I’d like to tip a beer with him and if I had a sister who he asked on a date that date wouldn’t happen.
This was in regard to Jorge’s comment about TB.
If nothing else …… the crapshow distraction if/when he pitches. As someone else noted the other day, can you imagine fans at away games? We already saw our fans when the cheastros came to town. NO WAY could you have him pitch at a game in San Diego, regardless of where they were in the rotation or the need. It just seems like the kind of thing that could easily become an unneeded distraction, right when you need to be laser focused on the job ahead.
cheers
pb+
Having him pitch in San Diego would be worth 10x the price of admission! It would be like Jerry Springer and Baseball got together and had a kid.
Manfred already made sure that’s not gonna happen during the regular season having extended his vacation beyond the last three games in San Diego this year (next week). After that, the remaining two series are at Dodger stadium.
Right now, the postseason looks far from a lock for Padres. They sit tied with Reds for the second wild card today and the Reds schedule is easy by comparison. Darvish is wilting. Snell is vastly overrated. You can just about stick a fork in the Padres. Then, they’ll have to fix his shoulder in the offseason and deal with a recovery year similar to Belli this year. I can see Preller working on his resume in the near future.
Oh I get the “entertainment value”, don’t get me wrong. But I also do not think you can overstate the possibility of its possible team distraction.
cheers
pb+
Jorge,
Here here!
El que esté libre de piedras, que arroje el primer pecado.
Creo que solo Jesús puede decir eso.
And I loved seeing Kennedy throw that ball at the head of the stupid clown, what a shame he didn’t throw it a little lower, straight at the idiot’s face, let’s see if he keeps dancing like a retard, and then Manny being the same Manny as always!
You always give me a chuckle Jorge! Don’t change a bit.
That is a truly hateful thing to say. Absolutely uncalled for.
I don’t want to see anyone hit in the face….hit them in the leg or buttocks but definitely not the head. I’m sure you didn’t mean that either….just venting….
Oh, Jorge definitely meant it. He despises all things Padre brown and the big hot dog Machado most of all.
Jansen did look good last night. He is mixing up his pitches. The only concern I have is that I do not think he should go back to back. Especially if he has thrown more than 20 pitches. Treinen looked great on Thursday night. Treinen could be the best closer in baseball. The batters on Thursday night did not have a chance.
TT looks so good. He ignites the team. Where is Mookie going to bat when he comes back? The Dodgers are starting to do the little things to win games. Stealing bases, getting the runner home from third with less than 2 outs, and grinding out each at bat. They are now winning the close games.
The Dodger front office is very good. Scherzer, Turner, Bickford, and Vesia were pickups this year and all contributing.
Bellinger is the only one that does not have his act together. His swing is so violent. He needs to make some changes, but I not think he will.
Here is the lineup I would use:
1. T-T 2B
2. Muncy 1B
3. Betts RF
4. Seager SS
5. J-T 3B
6. Smith C
7. Bellinger CF
8. Pollock LF
Bellinger’s swing has always been violent. But it used to be that his shoulder was not weak. It is getting stronger. Remember, progress is not linear!
No, I don’t think Belli could ever change….which is why I’m reserved to think he is working himself back into the old Belli (2018-19). I’m concerned that that Belli has left the house.
BUT….I HOPE I’m WRONG!
You are…it took Matt Kemp all of 2013, and almost a third of 2014 before he got his mojo back. And he had 2 major surgeries. Bellinger has not even played 75 games yet.
I can’t remember ever seeing a bullpen this deep. You even forgot to include Danny Duffy in your list. I’m waiting patiently to get a glimpse of Neftali Feliz. He got up in the pen to other night, but didn’t get into the game. I hope he isn’t rusty when they finally get him an inning. Can he still bring triple digits?
It was great to pick up another game on the hated ones. That team is like Bauer’s bed mate, looking good from afar, but when you’re up close, you see the cracks in the plaster.
If Varland turns out to be a middle reliever or Noisey turns out to be a bench piece, we still win that trade. Kolarek got screwed by Manfred and his rule changes. Loogy all the way, a thing of the past.
The Bauer saga is a miscarriage of justice. Ms. Hill should be in jail for her extortion attempt and Bauer should be reinstated immediately. This is purely political at this point.
I agree that Doc is doing the right thing by keeping the closer name tag on Kenley. I think he would get his feelings hurt like he did with his perceived all star snub and melt down again if handled in another manner. Treinen is probably a better option to close. But, he’s also a better option to come into a mess and clean it up. I still don’t fully trust Kenley and never will, but at least they have some insurance in case they need to pivot.
Belli did smash another ball last night, but it was a hard grounder to the shortstop. He still misses a lot of hittable pitches and chases out of the zone. But, when he connects he sure hits it hard. Hopefully, he’ll develop some more consistency over the next month and catch fire in the postseason.
Are we done talking about being the Wild Card team? We’re just 1.5 games back with arguably our best player on the IL and a pitching staff that’s held together with duct tape and bubble gum with the prospect of being fully healthy in the near future. This team is so stacked that we’re the best team while never being at full strength.
I’ll say it again, back when we went on our first roll I was concerned this was going to be a boring season. Touted as possibly the best team ever assembled, they could have threatened the Mariners for that 116 win mark. Instead we’ve had an exciting season full of ups and downs, pins and needles. I wouldn’t have it any other way especially if we are healthy when it counts. These last two weeks have been very exciting and unpredictable. I can’t wait for more, the best has yet to come.
Alex Vesia is quickly becoming one of my favorite guys. AF should go to jail for pickpocketing the Marlins. Except it happened in California so he was cited and released like all the other thieves in California. Vesia sounds like an Italian name, so I’ll just go ahead and claim him as a fellow paisano. He’s from Alpine California and my niece is moving to that town later this month. We’re almost family!
It’s funny in a ironic sense that White and Jackson get rewarded for throwing a bunch of zeros by being optioned right afterwards. With so many great relievers, maybe they need to have bullpen games just to keep people sharp.
It looks like we’re lined up to have Urias activated for the opener against the Padres on Tuesday with Bueller and Scherzer to follow with normal rest after the off day on Monday. Kershaw and Gonsolin are getting close to returning and will probably piggy back together every 5th day. But, we’ll still have to cover a couple more bullpen games or White/Jackson starts until then.
The roster will expand to just 28 players as the calendar turns to September. Just enough room to keep all these relievers without the need to DFA? I’m having a really tough time keeping up with the 40 man this year. AF is giving a clinic on working the system.
Paisan,
I’m like you….I pop open the bubbly stuff when I see Belli just hit the ball hard….doesn’t even matter if he got a hit….just glad it’s not a K or a weak pop up.
Busch has a really nice swing. Quick hands like Lux but a shorter follow-through. He looks thicker than I remember. Power shouldn’t be a problem.
Maybe I’m way off here, but I swear I see Daniel Murphy in him.
I see it in his bat and sadly… his glove!
That’s good. I’ve been trying to find a comp. I think MLB cites Muncy as a template. I’d take it.
Busch and Vargas….one of them has to replace JT when it’s time.
There’s Hoese too. And possibly Rios. Seager?
These things have a way of working themselves out.
Couple common sense points for today.
Unless the Bauer contract can be bagged, how is a team that’s on the line for +$100MM walk away from that financial commitment? If there is a morals clause, bye bye. But if that can’t be worked, out I suspect he pitches here or somewhere else again if he can be traded. That is too large a pill to swallow IMO. No idea what’s going to happen!
Regarding Kenley, my spinctor was tight when he came into the game last night. But wait, he had a day off! His results were good. The common sense solution is to trade off closing roles based on rest and situation. That’s an easy sell internally and externally.
Eager to catch and pass the Giants. My son in law is a life long Giant fan and the this old guy needs to keep him down! My poor grandson is a Dodger fan when he’s here (my daughter bleeds blue) and a Giant fan when he’s home up north. I keep reminding my SIL that the Giants are now the Dodgers north! They will continue to be good I’m afraid!
OC,
That makes a lot of sense….today Jansen, tomorrow, TREINEN.
YOU KNOW ……. that Doc is going to put Kenley back in tonight if he has the chance just to F with us …… right?
cheers
pb+
Lol….he might based on only 7 pitches…..but I’m sure he has taken notice of the game TREINEN closed a few days ago. Three Ks.
Won’t be needed. Dodgers are going to clean Mountains clock. I predict Tio Albert takes the Mountain down town.
Told ya so ……… 🙂
Regarding Kenley, his results were not good, the results were perfect. Props!
It seems like every game Cody Bellinger really gets into a ball. Unfortunately, lately, it seems like he hits it at somebody. The law of averages and all, some will begin to fall for hits. Still, Bellinger is not very consistent at this point. I thought Alex Rodriquez made a good point. Because Bellinger is tall and has long arms, his timing needs to be on to consistently hit the ball hard. The timing is just not there for the most part. Thus he’s late, swings under a lot of balls, pops them up or simply misses them. Although there will be moments, I’m guessing you won’t see the the real Bellinger until 2022.
After you watch Trea Turner produce run after run with his speed, is there any doubt the Dodgers make him part of his future plans? The bottom line he’s going to love playing in LA with a chance to win it all every year. Imagine a healthy team with Mookie Betts and Turner in the line-up. No way, I’m letting Corey Seager walk. A very limited group of teams will be able to compete for his talents, one less now that the Giants have re-signed Crawford. At the end of the day, the Dodgers should just put the best offer on the table.
As to Trevor Bauer, don’t expect him back or even to play for the Dodgers again. It’s not just about the legal stuff or what MLB will do, the team has to feel let down that he got involved in this nonsense in the first place. Meets this woman on social media, gets involved in beyond the line activities (what could go wrong?) and almost derailed the team’s goal of winning a second straight World Series. Winning takes focus. Where was Bauer’s focus? I honestly hope they can walk away from the contract. Look forward to the Dodgers extending Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw returning to health. A rich athlete or anyone else with fame and fortune is a target today. Is that so hard to understand? Steer clear. Any questions.
Mark’s line-up looks about right.
Kenley came out breathing fire last night. I think the key to using him is not putting him out in back to back appearances. Seems to impact his effectiveness. The Dodgers have options. Blake Treinen has been exceptional.
“Wait till 2022”seems to be the #1 mantra for Cody from most here, so I guess we should all remove any and all expectations we may have for him this year because next year seems to be his time to shine. By doing this, we can also save ourselves from experiencing any possible “agita.”
Make sure you have a jar of Brioschi for that agita!
Do they still make that? I loved that growing up. Better than Alka Seltzer.
All Italians know what that is. Same with an “Atlas machine”.
Would be great if we could lure TTurner here for a few more. But you know, not everyone loves the lights and glitter of L.A. That will likely be up to him more than the Dodgers whether he chooses to stick around after next season.
cheers
pb+
money talks
Meh …… for some. But ANYWHERE he wants to go, if he continues even close to what he is today, he will make bank. He can go where he wants to go.
Esta es la Versión de Jansen cerrador, pocos lanzamientos y al ritmo de 1 2 y 3, eso es todo. No hay porqué hacerla de emoción, y esperamos que hoy no lo traiga Doc.
Totalmente de acuerdo Jose
Estoy totalmente de acuerdo contigo.
Clayton Beeter and Melvin Jimenez were both promoted to AA Tulsa. I have always been an advocate for Jimenez, so I am happy for his promotion. Beeter has not thrown more than 3 innings this year (twice). But he does start. Since I doubt that they are developing openers, I assume that Beeter is getting a good push as a multi-inning reliever. Or they are being extraordinarily careful with his innings this year. LAD has not called me to let me know.
Beeter has monster stuff.
What’s up with Pepiot? And why does Watson get to play football without consent but Bauer doesn’t get to play baseball with consent?
New level, long season, first real taste of upper levels. He’ll be fine but he’s likely not a 2022 option anymore.
A few comments and thoughts if I may:
1. Way to go Kenley…7 pitches, no drama. Thank you. I hope you bask in that glory today…see you Sunday.
2. Buehler almost pitched a complete game….wow! Easy does it though….we need you strong for the playoffs.
3. We are a different team with COREY SEAGER in the lineup. Pay the man; let Turner play 2B.
4. I understand a few Dodger players may not feel comfortable being around Trevor, but we all have had people at our work environments we didn’t like either, but we had to learn to get along with. So, I’m not going to support the notion of not wanting Trevor back, a great pitcher, just because a few Dodger players don’t want to try to grow and learn how to get along with all people, even people they may not like.
5. I hope we don’t rush Mookie back because as you can see, we really aren’t missing him, so if another week strengthens his issues, I’m all for that. I just don’t want to jeopardize October for September.
6. Glad to see Cody hit the ball hard to the SS last night.
TM
Roberts painted himself into a corner a little bit with Buehler. You could tell he was gassed.
We have 8 position players with at least an .800 OPS. This includes our utility guy Chris Taylor. The only starter that doesn’t have at least an .800 OPS is Bellinger.
I would say that is a very good offense.
But not as good as our bullpen Eric!
I’m OK with our bullpen and it has a lot to do with the emergence of Bickford and Vesia.
Rooting for Graterol to stick.
He’s getting better and better. I too love him. Yeah, we need him too.
All of a sudden, thanks to VESIA, Bickford, White, and Bruihl, we now are very deep in the pen. Probably have no need for Shane Greene.
Indeed it is. I wonder how Belli is handling it, going from winning the MVP to batting 8th in the lineup with a .171 BA? This has to be eating away at him. I hope he has a friend or two he can vent with (assuming he doesn’t have a sports psychologist).
* I called it on Evan Phillips. I’m Carnac. He came up with the deadly thigh strain, or something, over night and went on the 10 day. Must have rolled over in bed wrong or something.
* Seriously, many fans would like to see more transparency in the game. Things like reasons for a replay decision. But what can be expected when this whole IL deal is founded on lies. They need a more honest system to be able to move platers up and down besides making up injuries which everybody does. Piss in my ear and tell me it’s raining.
* Damn TT is fun to watch contact hit and run like a deer Speed kills. A single is a double. He can advance on anything so the hitter looks good, and he scores when others couldn’t. His impact is what Mookie brought last year. Everyday was some highlight. Now it’s TT. Wait until both are healthy and on the field together and we’ll have some fun watching those 2.
* Damn, Barnes attempted to backhand dirt ball top 8 and 2 advance to 3rd and 2nd. Big spot. Block the ball.
* Doc stayed with Striker as long as he could which I really liked. The unlucky Alonzo hit made the decision easy with Conforto coming up. Almost 8 innings on 107 pitches. I love it.
* Great job, KJ.
Good game. Well played. Well managed.
Down to 1.5. We’re going to win the Division. It’s going to be exciting.
Phil, I know TT is your kind of player. With both him and a healthy Mookie our ability to manufacture runs ramps up big time so we don’t have to rely on the home run all the time. That first inning run by TT last night was a thing of beauty. Speed kills! Our opponents!
He sure is Cassidy. I have nothing against the home run but being able to pressure defenses and manufacture runs with speed just adds to our arsenal. Especially in the playoffs when we face more Aces where homers may be harder to come by.
Great points Phil.
The presence of Trea Turner or Mookie gives the offense another run creating dimension with their contact, instincts and speed. To have both in the same lineup should take the offense to another level.
Almost like having two versions of Rickey Henderson added to your already good lineup.
Good call, RCD, on mentioning TT and Mookie’s instincts. They both just play the game the right way, day in and day out. I’m amazed at Mookie’s ability to do all the little things right to help you win. They are both just “baseball players”; my highest compliment.
AC mentioned Melvin Jimenez and Clayton Beeter have been promoted to Tulsa. from the Loons.
To fill their spots right-handers Michael Hobbs (2021-10th round) and Antonia Knowles(2021-13th round) have moved quickly up to the Loons after an inning and two innings respectively with the Arizona Complex League Dodgers.
Left-hander Lael Lockhart (2021 – 9th round) also promoted to the Loons after one inning with the ACL Dodgers.
Hobbs and Knowles are 21 and Lockhart is 23.
I expect it is not a promotion for these three but simply a placement after some time at Camelback getting acclimatized to professional baseball and being sure there were no physical issues after their college seasons.
Mark, I conceded your bullpen predictions to you several weeks ago. The key has been improved development and health. Granted losing Nelson for the year was a bummer, but we have Kelly and Gonsolin ready to return. With Kershaw coming back in a few days that should move another piece to the BP or eliminate the need for bullpen games. That list you posted is truly impressive.
When Kenley is on he can still be dominating. In the past the front office has had Roberts use him in back to back games and/or had him throw too many pitches in several outings. Now, they have realized that capping his pitch to about 20 pitches and giving him plenty of rest between outings is the best way to get the maximum use out of Kenley. Having Treinen to share in closing duties has been a nice option. When Kelly returns he could be considered as well and maybe even Vesia. Whoever the closer might be is not as important as what that person who closes accomplishes.
The Bauer situation remains murky at best. I know it’s not going to be happening, but it would be very interesting to have Bauer charged by the PPD and end up in a trial. Bauer’s attorneys would call Tatis, Clevenger, as well as the victim to testify. Talk about uncomfortable. Anyway, I don’t think the Dodgers will have Bauer return if in fact that’s an option. If that’s the case then what they do to settle the contract financials with Bauer? It could be intense. He has opt out after this year with a $2M buyout and a opt out after 2022 with a $20M buyout. There is, also, $20M in deferred money owed. There is no incentive to opt out after this season. And, after 2022 he can make $20M and not play. Plus, there is $20M in deferred money owed. It will be interesting how all this plays out. I know with the union agreement he is due all his money, but if I were the Dodgers I would at least make it a pain to get it all. Who has the most lawyers?
The Dodgers are on a roll and the Giants seem to be ripe for a fall. Will the Dodgers be in first place when they meet Sept 3-5? I have a strong feeling that will be the case.
Today’s keep the winning streak alive lineup:
T Turner
Muncy 3B
Pujols
Pollock
Seager
Taylor
Smith
Bellinger
Scherzer
Justin Turner gets a day off.
Dodgers National League team stats:
#1 overall pitching E.R.A
#1 starting pitching E.R.A
#2 offense OPS
#3 bullpen E.R.A
I’m good with this line up. I just don’t like to see rest days with 2 or 3 regulars sitting at the same time. One at a time works for me with JT likely getting more rest than others. How’s a line up with Smith and Belli hitting 7th and 8th?
Yeah, I think Turner needs a day off and maybe even more. He seems to be trotting on the base paths rather than running. I’d hate to not have him completely healed come October.
Is Muncy any good at 3b? But, I’m glad to give JT and day off after a night game.
Does anyone no why Andre Jackson was demoted to Rancho from OKC?
Is it to keep him close by in case they need him again
I just noticed they did the same thing to Mitch White
Easier to call them up. Just an Uber ride away.
It is not a demotion. It is simply a way to manage the roster at the MLB level by utilizing the MiLB rosters. It is all part of a musical chairs game. The movement is used the same as the IL by the Dodgers and perhaps other clubs.
Three players from the Quakes were promoted to the Loons, two from the Loons to the Drillers. Deacon Liput moved from the Loons to the OKC Dodgers. We know Liput’s is not a true promotion as the next step for him would be Tulsa. Players from the OKC Dodgers are called up and send down by the Dodgers.
The spots left on the Quakes roster when the three pitchers were moved to the Loons made a place for Jackson and White. Plus when they are recalled they only have s short drive to LA rather than a plane trip from OKC. Quite a few Dodger players rehab with the Quakes. White and Jackson are not on rehab, just on hold until needed at Dodger Stadium.
I kind of thought as much. But it’s nice to hear it from somebody who knows all the ends and outs thanks
yes
Great game to watch last night. I love how fired up Butane was when he was pulled. Bush league move by the ump tossing Buehler, but not McNeill who tossed his bat and kept screaming at the ump after he was rung up on strikes. Ump was a rookie. Little sad today, Tom T. Hall passed away. Probably one of the best story song writers and singers ever. He also wrote Harper Valley PTA. RIP.
I feel sad aboutTom T. hall’s passing. I can remember when my kids were young. I would sit them on my knee and sing Tom’s songs with them, using the three chords that I knew on my guitar. 🙂 Their 2 favorites were “Sneaky Snake” and “I Like Beer.” I am praying for Tom’s family.
Great story teller. My favorite Tom T. recorded songs are,
“Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine”
“Home Coming”
Did you know he wrote Bobby Bare’s, “Margie’s At The Lincoln Park Inn”. I love that song. Great story and wonderful accompanying music.
I have a 2 cd collection of his hits. He sings that tune. I always liked The Day Clayton Delaney Died and I Like Beer. But most of his tunes were pretty good. Did you know that Bobby Bare was the guy who recorded “All American Boy” under a different name?? Pretty cool stuff. It was written just after Elvis got drafted.
I didn’t know there was some question about who recorded it under which name. Looking it up this seems to be the most common explanation.
Within the archives of American pop music is the story of the guy who got credit for a huge hit song he didn’t sing. Although Bill Parsons had his name on the 45 rpm record, it was Bobby Bare d who carried the song to within a guitar strum from #1 on pop music charts in early 1959.
The irony of the bizarre but true whose-on-first-story is that Parsons initially got the footlights and the glory while Bare was peelin’ potatoes in his Army greens. But Bare got the last laugh (though he held no grudge). His career took off and he eventually became world famous. The song, The All American Boy, was recorded by the then-unknown Bare, who eventually scored dozens of country and pop music hits during a highly successful lifetime career. But when the song got immediate radio air play back in December, 1958, Parsons and Bare were both unknowns. The All American Boy was a cleverly done talking blues parody about Elvis Presley’s upstart career getting short-circuited because of Uncle Sam’s Army draft. (In reality, Presley’s career hardly slowed, thanks to timely record releases by RCA Victor while Elvis was overseas.
Bobby Bare also sang “Detroit City” and “Shame on Me” and I’m sure some others.
Anybody know why JT is “getting a day off” today when there is an off day in the schedule on Monday?
Turner sitting means Belli starts and although JT has actually hit righties better than lefties this year, there isn’t all that big a difference.
The big difference is that JT is hitting 130 points higher against lefties than Belli is.
Is there something about JT’s physical condition that we haven’t been told about?
Just a normal off day after a night game for JT. Roberts usually sits him on days like that. And remember, he has only played a few games since his groin strain. It’s Dick Mountain dude. He is not throwing 96 mile an hour fastballs up in the zone against Bellinger. Bellinger would start anyway. Pujols would not.
Yeah, I was thinking about where they would play Muncy if Albert started and that’s probably why they did this. I think they’ve promised TT that he would stay at second or short and not have to play the outfield. Since Max doesn’t play there, it only leaves third base when Pujols starts.
How about if they bench Cody and have Tio Alberto play center?
When Pujols starts against a lefty, you can rest any of the infielders. Muncy plays 3B to rest JT today. He can play 2B to rest TT or Corey with TT sliding over to short. Muncy can also rest. When Betts is back, CT3 can handle 2nd, 3rd and SS as well. Lot’s of choices since Betts can also play 2nd.
I like that they’re playing CT3 in RF instead of moving Cody over there. I like Cody’s range in CF where it counts the most.
I love Dick Mountain, but not today. I hope the Dodgers beat him like a rented mule.
Shawn Green on the pregame show call his shot, Trea Turner first home as a
Dodger. Sorry Dick Mountain but we’re going to pound you today
A Dick Mountain Pounding!!!
Sounds like a Trevor Bauer Tuesday evening!!
High fastballs and sweeping curves. I doubt Bellinger even makes contact!
He disproved that in his first AB.
Lower your expectations brother….
Apparently, Even though he is only 26, he needs a lot more time to fully heal so we should be patient. As long as he doesn’t lose a game for us with his bat, i can be patient. Besides, what do you expect from a guy batting #8 in the lineup?
It brings me great joy every time Albert hits one out. I’m rooting for him to get to 600!
Me too. Tio Albert is such an inspiration
You mean 700?
I called that one. I said Tio Albert would take Dick Mountain deep! Love it. Los Dodgers blue uni’s growing on me. Uh B&P, he is closing in on 700. That was probably sarcasm.I love watching Scherzer pitch.
I would’ve liked it if they went with the white sanitary and the stirrups. I always liked that look
I dislike those palm trees and those other tri-colored socks they wear that don’t reflect our history
Palm Trees represent LA. There are thousands of them.
Fat finger, that 6 is right next to the 7. Go figure. But, you’re right to call that out. Only 3 dudes crossed that plateau. Albert is in rare company.
A’s up 3-0 on the Giants after 1 inning. Big Blue Crew can be 1/2 game back after today.
A’s now up 3-2 ….Kris Bryant unloads
Congrats on your call….You did call the Pujols HR
Thanks…I just had a feelin! Now Belli needs to barrel one up next at bat. They hit 4 balls really hard off of Hill in the first. A’s got this, no worries.
One final word on Trevor Bauer:
1. I think criminal charges will not be brought against him.
2. There may be a civil suit, but that will take years.
3. He has a contract to play baseball.
4. There are lots of sexual practices I may not agree with, but is it any of my business?
5. The Restraining Order Judge said that Trevor Bauer did not exceed the limits that the woman set.
6. The Judge also called the Restraining Order Petition “materially misleading.”
7. The Restraining Order Petition has no bearing on the criminal case.
8. There is no precedent in MLB as to how to handle this.
9. Manfred has shown he is an ignoramus and a liar.
10. Manfred has to act very soon!
Actually Mark he has an intellectual disability, LOL. There is no such thing as imbecile, idiot ,moron ,or ignoramus anymore.
Maybe we could trade Manfredo to the Special Olympics. I have read a bunch lately about countries “cheating” and actually faking said “intellectual disabilities” so they can dominate.
cheers
pb+
Don’t ask me that question…
1. I think criminal charges will not be brought against him.
Not a chance in hell. Exhibit 1 your Honor is the legal ruling of the other Your Honor.
2. There may be a civil suit, but that will take years.
Yep and slim at that. No lawyer will take this on contingency with this judge’s opinion ready to use and she had no money.
3. He has a contract to play baseball.
Yep and he should be playing tonight
4. There are lots of sexual practices I may not agree with, but is it any of my business?
Yep, just because Roberts, AF, the Guggenheims, or Mandipshit doesn’t like it, that shouldn’t matter. This should never have been even known by anyone.
5. The Restraining Order Judge said that Trevor Bauer did not exceed the limits that the woman set.
Yep, she asked for what she got and when Bauer proceeded to push the boundries and she objected, he stopped. is there any man alive that has not pushed his partners boundaries at least once………and hopefully stopped?
6. The Judge also called the Restraining Order Petition “materially misleading.”
Yep, she left out all of the parts that made her look poorly and somewhat the aggressor.
7. The Restraining Order Petition has no bearing on the criminal case.
It does though. There is slim to no chance that a DA is going to take on a loser of a case. There is a reason that DA’s generally have a 90+% success rate. This case is a loser and a high profile one at that.
8. There is no precedent in MLB as to how to handle this.
Manfred could F up a grilled cheese sandwich so there is that. No precedent and there shouldn’t be. Private sex lives should be just that….private.
9. Manfred has shown he is an ignoramus and a liar.
And a fool, putz, dipshit, wuss.
10. Manfred has to act very soon!
This more than anything else at this point. I am sick of hearing that the case is still open in the PPD. Hell, the case of my uncle jumping off the Golden Gate in the early 70’s is technically “still open” but I doubt they still have a team of detectives pouring over evidence and interviewing people. Manfred needs to make a decision and see if the union and Bauer play along or decide to fight the probable BS that will come from the Woke MLB office.
You can read that all day when Seager backhanded the ball he doesn’t like to round the ball
No problem, it did not cost them anything. Oh yeah, it was also his first error since he came off of the IL. Chill
Just puts more pressure on Scherzer, you never know how that could’ve turned out. Not a big deal just making an observation Scherzer has been battling this game so you don’t want to give them extra outs
Seager is one of my main guys, so measure your words carefully amigo……lol
(Bellinger and Lux are too.). Lol lol
Bear, my compliments to you Sensei. That call on Tito Albert was other worldly. Talk about speaking truth into POWER. Nice job dude. Did you hear the stat about that being Tito’s 2nd dinger against Hill with four-hundred & something between this one and the first? I really have been enjoying the Nomar & Joe shows.
cheers
pb+
Thanks, just had a feeling Albert would go yard. I like Nomah way better than oral hygiene. Orel bores the hell out of me.
Damn we’re not pounding them like I thought we would. Mountain dick has kept them in the game. Game is not over yet though, Scherzer is not quite on his game
What a great warrior he is. Max fights tooth and nail he never gives in
Hill is a pro at keeping hitters off balance. Remember that no hitter he took into the 10th against the Pirates a few years ago? He is fun to watch.
Max struggled against these guys on that Sunday night game. Practically every inning they had at least two base runners, but Max got out of it.
Today he threw over 100 pitches in only 5 innings.
This convinces me that if we had a one game playoff in LA you have to go with Buehler.
Kirsten Watson has improved sooooo much. I really like her now that she speaks up and asserts herself!
I still do not care for her. My choice.
I heard her on the radio recently and she said “like” a lot.
Me either and I know this is Silly but I don’t like her hairstyles either theirs one looks like a badger crawled up on her head and died
No offense Badger LOL
He should be so lucky. LOL
Long climb. She’s 6’2”.
I agree that she’s improving. She’s getting less shrill, or at least hitting that octave less often.
Yeah but when you start out at minus zero improvement doesn’t mean much. Although to each his own
She’s awful.
That drives me crazy bases loaded and nobody out and only score one run.
And nobody helped except the opposing pitcher.
And just like that it is 4-3……never a dull moment is there?
Treinen for Closer!
Pollock shoulda had it.
He mistimed his jump and when he did jump, he jumped into the wall. Kept him from getting his glove above the wall. Turner hit the same kind of shot on his homer.
More importantly, he didn’t give up the lead.
Pollock looked like he had velcro on his back.
Sure would be nice to see this offense string a few hits together.
Or not a pop up with bases loaded!
Dodgers only scored one with a bases loaded no out opportunity and the A’s have given up back-to-back HR’s to the Giants. Both games in the 7th with the Dodgers up by one and the A’s clinging onto a one run lead. Sure hope it holds and we can be .5 GB
Not Jansen. Not Jansen. Not Jansen.
This drives me crazy too, a one run lead with Jansen pitching the ninth.
I’m feeling better about our bullpen but I still have a problem with Jansen.
So do the Mets!
The problem Eric is you… Jansen did his job, he struck out the last 2 hitters, and should not have had to do that had Turner held on to the throw from Pollock. Pillar should have been out from me to you.
People have short memories.
Jansen alone has cost us multiple games.
Yeah, when watching baseball you have to have a short memory. He has not blown a game since that series, which was over a month ago. And he has not cost us any lately. The offense has cost them games not being able to score runs when they had the chance. It should not have been a one run game in the first place. And has Turner handled that throw cleanly, O’Neill would have been the last out. So yes, Eric, I have a short memory, but it does not mean I do not remember what happened. When you finally have as much experience as we do watching the game, and develop some patience. You will have a short memory too. Why aren’t you bitching about the cookie Treinen left out over the plate for Alonzo?? You have tunnel vision when it comes to Jansen.
Some people have selective memories.
Jansen alone has saved 27 games for the Dodgers
Exactly. And he is the all time Dodger saves leader for a reason. After this season he might be gone, who knows. Dodgers have 2 players eligible for QO’s. And I think they will offer it to both of them if they do not sign before that. Kershaw and Seager.
Give Jansen credit where credit is due. Pretty sure he’s due for a bigger jockstrap
Another one run win, how do you like me now??
Yes, Jansen.
KJ with back-to-back saves. Doc pushed all the right buttons today. Can’t stop us now!
Jansen is a Champion.. jajaja
Kenley Jansen does not know that he is done.
Kenley Jansen does not know he can’t pitch on back-to-back days.
Doc and AF are playing with Supercomputers while you guys are playing tiddly-winks!
Jansen says “take that LADT”!!!!
BTW, Trea Turner is very fast, but he is not a defensive wizard.
He’s a negative dWAR player this year. That does surprise me. In 7 seasons he’s put up a +3.8 dWAR. I wonder what’s going on with him.
Jansen has given up 16 earned runs this year. Half of them have been on back to back nights. I prefer he isn’t asked to do that.
We all do, but he only made 7 pitches, all strikes on Friday night. And he was in the strike zone on most of his pitches today. Only when he hit Pillar did he really miss his spot.
Isn’t he playing out of position?
That had to be the two most pathetic home run robbing attempts by Smith and Pollock today!!! Laughable!
You try judging a ball like that. Not that easy. Neither one of them got up high enough to catch the ball. But I have seen a ton of outfielders do the same thing all over the league. Now had it been closer to CF, Cody might have had a better angle on it. Come on Cassidy, they won and you are nitpicking two plays.
So does this mean the blowout game comes tomorrow?
The Giants just took the lead in the 9th with a 2-run blast by Wade.
They ain;t going away!
Wade hits a HR in the top of the 9th with one on, Giants up 6-5 with one out.
Oh well, so much with going to 0.5 out.
Wow, Jansen looks good back to back. I guess nothing is a 100% given.
Glad he did. I closed my eyes after he hit the first guy but then he rose up, just like I knew he would. Lol
Giants win
Giants won, so the 1.5 distance continue
Giants are relentless, getting clutch hit after clutch hit in the close games all year.
Will be tough to catch them if they keep this up.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We’ll be relentless
13 pitch hit homers this year by the Giants.
1.5 back? I doubt that. A lot easier than the 5 they were back 2 weeks ago and everyone was yelling well we need to win the wild card.
wut
Doc hasn’t announced a new closer because there’s no need to.
All considered, Kenley’s been good. Not the old dominant self, but good. Treinen has been better, but not by a huge margin.
Today’s game demonstrated Roberts strategy: Treinen came in a bit early to face the heart of the Mets order. Alonso ended his scoreless streak, which was bound to happen.
Then came Knebel. Nice to have him back. And then entered Kenley who–of course!–made us nervous by hitting Pillar, the first batter with a pitch. And then–of course!–a deep fly that, with a little better launch angle or a tad more force, might have put the Mets in the lead. And then Kenley shut them down, flashing some of that old speed. All considered, I think the role of closer should be shared. But there’s a lot to be said for shutting down the heart of the order in the 7th or 8th inning, is often Treinen’s role.
A dominant pitcher in the end, regardless of quality of the batters, is a wonderful thing. But the Dodgers don’t have prime Jansen or prime Gagne. They do have impressive veteran depth, plus fast risers like Bickford and Vesia, and also the unharnessed potential of Graterol. Plus, Mitch White is making a case for the 2022 rotation. The reliever who won’t make the playoff roster would be go-to stalwarts on most playoff teams. (For lefties, Dodgers have Price, VGon and now Vesia. Who am I forgetting?)
Roberts suggests the law of averages are the reason that the Dodgers are winning one-run games, because the “effort” is the same. Eh, maybe. But “effort” is not the same as performance. Trea Turner’s impact has been obvious, as has the excellent work of the bullpen.
On the flipside, there’s the generally mediocre defense, including the fact that the Dodgers are still the worst team in the majors at preventing steals. How often has that resulted in a one-run loss?
Meanwhile, the Giants managed to pull off at 9th-inning come-from-behind win over Oakland one a Lamont Wade HR. Never noticed the guy until this season, but he’s been great. And now the Padres are in danger of losing the wild card slot.
I really prefer this new edition of the old historic rivalry to the challenge from the Padres. Just too easy to root against Machado, I guess, and isn’t it fun to see Yaz’s grandson playing to well? And he’s another guy who, unlike the phenom Tatis, didn’t really blossom until his late 20s. We are duty-bound to detest the Giants, but they are really a pretty likeable group of underdogs.
No estamos bateando con corredores en posición de anotar, recuerda que las carreras que no anotas en tu oportunidad, ellos te las anotan en su turno.
9
Let’s put aside whether Bauer should or shouldn’t be suspended. The Dodgers have won nine in a row. It would be a complete circus if he were to return to the clubhouse. They’re trying to chase down the Giants. Does anyone think they want the distraction? I think the Dodgers are dying for Manfred to suspend him so that distraction doesn’t enter the clubhouse and the Dodgers can void his contract.
I have been saying all along that they do not need the distraction in the clubhouse. You think a guy wound as tight as Scherzer wants that kind of circus in the clubhouse? It would be a total zoo on the road. Look, Bauer is not going to make this team a lock to win. He might contribute, but most likely, he is at least 3 weeks away just getting ready. By then Kersh and Urias will be back, and I am perfectly content going into the playoffs with Kersh, Urias, Scherzer and Butane in the rotation.
I d rather have Bauer in a playoff rotation than CK to be honest. Or being able to deploy Julio to the pen like last season.
I get the distraction thing but I think the Dodgers could adjust to it.
Go dodgers!