It’s Not the Time to Fight!

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1. Nice run by the Dodgers in a quest for a 9th straight division title. In doing so they’re burning up pitcher’s arms because of the injuries to previous starters and bullpen games and the long 162 game schedule after the short 60 game schedule. Time to get ready for the wild card game and give Buehler and Urias extra rest in the next two weeks by using White and Jackson in their place and concentrate on playing the Cards and advancing from the Wild Card game which will be no easy task.

2. It’s exactly what I was thinking, you have to focus on the world series, and I even thought of a very bad idea: pick up Arrieta for a couple of starts and give the starters a well-deserved rest … Leave Price and Gonsolin open for the rest of the season.

3. “The first time you quit its hard. The second time it gets easier. The third time you don’t even have to think about it.”

   1. Exactly!

4. Not yet.

   There’s not enough time left in the season to rest our starters. Pitch counts maybe, but not days off. I say again, suck it up buttercup. This race isn’t over.

   “Brisbee: The Giants’ approach is to crush mistake pitches. That’s, lemme check my notes here, every team’s approach, give or take, but the Giants have been better at executing this plan than almost every other team. They don’t chase junk pitches. They don’t swing at the strikes that they can’t hit hard. It’s a fantastic approach.”

   That’s suppose to be our approach. They stole it from us! Or, maybe Farhan was actually the wizard behind the curtain.

   Whatever. Until eliminated we are still the best team in this Division. I don’t concede yet.

5. Bueller looks like he’s running on empty. Id like to see him get a break before the playoffs. Redturn looks like the battery is running low also.

6. Well one good thing happened last night, i got my pickup back that had been stolen. But I won’t feel good until I catch up to the punk who stole it and play a little baseball myself. I’ve got pictures of the guy. And I’m pretty sure I know where he frequents. So I’m gonna follow the same advise knowing he’s gonna run into me sooner or later and I won’t be any less angry. So for now I’ll just concentrate on the repairs from the damage the piece of sh*t did to it.
   I think you’re right Mark as hard as it is to accept. And while throwing in the towel might seem out of standards for the divison title, thinking about it probably makes the most sense and taking it sorta like spring training is to the season, those games don’t count. Putting in every effort could very well be harmful to the chances of making the best run in the playoffs.

7. My thoughts exactly as last night played out. Honestly I think we would either need to win out, or lose max of 1game to even tie or win the division. That is a pretty big gamble based on the last couple games we have seen from our starters & middle relievers. Let’s play one at home and get into THE REAL playoffs. Would rather have that than have to play a 163 in SF and then another one and done if we do not win that game.
   cheers
   pb+

8. From Jim Bowden in The Athletic:

   “If you had told me in March that the Giants would have MLB’s best record now, I would have fallen out of my chair laughing. What did I miss? First, that Brandon Crawford and Brandon Belt would have career years at 34 and 33, respectively. Second, that Darin Ruf, LaMonte Wade Jr., Wilmer Flores and Alex Dickerson would each hit 13 or more home runs. Third, that Logan Webb, Anthony Desclafani and Alex Wood would all post ERAs under 4.00 with 20-plus games started. And finally, that Jake McGee would convert 31 of 36 save opportunities. It’s what I love most about baseball: Always expect the unexpected.

   By the way, I still have the Dodgers winning the National League West. In terms of the Giants’ playoff chances, I think they’re good enough to run the table in October, but so are the Dodgers and Brewers.”

9. He also said this:

   I think the Dodgers will trade Bellinger this offseason and use their resources to try to keep Scherzer and Seager instead. I do think Bellinger is salvageable, if he commits to returning to the mechanics he used in 2019, when he hit 47 home runs and led the league with 351 total bases. Bellinger is only 26 years old, and the average prime years for major-league players are 26 to 30. If I’m another team, I’m making trade offers the minute the postseason is over.”

   I say: If you can get value back… then do it!

   1. He also said Arenado would be a Dodger by Christmas.

10. I have to agree with Mark on his view it’s time to regroup and get ready for the playoffs. I hate for the team to give up at this point, but I have to concede that the odds favor the Giants not faltering. The Dodgers, having the best record in baseball the last month or so, still can’t overtake the Giants. The Dodgers have won over 100 games and will finish second to what has to been to most overachieving team in recent memory. With all the injuries and turmoil to achieve what they this season is remarkable. I guess one can say the same of the Giants.

    It remains a mystery to me on how today’s starters can be exhausted and pitching on fumes at this point of the season. How in the hell did pitchers in the past pitch with three days rest? Their conditioning was no where near today’s pitchers. Their diet was far inferior. The healthcare and surgeries of today weren’t available to them. They didn’t have the technology used today to maximize the body control and velocity. The trains/planes used to travel and the accommodations they had were far inferior to todays. I understand that players salaries today dictate some of the reason why teams might be more cautious. Fifty plus years ago if a pitcher had a career ending injury it was usually not a huge loss for a team. There were large farm systems to find a replacement. The financial impact was not like it is today.

    So, with all the advancements and advantages todays pitchers have to those in the past why can’t our current staff be better prepared to be effective throughout the season and the postseason? It’s not a criticism, but an observation.

    1. Those guys, Newcombe, Drysdale, Podres, Koufax, Roe, you can go on and on, were trained to pitch every 4th day. They rarely took a day off. One game I remember, Marichal and Spahn threw over 200 pitches each and both finished the game. Different mind set, different era’s. And a lot more MONEY involved.

11. Here’s a good one to Bowden:

    What will it take to get better pay and living conditions for minor leaguers? — Sean J.

    Here’s all it would take: The 30 owners would need to cut their major-league payroll by $8 million each and redirect that money to minor-league player and staff salaries. What would it mean to reduce payroll by $10 million? It means don’t sign Drew Smyly for $11 million, Brad Hand for $10.5 million, Corey Dickerson for $9.5 million or Zach Davies for $8.6 million — you get my point.

    1. The owners don’t need to “cut” anything but their own elite living budget. There is enough money in baseball, and everywhere else for that matter, to provide a living wage for EVERYONE who works for them. It’s just silly to believe otherwise.

       1. Absolutely correct. The owners of most professional teams blame their players for why they can’t do the right thing. It’s a fricking rounding error for the owners. Bowden continues his ignorant and silly analysis.

       2. Similar reason to when people ask me all aghast, “you mean they should just eat TBauer’s salary?!?!” I just say “yes if that is what it takes”. And the above is talking about 8mil, same answer for 40 or 80 or 100mil. They have the $$cabbage$$ & NONE of them will go hungry over it.
          cheers
          pb+

12. Gee, winning a division is HARD!!!!! Let’s just throw in the towel and pretend we are following Sun Tsu ! Lol. Now I’ve heard everything. NO WAY CONCEDE to SF.

13. Has anybody heard the Fat Lady warming up her pipes??? I didn’t think so…
    Lets play the remainder of the season and see where were at!!!
    Just finished Ken Burn’s documentary on Ali… Outstanding as usual for Burns..
    Ali the greatest fighter of all time??? I won’t comment on that …

    1. My vote is for Kevin Ferguson, also known as “Kimbo Slice.” If he wasn’t the best fighter, he at least had the coolest name!
       

       1. Marcus Cassius Scaeva. He pulled an arrow out of his own eye then wiped out the squad from which the arrow was shot.

          Alaric the Visigoth. Undefeated. Mean bastard. Ate the eyeballs of those who challenged him.

          Never give up. Control your 3’ circle. Win today.

          1. Vlad the Impaler..one tough Hombre

             1. Yep. He would slice Kimbo.

             2. For the team effort you could throw in Genghis Kahn & his Mongol Hordes.

             3. For the crush you would employ Hannibal and his elephants.

    2. Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano…..Sugar Ray Robinson, all have been called that at one time or another.

14. To quote Tim Allen’s character in Galaxy Quest, never surrender, never quit. Until it is officially in the books, keep playing to win. Play the last 10 games like they are the last of your career. Suck up being tired, shorten your swing and quit trying to hit homers on every pitch. Keep your head in the game…..sound good Trea?? Maybe someone gets lucky and knocks off the Giants a time or two. They are coming into Colorado this weekend and it is obvious the Rockies are not rolling over and playing dead. They have the capability to sweep SF. Coors is a landmine when it comes to baseball games. Buehler is either suffering from tired arm or just mentally bushed. He pitched 3 great innings and then forgot how to pitch. He was still throwing hard, he was just totally missing location. And why do the Dodger catchers not go out to the mound and give the guy a breather and reset??? 5 straight hits and no visit??? C’mon boys, Campy or Rosey would have been out there a lot sooner than that. Win today, SF does not play until later. They are as some have said, professional baseball players making a lot more money than any of us will ever see. Take a pitch. Last night they made it easy on Marquez the first couple of innings swinging so early in the count on pitches they could not make solid contact with. Lefty going today. Expect to see Pollock out there. He owns Freeland. Taylor still having neck problems. Raley will sit with a lefty out there. Albert will probably get the start at 1st.

    1. Seem to recall hearing that when a pitcher is tired, they will lose location before velocity.

       1. I have read that as well. But how can you be that tired after 3 basically spotless innings? And I still think the catchers do not go out and give those guys a breather enough when they really need it. Hell, have one of the infielders do it.

          1. It might not be the 3 innings but the overall season taking its toll.

       2. When I’m tired I lose both. I slow down first and then ask “where am I?”

          1. I usually ask, who the hell am I????

       3. The Roc’s broadcast team actually said that exact same thing last night.
          cheers
          pb+

15. Ferguson. OUR Caleb Ferguson. That was a sad day when he went down. He is missed.

    1. Yep. Add his name to the list.

    2. Fergie is missed. Vesia hung one for the second time this week. All the pitchers were lousy last night. Those things happen. Move on, win today and make sure they do not fall 3 games back with 9 to play. SD has about as much chance of beating the Giants right now as I do being elected mayor. But I think they really miss MAY. That guy going down threw the whole rotation into a tizzy. Looks like Duffy might need TJ surgery. Many think if he does, he is going to retire. Rumor has it that the Mets might be targeting Billy Beane to take over. Beane would most likely bring Melvin along to replace Rojas. More than one manager on the hot seat, including Tingler. Rumor has it also that Bochy could come back and manage the Padres.

       1. Rumor has it Muncy has a case of IBS and needs a colonoscopy. I started that rumor, so, consider the source.

          1. What a crappy thing to say 🙂

       2. I can see Bochy back with the Pads. He is 66, certainly not old for a ML manager. He has had two years off and should be ready to go. From a Bob Nightengale interview with Bochy in April.

          Bruce Bochy walked away after winning three World Series titles with the San Francisco Giants a year ago, but instead of strolling into the Hall of Fame in a year, there’s a pit stop he may still make.

          Bochy, 66, enjoys his job as senior advisor with the Giants and working with the young minor leaguers in the organization, but if someone calls seeking his availability about managing later this summer or this winter, he told USA TODAY Sports that he plans to at least listen.

          “As long as I did it, you’re going to miss it,’’ said Bochy, who recently spent two weeks in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the Giants’ minor-league camp. “You miss the dugout. The competition. There’s so much about the game that you miss being in the dugout and running a ballgame.

          “I’m really happy doing what I’m doing, but you can never say never in this game, or anything in life. It would have to be the right fit. It would have to be a great situation.

          “But that’s not driving me right now. I love doing work here with the Giants.’’

16. I still think they should ditch the road jersey’s that read Los Angeles. 3-2 on a road trip where they should at least be 4-1 at this point.

17. Isn’t Kimba Slice DR’s bodyguard???
    It was a miracle yesterday with not a negative comment about DR… Hallelujah..

    1. My wife noticed his forehead and cheeks are a completely different shade of brown. Not really a critique, but, you know, kinda weird looking. Like golfers I guess. I got nothing else about Roberts. Except maybe tell him to insist these guys learn how to play defense and run the bases. Is all you do in Spring Training teach launch?

    2. Now you opened it up…

       1. Lol. I almost bit on it. Nope. Not going there.

       2. Can you close it for me? I got a meeting at 10

18. “I say: If you can get value back… then do it!”
    Mark, that was your comment to Bowden’s prediction that AF would trade Belli this winter.

    What would you consider value enough to do that? Name or names please.

    1. Let him get FULLY COMPLETELY healthy recovered in the off-season, a new start in the spring to regain his confidence. IF you want to trade him he’ll have a lot more value after he regains some of his former swag.

       1. This is why I was interested in feedback. I don’t think he has much trade value in his current condition, but if you wait until next spring when he’s healthier and supposedly getting back to what you expect of him, then you probably want to keep him.

          1. Oh he would bring something back, they all do. But the way he has hit a team would have to evaluate what they feel is his upside and ability to get back to where he was. Personally, I think Bowden is talking out of an orifice better suited for ejecting waste materials.

19. Surprise, Tio Albert NOT starting against a lefty. Betts RF, Seager SS, T.Turner, 2B, JT 3B, Muncy 1B, Pollock LF, Barnes C, Lux CF, Scherzer P. Game time is 12:10 Pacific time. I think they are counting on Lux’s speed to be able to track down balls in CF, but that is a huge area to cover out there and a guy playing CF for the first time in his career????? Questionable move.

    1. That is VERY SCARY. He has been serviceable, but not great in left. CF at Coors Field is a monster to cover. The Roc’s broadcast team ( I think it was Ryan Spilborghs ) said the Dodgers were actually playing the Coors outfield better positioned than the Rocs were.
       The Dodgers played in as if it was a normal outfield, where the Rocs played too deep. He was saying the metrics show that you are more likely to have a hit drop in there if you play deep than you are to have one hit over your head that you cannot get to. Just some info I found interesting.
       cheers
       pb+

       1. I got NO problem with him in center. He’s an excellent athlete with elite speed. See ball, go catch ball. It’s a huge park, not much chance of running into a wall out there, right?

          1. Tell Matt Kemp that.

             1. That’s what makes my comment comical MP

                But I’m not worried about it. What are the odds?

          2. Not when you track the ball over the wrong shoulder. As he has done a couple times. Fingers crossed.

20. Interesting thoughts MT on tossing in the towel to prepare for a wild card game and hopefully the playoffs. I’m not prepared to go there just yet. I’m not sure everybody needs to rest and rejuvenate. It seems to me that Doc and the Wizard behind the curtain has provided ample opportunities for rest days all season. Often more than I would have liked. Every player has something going on this time of the season. Strawberries, aches and pains, nagging injuries that won’t heal until the season is over. And everybody is tired. But the adrenaline of a pennant race helps get by.
    Striker’s last 4 outings are concerning, he more than Urias looks like he could benefit by skipping a turn. But his next scheduled start is likely the 28th, after a day off. By than, we should know where we stand whether we pull the plug or not.
    Urias looks fine to me. He didn’t get his last win but he’s been the same guy as usually down this stretch. The bullpen is tired. Well no shit. The demands on this bullpen have been extra ordinary, for a long time. I’m not ready to ask them to shutdown just yet however.
    Muncy’s not hitting but he can’t go take a nap at this point. Again, everybody is fatigued and everybody has to play through that, unless you’re not in the hunt.
    It’s an interesting question but I’m not ready to throw in the towel just yet.

    1. I like PhliJones because he knows a lot but he doesn’t KNOW IT ALL if you know what I mean.

21. This will excite Bumsrap: Bellinger for another player who might need a change of scenery: Gleyber Torres.

    How’s this:

    1. Mookie Betts – RF (R)
    2. Corey Seager – SS (L)
    3. Trea Turner – CF (R)
    4. Max Muncy – 1B (L)
    5. Gleyber Torres – 2B (R)
    6. Justin Turner – 3B (R)
    7. Will Smith – C (R)
    8. AJ Pollock/Gavin Lux – LF (R-L)

    1. Yankees really need PITCHING, not another outfielder or first baseman. If Belli can regain anywhere near his former hitting I would not trade him for GT.

       1. And the Dodgers do not need a 2B, and TT is not going to play CF. If you trade Belli (and I am not against the idea), it will need to be for a CF or starting pitching. Of the CF I would be interested in, AZ is not going to trade Ketel Marte (they will try to extend and build around). Pitt is not going to trade Bryan Reynolds and take on Belli’s salary. Seattle is not going to trade Kyle Lewis. CWS is not going to trade Luis Robert. Maybe Minnesota would be willing to trade one year of Byron Buxton for two years of Belli. Or maybe you trade Belli for pitching and sign Starling Marte as a FA. Keep Marte in CF until either Outman or Pages is ready, and then Marte to DH.

          Bellinger’s value is waaaayyyyy too diminished to move for anything significant in return. For those who think Seager is too fragile, what does that make Bellinger? Shoulder surgery in off season, fractured left fibula from A’s pitcher cleating him on close play at 1B , and fractured rib in collision with Lux in OF. Belli will be back in CF for LAD in 2022, and hopefully healthy with a new swing.

          1. Bellinger’s value right now is in the toilet. There’s no way we could get what many think he’s worth. He’s been a piece of crystal and this has been an epically bad season. We have to hang on to him and as Jeff says “hope he’s healthy with a new swing” next spring. That’s unless somebody wants to drop a deal we can’t refuse in our laps. Next year will be very interesting year if he’s still with us. He’s gone from someone who was in the conversation as a 30 million a year long, long term guy to a guy who’s value is a big question mark. I still wish he was roaming around center right now, however.
             I’m not a Ketel Marte fan at all. While he can really hit, I’ve heard he’s not a great clubhouse guy. And that’s important to AF. He was Cano’s Bobba-Louie in Seattle and was a pain in the ass. Same in Az, I hear.

          2. I would think about trading Bellinger for Byron Buxton.

             Maybe a 3 team trade to include Yankees with Gleyber going to Twins.

    2. And I am not putting Trea in CF. He has stated he does not like playing out there.

       1. That would be a sure way to have him gone after next year.

          1. affirmative…… No need to make any decisions until the new CBA is in place, the players decide to stay or test the market. There was a little blurb on MLBTR that they had considered extending Taylor, considered, not decided to. I honestly have to believe that Trea Turner is not entirely comfortable at 2nd base. And I am also not entirely sure that even if they break the bank that Corey Seager want’s to stay. Scherzer I hope want’s to return. And the same with Kershaw. I give him a two year deal to retire as a Dodger at a reduced salary since he is no longer a 30 million dollar a year pitcher. Not sure I extend Taylor. Rios is coming back, and he can fill Beaty’s spot nicely. He plays 3rd and 1st, and has dabbled in the outfield. McKinstry, if healthy can play all of the positions Taylor plays. There will be some names on the free agent list that could also become the super utility guy. With May, Ferguson, Kahnle, all coming back, the pitching staff is going to be better. May not until late July probably. But they have some up and coming young arms. And there are always a lot of relievers who will be free agents this winter. They might bring Jansen back. But that depends on just what kind of salary he might want.

             1. Earlier in the year I thought the Dodgers would extend Taylor. With Lux’s renaissance, I see him either taking over Taylor’s roll with less strikeouts. I’d hate to see Taylor go but I think his days are numbered.

22. I am in between concede, and never concede. Play the regular position players as much as possible. They have all had sufficient time off thru the year. If JT needs another game okay. If Mookie needs another game to rest his hip, okay. But Seager, TT, and Muncy should be in all of the final ten games. Lux needs to play until he plays himself out of the lineup. I still think AJ Pollock needs to be healthy for the playoffs so I do not test his hamstring that much. Why take a chance on reinjury? AJ would play most games, but he needs to rest in the late innings. AJ will undoubtedly push it, and that is when he is prone to reinjure it (as he has done most of his career). Fresh Prince should be in 8 of the 10. CT3 can play 3B, LF, CF. As much as I love what Tio Albert has done, it is time to put him in the role he is most likely to play in the playoffs, PH. I am sorry, but by the time Belli gets back, he should join Pujols on the bench and become a defensive replacement for AJ. He can work on his swing in the off-season.

    Pitching. Now that is different. Since the SFG series, I have feared tying with SF after 162 rather than losing the division. The way SF is playing I would much rather play them in a 5 game series than a one game playoff. If LAD loses game 163, then they have to come right back for a WC. Back to back must win games??? I agree with Badger. No games off for Buehler or Urias. They need to continue their routine. But they should be on a strict pitch count. Scherzer has 6 years of > 200IP and 8 years with > 195 IP. He has 169 IP this year, and is pitching as well as if not better than at any time in his career. Kershaw needs to continue to build up and make sure he can command the slider and curve and not force the fastball. If he is going to compete at an elite level, his command of his breaking pitches has to be spot on. I would put Gonsolin in the bullpen now, and I would bring up White to start a game if needed. Vesia and Bickford have pitched above their expectations all year, and need to recoup some of that dominance. It is time for Corey Knebel, Joe Kelly, Evan Phillips, David Price, Justin Bruihl, and Brusdar Graterol to step up and give Bickford and Vesia a breather. I do not worry too much about Treinen or KJ. Maybe VGon can come up to spell a reliever. The Dodgers have options, but they need to be smart with the weapons that still have bullets to fire.

    Admittedly, I do not have all of the information, and even though Luke Raley killed a pitch for a monster HR last night, I would bring up White to start against the DBacks and send Raley back down.

    My rotation: –
    Today – Scherzer vs. Colorado
    09-24-21 – Kershaw vs DBacks
    09-25-21 – White vs DBacks
    09-26-21 – Urias vs DBacks
    09-27-21 – Open Date
    09-28-21 – Scherzer (Switch with Buehler) vs. Padres
    09-29-21 – Buehler vs Padres
    09-30-21 – Kershaw vs Padres
    10-01-21 – White vs Brewers
    10-02-21 – Urias vs Brewers (Standings dictate how long)
    10-03-21 – Depends on situation. If can win Division – Scherzer. If only tie – Gonsolin or Jackson (in place of White), saving Scherzer to pitch Game 163.

    You do not concede, but you preserve the assets you have and continue to build up more for that ultimate battle. I am not a student of Sun Tsu so I would rather think back to Sam Houston’s defeat of General Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto. Retreat after retreat, gather more and more men, and then go for the victory.

    If the Dodgers win their next ten (including three with Milwaukee), I am not sure that SF loses two. The first goal is to get to the playoffs. They have done that. Winning the Division is the best alternative, but not the only one. Since the Wild Card expansion to two teams (2012) only SF and Washington have gone on to win the WS. KC (2014) was beat in the WS by SF. Only time two WC teams were in the WS. 4 other times teams got to the Championship series. 16 one game WC (not counting 2020). 32 teams. 2 WS winners, 1 other WS participant, and 4 others got to the Championship Series. Nearly 22 % of the WC teams got to the Championship Series. Not great odds, but certainly not insurmountable, especially considering the Dodgers.

    Do not concede, but preserve and hope SF finally learns how to lose during their next 10 games.

    1. Right on Jefe! Love it.

    2. Exactly. That’s why Roberts rested them as often as he did. It’s pucker time. Strap ‘em up, get a B-12 shot and get your ass out in the field.

       I still believe we can win the Division. I will believe that until we are officially eliminated from that possibility. At that time I’ll be on board with kicking some Wild Card ass. A lot of road games that route, but, so what?

    3. Key point regarding WC teams in the playoffs. Most wild card teams records fall within a certain range. The Dodgers record, I would think are 1-2 standard deviations further out. Biggest concern is the one game playoff. Survive that and I like our chances.

       1. A lot of chatter about a 100 win team facing elimination in 9 innings. I personally think playoffs should be seeded.

          1. Maybe that would require teams playing the same mix of teams the same amount of time.

23. Well, last night was certainly a let down. You have to play clean defense this time of year and you see the result when that doesn’t happen.

    It seems like we’ve been waiting all season for the offense to gel and get hot, firing on all cylinders if you will. Still waiting.

    No doubt that Julio’s results have been better, but his velo is down. Bueller’s velo has been down all year compared to last year. Both are having some struggles down the stretch. Not everything has to be physical. The mental grind of the season seems to be taking its toll.

    I’m not ready to anoint Farhan a genius just yet. Let him make the postseason a couple of years in a row. Most of the guys that are performing are inherited. The pitching staff is largely his doing, but they’re all gone next year barring resigned free agents.

    Sun Tzu or Kenny Rogers? Who said it better?

    The only time you take your foot off the pedal is when you clinch best record. Period, end of story. Psychologically, it’s never okay to tell your players that you’re gonna stop fighting to get some rest, especially when you’ve been the most rested team in baseball. With that said, I wouldn’t be opposed to giving certain pitchers an extra day by using the likes of White, Kershaw and Gonso in a quasi six man rotation if it makes sense. Cassidy’s quote says it the best.

    I’m fine with Lux in CF. It’s not like Belli’s rib is going to heal overnight, so you might as well see what you got. A day game in Colorado is baptism by fire.

    2 games back with 10 remaining is still doable. Let’s win this thing in historic fashion.

    1. I thought Sun Tzu was a little pitchy.

24. According to línea up, Dodgers are still fighting for win the División

25. You don’t play 150 games so that you can “throw in the towel” with 10 games left and a 2 game deficit. Sure glad a lot of you aren’ t managing the team!

26. Muncy and JTurner have killied some rallies lately

27. Welcome back AJ!

    1. 6-7-8 doing their jobs

28. Rokis have been hitting the other way seems it works

29. RUH RO…….

30. New Dodger killer? C.J. Cron 10 for last 15.

31. News from Internet:

    JAY JAFFE CHAT
    Lots and lots of great stuff here.

    Tom: Hi Jay. I know it’s early, but any thoughts on what the NL West is gonna look like next year? You think we’re gonna get another season of three “superteams” mixing it up?

    Jay Jaffe: I don’t think we can characterize the Padres as a superteam after what happened to them this year, particularly with a rotation that was projected to be among the game’s best just falling apart, and I suspect we’ll see some changes. Would they fire Preller and/or Tingler? I’m not sure, but a lot blew up in their faces this year. I think the Dodgers will remain a powerhouse but could look different depending upon how they approach the free agencies of Seager, Kershaw, and possibly Scherzer. I expect the Giants could look different as well given their aging core and the number of free agents they have, but we know this new regime is pretty smart and I expect they’ll be in the mix going forward

    Mrs Phanatic: I know this is a player you probably forgot about, but which team do you think could fix Vinny Velazquez? Or is he so bad not even the Rays could fix him?

    Jay Jaffe: Probably not the Padres, alas. The Giants have done very well fixing pitchers during the Zaidi era, the Rays are probably a good bet. Maybe the Dodgers.

    Corbin Burnes: Do you think Chase Utley deserves a plaque, and do you think he will get one?

    And the active second baseman with the greatest Hall of Fame odds is ___.

    Jay Jaffe: I think he’s definitely worthy, but his late start, modest counting stats and reliance upon defensive stats will make him a tougher sell for voters. See https://blogs.fangraphs.com/utleys-chase-for-cooperstown/

    Altuve, but I’d put his odds at maybe about 30-40%

    Maddoning: Can you think of another healthy player that has dropped off as much as Cody Bellinger? What is really going on there?

    Jay Jaffe: Either he injured his shoulder and leg and has had trouble getting right since then, like many players before him, or he woke up one morning and forgot how to hit. Which do you think it is?

    Roberta’s Piazza: How would you compare Julio Urias’ most likely outcome now to what it was six years ago?

    Jay Jaffe: I think it’s pretty miraculous that he’s become the pitcher the Dodgers hoped that he would given his precociousness and the severity of his shoulder injury. He’s still only in his age-24 season and he’s on the fringes of a Cy Young race, crowded out by two of his current teammates.

    mookie magic: what do you think ends up happening with scherzer this offseason? his comments after his 3000K game about hoping to be kershaw’s teammate when he gets to 3000 sure make it sound like he wants to stay in LA, and granted he won’t be as otherwordly as he has been since the trade because nobody’s that good but it seems like he’s making quite the case that the dodgers should try and get that done.

    Jay Jaffe: I saw that quote and my eyes just about jumped out of my head. I would have to think the Dodgers saw that as well

    I think they’ll work to keep him if that interest is genuine. Between re-signing Kershaw and figuring out what happens with Bauer — whom I suspect will get a lenghthy suspension and free up some money — they’ve got a lot of balls in the air, though.

    Mr. Burrito: Kenley Jansen: Potential HOF candidate or Hall of the Very Good?

    Jay Jaffe: I think he needs a few more good years to get to the Hall but I don’t know if he has it in him

    Ben: According to DRS, Trea Turner is the better shortstop, but UZR thinks Corey Seager is better. Do you think the Dodgers agree with UZR that Seager is better there or did they just move Turner to 2B out of loyalty to Seager?

    Jay Jaffe: i think it had a lot to do with Turner having major league experience at 2B and CF
    Local news website Michigan Live did a nice piece on Andy Pages:
    https://www.mlive.com/sports/saginaw-bay-city/2021/09/great-lakes-loons-dodgers-prospect-andy-pages-cap-historic-season.html

    Dodgers Farm System back in the top 10! Farm System Standings via Baseball America ($$$$). This isn’t rankings in terms of talent, but aggregate W/L records
    https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/rays-yankees-red-sox-top-final-2021-minor-league-baseball-organization-standings/

    Paul Casella on Prospect Michael Busch:
    https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/los-angeles-dodgers-michael-busch-taps-into-power?t=dodgers-pipeline-coverage

    Nice Article out of St. Louis calling Will Smith the best Catcher in the NL
    https://www.wdrb.com/sports/bozich-former-card-will-smith-the-best-catcher-in-national-league/article_e1e00edc-10d1-11ec-a487-17bed8754dd4.html
    Who is the Dodger Prospect who best improved themselves in 2021? According to Baseball America? Answer at the bottom, but link ($$$$$)
    https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/30-mlb-prospects-who-improved-their-stock-in-2021/

    From @FutureDodgers on Twitter:
    A group of prospects are coming stateside from the Dominican Summer League, likely for fall instructs. The group includes

    SS Wilman Diaz (17)
    C Jesus Galiz (17)
    SS Rayne Doncon (17)
    RHP Maximo Martinez (17)
    C Thayron Liranzo (18)
    SS Miguel Droz (19)
    RHP Jorge Gonzalez (19)

    Jay Jaffe on Scherzer:
    https://blogs.fangraphs.com/max-scherzer-chases-perfection-and-collects-milestones/
    Old Friend Alert, MLB.com made this selection for the Washington Nationals “late blooming prospect”
    Nationals: Donovan Casey, OF (No. 19)
    Acquired from the Dodgers in the Max Scherzer-Trea Turner deal at the Trade Deadline, the 25-year-old outfielder was more than a throw-in in a blockbuster. Casey has been known for his plus running and arm tools since his days at Boston College, but he showed promising offensive gains at Double-A in 2021, hitting .303/.361/.483 with 14 homers in 85 games between Tulsa and Harrisburg. He hasn’t been able to replicate those numbers at Triple-A Rochester of yet, but the tools are still there for him to be a fourth outfielder at the top level in his late-20s.

    As for the Dodgers, the pick was:
    Dodgers: Andre Jackson, RHP (No. 7)
    Jackson was a two-way player at Utah, one who hit more than he pitched and who needed Tommy John surgery in 2017. The Dodgers rolled the dice and signed him in the 12th round that summer, and he didn’t throw a professional pitch until May 2018, when he generated mixed results. He took off in 2019, striking out 11.1 per nine in two levels of A ball, and his 2021 has included pitching at four levels, including the big leagues, while also appearing in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game.
    Bill Plunkett reminds us about Kahnle:
    When the Dodgers signed Tommy Kahnle to 2-yr, $4.75m contract in December there was some hope that he might return from TJ surgery late in 2021 season. Dave Roberts said today that Kahnle’s rehab timetable changed in spring. He has only progressed to playing catch. Won’t pitch in 21

    Ben Clemens Chat
    Larry: Who wins the NL West?
    Ben Clemens: My heart says the Giants, my head (and now our playoff odds) say the Dodgers… It’s a true toss-up though. I just think it would be a lot more fun for the Giants to win (plus I live in SF so that would be cool)
    Scherzer: I’m unsure if Ruiz and Gray was a light return on July 31, but it sure feels like one now with the way Scherzer has pitched. Is it fair to judge the Scherzer trade differently now than it was when it happened, given the short-term boon for LAD?
    Ben Clemens: Not really, in my opinion. I don’t think they were likely to get more. Teams knew who Max Scherzer was. It’s not like we’ve learned some shocking new information that changes the value, and he was gone after this year anyway
    Marko from Tropoja: Assuming he re-signs, should the Dodgers just schedule Kershaw for say two 10-day IL stints at each third of the season even if he’s healthy? This would be akin to “load management” in the NBA; maybe he can get to 30 starts with a couple of breaks. His peripherals are excellent—2.80 FIP is his lowest in five years—and translate to a six-win pace over a full season.
    Ben Clemens: Why not? Seems like they get to that point one way or another anyway
    TomBruno23: If you are a BFIB for the Cards do you root for LA to win the WC b/c it might be easier to beat them in 1 game than 3 out of 5 compared to SF?
    Ben Clemens: Definitely yes! The only complicating factor is that the ace differential is large btw. Gausman and Scherzer/Buehler, but I totally agree
    Inaccessible Rail: How insane is it that Jacob deGrom is still tied for 6th in FG WAR for pitchers, even though he’s pitched like half the innings of the other guys? And that’s not even counting his batting WAR, which is 2nd-best among pitchers.
    Ben Clemens: He’s truly ridiculous

    Answer:

    Eddys Leonard, SS
    Arguably, Leonard has done more this year to raise his own status than any player in the Dodgers’ system. His 22 home runs tied him for fifth in the system, and he finished the season hitting .296. His .929 OPS was second in the system, too, just behind Andy Pages, who also went through a breakout season of his own.

32. Umpires are horribles

33. Mark,
    You realize that while we may be preparing for the playoffs, our playoffs may only be one game and done. Scherzer could easily lose the game 2-1. I just don’t have the confidence, probably because I haven’t seen it much, in believing our guys can overcome a deficit in the very late innings.

    As hot as St Louis is, they could very easily beat us in the one game Wild Card playoff. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they did. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not dissing our boys…but rather this whole year just seems out of sorts….one thing after another. I know we have a great record, but even still, it just seems like we’ve been fighting a battle that we just can’t win. Plus, the Giants do seem like the team of destiny, not us. The fact that they get far more late inning clutch hits than us confirms with me their “destiny.”

    Having said all that, of course I hope the above paragraph doesn’t become reality and I am very hopeful it won’t…….but if it does……sigh….that won’t surprise me one bit.

    TM

34. Trading Cody Bellinger?

    Seriously? What would you get in return?

    Deep breath, step back and move on. I’m keeping Bellinger. Incredible athlete. I’m guessing he has a great 2022. Yes, the injuries, first the shoulder issues during 2020, then the World Series arm slam in the series, shoulder surgery, then the leg fracture, now the rib issue. Write it off.

    But I remember when some on this site wanted to trade Gavin Lux. The Dodgers certainly have lots of money coming off the books, probably including Trevor Bauer’s contract, so they have enough money to sign Corey Seager and Max Scherzer.

    I agree they need to rest some arms. Maybe it’s over, maybe it’s not. But it’s hard for winning athletes to throw in the towel.

35. Friars up 4-0 bottom of the 1st

36. Padres are head 4 -0 but it means nothing, becouse
    surely Giants are going to tie it next inning.. crazy…Saeager is the only who hits the ball, by the way….fuck Justin Turner

    1. I know you’re pissed, as am I but that’s going a little too far

       1. I know it’s not docs fault, The hitters have to execute.
          Tommy used to be able to put some fire in their bellies.
          Seems like doc hasn’t learned to do that

37. JT and Muncy kill another rallye.

    Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!

38. Scherzer being hit hard today. 2 run shot Tapia. Wow, Rockies are killing our aces back to back.

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

    1. Looks like the Rockies might be making our decision a little easier
       I hope not keep fighting!!

39. Game over??? Hope not, but Dodgers does not hit….Colorado have won 3 for the last 5, thats the reason Dogers are still in second place

40. The Dodgers have had a case of Cron’s disease and our two aces have shit the bed.

    1. So has our offense.
       Hope they can break out some fresh sheets and make the bed before this one is over

41. Apparently Scherzer read Mark’s blog post this morning and decided that conceding may not be that bad of an idea.

    1. Mookie too.

    2. They better don’t do that because Cardinals are very hot now

    3. Talk about speaking words into power …… SHEESH!

42. Stretch “dive” in full flight. Well you wanted them to give up and they have!

43. One inning left. Padres handling the Giants so far. Need to wake up the bats. Muncy needs a influx of energy juice.

    1. He’s not the only one!

       1. We tie it but JT lines out with the go ahead run on 2b. He and Muncy are ice cold in the middle of our lineup and it is costly.

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

44. It ain’t over but ……… OH HELL YES! Max to the rescue. Maxwell’s silver hammer.
    cheers
    pb+

    1. Some Dodgers magic today !? Lets hope that Treinen can close it out.
       Giants have tied Padres. Man oh man, they just refuse to lose.

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

45. Well I guess he found some energy! Can someone pass me some Dijon to help with eating my words!

    1. Now Blake working on screwing it up. Double play please!
       edit …..
       HOLY SHEEYIT ….. that was a midgets type comeback.
       Nice job blue!

46. All I can say is wow, thank God because I don’t think I could take it anymore

47. Season
    Altering
    Win

    1. What are three words that describe today’s win?

       1. Not give up.

48. A little luck and some resiliency. It’s worked for the Giants all year. Good to see it work for the blue today.

    1. Giants had 2 on, nobody out in the 10th and did not score.
       Golden opportunity now for the Padres to win it in the bottom of the 10th.

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

49. I love the PAdres

50. Way to Go PADS

51. Giant magic gone? Good job Pads.

52. Dodgers HAVE to sweep AZ. Winning a series on the road is just fine in June but where they are now they need sweeps.

53. and
    Season
    Alterning
    Loss
    by the giants!!

54. Colorado just plays Giants the same way You played Dodgers

55. Nice of the boys down south to lend a hand, but more important was the guys picking up Scherzer on a day he did not have it. 2 extra inning wins are always welcome. Pollock did a great job today even with a bum wheel.

56. Well how bout that? Giants finally cooperating and losing when the Dodgers won. It wasn’t looking quite so swell just moments prior so maybe it isn’t quite time yet to concede the division BUT if they don’t make more progress and lose any ground then throw in the towel and formulate the plan for a deep playoff run.

57. Who knew that Julio’s start would be the gem of the series. Finally the offense wins a series for us! It sure looked like 3 down for a while. Huge day for us!

58. WOW

    Quit at only 2 games back? WTF So I assuming that we are taking the Giants for realzies now?

    I’m glad you weren’t the manager in the Braves series last year.

    Why would the superior team quit when they are WELL within a reasonable striking distance? To line up for a WC game against the hottest team in MLB right now?

    Makes absolutely zero sense

    1. May not make sense but got your two cents.

59. Dodgers are now 10-0 in games Max Scherzer starts for them.

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