That was a nice sweep of the Cubbies, but you have to consider that they are not a very good team and they are also young and not very sharp in the fundamentals. Still, the Dodgers should have swept them… and they did!
In case you haven’t been paying attention, the Dodgers have the following players on the Injured List:
- Caleb Ferguson – Not progressing as quickly as anticipated on returning from Tommy John Surgery. It’s going to take some time.
- Blake Treinen – His shoulder is still hurting. He will have an MRI, but he likely will not be back until after the All-Star Break… if he comes back.
- Victor Gonzalez – After looking the best he ever has, both physically and pitching-wise, he now has to have elbow surgery. What they find depends upon how long he will be out. It could be weeks or months.
- David Price – Still on the IL with COVID. He will likely die of a hangnail…
- Andrew Heaney – After an outstanding start, he was shelved with shoulder soreness but is back throwing and could be back in two or three weeks.
- Danny Duffy – Has not pitched for over a year but could be ready after the All-Star Break, but there are no guarantees. He could be an outstanding weapon… if healthy.
- Dustin May – He is due back in July or August, but in what capacity?
- Jimmy Nelson – It’s unlikely he will pitch until next year, like Tommy Kahnle.
- Mitch White – He is on the IL, but should be off soon and back to work as normal… between AAA and MLB.
There will be more injuries, some that will not be anticipated, but the Dodgers are poised to weather the storm. Robbie Erlin is up for a look-see right about now. He will have an opportunity and either seize it or move on. He is out of options. The Dodgers are being very deliberate with Tommy Kahnle, but look for him to assume Treinen’s set-up role soon, along with the Bazooka. Justin Bruihl did not do anything wrong and he will be back – they just want to see Erlin.
The Starting Rotation has been stellar, and Bickford, Vesia, Phillips, and Moronta have all had their moments in the bullpen. Daniel Hudson has settled in and is useful in a number of spots. All 5 have ERAs below 2.60. I would guess that we will be seeing Mitch White, Andre Jackson, and Michael Grove at some point in the near future as more sore arms, elbows, and shoulders surface. Ryan Pepiot could be called up, but they would have to clear a roster spot.
Dave Roberts is clearly being cautious with the Starters, so as to prevent injuries or strains… but invariably, it will happen. The depth will be taxed, and we will see the results. The Dodgers have had just six pitchers start games, and they have accounted for 15 of the Dodgers’ 19 wins. Impressive. Look at the starters’ ERA:
- Heaney 0.00
- Gonsolin 1.64
- Kershaw 1.80
- Urias 1.88
- Buehler 1.96
- Anderson 3.07
Pretty incredible. I was dead wrong about Clayton. Not only is his tank not empty, but he has a Supercharger! … and now the Dodgers look like they are starting to hit. Watch out!
Dodgers News & Notes
- Miguel Vargas was 1-3 with 2 RBI and 2 BB. He continues to take what they give him.
- Yadier Alvarez pitched on back-to-back days, albeit just one pitch yesterday where he induced a double-play.
- Shane Greene has only pitched 7 innings for OKC and has a 6.43 ERA, but he struck out three batters in 1.1 IP yesterday. He’s not on the 40-man.
- Bobby Miller pitched into the 5th inning Sunday and allowed 2 runs in the 5th before being removed. He allowed three hits and 3 ER while giving up 3 BBs and striking out 5. He pitched better than his line indicates because the runs scored after he was pulled.
- Busch and Amaya both had 2 Hits as Ward hit his 9th HR.
- Diego Cartaya was 1-4 with 2 Runs Scored, 3 RBI, and 1 BB. How long until Keith and Cartaya are promoted?
- All of the Dodger’s minor league teams have a winning record.
Happy Mother’s Day!
I have wished a Happy Mother’s Day to my wife and daughters (mothers to six granddaughters), but I wanted to just remember Dodger Blue Mom on your special day. You brightened this board and we miss you DBM. R.I.P.
Price is going to have step up and start earning the 16 million the Dodgers are paying him. He’s been a total bust and the only good thing that came out of the trade with the Red Sox was that we got Mookie Betts. Can’t wait till Price is no longer wearing Dodger blue.
Due to that doubleheader Dodgers need an additional starter in PIT.
How about giving Pepiot the nod?
Kid has been excellent at AAA so far.
Treinen would be a huge loss for the Dodgers, especially when looking ahead to postseason play.
So fingers crossed he will be back in time.
Go Dodgers!
My bet is a bullpen game.
I think Pepiot is a strong possibility, but not this early. He is not on the 40-man, so space has to be cleared.
Putting treinen on the 60 day DL would open a spot, wouldn’t it?
Go Dodgers?
Nice tribute to Dodger Blue Mom Mark. She was so sweet. Her presence is sorely missed here. Too many of us grumpy overly opinionated old farts here. Through our first 26 games what percentage of home runs are we down compared to last year and how does it compare to the league average. Seems like the dead ball and the return of the LA nighttime dew has just killed us. And no one more than Muncy. Between that and the severe shift against him it seems like Max is afraid to swing the bat. And B&P looks like you were right about TT. 28 dingers last year looks like an outlier and if I’m AF then I’m not giving 300+ mill to a guy who’s an average defender and hits .300 because he beats out 25 outs a year because of his speed. I’ll go with Lux next year at ss
Use that Grumpy old farts line for yourself! I am a very nice not grumpy person! LOL> Yes, she was a breath of fresh air and she is missed.
DBM had a soft disposition and was a true Dodgers fan. I miss her.
I’m really disappointed that MLB seems to tweak the ball (and the rules) every season. I agree with Cassidy that the new ball, combined with the cool damp air at our home park is really suppressing homers. The one that Belli crushed to dead center when the pitcher asked the ump for a new ball, without even turning around to see if it went out was telling.
Lux has the tools to be Trea Turner. I don’t think Amaya is going to take the SS job next year. The way the Dodgers swing deals, I’m not even going to guess about next year so early in this season. They might need a second baseman and a third baseman next year the way things are going and the only prospect that’s currently at AAA is Vargas. Maybe Rios should get an outfielders glove, Vargas to 3B and CT3 to 2B. I guess there’s a chance that Busch pays 2B and Vargas plays 3B as early as next year, but Busch would need a promotion pretty soon. Amaya is really pushing his stock up, can it last? Is he really going to come out of nowhere and become the next Corey Seager?
I can only dream of what Amaya can become. A local Mexican kid from El Monte with a great eye at the plate and a ton of contact with newly discovered pop in his bat. He would instantly become a fan favorite, dare I say face of the franchise? We love our underdogs in LA. He would be huge!
I’m happy to see Jacob having a great start this year. If he can keep this up, I agree; he has the potential to be a fan favorite. He’s not only a local kid but has family history with the Dodgers. His grandfather was a also a SS in the organization, in the Brooklyn days.
It’s really cool that Vargas and Amaya are both getting so much attention. The two are very close and you won’t find two nicer guys in the sport. They were both great to my kid when they were in Rancho. Early in that season, my son gave a little girl a foul ball he ran down in a game in San Bernardino. Turns out that little girl was Jacob’s niece. Jacob’s father introduced my son to Jacob and Miguel and basically made my son an honorary member of the Amaya family the rest of the season. Which was quite a contingency. Jacob had anywhere from 10-20 family members at every game. I think they all but adopted Miguel as well. He and Jacob were always together. Couldn’t find better people, more hard core Dodger fans or a prouder father. If the two of them make the big club it will be something special. It will make one hell of an episode of Backstage Dodgers.
I hope they both keep this up.
Not to nitpick but Anderson’s ERA is 2.78
I don’t think anyone believes Trea Turner is worth $300 million. Not even close.
In 7 years, 4 of which were his “prime” years, he was an All Star once. At best he’s a 4 WAR player about to enter the downside slope of his career. At worst he’s where he is right now, 0 WAR. It’s just not difficult to arbitrate his numbers
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/turnetr01.shtml
He’s a good fit here. But if he wants to go East, let him.
Missed you this last Saturday. I hope you’re feeling better soon. I agree with your assessment of Trea. He’s solid and a game changer at times, but his stats fall short against the elite shortstops.
Here’s what I know:
1. Turner recently sold his house and moved his family back to Florida.
2. I know that California has a Top State Income Tax Rate of 13.3%
3. Florida has no State Income Tax
4. I think if you added in all the other taxes, it might be 15 to 18% higher taxation.
5. If the Dodgers paid Turner $250 Million, he could take $205 Million with Florida and put more $$$ in his pocket.
6. He loves Florida.
I was talking to Watford about Trea on Saturday. Mostly about his batting third. I really think Freddie should be batting third. A lot of Trea’s extra base hits are of the variety where he stretches a single into a double. Freddie’s are more like base clearing gappers. Trea and Mookie should be batting 1 and 2. I don’t really care which one bats leadoff and which one bats second. Let the rabbits get on base and let Freddie, Smith, Muncy drive them in.
It’s funny that TM wanted 25 games before judging Cody’s productivity. How many games does Doc need to figure out what to do about JT? I would like to see a little more Rios, at least against righties. Let him have a few games to see if he can start hitting with some regular playing time. Maybe JT needs a short trip to the IL for some extra batting practice.
25 games is not enough for Cody or Justin to be judged by. Cody is a blue blood and he will figure it out.
JT may have some eroding skills, but he is not going to just lose it all overnight. He might not hit .300, but he will hit .270. There is no time frame unless he is injured and if he isn’t, you play him. Muncy too!
Thanks for the thoughts BP. I’m on the no fly list for a while yet.
Agree about flipping Trea and Freddie, but I heard one of the booth voices say the best hitter on the team now hits in the 2 hole. I’d never heard that before but if true credit must go to an algorithm.
Bullpen game maybe. Ok, but, I’d still rather have depth at starter. Yes, our bullpen as been nails, but those guys try to throw their arms to the backstop and in doing so often end up in sick bay. Give me six 6 innings guys and we won’t melt down the rifle barrels in the pen by late summer. Again, algorithms may speak to a different approach, but I got a C in trig so what do I know. I prefer stud horses in the starting gate.
lol – I got an A in every math class I’ve ever taken and finished first on practically every math test. Unfortunately, I don’t use math on a day to day basis so I’ve forgotten more than I’ve learned. 😉 Oxymoron intended.
I’d like to see the Algorithm they used to come to that conclusion. Perhaps they’re missing something? I believe, baseball is too complicated to reduce everything to an algorithm. That’s why I point out that Trea’s doubles aren’t the same as Freddie’s doubles. If Mookie and Trea are on first and second and Freddie doubles, both score, almost every time Freddie hits a double. If Mookie and Freddie are on first and second and Trea doubles, I doubt both score at the same rate.
Yes, the nerds said you need to put your best hitter in the two hole as opposed to the three hole, and in the process overwrote 100 years of wisdom. You apparently want your best hitter to hit more often in a game and hitting second vs. third will ensure that happens? So, how many more AB’s would a 2 hitter get vs. a 3 hitter? I can’t believe it would be more than 5% more PA’s? Weight that against how many more people are on base when hitting 3rd vs 2nd and the likelihood of the next hitters driving in the additional runner. What about the sprint speed of the 2nd hitter and 3rd and how it relates to scoring? There’s just so many things to consider, I don’t trust that the algorithm accounts for all possibilities. Maybe the nerds have the math skills to write the algorithm, but haven’t watched enough baseball to truly account for all the variables.
1. Just about every team does it.
2. Even though his hitting is sub-par, Mookie Betts leads all of baseball in runs scored and Trea Turner is in the Top 12 in RBIs.
3. The Dodgers are #1 in Runs Scored.
4. I fail to grasp the reason for the argument. It is clearly working!
https://fantasy.fangraphs.com/buying-generic-plate-appearances-by-lineup-spot/
The argument is simple – it could work even better.
Oh, this is fun. So the second spot gets 737.1 plate appearances per year and the 3rd spot gets 717.66.
This amounts to a difference of 19.44 plate appearances per year, if you play every game. Which results in 5.83 hits per year if you’re a 300 hitter. Of course, some of those hits would be with no men on base. So, is it worth it to have 5 more hits with less runners on base? Or 5 less hits with more / faster runners on base?
With respect to Freddie and Trea, it seems like it would be more productive to give Trea the extra PA’s and to give Freddie the more productive PA’s in my opinion. Still not enough data to calculate it, but by eyeballing it, it doesn’t seem like a definite advantage to give Freddie 19 more PA’s over the course of the season with less runners on base.
I did a little more research as I write this, scroll down and see the section “Expected Runs + RBI by Lineup Spot, Model Batter”.
https://fantasy.fangraphs.com/runs-and-batting-order/
The stats say that the number 2 spot generates 1.5 more (runs plus RBI) than the three spot over the course of the season. That isn’t a whole lot and it’s also a generalization, not taking into account what kind of hitter that number two or three hitter is. When we apply this to the Dodgers and considering that Freddie is a line drive hitter, and Trea is a guy that can utilize his speed to score runs, but not necessarily use his foot speed to drive in runs, I believe more than ever that our lineup, with our players would be more optimized with Freddie hitting third and Trea hitting second.
Furthermore, we don’t know the lineup of every team that accounts for this sampling. Some teams don’t have the luxury of having one of the best pure hitters in the game batting 3rd with two of the best leadoff hitters in the game batting 1 and 2.
It might make more sense for the Angles to have a guy like Mike Trout batting second because he has the wheels to score often from first base moreso than a Freedie Freeman in that spot with a guy like Trea behind him.
I would think Monte Carlo simulations would be used as part of an effort to determine batting order placement. While 100 years of history said one thing, analytic departments can draw upon 1000’s of games to determine optimal placements for hitters. That would set a baseline. Whether anyone takes into account Intangibles such as base runner speed; I have no idea.
Totally agree on the batting order. It’s like Robert’s puts more weight in going right left right than in putting guys in a place that seems to fit the type of hitter they are.
Cheers
pb+
Yes! Another point is that it’s beneficial for a lefty to be at the plate when you have a base stealer on first because the lefty makes the throw a little more difficult for the catcher and also shields the runner at first from the catcher’s vision.
It also creates a hole on the right side.
All old school thinking apparently.
What Badger said is the way modern baseball people look at the game.
Mike Trout bats 2nd.
Juan Soto bats 2nd.
… and on and on. Most algorithms show that your best hitter should hit #2 and there is no question that is Freeman.
After that, it is only logical that T-Turner hit #3 and he leads the team in RBIs.
Insofar as the L-R thing all I can say is “Duhhhh!” Of course, just about any manager with an IQ above plant life is going to try and arrange it that way. It makes it very difficult for the other team to bring in a specialist.
BTW, Freddie Freeman is a great baserunner!
Most importantly – it is working!
Freeman is faster than I assumed he was.
Yeah, it’s working. Trea Turner, our rbi man, is hitting .250 with a .656 OPS. With this Dodgers lineup you could pull names out of a hat and score enough to win.
Yes, being faster is one thing, but he knows how to run the bases. You know what I am talking about.
Yes. I do. It isn’t an accident that he always seems to be sliding in safely.
The question surely, is how many RBI’s would Freddie have if he batted 3rd?
that would be the question, if the Dodgers cared about RBIs as a statistic.
And don’t call me Shirley.
Morning guys. Hope you all had a nice MOMS day. Watched the game and Buehler was nails again, Bellinger made it look so easy in Center. Now we get the Pirates. A sweep would be so sweet,
With Julio pitching tonight I’d like to call attention to Harold’s article MiLB bits and pieces in the Dodger Chronicles. He writes about CSW( called strikes + whiffs) and from 2020-2021 Julio is ranked 4th behind Corbin Burns, Gerrit Cole, and Jacob de Grom. Pretty elite company and checking this years era among these four Julio maybe edging to the top.
Julio is a curious case. What do I mean by that? That question is directed at me actually. Julio had that anterior capsule surgery a few years ago and it just feels like Roberts must approach his work load cautiously every year. He’d never thrown 80 innings before last year’s 185, which I admit surprised me. Can he do it again? 5 starts, 24 innings. Early pitch counts. Not even 70 last outing, 75 this time? Can we project 32 starts for him again? Well, I’ll take the under here in May. I think it’s going to be another long hot summer and if our 1-3 starting rotation is to be peaking in October they might need some light duty chits in July and August.
It’s all about being healthy and peaking in October. Last year we had the best team but the injury to Muncy and the stretch drive to catch the Giants wore us out. We had very little left for the Braves. Speaking of 300+ mil, is anyone upset now that we didn’t sign Seager? Tough to play baseball when your season is over after one month! Lovin Freddie
Dodgers (19-7)
Pirates (11-16)
SP Julio Urias L
2-1 1.88 ERA 19K
Confirmed Lineup
RF Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
SS Trea Turner R
DH J. Turner R
LF Chris Taylor R
CF C. Bellinger L
3B H. Alberto R
C A. Barnes R
2B Gavin Lux L
Clear-day
0% Rain
70° Wind 6 mph In
Not my favorite lineup.
What a State California is.
Stayed in the lovely Santa Barbara last night, and now having a coffee in SLO on the way to Pebble Beach.
You guys are very lucky.
Why don’t you move here?
try paying the taxes and obeying the regulations. BTW you went right through my home town on the way to SLO
Where in SB?
Wife and I have an overdue dream of staying at the San Ysidro (spelling?) Inn?
It may be the Hotel.
dunno.
San Ysidro is the last beach before you get over to the Pismo area. Very cool spot. I’ll be in Ventura for a little family reunion tomorrow. I don’t think my cousin has sportsnet dammit!
Bluto, it’s the San Ysidro Ranch. I used to live right down the road from there. Just had dinner there last week when I returned to SB for a wedding. It’s a magical place but a couple nights stay there will seriously challenge your credit card limit! JFK and Jackie honeymooned there
That’s it!
Yeah, a weekend is all we are looking for.
I believe, correct me if I’m wrong, that it’s “no kids” so we can’t be gone for long.
I’ve seen kids there
Central Coast is the best part. Not too much traffic. But, too far for the ballpark. 😉
Southern CA is something. We all complain about so many issues related to living in CA. But at the end of the day it’s hard to leave. And we all know, if we do move we likely won’t be able to afford to ever move back. It’s like being in a troubled marriage with a supermodel that can cook. It ain’t perfect, but it could be much worse.
“we likely won’t be able to afford to ever move back.”
That’s what happened to me. Since I left I’ve lived in Napa, the Redwoods, on two different lakes in Wisconsin, across the street from the wilderness area in Sedona, and after all that I can’t afford a house in Southern California. And I have 3 million neighbors here. How young people do it? Inheritance money? It’s nuts.
Big Sur is quite different than anywhere else. Old man Hurst was no dummy! In past years I had connections who allowed select friends to occasionally use the swimming pool at Hurst Castel after hours. I have several tales that most would find very interesting all up HWY 1. But I will say it’s best I keep quiet for the most part. Lol, and I just watched Cannery Row again last night. Yeah Watford be sure to take HWY 1 and not the 101 and do it during daylight.
Hearst?
Dodgers: Ryan Pepiot Could Make His Big League Debut This Week
Brook Smith
May 9
The Dodgers are set to kick off a series against the Pirates this afternoon. Coming off of 6 consecutive wins, they’ll look to keep it going against a Pittsburgh team that has won just 11 games through their first 27. They’ll look to Julio Urias to get things going against Jose Quintana today.
But the Dodgers are also going to need some help in their rotation. They’re playing their 5th game in 4 days, and are in the middle of playing 14 consecutive games without a break. So they will almost certainly look to the farm for some help this Wednesday.
One option is Robbie Erlin, who was their 27th man during the double-header on Saturday. Erlin is currently on the team’s 40-man roster and would not need a spot freed up. But the Dodgers could also be throwing a new name into the hat. Ryan Pepiot is traveling with the team on their practice squad, according to Juan Toribio.
#Dodgers have Ryan Pepiot on the taxi squad. They haven’t decided if he’ll start on Wednesday, but they might be leaning that way.
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) May 9, 2022
If they wanted to, the Dodgers could give Pepiot his first big league shot against a team that has not hit very well. Pittsburgh’s combined team wRC+ is just 92, the 9th worst in Major League Baseball. That could be a very soft landing spot for him to make his first appearance in the big leagues.
But for now, the Dodgers have not made a decision on that. Pepiot has pitched very well at OKC across his first 6 starts. He has thrown 26.2 innings and allowed 6 earned runs for a 2.05 ERA. Pep has also punched out 36 batters and issued 12 walks en route to a 2-0 record.
Turned the game on a little late and can not make out who is calling the game with Joe Davis. Anyone know who it is?
Joe Davis and Dontrelle Willis.
Thanks B&P.
Dontrelle Willis, nickname d train.
Pirates sure are playing some pretty good defense.
Justin Turner has put two balls in play — one at 105.9 mph, the other at 103.4 mph. He is 0 for 2 but it’s obviously a great indicator
Very good, maybe he’ll come out of it pretty soon. Glad to see it’s still in there.
Just when you think Bellinger has turned a corner he does this! Yuk!
Huge by Julio to keep us in this game! Some really quality pitches! 95 and dealing baby!
Wow, Julio was impressive with 0 out and runners on 2nd and 3rd. That was a pitching clinic right there! I love that guy.
So I guess that’s why they pull Julio after 6 innings!
At the game at PNC (a beautiful MLB ballpark by the way).
Offense looks they got into town late from Chicago. Julio battled
but 11 hits to this Pirate team was not so good.
Not sure if the telecast fairly represents the Dodger fans in attendance. It’s got to be 2/3rds Dodger fans
Man, we are been hammered!
Bellinger with 4 Ks. Heck, I could do that. He’s a better center fielder though.
One of those games.
Wow, that took a turn for the worse in a hurry. Move on, nothing to see here, you can’t win them all and all that.
LOVE Dontrelle Willis with Joe. No blabber just really highly pertinent and insightful commenting. How refreshing .
I agree. I love Dontrelle. He sounds so relatable. He has a very nice demeanor and he’s funny too.
So just when it looked the offense was heating up, it cools down. Belli, after a 3-hit day, strikes out four times….But at least Rios homered to prevent the shutout. Hope he gets a start soon.
I sort of feel happy for the Pirates, just a little less than I’d be for the Reds if they ever win another game.
Meanwhile, as I write these words, the Halos are up 3-1 over the Rays on a Walsh HR that brought in Trout and Ohtani. Thor continues to pitch well, and Tim Wallach’s boy Chad is catching this one from Syndergard, who continues to throw well ……
Had to break away–and now the Halos up 11-3, with two HRs from Ohtani and one from Trout.
Nice.
Plus, Taylor Ward, the hottest batter in the game, has the night off. (Just resting, I hope.)
All just more reason for Freeway Series dreaming.
Offense on this team is highly over rated. But some of the main pieces have yet to get going. Taylor is slumping and striking out way too much. With Taylor now day to day with his leg hurting, it might be a good time to get some reinforcements up. Pillar is killing it at AAA.
Thanks so much, Mark, for the DBM tribute and for posting her picture. I would love to have met her. And I, too, miss her.
I have a feeling you two would have taken over! 😉