… right about now would be a panic move that nothing good would likely come from.
Anytime you think you HAVE to make a trade, you will always overpay! Every time. Sometimes you have to, but there is no reason to do so right about now. Yes, the Dodgers have lost Blake Treinen, Daniel Hudson, Tommy Kahnle, Caleb Ferguson, and Victor Gonzalez (not necessarily for the season), but they have options, not the least of which is Yency Almonte. Before you panic, give him a look-see. You make a trade from a point of strength, not weakness! Let me remind you that GMs are not stupid. If the Dodgers wanted Daniel Bard, the Rockies would ask for the moon and unless the Dodgers wanted to pay that ask, they would have to wait until the trade deadline as other teams would “bid” the price up or down. It’s a process that you cannot circumvent… unless you don’t mind overpaying. Now is not the time to do so as there are other options.
Michael Norris (aka/Bear) wrote an amazing piece on Bob Welch a couple of days ago. Michael told the story of Bob Welch’s battle with the bottle as well as his battle with Mr. October, but I am going to tell you a little bit of a back story about Bob Welch. As Bear recounted, Bob Welch started as a Dodger at AA San Antonio in 1977 as a 20-year-old, and then in 1978, he was promoted to AAA Albuquerque as a 21-year-old. In June he was promoted to the Dodgers where he was in 23 games – 13 as a starter and 10 as a reliever.
What Bear did not tell you was that in his first MLB season, Bob Welch was 7-4 and pitched 111 innings with a 2.02 ERA and a 1.060 WHIP. He struck out just 66 batters, but what we don’t remember is that he virtually came out of nowhere. In 1977 at AA, he was 4-5 with a 4.44 ERA and a 1.563 WHIP. Then in 1978, at AAA he started the season with a 3.78 ERA and a 1.319 WHIP. At that juncture, he was promoted to The Show and the rest is history. What is the point of all this? The point is that the Dodgers have Bobby Miller, Ryan Pepiot, Gavin Stone, and others who could “Pull a Bob Welch” if you don’t trade them for someone who may or may not pan out.
Think about this: just because a pitcher is a good closer for the Pirates does not mean he could pitch in a pressure-packed situation in LA, night after night. The big stage is not for everyone as we have seen in times past. Also, having a “deep” Farm System does not mean every player will pan out. It just means that you have more opportunities for players to step up. It’s a numbers game and the more you don’t trade the better the chances that one will be a star.
I hear fans, sportswriters and bloggers say that “those prospects aren’t ready“. Really? Says your mouth! Bob Welch wasn’t ready either was he? Ha, Ha! Why are some many fans so eager to trade for yesterday’s flavor of the week, when a superstar might be sitting in your backyard? This is baseball. Have you ever actually watched the development of players over the years? Is this game new to you? It is not incremental… sometimes they go from A to B to D to Z. Sometimes they don’t. Several years ago, Andrew Friedman thought he “needed” another reliever, so he traded a 19-year-old skinny unheralded prospect for Josh Fields, who was a serviceable RH Relief Pitcher. However, six years later, that 19-year-old may be the best hitter in baseball! If he’s not the best, he is in the conversation. Yordan Alvarez is a monster! He’s why Andrew Friedman likely won’t do a deal like that again… nor should he, because he doesn’t have to. Friedman also traded Oneil Cruz to the Pirates for Tony Watson, but Cruz is no Alvarez. He won’t stay at SS and he is nothing close to the kind of hitter Alvarez is.
The Keyword is don’t panic! Don’t make a dope-fiend move. Bobby Miller, Ryan Pepiot, and or Gavin Stone may not be relievers, but they could be for a partial season. Those three could be throwing some filth out of the bullpen shortly. I hear about trading for all these relievers… Keep doing that Stupid Stuff and you have to keep doing that Stupid Stuff. Grow your own, you silly geese! The Dodger’s deep farms system can fuel plugging the holes internally rather than trade prospects for a guy who was good last year or last week.
I will be disappointed if AF trades prospects for bullpen pieces when he doesn’t have to… especially right about now. I read and hear from some fans that the Dodger’s lack of pitching depth is hurting them. I am not sure what planet they are on, but with all the injuries the Dodgers have experienced their amazing depth has saved them. I am not saying that AF will not make a trade for a reliever, but now is not the time and only if it really helps without giving up top prospects. The only thing is: You do not always know who the Yordan Alvarez’s will be.
P.S. … and if you are going to propose a trade, don’t include Andre Jackson, who has a negative trade value right about now. đ
There is a lot of wisdom in this tweet:
Last Night’s Game
Will Smith is really getting unreacted and JT and Cody are still one step forward and two steps back, but last night it was two steps forward. Cody continues his amazing defensive play. For the record, I think both will figure it out. The Braves pitching simply was very, very good last night, exemplified by Kenley Jansen blowing the Dodgers away with three strikeouts in the 9th for his 20th save. Kenley threw 10 pitches over 95 MPH, including over 98 MPH. Remember me saying that most pitchers have a little extra if they want to. Kenley was amped up last night and was throwing smoke! Good for him – I how we get him today!
Why Hate on Freddie Freeman for Being Emotional?
I have heard fans and pundits throw shade on Freddie Freeman for his emotional “meltdown” in his return to Atlanta and all I have to say is “Shame on you!” Let me list some points that are irrefutable:
- Freddie Damn Well Knows he is a Dodger (no question about that);
- Freddie was a Brave for 12 years;
- Freddie was a fan favorite for those 12 years;
- Freddie was beloved by the Braves fans;
- Freddie moved his family to the ATL; and
- Atlanta was Freddie’s home.
That all came tumbling down when he could not agree on a contract with the Braves and they traded for Greg Olsen, bringing to an end his time in Atlanta. He signed with LA which was a natural fit because his family lives there and the money was equal to what he asked for from Atlanta. There is no question that he is a Dodger. Everyone in baseball knows it. However, the lovefest shown to Freddie by the fans was entirely another matter. They showed their love and adoration to him and he reciprocated. You simply cannot turn on or turn off the emotions…. especially if you are an emotional guy like Freddie Freeman. This was spontaneous and is not something you control.
The fact that Freddie is an emotional guy is what made him beloved to his teammates and the fans. It is what makes Freddie Beloved to LA Fans “Freddie, Freddie, Freddie.” It is why his current LA teammates love and respect him. Freddie doesn’t just nod at people and say “Hi,” rather he knows every employee’s name and their kid’s name and their parents and what is happening in their lives. Freddie forges relationships with people… with the Atlanta fans. That is who Freddie Freeman is and to throw shade on him because he got emotional after 12 years of being emotionally invested in an organization is just plain wrong. It’s worse than wrong and shame on anyone who does not understand that.
The emotional reunion had to happen. It’s over and Freddie will look back on his time in Atlanta as a wonderful experience, but I think he will elect to enter the Hall of Fame as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers!
Future Dodger Prospects Down on the Farm
- Round Rock beat OKC 8-3. No one had more than 1 hit, but Dellin Betances pitched an inning with 1 hit and 1 strikeout.
- Garrett Cleavinger could get a call-up soon as he went two innings, striking out 2 and walking 2, but allowed no runs. His AAA ERA sits at 1.80.
- Tulsa won 6-1 as James Outman was 3-4 with a BB.
- Andy Pages was 1-4 (2B) with an RBI, but he will likely repeat AA next year as his development is somewhat plateaued… at least for now.
- Great Lakes beat the Tin Caps 7-4 again as Diego Cartaya rested.
- Jose Ramos hit his 8th HR and drove in 3 RBI.
- Eddys Leonard was 2-5.
- Ben Casparius started but was roughed up pretty good. His ERA sits at 5.87.
- Rancho lost 15-8 as Damon Keith was 3-5. He is hitting .308 with a.431 OB% and .958 OPS. He should move to Great Lakes or Tulsa soon.
I agree. No need to trade for a reliever at this moment.
Betances is looking good at AAA , so is Fulmer. And I still have hope for Yadier Alvarez. Cut down the walks just a little bit and we have another flamethrower .
Plus as you said some of the now wounded warriors will be back at some stage of this season.
Trading away Alvarez for Fields still stings. A lot. One of the worst trades in Dodgers history for sure. Top 5 in my all time list.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know the older I get the softer I get. I almost have to watch touchy movies alone. And I can say not many people have suffered the amount of heartbreak I’ve had to deal with. So you’d think I’d be more than used to holding back emotions. So I’m alone a lot and not so tough anymore.
PS I didn’t shed a tear but I felt Freddy’s heart.
What Freddie experienced could only be described as “Emotional Overload.”
I also donât understand the criticism of Freeman. We need more emotion and passion on this team, not less. I remember the moment I didnât want the Dodgers to resign Machado. He failed to run out a ground ball and was totally dismissive when asked about it after the game. I remember thinking âheâs playing for a contract. Not the Dodgersâ.
Give me Freeman any day of the week.
Why panic at all? We played the current world champions, who also have the best record over the past month of anyone in baseball, beat them one game, lost another where we missed a couple home runs by feet and inches and had a couple of critical horrible calls by an ump who called third strikes on balls clearly so far outside they couldn’t be hit. All of this against what I think we all consider their Ace, while we put our number five guy out there. Why panic at all?
EXACTLY!
I really loved that little interaction between Max and Cody when Cody missed that home run by inches. Those smiles told everyone that they both knew that Cody got him but then Max got lucky.
Cheers
Those kind of exchanges are the best part of baseball.
I had to watch the game last night this morning as we had a party to attend last night.
I have to do the same thing tonight as we are going to see a concert with the following performers:
WILLIE NELSON FAMILY & FRIENDS
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS
JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT
CHARLEY CROCKETT
BRITTNEY SPENCER
Price and Bettances are wild cards waiting to be played.
The craziest thing I would do is offer Kimbrel back to the Braves for A.J.Minter. I’m ready to move on from Kimbrel. Almonte and Minter could be a good late inning duo.
I’m ready for Vargas to be a Dodger.
The only way the Braves would take back Craig Kimbrel for AJ Minter is if the Dodgers threw in Gavin Stone and Bobby Miller… or at least one of them.
You were right the first time.
It would have to be both. And they might tell us we have to add Vargas also.
Add Bruns and Diaz and the trade simulator is happy.
So far, Kenley looks great. Kimbrel was not good with the Sox as a setup man. The Braves are in the thick of things for the World Series. I cannot see then diminishing that opportunity for Bruns and Diaz. No way, no how.
Where is all the love for Kimbrel? Friedman signed him so he has to be good.
I wanted Kenley, however, this has a long time to play out. I am rooting for Craig, but while his stuff is exceptional, his control (mechanics) is not. There is time to fix it.
I don’t think I need to express my feelings about Jansen not being a Dodger nowadays. I’m sorta mad at those who wished him gone because they got their wish. I think their expressing such did have an impact on him leaving.
Disagree about the Freeman stuff, if you are a Dodger how are you feeling that he is gushing over being a Brave and waiving that WS ring all around, a team that beat that same Dodger team. Its fine to be nostalgic but you have aJob to do and right now your job is to help the LA Dodgers, not the ATL Braves. Did Kenley do all that on his return to LA???
There is a time and a place for all that and I thought it was a bit much.
Hey, Freddie go out today and have a day and help YOUR LOS ANGELES DODGERS win tonight.
Sorry yall just rubbed me the wrong way, I feel exactly the way Vassegh did.
But its over now lets move on,
WIN THE DAY
Maybe you have never put your heart and soul into something and worked for years and had some good or bad outcomes. I have and I can tell you there is no way you can turn on or off your emotions. They just flow out. Unstoppable and uncontrollable.
30 years from now, when Freddie tells this story to his grandchildren, it will come back to him in waves and he will break down again.
The difference will be he will be talking about the 5 Championships he won with the Dodgers.
I hope for that.
I don’t count on it.
With so many layers of playoffs and short series, it;s like Bob Costas said Friday: “As good as the Yankees and Dodgers have been, and they are the class of the field, I will take the field against them any day.”
Which makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. Just another dumb soundbite. So Bob, which teams in that field would you take over the Dodgers and the Yankees?
A series is supposed to even out the luck and probability in baseball. The longer the series, the larger the sample size, the more chance for the best team to win.
I can pretty much agree with just about everything you said in a great post today. I’m pleased with how the team is playing even with so many big names on the IL. The only thing that would be better is actually having healthy players.
During last night’s game, I head the announcers mention Bellinger doing more to take charge out there. Too many outfield collisions. Remember that he collided with Gavin last year and messed up a rib himself. We need Belli to be Kelly Leak, even if the other two outfielders that flank him are very good defensively.
I couldn’t agree more about the pitching situation. Bring in the rooks and see what they can do over the next month and change until the deadline. I would love to see Miller come out of the bullpen for a while. Betances looked like he smells opportunity in the air. Fulmer needs a look. Time for a vacation for Bickford.
B & P, I think you are missing the point.
Bob was pointing out how hard it is to win now versus 30 years ago when just one team from each league went to the Series.
A team can get hot and win a Series… now you have 3 or 4 series where you can be beaten… even if you are the best team… simply because of someone getting hot at the right time. Bob would not take one team against the Dodgers or Yankees, but he would take EVERY TEAM. If I were betting, so would I!
It totally makes sense. That saying started in horse racing and the safest bet is always on the field unless the race is fixed.
Ive never seen something like that where ON FIELD ,BEFORE he is going to bat, in a game that means something, does he do an interview with the Home team reporter and it plays in the stadium.
He didn’t have to do that, he could have said, “Im focused on helping the Dodgers win a ball game right now, but after the game sure”. You think if Kershaw was pitching for Texas in Dodger stadium that he would do an interview ON FIELD with Kirsten Watson before the Bottom of the 1st inning, NO EFFIN WAY,
Just wasnt a good look for me, sorry.
Win today.
I will agree to disagree because it depends upon your perspective.
There is nothing wrong with disagreeing and not calling each other names.
I respect your viewpoint, you dirty-rotten Dodger Fan. đ Kidding about the “dirty rotten part! đ
That is totally fair Mark.
All I want is the Dodgers to win. Let’s win this series!
Boo-YAH!
… in memory of Stuart Scott
You cannot judge someone’s emotions when you yourself have never been in that situation. 12 years with an organization is a long time. Leaving them because they basically kicked you to the curb is not easy to swallow. But, he played the game for his teammates, his fans, and his family. And having those emotions brought out in a press conference and PRE GAME ceremony was just something that was bound to happen. Once the game started, he was definitely a Dodger. You and Vassegh, who should just keep his mouth shut, are totally out of line. He did the right thing on the field. I care less if you have seen it or not. It was personal, it was emotional, and those things are just not that easy to control.
Give me a break dude. Yeah IM “out of line”.
So you can have an opinion and I cant. And I could care less what you think. Thanks for making this personal man…..All you had to say was I dont agree with me and move on.
Geesh…..have a good day.
Matt,
Bear is a Dodgers Fan like you. He has strong opinions. But at the end of the day, you are on the same team… as long as you don’t mention Yasmani Grandal…. đ
And I can respect that, sorry just didnt like the tone.
And Vassegh does a GREAT job on Dodger Talk.
Go Dodgers.
Telling someone to keep their mouth shut doesn’t play well anywhere, anytime. As Campy would say, it isn’t just wrong, it is loud wrong.
Tone? Okay, I did not like you or Vassegh giving the guy a hard time because in your opinion doing it on the field is not right. Neither of you are in that position. Ever left an organization that trained you and paid you well for 12 years? Vassegh’s job on Dodger talk was not the discussion. His opinion of what Freeman did and said was. Vassegh is a sportscaster. But he was nitpicking. Fans understood the emotion and the reason for it. I disagree with you, and your opinion. You don’t like mine, cool. I can handle it. It was not personal. It was a disagreement with you and Vassegh. Like it or not, I speak my mind, and I do not pull punches just to soothe anyones ego. I say what is on my mind period, and BUM, read the post, I said Vassegh should shut up, not Matt. Selectively read much>>:>??? I just said Matt was out of line. And that is still my opinion. If Vassegh has a problem with that, he can tell me so. How good of a job Vassegh does is also his opinion.
Yes Mark, Grandal is still a sore spot! LOL.
Bear, this is what you said: ‘You and Vassegh, who should just keep his mouth shut, are totally out of line. He did the right thing on the field. I care less if you have seen it or not. ”
Who was your “you” referring to if not Matt?
I can name another Dodger reliever who came out of no where. In 1980, 22 year old Steve Howe was promoted from AA. He won the ROY award and was on the mound in 81 when they won the series. Pretty heady stuff for a 22 year old.
Good call, Bear!
I am sure there are more.
Most likely there are.
Here’s a good question:
What if the Dodgers decide to wait until next season to build Dustin May up as a starter?
BANG!
1 or 2 innings in the bullpen?
That could be devastating!
He wonât be doing any back to backs! I see more like Julio in the WS. Closing out the last 3 innings of a crucial game
GREAT LAKES:
At Ft. Wayne, Emmitt Shehan came in relief today and in 1.2 scoreless innings and struck out 2.
Add him to the list!
* Good for Bellinger getting 2 knocks but I donât love the bottom of the line up with Thompson, Alberto, Belli and Barnes with Muncy pinch hitting.
* I wouldnât ârestâ Lux against the Braves.
* If anybody needs a rest itâs CT3 and that would happen in Denver.
* Still lamenting Hudson. He and Phillips both have been nasty and have better stuff stuff than Graterol who is an easy 100 mph but straight. Move a thumb, tweak a grip, move the fingers, changes speeds; anything to get some movement on a 2-seamer. Major League hitters really can time a bullet.
* Kenley looked great and Iâm happy he has a home. But I canât forget the uncertainty that came with damned near every appearance he made for the Dodgers his last 3 seasons. Is he healthy, he canât pitch more than 1 inning, he canât pitch back to back days, would he accept a demotion to a set-up guy, does he have any velo left, is he overseeing his cutter, is he happy or is he sad? He was good last year with the exception of blown safes back to back to back, again calling for his explosion. Probably by the same critics who now want him back.
He was to me an adventure and a pain in the ass. Was switching to Kimbrel an upgrade? Not so far as he has his own adventures but it was time to move on from KJ and the headaches he caused, IMHO.
* Hey Matt, get off my lawn. Just MY opinion.
I too was ready to move on from Jansen.
I am now ready to move on from Kimbrel.
Why can’t we just let somebody be whatever they want to be if it doesn’t harm anybody? Too much my way or the highway.
Almonte and Price for the last two innings on a short leash.
Mckinstry gets a shot today
Pitching?
Yeah, I’ll have to go with the “It’s different for every player” argument again. I’m not a big Vassegh fan either. I think he doesn’t a terrible job and usually gets in the way of himself by drawing too much attention to himself.
Freddie has his moment. At the end of his career, he’ll have spent more time with the Braves than any other team. He grew up there. I’ll cut him a break. Just get past this series. I’m really happy he’s here instead of there. Matt Olson is worse in the here an now, so there’s got to be a little sting from Atlanta’s side as well.
Let’s start a new streak today! Keep it going Gonso!
Do we really need McKinstry and Alvarez in the outfield and lineup together today? I guess CT3 and Thompson earned a sit down after all those K’s yesterday?
On a side note, I went to see the Elvis movie and it’s awesome! Two Thumbs up, 5 stars! Go see it in the big screen with good sound especially if you’re into music.
I saw Top Gun 2 in Imax, solely for the anticipated sound and music.
I’ll assume Elivis will be the same way
Seeing Elvis on Monday. Saw Maverick already.
Top Gun would have been awesome in IMAX. I think the closest one to me is at Irvine Spectrum, so that involves the freeway and crappy parking. Consequently, I don’t do IMAX very often. I think the last one I saw there was Hateful 8, but that was actual film, which was even more awesome.
I still remember where I was and what I was doing when Elvis died. Much like JFK.
Injury Updates from Dodgers Nation.
Blake Treinen, reported that he feels good a couple of days ago. Doing some strength training, there’s no timetable a very loose schedule. “At some point, I’ll be back with the team.”
Danny Duffy’s been posting videos showing him throwing 93.
Dustin May – Hitting triple digits in his latest while facing pitchers. Sitting 98-101 in an up and down session. Rehab assignment Mid July.
Heaney’s timetable is unknown at this point.
So what does one have to do here to comment without being moderated? Be bloviating and a
pinhead?
Maybe…
Sorry, but for some reason the SPAM filter got you.
I did not see it until the morning as I was at a Willie Nelson Concert last night.
Can anyone answer me why MMuncy was playing TDarnaud like a left hand hitter?
This team needs to find some offense from anyone penciled in the line-up in the # 4-9 batting order with the exception of Lux. . Max, JT, CT3, Alvarez, Trayce, and Bellinger are not getting it done. Imagine if just two of them were hitting their career averages , the line-up would be unstoppable.
It’s time for an infusion of youth a la Yasiel Puig when he was called up (Vargas, Outman, Busch, or Martin). Joe Davis said last night on the Fox broadcast that Muncy had the lowest batting average in baseball (I think that’s what he said). How long do the Dodgers stay with Max’s futile offensive output. JT hasn’t hit a HR in his last 110 AB’s. Stop the madness and find some offense AF.
If Gonsolin is going to keep giving up A run every time he pitches, heâll never win another game!
Wake me up when Mookie is back and Vargas is up!
Left $1000 worth of seats after Belli struck out and now weâre watching the game at the Marriott bar across the street! Loyal till the end! Almost!
But youâre back awake!
Yes, he has to see Reyes Moronta pitching filthy!
VAMOS COĂO!!!!
That’s how Brusdar says
LET’S GO DODGERS
After his first career save!
It seems often times in game commenting looks pretty silly by the end of the game.
Itâs never happened to me!
Somebodyâs ears were burning LOL.
We needed that as a team.!!
Glad Brusdar was able to redeem himself
Now off to Denver. Too bad these next three games have to be played in Colorado instead of at home. Great game at least in the extra innings. Some earlier run support sure woulda been nice for TG
Kenley eh? Deer in the headlights.
Still struggling with two days in a row.
Dodgers Way has an article up speculating that the Dodgers could very much be in the hunt for Aaron Judge next off season. I know we have a lot of salary coming off the books this off season but does that really sound possible?
Donât believe anything from Dodgers Way.
You can believe 1%.
Now instead of the uncertainty of Kenley, we have the uncertainty of Kimbel. But rather than rag on him, let me say something nice…
Tonight’s win, I believe, was the Dodgers best win of the season so far. Perhaps the biggest.
How many of us suspected that, after an impressive, clutch comeback, this would be another game the slipped away in OT? I fully expected as much when Kimbrel gave up that hit to let the placed runner tie the score.
But to get to that point, there was high drama.
Start with the fact that Gonsolin pitched well–but was outpitched by Strider. The Dodgers had to come from behind.
Trayce Thompson delivered the key hit, the line drive just glancing off the fielder’s glove. And Muncy, though 0-for-5 at the plate, came up with the big defensive play on Duvall’s bases-loaded smash down third. And a nice scoop by Freddie too.
Finally, Graterol looked like the closer we all hope he can be. As if trying to make up for giving the lead last night, he pitched with extra adrenaline, with some pitches clocked at 102.
This was Brusdar at his best. We’ll see if he can keep it up.