A large number of other blogs give you a blow-by-blow game recap. It’s a free country (well… maybe) and you can do that, but it might drive you crazy. See, it’s a 162-game season and if you micro-manage every game, it might really drive you crazy… or at least skew your vision. If the Dodgers win (like yesterday) I never get too high and if they lose, I never get too low. It’s a game… life goes on. I did not learn this overnight. I will be 69 soon and I am still learning. I think you learn until you decide to die. I have decided to still learn.
I have been writing this blog for over twenty years. It is the longest-running Dodger Blog. I was the very first blogger to sit in an MLB Pressbox. Of course, that means I was the very first blogger to sit in the Dodger Stadium Pressbox. It’s been about 15 years since I first did that. Why? It’s not a big deal anymore – I did it and… so what? I am a Dodger fan and that’s why I do it, but I am facing the reality that this takes me about an hour a day. Why should I do it? Who really cares? Should I continue? This is not the first time I have considered quitting or scaling back.
I know some appreciate it, but how many do? Three bloggers broke off from this site and started their own blog (that’s the American Way and perfectly OK) because they think I say mean things and they also wanted me to cancel Bulldogs and Penguins (which I refused to do). Now, I admit that B & P can be a pain in the neck (or lower), but he has some really great takes… and to his credit, he has toned it down… somewhat. I do not believe in cancel culture… even though I banned Badger for a time for his “driveby shootings” and now he boycotts this site as a “tit for tat” (but, that is his right).
The old guard may have wanted this blog to be all puppy dogs and kittens, and let’s talk about the minor league prospects who (we all know) will never make it, but let’s praise their “grit”, and all sing this together:
… and never let a foul word come out of our mouths! That’s OK! Sure. Sure. Fine. I am just not wired that way. I am going to tell you what I think… right or wrong… and I am wrong plenty of times. But, as I have said, I have been doing this for over twenty years. It is now a task that I don’t know if I want to continue. Once you have done this for 20 years, feel free to criticize me… otherwise, well…
I started this blog for myself… and while I will not deny that I still do it for myself, a lot of it is because of you – the readers. I know that one out of 100 readers comment, but somedays I ask myself “Does anyone care about this blog as much as I do?” I have talked about quitting for several years. Some criticize me for that. Of course, they have never done it, so it’s easy to criticize it! Occasionally, I put this out there:
“Even if you don’t post, but want to see this blog continue…. or don’t want to see it continue, tell us who you are, where you are from, and how long you have been a Dodger fan. I want to hear from you. Should I stay or should I go?”
BTW: Miguel Vargas was 2-3 with 2 more RBI and hit his 13th HR and Mike Busch hit #20 last night. Emmitt Sheehan went 4.2 innings, allowed 2 hits and struck out 7 for his 4th win.
This is the only blog that I religiously read and contribute to. Sure, I passively check other sites and mostly skim their posts, but this is the one I wait for when I wake up every morning. I enjoy the community here and genuinely care about many other people that post their opinions here.
What brought me to this blog was Mark’s no BS style of telling it like it is. I found it refreshing.
Of course you should continue! Sometimes you have to be selfless and do things for other people. That’s the best part of society. Now, get back to work!
I’ve been a Dodger fan since 1985. I’m from Compton and look forward to reading your posts everyday. I say keep it going as long as you can.
Just wanted to echo your post. I look forward to it every day even though it does get off baseball sometimes. Then I just skim those paragraphs until it gets back to baseball.
I sure hope the last three days are a preview of what is to come! I also sure hope Tony’s arm doesn’t fall off. But I am afraid it will next year, just like Walker after huge increases in innings.
Ira Barnett 77yrs Born in Brooklyn life long Dodger fan. Went to the 55 and 56 World Series. NY had the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees at the time and as a young lad we argued about who was the best centerfielder etc.
This blog is very special. I live in the Baltimore area and need the internet to follow my team. This blog is special because of Mark and his outlandish as well as meaning ful dialog. He puts out some very funny, challenging ideas to generate discourse. He is one of the very best and I personally would have a giant hole in my day without his
presence. Please stay. Ira
Shjt Mark, that right there is enough reason to keep going!
Cheers
I have been a Dodger fan since about 1954. YIKES!!!. This is the site I look at the most. Interesting discussions from all points of view. Keep it up.
Nice three games now. Maybe some progress from the ‘black hole gang’. But then someone else (CT) falls in. So with all our ‘problems’, We are still better than just about everyone else.
I can’t find all my early posts, but I think I predicted that Gonsolin and Anderson would probably start the year off 20-0, So I guess I was off on that
I am relatively new to this blog but in short time this has become one of my favorit places for Dodgers baseball.
Excellent info and knowledgable users.
Hope you continue, Mark.
Good win yesterday. Ensures us of the series win. If we can sweep them with Kersh going today it would be huge.
With Busch continuing to hit HRs he could become a huge trade chip if the Dodgers decide to go that route come the deadline.
Mookie apparently will be back today. Good. But I would leave TT in the leadoff spot and bat Mookie 3rd.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!
I ran across this today. I think most of you will love it (it’s about Sandy):
Good stuff, MT, always enjoy hearing Rose talk shop….
Born in 74, hardcore since 74, Dodger fan through the 80s. I stopped being a fan of any team in any sport some time in the mid 90s. Baseball a hobby, NBA my specialty. I like the game, not the team.
Your choice and your time, so continue the blog if you still have the desire. The talent and curiosity is still there so you got that. Water systems expert and baseball aficionado, not a bad pairing. I’ve been following this blog the past few seasons. Would’ve never guessed you were pushing 70….SALUT, young man….
The web- an old man told me years ago (the 90s) that the internet was for porn and complaining. I think it’s expanded its reach since then, but the complaining is a staple. To which I’d say, to borrow a phrase: “Really?…says your mouth!” That quote you used for a blogpost last weekend still has me cracking up….that shyt was funny.
To ban certain posters; I say no, I can always skip whatever I don’t want to read. Politics don’t even bother me; I just pretend my name is Skip when it comes up.
Nice addendum to Bear’s Bob Welch bit. Also, your brief take on the Freeman/Atlanta celebration was tight and spot on. Sportswriters for the local fish wraps and the host of some subpar postgame show had some strange takes over the matter, like Freeman wasn’t allowed to be a bit emotional. Such a jaded bunch we’ve become.
Shout out to Bear and his “take me back” pieces about Dodgers of the past. I’ll recommend someone when I have something better than reliever Tom Brennan.
Cheers, Mr Timmons, and enjoy the Fourth!
Dodger fan since birth (dad was a big Dodger fan). I’ve followed this blog for several years and while I can be negative from time-to-time I’m only guilty of being a rabid fan who hates to lose. This is the “go to” Dodger blog for me. I followed others but one that I had to give up on was TBLA. They often talk about food, relationships, recipes and other weird shit not at all related to baseball or sports in general. I go to a Dodger blog to talk baseball and if I need help with relationships and food recipes I will seek that information out somewhere else or better yet, ask my wife.
During the TB saga one contributor seriously posted some stuff that was quite concerning and nearly 5150. Wrote about not coping, staying in bed all day and was very aggressive to anyone who sought patience and truth and/or gave benefit of the doubt to TB.
I appreciate the blog Mark…..keep it going.
Go!
Enjoy life! There are either new blogs that will appear or old ones that will suffice.
Not your burden to entertain others.
I have been a dodger fan since 1976. My brother was a fan and I followed suit. I hope you keep the site going but realize it has to be time consuming. I think we all appreciate and take it for granted to come up with new content each day. Thanks for your dedication
I live in Rochester, NY. I have been a Dodger fan for over 60 years. I post a few times, but read your blog daily. I enjoy the articles and most of the comments. I tend to skip over the snarky ones and the ones that are 5 or 6 paragraphs long. I would miss the blog if it was gone, but would survive.
Long time blog reader and first time poster. 52 yo and live in Newport Beach. Love the Dodgers and have rooted for them my whole life. Keep at it IF it makes you happy!
DON’T STOP THIS BLOG! I love it. I used to go to the Coliseum with my mom and dad. Then they had season tickets for 35 years so I spent a lot of time at Dodger Stadium including being in the left field bleachers when Gibson hit his historic home run in the 88 World Series. Dodger Blue is in my blood. I even have a grand son named Sanford Koufax Cunningham. My wife and I have lived in Reno for the past 50 years, 4 kids, 24 grandkids all living within 15 minutes of our home. I still listen or watch every game and when I get up in the morning the first thing I do is check your site. It’s as much a tradition as spoiling the grand kids. Long live LA Dodger talk and it’s creator.
I have been a Dodger fan for over 70 years from Brooklyn now live in Palm springs been following this blog for at least 15 years every morning my first read. Thanks Mark
Dodger fan since 1954. I live in rural Illinois. I like this site and learn a lot of Dodger history. Occasionally disagree strongly with some of the posts but that is fine. I have tickets to the all-star game and home derby, then sticking around for the following home stand. I follow the Dodgers and their minor league clubs daily. I hope you continue the blog. I appreciate the calmer atmosphere here lately.
I’ve been a Dodger fan since 1972, when I was 7 years old. I have been following them ever since and the heyday for me was when we had Garvey, Lopes, Russell and Cey manning the infield. I found Mark’s Dodgertalk website about 10 years ago and I enjoy reading the articles and the comments by everyone while I have my coffee in the morning. I’ve come to learn that this site is more like a family – daily talk about things going on in peoples lives, bickering with each other and getting on each other’s nerves when you spend too much time with each other, and sharing in the enjoyment when good things are happening. We all have difference of opinions (just like a real family), but at the end of the day, it is still a family and you learn to live with each other (well, most of the time).
Mark, how you have been able to run this site for 20 years plus and still continue to go strong is amazing to me. Everyone else would get bored and move onto something else after so many years, but not you. So when you want to quit every other year and shut down the #1 site for Dodgers EVERYTHING we need to know, I understand how you feel. I had my own business for over 33 years, and I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to give it up and walk away from all the stress. Lately Mark you have been on a roll with writing articles almost everyday and I kind of think you told yourself that when the 3 guys left to start their own site you made a promise to yourself to basically keep this site going until you burn out. I think you are there again Mark, and no one can blame you. I personally hope you can find a way to keep going, maybe make some changes to your schedule and just post an article once every couple of days with Bear and others writing articles sometimes also, and if we go without a new article for a couple of days, leave the page open so people can still communicate with each other. If you do finally decide to shut this site down, I just want to say thank you for having a trusted place to go to almost everyday to read great articles, hearing everyone’s opinions which in turn has made me look at things from a different perspective and realizing that everyone here has something to add in their own unique way and many times turn into the bantering that goes on here daily. Wow, sounds like a regular, dysfunctional and (mostly) loving family. Mark, you have given all us readers an amazing site to follow and I just want to thank you for that.
I have been a Dodger fan since they were still in Brooklyn. Saw my first Dodger game in the Coliseum in 1959 (I believe). I lived in Rancho Cucamonga Ca for 30 years but now live in Upland Ca. I have been a reader for over 15 years . I don’t post often but this is my first read every morning. My takes are not strong enough as I was once told by LawDog who is no longer with us. I remember a few of Badgers suspensions over the years. Well anyway hope this blog continues!
This is really the only blog I read. It’s like an old pair of jeans. I know and appreciate Mark’s style. I don’t have to take everything he says seriously, and I know he doesn’t want readers to. The comments are there to poke and prod a little to stimulate lively discussion. Nothing wrong with that, and the pearl clutchers have moved on and have their own fainting couch – and STILL make back handed swipes at this blog. Intercranial occupancy, rent free.
I really do like the brief and to-the-point summaries on prospects. I’ll be honest, I really didn’t care for the previous prospect bios. I found his human interest style cloying. I really don’t care what that 13th round prospect’s favorite kind of cookie is, and don’t want to read about the glowing praise from his little league coach about what a nice young man he turned out to be. *blegh* Not a knock on him. Just not my style.
I was surprised to read a quote of mine here from 2016. I guess that may have been about when I started reading. I initially started here because Mark actually annoyed me. He was rattling off some reactive diatribe about trading Kershaw and blowing up the team for prospects. I forget the context. The Dodgers probably lost three in a row or something. I couldn’t let such idiocy stand and I probably commented something snarky … and here we are.
It’s really difficult to sit in front of a computer every morning and come up with content. I don’t think people realize how hard it is to do this consistently – for 20 years. M*A*S*H ended, not because the ratings were bad, but because the writers just got tired of trying to create something new out of the same plot every week. I hope Mark continues to create as long as it gives him enjoyment.
…. I would have banned B&P just for his silly takes on the SAVE stat. Glad you didn’t capitulate to the pearl clutchers, though. He occasionally says intelligent things.
BTW – I became a Dodger fan in 5th grade when I heard a loud commotion in Mr. French’s class next door. He had a few of the 6th grade boys in there and they were watching the game with the Expos. I heard a loud cheer erupt and knew something momentous had happened. It had. That was the moment that Monday hit his homer. I remember the final out of the WS when Landreaux caught the fly ball.
Stopped following baseball in the 90s and much of the aughts. I just lost interest. It seemed the game had changed and moved away from solid pitching and fundamentals and the small things to a video game of unstoppable roid monsters hitting 50 homers from the leadoff position.
I came relatively late to this blog. Mark and I were at odds on another site, and we were not shy about telling the other how dumb we thought he was. Both of us have strong opinions, and both of us are brutally honest. Some people cannot handle that. I cannot remember who suggested that Mark invite both me and Badger over here, but I accepted the invitation, we settled our differences amicably, and now I contribute what I can to the blog in the form of historical posts, and sometimes other subjects. I have come to enjoy writing and the research and since I am retired, I love the fact that it keeps my mind active. I respect Mark’s point of view, and since we have met a couple of times, I have come to respect the man. What ever he does from this point forward is his choice. He should do what is best for him and his family. I know he loves the game and the Dodgers as much or more than any of us. I would miss writing, and I probably would not be as active on any other blog. So the longer this one goes on, the better I like it. Too many blogs try to control the narrative. Mark provokes thinking for ones self. We might not always agree on players, or how the team is built, but we all have the love of the team in our hearts.
Was that other site Our Dodgers? I was on that site too, but not as TM. I’m not sure who I was there….too long ago.
Jeez. Based on the small sample of people who responded this is quite an experienced age cohort here.
Thanks for all your time and effort Mark.
I seldom post, but I read LADT every day. I really enjoy this community the best, your thought provoking insights and all your commentators are entertaining, informative and fun to read. Many a times this blog has grounded me as I tend to overreact to the small things and because of this community I am able to enjoy the Boys in Blue that much more.
So thank you for this blog and I hope you can find a family/work/? blog? balance that keeps making you happy for a very long time.
Trying this for first time. Read the column daily and enjoy it very much. My first Dodger memory is asking my dad why the man in the newspaper picture was so sad. It was the famous Ralph Branca picture after “the shot”. I chose to follow them as best as I could through my small upstate NY newspaper until we got or extended family’s first b/w television. My mom had my uncles over to watch games around it with beer, cheese and crackers. I watched and listened and learned. When I saw Johnny Podres finish it all in 1955 and bring my Dodgers full circle, I was hooked for life. I was eleven years old that year. From the Duke and Johnny to todays boys in blue, I’m there! Please keep it going Mark.
Where else will we be able to read the banter between B&P and Patch? They are at their best when jabbing at each other. At their worst when using 100 words to say 20 words of take.
I come and go and that is because there are political postings that pop up from time to time that are crude and narrow. I ask myself if I want to be part of a group whose politics I really dislike. I love being part of a group who shares the same takes about the Dodgers though, knowing that we are so different politically. Just as I like my neighbors and golf buddies even though we disagree politically. We just don’t talk politics and we realize how much we are alike.
Mark, I am surprised you can keep this blog going using only 1 hour a day. I am aware of your effort. I am aware of your success with this blog.
Muncy swings too hard to be injured, therefore I doubt he is hampered by pain.
Cody needs to be a doubles hitter. If he has to have a big long uppercut swing to hit homeruns then he is not a homerun hitter.
Justin looks like he will finish this year strong.
Taylor gets too many at bats and best serves the Dodgers playing multiple positions.
Lux needs to stay at second base but maybe next year maybe move to short.
Mark, I love your takes and I thoroughly enjoy this blog.
I’m 63 years old and fan since the seventies. I’m from Arecibo,Puerto Rico, born place of Luis Rodriguez Olmo (Luis Olmo) close friend and teammate of Roy Campanella with the 1949 Brooklyn Dodgers. Really hard to see complete games with the 3 hour difference but I am in my 6th consecutive year watching every game. This is the only Dodger blog I follow daily. Takes are takes and everybody has one. He, I remember here in a chinchorro (little bar mainly for drinking a couple beers and seeing friends daily) all the takes when The Angels signed Othani and why Pitching and Batting will not function and was a crazy idea. The main idea of a forum is precisely that. But if it’s Baseball Forum, then it shall stick to it.
Great blog Mark!
Appreciate your efforts but I understand that time is precious
I read this blog every day to get educated opinions. I don’t mind the occasional political opinions, but prefer baseball talk. In my view, the MLB has interjected more politics than ever into the game in the last 5 years, and sometimes it is tough to avoid.
I prefer the contributors to this site over LAT or Athletic writers.
While I lived in Rancho Cucamonga area for 30 years, we recently moved to Nevada.
Will continue to follow if you decide to keep site going.
Thanks for providing knowledge and entertainment to baseball fans!
Thank you for all you do Mark on this blog and the community you have created.
I’ve been a Dodger fan since the early seventies. I still remember my mother and me spending the night waiting in line at The Broadway Department Store (which had a Ticketmaster) hoping to buy tickets for the 1974 World Series. Unfortunately, we decided to purchase tickets for games 6 and 7. I spent my youth attending games at Dodger Stadium (my parents had season tickets) and it was a blast! About 8 years ago I moved to Portland, OR. for a job opportunity and so I don’t get to see as many Dodger games in person as I would like. I’ve been reading this blog daily since the McCourt days and IMO the blog has never been better. I appreciate those who write and comment (I particularly enjoy Phil Jones’ comments). I’m impressed that with all you have going on with your business and family life that you still have time to knock out high-quality posts day in and day out. I might be in the minority but I don’t even mind the occasional political post, although I rarely agree! I hope you continue this blog as long as it is fun for you. There are plenty of us out here who don’t comment much but come here every day. You are appreciated!
To Mark, Bear, B&P, and all others.
I found this blog approximately 8-try’s ago and think it is AWESOME!
I think I have posted 3-times previously – mainly when people were personally attacking each other and asking for somebody to be the adult in the room, or to keep the politics out of our conversations.
I just turned 63, have an incredible wife who literally took my potential and focused me to become fairly successful professional with an engineering company with eight employees.
I have 3 incredible sons and 2 daughter-in-laws each all smarter then me.
I served 28-yrs in the military (10-active duty). I served in Panama, Somalia and both Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom. 13-yrs as an enlisted person (Forward Observer -USA, and C-5 Flight Enginer – USAF), the 15-yrs as an officer in EOD.
I do think we are in a very dangerous and tumultuous time in our country as am very worried that the truth no longer matters, that the 70 to 80% solution is no longer acceptable to either party – now it must 100% or we do scorch earth.
I am neither with left or far-right!
My only political take that I will every state is that what Trump tried to do last year was a coup attempt – something I never thought could happen in this GREAT country. Because in all my travels in the military I know how special this country was, is and can still be.
Collectively we all deserve better from politician from both sides.
You need to look no further than the individuals who are on this blog. I have read about Mark’s issues with his first wife and congratulate and RESPECT him for not letting it destroy him.
Or, the fact that recently different members have been meeting up in bars, at games getting together to talk Dodger baseball, or offering tickets to others for games they can’t attend seriously how special is that!!
So for VERY selfish reason I would love for Mark and all others to continue with their posts as it reassuring to me that some people can have dialogue, opinions and still stay civil with each other.
In the EOD career field the standard joke was if you have 4- tech’s debating how best to proceed with a mission you would have 5-opinions – same holds true here.
Again, it is easy for me to ask that Mark and all of you to continue making time in your
day to keep this blog alive and well – but, again it is a special place that we need more of – not less.
TO ALL A HAPPY 4th – and know, live and breathe the fact that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!
Shawn Murphy
Slow Clap Shawn. Very well said and thank you for your service!
Continue on Mark. Only Dodger site I participate in. Great info and 99% of the time respectful banter.
Thanks Mark for all you’ve done and all you do with this blog. I truly enjoy it and the emphasis on baseball. I haven’t seen much political talk lately which is good with me. I adhere to what I call my “Bar Stool Rule” While sitting at a bar, I refuse to talk about religion or politics. I have no interest in trying to convince a perfect (or imperfect) stranger that I’m right and he’s wrong, about these topics. You do a great job creating conversations. I hope you continue for as long as you wish, which I hope is a long time. I look forward to reading everyday and posting from a position of an old player and coach. Again – thanks.
* Who would have predicted that Tyler Anderson would be 9-1 and Tony Gonsolin 10 and 0 and likely to start the All-Star Game? How fun has it been watching these 2? Anderson just performs surgery on hitters. It’s refreshing to see a pitcher in the mold of Jaime Moyer get guys out and dominate without throwing 98.
* Nice to beat the Padres as these are 2 for 1’s. And get on them early so we don’t have to watch Grisham, Profar and Machado hot dog it up. I know they haven’t had much of a chance to celebrate but is it possible that Bob Melvin has settled that act down? He’s a quality Manager and I really don’t see him liking that style all that much. But I can’t say for sure as I never watch them unless they are playing the Dodgers. We’ll see when Tatis returns.
* Yu Darvish offers up more hangers than I have in my closet. Maybe he needs a 12th pitch.
* We were sure close in the 1st to hitting 4 homers in a row. I thought Muncy may have hit one as well. Darvish had about 1600 feet on fly balls sandwiched between 2 strikeouts in the 1st.
* The Dodgers D used a unique variation on the tired old cut-off alignment on throws from the outfield in the 2nd, keeping that big donkey, Luke Voit at 3rd with 2 outs. Having Anderson catch Bellinger’s throw from center up the line instead of Smith is new. It offers the potential for Anderson to tag Voit on his helmet if he passed by, I guess. The downside – had Voit been barreling home, with his chest hair flowing, he could have fixed up Andy with a new zip code. Fortunately he stayed at 3rd.
I’m not a fan of this new alignment and would prefer the traditional method with Smith covering home and have Anderson actually hustle and get his ass backing up home, before he gets killed.
* Mark Prior was quite a pitcher in his day. I love his game face. He looks like he wants to eat your liver. I’ve never seen him smile.
* Joe Davis is certainly a rising star on FOX. It was easy for him to provide facts on the Dodgers but he had the book on all things Padre as well. He really does his homework and is neutral and unbiased, as he should be, when he does a regional of national broadcast on FOX. He’s a rising star. He did drop a little extra promo very subtlally for Smith being an All-Star late in the game.
Let’s hope CK can bring his A game today and sweep.
I seem to be the newest or least old Dodgers fan, only since 1980, maybe because I’m 50 years old. But the important thing is that this blog remains active, since I have the night shift and it is the first thing I read in the morning. Also because here I can give my opinion and curse that shitty team full of stupid clowns, without hurting someone’s feelings, so that no one feels offended
Hi Mark,
I’m in my late 50s and have been a fan since I was a kid. I was in a classroom watching on TV when Monday hit the HR against the Expos. I was at Dodger stadium in 1988 for Wold Series game 1 for Gibson’s HR and game 2 for Hershiser’s gem. I really appreciate your style, the content you provide, and all your takes. Huge respect for all you do. Thank you.
I’ve been a Dodger fan since the 78 world series when I was 6 years old and was at my grandpa’s house who was a Dodger fan when we watched that world series. He lived a block over from where my parents and I lived.
This is the only baseball blog I read consistently. Probably the main reason is because for the most part it stays on Dodgers baseball. But there are other reasons too. I appreciate Mark doing this blog and hope he keeps doing this.
I’ve had my eye on Tony Gonsolin since he put up a .580 OPS against in 2019. Then a .518 OPS against in 2020. Then he pitched injured last year and still was able to put up a little better than average .686 OPS against. At the end of 2019 I figured that he could become a very good pitcher and here he is now again with a .514 OPS against so far this year. What’s even better is that he is doing it against both sides of the plate. He is putting up Clayton Kershaw numbers when Kershaw was in his prime years.
Dodger fan since 1955.
I appreciate what Mark puts out on a daily basis. Box scores and game recaps I can find anywhere. Good give and take discussions are what draws me to the blog.
Appreciate the no political ranting from either side that Mark seems to enforce. Nothing more boring than an uniformed Democrat or over informed Republican.
I don’t miss Frank McCourt or Milton Bradley
I do miss Roy Campanella, Don Drysdale, Ron Cey, and Andre Ethier
Alright, back to our regularly scheduled programming…
There’s a game that starts in just under 3 hours and I’m just waiting for AFV to post the lineup before we go for a sweet 4 game sweep against our red-headed step children to the south. This is as good a time as any for CK to reach back a pitch a gem to help bury the rest of the competition in the division. The best pitcher of his generation will face the most hyped pitcher of his generation in MacKenzie Gore, a fellow lefty.
As with any lefty on the hill while opposing us, I’ll anticipate a lineup that just doesn’t look quite right with blatant disregard to any reverse splits or current trends.
What a glorious weekend so far. It’s series like these that keep me pinned to my TV screen and shuffle outstanding commitments that has a potential to get in the way.
I’ll keep this post short, not for Bums’ sake, but because I have to get my pup some stimulation before game time or I’ll have to pay the price later in the day. Not to mention, I have to polish my brooms to get them ready for today’s result.
C’mon Kershaw, keep this ball rolling…
B&P, you write clearly and it is easy to read your takes because you double space between paragraphs and your paragraphs don’t stray from their lead sentence. I guess I would prefer to see you make two posts instead of one long one. To annoy you let me say one word: Joc.
All Star Joc!
Been a Dodger fan all my life, they won the WS the year I was born. Grew up in NorCal, so took a lot of flak from my buddies. Followed their daily box scores since 4th grade. I remember the ‘65 series beating the Twins, and ‘66 with Earl Weaver’s O’s winning in 4 straights. Wes Parker was my favorite Dodger then, as I played 1st as a kid. I too, read this blog every morning. The baseball acumen on here is the best. I enjoy the daily updates on the farm teams. Great to see the emotional meaning our favorite team has with all of you…Mark, your efforts are certainly appreciated.
This is the first thing I read every morning
I love this blog.
I never comment just read it all.
i live and die with the dodgers. Your blog is the Best of all of them
I appreciate it.
Please keep it going.
Hey Mark. Kudos on the best Dodger blog on the internet. I hope you keep it going as it is my first stop for Dodger news and banter. It is the second entry on my bookmark list.
I became a Dodger fan in 1965 when I started playing Little League Baseball. Mainly because of Koufax and Drysdale. Also, back then we only got one baseball game per week on Saturday and a lot of times it was the Dodgers. Plus they were winning and I liked their uniforms.
I read this blog every day and post once in a while. Please keep it going.
Good morning everyone!!
Mr. Timmons been here reading since 2007, stay up , stay strong
Keep it going .
Dodgers 4 life!!!
Dodger fan since ‘72
You better not quit!
4:10 PM ET
Padres (46-34)
Dodgers (49-28)
SPClayton Kershaw L
5-2 2.94 ERA 49IP 511k
Confirmed Lineup
RF Mookie Betts R
SS Trea Turner R
1B F. Freeman L
DH Will Smith R
2B Max Muncy L
3B J. Turner R
CF T. Thompson R
C A. Barnes R
LF Gavin Lux L
Clear-day
0% Rain
76° Wind 9 mph Out
The Los Angeles Dodgers activated outfielder Mookie Betts, reinstated left-handed pitcher David Price, designated right-handed pitcher Ian Gibaut for assignment and optioned infielder Eddy Alvarez to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday afternoon.
Mark, I read this every day and your takes are interestingly challenging Your takes on the Dodgers will be missed by me and your other site users.
Oh I’m pretty sure ( and I think he’d confirm ) Mark has told it like it isn’t a time or two just to stir the bullshit. Mark is my friend and in case you don’t know, he’s your friend too. I’m also pretty certain whatever I post isn’t to be taken so seriously as it’s intent is mostly for chuckles ( which I often fail at ). But I’m pretty thick skinned so Dump it right here at me because I can take it! Unless you talk bad about my heroes. I don’t bother much with other blogs and other than watching games and sometimes MLBN This is my go to place and has been for over 10 years. 10 years ago it didn’t look like that much time was on the menu. Excuse me for now, my discomfort is telling me to eat some prunes. I really need to exclude cheese from my diet.
First of all I would like to thank Mark especially, and all the great contributors to this site. This is the only blog that I read completely every day
I’ll soon be 70 years old and I’ve been a dodger fan since I was seven years old. I never got a chance to see a game at the Colosseum . My uncle who would come to visit us five or six times during the year started taking me to dodger games in the early 1960s, we used to sit in the left-field pavilion. He would also try to take me to camera day once a year. If I remember correctly box seats were only 3.50
And the LA Times would have a coupon for Camera day buy one get one free.
THANKS AGAIN MARK FOR ALL YOU DO!! HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL!!
This is Cassidy’s wife. Please stay. You will be saving a marriage. He’s retired now and driving me crazy. The only peace that I get during the day is when he’s on your blog!
Ha ha – love this
LOL!!!
There it is, Mark! You have to stay!!!
You have to save the commie’s marriage! LOL!
Post of the day!
A Dodger fan since 1946,
keep up the good work Mark
Been hardcore dodger fan for over fifty years. Born in Ventura now live in Louisiana. Only discovered this sight about a year ago and love it. Keep it up
Turned 76 a couple of weeks ago, been a Dodger guy since little league back in the ’50’s. Used to love laying in the back yard under the stars listening to Vinny. The wife and I have family all over the country … every one of them bleeds Dodger blue. Mark, I don’t post much, but I look in everyday. With the time it takes to breathe life into this blog, I would totally understand … but the absence of “ladodgertalk” would leave a big hole in my day!
Big time dodger fan for over fifty years born and raised in Ventura now live in Louisiana. Been checking out this site almost daily and love it
Mark –
It appears to me that you and LADT play an important role in the daily lives of many of us. The reason is because of the way you frame the topics for discussion and the insights of so many knowledgeable posters. I follow other boards in college football and basketball; but LADT is where I spend most of my time. I do so because the topics and comments have real value for me! As a 76 year-old, spending my time wisely is a priority. Thanks for all you do to keep me engaged in a lifelong love of mine – Dodger Baseball!!
I’ve been a Dodger fan since the early 70s. I’m the same age as you Mark and live in Utah now. I understand the pull to slow down and do other things but for me I’ve found that having nothing to do is much worse than having a lot to do. LADT is the only blog that I read everyday. I enjoy all the posters – even those that I don’t agree with. Thanks Mark for creating a national treasure.
Finding this place in 2012, and soon after signing up to MLB.com has been an absolute game changer for me.
To feel like you are part of a community with like minded, decent folk is very special.
I have learned so much more about Baseball since reading here, and actually my initial mindset of over reacting after a few poor results has given way to a much more objective and longer term view.
Some interesting characters have come and gone, and it’s a shame that AC and a few others no longer post here.
It’s only my opinion of course, but some people can be very over sensitive to any criticism or even alternative views, and even over react when deep down they know they are being played. It’s like they can’t help themselves, they have to bite anyway.
Some posters are masters of the wind up.
Look at Bluto above. He really enjoys the cut and thrust. Trust me, he’d be absolutely gutted if he woke up one morning to find tumble weed blowing where LADT once lived.
I enjoy his takes tho.
It was my great honour to meet Michael, B&P and Patch, and to sit down and share a game, some beers and some food.
Without doubt the highlight of my recent trip. Without this place, that would never have happened (next time Bobby).
Michael was exactly what you’d imagine.
B&P and Patch for all their gnarly diatribe on here actually get on great and were both very easy company. Dodger nuts all three.
We obviously spoke about the site and Mark, and we only had positive things to say.
Actually Michael, it was at a moment like this, where Mark was having some doubts about the future of this place that I suggested reaching out to yourself and Badger.
Knowing Mark he will undoubtedly claim it was his idea to ask you to get involved all along, much like he now lays claim to being the first to suggest an early trade of Yasiel Puig to maximise his Trade value back in 13. That was also originally one of mine too lol.
Anyway – this place is all the better for having you and your great writing on board Michael. Wish Badger would contribute more – I enjoy his takes.
I miss DodgerRick – always a great read, but we’ve got some great posters in Phil, Mr Buffalo, Ted, and Jayne., plus many others of course. You guys know your stuff.
Also miss Truth – he called it as it was, and I have to say I’m a little worried about Peter -,haven’t heard from him in a long time. His posts were lyrical. I know he’s been I’ll. Hope all’s well Pete.
To have DBM’s husband reach out to you at such a time must have meant an awful lot Mark. If ever there’s proof of what you spend your time doing is worth it, then surely that must be special.
MJ loved this place too, and she was alone.
Mark – i for one would be hugely disappointed to lose the comradeship I’ve discovered if you were to call it a day.
Wouldn’t be any fun watching on my own.
Watford!!! So glad to meet up with you at us Yank’s version of a pub. Good choice by B&P.
That’s the thing with the internet. We’re all a lot different IRL, and that’s where it matters.
Sincerely glad to have met you, shared a beer or two, and trade Dodger thoughts. … Dang! I wanna hang out with Bear more. He was drawing the girls over like moths to a flame!!
Look me up if you’re in SoCal again. I’d be glad to drink an Ale and chat Dodgers with you
Absolutely mate – will definitely do it again – but hopefully at a game next time.
Hola Mark y todos los blogueros de este sitio, un saludos desde Guadalajara Jalisco México, aunque no publico soy un asiduo lector este sitio desde hace 5 años y soy fanático de los Dodgers desde 1965 y desde luego que quiero que siga este blog, que en mi opinión es el más informado, con todos sus colaboradores como Oso, B&P, e inclusive los que se retiraron de aquí para formar otros sitios, ánimo vamos por la barrida, ¡¡¡Arriba los Dodgers¡¡¡¡¡
Hey José, I haven’t seen you a while. Good to see you back.
Dodgers sign Austin Barnes to a two year extension.
Smart move.
I love that move. Perfect bridge to Diego.
Great,now start negotiating with Trea!
I’ve read every comment above and two things are obvious:
1) No one who reads or comments here is under 100 years old
2) Everyone thinks this blog is a good substitute for prunes.
Mark, keep it going as long as it’s enjoyable for you. Shut it down when it becomes an obligation.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mark on his trip out here. He lives, eats, drinks Dodger Baseball. If he quit, he will miss it here as much as anyone else does. But, it is an obligation and he’s busy running a growing company as well. I like to periodically thank him for keeping this going.
Mark, I hope you realize what a special place this is and how much it means to most of the people here. The problem is, is that it is the way it is because of you. There’s no replacing you.
first time on the site. must say i have been reading every day for a long time. enjoy eveyone on here and so appreciate you doing it mark and doing it so impressively! so thankful for every guy or gal who served or is serving our country so i can sit on my patio and watch my favorite dodger pitch. both my sons and my grandson bleed blue! happy for austin barnes although i must admit he has driven me bonkers over the years but if his talent was as big as his heart wouldnt he be something ! hoping cody will somehow regain some of his old form and thank god for freddie! once again mark thanks for all you do and please keep doing it. oh by the way my oldest son was 3 and sitting on my lap when gibson hit the most famous hr in dodger history, needless to say i bounced his but in the floor! he has never let me live it down. my sons took me to la for my 60th bbday in 2018, i will never forget it!
Love this blog.
I’ve been doing more reading and less posting this my 2nd year here. Last year I came in with guns a blazing, probably upsetting some Dodger brothers…..so I decided to chill a bit more this year and try not to cause divisiveness. It’s safer that way too….you might say something you later regret.
Thanks Mark,
TM
Hi my name is Bobby, and i like long walks on the beach, sunsets, and puppies.
I’m assuming today’s objective was something for a speed dating event we’re all going to at Dodger Stadium?
I was right to stop watching the game at the beginning of the ninth, I already expected something like that….
Well, you expected a loss after the first inning yesterday, so there’s that. 😉
As I say, think wrong and you will be right!
Thanx for nothing Kimbrel.
3rd blown save in his last 7 chances.
Not the closer you want to go into postseason with.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!
I never could stand Kimbrel. That stupid look in stance that he has, and the fact that whenever we faced him shut us down. Problem is now that he’s pitching for us he’s still shutting us down
Not saying I’d rather have Jansen, But I don’t think Kimbrel is the answer.With all the unclean innings he’s had this year he’s lucky to only have three blown saves
Gagne still a phone call away. And continuing my positive outlook with Bellinger. Once again he only struck out once today.
I have been reading this blog for about a year. I find it informative and interesting. I have been a Dodger fan since 74.
The Padres needed that…
The bad news for the Dodgers is obvious. (Why not give Phillips a shot?)
But a lot of good news, starting with Kersh and Mookie’s strong return.
Been a Dodger fan since Pee Wee Reece was shortstop. Don’t remember how I became a Dodger Fan, but living in North Carolina it has been a challenge to stay informed. LA Dodger Talk is always the way I start off my day!! Thanks for helping me stay informed.0
Read this blog every morning. Dodgers fan since 67. Originally from LA but live in Chandler, AZ. Please keep it going.
Born and raised in Alhambra, a suburb of L A. Turned 10 years of age in the summer it ’65. Became a Dodger fan that year. Still reside in SoCal. Read this blog most every morning. Am amazed with all the topics and writings you come up with each and every day Mark. Appreciate your articles as well Bear. I thank you both and hope this Dodger blog continues.