Not me… the Dodgers. I do not think the Dodgers have signed a single Draftee. Just sayin’…
- JT may go on the IL;
- CT3 may go on a rehab assignment within a week;
- Heaney will be back this week;
- Treinen sounds like he is two weeks away;
- The Bazooka may get activated this week;
- Dustin May is about 2 weeks away;
- Buehler is set for September (make him a lockdown reliever); and
- No word on Duffy, Gonzalez, Kahnle, and Rios.
I think as soon as the Trade Deadline passes, the Dodgers will convert Landon Knack and Ryan Pepiot to relief pitchers. I do not think that either one is a starter and if both can just focus on two or three pitches and pitching in shorter duration, I do believe both can be lockdown relievers. However, they have more trade value as starters, so Andrew Friedman will just let this play out. If he can get a deal for Luis Castillo that involves Pepiot and/or Knack then he should do it. He can always find a couple of more bullpen arms. After all, they grow on trees!
Reyes Moronta and Phil Bickford have their tickets punched to OKC and their bags are packed. David Price is on a bus to Uranus. Speaking of Uranus, here’s a local fudge company’s website:
You can’t make the $hit up! However, I digress. David Price is not present mentally. He might be a good dude and helped out minor leguers, but his head is not in the game. He’s somewhere else… Uranus, maybe. He needs to go bye-bye too! So, Dustin May, Andrew Heaney, and Blake Treinen can take their places… soon! Moronta needs to drop a couple of pounds in the process. See what I say about relievers? They are fickle… good one year, bad the next. That doesn’t apply to all of them, but a high percentage fall into that category.
Jake Reed is a possibility as is Garrett Cleavinger, as is Carson Fulmer, and then in the next month, there will be several others.
Future Dodgers Down on the Farm
- OKC won 8-4
- Mike Busch was 2-2 with 2 runs scored and 2 BB, with a monster shot HR to CF. It would have been a hoimerun in any Park in America… including Yellowstone.
- Miguel Vargas was 1-3 with a run scored , a BB, and an RBI.
- Michael Grove went 3.2 Innings, allowing 2 hits and 0 Runs, He struck out 4 and walked ZERO. For the record, he’s another pitcher I think should be in the bullpen.
- Dellin Betances sucks while Jake Reed and Garrett Ceavinger don’t! Jake Reed would be a nice addition to the bullpen.
- Tulsa won 10-4
- Andy Pages hit his 16th HR and was 2-5
- Leonal Valera was again 2-4 with a HR.
- I am removing Clayton Beeter from my watch list. More about that later.
- On the other hand, Jordon Leasure is back on it!
- Great Lakes lost 3-2
- Nick Nastrini deserved better than getting the loss, as he pitched 6 innings, allowing but 3 hits and 2 ER. He walked 1 and struck out 5.
- Rancho Ciucaminga lost 4-2
- Nothing to see here…
My Minor League Watch List
I am well into the process of compiling my Dodger Minor League Watch List. There are lots of “feel good” stories in the minor leagues. You know, guys who overcame long odds and made into the AA before having to quit. LIke the guy who was born with one leg and was blind in one eye and had the Yips , but he overcame it all to play Rookie Ball before joining the military (of course, I made all that up just to make a point).
We will cover all kinds of prospects here, but in reality, even the Top Prospects face long odds of making it to the Show. Some may never make it and others just have a cup of coffee. For example, if you look at Tulsa, here is what I see with regard to a few Dodger prospects:
- Jonny DeLuca – He can play CF and has 21 HR across A and AA, but he is borderline. I have him as a longshot. His is 24 years old.
- Ryan Ward – A 24-year-old LH hitter, Ryan has 24 HR in AA. He is another on the borderline, but borderline guys seldom make it.
- Andy Pages – A 21-year-old RH hitter, Andy has not shown the progress many expected this year. Still when you watch him, you realize he is different. He has more tools and, do not forget “Progress is not linear.”
These are but three examples of how I evaluate players. At AA, Kody Hoese, Justin Yurchak, Devin Mann, and Brandon Lewis fall into the “Non-Prospect” Category. That doesn’t mean that none of them will make it, but the odds are long. Sometimes a “light just flips on” and they jump levels. It is not an exact science.
AT OKC, there are some very interesting players that are not on my Top Prospect List who could make the Show:
- Drew Avans – A 26-year-old LH batter, he lacks power but is a good outfielder and can steal a base (he has 19 this year). He is hitting .293 with a .382 OB% while OPS’ing .851. He has a shot at being a 5th outfielder, but there is still work to do.
- Ryan Noda – He is another 26-year-old LH hitter. He hit 27 HR at Tulsa but has 13 this year at OKC as he has struck out 99 times in 295 AB’s. He also walks a lot as his .377 OB% indicates (he is batting .261).
So, I will have three lists:
- Can’t Miss List – This is for Bobby Miller, Diego Cartaya, Miguel Vargas, Ryan Pepiot, Mike Busch and a few others. It’s under 10.
- Borderline List – It’s good to be on this list – it’s up to you whether you make the Show. It includes Nick Nastrini, Jacob Amaya, Leonal Valera, Mike Grove and a few others. This list is under 20.
- Nice Guy List – While these players are “nice guys” I believe they have No Shot at making the Show. This includes James Outman, Justin Yurchak, and Ryan Noda.
These list will evolve and I will try and be definitive and not talk out of both sides of my mouth “He has a chance at being great but also at being bad.” PICK ONE and make it short and concise. I will attempt to do that. Of course, by doing that I will be wrong more often, but so what? The pay is lousey here anyway!
Hopefully, Clayton can push the broom today. By the way: The Dodgers are tied with the Yankees for the best record in baseball with a .677 winning percentage. They are tid at .776 OPS for the best OPS in baseball and the Dodgers at #1 in ERA (2.95 to 3.18 for the Yanks).
Why Dave Roberts Keeps Rolling out Muncy and Bellinger
Because he can… well it;s actually different for both. Cody brings something few players have: Elite Defense at a crucial position; and superb baserinning skills… and he runs into one occasionally. He will keep playing. Both players are beloved by their teammates and are hardworkers and team players, but if Max doesn’t start hitting soon, Dave or Andrew will have to do something. Max does not bring all the intangibles that Cody does. It all starts with confidence, but ultimately the Dodgers cannot carry both players. This all goes away if Max gets hot… which is what I am hoping for!
there was an excellent post by Bobby on yesterdays blog.
Since it is already closed I will pick up some of his points:
I am all for bringing Castillo to the Dodgers. Bobby is 100% right that you need great pitching in October and that we have enough Nr. 3,4 and 5 starters. We need one more reliable Nr. 2 or Nr. 1 instead .
Gonsolin and Anderson are doing great so far but both are unknown commodity when it comes to playoff starting pitchers. There is some uncertainty coming with them. Clayton ? Who knows how long he will be able to go before another injury setback ?
By aquiring Castillo you get that additonal Nr. 2 or Nr. 1 starter to hedge against WB not being able to resume his ace role and/or Gonsolin and Anderson slowing donw.
Plus you can deploy May to the pen when he comes back. Either as a 2.3 inning long man or maybe even as the closer should Kimbrel continue to struggle .
Should WB get back to his ace role in due time for the postseason it would give us a helluva rotation:
Walker, Urias, Castillo Gonsolin, Kershaw, Anderson.
White, Pepiot, Knack plus one out of Busch/Pages/Ramos plus another lower level kid if need to be for Castillo and Drury.
Soto will cost too much , probably Miller and Pepiot plus Vargas to begin with. Dodgers dont need him , better to wait for Ohtani.
Another great win yesterday but Bickford, Moronta should be sent down as soon as May, Treinen are ready to come back.
Lets sweep the Midgets out of Dodger Stadium today!
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with Bobby. As long as the price is not too high.
AF has to acquire Luis Castillo if the Dodgers want to go deep in the playoffs and potentially win the big prize, the World Series . You would also be keeping him away from the Yankees, Astros, Braves and Mets. Prospects are suspects until given a chance in the Show to see what they can do,
I agree, the more I think about it the more I Hope AF goes After Castillo. Even If it Costs some top Prospects.
just Makes too much Sense.
Only 7 WS Titles in the History of the Franchise, when You have a good Shot at another You have to Go for it Hard.
If we still Keep Cartaya and Miller its more than worth a shot
Go Dodgers!
Agree with that, and I think we have gone for it hard the last 5 years. Darvish, Machado, Mookie, Trea/Scherzer, etc.
We’re right there, but as well all very well know from the last 8 years, it’s partly a crapshoot in October. It’s about who gets hot.
Now let’s sweep a giant pile of trash today!
#8Dodger Draft pick Overall pick 255 2B Taylor Young R/R Louisiana Tech Slot $169,100 Signed $2,500 per MLB Draft Tracker.
Hooray. I like guys who walk more than they strikeout, and steal bases too.
Young was a senior and thus preserves cash for the draftees with options, like the shortstop who could forego his commitment to Louisville.
Yes Beli and Max can play every day now. We pretty much clinched first place and lead the league in scoring and wins, so how much better would we be without them. As for Beli, I see 100% chance he keeps playing. As for Max I don’t see him coming around this year. JT or Taylor or anybody else could take his place and bat better than .150. So will see when brain trust decides on that. Interesting to see if he would be on Post season roster if batting under .200? Although JT probably due for a few weeks on IR coming up.
Your comment about Muncy and post season is a god one. It will be interesting to see if AF picks up a bat (Drury?). If so, it would suggest Muncy could be left off.
Item A. No way Buehler just steps back into his role as the Ace of this team. He is not expected back until September. Mid-September more likely. Doubtful that he has enough build up to start. The Ace of the staff right now is Urias. Anderson and Gonsolin pitching better than expected. Will they keep it up? Only time will tell. As for Price, he gave up a hit on a pretty good pitch that the hitter just took to left field. The second hit off of him was a jam shot to right. But Moronta, well that guy gets the first two outs and then forgets where the strike zone is. Price should have never been needed.
If WB is Not Ready to Start its okay
Put Him in the pen Along with May
Two flamethrowers to back up the Starters
Thats the Beauty by getting Castillo
Its a Win-Win-Win Situation because it keeps Him away from other contenders too
Go Dodgers!
OldBear, did you leave out Kersh by accident?
Or do you see an injury coming soon?
No, Kersh is very good this year, but he is not the Ace of this staff anymore. That being said, I still trust him in high leverage games more than I would say Anderson or the Catman simply because of his experience. But when he misses his spots like he did today, he puts pressure on the pen.
Dodger recently signed the following undrafted free agents:
Connor Godwin, RHP, Central Florida JC
Carter Lohman, LHP, Louisville
Livan Reinoso, INF, Tennessee Wesleyan
Christian Ruebeck, RHP, Kansas State
Reinoso was a Savannah Banana!
It’s absolutely painful watching max at the plate! Rooting for him but drury would be a major upgrade at the dish and defensively! Castillo and drury, do it now! Soto would be nice but wAy too much!! I really do believe Cody will get back to a threat at the plate, just hope it’s this season. Clayton is going to be just fine! Still want him with ball in his hand playoff time. I’m 64 years old and I still get goose bumps when he’s on the bump! Favorite dodger all time!
Well said, Bobby and Ram. I think Castillo will go a long way. I have a post in the queue that states the same points in a wordier format.
It’s also amazing how much better are rotation is at this point in time than all the other teams.
I’m looking forward to more prospect talk from Mark. I agree with most of what was posted today, but I think Outman is a can’t miss at getting into the Show. Whether or not he’ll stick is another story. He’s got the defensive chops to be a 4th outfielder. I don’t think his first 17 games at AAA is something to judge his entire body of work.
I can’t wait to watch to game today. Kershaw with a big old broom in his hand might just send Farhan into sell mode. Rodon’s opt-out clause just kicked in, so he’s going to bolt for bucks and a chance to win.
Does Gabe Kapler rub anyone else the wrong way? Watching him walk out to the mound like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever is beyond gut-wrenching for me. A lot of confidence for a guy who acquired 8.7 WAR in 12 seasons of barely better than replacement level. And that Rose tattoo on his hand? He’s about as original as a photocopy of a photocopy of a Xerox machine. I would rather be trapped in an elevator with Manny Machado, Tatis Jr. and Carlos Correa than spend a moment with such a poser. He looks like a testosterone burrito wrapped in an estrogen tortilla.
Joc needs to fire his hairstylist. He also needs to find a treadmill. We should trade for him and keep him on the bench until the postseason starts.
great analogy of Kapler and Travolta in SNF. Made my day!
Joc for the sake of the rest of his life most of all needs a nutricionist. Guy is heavily overweight and only 30 years old.
However he would be way superior to Muncy and be our DH.
he was my favorit Dodger when he came up and I would be happy to see him back in Dodger blue.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!
So when Kapler walks out, is that Dodger Stadium cue for Stayin’ Alive?
Agree 100% about the Kepler comments. Never trust a grown man who shaved his arms and talks about sunning his testicles.
The Giants played way over their heads last year and the expected swoon never came. They are an old waiver wire laden team that gave fans a glimmer of hope last year.
They are who we thought they are…… a downtrodden organization and as a Giant hater I couldn’t be happier. Go get the sweep today and bury them.
I agree Muncy doesn’t provide all of the intangibles that Belly does, but he really does look better and better at 3b these days.
Of course, so long as JT is healthy in Oct, 3b is his, meaning Muncy provides even less value as a DH, and perhaps we need a better DH. Come on down, Miguel Vargas?
I think the Muncy decision is much bigger than we think.
He is a free agent if the Dodgers pay a $1.5 Million buyout at the end of this season, or they have to pay him $13 Million next year. I think he gets a few more weeks, and then it might boil down to them waiving him and paying him $1.5 Million. If he could put his ego aside, then the Dodgers COULD re-sign him to an incentive-laden deal for 2023. I think Max could be gone by the middle of August if he is not doing much better. The team loves him, and Max loves them, but this is a cruel league.
Good point, Mark.
I understand the Dodgers giving Max every chance to right his ship but at the end of the day the account has to be balanced.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!
Interesting about Max.
Perhaps another reason to offer him in a trade package. Hitting in Cincy’s small park might help his recovery.
If Max ends up the way he is now, and we buy him out, it seems his best chance is to re sign with LA next year. Who else would take a chance on him?
since we are on the topic, does anybody know how the prospect Max Muncy is doing? I believe he was drafted a few years back by the A’s but just going by memory.
Here you go:
https://www.milb.com/player/max-muncy-691777
With 14 more games to go of the 18 games in a row stretch, manager Dave Roberts revealed that LA plans to use a 6-man pitching rotation made up of Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urias, Tyler Anderson, Tony Gonsolin, Andrew Heaney, and Mitch White.
BRILLIANT!
I am warming to the thought of trading for Castillo. Still, I want you all to realize that he has been in MLB for parts of 6 years and his career ERA is 3.62, and his WHIP is 1.206.
That is underwhelming, although in 13 games this year, he is outperforming his career numbers. He has never pitched in a tight pennant race, and he has an injury history. In other words, he is not Max Scherzer (who wasn’t The Savior either).
Still, he could benefit immensely by leaving the Great American Launching Pad and benefit from the tutelage of the Dodgers’ Pitching Gurus.
The Reds will ask for Miller, while the Dodgers will offer Pepiot. It depends upon how much the Reds like Ryan, but he is a “Local Boy.” Cincy is 90 minutes from Indy! I think the Dodgers would have to offer a package of the following players:
1. Pepiot
2. Sheehan
3. Outman
4. Feduccia (Stephenson is down, and the Reds need a catcher)
I hate losing Sheehan and Pepiot, as I feel both are destined to be great relievers, but this would not gut the farm. Make the deal! Throw in Jonny DeLucca if needed.
Not nearly enough.
You’re a Gavin Stone short in terms of value.
Over-aged DeLuca isn’t going to make up that difference.
I do not include Stone.
I wonder what the simulator said about the Farmer, Kemp, Puig trade to Cincy?
Don’t think it was around then.
I don’t include Stone either?
But what do we know?
I never sweat losing prospects. Chances are more than 50% never make it to the bigs anyway. I like guys who have at least proved themselves. I also believe they should re-sign Turner. I just do not see Lux as a long term solution at SS.
I 100% agree, and it sounds like he is receptive, but it is going to take at least $330 Million.
I may have swallowed the Kool Aid but Trea might be worth it by today’s standards? As we’ve talked about, front load a 5 year deal as a starter. Freeman at $27 mil a year looks like a steal.
Isn’t there big $ coming off the books?
There’s more than $30 M with JT and Price alone.
Kersh is on a one year deal, so that comes off too
Since the trade deadline is coming soon, I thought I would make my case.
The Dodgers have been number 1 in team starting pitching ERA for a long time this year. I don’t see a need in starting pitching. In the playoffs you need 4 starters. Between Kershaw, Urias, Gonsolin, Buehler (All of them are better than Castillo according to career stats) we have it covered. In case Buehler is not back, we have 1 of Anderson, May, White, Heaney as a 4th starter. On top of that if you have a strong bullpen (see below) it will cover any shortcomings from the starting pitchers.
The Dodgers have been either number 1 or number 2 in team batting OPS for a long time this year. But I see 1 hole (Muncy) and possibly another hole coming, based on career stats (The platoon of Thompson/Lamb). We have Taylor who will be back eventually to fill 1 hole. We also have Vargas to fill the other hole (He just needs to be better than Muncy). There is room for improvement, but it is not a need. If Freidman decides to get a bat, it should be someone who is CLEARLY better than Taylor, this year and also in their career, otherwise a trade shouldn’t be made.
The Dodgers are number 6 in team relief pitching ERA. A lot worse than the team starting pitching and offense is ranked. I know Freidman is quoted saying he doesn’t like trading for relievers, but I disagree. In the playoffs the games are normally close and a bad game for a reliever can blow a game and usually playoff games come down to the late innings. Therefore I think the Dodgers can definitely use 2 top of the line relievers. Here are my choices and why.
Andrew Chafin:
Overall career slash line .226/.304/.321/.626
Against RHB.231/.309/.345/.654
Against LHB .219/.298/.293/.592
Overall 2022 slash line .200/.271/.257/.528
Against RHB .197/.231/.262/.493
Against LHB .205/.321/.250/.571
Only Phillips is better than Chafin this year, unless you want to include Ferguson with limited innings. And both of our guys are not better than Chafin in their careers.
David Robertson:
Overall career slash line .204/.286/.322/.608
Against RHB .221/.303/.365/.668
Against LHB .186/.269/.276/.545
Overall 2022 slash line .147/.265/.248/.513
Against RHB .150/.235/.267/.502
Against LHB .145/.289/.232/.521
Again only Phillips is better than Robertson this year, unless you want to include Ferguson with limited innings. And both of our guys are not better than Robertson in their careers.
Our current bullpen of guys who have pitched at least 10 innings this year all have some sort of flaws to me. I’ll go down the list from best slash line this year to worst. Laying out their flaws and determining if I am comfortable with them being on the playoff roster.
Phillips. Flaws are above average/average career, bad against RHB in his career. Because he is having an excellent year against both sides of the plate, as of now I am comfortable with him on the playoff roster.
Ferguson. Flaws are above average/average career, above average/average against both sides of the plate in his career. As of now I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster. But we’ll see.
Almonte. Not fair to talk about his career because it was pitching for the Rockies in the thin air. Flaw is average against RHB this year. Because of the lack of career stats and the flaw above. As of now I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster. But we’ll see.
Graterol. Flaws are bad against LHB in his career and above average/average against LHB this year. Only this year he has shown a little life against LHB. I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster.
Vesia. Flaws are bad against RHB in his career and bad against RHB this year. I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster.
Kimbrel. Flaws are average this year, bad against LHB this year. As of now I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster. But because of his career stats I may be comfortable later.
Bickford. Flaws are average career, bad against LHB in his career, bad this year, bad against both sides of the plate this year. I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster.
Moronta. Flaws are bad this year, bad against both sides of the plate this year. As of now I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster. But because of his career stats I may be comfortable later.
Price. Flaws are bad this year, bad against RHB this year, borderline above average/average against LHB this year. I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster.
From Dodgers.com there are only 2 relievers expected back this year and they are Treinen and Gonzalez.
Treinen. Flaw is average against LHB in his career. But since 2018 he has been borderline excellent/good against LHB. With that said I am comfortable with him on the playoff roster, but I need to see how he is after coming back from his injury.
Gonzalez. Flaw is average against RHB in his career. Due to very little innings in his career and the flaw above and his late August return that will not give him enough time to prove himself. I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster.
This is my final assessment of the team before the trade deadline and it is my opinion only. I’m not the boss, Freidman is. But I would like to see Freidman get Chafin and Robertson because they are both having an excellent year. Robertson has had a borderline excellent/good career and Chafin has had a good career. Both bring experience unlike other relievers on the market.
Friedman has said that trading for relievers at the deadline is his least favorite thing.
The market is over-inflated.
It’s why he has, I presume, gone for irrregular trades (like for the injured Duffy) to find value in the bullpen.
Trading for Castillo not only strenghtens the rotation but the pen as well cause it will push May and /or Walker to the pen if they should not be ready to start. Both are better options than any other reliever on the market.
That and keeping him away from other contenders is why AF should and will go after him.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dodgerram
“Trading for Castillo not only strenghtens the rotation but the pen as well cause it will push May and /or Walker to the pen if they should not be ready to start. Both are better options than any other reliever on the market.”
I understand you like Castillo, but Buehler and May are both better starters than Castillo according to career stats. Although May doesn’t have the experience/innings that Castillo has. Also May is bad against LHB (he’s beyond excellent against RHB and is why he is overall good) and because of that I wouldn’t want him in the bullpen. Both May and Buehler are not better relievers than Chafin and Robertson according to stats.
Castillo’s talent has always won raves–and the stats could be deceiving.
Keep in mind that he’s pitched half his games in a hitter-friendly park–second only Denver’s in HR pace, according to ESPN. (Dodger Stadium is ranked 11th.) Plus, being the ace on a weak team can also mean a heavier workload that could damage your stats. Castillon seems to be fulfilling his promise now.
At any rate, he’s clearly the best pitcher on the market.
Unless the Angels decide to bite the bullet….
Duke Not Snider
I know, Castillo is good, I’m not knocking him, but in their careers Kershaw, Buehler, Gonsolin are far better than Castillo according to career stats, and because of that I don’t think the stadiums/parks matter. Urias is better than Castillo according to career stats, but it’s close enough that stadiums/parks could make a difference there.
But if you are talking about just this year, and factor in stadiums/parks, Castillo is similar to Kershaw and Gonsolin and better than Urias and obviously better than Buehler because he was pitching injured.
I factor in career stats because I want some experience and good stats behind who I would want pitching in the playoffs.
Castillo is going to cost some players in a trade and to me he would be the number 4 starting pitcher on our team in the playoffs, if Buehler is back and healthy, otherwise the number 3 starting pitcher. The question: Is he worth it to trade for him?
Consider who he plays for and where Eric. His ballpark is a home run hitters heaven, and his Reds are not even middle of the pack good. With a team like the Dodgers, who spot flaws in a pitchers mechanics better than anyone in the league, he could be come elite. And I sorry, but at this point in his career, Dustin May is not as good as Castillo in terms of experience or stuff.
I said May has better career stats than Castillo. That is true. I also said Castillo has the experience over May. That is true. And as far as stuff goes, stuff doesn’t determine results. I’m a results guy. I don’t try to predict future results by stuff.
And therein Eric is where you miss the mark. Stuff has everything to do with how you would grade a pitcher. And when someones stuff is as nasty as Castillo’s, along with his experience and the fact that he would be playing with a much better team makes him a more reliable option than May. May has great stuff. But because of youth and inexperience, he sometimes does not keep his head in the game. I have seen that happen to him a bunch of times.
You keep doing the same thing to me like you always do. You never hear what I say. I already said Castillo has far more experience than May. I said it in my first post and my second post. But you didn’t hear it both times I said it. The only thing I said about May after Dodgeram brought him up and said untrue things about the bullpen, is that May has better career stats than Castillo and that is true.
Stuff has nothing to do with results. You are using stuff as a predictor of future results. I never use stuff as a predictor of future results because just like everything else you can’t predict the future.
Now you are talking about grading pitchers based on stuff. That’s what scouts do and a lot of times they are wrong about results.
If your point was that Castillo is a better overall pitcher than May, then I agree. But my argument with someone else was about Kershaw, Gonsolin, Buehler, Urias vs Castillo. How many of them are better based on career stats than Castillo. I said all of them and that is true. So if Buehler gets back and is pitching like he is healthy, where is the room for Castillo? because you only need 4 starting pitchers for the playoffs. If Buehler doesn’t get back then there is the number 4 spot for Castillo because the other 3 are better than Castillo. Then how much are you willing to give up for Castillo? who is no better than 3 or 4 of our starters depending on Buehler being back and pitching healthy? And since Castillo is no better than 3 or 4 of our starting pitchers then why waste the cost on him when you can use the cost for him on something else we need and more likely a better upgrade?
But then someone brought up the effects of stadiums/parks on a pitcher and that is another hypothetical that can’t be proven. Also a good pitcher would deal with being in a bad stadium/park and adjust. Ok Castillo apparently pitches in a bad stadium/park. Then tell me how many points should I take off his career slash line against him because he pitches in a bad stadium/park? I’ll answer that for you, you can’t tell me.
All this about stuff and bad stadiums/parks and the Dodgers have the best analytics by far and the best pitching coaches by far and Dodger stadium is the best place to pitch by far and being on a winning team makes a huge difference on a pitcher’s mind or whatever is just all ways of propping up Castillo and making ridiculous predictions about future results. Guess what if someone could predict the future he would be a gazillionaire. Nobody can predict the future. Therefore nobody can predict future results.
One reason I hesitate on Castillo is that his presence could diminish the desire for Ohtani.
Not that the Dodgers need Ohtani–but I suspect he’d prefer LA to any of the alternatives, and LA could offer the prospects the Angels would demand.
But then again….
If the Dodgers did acquire Castillo, the Dodgers could include premium young talent like May in the package.
So nevermind.
I have no clue if Treinen, Duffy, Gonzalez, and/or Kahnle will pitch this year, but I think it is likely that at least two will. I am not sure any of the above pitchers are better… and the Dodgers’ pitchers do not cost anything.
Duffy and Kahnle are listed as, to be determined as far as coming back this year, so I don’t expect them back this year and I didn’t mention them in my post above because of that.
Duffy is an overall average/below average pitcher and bad against RHB in his career. However he was borderline good/above average last year. Either way I wouldn’t want him on the playoff roster and he is nowhere near Chafin and Robertson.
Kahnle is an overall above average pitcher and same thing against both sides of the plate. He’s useful during the regular season, but not a guy I want in high leverage situations such as the playoffs and he is nowhere near Chafin and Robertson.
I mentioned Treinen and Gonzalez in my post above.
4:10 PM ET
Giants (48-46)
Dodgers (63-30)
SP Clayton Kershaw
7-2 2.13 ERA 71.2 P 75K
Confirmed Lineup
RF Mookie Betts R
SS Trea Turner R
1B F. Freeman L
DH Jake Lamb L
2B Gavin Lux L
3B Max Muncy L
LF T. Thompson R
CF C. Bellinger L
C A. Barnes R
Clear-day
0% Rain
80° Wind 8 mph Out
Gavin in the 5 hole today but once again Muncy. Will this be the one day of the week when he comes threw and secures his place in the lineup for the next week ?
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
* Muncy, swing the bat. His approach to take close pitches and not expand is not getting it done. The plan to see tons of pitches to get walks breaks down with a bad umpire behind the dish. I’d like to see him expand just a bit and swing the bat, if only with 2 strikes. It seems like every Muncy at bat is a walk or a called third strike. We can get an Eddie Gaedel type to do what Max is doing. And for a lot less money.
* Hitters are taught not to chase. But Trea Turner hits marginal pitches with 2 strikes. What ever happened to what we all heard as kids “you’re swing at anything close”. Maybe that’s not such bad advice for Max.
* Speaking of bad umpires, DeJesus, behind the dish, got an earful from Doc on Thompson’s AB. Karros said “he’s had some struggles back there today”. Today? Every day. The guys aweful and flips coins. In fact, this entire crew is weak with DeJesus, Malachi Moore, Ted Barrett and Alfonso Marquez. Inconsistent crew. Can we get ABS please?
* I liked Docs use of Phillips in the 8th with the top of the order. I like that strategy. The problem was Moronta, in the 9th. He was horseshit. How do you get 2 outs and forget how to pitch? Common man.
* Moronta versus Joc in the 9th. Moronta wins the “Battle of the Buffets”.
The FIRE ROBERTS crowd is awfully quiet right now.
Thats because the playoffs have not yet started.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As soon as we lose another game! So Eric you’re playoff bullpen is a bullpen of one right now? And why is average against one side of the plate bad if you’re good against the other side. Especially if you’re not the back 2 in the pen. I’m glad you weren’t my boss. Average was a good day for me!
Lol about being your boss and average was a good day for you. I like your sense of humor.
As of right now, yes my bullpen is 1 reliever (Phillips) but Treinen is another, I just want to see how he is when he returns and I have 2 listed as we’ll see and 2 listed as because of their excellent career stats if they turn it around this year they would definitely be on my bullpen playoff roster. For a total of 6 possible relievers. Add Robertson and Chafin and the total becomes 4 definites and 4 possibilities.
In the playoffs there is no room for average or worse than average in any way in my opinion.
Don’t lose hope – they will come back with a vengeance. This winning streak has nothing to do with him, but if they have a losing streak, it will be all his fault!
Fire Roberts! There that’s better.
Well, they moved Gavin Lux up. Interesting.
I am watching the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and my friend Josh Rawitch (former Dodger) who is now President of Cooperstown. I love it!
Lux has earned it. And I hope Lamb proves he deserves the clean-up spot
Seriously, Lamb must feel pretty good about this. When it looked like his career was fading, he made a strong impression in spring training and is now, at least for a day, batting cleanup for the best team in baseball.
But if Cincy wants him in trade, well…
That would be great too! He could play every day and really build up his value.
In case ya’ll missed it…
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently estimated Danny Duffy, Tommy Kahnle and Victor González were likely not due to return until September. However, he revised that for the trio, along with Treinen, as they may start to come off the IL in August, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Treinen is projected to return from his shoulder injury in August. So is Kahnle (forearm) who just began a throwing program. Lefties Danny Duffy (flexor tendon surgery last fall) and Victor Gonzalez (debridement surgery on his elbow in May) have begun throwing bullpen sessions and could also return in the second half.
Max with 11-0 with 5ks in this series.
Thank God, Gil Hodges was inducted into the HOF today. What a great feeling that has to be for his family, many of whom were in attendance. He’s been gone now for 50 years. It’s hard to believe that it’s been that long.
I watched his daughter’s speech after the game was over. I got pretty emotional listening to her talk about her dad. Gil was one of my favorite Dodgers and I have always felt his candidacy to the hall was downplayed by way too many people. He was by far the best first baseman of his era. He was a team leader and helped Jackie Robinson in his fight to be accepted. He was not one of those guys looking for the spotlight, he just wanted to help his team win, and that he did very well. I have all the respect in the world for Gil. He left us way too soon. I would have loved to see him manage the Dodgers. Braves announced today that Adam Duvall will miss the rest of the season with wrist surgery.
I also watched her speech and became very emotional at times. As you know, Gil is my all time favorite player. I’m so glad that the Golden Era committee voted him in.
The Mets are beating the Padres 8-4 in the 9th but they’re having a little trouble putting them away.
first and third no one out. . 2 strikeouts and a weak grounder. Fire Roberts
Dodgers can’t win 8 in a row, and the way this game started…. But the good thing is that I’ll see this game complete, so, thanks to my usual good optimism, we’re going to win!
And speaking of trades and signing contracts, who is the most necessary among Soto, Judge, Othani, Castillo and Trea? There is not much to think about, priority should be to sign Turner and then Castillo.
Soto may be a generational talent, but he’s also a jerk, perfect for SD.
Not looking like CK will be around for long. 73 pitches to get through 3 innings. Ugh
Good job for Flawed YAlmonte!
At the end of what I said about Almonte in my long post above I said we’ll see. The only thing about Almonte is that I would like to see him get better against RHB. If I see that at the end of the regular season I will be comfortable with him in the playoffs.
LOL, I will take any day Dave Roberts over Gabe Kapler, yes, I said it.
Reminds me of this South Park episode…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7pfsneLSSM
With both Dodgers and Yanks winning their games today the Dodgers now have the slight lead of the best record in of ALL mlb.