Actually, it’s past time. I am so done with Craig Kimbrel! Three letters: DFA! It’s over, done; stick a fork in him! So, who’s the closer? Let’s run down the list:
- Evan Phillips – Tell me he can’t. He has the stuff, and while he has never done it, he looks cold-blooded and calm in these situations. I think he can do it, but can the Dodgers depend upon him because he has no experience?
- Blake Treinen – He’s not yet ready, and I think it’s too much to ask at this juncture, although he could be part of a “closer by committee.”
- Dustin May – This is my choice, but probably not the Dodgers‘ choice. If he were to do this, they should explain that this is JUST for 2022, and in 2023 he goes back to starting.
- Andrew Heaney – I think he would be great in this role, and it would put less repetitive stress on his shoulder. This is a viable choice, in my opinion.
- Kenley Jansen – Bring him back! “Uh, let me think about it…. NOOOOO!”
- Carson Fulmer – I’d call him up today. Clear Kimbrel out and replace him on the roster with Fulmer. Carson is 6-1 with eight saves at OKC. He has a 1.52 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP in 41.1 IP. He has 48 K’s, and the league is hitting .163 against him. Try him… like now!
- Ryan Pepiot, Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone – Thanks but no thanks. Gavin Stone is probably the most suited for this role.
- Yency Almonte – He’s as good as Phillips, but I think he is good where he is at. It would probably be too much to ask to have him be the sole closer.
- David Bednar – He has a 2.70 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP and has four blown saves and four losses (3 from the blown saves). I think he would be better for LA as the Dodgers have a dramatically better defense, AND the Dodgers’ Pitching Gurus could likely show him how to be more effective. He is controllable, so the Pirates would have to be overwhelmed. It would take something like Andy Pages and Emmet Sheehan to get him. I would be inclined to do it. “Andrew, Get on the phone with Ben Cherington – you know him well – work out the deal!” I give it my stamp of approval.
Rants & Raves
- Even if Trayce Thompson flames out, it has been a great story… I just don’t think he will. He’s here for the duration.
- Max Muncy raised his BA to .160. WOW! [Sarcasm]
- Will “The Thrill” is back!
- I have a new name for Julio Urias” “Bulldog.” He deserves it! 10 Wns – Can he make 20 again?
- Jake Lamb has not pulled the wool over our eyes.
- Now that Luis Castillo is a Mariner, we can stop with all that conjecture. The Dodgers did not need him.
Future Dodgers Down on the Farm
- OKC Beat Sugar Land 3-2
- Miguel Vargas was 2-5 with 2 RBI on a 2-Run Homer (his 15th), in the 10th inning for a walk-off win!
- Michael Grove pitched four solid innings, allowing two hits, 1 ER, 1 BB, and 3 K’s
- Carson Fulmer pitched the last two innings, allowing two hits and 0 ER with 2 K’s
- Tulsa Beat Arkansas 7-5
- Jonny DeeLuca was 2-4 with 2 R, 2 RBI, 1 BB and the Game-Winning Walk-Off Two Run Home Run – This guy has come out of nowhere!
- Jordan Leasure lowered his ERA to 3.94 (It was around 8.00 a few weeks ago as he got the win with2 scoreless innings.
- Great Lakes Beat the Lug Nuts 4-2
- Nick Nastrini went six strong innings, allowing four hits and 2 ER while walking two and striking out 6. He is really starting to put it together.
- Imanol Vargas hit 2 HRs to drive in 3 of the four runs, and the rest of the team had three hits. I am not sure if he is a prospect as he is 24… let’s see what he does at the next level…
- Rancho Cucamonga Beat San Jose 4-1
- 18-Year-Old Javiar Armas had 2 hits
- River Ryan pitched five shutout innings
I agree on Kimbrel
Move Him Out of the closer role
Every Game is walking the right rope
Not good for the Dodgers and the Health of us Fans
Castillo to the Mariners was a surprise
The compensation was steep with 4 Prospects going to the Reds including their top Prospect ( Nr 12 in all of Baseball according to One Expert) plus another top 100 Overall.
However Both Kids Are still only in A ball
If we could get Bednar for page and Sheehan I am all in, but it probably will not be enough
So many teams looking for bullpen arms
Go Dodgers!
I think it’s a lot. Sheehan at the least could be a closer and Pages has huge upside.
Page has plateaued this year and Sheehan still only in A ball
Bednar is a bona fide MLB closer under control for a few years
Plus so many teams looking for help
There will be some competition for an arm like Bednar
I like your idea with May ( or Walker maybe)
Go Dodgers!
Yes, Pages has plateaued. Players sometimes hit a plateau for a time and sometimes then jump past it. Pages is still highly regarded by the Dodgers and other teams. At 21, he still has plenty of time.
Sheehan has electric stuff – teams are always looking for arms like that.
Rios and Taylor are rehabbing. I can see Taylor replacing McKinstry but who does Rios replace? While Muncy is an option I doubt that will happen. So does Rios become part of a trade?
I know that it’s very problematic, as Max is loved by his teammates, and he is playing well at 2B and 3B, but they are already carrying Bellinger who means a lot more to the team. At some point, Max has to go.
Totally agree on Max. It was a nice run for 3 years. All good things and bad things have to come to an end. As it stands as of today, Max should NOT be on any playoff roster. I doubt they will DFA him.
So, just leave him on the Roster until the playoffs?
Yes. When Taylor comes back and replaces McKinstry on the roster, Max can serve in McKinstry’s role and never play. The playoff roster will be more important come October.
2022 Dodgers draft picks
Round Pick Pos Player B/T Age* School Slot value Signed?
2 40 C Dalton Rushing L/R 21 Louisville $1,951,900
3 105 SS Alex Freeland S/R 20 UCF $582,700 $580,200
4 135 OF Nick Biddison R/R 21 Virginia Tech $435,200 $382,500
5 165 SS Sean McLain R/R 21 Arizona St. $325,400 $322,900
6 195 SS Logan Wagner S/R 18 P27 Academy (SC) $253,400 $600,000
7 225 SS Christopher Campos R/R 21 St. Mary’s College $199,900 $197,500
8 255 2B Taylor Young R/R 23 Louisiana Tech $169,100 $2,500
9 285 LHP Brandon Neeck R/L 22 Virginia $156,600 $27,500
10 315 C Simon Reid L/R 21 Westmont College $149,600 $2,500
11 345 OF Kyle Nevin R/R 20 Baylor
12 375 RHP Jacob Meador R/R 21 Dallas Baptist $125,000
13 405 OF Chris Newell L/L 21 Virginia $147,500
14 435 SS Jose Izarra R/R 20 Florida SouthWestern JC $125,000
15 465 SS Nicolas Perez R/R 17 B You Academy (PR)
16 495 RHP Jared Karros R/R 21 UCLA $125,000
17 525 RHP Payton Martin R/R 18 West Forsyth HS (NC) $125,000
18 555 SS Cameron Decker S/R 18 Evansville North HS (IN)
19 585 OF Chris Alleyne S/R 23 Maryland $125,000
20 615 SS Carter McCulley S/R 18 Pensacola Catholic HS (FL)
Total $4,223,800 -$133,800
Dalton Rushing has not signed of the top 9 picks. 14 Draftees have signed out of the 19 picks.
2022 Dodger Undrafted Free Agent Signees
Connor Godwin, RHP, JC of Central Florida.
Carter Lohman, LHP, Louisville.
Livan Reinoso, INF, Tennessee Wesleyan.
Christian Ruebeck, RHP, Kansas State.
Lucas Wepf, RHP, Louisiana-Monroe.
Everyone is picking on Kimbrel but as long as we have at least a three run lead he’s money!
I agree Craig Kimbrel is a mess. Control seems to be his nemesis. But, realistically, does anyone think the Dodgers are going to toss him to the roadside? They’re hoping a light goes off and he goes on a roll.
Evan Phillips can certainly close. The Dodgers need another bullpen piece, something Andrew Friedman hates to do. The price is usually high and the results often questionable.
Help may come from within, just like Julio Urias in 2020.
But you’re right, the trade deadline offers an opportunity to aggressively address the issue.
Maybe the play of Trayce Thompson helps solve the need for another bat and Chris Taylor will return shortly.
All of the hype involving Juan Soto is a distraction. Can’t imagine the Dodgers taking that kind of hit to the farm system, generational talent or not. A couple of top prospects, two or three other mid to lower rated prospects, then maybe. But four or five top prospects? No deal.
Maybe prospects are just prospects, but I like Miguel Vargas, looks special, and so does Diego Cartaya. Not to mention a couple of the pitching prospects.
The Dodgers are not trying to catch anyone. They are distancing the pack and soon will add Dustin May, Chris Taylor and Blake Treinin. Okay, I’m still concerned about Taylor’s swing and miss syndrome. But Vargas could be the bat they need. Max Muncy? Definitely agree they need to give Carson Fulmer a shot.
Anyone want to go back and redo the trade for Josh Fields.
I dont know what the exit veloicitys said but none of those balls in the 9th looked hard hit, maybe Bryants but when you have a 3 run lead you can pitch to contact.
The walk was bad, I’m not giving up on him yet, but I wouldn’t have him face lefties, he can still be a valuable piece. The pitch to Cron was nasty.
Kershaw Day!
Plus, I can remember more than one on this site who suggests that all stats from Coors Field should be ignored anyway. Sans the fact that both Anderson and Julio didn’t seem to have any problems, but hell the Rockies pitchers can’t even pitch well there.
I’m watching a complete meltdown last night with Kimbrel and thinking how in the hell can the Dodgers go to the playoffs with this guy as the closer. I’m no expert, but he seems to have good movement with his pitches. And, like bad Kenley, has no idea where they are going. He never seems to hit the catcher’s target. I know it’s not the case but Kimbrel doesn’t appear to have much intensity on the mound. Just throw the pitch and whatever happens…..It’s a joke.
I read the last of the comments from yesterday’s blog this morning along with Mark’s assessment. All seem to be in agreement that Kimbrel must be removed from the closer role. Our opponents in the NL playoffs all have very good offensives i.e. Braves, Milwaukee, San Diego, St Louis. If we’re fortunate to get to the World Series then the most likely teams are the Yankees or Astros. I doubt that the Dodgers would survive NL playoffs with Kimbrel let alone the WS. How is it the coaching staff has had success with many of the current pitchers to maximize their talents yet have failed so miserably with Kimbrel? Like I mentioned above his stuff appears to be fine it’s the location that is the main problem right now. There’s no way can you have your closer throwing 20+ pitches every time he’s called upon. In the playoffs the closer will likely be pitching in most of the games so a low pitch count per outing is essential. That ain’t happening right now with Kimbrel. Bottom line he needs to be removed from the closer role. No need for the Max Muncy approach to rehabilitation. He has gotten worse each month this season.
In July Kimbrel’s stats are:
Avg .302
WHIP 1.60
ERA 5.40
Hits+BB in 10 innings is 16
Averaging 18 pitches per appearance for the season.
I feel that Evan Phillips should be given the role. Hopefully, Treinen will remain healthy the rest of the season and is available to close if necessary. It would be ideal for the Dodgers to get Phillips to close financially because they have him under control for another three years. No more spending $15M+ annually for a closer.
There have been some fantastic play from several players in July. I think Gavin Lux has to be the player of the month for the team. It’s been fun to watch him progress as a player. Several posters here were disappointed with Lux because of the expectation of superstardom was not being met. I was OK with him becoming a solid everyday player. The odds of a player becoming a star because of outstanding minor league output are usually low. Well, he has proven everyone wrong! He appears to be quietly realizing his potential as the season moves along. But, what about his lack of power? I feel that will improve as he continues to work on his craft. As well as his defense. Also, JT appears to be back to being JT. It’s good to see. And, of course, my favorite Dodger, Will “the thrill 2” Smith is back on track!
I was going to comment on Jessica Mendoza’s work as well. I noticed that there was some comments at the end of yesterday’s blog with one dissenter for her analysis work. philjones joined the conversation and basically expressed my feelings about her work for me. She’s knowledgeable, fun, has a pleasant voice and seems to compliment Joe Davis very well. She’s about the game and not self promoting. Of all the female announcers in pro sports she is the only one I care for. I’ll take her over Orel, Eric, and Dontrel any day. I know it wouldn’t happen, but if she became the permanent color commentator I would be fine with that. I’m over Orel’s bullshit stories about all the so called “tricks” he used to pull while pitching. Some of what he says is laughable. Yeah, sure you did Orel. Eric adds almost nothing to a broadcast. And, Dontrel’s “clever clichés” get old quickly.
With the trade deadline fast approaching it will be interesting to watch how it all plays out. I don’t think there will be any earth shattering deals made. I think those will be in the offseason. I hope the Padres trade for Soto and completely empty their farm system. As in most cases GMs go for the shiny objects and ignore the obvious. Which is pitching, Pitching, PITCHING!!!!! The Dodgers have realized this and the Yankees finally did as well. Same with Houston and Tampa Bay.
Carry on.
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Kimbrel just pitched 6 in a row without allowing a run and everyone screams when he gives up 2 while still notching his 18th save at Coors Field.
Bryant reached on a bleeder and Rogers got a seeing-eye grounder past Lux. The defense didn’t save him. That fly ball was 250 feet and in foul territory. Trayce said after the game that he wasn’t running that fast.
This is why the Reds suck. They picked up a High A prospect and a Low A prospect as their top two in their return for Castillo. Everyone on this site will be dead before the Reds are good again.
At least we won’t have to face him in the Post-Season.
We have visitors again this weekend, more family in town for a summertime cool down by the beach. As a result, I didn’t get to watch much of the game. I did get to see the first couple of innings, so I got to skip over the nonaction in the middle of the game. I re-watched Kimbrel’s ninth after I saw all the meltdowns on this site on the MLB app. I’m amazed at how unlucky Kimbrel is.
Okay, so everyone wants Bednar. In Kimbrel’s last 7 games, 2 ER at Coors Field last night, no runs for the rest of them. In Bednar’s last 7 games, 4 ER for 7 runs total.
In June, Kimbrel gave up 5 runs, 3 earned in 10 games. Bednar 6 runs, 6 earned 8 games.
I don’t know what world you all live in.
Our best hitter for the last two weeks is Trayce Thompson. 355/459/677/1.136.
Game time is 5PM. Sunday sauce is already going. Making Gnocchi next.
Okay B&P, good points about Bednar.
But that does not make Kimbrel better or a good option for the Dodgers in their quest for a WS title.
If not Bednar, than AF better find another closer. Internally or externally. Kimbrel is a walking time bomb.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dude just admit that you have been wrong about kimbrel, defending him at this point is just asinine.
So, you’re good with Kimbrel as the closer for the playoffs? Sure when all the smoke clears it’s walks here, weak hits there, a run or two or three, bad luck everywhere. Kimbrel just can’t get a break. One way to get a break is throw the damn ball over the plate and not throw way more pitches than a closer is expected to throw. How you can be comfortable with his performance and numbers recently is curious to me. To compare Kimbrel’s numbers to a middling reliever from the Pirates is irrelevant. Bednar doesn’t pitch for the Dodgers (I doubt/hope he ever does) so I don’t care what his stats are. To think Kimbrel can get the team through the playoffs and help win a championship right now is weak. I hope you are proven correct though.
Dead? Well I should be so lucky. It seems I’m gonna outlast mankind and I’ve been the reckless one. I’m ready as much as I’m always ready to empty my bladder but never can. I stand at the damn toilet and squeeze a couple drops and leave the bathroom feeling like I gotta take a piss. My best these days is I can only take a leak. I thought I was tough enough but I ain’t. I have found a living hell. So if there is such a place in death……I REPENT!!!!
Mendoza is pretty good, but I do like Rizzo a tad better. But I’m one of the couple-few who has (almost) no problem with Orel. Make no mistake Orel knows pitching probably better than anyone. Talk about needing a closer, a time machine to 88 and you have the best. With that we probably have a close enough match in May closing – for the playoffs.
Kimbrel is a train wreck at times, but his career numbers cannot be ignored. And as last season proved, he can find it just as sudden as he lost it. Am I defending him? No. I just tend to look at the fact that they won the game, and that is all that matters. He also had not pitched in a few days. Jansen did the same thing for years. And remember, Kenley was ineffective enough to make Roberts go to Urias in the 20 series. It is all about confidence. Right now he is missing his spots and his slider and fastball both flatten out sometimes, and that is when he gets hit. I am going to be offline until Monday as I have to hook up my new computer tower. And it will take a while to get it all set up. Don’t go nuts while I am gone! LOL. Beat Colorado again!
The Red Sox won the World Series in 2018 by using him sparingly and letting others close… like Kelly. In 10 Playoff Series in his career, he has a 4.13 ERA and a 1.333 WHIP. Mention his name to a Red Sox, Cubs, White Sox, or Dodgers Fan, and you will be lynched.
I get it. But Kenley was the same way. No real great option on the trade market. Bednar has never pitched in the playoffs to my knowledge. Have to hope someone steps up. I think they need to give Fulmer a shot.
Mark –
Agree with you on Kimbrel! My concern is that he struggles against good AND bad teams. In the playoffs, you are only playing the best teams. I am not optimistic that Kimbrel can be effective 2-3 times in a tough series with the Mets, Atlanta – or, (God help us) the Yankees. I don’t know the solution, but I can see a big problem on the horizon if Kimbrel continues in the closer role without significant improvement!
I agree with Andrew about Muncy. Max has had a nice three-year run; but, all good things come to an end and he should not be on the playoff roster as of today. I think he will be given the rest of the regular season to find himself but I am not optimistic.
On a more positive note, Trayce Thompson is gaining my confidence with every game and I am a sucker for “feel good” stories. I love it when perseverance and determination are rewarded. I think he will sustain his performance level.
Your are right Tom1946 about Trayce. It’s so much fun to watch. He appears to be taking it all in stride like he isn’t surprised by his play. Lamb is a close second. Both have proven, again, that AF continues to play chess with the rest of baseball. Good post.
I predict (it feels like I know) that yes sir, another Dodgers vs Yankees World Series!
Glad to see Castillo is off the market and in Seattle.
My #1 wish is for LA to save up their money to pay TRE TURNER to return for 8 more years. Knowing that Mookie, Freddie, and Tre would be around for quite some time makes me feel pretty relaxed.
I’m not really interested in Soto like some are. It seems to me Trayce Thompson may be just as good as Happ, so is it worth it to trade good prospects for a guy who may not improve our team much? And don’t forget Chris Taylor should be back soon too.
So who do we need? We need a guy like Julio Urias who was able to close all the big playoff games in 2020. Who could that be? Mark gave us a list of about 10 guys not counting Kimbrel, Hopefully one of them can rise up….bullpen is essential to winning playoff games. We did it in 20 and Braves bullpen did it in 21.
Max Muncy? Man, I would hate to give up on him, but I realize he is not helping us much this year. But if we can trade him for an asset that could help us win the WS, I’m open minded. I just don’t think this Max Muncy is the real Max Muncy…..
TM
Everyone keeps talking about CT3 will be back soon. That maybe true but you must realize CT is a strike out guy. He has a high strike out rate which kills potential rally’s. Hope he is not used as a regular as of now Trayce Thompson has earned the LF position. Maybe platoon him in center with Belli.
CT3 has proven he is money clutch playoff player.
Some guys play bigger when the lights are brighter. CT3 is that guy.
He can play DH or OF…..Trayce can do the same.
Looking ahead to the playoffs and thinking about our starting pitching, I’m sensing the Dodgers may take a non-traditional approach — i.e. shorter starts coupled with long relief, or combo starters.
While the Mets will likely get 6-7 innings of 1-run ball from the likes of Degrom and Sherzer, I can envision the Dodgers deploying “combo starters” like Julio/Heaney and Gonsolin/Kershaw to complete 7-8 innings before turning to the BP.
And, if Bhutane and May are playoff ready, they could be pieces of this strategy too. Unlike last year when Sherzer and WB provided long starts, I don’t see that happening this year. Julio still tends to throw too many pitches, Gonsolin is in uncharted waters for innings pitched, Kershaw is fragile, and Anderson, Mitch White are not playoff caliber starters.
Go Dodgers!
I do not think they can count on deGrom!
Hmm, similar situation we face with May and WB.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anderson is actually a guy I would have no problem with starting. His change up is awesome. He is a true pitcher. He deserves the ball.
I do think TonyG will tire and fade at the end. Maybe he could get some time off and get his strength back. I’m not feeling good about Buehler retuning in Mid September and being a dominator in the playoffs.
Can’t put anything past Dave Roberts. No telling what he might do.
We’re getting reliever Chris Martin from the Cubs.
How he’s an improvement over anyone we already have is beyond me.
No details on who we’re sending the Cubs. I assume it isn’t Cartaya or Miller.
Maybe Jeren Kendall.
Now being reported that the Cubs are getting McKinstry.
I’m really happy for him. This is his Get Out of Jail card.
He should do well for the Cubs.
Yea, We have our new closer!
He has been logging a lot of air mileage the past 3-4 years. I wonder why?
Many people are waiting for Taylor, as if he is the solution, have you guys forgotten that he strikes out too many times? I think he and Belinger are leading the MLB in strikeouts right now!
And once he’s back, obviously McKinstry will be demoted to the minor leagues, but who’s he going to replace in the lineup, Thompson, Lamb?
Something that is not going to happen is that Muncy is left off the roster, much less for the playoffs, if not, then what is the point of continuing to be stubborn in putting him on the lineup day after day?
Taylor, Muncy and Bellinger in the same lineup, you better get a couple of good pitchers for the bullpen, or again the dream of another championship will come to that: A dream!
And Kimbrel will continue in the team, even though we all know that he cannot be trusted, it doesn’t matter, nothing will change, or have they already forgotten someone named Jensen? How many opportunities did they give him until his patience ran out, that was when Julio came in to close the games, but this season Julio will not be in the bullpen, he will be a starter
No rookie will make the roster, at least not for the playoffs, the front office will not trust the youngsters, and they will go with what they already know, so Muncy can rest assured that he will be in the playoffs!
I’m just learning that McKinstry has already been traded, does that leave Lamb out when Taylor comes back?
Does that mean Muncy, Bellinger and now Taylor in the same lineup? Wow, 10 strikeouts per game!
Strange move. Don´t get it. Maybe just to unload McKinstry and give him a good landing spot.
Martin probably will be the first one to get the axe as soon as May and Treinen are ready.
The way the roster is right now it will come down to Lamb or TT for CT3 unless the Dodgers make a bigger move in the trading department to free up some roster space.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!
So, if Martin is a Dodger, who is he replacing in the bullpen? Don’t recall, are Bickford/Moronta still with the club? Who will replace McKinstry on the bench? Is it Vargas time?
This all looks like a shuffling of the deck before the big move.
We don’t need Bickford then.
Rios replaces ZM….or maybe Vargas.
Read between the lines folks.
We’ve just traded a lefty hitting outfielder.
Why?
This means we are definitely getting Soto. Otherwise why trade an extremely important guy like McKinstry.
I hope you guys realize how lucky you are to have me here to explain this stuff.
I get it. We get Soto, the Nats get 3 ML players (Rios, Muncy, Martin) and touted (at least on this site) MiL Pages.
* What a catch by Bellinger. He, Mookie and Trayce can run down some fly balls and Coors is a great arena to show those skills. Belli’s catch was awesome
* On the “not so good” side, Maybe he and Muncy shouidn’t be back to back in the line up. Together they were 2 for 9 with 5 K’s and left 5 orfthe 13 runners left on base. Put somebody between these two.
A quality team AB is damned near impossible for Belli. He struggles with contact so situational hitting is a dream. Last night he got it dead backwards in 2 AB’s. Top 7, no outs, Muncy on 2nd. Belli needs contact to the right side to advance Muncy to 3rd. He just has to do what he always does, pull the ball on the ground into the shift. Instead, he struck out looking leaving Muncy stranded at 2nd. His next AB in the 9th with Lux on first , he pulls a grounder to the right side for a near DP. Exactly what he needed to do his previous at bat.This of course was while the Dodgers were stuck on 5 runs and failed to add on. It almost cost the win. Bellinger shows no ability to “play pepper” to help his team.
* Jess Mendoza made a great comment after TT error and the next play which he turned two. The error didn’t effect the next play. No “stinking thinking” and doubt. I used to talk about this mental side of the game with my players all the time. This is the difference between professionals and young amateur players. More often then not, a high school player will boot a ball and then another and another. Fear of another failure becomes a real thing. I did that as a high schooler. We would talk about fear and doubt effecting the next play. The ability to flush the negative separates the men from the boys.
* Once upon a time the nice play by McMahon on Trayce would have been an out every time. The rule of thumb before replay was the call would favor the outstanding play, if it was close. Conversely, if the play wasn’t clean and was bang-bang, the call went to the runner. The theory was fans didn’t pay to see a great play and the runner called safe. The D would get that call. Obviously, that’s long gone with replay. but I miss the idea that great plays got rewarded.
* I watched Aroldis Chapman come in, throw a 100 and have a clean inning for the Yankees yesterday. It was the 7th. Without fuss, he has moved to a set up guy and no longer closes. I would strongly consider that for Kimbrel with Phillips and hopefully Treinen soon (even Allmonte) closing games.
** But Willie was right again……..”All’s Well, That Ends Well”
After trading away utility man Zach McKinstry in a trade with the Cubs, LA is calling up minor league outfielder James Outman. As of earlier this morning, reports had Outman en route to Colorado.
In 90 games split between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City this year, the prospect has posted a .279/.381/.534 triple slash line with 21 home runs and 69 runs batted in. Nice. He slowed down a bit average-wise (.225 in 22 games) after joining AAA. But overall, his on-base skills and power have been there.
Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic confirmed the news.
With Martin coming in, someone has to go down pitcher wise. My guess, Jake Reed. One reason AF traded for the guy is that he does not walk people. His walk rate is at 3%.
Jim Callis
@jimcallisMLB
2nd-rder Dalton Rushing signs with
@Dodgers
for $1,959,390 (slot 40 value = $1,951,900).
@LouisvilleBSB
C, 1.156 OPS with 23 HR, combines power & patience, strong arm behind the plate. Source says LA has agreed to terms with all but its 20th-rder in
@MLBDraft
.
Andrew, thanks for keeping us updated on the Dodgers draft signings as well who they signed as undrafted FA.
Rockies agreeing to an extension with Bard. Cards and Phils make a trade with Sosa, SS , going to the Phils for LH reliever, Jo Jo Romero. Move made so Cards can bring DeJong back. Trevor Story has a fractured wrist. Pederson, who got a two single digit salute from Cubs manager, David Ross, is on the 7 day concussion IL. Probably will miss at least 3 of the games against LA.
He was gonna miss them anyways, all lefties pitching for LA in the Giants series.
Rockies agreeing to an extension with Bard. Cards and Phils make a trade with Sosa, SS , going to the Phils for LH reliever, Jo Jo Romero. Move made so Cards can bring DeJong back. Trevor Story has a fractured wrist. Pederson, who got a two single digit salute from Cubs manager, David Ross, is on the 7 day concussion IL. Probably will miss at least 3 of the games against LA.
The Chris Martin trade may be an indication that mtg does not expect to have key arms return for the playoffs.
I would love to land Soto. That might be the leverage we need to sign Trea to a short High avg value deal bc i do not see the Dodgers giving Trea 300 million.
They have to. Lindor and Seager get more than that, and he is better than they are.
I think Martin will fit in nicely in the bullpen. Probably a seventh inning kind of guy. Hits 95 with the fastball. Throws a bunch of different pitches so I think the coaches will tinker with that. Maybe end up throwing fastball,curveball, and slider.
Outman was a surprise. I was thinking next year to make his debut in the bigs. Vargas is who I was thinking would be called up first as he is dominating AAA. Outman plays an exceptional right field. If he can hit big league pitching look for him to stick.
Rays To Acquire David Peralta
By Steve Adams | July 30, 2022 at 2:40pm CDT
The Rays and Diamondbacks have agreed to a trade sending outfielder David Peralta from Arizona to Tampa Bay, reports Robert Murray of FanSided (via Twitter).
FYI,
Chris Martin is 36 and has a 4.31 ERA this year. I’m not sure if he is an improvement over Bickford, but I guess he has experience on his side.
I don’t see any reason to pop open the bubbly stuff on this “minor” transaction though, but I am still expecting to see a much bigger splash to be made soon.
Martin strikes out 30% of hitters, something the Dodgers need. He gives up the HR more than we’d like, so will be interesting to see how/when we use him.
So, Zach McKinstry was likely told he was going back to OKC, and both he and Friedman know he has no future in LA. This is Andrew helping Zach stay in the bigs. Now, it’s on Zach. Martin is a huge reach… but you never know what might happen. He’s exactly the type the Dodger Gurus can transform.
On James Outman: This is purely a “SHOWCASE.” If the Dodgers are lucky, he will come up and hit like a madman so that he can be traded. He will be a nice 4th or 5th outfielder and he can play all three positions, but, like McKinstry, there is no place for him.
A little late for a showcase. Not sure why there is reluctance to call up Vargas. The guy has been one of the most consistent bats in the entire minor leagues this year. And I agree, the trade to the cubs was AF showing respect. Zack deserves a shot somewhere. He will get ABs in Chicago. The Dodgers are at the point where they need to move some of their AAA depth just to make room for younger guys coming up. Might as well get something before they get picked up in rule 5 or they are forced to release them. Not sure what they’d get for Outman. We’re already headed for a roster crunch.
8:10 PM ET
Dodgers (67-32)
Rockies (45-56)
SP Clayton Kershaw L
7-2 2.49 ERA 76IP 81K
Confirmed Lineup
RF Mookie Betts R
SS Trea Turner R
1B F. Freeman L
DH Will Smith R
2B H. Alberto R
LF T. Thompson R
3B Max Muncy L
C A. Barnes R
CF C. Bellinger L
0% Rain
94° Wind 5 mph Out
Chris Martin is basically Phil Bickford with more innings pitched in his career. This year Chris Martin is worse than Phil Bickford. This is based on stats. This trade does nothing for me, it just gives Doc another crappy reliever to use in games that are winnable. Chris Martin is not playoff material.
The Dodgers traded with the Cubs for the wrong guy. It should have been for David Robertson instead.
I’m glad to see that some of you are now finally talking about what I’ve been talking about for a long time. The 1 part of the team that has room for improvement is the bullpen. Especially for the playoffs.
I think it was Mark that brought up David Bednar. He is my 3rd pick among the smaller pool of relievers available than previous years because of the expanded playoffs. Bednar has only been good since 2021. 1 full year and this year. Before that he was horrible in 2019 and 2020 but it was only 11 innings and 6.1 innings. The reason Bednar is my 3rd pick is because he has been good in only 107.1 innings and the price for him will be bigger than my top 2 picks that are rentals. Therefore will not cost as much and have better career stats than Bednar in much more innings pitched. Therefore are more proven than Bednar and they are doing better than Bednar this year too. But don’t get me wrong, Bednar would be an upgrade over most of our bullpen. Therefore I would be glad if the Dodgers got him. He is my 3rd pick for the bullpen.
Eric,
Friedman was not willing to pay what they wanted for Robertson.
Instead, he traded for a guy who wasn’t that good.
Kind of like Andrew Heaney wasn’t that good and Yency Almonte was not that good and Tyler Anderson was not that good, and Evan Phillips was not that good… until the Dodger’s Pitching Gurus helped them to be good.
You are playing Checkers.
Andrew is playing Chess.
Phil Bickford is a PERFCET example. At Milwaukee, he had a 18.00 ERA. Friedman brought him to LA and 2021 and he had a 2.50 ERA! Thank you for the comparison!
You may be right about the “gurus” turning him into something good. But it’s an if or whatever you want to call it.
But don’t you think getting someone that is already an upgrade over 98/99% of our bullpen and the “Dodger Gurus” possibly turning that guy into the best we have in the bullpen who could be our closer is a better decision?
“Friedman was not willing to pay what they wanted for Robertson.”
Robertson is a rental. He probably wouldn’t even cost Andy Pages who I think is overrated by the so called scouts or experts.
And there is the rub.
Nobody cares about your value system Eric.
People do care about the scouts’ value system.
That’s fine. Everyone has there own thing. Mine is only mine. But scouts do get it wrong sometimes. And just my opinion Pages is rated higher than I think he should be, He’s rated number 4 on dodgers.com. If you were talking about Pages,I never know with you.
By the way Mark, that 18.00 ERA that you cited about Bickford was in 1.0 inning pitched that year for Milwaukee. For that entire year it was 2.81 And in 2020 he also pitched exactly 1 inning. Nice try, trying to get that by me.
And Mark, further research shows that Almonte’s stats away from that thin air in Denver Colorado for those 4 years he was with The Rockies shows that he was a good pitcher before “the Dodgers Gurus” got a hold of him. Andrew Heaney still has a small sample but if he continues to go in the right direction your point on him may be right. You do have me on Anderson and Phillips though.
Max’s game is complete shit right now. Can’t forget the easy out #3 in Philly he booted to give the game to the Phils and tonight he boots a routine ground ball to 3B. Stop the madness, when has Doc and AF seen enough?
His defense has actually been good. Everybody makes errors – but it is his bat that kills us
And to think, Max’s defense is now his most valuable skill.
Sad that the only way his bat is dangerous to anything anymore is if there happens to be an endangered fly in the stadium. He might hit that.
Paderes offer per MLB Insider is crazy. SS CJ Abrams, LHP Adrian Morejon, McKenzie Gore, OF Robert Hassell III, #23 MLB prospect and OF Joshua Mears, Padres #8 prospect. supposedly the Nats asked for one more prospect. Teams to submit their final offers asap. Giants listening to offers for their veterans.
Bear, I take this is for Soto? And, there has to more players going to Washington in this proposed trade. That’s the ticket Preller. Trade away starting pitching for another expensive, long term contract position player.
A friend and I were going over AF’s history of trades. He’s smarter than all of us combined.
If you look at the list of minor leaguers he’s traded, he got the best of each team that was involved. I remember names like Willie Calhoun, Jharel Cotton, Yusnel Diaz. Montas had been good.. But he had TJ and a PED suspension after that trade. Josiah Gray and Ruiz might end up being good MLB players. But I’d still make those trade in a heartbeat. About the only real miss was when we traded Yordan Alvarez before he played a single pro game for the Dodgers. But, who knew at that time he’d be what he is? Vargas, Cartaya… we’ve seen them do nothing but mash. They won’t be traded. If we do trade anybody, good luck to the team that gets was AF is willing to trade. They’ll likely regret it. Which is also why other GMs are probably reluctant to trade with him. Dodgers play chess. Everybody else is playing Hungry Hungry Hippos.
Max is an athlete. His hitting is suffering likely due to all the effort he put into dialing his defense as that is the reverse of his problems. He’s surely trying and it’s going to come, but soon enough? Stress is the issue now and he’s trying everything. You can just see that in his every expressions. Gotta feel for him.
You’re right Quas. Watching him hit right now in the ninth. He does need some R&R for a mental regrouping. Just hit a long double off the right field fence.
I hurt for Max.He is very competitive,you can see that.I know he is working really hard trying to get it back.I have been thinking he’ll brake loose all season.We are still hoping.Hang in there Maximus!
I might be the most nostalgic Dodger fan alive. I have a love for the guys who are “good guys”. I still talk to DJ Peters. He and his wife just had a beautiful baby boy. And he also got released by the Giants in the KBO. At pretty much the same time. What a mixed bag.
I love Max. But reality is a thing. It pains me.
Like the day I realized I had no chance to play division one or pro ball. It sucked. But Max needs to be told his Cinderella story has come to an end. It was a great run. But it’s over. I have all the sympathy.
Remind me of a scene from Moneyball. “Some of us are told we can’t play the kids game anymore. Some of us are told told at 18. Some of us are told at 40. But we’re all told”.
https://youtu.be/QRGgCnxp9Lo