I was listening to a conversation a couple of days ago where Person A was arguing that it was “crazy that baseball was making all these changes. The game is just fine – Don’t go changing everything!” Person B had a different take, “Other than the DH and lowering the mound, baseball is the last sport that has changed, and it’s way past time!” What was most interesting about this discussion is that Person A was probably 35 to 40 years old, while Person B was likely 75-80 years years old.
Baseball really has not made many dramatic changes in the last 50 years, and I, for one, think it is way past due. The world has changed and is changing (maybe not always for the better). Baseball needs to get with the program, and as much as I dislike Rob Manfred, I think the best choice is to make the changes as proposed. Yesterday he even announced that he is on board with the unionization of the minor leaguers. FANTASTIC! Let’s look at the changes and how they might impact the game. Of course, predictably, many MLB players aw not on board with the changes. I have only one thing to say to them: Wahhhh! Shut up and collect your millions, you sniveling little crybabies! We, the fans, are who you play the game for.
Pitch Clock
If Pedro Baez has not officially retired, this should stick a fork in him! He’s done! A pitch timer will limit the amount of time a pitcher can take between pitches. Pitchers will have up to 15 seconds between pitches when the bases are empty and up to 20 seconds between pitches with at least one runner on base. The change is expected to speed up the pace of play and shorten game times. I totally agree – this was long overdue.
The rule is strict: The catcher must be in position when the timer hits 10 seconds, the hitter must have both feet in the batter’s box and be “alert” at the 8-second mark, and the pitcher must start his “motion to pitch” by the expiration of the clock. A violation by the pitcher is an automatic ball. A violation by the hitter constitutes an automatic strike. Nomar’s incessant “glove tightening” will not be tolerated.
By limiting disengagements with the mound, either via pickoff move or step-off, the rules hold accountable pitchers who would otherwise have a pitch-clock workaround — and are likely to significantly increase stolen bases, part of the action MLB intended to increase.
Pickoffs and step-offs reset the pitch clock, and the rules will limit pitchers to two for each plate appearance. (The number would reset if a runner advances.) A pitcher can make a third pickoff attempt, but if it’s unsuccessful, it will be a balk, allowing the runners to move up a base. The MLBPA Representatives voted NO on this because “of course they did!” The players said they “wanted to ease into the rule over time… to make sure the game looks the way the game looks now and keep making changes if we needed to, in a stricter direction, as opposed to going all the way strict and working backward from there.” — Ian Happ
Uh, No… they have all Spring to practice and learn. Everyone is on equal ground. Just get it done! Nike said it best, “JUST DO IT!”
Defensive Shifts
Defensive shifts have become common within the past ten or so years. The banning of defensive shifts, which were once a fringe strategy but have become a normal occurrence, and the death of left-handed hitters, are among the more extreme versions, preventing defensive player movement in multiple directions. With all four infielders needing to be on the dirt, the days of the four-outfielder setup will be over. Even more pertinent, shifting an infielder to play short right field or simply over-shifting three infielders to the right side of the second-base bag will no longer be legal.
The position of defensive players can be reviewed — and if a defense is deemed illegal, the batting team can choose to accept the outcome of the play or take an automatic ball instead. Basketball and Football have addressed this type of thing for years in order to increase offense. It’s about time baseball did the same.
Larger Bases
The bases will increase from 15 to 18 inches square, with the expectation that the larger size reduces collisions around the bag, along with slightly shortening the distance between bases. This should increase stole base attempts and actual stole bases as well. Add in the fact that the pitchers are limited with how often they can throw to first, and I think the Stolen Base will make a huge comeback. I could see a scenario where some teams will “DOUBLE” their stolen bases. Additionally, the bases are allegedly going to be made of a “less slick” material so that it will be much more difficult to have a player’s foot “slide” off the bag, also helping to protect from injury.
These steps are designed to improve the pace of play, increase the action, and reduce injuries. Overall, it should increase the number of runs scored and provide a lot more action. Yes, some pitchers’ ERAs will go up… especially if they can’t wrap their heads around it. What’s not to like about that? Bloom where you are planted.
What This Means for the Dodgers
I think it means that Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger will have more opportunities to get hits. I could see their batting averages go up 20 or 30 points without the shift. Is that alone enough to “save or fix Cody”? Maybe! Maybe not! Time will tell, but if I were him, I would be working on his hitting in the offseason. Phil Jones is available. I am not joking when I say some teams could “double” their stolen base totals. The Dodgers, in particular, will benefit from the new rules. Betts, Bellinger, T-Turner, Lux, Gallo, Vargas, Thompson, Smith, and Freeman all have above-average speed. The 2023 Version of the Dodgers may be the “Go-Go Dodgers.”
Here’s the thing: I am in favor of the implementation of the new rules, and if there are real problems during the season, changes can be made if it is really necessary. The game has changed right before our eyes, while the rules have not. Analytics has forever changed the game and will continue to change it. The “Shift” was the result of analytics. But, the biggest changes have been the players – they are bigger, stronger, and faster. The other day, someone said, “Just go the other way as Ted Williams did.” As if any player can do what Ted Williams accomplished. He was a special talent.
Yesterday, Michael wrote about Nap Rucker and the fact that he threw 77 MPH. The great Walter Johnson threw 83 MPH. According to The LA Times, “the great Koufax was never timed faster than 93.2 MPH.” Today, Sandy might be called a “soft tosser.” 98% of all pitchers throw 90+ MPH. A substantial amount throw over 96 MPH, and just about every team has two, three, or five pitchers who throw over 100 MPH. It’s time that some rules recognize that.
Yes, players used to bunt. Not so much anymore because with the insane spin rates and 100+ MPH Fastballs, 96 MPH Sliders, and film and analytics, it is much harder. This is a step to get more offense back into the game while shortening the game. This is a step to make the game more exciting… and enjoyable. Here’s what Theo Epstein has to say about it: https://www.mlb.com/video/theo-epstein-on-2023-rule-changes
Bluto’s Blurbs
Earlier in the week, Bluto posted his weekly list of worthy Dodger Baseball blogs, articles, and the like. It takes a lot of time to do that, and I (for one) appreciate it very much. Thank you for sharing it with us! In case you missed it, here it is again:
News from Internet:
DAN SZYMBORSKI CHAT:
Devil Ray Jay Johnson: Forget the MVP Award. Assume Judge and Ohtani are free agents this offseason, and both will agree to the same long-term contract. Which do you sign?
Dan Szymborski Gotta be Ohtani. Even two years in age is a significant difference in free agent valuation.
Dansby Swansong: Does Tony Clark understand the full implication of unionizing the minor leagues and the conflict it could present?
Dan Szymborski: I don’t know what he understands, but I doubt he’s unaware of the consequences. It may be painful, but it’s an inevitability, I think, the question is when it happens between soon and 2050 or something. MLB’s patchwork two-tier system is just really unwieldy and leads to really weird incentives
Farhandrew Zaidman: Trayce Thompson – legit every day OF or a nice story and a hot streak?
Dan Szymborski Nice story and his stock has gone up, but let’s not go nuts yet
Pkpkpkpk: Hey there Dan, thanks for the chat. I’m wondering if you have any insight into Freddie Freeman and his power shortage (doesn’t quite qualify as an outage) and how that might affect his future projections. He’s obviously hitting plenty, and his production is still excellent, but I’m curious as to whether the change in the shape of his production affects his projections positively or negatively, if at all.
Dan Szymborski: I doubt much of a change in projections. It’s not like his hard hit numbers have crashed, plus league HR rate dropping by like 15% and aging are part of it too… The shape may change a bit — a bit more BA a bit fewer HR — but I don’t imagine it would be much of a change
Zach Recent reports state that Bellinger refuses to change his stance, specifically not spreading out and lowering his hands, as he believes he can still succeed with the swing he had when he won MVP. How can someone who has been the worst qualified hitter in baseball over the past two years be so stubborn as to not completely change everything?
Dan Szymborski: High-end professional athletes tend to be stubborn; it’s hard to get to that level of play without an enormous amount of confidence… Now, not a*all* players will be confident/stubborn to that degree, but it helps
Torquelson: Hey Dan, Do you think Mookie keeps getting starts at second base?
Dan Szymborski: He got a handful of appearances there last year too… I never thought him as a wreck at second as a prospect. But he had the misfortune of being a middle infield prospect on a team that had Bogaerts and Pedroia
Trout Is this the new Trout? 30% K rate, power, and not much else?
Dan Szymborski: HE’S GOT a 173 wRC+ YOU GREEDY GREEDY GREED GOLEM
Cat Latos:
Would your cats attack you if they were 10x larger?
Dan Szymborski: I suspect so. They bop each other and they’re the same size as each other
FanGraphs on changes to how Chris Martin is pitching POST-trade deadline:
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/post-trade-deadline-pitch-mix-changes-relievers/
The Change: -4% Sinker, -4% Curveball, -4% Changeup, +12% Four-Seamer
Oh man, this one is a delight. As we all know, smart teams hate fastballs. As we all know, the Dodgers are a smart team….
An interesting look at Minor League records. The correlation between those “good at developing” and those “good at winning”
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/rays-on-top-of-2022-milb-organizational-standings/
Jay Jaffe on the Dodgers’ strategy as the regular season wanes:
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-dodgers-are-once-again-chasing-history-as-a-marathon-and-a-sprint/
Kahnle’s rehab assignment report:
Kahnle only threw three fastballs, one each at 95, 96, and 97, but still good to see the velo holding up on his first back to back. His two fastballs last night were both at 96.
González’s velo was up today, sitting 95 with a couple 94s mixed in.
Ben Clemens takes a WONDERFUL look at the “sweeping slider” and how teams are teaching it.
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-secret-benefit-and-cost-of-sweeping-sliders/
Baseball America has identified 5 top International Prospects for next signing season:
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/five-big-international-prospects-to-watch-for-2023/
None are currently associated with the BoSox
Keith Law Chat:
JJ: Thoughts on Chaim Bloom? The fanbase/media in Boston is just about ready to kick him to the curb. Is he qualified to be the GM for the Red Sox? It seems to me that a management position in Tampa Bay is a completely different animal than that job title with a team with twice the payroll, like the Red Sox or Yankees.
Keith Law: LOL. Yes, he’s qualified. I really don’t give a rat’s ass what the fanbase thinks and neither should anyone in that organization. I have vague memories of fans and media arguing that the Sox were wrong to move John Valentin to third base for an unproven rookie back in 1997.
Henry: I totally agree with your assessment that MLB owners will contract minor league teams if unionization goes through. What can the player’s association do to realistically stop that unintended consequence?
Keith Law: That’s a better question for a labor lawyer.
Tom: Any concern over Kiebert Ruiz’s meh offensive season?
Keith Law: No, and also, I see a huge contact rate that I believe will turn into much more production next year.
Guest: Any notable 2022 draft debuts yet? Spencer Jones is performing really well in Tampa but he should be dominating in Low-A right?
Keith Law: Exactly. Rushing too. Props to Baltimore for pushing Dylan Beavers to high A, even just for two weeks.
Fangraphs Sunday Notes:
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/sunday-notes-diego-cartaya-gained-a-flatter-swing-and-lost-a-baseball-brother/
“Diego Cartaya Gained a Flatter Swing (and Lost a Baseball Brother)”
Prospects1500 Looks back at the Dodgers draft:
https://www.prospects1500.com/milb/recapping-the-mlb-draft-national-league/
Los Angeles Dodgers
Best Pick: Dalton Rushing
Worst Pick: Nick Biddison
Sleeper: Logan Wagner
Deep Sleeper: Chris Newell
This article has a title that is just too good to pass on:
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/so-you-want-to-seize-the-means-of-production/
“So, You Want to Seize the Means of Production”
Prospects1500 on Kendall Williams
https://www.prospects1500.com/nl-west/dodgers/prospect-kendall-williams-potential-dodgers-ace/
Brought to the west coast from Toronto in a trade that sent Ross Stripling to the “Great North,” Williams (along with Ryan Noda 1B/OF) was one of the two players to be named later. The former (Williams) is an extremely projectable right-handed pitching prospect….
Jay Jaffe Chat:
GuestatDoor: Thoughts on the new rule changes reported yesterday? I’ve wanted pitch clocks for awhile but actually looking at the rule there’s 50 different ways that the batter or the pitcher can break the rule. I’m worried it’s gonna feel ridiculous when the Sox lose to the Twins because Aaron Bummer forgot how many times he stepped off the rubber or whatever.
Jay Jaffe: Conceptually, I’m in favor of a pitch clock, I’ve come around on the idea that it’s worth seeing what banning the shift would do, and the bigger bases are fine. However, there are some complexities to the rules changes that I honestly haven’t taken the time to digest yet. I know I’m supposed to have a blistering hot take here, but the stove ain’t lit yet
Dan: Will we have roboumps next year?
Jay Jaffe: Not in the majors. 2024 is possible if things go well in the minors and with further testing but those aren’t guarantees.
Guest: How do you think front offices will adjust to the bigger bases? Is there going to be a significant shift towards building faster teams that steal more bases, or do you think the change isn’t big enough to cause a big philosophical change from the way things are right now?
Jay Jaffe: I don’t think the bigger bases themselves will have a huge impact on base stealing but the pitch clock-related limitations on the number of throws will. And I think we’ll see some experimentation before anyone discovers how much this will really have an impact from a philosophical standpoint.
Matt VW: With likeliest playoff participants in mind, which potential World Series matchup strikes you as the most intriguing / appealing?
Jay Jaffe: I want Dodgers-Yankees. That’s what made me a baseball fan in the first place and I’ve spent more time writing about and watching those two teams in my lifetime than any other.
Darryl Vanilla: Peak DeGrom or Peak Pedro?
Jay Jaffe: Peak Pedro. From 1997-2003, he had a 213 ERA+ in 1400 innings, which is more than deGrom has thrown in his entire major league career.
Pedro: Where do you come down on Dwight Evans’ omission from the Hall? Thanks
Jay Jaffe: I’m pro-Evans. Wrote about him for the 2020 ballot and think he’s got a shot sooner or later https://blogs.fangraphs.com/underappreciated-in-his-time-dwight-evans-…
Thanks Again, Bluto. I appreciate your efforts.
Dodger News
- Sounds like Treinen should have had shoulder capsule surgery. He’d better get it now or i could see the Dodgers voiding his contract next year. Forgetabouthim this season.
- Almonte, Graterol, Kahnle, Duffy, and Gonzalez are all progressing. If there of the five make the roster, the Dodgers will be extremely lucky.
- Tony Gonsolin throws a bullpen… we shall see what’s what shortly!
- I feel bad for Edwin Rios – Forgotten Man!
- Andy Pages jacked his 24th last night.
- Leonal Valera is seizing the super-utility role over Vivas and Leonard. The dude is a ballplayer.
- Nick Nastrini continues to shine at AA. Next year AAA?
- Kendall Williams went five last night and allowed 0 Runs. He’s a young Ross Stripling.
- If Julio Urias can keep his ERA near 2.30 and his WHIP at 0.95 AND win a couple more games, he is the Cy Young Winner! End of Story!
First, I would also like to thank Bluto for the time he puts in to post these blurbs from around the league. I know I wouldn’t find all of them on my own.
It’s a roller coaster ride around here lately. After a loss, all is concern, doom, gloom and worry. How will everyone feel about the ass beating last night. Concern about Hembree, who won’t be on the postseason roster?
It sure looks like innings are being saved by overusing Hembree and Bickford.
I was watching the pregame show yesterday before the game, like I usually do. Nomar and J-Hair weren’t too kind about the larger bases or the limited number of throws to first. I suspect the law of unintended consequences will be on full display next year.
They also spoke about all these hard throwers these days. Well, here’s the thing about radar guns. A pitched baseball decelerates at a rate of about 10% from when it’s thrown to when it crosses home plate. So, a ball that comes out of the hand at 100 MPH, will be travelling at 90 MPH when it crosses home plate. Over the years, new technology with the guns register closer to release with each iteration. As a result, a guy that hits 100 today, only hit 97 when J-Hair and Nomar played. Read more here…
https://sabr.org/journal/article/radar-gun-love/
I was fun to watch the Dodgers get to Snell yesterday. He’s one of the pitchers I’m always most happy to beat. Musgrove goes today against Heaney and with a win, the Dodgers Magic number will be 3 and should be popping champagne sometime during the week. (I think it’s actually two, since the tiebreaker goes to the Dodgers with the season series win over the Padres.?
Also on the pre-game show, JH and Nomar discussed the decision about not putting Lux on the IL. Doc mentioned that all the guys that currently being considered for the post-season are already on the roster. If that’s the case, why not give Vargas some more reps, especially with the glove at 2B and 3B? They thought that Outman and Rios should have also been considered.
With a win Dodgers magic number is 2.
My reading assignment: study this mans techniques. I’m so far off on analyzing Belli’s swing. Trying to follow what Phil Jones and others have said is tough without video – these are very helpful for me.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR5P7hDm/
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR5PGHMa/
I dont see any sense in not putting Lux on the IL and giving one of the youngsters (Outman, busch) some burn.
You could make it retroactive to Sep.1st and Lux could come off the IL as soon as he is ready.
Strange move by the Dodgers.
Heaney IMHO has to have a couple good outings to get on the postseason roster. Some guys about to be ready to help in the pen like VG, Kahnle (another scoreless inning yesterday at OKC) , graterol, Almonte, Duffy.Hopefully Treinen is not done for the season but sadly it looks that way. Big loss because he got the stuff and the experience to close out games in pressure situations should kimbrel faulter.
As you said some guys at the moment are used to eat innings. Bruihl, Hembree, Jackso, Bickford most likely will not be on the postseason roster and there job is to keep the other arms fresh.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You can only backdate IL 3 days.
Oh, may bad. Thanx for clearing that up.#
Should still have done it in time to give someone like Outman some burn. Wasted roster spot for more than 10 days now.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why call up Outman and Busch when you won’t let Vargas play?
Matt Beaty was designated for assignment by the SD Madres.
I would like to have it back.
Can the Dodgers sign him to a minor league deal without putting him on the 40-man roster?
I’m wondering if this should be a legitimate psychological condition that deserves a name? DFA regret syndrome?
I’m sure Beaty wil get a number of offers for minor league contracts. Why would he want to come back here when his chance to play would probably be even less than last time?
If they get to the Dodgers and he agrees.
I doubt it. He has no future with LA… unless it is in coaching.
No need to sign back Beatty. #Better options available , even internallly.
Even Rios can not get back with the big club.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Dodgers’ Dave Roberts waving off Manny Machado trash talk was perfect
https://twitter.com/ishboofizzle/status/1568488923713925127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1568488923713925127%7Ctwgr%5Ee5fdbb6488e95ed5e6c9e464d302203834d6d5d7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-165083394442871529.ampproject.net%2F2208242209000%2Fframe.html
Question:
If the Dodgers think about bringing up pitchers like Duffy, Kahnle, VGone, Graterol and Almonte for the postseason.
When would be the latest they bring them up ? They would need some time to get acclimatied to pitching in the Show again. I dont think they would include them in a postseason roster without at least 2-3 weeks of regular season baseball in the big leagues.#
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Let’s think for a minute about this. Ideally, you would probably want about a 3 weeks. That’s about what you get in Spring Training after a long layoff. Now, consider the schedule. The first NLDS game is on Tuesday October 11 which is a full 4 weeks and 2 days away. Also consider, that most have already started their respective Spring Trainings in their minor league rehab assignments. Then consider that some pitchers might not pitch in the DS, but might show up in the CS.
It’s complicated, but I would say the minimum would be about 10-15 games before the end of the season, IMHO. 😉
Nice win last night. I was switching between USC-Stanford and the Dodger game. USC’s new offense is explosive. Sons of two NFL legends were on display as Jerry Rice’s boy plays for USC and Emmett Smith’s kid is with Stanford. Notre Dame lost, and that is always cause for celebration. Appalachian State had a huge upset win too. 3 of the top 10 teams were beaten. 4 other top-25 teams also lost to lower ranked teams or unranked teams. Parity in college football? Trea is heating up. 6 game hitting streak. Freeman missed a shot at doing something he has never done in his career, a 5 hit game. I really love it when they beat a guy like Snell, who made them look silly in game 6 of the World Series and was pulled while allowing 1 hit. I think they will only carry 4 true starters in the playoffs, and depending on his health, Gonsolin will be one of them. But only if he is sound, if not, it will be May, Kersh, Urias and Anderson. I love watching Will Smith hit, and his backup, Austin Barnes has raised his average to over .220 in about 3 weeks. It was also nice to see Taylor square up a couple. Packing my truck today for the trip to LA. I will be out there for about 5 weeks. Rancho closes it’s season today.
4:10 PM ET
Dodgers (95-43)
Padres (77-63)
SP Andrew Heaney L
2-2 2.94 ERA 52IP 13BB 78K
SP Joe Musgrove R
9-6 3.16 ERA 153.2IP 33BB 152K
Confirmed Lineup
RF Mookie Betts R
SS Trea Turner R
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
DH Max Muncy L
3B J. Turner R
LF Joey Gallo L
2B Chris Taylor R
CF C. Bellinger L
Clear-day
1% Rain
83° Wind 8 mph Out
Sunday Dodger Minor League Schedule
11:00 a.m. PT: Great Lakes (Christian Suarez) at West Michigan (Matt Walker)
12:05 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Robbie Erlin) vs. Tacoma (Darren McCaughan)
5:00 p.m.: Rancho Cucamonga (TBD) vs. Lake Elsinore (TBD)
5:05 p.m.: Tulsa (TBD) at Frisco (Antoine Kelly)
Just in from the pre-game show. Treinen’s shoulder responded well after a couple of throwing sessions. Say’s there’s no structural damage to the shoulder capsule and feels like it’s a muscle thing responding to throwing with more intensity. Says he’ll be good to go in the post-season.
That is very good news. Now lets hope Gonsolin can make it back for a couple of outings before the playoffs start I would love to see the Brewers pass the Pads for the last playoff spot. But they have a pretty tough remaining schedule.
I’ll believe it when I see it!
Thanks to B&P and Mark, But in all seriousness. It’s much easier to cut and paste links than write, rewrite and edit prose.
Albert Pujols now # 4 on the all-time list after hitting # 697 in the 9th inning to pass A-Rod. Homer helped St. Louis win 4-3 against the Pirates. Congratulations to ” Tio Albert”, He will be in LA next week when the Cards play the Dodgers.
I hope we get to see him hit #700.
Well if we pitch Heaney, he might!
Fine with me. Heaney did well today and gave up just one bomb.
I would love to see him do it. He realistically has a chance now to do that.
What would be so cool about that is the fans will show Albert his deserved appreciation and class that can only make me proud of Dodgers fans. I’ve always been proud of our Vin Scully being so respectful towards opposing teams.
Unless Heaney is injured (or totally implodes), he will be on the playoff roster. It’s silly to think otherwise.
Mark, didn’t you predicted JTurner was going to have a .800 OPS?
He is sitting in .798.
Pretty sure that was Muncy
Both, Actually!
I probably won’t hit on Muncy!
Agree about Andrew, he pitched much better today. Kudos to JT he’s on fire right now. Glad Taylor is starting to make contact with the ball not swinging through everything. Freddy and Trea are so fun to watch
After scoring five runs in the top of the 9th to go ahead 7 -6, Kenley Jansen gives up 2 home runs in the bottom of the 9th to blow the save. Seattle wins
8-7
That makes number 7 on the season. No thanks!
Bolts 24–19 Raiders.
Easy.
Nice pitching by Andre Jackson. He had a nice, soft landing with an 8 run lead, but he came in and threw strikes and got outs. Great job Andre! I want to see more.
Great and fun game to watch. It is always great when Machado strikes out. Magic number is two. Heading out to Cali tomorrow. Talk to y’all soon.
Who your Daddy?
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR5HaPAa/
Nice to see Andre Jackson do some solid work. He’s been overlooked this season, largely because he simply hasn’t pitched well and he’s slipped down on the depth chart.
He and Grove strike me as guys who, at best, can be minor role players for the Dodgers. Miller, Pepiot, Nastrini and some younger guys at Rancho and elsewhere all seem to have front-line potential. But they could go to a weak franchise and become key parts of the rotation.
Heading into the playoffs I’m more concerned about the pitching than the lineup, especially with the way that Max and JT have come around. If the weakest link is a long-struggling former MVP who plays Gold Glove defense and runs like a deer, that’s a damn good lineup. Within a couple of weeks the Dodgers could have
Right now, the conventional thinking is that four outfielders are auditioning for three spots. But given Taylor’s versatility, perhaps Alberto is also vulnerable. If the decision had to be made today, would you prefer Alberto or Gallo coming off the bench?
Will Outman get another chance?
I hope so.
If baseball needs more offense, why not just allow the fans at the outfield fence to be able to douse the outfielders with water, beer or soda while attempting to field. It would promote fan participation and would give new meaning to the term “Warning Track”.
As ever, Pujols is not one to be caught up in his own achievements. When the fans who caught his 9th-inning 697 homerun tried to return the ball, he refused and instead gifted the couple two more signed balls.
“It’s just a baseball. They deserve to have it. It went out of the ballpark,” Pujols told MLB.com. “We play this game for the fans. So whether they want to give it back or they want to keep it, I don’t have any problem with that. I think it means for that girl more than me having it in my trophy case.”
He is truly a HOF human being.
Very nice. Glad you shared this. We’re root for you to get 700, Albert!