I find it hilarious that some of you think Doc is a “puppet manager.” I guess it is human nature to ridicule what we don’t understand. “Puppet” implies that Dave does exactly what the front office says, which is so much beyond silly; it is ridiculous! The job of a baseball manager has changed dramatically in the past 20+ years. It used to be the manager was a “John Wayne-type” guy – a loner who rode into town and laid down the law. With the birth and proliferation of Sabermetrics, Moneyball, and Analytics, baseball management style has changed.
Managers have so much more information today. They meet with the front office on a daily basis and go over all this data, and while I do not know how it is organized, I presume that the information is readily available as the situations change and the circumstances dictate. Even companies like US Water Systems use data and analytics in the management of our companies. How you interface with that data is critical, and my son has become adept at creating “dashboards” that act as an interface so as to access this information quickly. If you brought Walter Alston as manager today, he would be run out of town quicker than Trevor Bauer in a (you fill in the blanks).
Baseball has changed – you may not like it… or understand it, but it has, and it takes a different type of manager to operate. I do not think for a minute that Dave Roberts is a “puppet,” but to truly be a “manager,” you have to be on the same page as upper management. The Dodgers Front Office does not tell Dave Roberts who to play or what pitchers to use, but I think in many cases, it is very obvious what the answer is. More than ever, today, a manager is more of a “manager” than ever before. They have players and more data to manage than ever before. For example, Cody Bellinger should not be in the lineup on such and such a day because there is a LH Pitcher starting. So Trayce Thompson should be starting his place? Well, Trayce does not hit lefties as well as righties, but what if Cody is 7 for 12 against this LHP? There are lots of other variables that also come into play.
Many of you are not Dave Roberts fans. That is your choice, even though you cannot defend that position statistically. Dave Roberts is not the rugged, independent manager who dumps over a water cooler and kicks dirt on the bases. Managers have evolved or moved on. Tony LaRussa may be the last of the breed, and look how great he is doing – He has been a trainwreck for the ChiSox, who were a pre-season favorite to go to the World Series. Analytics brought about “the shift.” Next year, it goes back to what it once was.
Baseball America Rankings
Baseball America just came out with their Updated Organization Talent Rankings, and the Dodgers were #2 behind the Orioles, who haven’t had a winning season since Christ was in Cleveland. Speaking of Cleveland, the Guardians are #3, and the D-Backs are #4… ready to compete in the next couple of years… again. The Padres dropped to #23. By the way, Juan Soto has 7 RBIs as a Padre – SEVEN! In 119 ABs.
Here are the BEST TOOLS RANKINGS from BA:
MLB LEVEL:
- Best Hitter – #1 Freddie Freeman
- Bets Hitter – #3 Mookie Betts
- Best Baserunner – #1 Mookie Betts
- Most Exciting Player – #1 Trea Turner
- Most Exciting Player – #2 Mookie Betts
- Best Defensive OF – #1 Mookie Betts
- Best Arm – #1 Mookie Betts
- Best Defensive 1B – #1 Freddie Freeman
- Fastest Baserunner – #1 Trea Turner
- Best Control – #1 Clayton Kershaw
- Best Pickoff Move – #1 Clayton Kershaw
- Best Defensive C – #3 Will Smith
- Best Strike Zone Judgement – #3 Max Muncy
- Best Manager – #3 Dave Roberts
AAA LEVEL – PCL:
- Best Batting Prospect – Miguel Vargas
- Best Changeup – Ryan Pepiot
- Best Defensive 1B – Ryan Noda
- Best Defensive 3B – Miguel Vargas
AA LEVEL – TEXAS LEAGUE
- Best Fastball – Bobby Miller
A+ LEVEL – MIDWEST LEAGUE
- Best Strike Zone Judgement – Jorbit Vivas
- Best Defensive 2B – Jorbit Vivas
A LEVEL – CALIFORNIA LEAGUE
- Best Strike Zone Judgement – Austin Gauthier
- Best Pitching Prospect – Ronan Kopp
There’s a lot to like about the Dodgers Farm System.
Frustrating Prospects
I know that I get frustrated when I watch Ryan Pepiot. It drives us crazy to see all those walks, but in reality, he is pretty dang good, and we just have to be patient because progress is not linear. I was reminded of that when I went back and looked a the minor league stats of a player who went to become a dominant starter and Cy Young Award Winner. Look at this:
- Age 23 – Lake Elsinore – 4.54 ERA
- Age 24 – San Antonio – 3.45 ERA
- Age 25 – Columbus – 5.56 ERA and 8.31 ERA with a MLB Team
- Age 26 – Columbus – 3.59 ERA and a 5.13 ERA with a MLB Team
- Age 27 – 3.85 ERA with a MLB TEam
- Age 28 – 2.44 ERA in 235 innings – Cy Young Winner
I am talking about Corey Kluber. The path to stardom was not linear. It took a lot of work and patience. We need to realize that too. Patience Grasshoppers.
Dodger Notes & News
- Ryan Pepiot went five innings, struck out 8, and walked 1 with allowing 0 Runs on four hits.
- Lake County shut out Great Lakes to even the playoff series 1-1. Winner takes all today!
- Dustin May vs. Snidley Whiplash Webb tonight on Apple Sucking TV
MT, really respect and appreciate your knowledge on Dodger baseball and baseball in general. I’ve only recently “discovered” your site and have learned a great deal about not just Dodger baseball but other topics and agree with your opinions 99% of the time. Your assessment of DR has many valid points BUT you seem to be overly protective of Roberts. For all his attributes, he definitely has some serious flaws as an in game strategist. Others have given several examples of his regrettable in game decision’s especially in the postseason which are obviously magnified. Now, as you and others have mentioned before, do these decisions fall squarely on DR or the organization? Maybe we’ll never know but IMHO, Roberts is no Bochy or Francona but definitely seems to fit in AF’s organizational structure. I’m sure there are several other current managers (Melvin, Lovullo, Cash, Snitker etc) that would thrive in the Dodger’s current organization and have a similar regular season winning percentage which seems to be the main statistic for DR supporters. Make no mistake that this current run of success for the Dodgers falls squarely on AF and ownership. This is his baby and DR deserves some credit but definitely benefits from the current organizational structure the same as the above mentioned managers would as well.
As Dodger fans, we’re probably going to have to ride out the DR tenure for the foreseeable future which will leave history as the final arbiter of DR’s rating as a manager. I’m sure he’s a good person and obviously well liked and respected in the clubhouse and within organization, But please, for all you DR supporters, lets pump the brakes on DR being the driving force of this current run of success. He’s part of it but definitely not irreplaceable. We have approached a fork in the road in historical terms with this team….90’s Braves or pending dynasty. Regular season winning percentage in the grand scheme of things doesn’t mean squat!! As the saying goes. “It ain’t a thing without a ring”.
Go Blue!!!!!
Regrettable in-game decisions occur when things do not happen the way you want. It’s fashionable to blame it on the manager, but generally it is lack of execution by a player.
Second-guessers are never wrong, but they also can’t prove they would have been right.
Regular season winning percentage in the grand scheme of things doesn’t mean squat!! As the saying goes. “It ain’t a thing without a ring”.
It is a lot harder to win today with so many more teams in the playoffs. The odds are against you. I will look upon this season as a failure if the Dodgers don’t win the WS, but I am not so naive as to blame it all on Doc. I stick up for him because no one else does.
The Dodgers don’t exactly play moneyball. At least not the way what was first considered as moneyball. Sure they utilize analytics levels above where they were 50 years ago, but they’ve always used analytics. After all Dodger Stadium was designed with mostly pitchers in mind and they’ve always focused on obtaining the best pitchers. But they mostly do not platoon many positions and they do steal bases and play small ball at times. If Dodgers are playing moneyball it’s Dodgers own version and designed with the parts they’ve brought to their bucket of tinker toys. However you call it the grade is A+ as they prove there’s always room for improvement.
MT, this must be one of your attempts to stir things up a bit since there hasn’t been much to discuss recently because of the Dodgers commanding lead and recent clinching of the division. Over the years you have gone from “Roberts doesn’t make most of the decisions” to “he should be replaced” to “he’s the best manager ever”. This sometimes happens a couple of times in a season. No one really knows outside the organization how strong Roberts’ authority might be. I have my opinion which I have expressed several times over the years. He is superb with communications with the players. On the field and especially in the postseason he has made some awful in game decisions. His communication with the media and fans is usually cringe worthy and lacking in believability. The front office has provided him with outstanding talent during his reign and yet he has only one World Series victory to show for it. So, I guess he is the best in what is expected from today’s requirements of a baseball manager. And that is obeying the front office decisions, player communications, BSing the media, and allowing the talent to win games. Let’s hope the front office and players can minimize the possibility of a Roberts’ head scratching moment during the postseason.
If the Dodgers don’t win the World Series in 2022 with this team then what is it going to take? Since AF took over the team has improved over the previous year (except maybe for last year). I have felt going into the playoffs believing that the Dodgers are the best team and should win the WS. But, it only has happened once. So, even with all the injuries to the pitching staff throughout the season, this team has been dominating and that continues until November. If the Dodgers fail again to win the WS and Roberts has a rough playoffs then they’ll be calls for his removal. But, who is there to replace him that the front office would think to be better? In their eyes Dave Roberts is the perfect manager.
MT, your description of Tony LaRussa’s tenure with the White Sox as being a “trainwreck” might be a bit dramatic. Last year the team was 93-69 and this year so far are 74-70. Sure, they haven’t met expectations this year, mainly because of injuries and lack of depth. But, hardly a trainwreck. I don’t care for LaRussa at all, but to come back last year at 76 after a ten year hiatus is damn impressive.
Carry on.
Ted,
Have you followed all the drama surrounding the team this season?
Other than Bauer I don’t recall anything I would call drama. I guessing that’s your point.
Or, are you asking about drama with the White Sox? If so, no I have not. I could care less. I assuming that LaRussa has turned the team into a shit show this year. I was going off wins and losses. It sounds like a google search might be in order. But, then I don’t really care.
There has been zero (thankfully) Bauer drama this year.
Most expected him to be suspended and he was.
I had to look up Juan Soto’s Padre stats for myself to be sure.
.202avg, .694slug, 3hr, 7rbi in 153 plate appearances. Granted he’s walking a lot, but that’s ALL he’s doing.
No wonder he and the Padre organization are getting booed.
Roberts is what he is. He is the front offices ideal. Has he made some head scratching moves? Yep. All that is in the past, what matters is what the team does from this day forward. Since the hot hand usually comes out on top in the playoffs, I would say the Dodgers need to keep the pressure up. Astros and Mets won last night. SO they still need to have the best record to get home field all the way through the playoffs. Mets and Braves still fighting it out for the East division crown. Vargas has not had much chance to show his stuff, and I would think at this point in time, he has zero shot at making the post season roster. With maybe a couple of pitching moves, the offensive side of the roster is set barring injury. Former Met catcher John Sterns passed away at 71. RIP. My sis needed a new TV since hers was doing a slow nose dive. So went and got her a new 65 inch Vizio yesterday. Get to watch first game on that puppy tonight. She has Apple.
Filth.
99 mph
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRaenTuu/
101 mph
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRaepNh7/
High-A Great Lakes
Great Lakes couldn’t close out the series and will have to go to a deciding Game 3 after getting blanked 2-0 at home Thursday night at the hands of the Lake County Captains (Guardians).
The Loons had multiple runners on in three different innings, including fort and third in both the second and third innings. But both instances came with two outs and the final batter would be retired without a run coming across in each inning.
The two teams will play the final game of the series Friday night to decide who will take on the winner of the South Bend Cubs or Cedar Kernels who will also play a third game in their series.
Thursday scores
Oklahoma City 6, Albuquerque 2
Springfield 8, Tulsa 0
Lake County 2, Great Lakes 0
Friday Schedule
4:05 p.m. PT: Great Lakes (Kendall Williams) vs. Lake County (Aaron Davenport)
5:05 p.m.: Tulsa (Nick Nastrini) vs. Springfield (Kyle Leahy)
6:05 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Jon Duplantier) at Albuquerque (Karl Kauffmann)
Fabian Ardaya
@FabianArdaya
The Dodgers are sending the following prospects to the Arizona Fall League:
Andy Pages
Jose Ramos
Jorbit Vivas
Emmet Sheehan
Tanner Dodson
Hyun-Il Choi
Ben Harris
Arizona Fall League will use the already-approved 2023 MLB rule changes (pitch clock, shift restriction, bigger bases) that some prospects have already used this year, plus a “challenge” system for the automatic ball-strike zone (robo umps). Each team allowed three per game.
MT: I have consistently backed Doc. I have pointed out that other great Managers have also had great talent and yet did not match Doc’s W/L record (kind of proving that just having talent may not be enough). I have compared Doc’s post season W/L percentage with other great Managers and he comes out on top using that metric.
Is winning the WS the only measure of success? Frankly if given the choice, I would rather be happy during 162 days than the exhilaration of winning the WS. Lots of WS winner’s fans were absolutely miserable during the 6 months. That is not to say that winning the WS is absolutely the ultimate. It’s been argued that the post season is not a crapshoot but in fact, it really is. It sometimes rewards the hottest team, not the best team. It often rewards a bounce of the ball or an umpire’s missed call, not the best team. Lots of ifs go into the outcome.
If Muncy doesn’t get hurt on the final day, do we go further last year? If Kersh gets Rendon and/or Soto out, do we go further? I know Doc has taken an enormous amount of flack for having Kersh on the mound at that time. However, he is the best pitcher of our generation who had just set the Nats down in the previous inning. If Kenley gets Gonzalez out in the 9th of game 2 or if the Astros were not stealing signs when Kersh would throw his slider in game 5, do we win the 2017 WS? I could go on and on.
Even if the WS is the ultimate measure of a Manager’s success Doc has won 1 of 6 and a strong argument could be made it is really 2 of 6 (2017). In either case, a pretty good record.
I will comment on the earlier comment about Melvin, etc thriving in the Dodger’s organization. I’m assuming that meant if given the Dodger’s talent. Small sample, but Melvin has been given incredible talent in his current position and yet he is under 500 since more talent arrived.
I have never said that it is all because of Doc. What I have said is that it takes an entire organization from top to bottom and that Doc is obviously an important part of that. How can Andrew Friedman be so good at his job and totally miss on the decision of who manages the team? Not even remotely logical.
So, fellow posters, continue to criticize as that is certainly your right. However, don’t lose sight of how lucky you are to root for this team.
Jay, Jay,Jay. You bring up valid points but how in the world can you get more happiness out of a successful regular season instead of a WS trophy? Are you saying you got more happiness from the franchise record 106 win season last year or the successful seasons in 2018, and 2019 instead of the 1988 team? C’mon brother, I know you like Doc but your rationalization to justify your support for Doc is a little much. He’s a good guy and if AF thinks Doc is the right manager then so be it. With apologies to Jalen Rose (not really) DR is not worthy of being anointed to the Mt Rushmore of MLB managers. BTW, Melvin comparison was if Melvin had been at the helm with the same Dodger teams as DR has.
MT states that “generally it’s lack of player execution” when an in game decision is made by a manager that goes south, e.g. CK facing Rendon or Soto and thus is above being second guessed? Yes, managers can only put the players in place to succeed or fail but if a pattern develops of players failing in critical situations then someone has to take responsibility whether you believe it’s fair or not. No manager will always make the right in game decision and yes a player must execute but what’s the acceptable rate of failure before it falls on the manager instead of the player? DR gets some credit for the team’s success but he certainly doesn’t deserve the lion’s share nor is he the only current manager capable of having the same success with this Dodger team.
Go Blue!!!!
Winning a World Series title is the ultimate in the sport. Unfortunately, and lately very true, the best team does not always win. There are a lot of factors. The Braves were the hottest team in either league heading into last years playoffs, and they won it all. It is simply not that easy to win the whole enchilada. So a fan has to find joy where he can. I look back on the McCourt years, and I am extremely happy this team has overcome that debacle, I look at a season where this team has dominated it’s competition in the National League west, especially the hated Giants and the cocky Padres, and it makes me very happy. If they do happen to win it all, that is just icing on the cake, but as we have seen so many times, things happen in playoffs, that we as fans have absolutely no control over and neither does the team. This year they are going to be off for almost a week before they get back on the field. What they do and how they do it during that time will most likely have some impact on their post season performance.
Right there with you Bear. World Series is a crapshoot, enjoy how amazing this team and how regularly they achieve it.
Thinking back to McCourt days (rarely do) the highlight for me was attending the game at the Coliseum. Such a odd looking field.
The net in front of (IIRC) the left field seats was old-timey looking. Glad to have been there.
What year was that?
Looking into the McCourt years I am surprised to see that he (allegedly) still owns 50% of the parking lots. ? ?
Frank has this thing about parking.
MLB ANNOUNCES 2022 ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE ROSTERS
AFL Clubs Feature 16 Top-100 Prospects, Including Jordan Walker (STL),
Jordan Lawlar (ARI), Noelvi Marte (CIN), Henry Davis (PIT),
Jasson Domínguez (NYY) and Chandler, AZ Native Brennen Davis (CHC)
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Major League Baseball today announced the rosters and coaching staffs of the 2022 Arizona Fall League (AFL). Six of MLB Pipeline’s top 25 prospects, and 16 of the top 100, highlight this year’s rosters, headlined by MLB Pipeline No. 6 prospect 3B Jordan Walker (St. Louis Cardinals) and Arizona Diamondbacks No. 1 overall prospect and the No. 6 overall pick of the 2021 MLB Draft OF Jordan Lawlar (No. 13 MLB Pipeline).
Walker and Lawlar will be paired on the Salt River Rafters, following quality offensive Minor League seasons for both players (.300+ BA, 16+ HR, .900+ OPS). At the conclusion of the 2022 MiLB season, both Lawlar and Walker finished at their team’s respective Double-A club, with Lawlar promoted on three different occasions throughout the season. Walker has ties to the diversity development pipeline programs led by MLB and USA Baseball, notably the Breakthrough Series and DREAM Series. Two other Cardinals prospects from MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 also will play in the AFL – SS Masyn Winn (No. 54) and RP Tink Hence (No. 95).
The AFL will also feature the 2021 MLB Draft No. 1 Overall Pick Henry Davis (Pittsburgh Pirates), the University of Louisville product who has played at four different levels of the Minors this year and slashed a combined .265/.387/.459 with eight homers. Davis, MLB Pipeline’s No. 20 prospect, will be joined by two other Top 100 Prospects from the Pirates organization: Quinn Priester (No. 47), and Fall League returnee Nick Gonzales (No. 97).
Below is a complete list of AFL Players in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects (listed in order):
6. Jordan Walker – 3B, Salt River Rafters (STL) 51. Brennen Davis – OF, Mesa Solar Sox (CHC)
13. Jordan Lawlar – OF, Salt River Rafters (ARI) 54. Masyn Winn – SS, Salt River Rafters (STL)
18. Noelvi Marte – SS, Glendale Desert Dogs (CIN) 69. Andy Pages – OF, Glendale Desert Dogs (LAD)
20. Henry Davis – C, Surprise Saguaros (PIT) 76. Matt McLain – SS, Glendale Desert Dogs (CIN)
23. Robert Hassell III – OF, Peoria Javelinas (WSH) 87. Jackson Merrill – SS, Peoria Javelinas (SD)
24. Zac Veen – OF, Salt River Rafters (COL) 95. Tink Hence – RP, Salt River Rafters (STL)
42. Jasson Dominguez – OF, Mesa Solar Sox (NYY) 97. Nick Gonzales – 2B, Surprise Saguaros (PIT)
47. Quinn Priester – SP, Surprise Saguaros (PIT) 98. Zack Gelof – 3B, Mesa Solar Sox (OAK)
The AFL is comprised of six teams, with each Major League organization sending seven (7) top prospects to fill the rosters. The AFL teams and their MLB affiliates will be as follows for the 2022 Fall League season:
Glendale Desert Dogs (Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins)
Mesa Solar Sox (Chicago Cubs, Miami Marlins, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays)
Peoria Javelinas (Cleveland Guardians, New York Mets, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Washington Nationals)
Salt River Rafters (Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays)
Scottsdale Scorpions (Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants)
Surprise Saguaros (Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers)
The AFL’s six coaching staffs will be managed by the following individuals, all of whom are currently Minor League Managers: Justin Jirschele (Glendale; Chicago White Sox), Bobby Crosby (Mesa; Oakland Athletics), Reid Brignac (Peoria; New York Mets), Warren Schaeffer (Salt River; Colorado Rockies), Matt Tuiasosopo (Scottsdale; Atlanta Braves) and Mickey Storey (Surprise; Houston Astros).
**Attached are the full rosters and coaching staffs for the 2022 Arizona Fall League Season**
MLB also announced that after testing this season in the Minor Leagues, the following new playing rules will be implemented in the Arizona Fall League: pitch timer, restriction on defensive positioning, larger bases and the Automatic Ball-Strike System (“ABS”) Challenge. This Challenge System, which allows hitters, pitchers, and catchers to challenge an umpire’s call at the plate with the ABS System, only will be tested at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick and Chase Field.
Below is a summary of new playing rules that will be used during the Arizona Fall League:
PITCH TIMER: After successful testing in MiLB that reduced game times on average by 26 minutes, the Major League rule recently approved by the Competition Committee will be implemented to enforce time limits between delivery of pitches, inning breaks, and pitching changes.
DEFENSIVE POSITIONING: As recently approved by the Major League Competition Committee, the defensive team must have a minimum of four players on the infield, each of whom must have both feet completely in front of the outer boundary of the infield, and two infielders must be positioned entirely on each side of second base.
LARGER BASES: To reduce player injuries and collisions – and create shorter distances between bases to impact the success rate of stolen base attempts – the size of first, second, and third base will be increased from 15 inches square to 18 inches square.
ABS CHALLENGE: The Automatic Ball-Strike (“ABS”) Challenge System that began in the Florida State League in 2022 will be implemented on the experimental level at the Arizona Fall League for games played at Salt River Fields and Chase Field. Batters, Pitchers, and Catchers will have the opportunity to challenge an umpire’s ball or strike call if they feel it is incorrect. All challenges will be evaluated by the ABS system to determine the outcome. Both teams are allowed three challenges and will be awarded their challenge back if correct.
The 2022 AFL season is set to open on Monday, October 3rd, with additional season highlights including:
The new Chase Field Tripleheader on Saturday, October 15th
The annual Fall Stars Game on Sunday, November 6th, which will now be preceded by the inaugural AFL Home Run Derby on Saturday, November 5th. Both events will take place at Sloan Park. The Fall Stars Game will air LIVE on MLB Network.
The AFL Championship Game will be played on Saturday, November 12th at Scottsdale Stadium on Saturday, November 12th, LIVE on MLB Network.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11217093/amp/Trevor-Bauer-accuser-seen-smiling-alongside-pitcher-bed-attack-new-video.html
Please skip this post if the whole Bauer thing is too much for you.
Cheers
Can you imagine how good the Dodgers would be if Dave Roberts was a good manager. They’d be really good. Most of us would be really happy, maybe.
Mark, I think you are downplaying the front office role in the in game decisions a bit. I’m sure Roberts has the ability to adjust and change the plan as circumstances merit. However, I do believe he is instructed on lineup, matchups and bullpen strategy to a large degree. I believe he was chosen over other candidates because he bought in to the overall strategy and was willing to implement it as designed.
I remember, specifically, the fact that the Dodgers batted Brian Dozier leadoff in the first two games of the 2018 World Series. That was after he was 1 for 10 (or something like that) in the NLCS and was hitting .180 after being traded to the Dodgers. Dozier was hitless in the series. I did not understand that decision at all. And I didn’t believe then (or now) that that was Robert’s call. But he was blasted from the moment the lineup was announced. And, to this day, I can’t understand the logic of that decision. Other than there was some set of data that told AF that Dozier had some matchup advantage batting leadoff against those pitchers. Because I can’t think of any reason to bat him there (or at all) in the first two games. He looked lost at the plate and a shadow of the player AF loved when he was in Tampa.
I still think Robert’s makes far fewer calls than people think. He buys into the system and follows the plan. And why shouldn’t he? Dodgers win the division almost every year and have played in 3 WS since he took over as manager. But I tend to not criticize Roberts like others because I have no way of knowing which decisions are actually his. And I agree with you that people love to jump all over a strange call when it doesn’t work out, largely because a player didn’t execute. People totally forget the strange calls that actually work out. What I do know is that whatever voodoo the Dodgers have going on in the brain trust, it works. From player development all the way down to putting together the lineup.
People just like beating up on the manager. In my opinion, that’s Roberts job. To take the hits and take the criticism when things don’t work out. Yet still implement the plan.
At least that’s my take.
JC,
You are probably right. I think it’s more of a consensus than we know.
See below:
Of managers with over 1,000 games under their belt, below is the list of the winingest Field Generals in the history of the game:
Dave Robert’s .631
HOF Joe McCarthy .615
HOF Charlie Comisky .608
HOF Frank Chance .593
HOF John McGw .586
HOF Al Lopez .584
HOF Earl Weaver .583
HOF Fred Clarke .576
HOF Walker Alston .558
HOF Bobby Cox .556
And that list doesn’t include several other HOF managers whose records were compiled before the modern era (pre-1900). ALL of them had worse winning percentages than DaveRoberts.
I’m not innocent. I’ve have been a critic of Roberts. I watched in disbelief as he removed Rich Hill from game 4 of the 2018 World Series in the seventh inning. You bet I tore into him for that decision. But think about. Did Lasorda take the heat for pitching to Jack Clark in ‘85? Did Alston receive criticism for pitching Stan Williams instead of Drysdale in the 9th inning of the blown ‘62 playoff game against the Giants?
We always remember the managerial decisions that didn’t work out.
Truth is Roberts has been handed some of the greatest Dodger rosters ever. He has also won with them. It is unfair to attack him for only one World Series title because of the numerous playoff series that today’s managers have to deal with. That second name on the list, Joe McCarthy, had some of the best Yankee teams ever, and he won seven World Series Titles over 16 years. But he had no playoff layers to go through. He had one playoff series to worry about, the World Series.
Rather curious. Got some new ideas. But investigating this matter I came across some sensational website where I could find complete information on this question in one place. Compacom.com offers not only one personal opinion but the chance to compare various authors, experts and companies and provides arguments so that you could choose the one close to you.
Here’s my take on Doc…
Game planning is a group effort, a script of when to deploy relievers, best and worst hitting and pitching matchups are discussed. Which bullpens guys to stay away from, etc. They develop a script for the game, but the dynamics of the game don’t always put you in the best position for the script. Most of this is a team effort, but he has the authority to deviate from the script.
He’s billed as a great communicator, I call shenanigans! I watch most interviews and he speaks like a politician. A bunch of word salad with no meat. There are records of his miscommunication on the field, most famously, Rich Hill walking off the mound assuming Doc was gonna pull him and he’s done this more than once.
He does heard the cats. I don’t hear about players complaining about the position they should be playing, or where they should be batting. But, at the same time, his best power threat bats lead-off which might not be ideal. Why did it take over two months to switch Freddie and Trea when it was obvious to most before the season started? Why was Muncy batting 4th 100 games in row while hitting less than his weight?
His in game managing sucks, especially with the NL rules. He plays the percentages way too often instead of riding the hot hand. He often walks into ambushes set by more forward thinking managers negating his move to try to get a platoon advantage. He’s not particularly adept at replay challenges either.
Now that the game is dumbed down to AL rules, he’s not as exposed as he used to be. Very seldom do we see a loogy come in and walk a lefty just to be pulled for another cold pitcher, or the obligatory double switch that often leads to a pitcher batting in the middle of the order when games go into extras.
All in all, he manages elite teams to elite records most of the time during the regular season. He’ll sacrifice a game sometimes in order to not strain players, which is a good thing. But, his resources outweigh his talent and he does what the bosses want him to do. It’s a slow road, and I hope he’s improving, but like Kenley, he chokes at the most inopportune times.
We are in a trend where the front office thinks they know better than people that have played the game their entire lives. Like most trends, this will eventually work itself out and smart managers will take the information from the front office and apply it to the game with autonomy. The smart managers will be trusted to make a call on the field by judging what he sees, not solely from what he reads and we’ll see very smart former ballplayers manage teams again and will do so by proving they can manage in the minor leagues. Not some dumb experiment where guys with no managing experience whatsoever get to learn on the job.
Everyone evolves. AF evolves. I can remember all the narratives about how he’ll never spend money on a reliever, then he does. He won’t go over the cap, then he does. He won’t sign a top line pitcher, then he does. Maybe AF will admit that a game can’t be planned ahead of time and realize that he needs a manager that is more of a strategist and less of a baby sitter. Until then, we’re stuck with Doc and all the excuses about how it wasn’t his fault that we lost to a wildcard them that won 20 less games during the regular season.
There is exactly one stat to judge a manager by and it’s a horrible stat. Torre was only good with the Yankees. Mattingly was only good with the Dodgers. La Russa was both good and bad with the Cards and A’s and now the ChiSox. Maddon was good with Cubs, sucked with the Angels. Bochy has a losing record and 3 rings!
You can say there’s no stat that says Roberts is bad, but there’s no stat that says he’s good either.
The best manager we’ve ever had was Tommy. He lost 2 as an underdog and won 2 and a gold medal as an underdog.
Yes, you have to play more series against good teams to win it all, now more than ever. But, when you have the best team more often than not, you should come up with more than 1 in 6 tries.
Besides all that, I heard somewhere he’s pretty dangerous in command of a golf cart……
If you can even call it command.
You can’t have it both ways:
Why did it take over two months to switch Freddie and Trea when it was obvious to most before the season started? Why was Muncy batting 4th 100 games in a row while hitting less than his weight?
It was most likely the consensus of the brass.
You can’t have it both ways. If it’s a consensus of the brass, then he doesn’t own that lofty record.
10:15 PM ET
Dodgers (98-44)
Giants (69-74)
SP Dustin May R
1-2 4.29 ERA 21IP 11BB 21K
SP Logan Webb R
13-8 2.88 ERA 178IP 46BB 149K
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-night
0% Rain
57° Wind 11 mph Out
Friday Dodger Minor League Schedule
4:05 p.m. PT: Great Lakes (Kendall Williams) vs. Lake County (Aaron Davenport)
5:05 p.m.: Tulsa (Nick Nastrini) vs. Springfield (Kyle Leahy)
6:05 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Jon Duplantier) at Albuquerque (Karl Kauffmann)
David Vassegh
@THEREAL_DV
#Bazooka Brusdar Graterol had a good bullpen session. Graterol said he threw all of his pitches in today’s session and is anxious to return. #Dodgers
Yency – His pitches were “Coming out hot” 25 pitches
Treinen – “Normal, clean, stuff was good.” Will face hitters in the upcoming days
Brusdar – “Really good, same as Treinen”
Gonsolin – “Pen was encouraging, velocity ticked up”
Price – “Also threw a pen, but didn’t see it”
All Doc quotes.
One thing is certainly strange is that Dodgers have always had the talent to pick out the best talent as proven by all the rookies of the years they’ve had through the past and several GMs. Almost like a secrete formula for picking and that secrete is passed down to the next GM and to him only and so on. And how they’ve taken players that failed for other franchises that become star players for the Dodgers. It doesn’t happen with every player who comes to this club but it happens more than double than with any other team. It would seem that other teams would get nearer to achieve such but Dodgers stand on top and have for many years. I’m proud of this but can’t claim to understand it.
That catch by Joey Gallo is one of the most difficult for a left fielder to make… especially a LH one. Gallo is (by far) the best defensive LFer on the Dodgers… probably in baseball.
Gold Glove last year in RF.
He surprises me with his positioning and reads off contact. For a big, not especially speedy guy, he does get it done. CT no slouch either.
You see that? I criticize a couple plays Gallo made at the wall a few games ago–and then he makes that fantastic catch.
Let the record show that Freddie got hot only after I noted that his production was subpar.
Clearly I need to criticize Belli more often.
B & P and Jayne Cobb got me to thinking even more. B&P said this: “Why did it take over two months to switch Freddie and Trea when it was obvious to most before the season started? Why was Muncy batting 4th 100 games in a row while hitting less than his weight?”
I think those kinds of decisions are made by the “Braintrust.” Dave Roberts is their spokesman. I think a lot of the blame we might place on Doc is signed off by the Braintrust!
I guess some people will call him a puppet, but I think this stuff is pretty standard. Last year, the Cardinals fired Mike Shildt for reasons that are not entirely clear, but it was along the lines that he was not taking advice from the Front Office. They were not on the same page. A lot of what you blame on Doc is really a collaboration…
Yankees with Steinbrenner were the best ‘meddling from upstairs’ drama back in the day. At least George S. sounded off publicly & took his shots.
Nowadays it’s a ‘braintrust’ and we have to guess just who that is. Kinda miss the old upfront, barking owners. Took the heat off the manager and his coaches.
Same for Charlie Montoyo
…and that’s why the shift must be banned!
Wow Mark, you were spot on with the “Apple Sucking TV” comment. Listening to this trio is kind of like being at the ballpark and having three people sitting behind you that know nothing about the game talking about it incessantly.
Yeah, and they keep going on about how special the Cardinals and Guardians are. I muted it. Watching with no volume at all.
In the first game that was televised this year, they had some lady that sounded like she’s never seen a baseball game in her life. How the F did she get this gig? Wouldn’t knowing baseball be one of the top requirements? Kinda like, game management for a manager? Maybe some prior experience might be helpful. 😉 That was for Mark.
I really don’t care much about the Dave Roberts discussion. Watching the Dodger pitching staff the past few years, I think the coach producing the most positive results on the field is Mark Prior! IMO, he is the most important field management asset they have. Please don’t let him get away!!
Worst Dodger broadcast ever. That group just sucks. Pence is a self serving blabbermouth who adds zip to the game. I did not enjoy it at all. Problem is, they have the Dodgers-Cardinals game next Friday also.
Loved May’s dominant performance.
He had seemed a bit shaky before today. I was thinking the best young gun in playoffs would be the Braves’ Spencer Strider, but May can be right up there. The Dodgers’ rotation suddenly seems much stronger.
From what I’ve read the crowded playoff schedule may require a 5-man rotation. Urias, Kershaw, May and Anderson all seem ready. Getting Gonsolin back would be great….
I wonder how Baseball America compiles its rankings. Is there a survey of coaches and players or just the consensus of some baseball scribes? While Freddie having a fine season, I don’t see how he’s ranked as a better hitter this season over Goldschmidt and Judge. Personally, I find Mookie much more exciting than Trea, but whatever.
I have no idea whether Roberts alone of the “brain trust” makes out the lineup. What I don’t understand today is why Vargas wasn’t in the lineup somewhere. Doesn’t he need more of an opportunity to show what he can do?
Freddie’s ranking was for the NL only, so they are not ranking him higher than Judge. Goldy is having his career year, but insofar as a “pure hitter,” it is pretty hard to beat Freddie.
I’ve never had a big problem with Roberts as a manager–except for leaving Kershaw in to pitch that time against the Nationals. But I thought Roberts was a big improvement over Mattingly and am so glad “Donnie Baseball” is being mediocre in Florida.
And I want to think that Roberts is a big reason why the Dodgers have made the stolen base such a weapon this season at a time when many teams shun the tactic.
Roberts, of course, made it to the majors because of his speed and baserunning prowess more than anything else. Mattingly practically had zero running game at all. Sure, Roberts has faster players but speed is just one factor.
Today the Dodgers obviously knew they could exploit the battery of Webb and Bart. Gallo, Belli and Trea all stole on those guys, and Belli added another against a reliever.
Stats show the Dodgers are both the best hitting team and the best pitching team. And no team is stealing bases more often and effectively. (One team, as I recall it, has a slightly higher success rate–but not nearly as many total steals.)
It’s hard to quantify, but I think a pitcher who is nervous about baserunners is more likely to rush and more likely to miss his spots, and thus the offense gets a little extra boost just from that.
When the brain trust is plotting strategy, I strongly suspect that Roberts a prime advocate for the running game.