In 2004, the first season under new owner Frank McCourt, the Dodgers won their first division title in 8 years. The 1995 Dodgers won the division after the strike was over in a shortened season. But they were ousted out of the playoffs in the NLDS. The new GM was Paul DePodesta, a strong advocate of analytics when teams were just starting to use that kind of data. He traded away LA’s starting catcher at the deadline for a 1st baseman, Hee-Seop Choi, a minor leaguer, and Brad Penny. The minor leaguer was packaged with a couple of other players for Arizona’s Steve Finley. LA would win the division on the last day of the season on a dramatic walk-off grand slam by Finley. When DePodesta could not deliver the same success in 2005, he was fired and replaced by Ned Colletti. Colletti navigated the Dodgers through some tough seasons until McCourt was forced to sell the team in 2012. He did manage to get his teams into the playoffs in 2006, 2008, and 2009. He made a lot of free agent signings; some worked, and a couple were dismal failures, Jason Schmidt and Andruw Jones. But McCourt’s messy divorce and money problems finally the forced bankruptcy of the team, kept the team from continued success.
One thing the Dodgers did do was build a pretty solid minor league system under farm director Logan White. Although most fans, who were at this point, pretty disgusted with the product on the field and McCourt’s continual raising ticket and concession prices. So, when MLB assigned an overseer to the team to monitor finances, the fans hoped whoever the new owners were, that they would commit to making the team a consistent winner. In March of 2012, their prayers were answered. The Guggenheim Partners bought the team for a record 2 billion dollars, and McCourt was history. The first season was a feeling-out process. They made ” The Trade ” in August of that season, sending five players to the Red Sox for Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Nick Punto, and Carl Crawford. Gonzalez was a big part of the deal since ownership realized that having a Hispanic star on the team would bring many of those fans back to the ballpark. The first thing was to build trust in the new ownership. One of the new owners, Magic Johnson, announced that ownership would make sure the team was competitive year after year.
The Dodgers finished second in 2012. They would not finish out of first for the next eight years. 2013 was a transitional season as the new owners began putting their imprint on the team. Matt Kemp was returning from injury, and his production was way down. Hanley Ramirez was, by all accounts, the best hitter on the team. Ethier took over in center for Kemp, Yasiel Puig was the RF, and Crawford was in left when not injured. Ramirez and Puig were the only .300 hitters on the team, but Gonzalez, the so-called butter and eggs man, drove in 100 runs in his first full season as a Dodger. They won the division, but when Ramirez had his ribs broken by a Joe Kelly pitch, they were promptly knocked out of the playoffs by the Cardinals.
Over the course of that season, more than 30 players who at some time appeared for LA were 30 or older. Clearly, the team needed an infusion of youth. Unbeknownst to Dodger fans at the time, help was on the way. 2014 saw a resurgence of Matt Kemp. Although not the beast mode Kemp, he had a solid rebound from 2013. Gonzalez again drove in over 100 runs. The offense was pretty evenly spread out. Kershaw had his first 20-win season, and Greinke and Ryu were his cohorts. Dan Haren contributed 13 wins. Jansen saved 44 games. This time they were bounced out of the playoffs in the NLDS. Colletti was still the GM, but that winter, ownership went out and hired Andrew Friedman away from the Rays. Fans did not realize it at the time, but change was coming, and it was going to be fast and furious.
After some small moves prior to the meetings, Friedman turned up the heat and sent Kemp to the Padres basically for Yasmani Grandal, then he made a 7-player trade with the Marlins, sending speedster Dee Gordon and Haren away for Barnes, Hernandez, Hatcher, and Andrew Heaney, who he promptly swapped to the Angels for Howie Kendrick. He kept making moves, signing free agents, and tweaking the team almost the entire year. The result was another division title. They again lost in the NLDS, this time to the Mets 3-2. Kershaw gave up a homer late in the game.
Onward and upward. More change. By mutual agreement, Mattingly was let go as manager, and after a spirited search, they settled on Dave Roberts. Amazingly, for an organization that prided itself on minority hiring, Roberts became their first minority manager. By this time, I was really beginning to realize that Friedman was one of the most forward-thinking and active baseball execs I had ever seen or heard of. Of course, many of his signings and trades were head-scratching to many fans. But it is hard to argue with success. And the team just kept on winning. Even when favorites were sent packing or some injury occurred that threatened the streak. Seager, JT, Kershaw, and oh so many others went down and were replaced by players that, for some reason, just produced. But they could not end the drought. 1988. The year stuck in the craw of every Dodger fan. And frankly, the team was pretty sick of hearing about their lack of success getting to the World Series. The Giants winning three in five years did not help any.
They seemed to be missing that one piece. The 2016 loss to the Cubs in the NLCS was not fun to watch. So what would AF do to make the 2017 team better? Nothing major. He made a ton of fringe moves, bringing in players like Curtis Granderson in August. Cody Bellinger stepped in for Adrian Gonzalez and won the Rookie of the Year award. Four pitchers won in double figures. The team won 104 games and cruised to the title. They beat the Cubs with Hernandez’s three-homer game in game 5, capping the series, and they were off to the World Series for the first time since 1988. We all know what happened there. And that still sticks in the craw of all Dodger fans. 2018 was a tight race, and they ended the season tied with the Rockies. They won game 163 behind Buehler, who was lights out.
They won the NLDS 3-1 against the Braves and then had a tight series against the Brewers, winning that 4-3 and advancing to the World Series for the second year in a row. This time they met the Red Sox who simply dominated them. There was no controversy this time. 2019 saw them win 106 games. Freidman had again made some off-season moves. He sent Kemp, Puig, Farmer, and Wood to the Reds. Verdugo, Smith, Matt Beaty, and several other kids made their debuts. Smith made a big impact and had two walk-off homers during the year. Verdugo, Smith, and Beaty all hit walk-off shots in a three-game series against the Rockies. But when the playoffs arrived, the Nationals came, and with some very strong pitching, they beat LA 3-2 in the series. Back to the drawing board. AF let a couple of players go in free agency, including fan favorite Kike Hernandez.
So what to do? AF simply made the move fans had been waiting for a long time for. He traded for a bonafide game changer, Mookie Betts. He also landed lefty David Price as part of the deal and sent three players to the Sox, who agreed to pay half of Price’s salary. Then in March, all of baseball was shut down by the pandemic. No one knew if there would even be a season. No one was even sure if Betts would ever play a regular season game in Dodger blue. When it was finally decided that there was going to be a shortened season with expanded playoffs played in front of no fans, AF made a quick move and signed Betts to a 12-year extension, ensuring that Dodger fans would get to see Mookie in action.
They were clearly the best team in the majors during the regular 60-game season. They won the title easily by six games over the Padres. They beat Milwaukee two straight and moved to the NLDS, where they dispatched the Padres in three games. Will Smith became the first Dodger to record five hits in a playoff game in game 3 of that series. Against the Braves, they fell into a 2-0 hole, won by a huge margin in game 3, then fell again in game 4, going down 3-1 in games. They won game five after Will Smith hit a go-ahead 3-run shot off of Will Smith. Buehler was a master in game 6, getting a 3-1 win. Game 7 featured Ian Anderson against Dustin May as the opener. Neither would be around at the finish. The Braves went up 2-0 going into the bottom of the third. Smith drove in Muncy and Turner to tie the game.
The Braves scored in the 4th on a single by Ozuna. Some stellar defense by Mookie kept them from scoring more as a shoestring catch ended up doubling Ozuna off of third. Kike hit a pinch-hit homer in the 6th, tying the game. Instead of using his other relievers, Roberts went to Urias to pitch the 7th inning. He would stay in until the end of the game, totally shutting down the Braves hitters. Bellinger connected for a solo shot in the bottom of the 7th inning off of Chris Martin, yep, the same one who pitches for LA now, and they held on to win 4-3 and advance to the 2020 World Series.
So they now had the series win under their belts. What is next? 2021 saw more change and a huge trade at the deadline that brought them, Trea Turner and Max Scherzer. Turner took over at second and became Seager’s DP partner. But the Giants were playing better than they had in a long time. It seemed that every time LA got close, SF would win a game that everyone thought they would lose. But LA and the Giants were clearly the class of the league. The Giants won 107, the Dodgers 106, and ended up being a wild card team. They had to face the Cardinals in a one-game play-in. It was tight; it was exceedingly nerve-wracking. But when Chris Taylor hit a walk-off 2-run homer in the bottom of the 9th inning, they advanced to the NLDS to play the Giants. To me, in that entire year, this win in the NLDS was probably one of the most satisfying moments in the entire year. Then watching them lose the NLCS to the Braves was just as deflating. There was a moment of hope after game five and Taylor’s 3-homer performance. But the loss of Max Muncy on the final day of the season, the breakdown of the starting staff, and the sudden lack of offensive firepower in the series left them a bridesmaid again.
Now we are witnessing a historic season. They won’t match or beat the all-time league win record, but they will undoubtedly establish a new team high in wins. They have the league leader in BA, ERA, and the two hits leaders on the team. They have a solid, if not spectacular, bullpen. They just go out night after night and get the job done. Although they have lost some games, most think they should have not, like 5 of 6 to the Pirates; they have TOTALLY dominated the teams in their division. So, are Dodger fans spoiled? Probably. We have come to expect this kind of performance and expect it every year. No doubt there will be changes this off-season. We can all guess and wonder what AF can do to follow this historic year. Whatever he does, there will be fans who will moan and say, “what is he thinking?” There will also be fans who will like the moves. Whatever happens, sometime next spring, someone will shout, ” It’s time for Dodger baseball!” The whole thing will start all over again.
Are Dodgers fans spoiled? Is the sky blue?
We’re witnessing one of the greatest teams ever, yet people are concerned, or worried about one thing or another on a daily basis.
Another day, another win. Kershaw dominated this time with 10Ks in 6 innings. Whoa, that was a lot of hits though, I’m worried!
The bottom of the order came through again. Gallo was moved up in the order to the 6th spot and got two hits in the same game while adding a walk, 2 runs and 2 rbi along with his 18th homer. Lux had three hits, CT3 bombed a 3 run shot off the top of the fence and a fan’s chest. Even Belli pitched in with a double. I’m still worried!
The bullpen was on cruise control with perfect innings from Phillips and Kahnle until Kimbrel came in and drilled a couple of players, only to escape the jam he created with a double play ball and a pop. More worry.
Understandably so, we don’t want to blow that 9.5 game lead on the Mets for the top seed in the NL, or that 6 game lead we have on the Astros for home field advantage in the World Series.
I’m also concerned that 102 wins on pace to destroy our all time record of 106 is in jeopardy.
Can’t you see there’s so much to be worried and concerned about? We only have 6 starting pitchers and Justin Bruhil is still on the roster!
Betts, Trea, Freeman and Smith combined for just one hit! I’m worried that they used up all their hits getting to 102 and they won’t have any left for the postseason!
Gallo absolutely destroyed that ball. It hit the crossbar above the tunnel to the concessions behind the pavilion and above the walkway that is above the first rows of seats. They said it was 437 feet but it looked further. Taylor’s on the other hand just cleared that low wall in left.
https://entertainme.whatfinger.com/most-impressive-pitch-ive-ever-seen-even-the-umpire-was-getting-into-it/
I think Kimbrell should copy this guy and ditch the whole flying albatross thing.
Just keep on trucking’!!! Thanks for the recap, Bear! In my old age, I’d forgotten some of our recent history. For those of you armed with the pitchforks coming after Kimbrel….don’t waste your time. He’s gonna be on the postseason roster, maybe not closing but you better believe he will be on the roster for better or worse. Gallo haters, take a step back and also accept he will also make the roster and Vargas won’t. It would be nice to see Vargas get some more ABs but willing to accept the decision the brain trust makes that determines how much playing time he gets the rest of the season. TA and Grove today so let’s keep this mother rollin’ !!!
VIVA AZUL !!!
Thanks Blue, I aim to please.
20/20, can you clarify for me why Kimbrel is a lock for the postseason roster? I think you’re probably right, but why? We have other arms in the pen who can handle low leverage situations much better then Kimbrel. And I certainly hope the plan isn’t to use him in a high leverage situation. He seems to sandwich one decent outing around a few lousy ones. He just can’t seem to trust his 2 pitches, work ahead in counts, not nibble, and not fire non-competitive crap 2 feet off target. We could all do without his inconsistency and drama but maybe we are all just used to having a high maintenance closer in the playoffs who is an adventure?
Two reasons. As inconsistent as Kimbrel has been he’s probably worth the gamble to start an inning in the right situation during the postseason. If he’s right, he can contribute be it the 7th, 8th or 9th. If he goes like last night, we have the pieces to hopefully bail him out before he causes irreparable harm. More importantly unfortunately and I agree with, someone recently floated the theory that AF and DR egos are on the line if Kimbrel doesn’t make the postseason roster. I’m not saying he’s a lock for the entire postseason but minimum for the NLDS and maybe not even as the closer. RIP Maury.
VIVA AZUL !!!
It would be nice to somehow give Will Smith an extended blow. DH helps but he might need 2-3 consecutive games to just sit and recharge, IMHO.
Won’t happen since they are going to get 5 days off after the season ends before they even play a playoff game.
Just a fantastic write up Bear. AF and the front office he has developed has to be considered the best in baseball. He has a plan, executes the plan, and doesn’t wavier from the plan. Certainly, tweaks are made along the way to fine tune the plan as things may change. With where the Dodgers draft every year the most important improvement has been in their incredible player development not only with their prospects, but MLB players. In the first few years of AF the bullpen always seemed to be the Achilles heel of the team in the postseason. It was Kenley in his prime and a collection of ineffective relievers. As time has gone on Friedman has made the Dodger bullpen one of the best in baseball. After initially bringing in questionable relievers and watching them fail at every turn things have improved the last couple of years. Now the unknowns he adds to the bullpen have been vetted and are developed into successful bullpen pieces. I never heard of Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips, Phil Bickford, Justin Bruihl, Brusdar Graterol, or Yency Almonte. Add in known, successful relievers such as Blake Treinen, David Price, Tommy Kahnle, and Chris Martin. Their scouts and development people saw something that each of these pitchers could help the Dodgers win a championship.
Even with all the injuries to the pitching staff and the dark places where some of the hitters have lingered throughout the season I’ve never been more confident in a Dodger team to win a World Series. They have almost become Roberts proof for the postseason. The overall strength of this team is simply the best in baseball right now. Their depth is unmatched. With the leadership of Freddie and Mookie the team should stay focused and nothing will affect their journey to a championship.
They have become a fun team to watch now that the three outcome analytics has been scraped. I love the home run as much as anyone else, but to watch hit after hit, it makes the game more interesting to watch. I enjoy seeing the opposing pitcher being slowing broken down with a barrage of base hits. And, then a home run just to put an exclamation point on the situation. Also, the stolen bases and aggressive base running adds to the excitement.
Hopefully, all this continues in the postseason.
Carry on.
Thanks Ted. I appreciate it. This was one of those stories that came out of nowhere when I read so many negative comments about the team on this and other sites. Fans always think they know best. But sometimes they have tunnel vision and are focused on just one thing. Kimbrel is the center of much of that. I heard so much last night after his so so performance in the 9th. But the point still remains, they got the win. Was not a save situation, and his defense did what it was supposed to do. Bottom of the lineup did all the damage and they got the win and clinched a bye. I really dislike day-night doubleheaders. Makes for a very long day at the park for the team.
The 72 mph curve is in rare form this season. It’s freaking amazing what his location’s like now. Who cares about big heat?
Maddox had nothing on Kersh.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ciu4FkiA5qV/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Great, great, great info here:
http://dodgersdigest.com/2022/09/15/dodgers-prospect-notes-payton-martin-josue-depaula-ifas-at-instructs-linked-to-2023-ifa-headliner/
DePaula and Payton Martin both were mentioned on a recent Baseball America podcast.
3:10 PM ET First Game
Diamondbacks (68-79)
Dodgers (102-44)
SP Zach Davies R
2-4 4.06 ERA 122.0IP 43BB 93K
SP Michael Grove R
0-0 4.40 ERA 14.1 IP 6BB 11K
Confirmed Lineup
SS Trea Turner R
1B F. Freeman L
3B J. Turner R
RF Joey Gallo L
CF T. Thompson R
2B Chris Taylor R
DH Gavin Lux L
LF M. Vargas R
C A. Barnes R
Clear-day
0% Rain
80° Wind 7 mph Out
Tuesday Dodger Minor League Schedule
5:05 p.m. PT: Tulsa at Wichita (Twins), Division Series Game 1
5:35 p.m.: Oklahoma City at El Paso (Padres)
Tuesday schedule
5:05 p.m. PT: Tulsa (Nick Frasso) at Wichita (Brent Headrick)
5:35 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Gavin Stone) at El Paso (TBD)
09/20/22 Los Angeles Dodgers activated LHP Tyler Anderson from the paternity list.
09/20/22 Los Angeles Dodgers optioned RHP Andre Jackson to Oklahoma City Dodgers.
09/20/22 Los Angeles Dodgers recalled RHP Ryan Pepiot from Oklahoma City Dodgers.
* How good is it to see where CK is at right now. I just hope he can stay healthy for the duration.
* Doc is certainly managing the pen differently than we can expect in the playoffs. Lots more rope. Vesia would have gotten the hook. Jackson shows me nothing and needs more seasoning and maybe a new venue.
* There was a play on a potential double play ground ball with a runner on 1st. The TT throw to Lux was a shade low and his relay throw on the pivot was ruled a shade late to Freddie. No double play.
Here is a fan’s view and review (and Orel’s take) of the play: great effort and an exciting effort. Super try with the throw being just late. Good baseball by the middle infield.
Here’s a coach’s view of the same play: middle infielders in this age all , grew up with the slide rules protecting them to the point where they never have to learn how to clear from a sliding runner and make a proper pivot at 2nd. Lux generally has 2 pivots; one where he stands in the baseline and throws over the runner. The other he will semi-drop step toward left field to make the throw with no step. It’s all arm. In neither case does he move his feet, step into his throw and get much on the throw.
There are 5 potential pivots at 2nd by the second baseman that I taught and all but about 2 are unnecessary with today’s protection rules. Players don’t need to learn them. Back in the day you crossed over or drop-stepped, adjusting your pivot footwork to not be predictable and based on the speed of the grounder, and the direction, velocity and length of the initial feed from the SS or third baseman. A longer initial feed demanded a cross-over to cut down the distance of the throw. Coming to the throw cuts 3 or 4 feet off the throw and that’s a step at first. You just almost never see such adjustments anymore.
If Lux crosses the bag on that feed, he cuts down the distance to the feed for one, he can step across with his left heal (always) on the bag, plant his right foot and step into a sidearm threw to Freddie. He gets something on his throw and gets the runner at 1st. I never see cross-over pivots anymore. Everybody wants to drop-step or no step. It’s a lost art.
RIP Maury Wills (1932-2022) and in 2010 voted as one of the top five Dodger players by LA Times readers. 1962 NL MVP. Played fourteen seasons in Dodger Blue.
Dodgers will wear a uniform patch the rest of the season to honor him.
12 years with the Dodgers, 14 over all. RIP Maury.
One of my heroes. MVP in ’62 and changed the game, paving the way for Brock, Henderson, Coleman. He and Sandy made me a spoiled Dodgers fan for life…
And as a Spoiled Dodgers Fan, I’d like to make a humble request of mlb.com.
Don’t just show the game highlights. Show the lowlights too.
Dodgers beat themselves in this second game with four errors. (Seems odd that a pitcher can lower his ERA while making two errors that lead to three runs.)
Even Mookie made an error–but he also make another spectacular catch.
Nice comeback in the first game though.
Trayce delivered in a key moment. Again. And Vargas did…for the first time? And Barnes (who is occasionally maligned by us SDFs) raised his OPS to a solid .750, which I’m sure is better than most starting catchers around the majors. Is there a better tandem than Smith and Barnes?
Good story about Bobby Bragan at Spokane getting Maury to work on switchhitting and hit from left side and gain that extra step to first. Wow did that ever pay off!
Willie Davis and Maury were weaponizing the run game at a time when SB’s were hardly a big deal. In his 104 year he stole 44 in last 44 games. That stretch alone (44 steals) was more than any player in an entire season in over 30 years. I dug his game. RIP Mr Wills #30.
https://apple.news/At7W7ecghSaOleZAGWiClzQ
Maury’s 104 steals in 1962 topped Cobb’s record of 96 set way back in 1915. Maury’s record gave Brock a target, and he in turn gave one to Henderson.
I’ve always regarded Maury as a HOF-worthy player. He achieved greatness in his MVP year and changed the game. Five all-star selections, two Gold Gloves. Didn’t reach the majors until he was 27, which reduced his ability to pile up the stats.
There are quite a few players in the Hall who were very good for a long time, but never attained a period of greatness.
For the same reason, my all-time Dodgers rotation includes Fernando and Hershiser, but not Sutton. Koufax, Drysdale and Kershaw round it out.
If Maz is there, Maury should be too.
Think that throw to Lux was from Muncy at third, if I’m not mistaken. Was a nice play, as was that play where Lux tossed to TT for force at second and then to Max to tag runner out at third.
Yeah, Bobo, you are right. My bad. But it doesn’t really matter or change my point about Lux’s turn. And it’s not just Lux. It’s the way the game is taught now days. Or not.
Am I in a timeout? I posted something earlier with a link on it and it showed it was there and now it’s not there.
Ditto.
Ditto
Phil you are right, your evaluation and point stands. Dodgers are doing a lot right, and when they do we see the positive results.
Taking shortcuts and inefficient play have expected results too.
We saw that on the play you referred to.
The little things when done right pay off.
I think perhaps you have made that point a few times regarding using the bunt. Barnes effectively used it a few days ago.
Great recap Bear. I agree 100% and you said all that better than I ever could. We are lucky to be Dodger fans.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Kersh last night. I mentioned yesterday and Kersh reminds me of Maddox late in his career with the Braves. Goes right after hitters. His curveball still had an amazing bite. But his fastball and slider are nothing special by most measures. That is unless you’re Kershaw and know exactly when and where to place it, seemingly every time. He still goes right after hitters. Which isn’t rare in the big leagues; if you throw 98. It certainly is when you throw 91. 10 strikeouts and 0 walks. First pitch strike after first pitch strike. His ability to be deceptive with his delivery is not matched by any pitcher I’ve ever seen. I hope people appreciate what we’re watching right now. Kersh will never get to 300 wins or 4000 strikeouts. Nobody will again. But he is the greatest pitcher I’ve ever seen. And I’d argue possibly the greatest ever.
Thank you my friend
Fine wine.
This is a special year for CK. He is so dialed in. I yap about the location and the curve to casual fans. Tell them to watch – it’s deceptively skillful and yet rarely emulated.
Many times when you post links to articles, the Word Press Program puts the comment in moderation (to make sure you are not posting any “nasty” stuff). I was gone all day, so I could ot let them out of moderation.
They are Free at Last!
A couple interesting Kershaw Stats.
3rd all time in WHIP. The only two ahead of him haven’t pitched in over 100 years.
3rd lowest opponent BA. Two guys ahead of him are named Ryan and Koufax.
20th all time in ERA. There doesn’t exist a color photograph of any player ahead of him (all dead ball era). The first modern era pitcher besides Kersh is #45. Whitey Ford.
I’m sure I could find plenty more examples with a little work.
We need to win this year for Vin. And Kersh.
Whitey Ford aka ‘Scuffy’. Just sayin.
And Maury
That was a pretty good throw by Vargas… the only problem was that it hit the runner right in the Mellon!
I agree. It was a good throw and effort on the play. Can’t help when a runner collides with the ball on a play like that.
Game 1 has the feel of a throw-away game to me. Some say games of this sort are meaningless. I disagree. I think throw-away games are very unhealthy to a team who’s been playing hot for the most part and is like a rally kill. It’s best not to taste lackadaisical mode just for that opportunity. It’s like jump starting a slump. Or at least could be.
That’s all better now!
I can’t believe we won that game.
Maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised ?
Tun Tun Tun
Another one bites the dust!
Tun tun Tun
Another one bites the dust!
Yeah, that was a really fun ending.
If Kahnle continues to pitch good and the important pitchers get healthy and return, this will be a very good pitching staff for the playoffs. If the right guys are chosen. Apparently Gonsolin is not going to be a starter he’ll be a reliever.
Starters: Kershaw, Urias, Anderson, May
Bullpen: Treinen, Phillips, Martin, Almonte, Ferguson, Vesia, Kahnle, Gonsolin
1 spot left. Perhaps someone that could eat innings in any blowout games.
Sorry Eric, Kimbrel is making the post season roster
10:10 PM ET Game 2
Diamondbacks (68-80)
Dodgers (103-44)
SP Drey Jameson R
1-0 .00 ERA 7.0IP 1BB 5K
SP Tyler Anderson L
15-3 2.62 ERA 161.2IP 32BB 119K
Confirmed Lineup
RF Mookie Betts R
SS Trea Turner R
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
3B Max Muncy L
DH J. Turner R
2B Gavin Lux L
LF Chris Taylor R
CF C. Bellinger L
Clear-night
0% Rain
73° Wind 8 mph Out
It would be great to get number 104 tonight and be 60 games over 500. I’m also sort of hoping we get to 114 that would give us a .700 winning percentage for the season. Pretty awesome.
Used to be we hit 95 wins and all’s well. We’re getting to a whole other level of 100+ in this run of years. Crazy.
Michael – thanks for another interesting article – easy to forget how close we have come on several occasions.
Can’t believe it’s 10 years since Puig’s arrival on the scene. Scary how quickly time goes by.
Long day today. Watched the first half of the first one, went to bed, and watched the second half of the second one.
Apart from one bad innings, Anderson pitched well. Good to see Max hit one out, and what a catch from Mookie. Well worth a look.
Let’s hope Dustin May continues his upward trajectory tonight.
Thanks Watford. I love this kind of stuff. Puig is doing well in the KBO. I loved watching him play. I wish they had concentrated on his attitude more and had a mentor after Uribe left. Sloppy games today, they got lucky in game one, but the bats could not get the job done in the second game. They are still 5.5 games ahead of Houston for the best overall record and 8 up on the Mets for the best record in the NL. Bumgarner-May tonight. Gallen-Urias on Thursday. Means Kersh will open the series with the Cardinals.