Seemingly every year, the Dodgers induct a player or two into their Legends of Dodger baseball. When they do, the player gets a bobblehead. Newcombe, Garvey, Valenzuela, Gibson, and Wills have all been so honored. This year they will be joined by Manny Mota and Orel Hershiser. While I think these are great promotions for the fans, I think they fall way short of actually being legendary.
Kirk Gibson spent three years with the Dodgers. In his first season, he was the MVP, and then he hit a homer in the World Series that was historic. But beyond that one shinning season, Kirk was not as productive as a player of his stature should have been. A bobblehead celebrating the homer was also issued; that should have been enough.
How can you honor a guy who spent 3 years with the team and totally dis a player who spent his entire career with the club? I am speaking of Jim Gilliam. There was supposed to be a Gilliam bobblehead in August of 2018. But then the Dodgers traded for Manny Machado and gave away one of him instead. To this point, they have never issued a Gilliam, and it is not even on the radar. Other than Duke Snider, Gil Hodges, and Newcombe, they have basically ignored the real legends of Dodger baseball.
They have done statuettes of Robinson, but no bobbleheads. They did a statue of Newk, Campy, and Jackie. They did a bobblehead of Campy being wheeled out at the coliseum with Pee Wee. But neither has been honored with their own bobble. They did honor Hodges a second time when he was elected to the Hall of Fame. But no Dazzy Vance, or Zack Wheat. No Carl Furillo. The bobbles quite literally celebrate the players who have played in LA, but not Brooklyn. And a huge portion of the team’s history is there.
Some will probably think it is just sour grapes on my part, and maybe it is. But as a history buff, I think you honor the pioneers before you honor players who played very little in the Dodger uni. I mean, “c’mon man, Trea Turner even got a bobblehead!”
Hershiser’s election has more to do with his scoreless innings streak than anything else and Mota mostly for his record-setting pinch hits. But at least they spent more than 10 years with the team. This year Kershaw will get another bobblehead. It will be maybe his tenth. Well deserved and he will most likely have at least a couple more. One when he goes into the hall, and another when they induct him into the Legends of Dodger baseball and retire #22.
I enjoy the bobbleheads I do have. But the only legends ones I have are Garvey and Newcombe. I would love to see the Dodgers do some for the players from Brooklyn who were a huge part of that teams success and history. Gilliam definitely deserves to be honored.
Junior deserves to have a bobblehead – in fact, it should be investigated like a crime that he doesn’t!
Kirk Gibson gets it just on one HR- the Greatest in MLB History!
I have three bobbleheads:
1. Tommy
2. Julio (got it on his bobblehead night)
3. Cody (Bear gave it to me… twice!)
Observations from last night’s game.
1. Mookie loves to play SS – let him stay there. He’s better than Rojas and Taylor combined. Don’t get another SS. Get another Outfielder!
2. If J-Hey can hit .260 and play his stellar defense in RF, he will be an asset.
3. I really don’t understand why Feduccia is not on the team!
4. Why are so many players hitting so poorly? OK, Vargas has an injury that prevents him from gripping the bat properly (which really makes it really dumb to compare him to anyone), but Thompson, Barnes, Peralta and Taylor… even Mookie… Why?
5. Will Smith will need a few games to get his stroke back.
6. Dustin May gives up too many walks and steals.
7. Alex Vesia is a shell of himself.
The base stealers are targeting Barnes. He’s got the lowest caught stealing % in the league…………..and the lowest batting average.
What makes you think the CS is on Barnes?
He’s the one that left the door open where the horses slept?
Usually more about the pitchers than the catcher. But I assume the Dodgers are tracking his “pop” and the velocity of his throws.
Just heard that old friend Conner Wong has thrown out 6 out of 11. Best in the majors.
I’d like to see Feduccia come up too.
It’s not Barnes it’s the pitchers. They can’t hold anyone for the most part and whomever is behind the plate has no chance.
1. So what outfielder should LA target in a trade or bring up from the farm?
3. Apparently AF and the brass don’t think he’s good enough for the majors.
4. Baffled too. I hate to think the team’s hitting coaches are failures. But something needs fixing.
6. May has great stuff, but needs to “think” better on the mound. Just needs more experience.
7. The (so far) bad bullpen is totally unexpected.
Nice to have you back Bear. Agree 100%. We have a rich and proud tradition of Dodger baseball. Owners should honor it more. Nice to see Vargas finally hit one out. Better times are coming for him. As you said Mark, let’s see how Outman responds to a bad stretch. When May throws his curve for strikes he’s gonna be elite. Trust your force Dustin
Thanks Cassidy. Getting home is always nice. Could not watch the game as it was on Apple plus. I do not have that app on my TV. But nice comeback win. May was in trouble a lot and made a ton of pitches, but he gutted it out and got the win. Only Vesia from the pen gave up anything.
104 pitches to go 5. That’s just too much work for only 5.
I’m fine with Mookie at short for the time being I suppose. If he really likes it, and settles in, could he stay there for a few years?
5 more bullpen arms used. We sure are working that group hard. And, Vesia doesn’t look right. 2 strikeouts is the good news. The rest of that line stunk.
I might have been wrong about Heyward. He’s barreling the ball. Sure hope he keeps it up.
Get another outfielder? Where? From the Wynns bin? I don’t think we really need one. We need Thompson and Peralta to hit .250. Remember when hitting .250 sucked?
Kris Bryant sure makes a lot of sense. Plays outfield and 3rd or first. Why not? Kershaw pitching tonight, let him Dh for Barnes! He makes contact!!!
Even if the Rockies put him on the market, that contract and the fact that the Dodgers play in the same division mean there is zero chance he comes to LA.
The Rox might be happy to dump that contract right now and wouldn’t care if he stayed in the division, BUT the contract is a major overpay and Bryant spends half of every season on the IL.
No thanks.
I don’t want him but Colorado traded Arenado and also paid much of his salary. There is precedent. Dodgers get Bryant, millions and millions of dollars and Rockies get Taylor. Like I said, I don’t want Bryant.
Instead idea Bum. Would Colorado want Taylor? He does have utility value.
Bryant (in his nine years in the league), has averaged 105 games a year!
That’s not good.
But what is good is his average WAR.
I’m not saying I would like this move to be made. I’ve been clear what it is I think. But we could do worse. And if Colorado were picking up half his salary? I’d rather do Bryant than JD.
Better yet get Bumgarner to DH for Barnes and do mop up duty and pinch hit during late innings.
Muncy and Bumgarner would make great teammates.
Neen DH for CT3 also.
Vesia should be sent down today. He needs to get right and the BP needs a fresh arm.
Not sure that transaction occurs or who might be called up. Perhaps a “phantom injury” is discovered allowing Bruhil to be called up but he doesn’t necessarily inspire me with much confidence.
Feduccia needs to be on the big club now.
Vesia has 2 options remaining and should be put on the IL if injured or sent to the minors to correct the issues he’s having. What are Dodgers waiting for?
Christmas in July. The deadline.
I think they are waiting for him to work out whatever kinks exist in his hose. I don’t believe he’s injured, but what do I know.
Kris Bryant? He’s past his prime and is owed a lot of money and his defense isn’t all that, but, interesting idea. I got another idea, Vargas at third, Rojas at short (that’s why he’s here) , Betts at second and Muncy at DH. Move everybody around in a musical chairs cavalcade because player spillikins is what the Dodgers like to do, this year more than any I can remember.
A famous person, one who admittedly has never received a bobblehead, once said a car tire snags all hoses.
I think that was me.
Maybe not.
Maybe bear, but worth a try! Maybe if the angels drop further down in the standings, hunter renfro might be a name, ain’t like he hadn’t been traded before!!!
Renfroe has some serious pop in that bat.
He is and it would be awesome if he could be a Dodger.He played at my alma mater,Ms State University.
Gilliam doesn’t have a bobblehead but he does have his uniform retired and his number on the outfield wall. As I remember when the oldtimers played the first so many fans to arrive got 8 x 10 photos. That was their bobblehead night. Let’s move on.
Bobbleheads aren’t a reward for performance, they’re a promotional giveaway to make money. Gilliam don’t need no bobblehead. Stop already.
Nope, not going to. I was pissed when they changed to Machado in the first place. Gilliam is Dodger history, Machado is a a-hole.
It appears the Dodgers have miscalculated with the bullpen by thinking Bickford, Vesia, and Almonte could be effective this season. All three will be given time to right-the-ship, but at some point we need to see new options. My vote is to have the rookies (Stone, Grove, Pepitot) audition.
Maybe. But I think it’s too early.
Nelson is rehabbing. Not sure of time frame but one of your above mentioned pitchers will be sent down when he becomes available.
It looks like Mid-May barring any setbacks.
Pepiot is a couple months away. Grove is injured and if Stone keeps it up we could see him in June or July.
Actually, it’s not a miscalculation. It’s more of a calculation.
Relievers are fickle, so every year, you should have more options than you need.
1. Jimmy Nelson is getting close.
2. Justin Bruihl has been up and will be up again.
3. JP Feyereisen will allegedly be already by August
4. Daniel Hudson should be ready at the end of May
5. Alex Reyes is allegedly going to be ready sometime after the All-Star Break
That doesn’t even mention several other Minor Leaguers who could be pressed into service.
Hopefully Hudson will be back for the 2nd half. I can see Caleb, Phillips, Hudson, and Nelson being an effective group to cover 4 innings in a tight game.
Honestly, I am not a fan of Brusdar, sometimes he reminds me of Antonio Osuna the way he gets hit. MLB hitters don’t have a hard time hitting his 100 mph fastballs when they’re down the middle.
Bazooka is a young guy. He is learning and growing. The guy you saw last year is not the one that is here this year.
Friday scores
Oklahoma City vs. Sacramento, postponed
Arkansas 4, Tulsa 3 (Game 1)
Arkansas 3, Tulsa 2 (Game 2)
Great Lakes at Fort Wayne, postponed
Rancho Cucamonga 6, Inland Empire 2
Saturday schedule
9:05 a.m. PT: Great Lakes (Adolfo Ramirez, TBD) at Fort Wayne (Ryan Bergert, TBD), doubleheader
5:05 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Bobby Miller) vs. Sacramento (TBD)
5:05 p.m.: Tulsa (Landon Knack) at Arkansas (Bryan Woo)
6:35 p.m.: Rancho Cucamonga (Payton Martin) at Inland Empire (Leonard Garcia)
Given that the Dodgers are flawed one might think San Diego with all their awesome offense would be running away.
Here is their lineup for today’s game:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aGRAiKUtTMwZL5T58mNA6u6XgLSfG8VqnC7dCCkzDTE/edit?usp=sharing
That link is now open.
Congrats to the Lakers on their win over the Griz. Lebron showed that he is still the biggest jerk around and left the court without shaking hands with the losers. Great to see the Legendary Jack Nicholson at the game courtside once more.
“The Grizzlies had just talked way too much and they now have egg on their face. Their season has ended in embarrassing fashion and you wonder what kind of carry-on effect it might have on this roster moving forward”
Memphis was mouthy. “No respect given. None earned. On to the next.”
Sh*t was personal.
Yep. Lebron gets to do more than dribble the ball. He gets to express himself.
Bron put the so-so Lakers on his back a month ago and got them playing hard & smart. He’s a leader – a Bull to put you over the top. I’m still surprised how far they’ve come. With luck and hard D the ring is there for the taking.
Shout out to Jack. Lucky charm.
D. May throws his breaking pitches nicely, within an inch of the strike box but for some reason hitters aren’t going after that very attractive looking bait
In this league if it’s within an inch it’s a strike. If it is 1” inside the box it’s a ball, unless it isn’t. When asked about what exactly a strike is in this league MLB umpire Angel Hernandez responded “whatever I say it is”. When told most surveys have him and CB Buckner as the worst umps in baseball Angel said “I’m a lot worse than him.” When told most fans believe ML batters have a much better eye of the strike zone than ML umpires he said “apples and oranges”
Ok I’m done.
As for why those guys didn’t bite on pitches out of the strike zone I’d say “plate discipline”.
Discipline of all batters in all games ???
I don’t think so, there must be some reason why they don’t chase those pitches.
You’re not buying the fact they are not strikes so they don’t swing at them?
How about this: they know that BABIP on those pitches is .150
What’s your explanation?
Speaking of out of the zone, I’m always amazed at how many swings and misses that Kersh gets with his slider down and in to righties. One of the greatest pitches in baseball history.
9:10 PM ET
Cardinals (10-17)
Dodgers (14-13)
SPJ. Montgomery L
2-3 3.81 ERA 28.1IP 25
SP Clayton Kershaw L
4-1 2.32 ERA 31IP 32K
Confirmed Lineup
RF Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
DH Will Smith R
SS Chris Taylor R
3B Max Muncy L
2B M. Vargas R
CF James Outman L
LF T. Thompson R
C A. Barnes R
Clear-day
0% Rain
71° Wind 9 mph Out
David Vassegh
@THEREAL_DV
Walker Buehler is at Dodger Stadium today and was throwing from 150 feet. #Dodgers
David Vassegh
@THEREAL_DV
Dave Roberts sticking with plan he laid out yesterday to have Will Smith catch tomorrow #Dodgers
I’m at 140 and moving toward 130. I’m counting roll.
I’m at 30 moving toward 15.
I can still throw 75 mph. It’s out the window on the interstate.
Smith. Bad idea.
Walker? 150’. That’s good. Take your time.
That link is now open to whomever has it.
Given that the Dodgers are flawed one might think San Diego with all their awesome offense would be running away.
Here is their lineup for today’s game:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aGRAiKUtTMwZL5T58mNA6u6XgLSfG8VqnC7dCCkzDTE/edit?usp=sharing
*whoever
A lot of home runs being hit in Mexico City.
I put that game on, and within 15 min I think I saw SD hit 5 home runs.
Nice at-bat by James Outman. He’s adjusting… against a Lefty, at that!
Taylor – ugh. 3Ks in 3 AB against a lefty. The first with 2 on and 1 out.
I know they have to try to get Thompson at bats. But but Heyward deserved another start after his 2 hit night plus his Great defense he’s been playing.
Taylor is downright unwatchable when he is at the plate.
See, 3 games is not a slump.
Kershaw says I got another 10 years in me. lol
Thompson is the only outfield RHB other than Betts and Taylor. And Thompson sucks against LHP. I talked about this in the off-season and I don’t know why there’s not an outfielder other than Betts, Taylor and Outman on the team that hits LHP.
If Thompson can’t be that guy, he is outta’ here!
Don’t think I can remember a player with that much swing and miss that wasn’t a slugger.
Taylor either needs his eyes checked or he’s got a hole in his bat
I literally feel sorry for him, I don’t know how he walks back to the dugout time and time again gotta be so embarrassing
I made a comment earlier that Hayward should have started instead of Thompson. Actually, I didn’t think it out. Mookie should’ve played short and you could’ve had Thompson get his at bats and had Heyward in the game also.
It’s really hurtful to watch because I really like Chris Taylor. He seems like a really decent guy.
He’s very low-key, maybe to Low-key. Maybe things just don’t bother him enough, but what do I know? I’m sure he’s doing everything he can to succeed.
We’re all, understandably, concerned about the Dodger’s team issues.
But I have to take a step back. Kersh is the best pitcher I’ve ever watched. Still. And I got cable in the early 90s and got to watch some of the greatest every week. Week after week, year after year. I watched Maddux, Glavin, Clemens, The Big Unit and Pedro.
Win or lose, we are watching the greatest pitcher in a couple generations. No hit stuff every other start.
Taylor’s mind hurts when he bats now. Sad, really.
Masterclass! That’s as good of stuff Kersh has had in a while. When he can throw his curve for strikes and his fastball arm side he still a Cy Young candidate. If only he and his back can stay healthy we’re all in for a treat this year! And Thompson and Taylor have the exact same swing no matter where the ball is pitched. How about trying to go to right field! Pathetic!
Went to the game tonight and watching CK pitch is amazing. First ballot HoFer and needs to be a Dodger for life.
TT and KT3 are horrible in- person as much as they are on TV.
Outman has an explosive first step on defense and looked very good against a tough LHP.
The KT3 four- year deal is looking more and more like an albatross contract, what was AF thinking? Defend that decision all you want but it is indeed a head scratcher
On days like this I really think Kersh could have 3 or 4 more one-year contracts to go. He’s had injury issues, but it’s not like he’s falling apart.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRwYnqK1/
The Dodgers plan to call up pitcher Gavin Stone to start Wednesday’s series finale against the Phillies at Dodger Stadium, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reported on Saturday night. Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic confirmed the news.
Stone is coming off his best start of the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, striking out eight in five innings on Thursday, allowing a run on three hits and two walks.On the season, Stone has been uneven with a 4.74 ERA in six starts, with a reduced strikeout rate (25.7 percent) and increased walk rate (11.4 percent). But he’s been much better over his last two starts, striking out 15 (a 39.5-percent rate) in 9⅔ innings, allowing one run.
Stone won the Branch Rickey Award last season as the Dodgers minor league pitcher of the year, after a dominant 1.48 ERA across three levels, with 168 strikeouts in 121⅔ innings. Entering the season, the right-hander was rated a consensus top-60 prospect in baseball, topping out at No. 39 by Keith Law at The Athletic.
Bobby Miller’s line last night for Oklahoma City, 3.1 IP 1H 1R 1ER 1BB 2K 2.70ERA 55 pitches 34 strikes.
Miller still appears to have command issues.
Grove, (on the IL) Stone, Thor, Gonsolin (not quite ready), Urias with an ERA of 4.4, Pepiot, who knows when, May and Kershaw., the only one in the group averaging over 6 per start.
Doesn’t exactly fill one with confidence does it.
I’ve been wondering if Urias is injured and so far Thor has been a big disappointment. Glad he is only signed for one year. In my opinion the Dodgers will not sign Urias to a long term contract. Some dumb ass GM will.
Landon Knack’s line last night for Tulsa ,5IP 2H 0R 0ER 2BB 11K1.45ERA 74 pitches 51 strikes.