Unconventional thinking is the ability to imagine new possibilities and solve complex problems that have eluded other people. Being unconventional is an essential element in doing original work or creating original ideas. Right now, the Dodgers could use a heavy dose of unconventional thinking. Let’s jump right into where I think the problems are the greatest. Before, I start: That was Vintage Kershaw last night! The Old Man is still the Ace!
CATCHER: Will Smith is just out of concussion protocol, and it’s no secret that his next concussion could be his last. The Kansas City Royals are going nowhere and are paying Salvador Perez $20 Million this year, $20 Million next year, $22 Million in 2025, and either a $2 Million buyout or a $13.5 Million salary in 2026. That leaves plenty of time for Diego Cartaya to develop. Certainly, the Dodgers have the prospect collateral to make that deal. KC gets salary relief, and the Dodgers get a former GG and SS catcher at 32 years of age. Perrez would slot nicely into the bottom third of the order. I would not attempt to guess who the Royals might want, but the Dodgers have the prospects to make it happen. KC is not going anywhere, so this would give Perez, who is a really good dude, the opportunity to go out with a winner. Austin Barnes goes back to being Clayton’s personal catcher. Trade Suggestion: Hunter Feduccia, Jose Ramos, and Jorbit Vivas.
LEFT FIELD: With Perez going to catcher, this frees up Will Smith to play LF. I have no doubt that he is capable of doing so at a high level. Maybe he stays there… maybe he will move to 3B next year with Max Muncy Taking over at DH. That leaves David Peralta as the odd man out, but if he starts hitting, he will be easy to move. He still plays a very good LF, and even at 35, his bat should play up against RHP. A lower-level prospect comes back to the Dodgers for him.
IF CT3 can get back to where he was in 2021, he can share time in RF with Jason Heyward. Consider this lineup (it’s just that I am not convinced of that):
- Betts SS (R)
- Freeman 1B (L)
- Smith LF (R)
- Muncy 3B (L)
- Martinez DH (R)
- Outman CF (L) I am hoping he does not become a platoon player!
- Vargas 2B (R)
- Perez C (R)
- Heyward/Taylor RF
Bench: Barnes, Rojas, Thompson
Is Barnes the Problem?
Yesterday someone wrote this:
“The base stealers are targeting Barnes. He’s got the lowest caught stealing % in the league…………..and the lowest batting average.”
While it is considered an Olympic Sport by some to kick players when they are down, I am going to submit that it is ludicrous to say that base stealers are “targeting Barnes.”
Against Will Smith the thieves are 8 for 9, while they are 26-29 against Barnes. Barnes has caught 109 innings, while Will Smith has caught 91 innings… most of it early. In 2022, Will Smith caught 10 out of 56 runners, while Barnsie was 9 for 32. Typically, Austin Barnes is a little better at catching runners than Smith, but it is close.
The Basestealers are not targeting the catcher; they are targeting the pitchers, who have been very unsuccessful at holding on runners. Add in the fact that due to bad pitching by the starters and relievers, there are a lot more runners on base, which means a lot more base-stealing opportunities, and even Ray Charles can see what is happening. Julio Urias and Clayton Kershaw used to be good at holding runners on and even picking them off, but then you have Noah Syndergaard, whom everyone runs wild upon.
Add in the fact that Vesia, Grove, Jackson, Bickford, and Almonte have bloated ERA’s up 200% to 400% higher and there are a lot more runners on base which means a lot more opportunities to steal, Get better pitching and the problem will solve itself! BTW, Austin Barnes drove in the winning and only run last night!
James Outman is Doing What Joc Never Could
After striking out nine times in his last three games, James Outman did something that Joc Pederson never did or was able to do: Against a LH he shortened up and went with the pitch, yielding two singles. He realizes that he can’t have that “all or nothing swing” (although his swing is not nearly as “all or nothing” as Joc). James generates great power from a swing that is relatively short – he finishes his swing with his bat still in front of him, while many sluggers have the bat finishing behind their heads. I have never seen a swing quite like it, but the point is: James is evolving as pitchers are pitching him differently.
His 40% strikeout rate is still unsustainable! He has a ways to go, or he will be a platoon player, but it was encouraging to see him try and adjust (and succeed). The fact that he is trying to shorten-up and hit the ball where it is pitched against LH pitchers speaks volumes about his maturity. If he can master that, he will be an All-Star!
Dodgers Will be Stoned Wednesday
Allegedly! I thought the Dodgers would wait for Gavin Stone to have some more success after a poor start this season, but in his last few starts, he has shown he is ready, and the “Gavin Stone Era” will allegedly start on Wednesday against the Phillies. I think the roster sits at 39, so no one will have to be dropped. I would like to see Hunter Feduccia called up, and the only reason I can see not doing it is that they plan to trade him.
I am eager to see what Stone does against Big League Pitching. We can watch the minor league games, but there is nothing like pitching in “The Show.” Bobby Miller may not be far behind as he had his 2023 debut at OKC and performed well. BTW, Yonny Hernandez still tearing it up at OKC (.371 BA/1.059 OPS).
Other Dodger Notes
- Landon Knack may take Gavin Stone’s place in the OKC rotation, as he went 5 Innings yesterday, allowing two hits, 0 runs, and striking out 11. He has an MLB-Ready Arsenal!
- Tulsa Players: Andy Pages – .246 BA; Diego Cartaya – .157 BA; Jonny DeLuca – .222 BA; Jorbit Vivas – .360 BA – Ouch!
- Nick Frasso is knocking too!
- Miguel Rojas hit a HR for Rancho Cucamonga last night. He’s a few days away.
I’m Out for a Few Days
My cardiologist cleared me of heart issues, and they scheduled my back surgery for May 8th; however, I told them that if they had any cancellations, to let me know – I would be there in an hour. I got the call Friday afternoon and am going in tomorrow morning for the surgery. I have no clue how long I might be laid up – maybe I won’t! My plan is that when I wake up, the pain will be gone. If it’s not, Plan B is that it gets 1% better every day! I am sooo ready for it! Carry on!
Praying for you for a speedy recovery .Within the last year ,I went for double bypass heart surgery and was a little nervous, but the care and great surgeon at Yale New Haven Hospital made it possible for a 100% recovery and I have never felt better. Have to watch the sugar and carb intake.
Good luck and best wishes for your operatin, Mark ! Believe me, I know how back pain can make life miserable for a person.
Regarding Bobby Miller: Performed well is an understatement. 3.1 inning, 1 hit, 1 run. Registered 102 mph on 8 pitches.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Best wishes. Speedy recovery.
Mark, I will be praying for a successful surgery and relief of your back pain. And I wouldn’t want to be your surgeon if it doesn’t! And so many feel frustration over our start but look at Pads, Astros, Mets and Yankees.
How long will CT continue to start, much less bat cleanup ?
Hey Phil………………………not to be confused with phil jones
Hope the Dodgers are in first place when you wake up Mark.
Regardless hope you feel like you’re in first place and all goes well.
Best wishes on the surgery, and I hope the only pain involves the occasional Dodger setback,
Salvador Perez? That is unconventional thinking, but it does have some logic to it. If Will needs to move out of the catcher spot, well, Diego and Rushing aren’t ready. The combo of Barnes and Feduccia could suffice…. or yeah, maybe a deal for an upgrade like Perez.
I do like the idea of the Dodgers shopping for proven veterans (if needed) from teams that are rebuilding. If Cartaya is year or two away, he might be an ideal mentor for Cartaya.
Anyway, it’s a fun notion.
I also like the idea of just going with Mookie at SS indefinitely. Chris Taylor is a dilemma. He’s in such a bad, long slump he should play–but if he doesn’t play how can she shake the slump?
Remember Max and JT in 2022? It took half the season….
Cartaya is like 21, just making the leap to AA.
He’s more than 2 years away!
A lot of top prospects are in the majors at age 22. Some get there younger.
I think the prospect rankings usually give Cartaya an ETA of 2024, but there’s no rush. Anyway, prospect rankings are often stupid. (Let’s note that Mark would include Jose Ramos in his Perez deal even though he has Ramos ahead of Outman in is prospect rankings.)
Still, Mark’s suggested deal makes a lot of sense if Will is not cleared to play catcher. It also makes sense if the long-term plan has envisioned Smith moving to 3B to make way for Cartaya. (I’d prefer the better defender to stay behind the plate. My guess is that is Smith now, but perhaps Cartaya when he’s ready.)
At any rate, getting Perez at age 32 through 2026 would boost to the Dodgers’ catching depth. Cartaya, Rushing and young Galiz would become less “untouchable” and more tradeable.
Apart from Ohtani and maybe Burnes, I’m not sure who I’d put on the shopping list.
There is a big downside to a deal for Perez: Mark would constantly remind us that he was the genius who thought of it first and that we should all “watch and learn.”
I find this post to be one of your best Mark. I make that evaluation of course because I agree with most of it.
I like the KC trade idea. But first, Feduccia. I want to see what we have in this asset.
Starting pitching looks vulnerable to me. Urias is supposed to be the ace, not Kershaw. In fact, isn’t Kershaw our #4? Urias, May, Gonsolin, Kershaw, Syndergaard. It might look very different by the end of the year.
I too wish you a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. I’m interested in details as what is happening to you is similar to what I’m going through.
Go here:
https://www.indianaspinegroup.com/miller/
Click on “VIDEOS” and chose “Lumbar DeCompression”
Mark –
Best wishes on your upcoming surgery. Having two spinal surgeries in the last three years, I understand firsthand what is in front of you. My surgeries happened in my 70s; as a much younger man, you have a distinct advantage in the recuperation process. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I agree with you on Outman’s swing – it is quick, compact and powerful. I hesitate to suggest this comparison but his left side swing reminds of #27’s swing on the LA Angels. Time will tell but he can be an everday offensive force for the Dodgers.
I love Outman’s swing. I liked him backing off and going opposite for a knock. It looks simple and well balanced. And as I’ve said, I love his steady head. Not a lot of moving parts and a swing that should hold up. I see him being a high average guy with experience.
Speedy recovery
Why would Smith ever want to got to LF
? Doesn’t that kill his max value?
How many LF’ers hit .300 with 30 HR?
What is his max value if a foul tip ends his career?
Good point.
In LF or 3B, Smith would be an everyday player. But every catcher should get regular breaks.
Why left? Extend his career.
The team is figuring it out. These guys are good, and I think better is just below the surface. Nobody appears ready to run away in the West, so, reason for organizational myo-spasms at this time. Yep, I made that term up. Anyone who wants it can have it.
My confidence level is equidistant. Starting pitching keeps the needle from moving.
Are there more 20-30HR catchers or LF?
I bet it’s at least 2x the latter.
That’s significant.
One (or two or three) concussions does not a career take.
I found this site around a year ago. I can honestly say it’s one of my first reads every morning. I enjoy every body’s takes no matter if I agree or not! I really love it when the politics are nonexistent. The right and left both suck! Mark I wish you the best and can’t wait to see you posting again! This is like having brothers you never met, and we all think we know what is best for our beloved dodgers. I love the sal Perez thought! I don’t hate Barnes at all, probably one of the nicest guys in baseball,BUT! Watching he and Chris. At the plate is excruciating! Taylor looks like he’s swinging off a tee ball stand! I read where Friedman said this team is as talented as previous few years, NO it’s not! We need help! An outfield bat or even 2 if Mookie moves to ss. Perez would make a huge difference if Will can’t catch any longer. I don’t understand having Taylor bat cleanup! Doc loves to show his players he believes in them. But nobody in their right mind is battling Taylor 4th in that lineup! I agree with the guy who questioned doc sitting Heyward last night, I know a lefty on the bump, but he’s hitting the ball hard and playing outstanding defense! Tell me Thompson was on fire last night? Hopefully syndergard gets on track today! We can’t keep rolling him out there every 5 days pitching like he is, the bullpen has it’s own issues. Kershaw was brilliant again. Maybe watch close when he pitches Julio. God bless you Mark and hurry back!
Unless a move is made, Taylor needs to start and try to fix things. Because we already know by career stats that Peralta, Heyward, Thompson don’t hit LHP and Taylor does (Both LHP and RHP as a Dodger). But he needs to hit either 8th or 9th depending on the catcher situation. But Doc does some strange stuff, and that’s why AF needs to provide a team that keeps Doc from thinking. That’s not a shot at AF, he’s a smart guy and sometimes AF has to settle for players that are not ideal.
Glad to hear Stone is being brought up and it will mean my 2 favorite prospects (Outman and Stone) made it to MLB. I wonder if the plan is to keep Stone indefinitely or is this just a spot start?
Speaking of Stone, the whole pitching picture is a mess and I don’t even know where to start.
Good luck Mark, I wish you well.
Whether Stone stays or not is up to him.
Wishing you the best! Speedy recovery and a Gavin Stone win on Wednesday will be in order!
Cheers
Get well soon Mark. I hope everything turns out just fine. I found out a long time ago that if you don’t fight the pain but instead welcome it and tell it you are stronger that it, it will not be as severe. It works for me and I’m 80 years old.
Remember Taylor in 2022? He’s now more than a full season into this funk.
OF course we all hope he turns in around.
But I also hope he isn’t batting cleanup again soon. Four ABs, 4 Ks…. oof!
Best of luck MT. Not sure about the Will Smith conundrum but I’m certain CT3 needs to get an IL stint
So far, Outman has been hitting both southpaws and northpaws In fact, his OPS is higher against lefties–more than 1.000.
It’s at .973 versus righties.
Strikeouts are a concern. He’s had 35 Ks in 105 plate appearances. So about a 1/3 of the times he’s stepped to the plate.
Taylor and Trayce are Ks waiting to happen. Taylor has K’d 29 times in 62 ABs, and Trayce has K’d 24 times in 44 ABs.
Outman OBP – .371. Ks aren’t really a problem if you’re OPSn 1.000,
Taylor just looks dazed and confused, even with his own strike zone, and that is an enormous problem. Trayce? He cannot hit a high fastball even when he knows it’s coming. Solution. Don’t send him up to hit.
Saturday scores
Oklahoma City 5, Sacramento 1
Arkansas 1, Tulsa 0
Great Lakes 2 , Fort Wayne 0 (Game 1)
Fort Wayne 5, Great Lakes 2 (Game 2)
Rancho Cucamonga 7, Inland Empire 3
Sunday schedule
10:05 a.m. PT: Great Lakes (Ronan Kopp) at Fort Wayne (TBD)
11:35 p.m.: Tulsa (Nick Frasso) at Arkansas (Prelander Berroa)
12:05 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Robbie Erlin) vs. Sacramento (Kyle Harrison)
2:05 p.m.: Rancho Cucamonga (Maddux Bruns) at Inland Empire (Joel Hurtado)
Vs. Jake Woodford, RH
Betts is not earning his 25 million dollar annual salary at this point with that batting average
Using fangraphs numbers of $8.5 million per WAR point, Mookie has to reach 3.125 WAR to earn his money.
I say he will do it. Easily.
The AAV of Betts’s contract is more than $30 million. It included a big signing bonus.
Yes, his BA is down now. People like to rag on Betts because of his contract, but at the end of the season he usually is among the leaders in runs scored and a top five finisher in MVP votes. He always plays GG defense in RF and now he’s proving to be more-than-capable SS.
FWIW, Mookie isn’t even in the top ten in salary right now. He’s 3rd among outfielders, behind Judge ($40 m) and Trout ($35.5 m). And he’d be 4th at SS, behind Seager, Lindor and Correa.
Wish you a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.
4:10 PM ET
Cardinals (10-18) 10GB
Dodgers (15-13) 1GB
SP Jake Woodford R
1-2 5.47 ERA 24.2 IP 16K
SP Noah Syndergaard R
0-3 6.58 ERA 26.0IP 21K
Confirmed Lineup
RF Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
3B Max Muncy L
DH J. Heyward L
CF James Outman L
2B M. Vargas R
LF D. Peralta L
SS Chris Taylor R
Clear day
0% Rain
73° Wind 8 mph Out
Lots of oldtimers read and comment here and several have mentioned back issues. Mark, I hope you lead the way with back surgery success and all others find their own solutions.
Roberts just said Dodgers are not built to steal and Friedman then disagreed with his manager.
With all the depth the Dodgers have at catcher it seems odd to be thinking about trading for one. It would be nice if Smith could finish the year at catcher but I trust the Dodgers more than any other team to protect their players. Some people may be more susceptible to concussions and if Smith is, then he should stop catching now.
I really like Betts at shortstop. It might excite his bat. I like him at second as well.
I like the thought of Smith at third but maybe 2024 is the better time to make that move.
If we make a trade with KC, grab Witt Jr too. May, Vargas, Cartaya, Busch, …
Let’s just sign Tulsa over to KC.
Hope the surgery is a huge success my friend. Never had any real back issues myself, so I have been lucky. Knees? That is another story. If you are laid up a while, I can get some stuff on here. Working on one now should be ready by Tuesday. Can do game summaries otherwise. Kersh was Kersh. Love the guy. Leads the majors in wins and has an ERA below 2. I want to see improvement out of Thor today. Quit that nibbling BS and attack these hitters. Otherwise, they will kill you. CT3 is a mess. He needs to re-evaluate his swing. Nice job by Barnes and I am pretty sure most of us can agree the stolen bases are mostly on the pitcher. Miller threw 8 pitches at 100 or better in the first inning of his start yesterday. I like the Perez trade idea.
Kershaw has as many wins as the horrific Oakland A’s ( 5-23)
Good luck in your surgery when you wake up maybe the Dodgers will have Matt Chapman at third base by then and Tim Anderson at shortstop and Max Muncy at second base because he has got to be in the lineup. And that of course is when JD comes back and is the DH. But hope surgury goes well Mark.
When did a team ever do that?
Put three new players in new spots in the infield?
Gut the farm for two more older players?
Put three new players in new spots in the infield?
Yeah. That’s crazy. Nobody would do that.
I see what you did there, Badger. But it’s very unfair.
Very unfair?
How so Bluto?
Muncy played quite a bit of IF last year. So too did Lux.
Unfair? Fairly funny IMO.
I thought so too Bum.
Eh, whatta you gonna do? You throw ’em out there, some sticks some fall to the floor.
I’ve been without internet for the past few days and just now got it restored. Mark, a speedy recovery with a better than ever outcome result; My eye surgeries were good in my bad eye and bad in my good eye and the doctor doesn’t own up for it and going back to fix my good eye. Hopefully at least as good as before. Maybe a lawsuit ahead?
Ladies
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRw61gHj/
Mark, wishing you the best. I’m sure you’re gonna come out of it feeling like a whippersnapper though.
RIP Mike Shannon. Former Cardinal third baseman and broadcaster. Passed away at the age of 83.
Mike “The Cannon” Shannon.
I loved him as a player.
Cardinal fans loved him as an announcer.
Godspeed Mark. Best of luck with your surgery and recovery. I’ve learned to do what I’m told now with recovery. I haven’t always been the best at that but I hope you are.
“That ball was supposed to break in, but the spin wasn’t the actual movement.”
Sometimes Orel says some really dumb things.
That’s quite the intimidating Dodger bench today. For sure I’d rather have Urias hit than anyone in that group!
I know that people love to blame CT3, but he typically hits lower in the lineup and he has as many RBI’s as Mookie and more than Freeman. Quit looking at CT3 and look t the biggest culprits: The Dodger’s alleged Superstars. Both Freedie and Mookie suck right about now… as Stars!
Cmmon, Freeman doesn’t suck. He’s not hitting for power but it’s tough to drive in runs when the guys hitting in front of you are Mookie and a bunch of duds who can only dream of reaching the Mendoza line!
Freddie is hitting .200 With RISP
CT3 is hitting .188 With RISP.
Thems the facts!
Freddie sucks about as bad as CT3!
Neither suck. The season hasn’t been on long enough for anybody to suck. That’s like watching 15 minutes of a movie and deciding it sucks.
Baseball is like a nice bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. You gotta let it breathe.
Otherwise it’s just ripple?
Good one.
Tho Mookie does owe us an MVP May
Thor looks like he’s throwing batting practice. Not only in the velocity of the pitch but in his demeanor. It’s like he’s in slow motion, then the arm speeds up. He looks like a huge teddy bear playing catch. I’d like to see him wind up and throw that sucker likes he’s pissed.
I’m sorry, but why does roberts pinch hit Thompson for Heyward? No doc bashing but that’s ridiculous! Hitting .085 against lefties!
Answer: Because if he can’t hit lefties, he has no position on this team!
Thompson needs to get his at bats………… in OKC, or another organization, if he doesn’t want to accept the assignment
Very nice confidence building inning for Yency. He’s got nasty stuff. All he needs to do is command it, and that comes with trusting it.
A couple of items!
1. Best wishes on a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
2. OMG! (I am 63 – so not sure I am allowed to use those letters!) – BUT also being a Rams fan I have spent time the past few days reading (or more appropriately trying to read) “ramsondemand” and “laramsfan” sites – that are the similar in intend but not even close to the same execution in what we have here!!
They have threads that date back a year, advertising, extra stuff and extreme name calling etc that just makes them painful and laborious to read!
So while Mark can be opinionated, stubborn, a royal pain in the rear, etc., etc. ( unlike the rest of us angels) – I just want say say THANKS!! For this website!
It truly is the first thing I read in the morning.
I read the Times first. Have a cup of fresh coffee. Check messages. Emails. Might look at morning articles in The Atlantic. Have a second cup. Do some morning stretches. I put off coming here for as long as I can.
Good win.
Nice to know Badger ,continue with the updates we’re all holding our breath
Really?
It was said in jest
Really?
Nice to win but something like 1-15 with RISP, not good.
If Peralta continues to slump, maybe Thompson can replace him as the “left” hand bat against righties.
I’ve got a better idea. As soon as Mark recovers , he can replace the both of them. Is it too early to lobby for getting Bellinger back at the deadline?
Interesting idea!
If the Cubbies aren’t doing so hot, Belli could get them a nice return. It especially makes sense if Mookie moves to SS.
Good luck Mark. I have a friend who dealt with severe back pain for years. He was a hot shot for Cal Fire and the injury put him in front of a desk (where he has worked ever since). It was debilitating for years. He’s told me multiple times that the moment he woke up from the surgery, his pain was gone. He’s been active as hell ever since. Still plays softball and hikes all over the place. Surgeons have gotten really good at back issues in the last decade.
I hope all goes well.
Best of luck with the operation Mark – really hope it works for you.
What’s happened to the Cards????
All my best Mark for a successful and speedy recovery.
Quick recovery Marj!
I hope you have a successful surgery and a speedy recovery Mark.
As for Perez that is out of the box thinking and if Smith is moved to the outfield, as he should be, Perez would be an excellent replacement. I think the Royals would need pitching in the deal. I would also like to see them go after Luis Robert jr to play right field if Betts goes to shortstop. He’s struggling now but he has a good track record and may just need a change of scenery.
Watforfd,I think the Cards problem may be the manager. They started slowly but things seem to have gotten worse after Marmol called out O’Neil in the press for not hustling. Marmol also seemed lost and not sure what to do in the playoffs against Philly last year.
The Dodgers were 1-15 with risp but I noticed several productive outs that moved runners up or scored runs today. Haven’t seen much of that the last few years.
Thor’s fastball topped out at 92. Definitely not the same guy he was in NY. But his curve was working well and he used it to keep St. Loo off balance. CT3 with two hits today and Heyward got his avg up to .240,
LA Designates Catcher Austin Wynns for Assignment
Considering they’ll need to replace him with a position player, the move should mean the return of Miguel Rojas off the 10-day IL.Rojas just completed a 2 game rehab stint with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes where he went 2-6 with a home run.