Predictably, the Dodger fandom is restless. By the time Spring Training started, many fans had pronounced the Dodger’s Off-Season as a colossal failure, and some even said that the Dodgers would not even make the playoffs. When that was proven false, the same fans are now clamoring for the Dodgers to make some epic, “gut-the-farm” trades. Trayce Thompson is on the IL, and his return is far from certain. He was needed to hit LHP, which he could not do. Fans have been calling for Chris Taylor to go away for some time now, but in the past seven days, CT3 is hitting .333 with a .455 OB%. He is tied with James Outman for 5th on the team in home runs with 9 (in 50 fewer at-bats than James) and is one home run away from Freddie Freeman. CT3 is starting to look like he did in 2021… not like he looked in 2022. Yes, he is going to strike out, but if he can keep that BA and OPS trending up, then he is an asset.
On December 17, 2022, I suggested this:
“The Dodgers could do worse than have CT3 at SS. He was coming off elbow surgery last year, and without the shift, I look for him to have a better year offensively. He’s not Ozzie Smith, but he’s solid and has a good arm that should be better a year removed from surgery. Let’s not forget that in 2021 CT3 had 507 ABs (that’s “Regular Status”) with 20 HR, and 13 SBs (caught once), with a .254 BA and .344 OB%. Why could his bad year in 2022 not be related to his elbow surgery and rehab? The more I think about it, the more I see CT3 as the SS in 2023. CT3 would be a solid choice at SS. Lux might be Gold Glove at 2B, Freeman is close at 1B, and CT3 ain’t a chump. Max Muncy is merely average. I can live with that.”
Well, Andrew Friedman was determined to have options at SS, even though he proclaimed that Gavin Lux was going to be the SS – I did not believe it them… and I do not believe it now. But, he traded for Miguel Rojas who is as advertised – a defensive wizard! He gave up Jacob Amaya who had no future in LA and I am OK with that. Next year, Gavin Lux will be back and what AF has planned for him, I have no clue, but he is entering the prime time of his career.
I admire what Jason Heyward has accomplished, but I can’t shake this feeling that in his next at-bat, he could lose it as quickly as he recovered it. Maybe that’s just me. He has been a boom against RHP, and now that Trayce Thompson is gone, Jonny DeLuca was called up to do one thing (at least right now): MASH LHP! For those of you who think that is easy and that if you can do it in the minors, you can do it in the majors, you have no idea how incredibly hard this is.
Before the season, the stats said that Miguel Vargas, James Outman, Jonny LeDuca, Michael Busch, and Gavin Stone were ready and that Bobby Miller was not. Stone was not ready, but Miller was. Outman and Vargas are works in progress and will have the next six weeks (as will JonnyD) to show what they have. Busch might have headed to the mountains, as we have not heard from him in a while.
David Peralta has worked his BA up to .242 and should keep it going North. If he can get back to that .285 BA/..800 OPS mark, he will be an asset. He is there just to hit RHP. Personally, I think David Peralta is near the end of his career. He is coming off back surgery after hitting 12 home runs in the first half of 2022 and none in the second half. He is in great shape, but I can attest that the mental part of back surgery recovery is as difficult as the physical part. I look for him to get better and better and maybe be a guy who hits 15 HR after the All-Star Break.
It All Boils Down to the Rookies
Bobby Miller, James Outman, Miguel Vargas, and Jonny DeLuca are the linchpins of the Dodgers’ 2023 season. As they go, the Dodgers will go! In case that is a term you are not familiar with, other words for “linchpin” are essential, foundational, keystone, mainstay, pillar, and anchor.
Bobby Miller – It has been a long time since a rookie pitcher has burst upon the Dodgers and pitched like Bobby Miller. It might go back to Fernando. I have not checked, but not even Clayton had this kind of success. Progress is not linear, and with his four pitches, 100 MPH Fastball, and dang-good control, he should stay in the rotation… even if that is at #5.
James Outman – His early success and late troubles are like reading a different book. He is dangerously close to being sent back to AAA, but the Dodgers need him and are going to give him a lot of leeway! I have always been of the opinion that if you can do it once, you can do it again! He HAS to cut down on the strikeouts. I have said it was unsustainable, and it is. MLB pitchers have discovered certain pitches he cannot hit. The Dodgers are working feverously with him to do so. The conclusion of this has not been written, but I am hopeful that he can take the steps necessary to stay in CF for years to come. This is the biggest challenge of his life! His defense is not in question.
Miguel Vargas – Miguel Vargas’ defense is also not in question, but his two early injuries have made him less aggressive at the plate! His .744 OPS gives us hope, but he needs to deliver. If he can get his OPS at about .800, then he will stay. If it drops, it might be time to head for the mountains of Busch!
Jonny DeLuca – He is supposed to be a Lefty Killer. All we can do is watch and see!
If things go as planned (and they always do – Ha, Ha!), then this is the Dodger’s best lineup:
- C – Will Smith
- 1B – Freddie Freeman
- 2B – Miguel Vargas
- SS – Mookie Betts
- 3B – Max Muncy (he has worked hard to make himself an “above-average” 3B)
- LF – Platoon – David Peralta/Chris Taylor
- CF – James Outman
- RF – Platoon – Jason Heyward/Jonny DeLuca
That lineup looks good on paper… but they don’t play the game on paper. So, we wait for the next six weeks to see if the Dodgers will make a move or two at the Trade Deadline (which is August 1st this year). By then, they may have an idea if May and/or Buehler will be back, as well as Alex Reyes, Daniel Hudson, Ryan Pepiot, Jimmy Nelson, Blake Treinen, and JP Feyereisen. Some will, and some won’t. Now, we watch and learn…
Heading to Cincy for the game tonight. The Catman can!
There are actually 56 days or 8 weeks remaining to the trading deadline of August 1. A lot depends on the health of May and Buehler. Will they be able to contribute in October? Can Urias be the pitcher he was in 2022 coming off the hamstring injury? Can Johnny D. hit left handed pitchers? More questions than answers. That’s why AF will need the full 8 weeks to make his decisions to strengthen the roster .
I think the decisions will be made within six weeks… then they have two weeks to find dance partners.
Enjoy the game. Thats a good ballpark and cheap too….
… and they have Big Boys!
And Skyline Chili…..
True. We have Skyline in Indy, but no Big Boy, so you know where my loyalties lie.
I miss Sambos, Best breakfast ever and cheap
And Graeter´s ice cream
If Vargas and Outman are linchpins for 23 then we’re in trouble! More paperclip than linchpin
I predict that at least one will breakthrough… maybe both!
Hope so! I’d bet on Vargas. June is a big month for the both of them
Way too early to judge either of them as finished products there Cassidy. They might figure it out overnight, and then again, it might take a few months. Prospects are just that until they are not.
Right now, Miller certainly better than a #5 starter for this team. Maybe 2 0r 3. Of course that’s only three starts.
He’s #3 now due to injuries.
He’ll slot in at #4 when Urias returns.
Noah is cooked.
Kershaw
Gonsolin
Urias
Miller
Grove
Stone/et al
Vargas is locked in at 2b but we have to many positions in flux.
Adding an everyday bat at SS or LF is a must.
I say roll with the arms we’ve got.
There is no bat available at SS coming. Maybe LF. The key will be getting our pitching healthy and back to being one of the best in baseball.
And will Reyes and Hudson come back and be solid in the pen?
If they come back – THEY WILL BE SUCCESSFUL!
Look for gonsolin to bring it tonight! I hope mark is right about syndergard, and they skip him this road-trip, especially in Philadelphia! Believe Freddie gets hot again starting tonight. Yankees ran 2 good pitchers in a row against dodgy games 2 & 3. But still could have won both games, if bazooka doesn’t make that ridiculous. Throw to left center field. Worst play I’ve seen this year! It’s like he is in the twilight zone at times.. I guess Barnes gets the start Thursday since it’s a day game. Oh well, maybe he draws a walk or 2! Can’t wait for Miller time again! Kershaw was outstanding Friday night. Hopefully same for road start. Julio back and ready too. Is bickford thru?
When a player is struggling it’s important to read body language. Body language doesn’t lie. I don’t claim to be Sigmund Freud, but just by watching games and trying to analyze the body language, Outman and Vargas are fine. Just trying to imagine the difference between MLB and minor league pitching has to be overwhelming. Barnes, Taylor and especially Syndergaard looked beat up. My thought as long as Outman and Vargas don’t look overwhelmed, keep running them out there. There isn’t a magic bullet, experience is the best teacher.
Okay, it’s June. That means gloom in SoCal. In the sky and in the stadium.
So far, the Dodgers are doing well. Arizona is a bit of a surprise. All eyes were on San Diego.
But it’s way too early to focus on what the Dodgers should do in July. Availability and cost have to be factored in as well as potential trade partners. It would be nice to pick up another solid bat, a starting pitcher and maybe a bullpen piece. But acquiring all three would be costly.
Miguel Vargas looks good at times, bad other times. His real issue is inconsistency, but isn’t that to be expected? Same with James Outman. Still like both players.
As to Chris Taylor, I am tired of watching him strike out with runners in scoring position. He should be better. He tends to swing from the heels. I find it interesting that both Orel and Nomar pointed out the Dodgers need to make more contact. Yes, the power is there and they are scoring runs by putting the ball in the seats. JD Martinez is a great signing.
Just when you think the bullpen is in great shape they blow a couple of games.
Maybe everything becomes more apparent at the end of June.
But one thing, the Dodgers need to have a healthy rotation. That’s the potential Achilles heal.
But the Dodgers will get Julio back shortly and Ryan Pepiot is near a return so maybe the Dodgers are okay. Gavin Stone looks a year away. If nothing else to regain his confidence. There were positives about Michael Grove’s outings. Then there is Noah. Hope for the best, but it doesn’t look good.
At this point, I’m guessing Andrew Friedman has some ideas one day and dismisses them the next.
Suns been out last couple days.
Dodgers ramp up and go 18-3 as we wave adios to D-Backs. Corbin who?
Sunny Days.
Near the trade deadline.
Not sure where you got your info about Pepiot being near a return. He hasn’t even picked up a ball yet. No way he’s back before the All Star game and maybe a long time after that. At least that’s what I’ve heard.
It’s been great to see Bobby Miller do so well since he was called up, but maybe the Fernando comparisons are a little premature.
I understand there’s fanboy euphoria over his success, but you do realize that he won’t keep this up, correct? In April a lot of us (myself included) were ready to predict Outman as this year’s ROY. How’d that turn out?
Miller struggled in the minors. Why? Do you think his command issues are suddenly fixed at the MLB level? Maybe. Doubtful. I hope.
The Dodgers have only two objectives for this regular season: 1. make the playoffs (you don’t even have to win the division. In fact, it’s probably better if you don’t have a layoff between series. You lose your hitting timing). 2. Make the playoffs without players getting injured or worn out.
Miller will continue to play even if he struggles, and Thor will probably continue to play in spite of his struggles. Pepiot will play after the ASB. Grove will get some starts. Kershaw might get a phantom back injury at some point that warrants a vacay. Gonsolin will have a sore arm sometime in July or August that will need IL stint so he’s fresh for September.
You’ll want a solid and fresh four man rotation come playoff time. I’m thinking:
1. Urias
2. Kershaw
3. Gonsolin
4. May or Bobby Miller
Buehler will probably wind up in the pen, though there’s a chance he’s the fourth if May can’t play or Miller isn’t ready (Dodger management prefer vets for the playoffs, so Miller is still a bit of a longshot).
The trade market is so distorted with so little supply and so much demand that I don’t really see that happening. Then again, if the Dodgers want to match up with the Braves, they need another arm. The Braves finally got Soroka back after several years. He was their budding ace in 19. Fried and Wright will be on the IL for a while but will likely be back by the playoffs.
1. I am not comparing Miller and Valenzuela – It’s just been about that long since a pitcher has been that dominant in his first 3 games. That’s all.
2. I still have Vargas as the ROY. I never bought into the Outman hype. I knew what would happen and it did. That said, I am higher on Outman than I ever have been. I really think he can “fix” his issues and if it’s just by 20%, that is enough! I think JO has a HUGE Heart!
I guess. Fernando was 8-0 with eight complete games in his first eight starts with like a .50 ERA. LOL. Miller has a ways to go.
I think Carrol is running away with the ROY this year.
After boldly prediction that a hot rookie would go into a slump–hey, even Ronnie Milsap saw that coming—our wise sage is taking an “I-told-you-so!” victory lap.
That is even more predictable than a hot rookie going into a slump.
It would be great if Vargas catches fire and wins the ROY. If so, please take a victory lap, spike the football and do a bat flip too.
But right now, it looks like Bobby Miller is the Dodgers’ top ROY candidate. Sure, only three stellar starts, but with the way the pitching staff looks, the Dodgers need Miller to thrive more than they need Vargas.
1) Urias
2) Kershaw
3) Cease/Burns
4) Gonsolin
5) Miller/May
Buehler in the Pen
Cease or Burnes would cost a ton in prospects. They have to be available before you can even think about it. And right now, they are not. Tapia DFAd by the Red Sox.
You only need 4 playoff starters. And we don’t need them to win the division
Yes, but they need to be good starters, and if you think about it, Dodgers won a World Series with three. Koufax, Big D and Podres, then they won another with three, Koufax, Big D and Osteen. And that was after Koufax and Drysdale lost games one and two.
Bingo.
Yup. They’re both controllable for at least a couple of years. The Brewers are a half game out of first. With the playoffs as they are, all a team has to do is get in, then anything can happen. Why would they sell Burnes if they are in a good position to make the playoffs?
Tony Kornheiser, sports commentator and former columnist for the Washington Post, often quotes former NBC executive and producer of numerous sports programs Don Ohlmeyer: “The answer to all your questions is money.”
PGA golf finally took the oil $$. What a farce that was.
Robertson called up and Scott optioned back to AAA. This will be the 24 year old’s first MLB action.
7:10 PM ET
Dodgers (35-25) 1st place NL West tied with Arizona
Reds (27-33) 3rd place NL Central 5.5GB
SP Tony Gonsolin R
3-1 1.77 ERA 35.2 IP 25 K
SP Luke Weaver R
1-2 5.36 ERA 45.2 IP 42 K
Confirmed Lineup
RF Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
3B Max Muncy L
DH J. Martinez R
LF D. Peralta L
CF J. Heyward L
2B M. Vargas R
SS Miguel Rojas R
Partly-cloudy-day
18% Precipitation
82° Wind 7 mph Out
Peralta sucks
He had a pretty decent May.
Raised his average into the .240’s and he has been raking. Your analysis sucks.
A couple of thoughts:
1 – Miguel Vargas is not yet a good MLB 2B. He doesn’t pass the eyeball test. Additionally, of the 120 guys who have played 2B this year, Vargas rates 69th in runs saved/year per Baseball Reference.com and 39th in range factor/game. (The best 2B on the Dodgers is apparently Mookie Betts – who knew?) His dWAR is .2 thus far and his oWAR is .7.
He might be good some day but not yet.
2 – The Dodgers have a few negative bWAR players – Barnes and Thompson. Guys with negative oWAR – Barnes, Peralta, Rojas. On the pitching side, negative WAR players include Almonte, Bickford, Grove, Jackson, Stone, Syndergaard, and Vesia.
3 – Max Muncy is 3rd in MLB in errors at 3B with 6 in 52 games. Vargas is tied for 4th at 2B with 4 after 53 games. Rojas has 3 in 36 games at SS. I thought before the season that infield defense would be an issue – it is.
4 – All Dodger fans know the biggest problems right now are SS, right-handed hitting OF, back end of the rotation, and bullpen. There is hope in sight for the ‘pen, as several guys are coming off of the DL eventually. Syndergaard needs not to start for the Dodgers. Miller might well stick, but it’s only been 3 starts. I thought that Grove looked good (except when Bauer was up) but that game looked like an outlier compared to all of his other games over the past 2 years. I don’t expect May back this year. That leaves the Dodgers with the suddenly-underwhelming Urias and the oft-injured Kershaw and Gonsolin. Yeah, they’re in first right now, but if you aren’t at least a little worried then you have your rose-colored glasses on.
dodgerrick I’m going to have to disagree with you on Vargas at 2nd. I think he’s done remarkably well at 2nd. It’s a different skill set defensively from his natural 3rd base. I think he’s picked up some things very quickly like his pivot at 2nd on double plays. He has learned a cross the bag turn where he closes the distance on throws from 3rd very well. Much better then Lux ever did. Not that Lux was an all-star at 2nd. Last year especially late in the season the Dodgers had way to many opportunities slip away when runners were safe at 1st by an eyelash. That’s because Lux stood waiting in the baseline for throws and had poor feet around the bag. He got nothing on the relay throw to 1st. Vargas makes that play and moves his feet much better.
You mention he doesn’t meet your eye test and then quote a bunch of defensive metrics about runs saved and range. I use my eye test as well and pay minimal attention to such stats. I can watch and tell you whether the guy can play or not. Errors are practically meaningless to me unless they cause unearned runs and I haven’t seen that from Vargas. Range is misleading as guys that get to more balls boot more. I’m betting that humans have a hand in measuring range that goes into the computers making that subjective.
He might be better some day but he’s still fine right now. Leave him alone and let him play.
So we need a SS? Don’t forget our SS was lost for the season right out of the shoot. One, I don’t see SS as a problem for us defensively. Both Rojas and CT3 play a Major League SS and Mookie is remarkable how good he does all the little things like an everyday guy there. What are you looking for at short. More offense? Who isn’t? Seager and Turner caught shit for not being good defensive SS by many here. So, I wonder what would please the detractors?
We don’t hit for average there but tell me what SS you suggest we try to pick up THIS SEASON to play great defense and hit for a high average? Where is the fix what you see as a problem?
I don’t want to sign a rental shortstop, even if we could find one, with Lux planning to get a shot there next year.
I’m sure glad that you only think what we need is a shortstop, an outfielder who rakes LHP, a starter for the back end of the rotation and bullpen help. I guess other than that we’re in pretty good shape, I guess.
I’m no expert, but I can see exactly what you’re talking about with Vargas , Phil and I agree 100%.
Your other points are also, spot on, excellent post
I like Rojas’ defense but his OPS+ is 39. He reminds me of Ray Oyler of the ’68 Tigers (OPS .399, OPS+ 20). You can win with a SS who’s hitting .218/.25./.261/.512, but you need a Denny McLain/Micky Lolich/Earl Wilson rotation. And Roberts isn’t going to play Taylor as the every day SS.
I agree that Vargas is good on the pivot but he plays 2B like he’s at 3rd – knocks the ball down instead of fielding it cleanly. Lux has better hands than Vargas does.
If Vargas was the only weak defender in the INF, that might be one thing, but Max is no 3B. Having 2 weak defenders in the INF is a problem in my opinion.
I don’t know that there is a SS available who is competent both offensively and defensively. I have viewed this season as transitional all along – the are looking at a lot of young players to see who they have and where they need to supplement. I think that’s going to be the process this year. There will be more guys making their debuts this year and given a chance to see if they are part of the solution, and it makes sense to see if Vargas or Outman are “that guy”. It’s early yet – but right now I don’t know that either of them are or will be.
Prospects are just that – they are prospects, until they aren’t. A study done in 2011 found that 70% of Baseball America’s top 100 prospects failed. So I don’t expect that all of the Dodgers’ prospects will be successful. Obviously, I hope that they will be, but this is a tryout year for a lot of guys, including Vargas.
I don’t know – do you think that the Dodgers are just fine the way that they are. That Trayce Thompson is OK as an OF against lefties? That a starting SS with an OPS+ of 39 is not a problem? That running Syndergaard out there every 5 days gives the Dodgers a good chance to win on the days that he pitches? That 4 relievers with negative WAR helps the bullpen?
Being a fan doesn’t mean that we should be uncritical.
THIS
I agree with both of Phil and Rick, Vargas is learning to play 2B in the big leagues not the easiest thing to do. He may be middle of the pack defensively but he’s not a real problem. He does have positives and negatives.
I would like to see Mark’s lineup above. Let Mookie play short and platoon in the corner outfield slots. Rojas goes to the utility infielder giving days off and late inning defensive replacement for Muncy or Vargas.
As for the trade deadline unless some teams hit a major tailspin the only teams completely out of playoff contention right now is the A’s, Royals, Nationals and the Rockies. I think it’s going to be a quiet but expensive trade deadline.
The Dodgers do have bullpen help coming if the IL pitchers make it back. For starters I don’t see any help coming other than Julio and Pepiot maybe Knack.
“do you think that the Dodgers are just fine the way that they are?” Actually, given the situation, I do.
I absolutely understand the this is a transitional year and know what AF is up to the season. The only things missing for me is getting under the cap to reset the tax. But we took it in the butt with the Bauer deal. We have to use and evaluate the talent we have accumulated in the minors. This is the year to see the kids. I think we can still get into the wildcard round and see what happens. But I am not in favor of any expensive acquisitions at the trade deadline, Period.
“do I think that Trayce Thompson is OK as an OF against lefties? That a starting SS with an OPS+ of 39 is not a problem? That running Syndergaard out there every 5 days gives the Dodgers a good chance to win on the days that he pitches? That 4 relievers with negative WAR helps the bullpen?”
Where the hell did you come up with those questions? I’ll take the one at a time:
* No I don’t think Trayce Thompson is OK and I have been most vocal that he is being done a disservice platooning against LHP. But he can’t hit and this IL stint paves the way for him to quietly be replaced.
* “That a starting shortstop with an OPS+ of 39 is not a problem?” I actually don’t but once again, what do you suggest we do about it? Tell me a rental SS you’d like to get at the deadline and still be in a “transitional” mode that you recognize?
* That Syndergaard out there every 5 days gives us a chance to win? Where did you come up with that one. Of course not. I said he’s a dead man walking and I’ve seen enough. But until we get some reinforcements off the IL, I’m afraid we are stuck with him.
* And finally, the 4 relievers with negative War helping the bullpen? We are going to see plenty of movement with youngsters up and down, starting and relieving. I’m good with that. Remember – we’re in transition. Who would you pitch instead? Who would you spend money to acquire? And why?
You’re full of questions and criticism but real short on answers.
And stop putting words in my mouth and asking shit I never brought up. Thanks
OK Phil…
You say you know what AF is up to. Can you tell us, because I certainly don’t know what the agenda is.
Is AF gearing up for winning the Shohei sweepstakes? (I tend to think so.)
Does he expect to sign Urias for big bucks or not? (Might depend on Ohtani.)
Will the Dodgers make bold moves at midseason (like a Scherzer-Trea deal) or not-so-bold deals (like getting a slumping Gallo for Beeter)?
Two Muncy errors — one that brought in the Reds 4th run — just backed up your point on him.
I think one error was unfairly credited to Heyward. Didn’t see it, but Monday certainly suggested that Max flubbed it.
Texas pitcher Jacob deGrom to have Tommy John surgery. Figure they will be yet another team looking for pitching help.
Yep and they are in win now mode. David Dahl was DFA’d. A few years ago he was a very good player for the Rocks.
They will be in the market.
And now that they look like a real winner, perhaps Kershaw will head home during the offseason.
Sometimes the best moves AF makes are the one’s he doesn’t. Rangers are losing the two best years of deGroms deal. Older pitchers and long term deals are usually a mistake. Let’s see what AF does with Julio, especially with such a huge Latino Dodger fan base.
Yeah, AF has got a tough decision there He’ll make a ton of dodger fans angry if he doesn’t sign Julio. Yet if he does, it’ll most certainly be an overpay, and even if Julio doesn’t get hurt, the back end of the contract will most likely be a waste.
Man that De la Cruz has some bat speed doesn’t he?
Boras is Julios’ rep, he is leaving LA. They are not going to break the bank for a pitcher.
Yes, I agree. I worded it wrong. It’s only A big deal in the eyes of the fan for AF he knows what he hast to do.
AF loves Kershaw’s affinity for one-year deals. AF will go long-term with star position players like Mookie and Freddie, but the biggest deal me made for an SP was, alas, the one with Bauer. It was only for 3 years, but set a record for average annual value.
I hope he negotiates a nice extension for Will Smith, but with Cartaya and Rushing in the wings he might not.
The Dodgers sure dodged a bullet with Rendon. They wanted him–and JT volunteered to move to 1B to accommodate him–but Rendon opted to sign with the Angels. He’s been a bust.
The Angels have done more bad long-term deals than any franchise.
Wow, and on an 0-2 pitch too
Tony’s falling back into his old self, not trusting his stuff.
Got himself in a position to win, but it was ugly. Syndergaardesque
Gonsolin’s velo down in this game – not encouraging
Dodgers sign Kole Calhoun and Mike Montgomery to minor league contracts. Montgomery is a left handed reliever.
We just got Graterol’d again. It’s to the point where you can only use him if you have big run cushion.
Hurry back Daniel Hudson, be a surprise Giles, Montgomery, Brasier. Dodger BP is not good and reinforcements are needed ASAP.
Graterol comes off the mound like he did, his job, with that pump fist to the sky. HA….HA
Just a little too full of himself wouldn’t do you say?
They got 4 hits in one inning…..fist to heaven was appropriate….it wasn’t 5!
I was going to say the same thing. Four hits and 1 run and he slaps his chest like he inherited a bases loaded jam and got three K’s. If he was not a Dodger I would loathe his antics.
Maybe he was celebrating that he didn’t make an error for a change.
Leadoff walks will bite a pitcher in the ass every time. Caleb is not a closer and that experiment should be halted right now. Say what you will but the poor roster construction is starting to show.
How many runs ahead will some of the Dodgers relievers have this season? This idiot from Ferguson is scared shitless in the ninth, who’s more responsible? who does not execute? or who puts it to close the game? At least for me it is totally incomprehensible that a team like ours walks with such miseries in relief.
I don’t usually criticize doc, but even Stevie Wonder could see that Ferguson didn’t have it
Has to be the biggest disappointing loss of the year.
Terrible management.
Lose ugly.
The personnel hasn’t changed much, but the Dodgers’ bullpen has gone from being a strength to a weakness.
You just can’t lose this game. And now we got Syndergaard tomorrow.
Since the May and Urias injuries, the Dodgers have been a poor team. They’ve gone 7 wins, 10 losses over their last 17 games.
Ferguson has been lousy against RH hitters all year. With three rightys coming up in the 9th, he should have never been out there. Doc had Miller, and Robertson available. This is simply bad managing.
This pitching staff is in a shambles! Horrible performance!
n one of those marijuana trades that Bradley proposes please pack Graterol, Bickfort, Vesia and Ferguson, while they have any value. How many years have these and other bastards been in the Dodgers system? they will improve.
The truth is I feel like shit for this humiliating defeat against a shitty team (AAA)
It is preferable to see a youthful and fresh team win or lose like our executioner today, than this bunch of guys who no longer gelled to be in the Big Show.
Maybe he was celebrating that he didn’t make an error for a change.
Doc says it was very apparent that Ferguson was all over the place and didn’t have it
He says you gotta take responsibility talking about Ferguson. Doesn’t mention anything about taking responsibility himself for letting him stay in there or bringing him out in the first place when he had Miller in the bull pen
I will give him credit for letting his pitchers Have it four not not living up to their capability.
This ugly loss is solely on Roberts. Ferguson has no business pitching against righties to close the game. Managing a bullpen has never been a strength for Roberts. Period.
Evan Phillips pitched a clean inning on 11 pitches.
I don’t understand why the Dodgers typically limit RPs are typically to one inning. He threw 11 pitches, and he threw them well. Why not give him the next inning as well?
Roberts is not a great manager.
Can Mike’s boy wonder, miracle kid AF fix this mess?
Headline: EIGHT IS NOT ENOUGH – Doc Fiddles while Ferguson Flails- Dodger Reliever gives new meaning to “walk-off”.
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Kicks
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Doc did an awful job tonight. Reds kept chipping away, got to say this for that team, they are young and scrappy. D-Backs now in first place. Offense was not the problem, the pitching was. Ferguson hitting the Reds batter with 2 strikes on him was unforgivable. But don’t forget, Gonsolin was handed a three-run lead and immediately gave it up. Just a bad performance all around. Muncy’s errors did not help, my question is on that ground ball to third that he emailed over Freddies, head, why didn’t he just run to third and tag the base???????????
The obvious point of your question is that Muncy’s brain fart indicates he might be (or probably is) mentally in-over-his-head playing 3rd base.
Muncy did better at second and first. He is not an accomplished third baseman, that being said, since JD is the DH and Freddie is ensconced at first, his positions are limited. The lineup would no doubt look much different had Lux not been injured. I do find it interesting that they signed Cole Kalhoun. But considering the fact that Williams was claimed on waivers, and Pages is out for the year with shoulder problems, it makes some sense. DeLuca is going to get the start in center field tonight. But my hope is that somehow, Thor goes at least six innings. I see a bullpen shakeup coming soon.
Meanwhile, I see Craig Kimbrel struck out the side to save a Philly 1-0 lead yesterday v Detroit. He’s been on a tear since his opening scare.
For what it’s worth, outside of Phillips, our bullpen flat out stinks. There is absolutely no way we can win any playoff series with these guys. We will need at a minimum 4 new bodies to replace the 4 stiffs coming out of the pen. I know we have a few guys coming back from injury so maybe that helps some….assuming they can stay healthy.
Miller has been ok, he should have been the choice. Robertson has been lights out down at OKC, they could have used him also.
Dodger fans could not wait to see him leave.
Will the Dodgers go after bullpen help?
Aroldis Chapman, anybody? Liam Hendricks, perhaps? Maybe David Bednar?
Josh Hader, who was snapped up by the Pads last year, now has a .85 WHIP, a 1.65 ERA and 13 saves.
Oh well.
What an embarrassing Dodger game! Too bad Mark had to be there in person to witness it.
Yes it was. A total meltdown by the manager and the pitching staff.
So maybe the Dodgers should have held on to Luke Raley, now a platoon cog in the mighty Rays.
He’s got a .945 OPS now with 11 HRs.
They did not see that coming for sure. He raked against them when they played the Rays.
Dave Roberts confirmed to reporters before Tuesday’s game that Urias is planning on returning for the weekend series. Maybe this will be Thor’s last game as a starter for the Dodgers. I would start Michael Grove again.
On a scale of one to ten I give Roberts a5. Not good, not bad, just ok. Last night was absolutely horrible. A 5 runn lead in past years, we never lose. Bad managing, bad pitching! 8 runs and we lose? May it rain tonight!