It’s Not the Drop-Dead Line

Posted By on July 24, 2023

With a little over a week until the August 1st trade deadline, I do not believe that the Dodgers’ fortunes hinge upon getting a quality starter or two. I believe that the Dodgers’ fortunes turn upon what happens with their own pitchers. Of course, it would be nice to get another RH bat, but that is not essential. In fact, it is possible that the RH bat could already be in the Dodger’s system, namely Miguel Vargas or Jonny DeLuca. Either player could be just what the Doctor ordered down the stretch!

Many of you assume that because you trade for someone, they are going to help you. If you truly look at hitters that might be available, do you really have confidence that Dylan Carlson, Tyler O’Neill, Randall Grichuk, Kris Bryant are going to deliver the juice that makes the squeeze worthwhile? Lane Thomas looks to be the best of the bunch, but he has never performed in Hollywood in the past. Sometimes, the bright lights are too much for some players.

I am not saying that Andrew Friedman will not trade for a hitter. Shoot, Nolan Aernado is possible… if you want a huge overpay, but I do not see the Dodgers trading for a RH hitter that will be a huge difference maker. I also do not see a big difference maker in pitchers who are available. Giolitio is the best, but he has warts and is not the Prince the Dodgers might need. The rest of the bunch, except for Blake Snell (whom the Padres will not send to the Dodgers), are Frogs. I am not into kissing frogs! The Dodgers have the player collateral to trade, but should they?

I think the Dodgers Championship hopes hang on the following:

  1. Whether one of Miguel Vargas or Jonny DeLuca can be the RH bat the Dodgers desperately need;
  2. Whether Julio Urias can return to his form of previous years;
  3. Whether Tony Gonsolin can flash the form he did last year;
  4. Whether Thor can return and pitch like a #5;
  5. Whether Clayton Kershaw can return healthy and pitch like he did all season;
  6. Whether Bobby Miller can continue his growth and pitch like we know he can;
  7. Whether the bullpen can continue pitch as they have since June 20th – THE #1 BULLPEN IN BASEBALL!
  8. Whether one of Michael Grove or Gavin Stone can step up;
  9. Whether a couple of Shelby Miller, Jimmy Nelson, JP Feyereisen, Daniel Hudson, Blake Treinen, Walker Buehler, and Ryan Pepiot can return from the 60-day IL;

At their best, a rotation of Urias, Kershaw, Gonsolin, Miller, and Thor is potentially devastating. Not everything above needs to happen, but some of it does. There comes a point where you have to have confidence in and dance with the one who brought ya’!

JUST SAY NO TO DOPE-FIEND MOVES!

I believe that Andrew Friedman will make a move or two, but I also think it is something that none of us see coming. Who saw Mookie Betts? Friedman says that the Dodgers will be aggressive – do you actually believe that… or is he just driving up the cost of these players? Maybe a little of both! It’s posturing, that’s for sure!

This article has 106 Comments

  1. “The market is still developing, as there are a number of teams still on the fence, but we expect that to crystallize more in the next week,” said Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations. “We will be aggressive in our efforts to add to this roster, and there are different obvious and potentially creative ways to do so.”
    We always say we don’t know what AF is thinking or going to do. So now you have it!!
    So continue opining your preferred trades. ‘Stand pat’ seems NOT to be his preferred choice.

    1. I believe that Andrew Friedman will make a move or two, but I also think it is something that none of us see coming. Who saw Mookie Betts? Friedman says that the Dodgers will be aggressive – do you actually believe that… or is he just driving up the cost of these players? Maybe a little of both! It’s posturing, that’s for sure!

  2. Mark,
    That’s a lot of wishful thinking in your 9 bullet points. Obviously based on unknowns. I would add to it -Which Max Muncy will we see and can our age 30+ roster of hitters avoid the injury bug in second half.

  3. the only two RH bats that would be a sure fire upgrade (or at least as close as it gets) and who might be available are Robert from the White Sox and Arenado. In both cases it will have to be a overpay. How much of an overpay ?
    That might be the million dollar question. Both guys are signed for couple more years and might be worth such an overpay if it has to be.
    Pepiot, Stone, Pages, Busch, ? Would that be enough ?

    Vargas batting average at OKC is sinking like the Titanic after a hot start. I have not much confidence he will be the answer.
    DeLuca on the other hand is showing some signs he could be .

    On the starting pitching side I agree with Mark. The answer probably are within what we already have.
    I´d be okay with CK, JU; TG and BM as the 4 starters in the postseason. If Buehler would be good to go or Thor returning to his old ways (very unlikely IMHO) that would be a bonus.

    I hope we get 1-2 high leverage bullpen arms . In the past we have seen that a overpowering bullpen will go a long way in the postseason. Especially when your starters are questionable to give you a quality start.

    The Springsteen concert yesterday in Munchs Olympic Stadium was a blast (literally) . The Boss was at his very best. 3 hours of entertainment at the highest level, great weather. My personal highlight; The River . When he played the intro you could hear a pencil drop and then 70.000 voices singing along. What immortal lines from that song:
    Is a dream a lie that don´t come true or is it something worse ?
    Now those memories come back to haunt me, they haunt me like a curse.

    Made me remember a love I had in the summer of 83 when I was 18 years old (exactly 40 years ago). I was so in love with a girl from our school and everything started out great but all of a sudden the girl did not return my calls and did not want to see me. I never asked her why and when we accidentally met a few times after we did not talk to each other again.

    Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!

    1. Amazing! I saw him in 2016 at the LA Sports Arena, right before the arena was torn down for the new LAFC Stadium.

      Did he wind up singing “Hungry Heart” for you?? Stunningly, at my show, he did NOT sing ‘Born in the USA’, and he sang for 3 hours straight.

      1. No Hungry Heart and no Cover me and most stunningly no Born in the USA either.
        Last song was I see you in my dreams.
        Couple days ago in Duesseldorf he sang Born in the USA .
        I think he was just a little tired at the end of the show. Which is totally understandable after 3 hours of performing.

        Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!

        1. A few years back he was here in South Florida. Our friends got last minute tickets in the VIP area. I have to admit we left before the end. 2 hours + and we were worn out.

        2. Such a great artist. Such a greater performer.
          First saw him in 1975 or maybe ’76 at the Santa Monica Civic. But two of my pals saw him the night before at the Roxy because they had complimentary tix to review the show for the college paper.
          I’ve seen him six more times over the decades, but my favorite was in the summer of ’78 at Madison Square Garden, the “Darkness” tour, which I attended with pals Bernie and Brett. (Somebody hung a banner: “Prove It All Night, Bruce!”) We were summer interns who were living in Greenwich Village a dorm just off Washington Square Park. Sometimes my friends spotted Patti Smith walking down the street. “Because the Night” was a big hit then. Bruce wrote it for Patti–and left if off “Darkness,” though it was a perfect fit. But he played it in the concert, one of the highlights. Another highlight was fun: He pointed out his mom and sister in the crowd–and played “Sweet Little Sixteen” because it was her birthday. Show lasted about 4 1/2 hours and we slowly walked back to the dorm with sky starting to lighten.
          Memory is funny thing. For years I told people that “Because the Night” was the encore. But Bernie, still a friend, found a video of this concert about 10 years ago. I was stunned to discover that “Because the Night” was performed earlier…. I would have sworn….
          The other concerts were great too, but they didn’t happen when I was a provincial 21-year-old student from Southern California having a magical summer in NYC. The next spring, I visited my summer girlfriend Amy, who attended Duke, and we drove up to Richmond to visit Brett.
          Alas, I fell out of touch with Amy within a few years, and sadder still learned that Brett had died of AIDS. He had come out of the closet that summer–“Nooo!” Amy said when I shared Brett’s secret.
          I told her and quickly felt guilty because it felt like cheap gossip. But within a couple days Brett thanked me for helping to get the word out.
          Great guy, gone far too soon.

          1. My flex memory:

            The Boss & Steel Curtain were playing a sold-out show at a local beach club on Jersey Shore. They were a hit band then (late ‘60’s) and the mix of hippies & drunk surfers there got out of control and next thing you know we’re shut down by police & crowd not happy. My first ‘riot’. Blame it on Bruce – he was a local hero forever soon afterwards. Fire live shows.

            Asbury Park days.

          3. What a great story Duke. Oh, we all had such fun and memories to last forever. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Not if he continues to pitch like he has so far in a Dodgers uni.
      No way.

      Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      1. Didn’t India win the ROY? My recollection, anyway.
        India is a good player. If Miguelito had his numbers, Dodger fans would be very happy.
        But the Dodgers have a better guy at second named Mookie.

  6. Noah Syndegaard was worse than bad (I’d think a 7+ ERA is worse than bad, but maybe others saw some promise in that).

    Now, because we like to believe he might be better, therefore he will be better? This isn’t 2022, where we had the best record in baseball at the end of July with like a 10+ game lead on everybody. We’re only 4 games up on 2 teams and we can’t be giving starts away the last 2 months of the year because Syndegaard was good 8 years ago and we hope he’ll be good this year.

    I’d rather go get someone who’s 1) better than Syndegaard, and 2) isn’t one of 3 straight rookies in our rotation.

    Plus, if we do get to October, what do we have? 1) Kershaw, who’s ERA is double in the postseason than regular season, 2) Urias, who’s been a post season stud for us in the past but has had his worst year of his career to date, 3) Gonsolin, who hasn’t been great in October and hasn’t been great in 2 months, and then 3 rookies, Syndegaard and his 7 ERA???

    We need someone who can pitch in October, on the road, in SF, or Cincy, or Atl, and not scare the hell out of us. Not all of our right handed starters in AAA and AA will be top of the rotation guys. 1-2 of them can be dealt for someone who will help this year.

  7. Our starting pitching is in shambles right now with way too many ifs in your analysis. In fact they’re all ifs! We need help and I believe AF will deliver. And you can’t really believe there’s any hope having Syndegaard pitch any more, unless it’s in Tulsa.

    1. And you can’t really believe there’s any hope having Syndegaard pitch any more, unless it’s in Tulsa.

      Let me re-phrase the meaning behind what you just said:

      “We all know that Friedman, Prior, and the Dodger Pitching Gurus are stupid and will bring up pitchers who cannot pitch, and they really have no clue about this, and they have no track record of fixing pitchers”

      Essentially, that is what you are saying.

      Call me a moron, but if they call up Thor, it’s because they believe he will be productive!

      1. And I don’t. We’ve brought up a lot of pitchers who can’t pitch this year and their era’s are proof of it.

  8. Spending prospects on a player who will be a free agent for a 3 month rental doesn’t seem like a good idea. Spending prospects to get Arenado would have a tremendous impact on the team and I believe that Andrew is trying to work it out. If it happens it won’t be until right before the deadline when the Cardinals decide they have gotten the best deal possible.

    Nolan would stabilize and improve the infield and give us the right handed bat we need.

    Go Andrew!

    1. Arenado is not going to be traded, Mozelak all but squashed that yesterday when he said Goldy and Arenado were no going anywhere. As for prospect capital for rentals, usually the price is lower because teams know you are not getting top talent unless your player is in the top tier of the league. Machado cost us 5 players, only one of whom the Orioles still have. Giolitto would not cost a top-10 prospect. But he would cost at least one of our prospects in the top 100.

      1. I do not mean to accuse Mozelak of lying, but just like Friedman saying the Dodgers will be aggressive, he is also posturing. If the Dodgers offered a package of Busch, Vargas, Cartaya, Stone, and Sheehan, they would listen.

        That said, the Dodgers would also have to trade Muncy and a team like the Yankees might just bite. It might have to be a 3-way deal, and they still might need another RH bat.

        1. I agree with this. Of course the GM will say “we have no intention of trading Player X.”

          Then, Player X gets traded, and the GM will say “well, we didn’t want to trade him, but we had to do what’s best for the franchise future”

  9. Yes starting pitching scary. And we can’t count on scoring all those runs in playoffs.

  10. The only must to me is a RH OF. With Peralta, Outman, Heyward starting most games we need a dependable guy to start, pinch-hit, etc.

    1. Agree with that. But they do need at least one starting pitcher. Who that might be is a mystery. I would opt for Grichuk or Renfroe. Grichuk hitting close to .300 and can play all three outfield spots, Renfroe has power and about a .250 BA.

  11. Braves have traded for Pierce Johnson of the Rockies, a RH reliever. Colorado gets two minor league pitchers in return. The Braves also acquired lefty Tyler Hearn from the Rangers. Hearn was DFAd the other day.

  12. * Sheehan will eventually be a bullpen piece down the road. 2.5 pitch guy, maybe. I don’t see enough stuff for 2 times through.
    * We have to see these young guys play. It’s painfully to endure the rookies struggles. But we need to see them under fire. All of them. It has to be an adequate sample size. It will look like AAA sometime.
    This is, READY…………., a transition year. It’s frustrating but when we mention patience, this is the patience we need; with these kids.
    * Aroldis Chapman is a DUDE. I have always loved to watch him. How the f*** do you throw 105.8?
    When he was a kid with the Reds, I slowed down his video for the first time, and my jaw dropped. His “separation” was awesome. His bellybutton was facing the plate and his shoulders were so closed, you could see him coiled like a giant spring. He uncoiled and his arm speed was a blur. 105.8.
    That was 13 years ago!
    More young pitchers have evolved now who throw 100+, but he was a model.
    Now the man is 35 years old. A dinosaur for relief pitchers. He’s’s gone though a few teams and had his ups and downs. But the thing that’s been consistent is HE IS DARTH VADER.
    He’s gotten a little thicker since he broke in 13 years ago. He doesn’t have the same back flexibility. He can’t “separate” like he did.
    But he now makes up for it with leg strength and some mechanical tweaks. With less separation, he generates his power…from his ass. And his arm speed stays the same, in the elite category.
    He still hits 103…..at 35. Remarkable.

  13. Hanging on to some of that minor league collateral will just reduce their value.
    Michael Busch is not a hot young talent. He’s a guy in his mid-20s who has earned a major league shot but has no clear path to the Dodgers roster, especially if Mookie becomes ensconced at 2B. (And why shouldn’t he? Great place for the team’s unofficial captain to be positioned.) Of course Mookie’s move also creates an obstacle for Vargas, who I guess is still valued more highly than Busch, perhaps because Vargas is younger.
    Lane Thomas had a pretty fantastic game for the Nats yesterday. Check out the highlights. He’s been good all season, compiling an .835 OPS. By that measure, the only rightfielders listed ahead of him are named Acuna, Betts, Kyle Tucker, Tatis and Adolis Garcia–every one a star, or “superstar.” (I assume Judge would be there too if he hadn’t had that crash in LA.)
    Assuming Mookie’s move is permanent, perhaps AF & Associates will decide that Thomas, age 27, could be The Answer for rightfield. His contract is under team control for a couple more seasons so he wouldn’t come cheap, but a package that starts with Vargas or Busch and an SP like Grove or ?? could get it done.
    Next season, Jorbit Vivas, Eddys Leonard and Austin Gauthier could all move up to OKC.
    Certainly the Dodgers could get a rental like Grichuk or ?? at a lower price. And since SP is the top priority, perhaps this will be the decision.
    But I’d rather see AF swing for the fences this week. If you love your prospects, set them free! Go after both a frontline starter and Lane Thomas. You don’t have to be a dope fiend to make an offer that is hard to refuse.

  14. Google news had a story that said the Dodgers would be interested in a potential big trade with the Cardinals. The pieces mentioned, were not named Arenado and Goldschmidt. It was Carlson and O’Neil, Montgomery and Flaherty. The package would consist of one of each. One RH hitting outfielder and one starting pitcher. Cardinals want young pitching so at least two of the Dodgers minor league pitchers, or maybe Grove or Pepiot would need to be included. O’Neil is having a bad season and has been injured most of the time, pass. Carlson is not that impressive and in reality, not much better than anyone we have on the roster. But I would take Montgomery over Flaherty. Simply because he has been better lately.

    1. Old Bear, I wish and Mark were right about the “bluffing” stance of the St. Louis GM and delivered a very good package for the services of Arenado and some of the pitchers they have available, so we avoid losing prospects because of rule 5, I understand that the guys coming after the ones we see today are also quite quality (I just hope they don’t include Catcher Rushing, or something like that). I trust AF’s sensitivity and negotiation skills.

    2. The Cards are perhaps the best fit for a blockbuster. Dodgers could bring back 3 or even 4 useful pieces–an SP, an RP and a couple of righty bats.
      But unless one of those bats is Arenado–and it won’t be–I’m not sure that one-stop shopping is the best way to go. I’d do a bit of boutique shopping–spend more to get the stuff you really want.
      No doubt AF & Associates have compiled their wish list. I’d be really happy with Giolito from the ChiSox, Thomas from the Nationals, and Hicks from the Cards.
      Or, of course, Ohtani from the Angels.

  18. Jon Heyman reports the Pirates are now listening on Bednar.

    Trade Simulator says Busch plus Stone would be a slight overpay. Anyone who gets Bednar will have to overpay.

    I’m in.

    Bednar has an excellent track record, is controllable for 3 years after this one and isn’t overly expensive. Do it.

    1. If that is the price make the trade today.
      Then you have four absolute lockdown bullpen arms in Bednar, Phillipps, Ferguson and Graterol.
      You then can keep Phillpps in his role as fireman to shut down the heart of an order any time you need and still have Bednar to close out the game.

      Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      1. Bednar might be an exception, but I get the impression that the Dodger brain trust is averse to spending big on the bullpen.
        They’d rather find the rough gemstones and polish them up. Phillips is the latest–no, wait, Brasier is the latest example. They’ve had a lot of success with these guys, and they are able to shuttle the (relatively) low-salary guys between LA and OKC.
        As I recall it, it was reported that AF grudgingly agreed to Kenley’s biggest contract.
        “Listening” is certainly the best way of gauging market value, whether they make a deal or not.

  19. Dodgers Digest has a new and fun prospects list out, going all the way from No 1 to 55.
    Some of the usual suspects, of course, with Cartaya still at No. 1 but Rushing up to No. 2 here, which makes sense to me. Busch is at No. 4.
    The fun part is the optimism for prodigies like 19-year-old Josue de Paula, who is way up at No. 3, and 17-year-old Jeondry Vargas, a 6 foot-4-inch SS, at No. 12. Wouldn’t it be great if one of the young guys break through early the way guys like Trout, Acuna and Soto did?
    So there is depth and also youth in the system. I was happy to see that a relative oldtimer, 24-year-old Austin Gauthier, has finally made a prospect list. He was signed as undrafted FA out of Hofstra and is now playing alongside Jorbit Vivas and Eddys Leonard in Tulsa.
    DD’s summary:
    “Austin Gauthier has been great since he was signed by the Dodgers as an undrafted free agent in 2021. His advanced approach and ability to get on base showed through right away, but he has added a new facet to his game in 2023: power. Gauthier has roughly doubled his home run rate from last year while still walking more than he’s striking out.
    “Gauthier has moved all over the diamond defensively, playing third base and both corners in the outfield the most. He is capable of playing second base and shortstop as well. Gauthier has quickly turned himself into a high-likelihood big leaguer, even if he is eventually limited to a bench utility or platoon role (he has an OPS above 1.100 against lefties this season).”
    The depth is one reason why the Dodgers shouldn’t be too shy about using their prospect capital to improve the the major league roster. If Busch winds up hitting 30 HRs for the White Sox or Cards or Nationals next year, we can just ask why he didn’t get a legitimate runway in ’23.

    1. I feel like there’s a weird mis-alignment on Chris Newell. Glaser seemed high on him, as is Longenhagen.

      Would love to get more informed thoughts on him….

    2. Slight correction: dePaula just turned 18 a few weeks ago. Kid looks terrific and holding his own against much older competition at RC.

      He is among my untouchables in any kind of trade.

      Go Dodgers!!!!!!

  20. Maybe Gauthier is the CT3 replacement in waiting when Taylor’s contract is up in a couple of years. The timing would be just about perfect.

    1. Maybe…. I love guys like him and Vivas who walk more than they strikeout.
      Gauthier was undrafted, but he reminds me of Zach McKinstry, who was a very late round draft pick prospect but played his way to the majors. He was basically Kike’s replacement after Kike signed with Bostont Started fast but then an injury derailed him for a while. He made it back to the majors last year and AF flipped him to the Cubs for RP Chris Martin–the only good move AF made down the stretch last year. Very smart move, because McK had no clear role with the Dodgers, and Martin pitched well.
      Somebody here said the Dodgers “gave up” on McKinstry–and, of course, it’s ridiculous. It was also said that the Angels “gave up” on Jarmaih Jones, a top draft pick, when they traded him for SP Alex Cobb, an all-star for SF this year. This year Jones was in OKC but gave up on the Dodgers. He played well but kept getting passed over and asked for his release,–and wound up on the Brewer’s major league roster) The Dodgers got nada for Jones but got good value for McKinstry, and the trade advanced McKinstry’s career. The Cubs traded him to the Tigers, where he has been a key UT guy. Not bad for a guy picked in something like the 35th round.
      I imagine that Busch, a first-rounder, has dueling hopes: One that he’ll be called up to the Dodgers immediately, another that he’ll be traded to a team that really wants him.

    1. My reply to that rumor is horse manure. Why in the world would the Dodgers want Kike back? He is hitting .222. His OPS is below .600 (.599) His OPS+ is 61. He has only 6 homers in 297 at bats. What is worse is that his stellar defense is no longer there. He has made 15 errors as an infielder. 14 at SS and one at 2nd. He has played 14 games in the outfield, all in center. No thanks. His time in blue has passed and anyone who thinks he would be better than what they already have is bonkers.

        1. So have I, but it is simply a rumor. Makes zero sense. Kike sucks this season and he is not better than anyone they have playing those positions right now.

  22. I read Fabian’s article earlier today. I can’t understand under any circumstances why we would have an interest in re-engaging with Kike. That ship sailed long ago.
    Remember the little ping pong balls that popped out of the hopper for the draft lottery years ago? I think that’s still in use for some of the names popping up as trade rumors.

  23. Hmmmmm a big trade to shake things up Friedman said which he has done before. Okay who needs a third baseman first baseman or dh like Muncy look at the teams in the playoffs chase who would you like for Muncy and some prospects? I could see the cardinals and they go after Arenodo and trade Goldschmidt some where else like to either angels or Giants and the cardinals get some prospects in from the dodgers fo Arenado Montgomery and Tyler O’Neil. That would be a shocker then Muncy can play third first or Dh. What about Seattle? Don’t they have Suarez 3b Hernandez LF and some starting pitching. I could see Muncy going there with some prospects as well. Or get this. Dodgers they send Muncy and prospects to Chicago for Stroman p Bellinger OF and Wisdom3b. All three of these teams are possibilities at the trade deadline. And nobody knows with Friedman. But he said something big will happen.

    1. To play in the same league with the Braves the Dodgers will need a big trade or two.
      Braves are the team to beat to reach the WS.

      Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    2. Rebuilding teams do not want Muncy.

      There are a few teams that might consider him, but they’re limited.

      The Cubs and Cardinals would want MLB Ready Prospects, like Busch, Vargas, DeLuca, Pepiot, Stone, Frasso, maybe Vivas and Cartaya and Rushing would be discussed.

      It will be a seller’s market! That means you may get screwed!

    3. Hernandez is playing right. They have more of a need of outfielders right now since Kelenic got hurt. Besides, so far, the Mariners are not completely out of the race. Muncy is of little interest for the Cardinals. All of the stories I have read have them wanting young pitching. Goldschmidt and Arenado are not going anywhere. That is pure fantasy. Freidman has said something big will happen before, and nothing did. Wisdom, Bellinger, and Stroman in a package? Well, with three left-handed hitting outfielders already on the roster, Bellinger is not a need, and as I have said before, I have not seen the Dodgers trade for a player they let walk just the winter before ever. Stroman has been very pedestrian lately. As for Wisdom, he has fewer homers than Muncy, 23-17. Less than half the RBI’s 63-35, is hitting .193 to Muncy’s .196. To make matters worse, his fielding pct at 3rd is .934 to Muncy’s .959. He has 11 errors to Max’s 7. Wisdom has no postseason experience. He is NOT an upgrade over Muncy.

  24. Unless the Dodgers face Atlanta in the first round, they would be the team to beat.

  25. Hey, guys. I think I might have missed something. J.D. was not in the lineup yesterday and he’s not starting tonight. Does anyone know if he’s injured?

    1. He had a tightness in his hammy and some in his groin yesterday, they are being cautious. Roberts said yesterday that JD would sit again tonight and be back in the lineup Tuesday.

        1. No problem my friend. They barely mentioned it on yesterday’s broadcast. But it is on their website now. Big thunderstorm here right now. Hope the hell we do not lose power again.

  26. 10:10 PM ET

    Blue Jays (55-45)
    Dodgers (57-41)

    SP Jose Berrios R
    8-7 3.39 ERA
    SP Michael Grove R
    2-2 6.40 ERA

    Confirmed Lineup
    2B Mookie Betts R
    1B F. Freeman L
    C Will Smith R
    DH Max Muncy L
    LF D. Peralta L
    RF J. Heyward L
    SS Chris Taylor R
    CF James Outman L
    3B Y. Hernandez S

    78° Wind 8 mph Out

    1. David Vassegh
      @THEREAL_DV
      J.D.Martinez walked by and said he’ll be in the lineup tomorrow night. #Dodgers

    1. Never seen it.

      Have you ever seen “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”?

      It’s an overlooked masterpiece.

      1. I’d never heard of it. Just read up about it and it looks fantastic. Not initially very successful but has gained in popularity in the years since it’s release. The director took a lot of inspiration from Terrence Malick.

      2. Yes and I have it on dvd. But I think it is very boring. Hardly any action at all for a western. Pitt is pretty decent as Jesse James, but the kid who plays Robert Ford is not one of my favorite actors and I think he just was wrong for the part. But that is me. I prefer more action in a western. Tombstone is the example of a very good western with a great cast. Everyone in the movie is perfect for the part they play. Even the bit players like Billy Bob Thornton who has a minor role, and Val Kilmer, who is quite literally the best Doc Holliday I have ever seen in a movie about the gunfight. They even managed to get Harry Carey Jr. and Charleton Heston into the movie.

      3. It’s good! Beautifully shot by deakins .

        Filmed in Winnipeg! At least parts of it.

        That said, it’s no Sergio Leone!

        Dominik is hit and miss for me. I wanted to love Blonde, but didn’t.

  29. But Max’s OPS is higher than every batter who follows him. And he’s gotten hot, with 3 HRs and a 1.059 OPS over the past seven days.
    Yesterday somebody here groused that Max followed his slam with three Ks.
    Outman used to Mark’s Dangerfield. Now Max is the new Dangerfield. Gets no respect, no respect at all…
    He could wind up hitting 40 HRs with a .800 OPS…. and people will complain about his batting average.

        1. Just to clarify, didn’t mean to imply that Mark dissed Max. Just that Max now seems to generate more complaints than every other Dodger.
          Most teams would love to have a guy with an .804 OPS, 24 HRs, 63 RBI and 57 runs scored in the middle of their lineup. Yeah, his BA is .195, but his OBP is .327, which is better than JDM’s.
          And that’s what Max has produced despite a long slump.

          1. “Just that Max now seems to generate more complaints than every other Dodger.”

            CT3 just came off the IL. Give it some time. They’ll start complaining about him, too.

            I don’t want to move Muncy. His BABIP is under .200. I suspect his BA will come up as he continues to play.

    2. The issue with Muncy is how unproductive he is when he isn’t hitting home runs. How many times does he strike out, pop up and roll over a weak grounder with RISP and less than 2 outs. It’s the little things like move ‘‘em over and get ‘em in that wins playoff games against good pitching.

      1. My issue has always been the strikeouts. Wasted at bats, and the last time I checked, walks rarely drive in runs. If Max was hitting .240, I would not complain at all, it would mean he was at least getting some hits. But being successful 20 times out of 100, well that is just plain awful.

      2. I’m not so sure about this, Cassidy:

        It’s the little things like move ‘‘em over and get ‘em in that wins playoff games against good pitching.

        1. Well our hr heavy strategy didn’t work so well last year. Sometimes you just have to manufacture runs against good playoff pitching. A walk, a stolen base and two productive outs can score a critical playoff run. Too many K’s kill that for us

          1. It surely wasn’t a “small ball” strategy that did seem to work for Houston and Philly.

      3. Right now Max is tied for 7th in the National League with 63 RBIs. Alonso and Christian Walker have the same total.
        Four of the guys ahead of him are Dodgers: JDM at No. 3 with 73, Freddie at No. 4 with 70, and Mookie at No. 6 with 67–impressive for a guy batting leadoff. This might help explain why Max’s contributions are overlooked.
        When we compare counting stats, we should also count the opportunities. Max has played in 81 games, compared to 95 for Mookie and 97 for Freddie. As for the guys tied with Max, Walker has played in 96 games and Alonso in 91. What would Max’s total be if he had played in ten more games?
        JDM has compiled his impressive total in 80 games.
        One reason Max usually bats ahead of JDM may his plate discipline and on-base percentage. With JDM’s help, Max has scored 57 runs, while JDM has scored 47.
        Max inspires frustration because he is so streaky. But he finished strong last season, and we can hope he’ll do so again.

  30. Of this, I am certain:

    Dave Roberts does not unilaterally decide to bat Muncy 4th without a lot of input from the front office. For a cleanup hitter, OPS tops BA!

    1. Well it shouldn’t when a player strikes out more than 30 percent of the time. Walks do not drive in runs normally and neither do strikeouts. Max has hit some homers, but beyond that, he is not getting a whole lot of hits. Like I said, if he was even hitting his career average, .227, it would not be as bad. But under the Mendoza line, sorry, that does not inspire a whole lot of confidence. I am sure his teammates love the guy, and he plays and works his ass off. All I want is more contact and less whiff.

      1. But walks often lead to runs.
        JDM, usually batting 5th, has the highest RBI total on the Dodgers even though he missed a couple weeks’ worth of games.
        Also, Max’s K rate is at about 28%, while JDM’s is 31%. Outman’s is almost 34%.

    1. The Dodgers also lead the NL in runs scored!

      They are 2nd in runs scored in MLB behind Texas!

  35. It seems like the Dodgers are in an enviable position. First place after a rough patch earlier. Still have a couple of underachieving hitters who may (or may not ) improve. Or prospects that may make an impact. Relief pitching has improved although relievers can be fickle. Can probably cobble together four starters for the playoffs.
    Then with all the prospects they have the flexibility to make whatever kind of trade they think is necessary.

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