For the record, Dave Roberts is the NL Manager of the Year in my book. The Dodgers lost 2,266 days to the IL disbursed through 29 players. That is the most in baseball. The Angels were close with 2,186 days, and the Yankees lost 2,106 days. The Braves and the Marlins lost 1,658 days and 1,584 days, respectively. Arizona lost 1,099 days to the IL. The Reds lost 1,950 days, and the Brewers lost 1,525 days. I mention those teams because the Manager of the Year discussions also involve those teams.
Essentially, Dave Roberts lost his entire starting rotation and had to balance using rookies and utility players. At one point in their game on June 17, the Dodgers had five rookies on the field – Bobby Miller, James Outman, Michael Busch, Miguel Vargas, and Jonny DeLuca. They have used at least 11 rookies this season. So Dave Roberts has had to juggle the lineup often based upon what rookie or utility player he had at his beck and call. Top that off with the fact that many Dodger fans had low expectations for this team anyway.
Yet, with four games to go, here they sit with 98 wins – and the chance to hit 100 wins again. – the second-best in the National League, with just four games to go. 100 wins seems very likely, as I know they want to finish strong. Best of all, the Clowns down the freeway are dead and buried. Their President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, AJ Preller, is on the hot seat, but it is probably in the Dodgers’ best interests that he stays- they could actually hire someone who is better! Their two-time cancer survivor owner, Peter Seidler had another surgery and looks very unhealthy, but we wish him nothing but good. Godspeed, Peter!
However, I digress. What I don’t like about Dave Roberts is that he doesn’t have his pitchers throw enough “chin music!” Here is a baseball poem – An Ode to Baseball which embodies what Chin Music is all about:
Play ball!
— J.W. Steinberg, 2018
I believe in the thud of a fastball smacking into a weary, leathered mitt softened by tobacco juice.
I see fingers flashing signs. Not for gas. Not this time.
And the pitcher, one of the immortals with a magician’s touch—like Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, or Jim Palmer—spins a curveball that gyrates on a wild trajectory to flummoxed deities.
Legends like Willie Mays, Frank Robinson, or Mickey Mantle, impatiently statuesque in the box, their bats ready to burst like champagne corks as the red-threaded orb twists and feints and swivels its way toward them.
And then, a whoosh, a whisper, a gust of wind worthy of a hurricane, and the finality of a cowhide whomp. The umpire, seeing this, swings out his fist, stabs the aura, and barks, Strike three.
Innings later, a reprise.
Roberto Clemente, Stan “The Man” Musial or Reggie Jackson digs in again while the pitcher, Warren Spahn, Tom Seaver or Don Drysdale eyes him warily.
timeless beauty. Their bodies synchronized. Eyes ablaze.
The pitcher swings into a balletic motion of furious intent, as the batter waggles ash over his shoulder.
An arm hurtles forward in a violent spasm and the ethereal orb slices through expectations.
And then a split-second later insinuates itself. A split-fingered fastball? A slider? A screwball? The batter ponders the question being asked.
And then, an answer.
A fastball high and tight. The sweet sounds of chin music whistles past the ear of history, as it has so many times before. A classic piece of pitching.
The body understands up and in as it arches backwards, before collapsing into the brown dirt with a thud of relief even as the wooden cudgel flies off to the side, like a bunt driven into the dust.
Rising to his feet, the batter’s eyes scream at the pitcher: Do you hold these truths of the high hard one to be self-evident?
The pitcher smirks.
The batter collects himself and shakes dirt off his uniform as the pitcher stares in and murmurs:
I pledge allegiance to the history of location, movement and velocity. To the timeless mythology of balls and strikes, done the American way. And to the ninth inning. The final out. The complete game. The national pastime.
I, too, believe in chin music. I think it was Casey Stengel who said, “If you hit ourine, we’ll hit urine!! I’m not sure the grammar was correct. Now, I am not advocating “beanballs” and drilling batters in the head (the butt maybe), but when other teams are pitching your hitters inside (for competitive reasons), you have to do the same. Here are a couple of guys who were not afraid to do so:
Over the course of this season, I have seen other teams pitch the Dodgers inside and even occasionally hit a Dodger player. It may not have been with the intent to hit the player, but it was to send a message “Don’t dig in against me!” Sometimes you have to send the message to the other team, “Don’t hit our guys or we will hit yours! It’s that simple, and Doc needs to do it more. He’s a nice guy, but this is just how the game should be played. No Karens, please! That’s all! I am done!
Dodger News & Notes
- Max Muncy is playing in the Arizona Fall League with a bunch of Rookies and he is playing SS. Yes, the Las Vegas A’s Max Muncy!
- Ronan Kopp, LHP is also playing in the AFL .Kopp was a junior college standout who used the 2021 Draft Combine to really improve his stock, allowing him to land in Round 12 to the Dodgers that summer. He’s been missing bats since, striking out 14.5 per nine in his career to date, including 13.3 per nine in High-A this year. The stuff will no doubt play, but the 6-foot-7 lefty will need to work on his strike-throwing (6.2 BB/9) as he moves up the ladder. If he can cut the walks in half, he will be in LA next year!
- OKC Dodgers – From MLB.com’s Ben Weinrib: The Oklahoma City Dodgers roster has undergone a lot of change throughout the 2023 season. Key players have been promoted to the Majors, and some have returned. But all of that big-game experience paid off as the Triple-A club swept the best-of-3 Pacific Coast League Championship Series against the Round Rock Express with a 5-2 win on Wednesday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. In doing so, the Dodgers secured their first championship since moving to Oklahoma City in 2015. Top Dodgers prospects who spent significant time in Los Angeles this year played a big role in the title-winning game. Infielder Michael Busch continued to swing the bat well with the decisive three-run homer, and starter Gavin Stone struck out 10 across 6 1/3 innings to earn the win. “I’m sure it’s hard for some guys, once you go up and you pitch in front of 50,000 people, to come back down to Triple-A and have that same type of adrenaline,” Oklahoma City manager Travis Barbary said. “But last night, Kyle Hurt, and tonight, Gavin Stone, these guys wanted it. It’s just fun to watch.” Outfielder Jonny DeLuca, who had two stints in Los Angeles this season, got the scoring started with a 433-foot two-run homer in the second inning. And after the Express clawed back a run in the fourth, it was no surprise who extended the Dodgers’ lead. Busch has been Oklahoma City’s big hitter all season, despite missing time with three brief appearances in the bigs. The second-ranked Dodgers prospect (MLB No. 44) hit .323/.431/.618 and finished fourth in the PCL with 27 homers, including three in his last four regular-season games. That hot bat carried over to the playoffs, where he launched a crucial moonshot in the fifth. “[Busch] has been awesome. He’s so fun to watch play every day,” Barbary said. “He comes and prepares as good as anyone I’ve been around. He’s just a steadying influence on this team. His presence in the lineup means so much to everyone on this club. To see him come through there and put us up with a three-run homer, 5-1 at the time, was just huge. So happy for him. He’s had an amazing year, not only here but making his debut this year in L.A. It’s been a fun year being able to watch him play baseball every day.” Oklahoma City will have one more chance to show how its Major League experience pays off as the team heads to Las Vegas for the Triple-A National Championship Game on Saturday against the winner of the International League. But for now, the team is reveling in an accomplishment not achieved by an Oklahoma City team since 1996. “They’re extremely excited,” Barbary said. “The guys are popping champagne and celebrating. It’s a pretty big deal to win this league. After 150 games, winning these first two games of the playoffs are a special moment for all of these guys. Super excited. I’m glad to be a part of it.”
The Dodger organization is very smart in scouting,drafting, and signing pitchers that are of MLB caliber It allows their coaches to develop and have a pipeline of pitchers which is happening now that are performing extremely well at the Major League level. Signing free agent pitchers from other organizations to long term contracts for big money is not the way to go and usually winds up badly.
Zack Greinke was a good Dodgers FA signing.
Koufax actually did not like pitching inside. He was afraid he would hurt someone. Part of the Marichal-Roseboro incident was because Marichal was buzzing the tower of some Dodger players, and Rosey, who knew of Sandy’s tendency to not retaliate, buzzed Marichal’s ear with his throw back to Koufax and that set Juan off. Drysdale on the other hand would have as they say, hit his own mother if she dug in on him.
I have heard that too, Bear, but here are also three quotes attributed to Sandy, so I am not so sure:
“You pitch outside, you throw inside,” he liked to say.
― Jane Leavy, Sandy Koufax biographer
“Show me a guy who can’t pitch inside, and I’ll show you a loser.”
— Sandy Koufax
“Pitching is the art of instilling fear.”
— Sandy Koufax
He didn’t like it, but he would do it. He just would not retaliate when one of his guys was hit.
Nice job by Sheehan last night. Made two bad pitches and that was it. Nice to see Freddie pay them back for hitting him twice. The kids have looked good. I am a lot less concerned going into the playoffs with these guys than I was about a month ago. Pep, Miller and Sheehan, all set career high’s in K’s in a game this week. That is so cool.
Alex Cora did a nice thing for JT Last Night:
https://x.com/Jared_Carrabis/status/1707181778484494581?s=20
Will the Red Sox exercise his $6.7 Million buyout?
The bigger question is would the Dodgers re-sign him if they did?
It might only cost another $6-8 Million ($6.7 buyout + whatever the Dodgers pay him).
Max and JT would make a nice DH tandem!
I thought JT was done last year, but JDM is the one breaking down.
Will never respect Alex Cora.
Id welcome JT back with open arms. He belongs in LA.
I would take Martinez any way I could.He is a great hitter!
Would Sandy Koufax be as dominant as a pitcher if he were pitching today? Why or why not?
Here’s the answer from Stan Greenspan, which I think is the best answer yet:
“I don’t think Sandy Koufax would be that dominant a pitcher today. The game has changed quite a bit. This is really a home run era, and with the amount of interleague play, the lack of “protection” for pitchers, and rules that have put the hitter to the advantage. Not to mention greater travel – more back-to-back series rather than days off for travel.
That’s not to say he could not be effective, it’s just that at 85 years old, he might not have the stamina he once had to go the full nine innings each and every game.”
Yeah, at his age I do not think Sandy would get out of the first inning. But at least one or two hitters would be muttering to themselves, “I am hitting against Koufax!”.
There was a story on MLBTR the other day. It said the Padres want to get their payroll down to about 200 million. Bodes ill for Soto. Looks like Pads won’t be re-signing him anytime soon. It also means that if they trade someone like Tatis, they are not going to pick up a large part of the tab. Story yesterday said Preller and Melvin are staying on at least through 24. A lot of rumors surrounding Mike Trout too. Even if he does get moved, it won’t be to the Dodgers. Moreno is not going to do anything that makes the Dodgers more attractive than his team. Dodgers still considered as the front runner to sign Ohtani. Now many fans might feel differently about it and do not want to sign him at what he will cost. But most of the so-called experts say it is really just a question of the Dodgers or the Mets.
I think the Giants will outbid both the Mets and the Dodgers, but that is good. Those big contracts almost always become boat anchors.
Mike Trout is going to be a disaster for the Angels are Rendon already is.
Giancarlo Stanton was unpaid $32 Million this year and has played in 99 games. Since 2019, here are how many games the Yankees have played: 708. Here’s how many Stanton has played: 389. He plays half a season and makes $32 Million.
He is owed $143 more million over the next 5 years. What a joke!
Aaron Judge was paid $40 Million for his part-time work in 102 games. That contract will be another disaster.
Color Othani of the same ilk! No thank you!
I think if SD wins their last three games and Marlins, Reds and Cubs lose all their games SD makes the postseason.
San Diego is already eliminated!
Not eliminated yet, but they will be.
ya, I thought the magic number was at 1 for them to go home and whine
Yes if Marlins or Cubs win 1 game they are eliminated. Or if they lose. But they have the tiebreak over marlins and Cubs if SD wins out and the others lose all three games.
Marlins are playing the Pirates, Cubs get the Brewers, Reds play the Cardinals, and the Padres are playing the White Sox. Chances the Pirates sweep Miami are pretty slim. Brewers-Cubs will be competitive, Cardinals should be able to win at least one from the Reds. White Sox stink, but a sweep? Not that easy. They would like to finish at .500 at least so the Pads need 2 wins for that. But one loss and they are toast. Cease is facing them Friday against Martinez. Yarbrough listed as the starter tonight for the Dodgers.
Not so Mark…..so, you are human after all. And here I thought you were an AI.
I am just saying they are done.
Trout could take a detour to Los Angeles, just saying. Lot’s of media giving the Phillies big love! It’s almost like they’re in first and the Braves are in second. Bryce Harper has become a media darling these days! But in my humble opinion, if Nick Castelanos is as hot in the playoffs as he’s been in the regular season, he’s the key to Phillies success. He’s actually become a decent right fielder also. 3 straight excellent performances from the fuzz brigade! These young guys are really blossoming right in front of our eyes! Grove looks good out of the bullpen too! Heck, Lynn might not get a start in these playoffs. But I have one burning question. With Ferguson struggling, and Vesia being an unknown, does Yarbrough become a late inning weapon or still part of a piggyback situation? I like a possible Brewers matchup except for one thing. Miley scares me. They have the three righties at the top. And they are very good. But I like the Dodgers better against righties. Do the Brewers use Miley in game 2 especially if they steal game one? I know the dodgers have been better this year against lefties, but Miley has had a good year and LA can struggle against southpaws. Just wondering. If the Cubs hold on and somehow beat the Brewers, Justin Steel awaits!
Two chances Trout ends up with the Dodgers……Slim and non-existent. Angel fans have already had enough of Moreno. If he traded Trout up the freeway, he would be burned at the stake. Besides, as much as I admire and respect Mike Trout, he has missed more games than he has played over the last three years. And he turns 32 next year. The guy is a stud, but he is a fading stud.
I agree. Arte wont send him to the Dodgers. Trout reminds of of Griffey JR at about the same age. Trout will probably get to 500+ hrs and be a no doubt 1st ballot HOFer. But his HOF level of play is in the past. A ridiculous 10 year stretch where he could have won 6 or 7 MVPs if not for a bunch of guys having career years to beat him out. But his injuries dramatically lower his value going forward. He isn’t the fielder he once was and is likely not going to remain in CF much longer. He probably should already be in one of the corner spots.
I think Trouts career trajectory will be similar to Griffey’s. After Griffey turned 30 he only had one season above 2 WAR. A shadow of his younger self. He still had years where he played very well, when he played. But he averaged about 100 games per year in his last 10 years and had many seasons where he didn’t play more than 100. His value after 30 was a fraction of his value in his first 10 or so years.
Trout is owned $37m per year over the next 7 years. The Angels would not be able to move him unless they eat somewhere in the neighborhood of $100m of that. Trout might be worth the risk at $20m per year. But not much more. IMHO
Dad, I see Yarbrough in a piggy-back role in the playoffs. Never say never as he might have a place in short relief in a very specific circumstance. Like coming in after a hard throwing RHP like Sheehan, Graterol or Kelly. Neither Vesia nor Fergie dominate LHB but Vesia has been much better of late in the season. I trust him way more then Fergie. One things for sure, Fergie’s days as an opener are finished. I hope.
I liked Mark’s speculation yesterday regarding possible piggy-back combos.
CK and Sheehan. Emmitt is very good against LHB so facing a left handed stacked line up might be ideal but his stuff plays well after CK’s 88-89 and breaking balls.
We’ve seen Pepiot and Yarbrough before and it works. Again 2 completely different looks.
Lynn scares me despite the fact that I love his competitive spirit. But homers concern me. It’s sorta tough to say when he gets in a jam, it’s a quick hook. But a harmless blooper, a walk sets up the sudden 3 run homer before you know it. But Lynn and Johnny Wholestaff seem to me the third option.
This is not really a post about the Dodgers but it is a comment regarding the poor umpiring we frequently discuss. A huge game last night in Seattle with the Asstros. Larry Vanover had the dish and he was absolutely terrible. Both ways. It started on the first pitch to Altuve. A center cut fastball was called a ball. The world paused for a couple of seconds as everybody tried to process what they just saw. And it went downhill from there. He had Framer Valdez so flummoxed by the strike zone, he was blowing a gasket that took mound visits to calm him down. I’ve lost lots of faith in the accuracy of the Umpire Scorecard. It had ole Larry missing 13 pitches. It was twice that.
The Asstros again live up to their name. For reasons unknown, Hector Neri’s pursued Julio Rodriguez after he struck out and was headed to his dugout. Neris shouting obscenities in Spanish as he walked directly toward J-Rod, causing the benches to clear. H should have been thanking J-Rod as he struck out 4 times in a critical game. A look back in video history revealed no reason for the action. Typical bullshit from this team. Much like the Padres. Too many hot heads,Hot Dog, shit-talking, “me first” guys on both teams.
I saw the same in the Marlins game last night. In a key spot with runners on base in tie game, 2 outs. A called third strike that was way outside. Player and Manager ended up getting tossed
The legacy of Cowboy Joe West lives on ! Angel CB and so on. Either hold umpires accountable (get rid of a few of them) or let’s get some robotic stuff out there! Some of these guys aren’t fit for high school!
West was a jerk, but he was a lot better umpire than those clowns.
8:40 PM ET
Dodgers (98-60)
Rockies (57-101)
SP Ryan Yarbrough L
8-6 3.78 ERA
SP Chris Flexen R
1-8 7.01 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
2B Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
3B Max Muncy L
DH J. Martinez R
RF J. Heyward L
SS Chris Taylor R
LF D. Peralta L
CF E. Hernandez R
C A. Barnes R
81° Wind 10 mph R-L
Bear made a comment above that he saw a story saying that Preller and Melvin would be staying around at least through next year. I don’t think that’s completely accurate.
Seidler would like them both to stay, but management, including the other owners, is having a meeting right after the season to further discuss the situation. I’ve read where Melvin and Preller are not on the same path, and although I’m sure Preller won’t leave unless he’s fired, I could definitely see Melvin quitting. Between the disconnect with Preller and the players he has to babysit in that clubhouse, why go through the agony? If he quit on Monday, he’d have multiple job offers by Tuesday.
Agree STB. Melvin seems like a decent guy and a good Manager. He should should be the happiest man in the world to walk away from that shit show.
Just saying what the story said. I hope the entire dysfunctional group stays together. Melvin is the best manager they have had since Bochy. If he walks away, more power to him.
Cleveland Guardians Bob?
JDM wasted little time in getting his 100th RBI.
Remember when many of you wanted two of the four 100 RBI “Butter and Egg Men” deep-sixed?
Me either!
I do not like Yarbrough as a starter.
Yarborough’s stuff may not play well in Colorado.
But whatever, let’s win 9-7
Yep, they just want to stretch him. He’s stretched!
He’s just better coming in after a fastballer.
Meaningless game so they pull Freddie and Mookie.
“Meaningless” or not, those 2 were pulled ONLY because the outcome was decided well before the game ended.
I don’t understand leaving a pitcher in the game to give up 9 runs at this point in the season at Coors field. Especially one who is expected to be a key pitcher in the playoffs. Hopefully Yarbrough comes back strong in the playoffs.
I think they just wanted to extend his pitch count. They know and he knows that he is not built to pitch in Coors. This game means nothing.
Why burn up the pitching staff in a meaningless game? He took one for the team, and he got in some work.
Just get ready for the playoffs and be healthy!
Cubs lose. Marlins rain delay. SD hanging on by thread
Marlins won second game, now percentage points ahead of the Cubs. They play the Pirates next. Looks like they will be the Brewers opponent. Ferguson is pitching his way off of the playoff roster. He looked awful again.
Great move by Cora the other night to get JT some love from Boston fans! Incredible year by an incredible person! Thanks for the memories JT!
Yeah Cora is still a cheater though, wont respect that guy.
Ryder Cup has started well
Not for the good guys.
Morikowa and Homa should be paired together. They are both Dodgers and Cal guys!!!