A lot of Dodger fans have been impressed with Chris Okey, Austin Gauthier, and Andy Pages. That’s fine. I like them too, but none will be on the team out of Spring Training… unless disaster strikes. Spring Training is just that: Training of your body and Training to play Baseball. In the scheme of things, it means very little for the immediate future, but it does mean something. One player who seems to have played himself onto the team is Gavin Stone. His audition yesterday probably clinched him the 5th starting spot in the rotation. He has been nothing short of excellent this spring and (so far), it appears that he has fixed what needed to been fixed.
Fans expect a player to come up to the Show and do what James Outman did last year, but Outman is the exception… not the rule. He surprised everyone last year and now he is many fans favorite player. If I say anything that even slightly criticizes his game… it’s on! Now we see how he handles the Sophomore Jinx. Remember it got to Cody Bellinger? When players like Stone and Vargas stumble in their first opportunity, fans sour quickly and even say things like, “He was overhyped by the Dodgers” or some such nonsense. “He doesn’t have the stuff to start.” I am still very high on Stone and Vargas and Pages and Gauthier. Not so high on Okey, as he is a journeyman… but you never know, do you?
As Spring Training for the Dodgers winds down this week, before they head to Korea, I will list a few players who have turned my head as well:
Kevin Gowdy – Kevin was drafted in 2016 as the first pick in the second round. He has been in professional baseball since 2016, and has dealt with Tommy John surgery, and other issues, but here he is and it appears that the Dodgers are the team to help him move to the next level. He has a mid-90’s fastball, a sinker, and an A+ slider to go with very good control. He knows how to pitch. He is first, foremost and always… a pitcher. Here’s why he came to LA:
“The Dodgers are the best at player development. I mean, it’s funny, even on other teams, it’s like you hear stories about how they take care of their guys and how good they are with player development.“
I threw for them in early January and they offered me a one year deal and I jumped right at it. I was really excited to get on board with it, and I’ve loved every bit of it so far.
— Dodgers Daily
This guy could see the show this year.
John Rooney – Baseball America says this about him:
Scouting Report: Rooney is a long, lanky lefthander who generates deception with an extreme crossfire delivery and low arm slot. His fastball sits 92-93, touches 95 and plays up with his deception and tough angle. His primary pitch is a horizontal, 83-85 mph slider that sweeps across the zone and is effective against both lefties and righties. Rooney also has a fringy, mid-80s changeup, but it’s not a significant part of his arsenal in the bullpen. He throws strikes with average and control, and keeps traffic off the bases with an elite pickoff move. Rooney is especially dominant against lefties and held them to a .202/.297/.247 slash line in 2023.
The Future: Rooney projects to be a deceptive middle reliever, who matches up against lefties. His big league debut should come in 2024.
Scouting Grades Fastball: 45 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 50
Rooney has blossomed after being converted to a reliever last year. I would expect top see him at some point in the season… this season.
Andy Pages – He was never going to make the roster out of spring training … even if his hitting warranted it. After missing last season with shoulder surgery, he is going to have to spend some time at OKC… how well he does there will determine his fate… that and how Jason Heyward plays in RF. Andy is ideal in RF due to his cannon.
TJ McFarland – He has been incredible this Spring and to me, it looks like he has secured a spot ion the bullpen. I could see Alex Vesia getting traded as the pitch clock has impacted his “between pitch routine.” McFarkand is an experienced lefty.
Justin Wilson – He had a bad outing early on but of late, he looks like a LH Keeper. His experience is the difference. That and the icewater in hes veins.
Ryan Yarbrough – He is who I thought he is: A LH swingman who will start and relieve occasionally. He is solid if not spectacular.
FP Feyereisen looks like he has been out of baseball a couple of years. Matt Gaughe will go to AAA, as will (hopefully) Dinelson Lamet although I am not sure if he has an opt-out or not. Daniel Hudson will likley make the team, if he is healthy… no matter vwhat his stats say. Gus Varland is the 40th man on the roster… He has been disappointing for the most part. As I mentioned yesterday, Sauryn Lao is the real deal and he will rise quickly. Kyle Hurt has done nothing wrong, but evidently the Dodger want to keep him on a starters track. Why? It’s easier to “throttle down” a pitches innings than build tem up. Ricky Vanasco will likely go to OKC as well, but could see time with the Dodgers. It might take Blake Treinen a couple of weeks to work back from a bruised lung (ouch).
Jose Ramos – He can be a useful 4th or 5th outfielder type IF he can learn to handle breaking stuff better. He destroys Fastballs and can play all three outfield positiins although he has average speed.
Max Muncy, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani are all off to fast starts and I have high hopes that the Swiss-Army Knives (CT3 & Kike) will have nice years. Teoscar looks like a revelation and Heyward appears ready. Rojas worries me… Vargas is headed to AAA (again). Michael Grove is no longer considered a starter, but he could be very useful out of the bullpen and give you some length.
Progress is not Linear – Look no further than Miguel Andujar, who is playing LF and raking for the A’s. He is hitting .423 with a 1.329 OPS this Spring after struggling the past several seasons. In 2018, he hit .297 with a .855 OPS and was 2nd in the ROY voting. He has had a difficult time the past several years, but at 29-years-old is now brealing down the door… again.
You have to love Daniel Hudson. Today in The Athletic, he said this:
The right-hander is back in Dodgers camp as a non-roster invitee. His minor-league deal guarantees him little, paying him $2 million if he makes the big-league roster plus up to another $2 million in incentives. Once seen as a key cog in this bullpen, Hudson just trying to land a spot. That he’s back with Los Angeles, he said, fulfills what he told the organization immediately after the first knee injury — that he wanted to retire here.
“There’s just something special about being a Dodger, man,” Hudson said. “I’ve really enjoyed my time here. All the people here, they’ve really taken care of me and my family the last couple years when they didn’t have to. So I felt like I kind of owed it to them. If I was going to give it another shot, I would do it for them.”
The Dodgers have cut 10 more players, optioning pitcher Matt Gage and utilityman Andre Lipcius, while reassigning pitchers Kevin Gowdy and Elieser Hernandez, catcher Dalton Rushing, shortstop Trey Sweeney, outfielders Drew Avans, Jose Ramos, and Ryan Ward, and utilityman Austin Gauthier. The roster is presently at 41 players in camp.
Thank you, Andrew.
You’re welcome
Man I didnt know you were back Mark!!
Happy you are. Ill be back here.
Go Dodgers.
I appreciate it, Matt!
You can see some good stuff here:
https://www.facebook.com/camelbackranch
EX Dodger Jonny DeLuca Suffers Right Hand Fracture
By Nick Deeds | March 10, 2024 at 4:11pm CDT
Rays outfielder Jonny DeLuca was hit by a pitch during today’s game against the Red Sox, which took place in the Dominican Republic as part of this spring’s Dominican Republic Series. Per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, DeLuca was diagnosed with a broken right hand after undergoing an x-ray at a local hospital. Though Topkin notes that DeLuca is expected to undergo further evaluation when the club returns to Florida, he also adds that the typical recovery time for such an injury is “at least” 4-6 weeks.
Could Blake Snell sign with the Dodgers? There was a story to that effect on Yahoo news. Last I heard, he was talking to the Angels. Trevor Bauer pitched four scoreless innings on the backfields of Camelback. If you want to see former Dodger Clayton Beeter pitch, he is pitching for the Yankees today.
Gerrit Cole Undergoing MRI On Right Elbow
By Steve Adams | March 11, 2024 at 10:32am CDT
Yankees ace and reigning American League Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole is headed for an MRI on his right elbow, manager Aaron Boone told reporters Monday morning (X link via Newsday’s David Lennon). Cole hasn’t been recovering as well between throwing sessions and will get his elbow checked out to determine if there’s an injury at play. The imaging will take place today.
Snell to the Yankees?
Looks like a strong possibility.
I’d bet on that!
Mark
It sounds like you think there will be 1 surprise on the roster for opening day. TJ McFarland.
Why do you think so? Is it Progress is not Linear? I don’t mean that in a smart ass way, by the way. You did mention the pitch clock getting to Vesia. But why McFarland? It is spring training as you mentioned. We are talking about a tiny 6 inning sample for McFarland, who has pitched 1 inning in the 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th innings and 2 innings in the 8th, pretty much against minor league hitters.
Here’s the career stats for McFarland that I look at, if he’s to be considered a lefty specialist, compared to Vesia and I’m not a Vesia advocate. Keep in mind the 3 batter minimum rule that will make McFarland face some RHB too.
McFarland:
Against LHB .260/.300/.383.683
Against RHB .311/.378/.448/.826
Vesia:
Against LHB .196/.282/.274/.556
Against RHB .212/.313/.386/.699
IF you go by those stats, there’s no contest.
Again, I’m not a Vesia advocate. I’m also not an advocate of taking up a roster spot on a LOOGY and McFarland isn’t a very good LOOGY.
I’m also not saying it won’t happen too.
TJ is healthy and knows how to pitch. He has a shot because, at 34, he is just the kind of pitcher the Dodgers are noted for turning around. I don’t look at his stats… I look at what Mark Prior can do with him and, in fact, is doing. He looks awesome!
I have been impressed with Chris Owings this spring. Hopefully he doesn’t op out!
Someone will likely offer him an MLB deal -right now, he is insurance at AAA.
Any cause for concern over Mookie’s errors at SS or just a case of getting acclimated?
I am not worried. You will see a few until he gets acclimated.
https://x.com/MLB/status/1767218959084818569?s=20
It looks like the Dodgers have an Ace!
Glasnow will pitch the opener in Seoul. Yu Darvish pitching for the Padres. Yamamoto in the second game against Musgrove.
4:05 PM ET vs Guardians away at Goodyear
Dodgers (12-3-1)
Guardians (4-10)
SP Bobby Miller R
0-0 .00 ERA
SP Triston McKenzie R
0-0 .00 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
2B Gavin Lux L
3B E. Hernandez R
CF James Outman L
RF T. Hernandez R
SS Chris Taylor R
C A. Barnes R
LF M. Vargas R
DH Chris Owings R
1B Kevin Padlo R
76° Wind 7 mph Out
David Vassegh
@THEREAL_DV
Dave Roberts shared that Bobby Miller will travel to Seoul, Korea and pitch in one of the exhibition games.
Gavin Stone and Michael Grove will be part of the traveling roster to Seoul, Korea.
James Paxton will remain at camp and continue to build up for the season and be ready for exhibition Freeway Series.
David Vassegh
@THEREAL_DV
Gavin Lux said he doesn’t have a “throwing issue” it’s about getting more game reps after not playing games in over a year. #Dodgers
And I don’t have an issue with hitting 500 FT Home Runs.
David Vassegh
@THEREAL_DV
Dave Roberts said Ohtani will play Tuesday and Wednesday to close out Cactus League. #Dodgers
Gavin Lux says he does not have a throwing issue. Gavin Lux is delusional.
I’m 57 and I’ve got a better throw than him. Not Joking. He’s playing his way to AAA . I said it ten days ago and I stand by it although others didn’t agree citing more time and Reps. well they’ve already moved him from SS, and he’s not doing the job at 2nd even on the most routine of plays.
He is not ready.
And a pitch clock violation. What the hell is going on with him?
Another one that’s definitely not ready is Vargas. He’s getting close to being under .200 BA and .700 OPS.
Vargas used to be aggressive, but he now looks timid. Like Lux, something is happening between the ears.
Those who say he is fine are simply full of wishful thinking!
You’re right. There’s nothing fine about him. But when Lux throws over the top from 2nd base he looks much better. When he throws sidearm, it’s a disaster. How long is his runway this year?
I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning, I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy’s eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing
Now the old king is dead, long live the king
One minute, I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin’
Roman Cavalry choirs are singin’
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason, I can’t explain
Once you’d gone, there was never, never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world
It was a wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn’t believe what I’d become
Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh, who would ever want to be king?
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin’
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason, I can’t explain
I know Saint Peter won’t call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin’
Roman Cavalry choirs are singin’
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can’t explain
I know Saint Peter won’t call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
IN ANCIENT TIMES, HUNDREDS OF YEARS BEFORE THE DAWN OF HISTORY
LIVED A STRANGE RACE OF PEOPLE: THE DRUIDS
NO-ONE KNOWS WHO THEY WHERE OR WHAT THEY WERE DOING
BUT THEIR LEGACY REMAINS, HEWEN INTO THE LIVING ROCK OF STONEHENGE
STONEHENGE
WHERE THE DEMONS DWELL
WHERE THE BANSHEES LIVE AND THEY DO LIVE WELL
STONEHENGE
WHERE A MAN IS A MAN
AND THE CHILDREN DANCE TO THE PIPES OF PAN
STONEHENGE
IT IS A MAGICAL PLACE
WHERE THE MOON DOTH RISE WITH A DRAGON’S FACE
STONEHENGE
WHERE THE VIRGINS LIE
AND THE PRAYERS OF DEVILS FILL THE MIDNIGHT SKY
AND YOU, MY LOVE, WON’T YOU TAKE MY HAND
WE’LL GO BACK IN TIME TO THAT MYSTIC LAND
WHERE THE DEW DROPS CRY AND THE CATS MEOW
I WILL TAKE YOU THERE, I WILL SHOW YOU HOW
AND OH, HOW THEY DANCED, THE LITTLE CHILDREN OF STONEHENGE
BENEATH THE HAUNTED MOON FOR FEAR THAT DAYBREAK MIGHT COME TOO SOON
AND WHERE ARE THEY NOW, THE LITTLE PEOPLE OF STONEHENGE
AND WHAT WOULD THEY SAY TO US IF WE WERE HERE TONIGHT
Troll
Are we gonna do ‘Stonehenge’ tomorrow?
There was a Stonehenge monument on stage that was in danger of being crushed…. By a dwarf.
“The problem as I see it is not that the band was down. The problem was that there was a Stonehenge monument on the stage in danger of being crushed by a dwarf.”
I am having flashbacks of Steve Sax and Chuck Knoblach.
Relax, the guy hasn’t played a competitive game since September of 21. He hasn’t played a game since March of 22. He is rusty, pure and simple. It is no more complicated than that. It is still spring training. Lets see how he looks a month into the season before we all condemn the guy to AAA.
I have said this for two freaking years: Gavin Lux has the YIPS. Under stress, he cannot throw. It’s not reps, practice. etc. It’s in his head! I hate to say it but he may have to go to OKC or the outfield.
I can see it clear as day… so can Watford.
He is hitting over .300 but has a under .700 OPS – Very Weak!
Miguel Vargas does not have the YIPS but he has issues in his head!
Damn!
Do the Dodgers employ a sports psychologist?
Sort of. They employ a mental skills coach.
Well for once Mark, I am going to have to disagree with you. When you do not do something for a long time, especially over a year, it takes a while to get back into the grove. All the practice in the world does not simulate the real time speed of the game. I do not think he has a problem in his head. He played second fine his first time around, yes, he made the occasional error, and he is never going to be a gold glove second baseman. In 22 he made 9 errors at second base in 337 chances. NL leader in errors that year was Kolten Wong with 17. Everybody needs to just give the kid time. As for his lack of power right now, that is understandable also. Live pitching is a lot different than BP. Dimes to donuts says he starts the year with the team, not at OKC. Everyone who says the problem is in the kid’s head is just guessing. No one except him and his coaches know where his head is at right now. Wayne, most teams have that kind of help readily available for their players. OPS is spring don’t mean a thing. Let’s see how he plays when it means something.
Well said Bear. We all see Lux is struggling and I’m sure right about now he is doubting himself as well. I get the vibe that Lux thinks if he continues to grind and practice even harder he will snap out of it. He strikes me as an intense player; most pros who are successful overcome obstacles early in their career to get to the pros. Can you imagine waiting a year to prove you belong among the starters on a World Series or bust team like the Dodgers? Add to it that the organization decided to move you off your preferred SS position before the season starts in a week far from home. It almost seemed cruel that the ump hit him with a batter’s box time violation against Cleveland. On the bright side IMO he couldn’t have a better manager than Doc, who supports his players almost to a fault.
Unfortunately, I’m expecting the worst. and hoping for the best. Lastly, let’s hope he ditches the side-arm throws unless necessary.
I value and respect your opinions Bear, but many of the folks who patronized and chastised those of us who expressed concerns regarding Lux’s ability to remain at short, are quick to downplay the young man’s issues as if they share some kind of personal insight into this unfortunate situation. Similarly to when we were assured by the same crowd that those of us who expressed concern were overreacting and that Lux would be fine.
In reality, how can we be so sure about what is going on in the young man’s head? I certainly do not wish him any ill will and hope he is able to overcome his issues. But make no mistake, he is currently fighting some demons in his head.
I totally get that. But that is exactly what I am saying. No one on any blog has any inside information on Lux’s mental state. They are guessing. Or even worse, assuming. Until someone says otherwise, none of us know a damn thing about what is going on in his head. He hasn’t shown he can play SS at the major league level. He has had a lot of problems making throws from that position, so the concerns seem to be justified. My problem with all of that is the small sample size so far. But evidently the Dodgers hierarchy came to that conclusion in very short order. The good thing is the support system that Gavin has. Mookie has his back, and his coaches work with him every day. The only way to get better at something is to repeat it time and time again. But practice still does not match game time speed. He will either get better, or he won’t and then a determination of which way to proceed will be made. But after less than a handful of games back at second, it is way too early to make any kind of judgements other than he is a work in progress. And as Mark loves to say, progress is no linear. You can say he is fighting demons, but that is your assumption and it is not based on fact.
Well, I have seen this movie before … a couple of other times.
This is a re-run of what has happened in the past, and it is happening again.
Drawing manager’s attention
March 12, 2024
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that Wilson is one player who has caught his attention in camp, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
“Wilson is with the Dodgers on a minor-league contract, so he’s not on the 40-man roster and is far from guaranteed to break camp with the big club. However, given Roberts’ comments, there’s at least a chance that the left-hander hurler could make the Opening Day roster, and he’s made his presence known with a 10:1 K:BB over four innings across four spring outings (though he’s also given up two runs on five hits). Wilson has had plenty of success in the majors with 18 career saves and 132 career holds, but he hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since undergoing Tommy John surgery in June of 2022”.