If Mookie Betts hits .520 this year, the Dodgers will have no worries. Actually, the TOP SIX of the Dodgers batting order are delivering at a rate that is scary. It’s the BOTTOM THREE that are also scary:
- Chris Taylor has 1 hit in 9 ABs and has struck out 5 times – BA – .111
- James Outman has 2 hits in 21 ABs and has struck out 7 times – .095 BA
- Gavin Lux is the best of the bunch with 4 hits in 23 ABs and has only struck out 4 times – .174 BA
Now, I did not make those numbers up, so don’t be hating on me. It is a concern, but it is early and there will be no knee-jerk reactions. I expected a higher BA from Teoscar (and he may ultimately deliver) but he is going to get those 30-40 bombs as I predicted. His power is “light tower.”
Nabil Crismatt was DFA’ed, and in typical fashion, fans are lamenting the loss of a soft-tossing RHP whose fastball velocity tops out at 88 to 89 MPH. Why? Nabil is AAA insurance. The Dodgers did him a favor and called him up just to pitch a couple of innings, and when they DFA’ed him, this helps him secure a better job. He has no future in LA. He is a good dude, and I truly believe some of you would take him over Joe Kelly based totally on your “knee-jerk” reaction after Kelly’s first two debacles. Good luck to Nabil – he had a couple of nice years in SD as a middle-innings eater. but the league soon figures out 89 MPH fastballs.
A wise man once said this:
“I’ve always found the disdain towards Roberts puzzling. In particular when he is criticized for his “in game” calling. As if Dodger brass would assemble a team and then blindly turn the reigns of the team over to the manager. Not only is that frame of thought antiquated but fails to consider how the game is managed today. More specifically how analytics are utilized to develop in game strategies at levels that extend beyond the dugout.
— Dodgefan
Today’s managers are not only responsible for managing egos but are specifically responsible for overseeing the execution of pre-established in game strategies.
When folks criticize Roberts, they are truly criticizing the overarching Dodger way of playing the game. I find it a bit naive when fans cling on to the belief that managers are solely responsible for developing and executing a team’s in game strategy. The game has become too big to left in the hands of a single person.“
Very wise indeed. The Dodgers have been the most successful team in baseball for the past 10 years and Dave Roberts has the best winning percentage of any baseball manager – EVER! One would predict the other, and there should be no other way. Now, baseball has tried to stop the Dodger Juggernaut by adding layers and layers of playoff rounds so that the statistical probability of winning a Championship is much more difficult, but the Dodgers have also doubled down.
The Dodgers have the depth to swing just about any type of trade they need to. If Gavin Lux, James Outman, Jason Heyward or CT3 an Kike can’t cut it, they will get the players who can. They are all in this year and it is a marathon. Patience Grasshoppers! BTW, the Dodgers are not going to get rid of the Captain (Barnsie).
Last Night’s Game
- James Paxton was “effectively wild” but was in control and pitched a solid five innings. The fact that he threw 97 pitches was encouraging based on the sheer number.
- Shohei Ohtani is still getting untracked.
- Dinelson Lamet looked good, but his fastball was around 94 MPH. In the past, it was 96-97 MPH. Maybe he can re-claim that… or not. We shall see.
It’s early and it’s ugly for the bottom of our lineup. And the new kid from Japan, so far, isn’t worth the 2 mil we are paying him.
We forget Ohtoni is coming off major surgery this offseason. I’m surprised he is even playing at all . His presence alone in the lineup creates problems for the other team’s pitching staff. Plus all the off the field distractions. He will be just fine. Give the guy some time.
TIC-tongue in cheek
It’s being reported that Heyward is dealing with a bad back. If he needs to go on the IL, it will be interesting to see if they bring up Vargas or Pages.
I keep rooting for a minor injury to Barnes so Feduccia gets called up. If Heyward is ailing, I’d rather see Pages than Vargas. Pages brings more OF experience and the ability to play any OF position.
Except for the new shortstop further solidifying his superstar status, it’s early to judge the offense.
At the bottom of the order, however, I wouldn’t call Lux “the best of the bunch” simply because his .174 BA higher than Outman’s and Taylor’s. Outman has a higher OBP at .269 (to Lux’x .174) because he has walked four times while Lux hasn’t walked yet. Plus, Outman has 3 RBIs to Lux’s zero.
At any rate, it’s early and we’ll have plenty of time to monitor their non-linear progress.
I wonder what will happen with Crismatt, now that he is DFA’d. I assume the Dodgers will trade him for a prospect.
But did Mark just suggest that AF sent the young, hard-throwing Hurt to OKC so he could do a “favor” for the older, soft-tossing Crismat? Worked out, I guess… assuming that Hurt was OK with getting OKC’d.
And what about Dinelson Lamet?
Is Lamet now part of the bullpen or did AF just do him a “favor” and plan to DFA him?
I’m fine with the Dodgers flexing their financial muscle, but I also want young guys like Knack and Hurt to get opportunities.
Hurt will be up and down all year.
AF has to see if Lamet has anything left for Bullpen Domination. I think Crismatt was set to be DFA’ed anyway, and they had little to lose. It worked out well for both. There are just too many arms for two few spots.
We could see Knack get a start or two, and if he does well, he will be traded. His value could be fairly high.
any chance if whoever is playing right field continues to struggle pages gets a shot? if taylor gets a lot of at bats he might strike out and 150 times!! still concerned about heyward, not sure he doesn’t revert back to his days with the cubs. hope not, cause he’s a damn good right fielder. if hernandez continues producing why not offer him a 2 year extension? he seems to like it in dodger blue. everyone be patient with outman a little bit longer, if his struggles continue thru april. , then he possibly gets sent down. great athlete but he’s got to hit! center and right can’t be a black hole! not being a wet blanket, but center and right are concerning right now. nice win last night! paxton can’t continue to issue 5 walks a game though. teams like the braves and phillies will make him pay dearly! any updates on Dustin May? bullpen needs some help !
Gutsy move by Roberts to stay with Paxton and it worked. If it hadn’t all the Roberts “fan club” members would have gone absolutely nuts.
Interesting article by Bill Shaikin of the LA Times about younger fans coming back to the game and how the MLB strategy is working.
Just stating the obvious, but Teoscar Hernandez was a great sign. Seattle derailed him, but his right handed power is huge for the Dodgers.
Okay, Outman, Taylor and Lux have to pick up the pace with the bats.
It appears that Vargas will fill in for Heyward if he goes on the injured list.
Looking forward to Walker Buehler’s first start this spring. Clayton Kershaw is making progress and feels good. That’s great news.
No surprise that Roki Sasaki may have the Dodgers at the top of list. They’ve been on him for awhile.
Why the assumption that Vargas is the call up? I suppose he has the MLB experience and Pages doesn’t, but I think it would make sense to bring in an actual outfielder to fill in for Heyward, and Pages is an excellent defensive outfielder.
The only place Vargas can foreseeable play is 3rd and perhaps 2nd if they want to sit Lux against lefties. You can make that work with Kike and CT3 in right and left, but that stymies the flexibility the Dodgers value so much. What if Mark’s dream comes true and you have to sit Outman against lefties? Then what?
The fact that Vargas is limited defensively limits his prospects IMO
Vargas is limited at 2B (but not horrible). He is as good as Muncy at 3B and is fine in LF (just not a great deal of experience).
He’s not Delwyn Young, who had an iron skillet instead of a glove.
It’s too early to say it’s Vargas, but his bat-to-ball skills are entirely different than Pages’ big strikeout numbers. Vargas is a change of pace from the other style hitters.
I heard from a pretty reliable source that the Dodgers tried to alter his swing last year, and now they are letting him do his thing. He needs a few more weeks at AAA as does Pages.
Pages is a RHB, so is Vargas.
Why would they get the callus when Kike is going to get those at-bat, as will CT3?
If Heyward goes on the IL, they have to call up someone… Someone on the 40-Man… and Pages and Vargas are the only ones other than Feduccia (who is actually a LHH).
I guess handedness was an important consideration. I don’t quite get that. This Trammell kid has had a decent amount of plate appearances over a few MLB seasons, and he’s been consistently not very good.
Low risk and, most likely, low reward … and disposable since he’ll likely get released when Heyward comes back. He’s a warm body.
I wonder if it’s a service time thing with Pages, and an options thing with Vargas. I don’t know enough about how that works.
So maybe the ’25 six-man rotation will be…
Shohei
Glasnow
Yamamoto
Miller
Sasaki
and….
Kershaw!
I’m pretty sure Kersh has an option for ’25, right?
Long may he pitch.
And May, Gonsolin, Stone, Sheehan, Knack, Frasso, Ryan and Buehler?(if he gives us a hometown discount) WOW!
Sasaki! Yes, bring him on. Great stuf.
A little disappointing the Dodgers are not starting dePaula at high A Great Lake. Why not challenge the young man who has not a lot to prove at low A ball.
And Joendry Vargas apparently will start the season in the ACL. Also a bit disappointing not to put him on the RC roster.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
I say no. The Dodgers already have a problem next year with too many starting pitchers. See Cassidy’s post above.
Buehler might sign at a discount for next year to re-establish some FA value … or he might see what Will Smith did and sign a longer term deal at a team discount AAV … or he and the Dodgers might part ways.
You still have Dustin, Gonsolin and the gaggle of minor leaguers with high upside to go along with Ohtani, Glasnow, Miller, Yamamoto … and Kershaw.
It’s too much. Too many mouths to fee already. And besides, I might be saying something somewhat controversial, but is it possible to have too many Japanese players? I like the truly international flavor of the Dodgers, and the fact that the team is forging a permanent link to the huge international popularity of baseball, but I think the Dodgers have a pretty good mix of international and domestic multi-ethnic players right now. Seems like Sasaki would tip the balance a little bit. Spread the Japanese love around and let him sign with some other team.
Just my two cents every couple weeks. I would much rather have Caleb Ferguson coming out of the bullpen than Ryan Brasier. In my opinion Caleb was very solid and now we’re talking about finding a LHRP. After all Brasier, Hudson, Kelly, and Treinen profile all the same. Late 30 year old Right handed single inning RP’s. We have Graterol, Hurt, Grove, Knack, Vanasco, etc… waiting in the wings. Back to Caleb. Our return doesn’t look too great. We did fleece the Yanks out of Sweeney. He could be pretty good.
Good point about Caleb Ferguson. Dodgers traded Ferguson for Matt Gage and Christian Zazueta. Gage is 31 and was a waiver pickup by NYY. Zazueta is a 19 year old in DSL.
Ferguson is in the Yankee bullpen and has pitched two shutout innings so far. It would be nice to have Caleb as a LH option in the Dodger bullpen. Seems like Dodgers could have kept both Caleb and Brasier in the bullpen if they wanted. Since Dodgers are all in for this year, surprised to see Caleb go for so little return.
I think we talked about this – that there was some chatter that he wasn’t happy with his role with the Dodgers. So he got shipped out
I liked his stuff a lot. As Bear has pointed out, he didn’t deliver in high leverage situations. I hate Vesia’s wildness, but he might have the temperament of a reliever.
All true, but he was all so a guy that could fall apart quickly. And when he lost confidence you could see it in his face and he would proceed to get hammered.
Caleb Ferguson thought he should be the closer, but was a choke artist and a crybaby. Maybe he will grow up, but he wanted out and liked to bitch! He was not well-liked!
CT3 is going to play great defense, steal some bases and get key hits in the postseason.
Im fine with him batting 7-9……
Just as Betts, Freeman, Smith & Teoscar are not going to finish with OPS of 1.836, 1.020, 1.119 & 1.050 respectively.
Ohtani, Outman & Lux will not finish at 0.670, 0.364 & 0.348 respectively.
We are know stats are very skewed the 1st 30+ games and it only take a short streak (good or bad) to make dramatic changes to the individual stats.
As to the Ferguson post – I initial liked him a lot, but last year after blowing multiple chances in high-pressure situations I had no problem with Celeb being traded.
While I am not sold on Vesia, “if” he can regain his 2021/2022 and as Mark pointed out his “Late” 2023 form then all is good.
I also think that Vargas will be first option up just to see if he can perform to the level the team thinks he can – if he does “great” he can then either be:
1. Trade-bait for another LHP reliever (if needed), or other draft or farm-system capital.
2. He forces their hand by performing, which in my opinion allows the Dodgers to trade either Kike and Taylor, as they wouldn’t need both.
Every time they bring Vargas up and he doesn’t perform as well as expected his value also goes down.
So, to keep his value high, you leave him at AAA? 😉
Bold strategy Cotton.
nice win last night. taylor on pace to strike out 2000 times! heyward not looking ok with that back. pages rather than vargas. be nice to get this one tonight with webb on the mound. dreaded bullpen game today. yarbrough pitching today or saving him for tomorrow to follow glasnow? i’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of ohtani! he hasn’t showed up yet! why not offer hernandez a 2 year extension ? he seems very happy in dodger blue!! ( not kiki!!!!!). right field and center field could be a problem! if outman struggles through out april will they sen him down? heywards back? right now the 2 biggest weaknesses on the team. lux will hit! Doc is Doc! i don’t even think about him that much! makes some really good moves. makes some head scratchers, he ain’t going nowhere unless he totally blows it! if cards haven’t fired ollie, why would the dodgers fire Doc? who replaces him? case closed! pittsburgh off to another great start, but more of the same? eduardo perez must have stock in the braves! can’t shut up about them! they are good! yankees back to being the yankees? i’m not sold yet! detroit off to a great start. hinch has them trash can banging big time!! hope he loses next 20!! japanese lefty for cubs sharp yesterday., dodgers will see him this weekend. brewers keep on keeping on, maybe counsel isn’t the only reason why. finally, Joe Kelly. hope he gets it together, love the guy! but when bazooka and treinan come back he might be in trouble. final 4. uconn looks unbeatable. purdue is very good . nc state could shock the world again! but i doubt it. go barnes!!!
“ Why not offer Hernandez a 2-year extension ? ”
Because someone will give him a 4-year extension if he hits 30-40 Bombs!
Dodgers looking to corner more than one market with a their potential interest in signing Sasaki. We know what Ohtani can on the field. We got a glimpse of what Yamamoto can do is his latest outing. Adding Sasaki to an already formidable rotation would be an embarrassment of riches. Talk about a potential 5-headed monster!!!
As if the organization had not already established its brand within the Japanese market/culture, a shrewd move like that would catapult the Dodgers brand name to new heights.
Would love to be a fly on the wall when Dodger brass discusses potential international marketing projections when considering Sasaki type signings. Get the strong sense the Dodgers are the forefront of the international “chess” match at hand.
An embarrassment of riches … and accusations that the Dodgers are playing “checkbook baseball.”
I’m fine with signing truly special players to huge contracts, but Sasaki makes it a little over-the-top. The Dodgers actually have good pitchers they’ve developed and are developing – a lot of them. How ’bout some homegrown talent to go along with the megadeals?
For the Record, Lux and Outman will have a long runway. Nothing to see here after a slow start.
Claimed by Dodgers
April 2, 2024
The Dodgers claimed Taylor Trammell off waivers from the Mariners on Tuesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.
Trammell had been designated for assignment by Seattle after failing to make the Opening Day roster. The former top prospect is out of options, so the Dodgers will need to clear space for him on their 26-man and 40-man rosters. There wouldn’t appear to be a path to much playing time for Trammell, although Jason Heyward (back) is banged up. The 26-year-old has hit just .168/.270/.368 with a 37 percent strikeout rate over parts of three big-league seasons.
It looks like neither Pages or Vargas will be getting called up with the Trammell move who bats left handed and plays the outfield. Another low risk high reward player move by AF and BG. Maybe they can fix this former first round pick. It will be interesting who moves off the 40 man roster to make room for him. More than likely Heyward will to go to the IL which puts Trammell on the 26 man active roster.
The Dodgers announced Tuesday that they’ve designated left-handed reliever Matt Gage for assignment. That clears room for Tammell on the 40 man roster. More than likely Heward to the IL clears a path for Trammell on the 26 man roster.
In an updated announcement, the Dodgers stated that Gage has actually been released — not designated for assignment as the team initially indicated.
In Triple-A last season with Tacoma, Trammell hit .268/.390/.530 with 21 home runs, 20 doubles, 17 stolen bases, and a 119 wRC+ in 85 games.
Dodgers waiting for MRI test results on Heyward’s back to determine whether an IL stint is necessary.
I am fine with that. Pages and Vargas should not be rushed.
Trammell is intriguing:
BA 2020:
TRACK RECORD: The Padres eyed Trammell with their second-round pick in the 2016 draft, but the Reds beat them to it and grabbed him in the supplemental first round. After Trammell won MVP of the 2018 Futures Game and starred again at the 2019 edition, the Padres acquired him from Cincinnati in a three-team trade that sent Franmil Reyes and Logan Allen to the Indians. Trammell scuffled after joining Double-A Amarillo, but he ended on a high note when he hit the go-ahead grand slam in the ninth inning of the deciding game of the Texas League finals.
SCOUTING REPORT: Trammell won Georgia’s high school football player of the year award as a senior and brings that athleticism to the diamond. He is a plus runner who makes game-changing plays on the bases and plays with a high motor. Trammell is a patient hitter adept at working counts, but his swing is often not on time. The Padres made adjustments to his load and posture and saw results in the Texas League playoffs, when he hit three home runs and posted a .998 OPS. Trammell isn’t a natural center fielder despite his speed, and his below-average arm makes him best suited for left field.
THE FUTURE: Trammell’s athleticism and patience give him a strong foundation. How well he maintains his swing improvements will determine his future.
In 2021, BA wrote this:
SCOUTING REPORT: Trammell has the ingredients to be an offensive asset, but he hasn’t put them all together. He has size, strength and bat speed and showed improved plate discipline at instructional league. His swing is a bit long, and there are timing issues that lead to holes pitchers can exploit. Trammell stands out for elite athleticism stemming from his background as an all-state running back in high school. He’s since filled out his lower half and is more of an above-average than plus runner. Trammell’s improved instincts and routes in the outfield stood out this summer and give him a chance to stay in center field. His arm is below-average but accurate.
THE FUTURE: Trammell needs a full season at Triple-A, but his solid makeup and work ethic are positive signs that he will make the necessary adjustments.
At 26, he is a chance that AF is willing to take. You never know.
Someone on the 26-man needs to go down tonight to make room for Trammell as he is out of options.
Lamet?
In California for the funeral. I will be heading back home next Thursday. Interesting move getting Trammell. Brasier will be fine. He has great stuff.
10:10 PM ET
Giants (2-3)
Dodgers (5-2)
SP Logan Webb R
0-0 3.00 ERA
SP Ryan Yarbrough L
0-0 .00 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
SS Mookie Betts R
DH S. Ohtani L
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
3B Max Muncy L
RF T. Hernandez R
CF James Outman L
2B Gavin Lux L
LF E. Hernandez R
63° Wind 8 mph Out
David Vassegh
@THEREAL_DV
Dave Roberts said Jason Heyward’s scans on his back “came back negative” Heyward is active tonight, but tomorrow will be IL decision day. #Dodgers
David Vassegh
@THEREAL_DV
Dave Roberts said Walker Buehler’s next rehab start will be on Saturday for AAA Oklahoma City again. #Dodgers
Miguel Vargas is 2-3 tonight with OKC with a double and a Grand Slam.
Will Grove follow Yarbrough? Maybe…
This just in… LA gets Nick Ramirez, journeyman left hander from the Yankees for cash. WTH ??? They practically give away Ferguson ( and I’m not buying that he was unhappy pitching for us). Getting Gage, for Caleb, who is now released for another crazy gamble Taylor Trammell. Sometimes I see insane reasoning if you ask me ???? The old saying “you can never have enough pitching” I know is true. But, with such a great bunch of hard throwing young pitchers coming up. I’m just not sure they’ll be in a position to give Sasaki a nine figure salary ? Personally, I think Stone will be a stud pitcher when he gets his confidence. Also, May, Buehler and Gonsolin were pretty mighty when they were right. Most pitchers are better after TJ surgery. So why would they go after Sasaki for the same money it’ll take to keep Walker. And don’t overlook Sheehan. We have a plethora of pitching riches….
Ok. If you’re not buying the scuttlebutt that he was unhappy, and you think the Dodgers got nothing of value for him, why do you think he was traded?
Patch, there are only two answers to that question;
#1 – The Dodgers front office is just really stupid;
#2 – They couldn’t get much for the knucklehead, and they really wanted him gone.
You don’t have to “buy” that Ferguson was unhappy with pitching for the Dodgers but people a lot closer to the team than I think you are, know better. #1 (and foremost): He did not respect Mark Prior; and #2 – he was short of personal accountability.
As to the Sasaki Rumors: Just about everyone in baseball believes he will be a Dodger. Why do they think that? Well, they are very close to the game, so unless you are Andrew Friedman’s best friend…
BTW, the Dodgers just got LH Nick Ramirez for cash from the Yankees:
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ramirni01.shtml
Bazooka to the 60-day IL.
Ramirez is serviceable… could he be more? The Dodgers shall take a “look – see”
And Sasaki is not eligible for free agency because he is too young so he will sign an amateur free agent contract which will be just a few million. Great deal for Dodgers.
I’ll never complain again if we get him.
This umps strike sound is huge for Webb and not for Yarborough. What’s up with that? Practically criminal
Just outrageously bad!
Cuzzi clearly gives Webb a bigger strike zone than he does for Yarby. Awful!
Lights out when the bottom of the lineup produces. Outman can’t catch a break! Very nice ab by Lux.
Teoscar with the nice AB. Webb gave Lux a cookie.
Yayy Keekayy!
Yarborough not a second time through the lineup kind of guy
Lux should’ve thrown to home plate instead of first base. ..probably could’ve prevented the Giants 4th run.
3 hr games like this one seem to drag now.
Good win. Phillips is nails!!!
Everybody ok with how Robert’s “mismanaged” the bullpen tonight? He even made the 2 out change with Phillips in the 8th.
Enjoyable win as it always is against them.
Grove looked good until he didn’t.
Mookie on a different planet.
Doc doing well. Trying to avoid using the BP on back to back days.
It’s a long season and he’s playing the long game.
where’s ohtani? gosh i miss that guy! trammel is very interesting. lots of top picks seem to fade into oblivion! i’m still waiting on darren driefort to throw a no hitter! not good news on graterol. bryce harper looks primed to have a monster year if injuries stay away! hate to see d-backs win, but love to see the yankees lose! guess barnes behind the plate tonight. couple of nice plays from kiki last night. does anybody bunt anymore? (lux) if the bottom 3 can somehow get on base, mookie might lead the majors in RBI! freddie is a national treasure! wouldn’t it be nice to see the top 6 hitters to all hit in the same game? doesn’t happen often. glasnow tonight! go barnes!!!!