Ninety percent (or more) of the commenters on LADT are knowledgeable and have strong opinions. I run LADT like I run my real company (US Water Systems): Everyone understands that my door is open, and they can walk in and openly disagree with me, but if you disagree, “Have a Take and Do Not Suck.” That simply means that if you disagree with what I say, then clearly articulate why and leave it at that. It’s even fine to say, “Well, I just don’t agree with that.” That’s fine. However, when it turns personal, then I will revert to my “street fighter” persona, and it will be on.
The last post started like this:
I very much appreciated what was said to the person who called me small-minded, and I received several e-mails and even a couple of phone calls from people talking about the blog. I was reminded that several thousand people read here every day, but only a few post. I get that! However, the Post that truly saved LADT was this one:
Thank you, T Robb. People come here for a reason. They want to hear things about the Dodgers that they may not read elsewhere. I am an independent thinker and have strong opinions about many things. I am wrong frequently, but I do get it right a lot. The comments are not open just so that you can agree, but they are open so you can disagree.
Dialogue is important. Disagreement is fine…as long as you can disagree without being disagreeable. Emotional arguments do not work with me. I will usually question silly statements and when people get the maddest is when I am usually touching a nerve. As an example, here are some of the things I have taken the most flack for:
- “Adrian Beltre will be a Hall-of-Famer” (said when he was a rookie);
- “Andy LaRoche will be a Hall-of-Famer.” (yeah, I missed on that one)
- “Joc Pederson is a 4th or 5th outfielder;”
- “James Outman is a 4th or 5th outfielder;“
- “Miguel Vargas will be an All-Star,” (the jury is still out)
- “Andrew Friedman is a great hire.“
- “Dave Roberts is a better choice as manager than Kapler.“
- “Gavin Lux cannot play SS.” (I took a ton of flack for that and little did I know that he couldn’t hit either.
Don’t get me wrong – I do get plenty wrong, too, but I have a good eye for talent, and I learned the game about 40 years ago from an old-time writer who was one of the initial writers for Baseball America. I have forgotten his last name, but his first name was Bill (God Rest his Soul). We used to talk for hours before, during, and after games. It was later that I became friends with Tony Jackson and spent a lot of time with him. One evening we were having dinner, and he had just cut into his steak when his phone rang, and he jumped up, chugged his beer, and as he ran out he said, “Manny Ramirez is going to be suspended“.
I was the first blogger to sit in the pressbox at Dodger Stadium almost 16 years ago. I was in the press box during the game after Manny was suspended, and in the first inning, Matt Kemp hit a Grand Slam. I almost came unglued. It was electric! I spent a 4-game series in Chicago 14 years ago with full pressbox access as well as on-field and lockerroom access. That was when Clayton signed a ball for my son (the one who is now our CEO).
I used to go to Spring Training for two weeks every Spring. Roger Sobin (God Rest his Soul) and I teamed up to do it a lot.
The guy on the left is Badger. I’ll withhold his real name on account of his being wanted in 37 states. Those were the days, but about the same time as Andrew Friedman was hired, my business started blowing up and I could no longer go to Spring Training without the family for weeks and still vacation with them, so I choose the family and I have never got another press pass. I have maintained a few contacts and count Josh Rawitch, President at Cooperstown as a friend (there he is by Ned Colletti).
The others I keep in contact with are writers, scouts, and ex-players. I used to talk to Ron Perrinowski and Faye Vincent frequently. As time has passed, we tend not to stay in touch as much. I have been tempted to call Logan White a few times but never have. I used to. I also realize that you are not going to get much from them except boilerplate and hyperbole.
Posters have come and gone on this board. Many have died, some got pissed off and some were trolls. Bulldogs and Penguins was perhaps one of the best and most knowledgable. I wonder what happened… Ted Raymond is back… and I am glad. I wonder about Jayne Cobb and Dodgerpatch. There are so many names and many I forget and then remember late at night. I really don’t know how long I will do this, but it is a day at a time… and I am, doing it now. When the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of change, then I will change.
Back to LA Dodger Talk
There is rampant speculation that the Dodgers are kicking the tires and even making offers for players like Bo Bichette, Cody Bellinger, Randy Arozarena, Garrett Crochet, Luis Rengifo, Taylor Ward, and others. Let me remind you to believe none of what you hear and half of what you see. I am all in on Crochet, Bichette and Bellinger but I will also remind you that it takes two to tango. The best catcher in the Dodgers’ system could be Thayron Liranzo, not Cartaya or Rushing. Wrobleski could be the equal of Crochet. Bellinger, Crochet, and Bichett would be a nice trio to trade for, but. #1 The other team have to value your players; and #2 They have to value them more than what other teams are offering. I believe the Dodgers have the pitching they need, regardless of what we are seeing just about now. However, you can never have too much pitching.
Bradley is a “Serial Trade Concoctor.” It’s in his jeans genes. He likes it. It’s his way of “brainstorming.” Some days when you brainstorm, you look like a genius… other days, not so much. Keep it coming, Bradley. If the Dodgers can get Bichette, then Betts will move back to 2B, and Gavin Lux is ….? I would prefer to get Bichette and Bellinger and leave it at that. Crochet is going to cost Wrobleski, Hurt and/or Ryan. I am averse to that. With May, Yamamoto, Kershaw, Buehler, Grandal, Kelly, Brasier, et al. on the IL, the cavalry is ready to charge. Maybe the Dodgers need pitching if most of those players do not return as expected, but if they do, I would not gut the farm. Just my opinion! MLBTR says this about Crochet:
“Crochet isn’t an ideal fit for a team seeking consistent, bankable innings — as the Dodgers currently are. This year’s 101 1/3 innings is more than Crochet, a 2020 draftee, had thrown in his entire professional career combined prior to the ’24 campaign. There are questions about how the left-hander will hold up down the stretch, and The Athletic trio suggests he’s not a lock to spend the remainder of the season pitching in a regular rotation role if he is indeed moved…”
— The Athletic
The Athletic Power Poll
Here’s what they say this week:
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
— Grant Brisbee
Record: 52-33
Last Power Ranking: 4
Trade deadline prediction: Luis Robert Jr. and Erick Fedde in a package deal
They’ll try to get Garrett Crochet instead, but they will be rebuffed. They’ll ask again and get re-rebuffed. So Fedde it is, and they’ll be fine with that. He’s been excellent in his first season back from Korea.
It will take a lot of shiny prospects and young players to make this happen, but don’t worry, the Dodgers will make more of them. Their only real cost will have to be the overtime pay to the people working the prospect assembly lines. The Dodgers don’t always go big, but this is one of the offseasons where they go a little nuts. You can’t have the offseason they had and limp into the postseason with on-hand roster fixes.
By the way, I can see Dave Dumbrowski absolutely gutting the Phillies and getting Mason Miller and others to go all-in to win this year. He will be fired later, but that is what he does.
Here’s what The Athletic said about San Diego:
Preller has already made the best deadline move of the year in getting Luis Arraez. Maybe he’ll flip Arraez for prospects, then trade those prospects for relievers, then trade those relievers for different prospects? Then he’ll take those prospects and get an impact hitter, someone like Arraez. Could work.
— Grant Brisbee
They are obviously mocking Preller.
In his Dodger career seems like Kelley has been injured more than he’s been active. And hopefully Grandal not coming back to pitch for us! He can’t even catch a baseball, much less throw one. How was waking up Monday morning as an ex president?
I do not want Kenley back. Better options internally and externally.
Would be interesting what the Dodgers offered for Crochet.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers Mark!!
Lets beat AZ!!
I am curious what Jansen’s role would be if we traded for him as much what it would cost. Would he be the closer and Phillips would become the fireman who pitched the critical spots before the 9th? As good as Crochet has pitched, I am leary of trading for a pitcher that will need to have his innings managed. Most of our rotation falls into that category so I expect we will use a 6 man rotation and/or find convenient reasons to put someone on the DL to give them a break.
My first visit online every morning (after I zap all the garbage emails) to read Mark’s pithy, insightful and readable thoughts on all things Dodgers. I get that ad hoc attacks are off point and can potentially hurt and anger you Mark-and that at times it’s just too much to have to deal with. Hoping you can persevere through the worst of it to deliver your takes. Onward!
When I start to read a post and it turns personal I stop reading at that point. My mind is cluttered enough without ingesting that kind of negativity.
Sorry nothing Dodger related but I just seen a replay of the catch Gary Matthews jr. Made to rob Mike Lamb of a homer and think it’s the greatest catch I’ve ever seen. Also dumbfounded as to how I never seen it before
Look up Cam Cannarella Clemson VS Florida College baseball….
Considering the circumstances might be the best catch…ever….
Baseball is a beautiful thing
“Miguel Vargas will be an All-Star,”. .
Totally agree, that’s why I always say that Vargas is the LF of the Los Angeles Dodgers for next season!
“Preller has already made the best deadline move of the year in getting Luis Arraez.” . . .
I hope it’s a joke, because that little asshole won’t change anything on that fucking shitty team.
You nailed it on Lux, no question.
I had my doubts based on Lux’s performance when he stepped in for Seager as a rookie, but I also trusted the judgment of AF and the Dodgers brass. Their commitment to Lux was misguided, as was their commitment to Vargas at 2B. Fortunately, AF dealt young Jacob Amaya for Rojas, who has proven to be an excellent insurance policy.
As for Vargas becoming an all-star…”the jury is still out”?
Well, that’s a very optimistic take on a player who is now on the short side of a platoon in LF. If Vargas has all-star potential, why won’t they give him a full-time opportunity?
Well, they already tried that, at 2B.
While Outman is in OKC now, I would argue he has a much greater chance of being a full-time OF in the majors than Vargas has of becoming an all-star. Why? Just a year ago, Outman was pretty much full-time in LA, hitting to a .790 OPS while playing a quality CF. He’s streaky on offense, but his numbers in OKC right now are impressive: a .986 OPS with a .277 BA and .388 OBP. (Yes, Outman strikes out too much–but as in ’23, he is showing a real knack for getting on base.)
If Outman is called up, will he wind up in a platoon like Vargas? Certainly possible, but Outman would, as a lefty batter, ikely have more ABs and he is clearly the more valuable defender, capable of playing any OF position. There is a reason Vargas hasn’t played CF or RF.
Seems clear to me that Vargas’s best chance of becoming an all-star is a trade to a small-market team like the Marlins. He wouldn’t just have a fresh start but perhaps a chance to play 1B, DH or an infield position again. He won’t get that chance with the Dodgers, a team loaded with talent.
Outman, however, could return to CF full-time for the Dodgers, as he is a better defender than Pages. But he too could have a better chance at a full-time gig if he is traded. But between Vargas and Outman, i’d say that Outman has a better chance of sticking with the Dodgers because of his defensive versatility. Yes, he could be the Dodgers 4th outfielder while Vargas becomes an all-star in Miami or elsewhere.
Both could be traded, especially if the Dodgers try to swing a deal for a guy like Luis Robert Jr.
If the Dodgers go after Arozarena, who plays CF?
I hope Lux is traded because he has no place on the team, he will be the most useless player when Betts returns.
I don’t think his role will be a pinch hitter, for whom?
Or defensive replacement, where?
He can’t play any position other than 2B.
Maybe as a pinch runner, but for what? He’s not even a base stealer.
And surely next year he won’t be needed on the team, because Taylor will still be there for the utility role.
And Vargas has the ability to make contact, the ability to hit, he doesn’t strike out much, I think he could easily surpass Teoscar.
The Marlin’s designated for assignment Tim Anderson just saying
For the love of God, no way should they consider Anderson. He’s horrible
Agree! But being horrible didn’t stop them from trying Biggio at 3B.
Astros have a shortstop at AAA names Mathews problem is at the big leagues they have a shortstop in Pena. Why not look at these teams that have good shortstop at AAA taht can’t play because there blocked by aplayrr that is better. If they the Dodgers could get Mathews a shortstop and Kyle Tucker a outfielder who could play centerfield or rightfield for Dodgers my guess he would be the every day rightfielder and Pages and Heyward would play centerfield.
Kelly (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday.
That’s good news.
Maybe yes, maybe no.
Sometimes we’re better off with Joseph on the IL.
But he is entertaining, kind of like a roller coaster ride without the safety bar.
07/01/24 Oklahoma City Baseball Club transferred LHP Justin Wrobleski to the Development List.
Dodgers probably trying to limit his innings going forward
No question.
Thayron Liranzo, Jeral Perez will represent Dodgers in MLB Futures Game
“Dodgers prospects headed to Globe Life Field on July 13 are a switch-hitting Great Lakes catcher and Rancho Cucamonga infielder, both from the Dominican Republic”.
Tim Anderson? Another .200 hitter. Hell no! Biggio, kiki, anderson, taylor. add all their averages up and divide by 4. What you get?? Then there’s Barnes, Heyward, Lux. add all these guys up and divide by 3 . What you get? Get the picture? ENOUGH !! How about a couple of .300 hitters? Ain’t many out there, so hurry before the sale goes off! Lineup posted yet? At least it’s not a “Sunday “ lineup i hope!! Mark,, love posting here! Even enjoy Bradley and his GM show! Is Ole Bear really grumpy?? Bet he ain’t!! Probably a cross between Kirk Gibson and Burt Hooten!
Anderson seems to be fully washed up. Former batting champ, and the change of scenery didn’t help.
BTW, I’m not sure why anybody wonders what would becomes of Lux if Mookie takes over 2B.
Lux gets traded. He’s a former top prospect who would be a good fit for a lot of teams. It’s not hard to imagine a swap of Lux for DeJong, for example.
Apart from playing good defense, what has Lux done this season to show he is more valuable than Mookie or Rojas?
The Marlins just DFA’d Tim Anderson.
Maybe they’d give Lux a chance to play SS again.
Good luck with that.
Not a chance.
10:10 PM ET
Diamondbacks (41-43)
Dodgers (52-33)
SP Ryne Nelson R
5-6 5.69 ERA PRIM
SP Bobby Miller R
1-1 6.75 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
C Will Smith R
1B F. Freeman L
LF T. Hernandez R
CF Andy Pages R
SS Miguel Rojas R
RF J. Heyward L
3B Chris Taylor R
2B Gavin Lux L
’78° Wind 7 mph Out
Fandsided has floated this trade proposal for Crochet. Rushing, Knack, Sweeney and Fernandez. Are you doing it? I would
Chicago would laugh!
I apologize, because I really hate to post during a game.
I just looked at our 4 minor-league affiliates.
Unless I am missing something, we have 1 guy at all 4 affiliates that has a batting avg over 300 and that is Cody Hoese.
1 guy?
I know we promoted a couple of kids in the last few weeks, but other then DePaula who was hitting over .300 @ the Quakes before moving to Great Lake’s we have nothing.
2 things immediately come to mind.
1) we don’t do a great job of developing our young hitters (the RVS school of hitting)?
2) we completely suck at drafting everyday players who can hit .
WTF
Go Dodgers!!
Much better first inning by Miller. Hopefully he can gain some confidence against a poor offensive team.
My bad, Depaula was also under .300 at low A
Before his promotion.
We need a every day outfielder and a starting pitcher. So how would that trade help just getting Crochet. Holy cow Bear has rubbed off on me critizing trade offers. If they get Crochet . Then it will also be Dejong and Robert Jr. Just saying. I’ve been looking at three players we could get from which teams. The white Sox would be those three. The Angels would be Ward, Refigio, Anderson and the Bluejays Bichette Killmier, and Kirkijan. That’s how I look at it. Kevin Killimier is a legit centerfielder could play every day and platoon with Chris Taylor.. And you have Pages and Heyward in Rightfield and Teo Hernandez playing everyday in leftfield.
Bradley, I feel honored being criticized by you!
Who thinks (as some said) Bobby Miller should be back at AAA?
I call BS!
Well he does have his era under 6 now
Big Picture
vs.
Small Potatoes!
Here is what I will say and I’m one of the people that said send him down.
I don’t care about him getting hammered, but he better go 5-6 innings in his starts to protect the bullpen.
If he can’t do that he needs to go down and figure it out mechanically and between his ears.
We can’t spend the bullpen every time he starts.
Next time.
This does not happen incrementally.
My friend, Josh Rawitch, is now on the game feed.
Very cool.
I have never been to Cooperstown.
I will be there soon.
Oops! Would OKC even take him back? Command trumps stuff and right now he doesn’t have it.
Progression!
He is making progress.
Missed two months…. not bad!
Most fans have no idea how hard this game is.
Well Miller did buck up and got out of that bases loaded jam. Progress
Yep.
FREDDIE! FREDDIE! FREDDIE!
Top-of-the-order bats saved the Dodgers bacon this game.
Bad look by Treinen on his choke throw to 1B.
And the 2 tweaks are..?
Agreed, and getting a middle infielder and moving Lux by the deadline would be ideal.
Is it just me or are the Dodgers starting to get some Dog in them? This is what we want to see, coming back time and time again in a tight game instead of blowing a team out by 7 or 8 runs. Tight games mold a team and build a cause, A cause builds into a certain bond of unshakeable trust that you and your teammates feel , no matter what, you are never out of a game. That’s what makes you dangerous, and we need more of that ,. Tell you what, the rest of the league , even with all our warts and all, is taking notice. Not even close to full strength with all our injuries, yet we are still a Beast when we get it going. All you fair weather game by game fans can stress all you want, and go ahead and get pissed about a weak lineup(without doing the research and understanding why Roberts did it a certain night). I am playing the looooong game, we are exactly where we need to be right now, Freidman taking stock and measure for our needs come the end of the month. Man, for a team that a lot of y’all want to trash , and all together now, Fire Roberts! 9 games up looks pretty good from here!
Amen. Well said.
Playoff atmosphere game last night. Down to there last out and Smith – Double, Freeman – Double, Teo – Single for the win. Bullpen had a hiccup but credit the DBacks. Nice bomb by Ohtani, sure looks like he likes leading off.
Miller pitched better so that is a plus. Dodger killer Christian Walker hit another HR at Dodger stadium nothing new there. Let’s win the series tonight with Stone or Knack tomorrow. Then another playoff like series with Brewers. July is a tough month we play a lot of teams at or above .500.
Was nice to see a Max Muncy sighting in the dugout last night. Hope he can come back soon after the All – Star break, we need another bat in the lineup.
DODGERS MINOR LEAGUE NEWS
Dodgers sign Alan Trejo,
Veteran infielder inks minor league contract with LA.
Diego Cartaya homers in 4-hit game
Low-A: Joe Kelly began a rehab assignment with the Quakes, and pitched a scoreless inning in his first game since May 5. Kelly will likely need at least three or four rehab games before returning from the 60-day injured list.
Wednesday schedule
4:05 p.m. PT: Great Lakes (Patrick Copen) at West Michigan (Joe Adametz)
4:35 p.m.: Tulsa (Chris Campos) at Wichita (Zebby Matthews)
5:45 p.m.: Rancho Cucamonga (Wyatt Crowell) vs. Visalia (Denny Larrondo)
6:05 p.m.: Oklahoma City (River Ryan) at Las Vegas (Joe Boyle)