This 2024 Version of your Los Angeles Dodgers is not drastically different from the 21, 22, or 23 Dodgers. The changes have been Evolutionary rather than Revolutionary. I truly believe that these are the Dodgers’ of Destiny because of the team’s evolution. Listen to the Lyrics of this song, and you will understand:
The poster child of this evolution might be Striker Buehler (he is no longer Walker). He pitched four shutout innings last night, which was quite an accomplishment in itself, but his swing-and-miss was exceptional, and he struck out six after failing to strike out a single Padre in his last outing.
In fact, he gave up hits seven times when he had a two-strike count on the hitter in his last start against the Padres. He didn’t suddenly start throwing 100 MPH… NO. It was Evolution…. not Revolution. He commanded his pitches, and if anything, he threw with a little less velocity most of the time. That is a conversation the Dodgers need to have with all of their pitchers.
It was heart-warming to see Striker back and screaming after an out! He will have to do it again… and I am confident that he will remain a Dodger after the Dodgers win the World Series! I see a three or four year deal as he will continue to evolve. But, I digress. The Dodgers have a National League Championship Series to win and the Mets are pesky! Yamamoto has also evolved after his injury he needs to slam the door on them tonight.
Last night was a “team win!” It was a group evolution. Now, it’s “REPEAT!” Focusing on tonight is all that they can do. Don’t think Yankees-Dodgers World Series yet. They have to win this one first!
Will be there tonight and tomorrow!!
Lets end this thing in NY
Buehler, 3-4 year deal? He might want a one year contract, with incentives, tore-establish himself and test free agency again next year. Will all find out in a few months.
Insightful as always Mr. Timmons. It does indeed appear that Mr. Buehler has evolved post surgery into a “pitcher” rather than a thrower. If proven over time, what a blessing for all. I wish we had at least half a season to see before signing a big contract but we don’t so the remaining starts this post season are critical. Sooooo glad we brought kike’ back!
Baseball America’s Future Projection podcast looks at how the four remaining teams built and developed their teams:
Scouting & Player Development Lessons To Learn From LCS Teams, Oct 16, 2024
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-projection/id1555299031?i=1000673280742
““That’s understandable. At the same time, I really feel like the Dodgers have been probably the best team in baseball for the last 10 years. They consistently win in the Major League level.
They’re consistently in the playoffs. I think it’s now 12 straight years where they reach the playoffs. They also maintain a strong farm system and continue to scout to develop at a high level.”
As Badger has intoned, the team should keep scoring eight!
WSJ ($$$) looks at how Quintana relies on getting batters to chase, to me this should favor the Dodgers approach/
https://www.wsj.com/sports/baseball/mlb-mets-dodgers-jose-quintana-f6f44198
I will be surprised if the Dodgers don’t knock him out in 3 innings.
Good call
I doubt that the Dodgers resign Buehler. One start of 4 innings in the Playoffs doesn’t mean that he is back.
Besides, notwithstanding the plethora of pitching injuries the past few seasons, at the start of next year, the Dodgers will have a bunch of arms available: Glasnow, Miller, Yamamoto, Kershaw, May, Knack, Gonsolin, Casparius, Wrobleski, and Sheehan after mid-season.
There are also going to be better free agent pitchers available – including Flaherty, Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, Max Freid, etc.
You forgot Ohtoni will be pitching next year.
I wonder how many seasons Ohtani will pitch. I also wonder what the impact of the 2nd surgery will have on him especially in 25. Look at Buehler this season.
Do you ever post anything with a positive note?
I am positive that the Dodgers will have many pitching options better than Buehler next year.
I would think they still may offer him a one year deal. I don’t see him having a big market , even if he manages to have a couple more good outings
Always a ray of sunshine there. The way he was spinning the ball last night he’d be hard to beat at any time in the season. He just needs to knock is total pictures down by about a third and he’d be money every time.
Totally agree Rick
Totally don’t Jorge. Each to their own.
Dodgers may end up choosing between Buehler and Flaherty. And perhaps Sasaki will be on the market too.
I hope Flaherty and Buehler make the front office’s decision very hard.
Good news for White Sox fans:
Jerry Reinsdorf Reportedly Discussing Sale Of White Sox
Buehler at his best is clearly an Ace. I think we all thought those days were behind him before yesterday’s game. Yet, after 2 TJ’s it’ll be hard for any team to offer a huge contract. I think the Dodgers WILL offer a highly incentivized contract for 1 or 2 years and a remote possibility of an option year. You only have look at 2024 to see how many arms can be lost over the course of one season! There is NO REASON to assume it can’t happen to them again.
Right now Striker is a Dodger. Always has been. He will be with us for 6 more wins. And play a big part. After he gets his 3rd ring…whoops I mean 2nd. Anything goes. Hey! Let’s stay in the moment! We’re watching history here. Like Mark said, ”DESTINY’S TEAM!”
Book em
8:08 PM ET
Dodgers (98-64)
Mets (89-73)
SP Y. Yamamoto R
7-2 3.00 ERA
SP Jose Quintana L
10-10 3.75 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
RF Mookie Betts R
LF T. Hernandez R
SS Tommy Edman S
3B E. Hernandez R
1B Max Muncy L
C Will Smith R
CF Andy Pages R
2B Chris Taylor R
54° Wind 10 mph
8:08 PM ET
Dodgers (98-64)
Mets (89-73)
SP Y. Yamamoto R
7-2 3.00 ERA
SP Jose Quintana L
10-10 3.75 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
RF Mookie Betts R
LF T. Hernandez R
SS Tommy Edman S
3B E. Hernandez R
1B Max Muncy L
C Will Smith R
CF Andy Pages R
2B Chris Taylor R
54° Wind 10 mph
NO Freddie Freeman
After the homerun they are unwilling to pitch to Ohtani.
,Mookie is streaking , look out Yanks, or…..
Don’t 86 my ass Mark., but I’ve just gotta say this, F&CK all you Roberts armchair managers and the broke ass horse you rode on with,! The man got it right tonight, , pulled Yammamoto after a great 4 innings, but in trouble , with Phillips ,who bailed him out, then brought Trienan in at the 6th with bases loaded to get the last out, yet still saving Hudson and Kopech for a high leverage sitch in case it came up later on ,. All three are in play tomorrow for a close out game. Robets also batted Edmans cleanup, and he kicked ass, so take your Fire Roberts flag and stick it up your tight ass. He ain’t going anywhere , This year has been one of his best years managing because of all the injuries, yet here we are after all the MORONS are screaming for his head, one game from the Fall Classic,, also without Vesia . Enjoy the ride!!!
Hope our boys can wrap it up today. Glad Flaherty is pitching. Would like him to repeat his last performance.
ONE MORE WIN.
Great win last night!
Lets do it all again today!