I have been a baseball and Dodger fan for slightly more than 60 years. My love for baseball was immediate, and with the Dodgers, it was love at first sight. In that sixty years, I have listened to or watched roughly 7,500 Dodger games. I have also watched and coached countless youth ball and high school baseball games. I have also had the pleasure of watching my sons participate in college baseball, including 2 trips to the NAIA College World Series.
In the average year of my adult life, I spend approximately 500 hours watching or listening to Dodger baseball. I will spend another 200 hours or more reading about the Dodgers or baseball. Typically, I will attend 2 or 3 Dodger games in a year. I also annually attend about 5 or 6 college games, and a similar amount of high school games. I might also catch a minor league game or two.
I wonder if I might have a greater impact on society if I spent those 700 hours on cancer research, or other life improving . . . Heck, I could probably become proficient in a foreign language in under 350 hours. Or, more practically, I could catch up with my case load at work. Perhaps I could write a book, or even just exercise. But then again, I’m probably not spending as much time watching the Dodgers as all the hours the typical person spends refreshing their social media feeds. Also, when I’m watching a game(particularly on TV), my attention is on the game(although I may flip the channels during commercial breaks). I simply do not have the capacity to multi-task during games, like I might be able to in other situations. My focus is entirely on the game, and to this day, I still cannot comprehend how my lovely wife can ask me what I think about her broccoli casserole in the bottom of the ninth inning of a 1-1 game. Chances are better than not, that my answer will be total gibberish.
Moreover, while I’m not, by nature, a very demonstrative guy, I’m also not a completely passive game watcher. While watching the Dodgers, I’ll routinely let Cody Bellinger or Max Muncy know just how they should attack the pitcher, when they should swing, and why they were unsuccessful. Or, if I’m really on my game, I’ll let Clayton Kershaw know what pitch he should throw. Yes siree, there I am, sitting on my recliner in the comfort of my family room, giving advice to the reigning MVP, who, according to Baseball America, is in the top 5 of current major league baseball players, and another who will be enshrined into the Hall of Fame, on the first ballot, and who train 6 -7 days a week, with the best coaches available, and who also watch many hours of video to become masters of their craft. As I type this, I’m reminded of how silly that sounds, that I would presume to know more than these folks when it comes to playing baseball. And yet, I still to this day pass along my advice like candy on Halloween. Thankfully they can’t hear me. If they did, I’m sure they would still be laughing. And, if that isn’t enough, I also feel the absolute need(obligation?) to tell Andrew Friedman and Dave Roberts how to do their jobs. Seriously, despite the fact that they are among the best at what they do, and despite the fact that they are surrounded by incredible support staff and have more information at their disposable than I could ever contemplate, I’m convinced that if they would only have listened to me, the Dodgers would have won, at minimum, 3 of the last 7 World Series. But alas, they don’t listen to me. I’m sure they’ll regret that to their dying day.
Because of my love for the Dodgers, you would think that watching a game would be 3-4 hours of romantic bliss. Unfortunately, that’s not always, the case. I will often find myself talking to the TV, questioning the umpire, questioning Doc’s decisions, questioning the players, and that responsibility can be somewhat stressful. In fact, the New England Journal of Medicine found, in a non-baseball study(though I believe the same would be true for baseball), that cardiac emergencies in Munich more than doubled when Germany played in World Cup matches compared to days when they were idle, and no matches were played. But I’m a fan, and I will continue to put myself in these situations. Fortunately, I haven’t had any heart attacks yet.
Despite the wins and losses, I can honestly say that I’ve never once wavered in my love for the Dodgers. I have distressed over losses, rejoiced in victories, wondered why this or that player was traded, or why we didn’t pick up a particular player in a trade. I would expect that each of us on this board can make similar statements. Maybe you’ve been a fan for more years than I have, maybe less. But what is it that makes us the fans that we are? I can’t speak for you, and perhaps you would be willing to tell us a little bit about your journey of fandom, but these are some of my reasons:
1. I love the time it has given me with my sons, and family. It seems to be a rite of passage, to pass along your love of the game to your children. I was introduced to baseball by friends at Artesia Park and my neighbor Tony Silva, who took me to my first Dodger game. My parents immigrated to the United States from the Holland, when I was 5 years old. We moved to Dairy Valley, California. Unbeknownst to me at the time, this was Dodger country. I soon learned what that meant and became a die-hard fan. Perhaps if my parents had moved to Wisconsin or Kansas, I might have been a fan of their teams. Thankfully they didn’t and I don’t have to ponder that possibility. When I became a father, it wasn’t long before my son had a ball in his hand and then a bat. Before long we would play catch. Then I would pitch to him, as he endeavored to hit the ball over the roof of the house. It became an almost daily event, to play baseball with my son. Two years later we added a second son, and it only doubled the pleasure. Before long, I took them to their first Dodger game, and I will never forget the expressions on their faces as we entered the stadium and they first laid eyes on the grass and the players. Getting to share that joy with my sons is a delight that continues to this day and has been passed along to their sons. My sons have moved to Washington, yet my oldest remains a Dodger fan. In August 2018, while visiting Washington, I took my sons and their family to a Dodger vs Mariner game. Prior to the game, my oldest son, put his son on his shoulders as they stood by the railing watching Clayton Kershaw do his stretches in the outfield. It was a truly magical moment for me, as I remembered having my son on my shoulders, standing by the railing of Dodger Stadium watching the players take batting practice. Those moments are a huge part of the fan experience!!
2. I love the fact that you can watch a baseball game most every day. From February to October, there is a game to be watched. Unlike football, where they only play 16 games, and one a week, in baseball, the anticipation of waiting for the next game is never a painful process.
3. I love the incredible history of baseball. As we’ve seen on this post, as recently as this past week, with the article on Pee Wee Reese, baseball history is so rich and provides a virtual goldmine of nuggets to discover. Whether talking about Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, Babe Ruth, or any of the many players that have played this game, there are a myriad of stories to uncover and great people to meet.
4. Visiting Dodger Stadium. In my opinion, Dodger Stadium is the most beautiful in baseball. Getting to share that experience stadium with 40,000 or more people is awesome. The sights, sounds, smells and crack of the bat gets me excited each and every time I go there.
5. The sound of a home run. There is an absolute sweetness to the sound of a ball hit on the screws. Sometimes the sound is very subtle, but it is sweet nevertheless. That sound begins to grow on you at a very young age, when you give it your best swing and it connects with the ball on the sweet spot. You smile to yourself, and think, “I got all of that one!” Even though I no longer play, that sound still resonates in my ears.
6. The sound of a 100 mph fastball hitting the catcher’s glove. That’s a pop that you can’t duplicate anywhere else. I can honestly say that I have never experienced throwing a ball that fast. When I pitched in high school, speed guns had not become a tool used in baseball. Good thing they hadn’t, because they probably couldn’t measure my 45 mph “heater.” It doesn’t have to be a 100 mph pitch, though they are a special breed, just hearing the sound of a pitcher warming up between innings, is enough to get me excited.
7. The difficulty of hitting a baseball. I’m sure there will be some argument, but I think hitting a baseball is one of the, if not the, hardest things to do in sports. Ted Williams thought it was, and he was the best at hitting a baseball that the game has seen. You have a round ball, that’s moving that you’re trying to hit with a round piece of wood. When you do hit the ball, ironically, it’s called “squaring it up,”
8. Yogi Berra: “Baseball is 90% mental. The other half is physical.” “No one goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.” “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.” “It’s déjà vu all over again.” “I always thought that record would stand until it was broken.” Not a Dodger, but enough said!
9. There is no time Limit. Speaking of it “it ain’t over til’ it’s over”, I love the fact that the game has no time limit. You play until the final out.
10. Vin Scully’s voice. Once again, enough said. As Dodger fans, we were spoiled for 67 years, as Vinny brought the game and players to life in ways we had never seen before(or since).
11. Having your top hitter come to the plate, in a crucial situation in the game.
12. Hearing the crowd chant, “Let’s go Dodgers!”
13. Dodger uniforms. The uniform is simple and classic. Pantone 294 blue, against a white background with red numbers. It looked good on Sandy Koufax 60 years ago, and it looks good on Clayton Kershaw today.
14. The Dodger Community: Dodger fans can be found everywhere. When you’re at the grocery store, and you see some one in Dodger cap or T-shirt, there is an automatic bond. He or she is one of the family. The conference room in my office is filled with mostly Dodger related pictures. They never fail to illicit conversation about the Dodgers or how a family member loves the Dodgers. That sense of community is heightened on a blog such as this. Scientists have found that being a sports fan can be good for your emotional, psychological and social health.
Fans who identify with a local team have higher self-esteem, are less lonely and are no more aggressive as a group than nonsports fans. Thus, the more you identify with the Dodgers, the more psychologically healthy you tend to be. The more psychologically healthy you tend to be, the easier it is to get along with like minded fans. There aren’t too many times in life you can celebrate something with complete strangers and feel an emotional connection with your community as a whole. I love this feeling.
15. Dodgers vs Giants. The rivalry between the Dodgers and Giants is something special. My dislike for the Giants began when I was very young. The only games I could watch on TV back then, were Dodger away games to Candlestick Park. While I liked some of their players individually(Mays, McCovey, Cepeda), collectively, I had no love for them. Beating them was sweeter than beating an other team(except for playoffs and the Series), and losing to them was more painful.
16. An Escape. Though not too often, there are times that the Dodgers provide an escape from the issues of life that I don’t want to think about at the time.
Baseball is a beautiful game that I’ve played and loved for the majority of my life. There are many more reasons, that I could spell out, but I’ll stop for now. The Dodgers are the only baseball team that I have loved, and they will be my team for the rest of my days.
Some Random Thoughts
● Whether it be Driveline, a new work out regimen, Mark Prior or just adaptation, I like this version of Clayton Kershaw a lot.
● Ross Stripling was one of my favorite Dodgers over the past 5 years. Whether he won or lost, he always gave a meaningful interview. He was more than willing to face the music when he didn’t do well. I wish him nothing but the best with the Blue Jays.
● This is being written Friday morning. I’m looking for big things from Dustin May tonight. I hope the heat, doesn’t cause the balls to fly out of Dodger Stadium.
● Mookie and Corey at the top of the line-up is a winning combination. When JT returns, plug him into the 3 hole, Belli clean-up, Pollock or Muncy hitting 5th, depending on who’s pitching. Pederson should never hit higher than 6th in the line-up. Definitely not lead-off.
No parody today. I ran out of time. Thought I would share a Jim Croce song for those of you that get to thinking you might have been better in your “glory days” than you really were.
Thanks again for great article and stirring my early passions for Big Blue. Been fan almost 50 years always been family affair for me as well. From my dad taking me to my first game, getting off the 101 on Stadium Way, coming over the hill to see that majestic cathedral known as Dodger Stadium , not a more beautiful baseball park in the world. Smelling the peanuts,hot dogs, having my first chocolate malt and hearing the barking of the vendors – magic ! Baseball is an entire senses experience which I don’t think you get with any other sporting event. Baseball was an affordable way to take the whole family back then. My early hero was ‘3 Dog’ loved Willie Davis how he just glided around bases,made it look easy. Loved ‘The Infield” and their longevity and consistency, loved Dusty,Reggie and especially JWynn back in those days. Those teams were great but just not great enough to get past the As or Yanks.As I get older I tend to root more for the name on front the jersey instead of the back. The Dodgers are constant in my life – GO BLUE !
Good column. Nothing like entering Dodger Stadium, the outfield grass, the manicured infield, the palm trees and hills in the background — you feel like you’ve left the world behind.
All of this is incredibly important in our fast paced and stress filled lifestyles. It’s what keeps us going.
As to the Dodgers current state, winning pretty much all the time, but they need more hitters to step up. Right now they really miss Justin Turner. Being objective, just too many hitters having poor at bats and the averages reflect that.
But Mookie Betts is having an MVP year and Cory Seager has returned to form now that he’s healthy again. Cody Bellinger is having some bad luck, often hitting the ball hard, but right at somebody.
But Tony Gonsolin continues to pitch well and it’s obvious the Dodgers needed to provide an opportunity for him to pitch in a regular rotation. Impressive young pitchers with Gonsolin, Dustin May and Julio Urias.
Looks like Gavin Lux is finally improving, having better at bats and showing signs of becoming the player that scouts had projected him to become — hopefully he continues to offer glimpses into what should be a bright future. He looked pretty much lost when called up.
Just something about baseball that doesn’t exist in other sports.
You touched on the daily not weekly schedule of games. That’s important after last night’s game – need to clear the palate tonight
Mark Timmons wrote yesterday:
Yes, when the Dodgers win, it is in spite of Doc, and when they lose it’s because of Doc.
Those of you who continually beat that drum have ZERO credibility with me and very little respect.
I simply cannot take you seriously!
Mark posted this at the end of yesterday’s comments assuming no one would probably read it. Well, I did and wanted to respond so that people would read it today.
First, I can remember back either last year or the year before when you wrote entire articles calling for the removal of Dave Roberts. I mean you were over the top in your criticism of his managing style. So, I don’t know when you had your come to “Roberts” moment but now you are all “Roberts” all the time. He can do no wrong.
And, that’s fine. Everyone is entitled to change their mind. What bothers me is how you come off toward anyone who disagrees with you or your beliefs about Roberts. Very few on this site complain about Roberts during the season on how he affects wins or losses. During the playoffs it’s a different story. His history of failures in the last three years has been well documented and criticized by many on this blog (including you).
The loss last night was not Roberts doing. Yeah, I would have liked to see Gonsolin go another inning. But, Treinen didn’t do the job and Wood came in to prove that he is no longer an effective major league pitcher. I don’t think the majority of the posters here blamed Roberts. Your comment made it sound like they did. And, to say that those who continually bang that drum have ZERO (really, ZERO? not zero? not little?) credibility with you. Do you think that because YOU have ZERO respect for posters that complain about Roberts are going to stop expressing their opinions on the subject? Damn, Mark, you started this blog years ago and helped make it into a awesome place to talk Dodger baseball. I don’t think many who post here care about whether or not they have credibility with YOU or that YOU don’t take them seriously. You’ve been a name caller several times in the past (idiot, moron, etc) with posters who comment with things you don’t agree. Maybe, you’re kidding or trying to stir the pot for some feedback. If that’s the case it doesn’t some off that way to me. Sure, some people post things that don’t make sense or are controversial (I probably have), but that’s OK. I read that stuff and just think “really, that’s crazy”, but don’t feel the need to name call or comment on how stupid or misinformed they must be. I feel good that I’m not them. And, move on to the next comment or web page.
Bottom line is that you have continually named called and become indignant when someone posts something you don’t think is acceptable to YOU. Well, YOU ain’t the blog. All the article contributors and those comment are the blog. It just hit me wrong this morning when I read you comment from yesterday. For a person who founded this blog and worked tirelessly to get it where it is today I think it’s sad to come off the way you do sometimes. There is a continual call for civility on this site. I felt yesterday’s comment from you didn’t meet that goal and just added to your pile of name calling and your point of view is the right and only point of view.
I may get banished for my thoughts today. I hope not. I wanted to help make this blog a little bit better.
Carry on.
There’s no doubt in my mind that Doc’s short term managing in the playoffs is a concern of mine and an obstacle this team may have to overcome. You’re not the only one who feels this way. I like Doc but he’s had his gaffs in the postseason.
tedraymond – May I add a few thoughts from our former host:
“This stuff is hilarious”
“Crack is bad”
“Keep what little sanity you have left.”
“You all are free to have your own opinions, but I believe that your knee-jerk reactions are foolish and brand you as rank amateurs in the evaluation of baseball and players. You can create your own misery and wallow in your own swill, but I am having none of it because it ain’t my first rodeo. I write the facts… not fiction or the voices in my head.”
I absolutely think this blog now, supported by Jeff D, has been very civil and respectful to bloggers with a few exceptions. I hope it stays that way.
I am glad you feel that way!
BTW, I think that is all good advice!
I would never post something thinking no one would read it. What’s the point? Explain that one to me! I don’t even get why you might think that.
I would not banish you just because you disagree, but Jeff handles that – I am pretty sure he won’t do that either. However, the Dodgers have the best record in baseball, yet some posters blame every failure on Roberts.
I did call for the firing of Roberts. I did feel that some of his moves were questionable – that was borne out of frustration. I have since changed my mind. I have that right.
I predicted Joc Pederson was no better than a 4th or 5th outfielder, but I changed my mind on that one too. Actually, Joc made me change my mind. He is remarkably inconsistent… consistently. However, he is not a focal point of the Dodgers offense. He has been good in the playoffs and when he gets hot – he makes the team better. This is a short season but to call out Doc for playing him is just silly as are all the other second-guessing fans are too.
Players sometimes fail. It’s not ALWAYS the manager’s fault. I know that I am in the minority but I do not blame Roberts for what happened with the back-to-back homers against Clayton last year against the Nats. I do blame him for not taking out Joe Kelly. That’s my opinion and I am not afraid to state it.
It just don’t respect second-guessers – they are cowards who are never wrong!
Not sure there is any logical defense to leaving Kershaw in there AFTER the first HR to Rendon.
1. Kershaw couldn’t possibly be mentally right with his postseason reputation as a choker and giving up that HR. Rendon hit a great pitch. Doesn’t change the fact that as the leader, he left a guy in there that could not possibly be in his best frame of mind.
2. Soto was dominated by Kolarek the entire series. Kolarek faced three batters in that series. All Soto, All outs.
Call it hindsight all you want but it isn’t. If I could post a picture, I would show the text that I sent my group of guys that chit-chat during games that Kershaw can’t stay in. All the confidence he gained when striking out Eaton was gone and then some. Had to come out.
On top of the Kershaw debacle, there were many other outright insane moves and non-moves in that one game alone. We all watched it, so its probably not needed to go through them all again.
The fact is Roberts has failed far more than he has succeeded. With this roster of the last 5-6 years, there should be championships. If you get beat by a better team (2018 Red Sox) then so be it. When you continuously lose series to teams that you should beat, a change is needed.
For a regular season, short or normal, I would venture that there are very few MLB managers that couldn’t take this team and secure a playoff spot. Hell, I think I could quite honestly. So much talent and depth, it would be almost impossible not to barring massive injuries.
You are the one that always preaches, “your record is what you are” or something to that effect.
Roberts record when it matters isn’t great…..or even good. Players have to execute but leaders have to put them in the best spots. The game against the Nats showed Roberts massive failure in that. From telegraphing to the world that Kershaw WAS going to relieve (basically no matter what), leaving him in, leaving Kelly to do something he hadn’t done before, leaving Jansen, Kolarek and Maeda sitting when it mattered. Two of those three had been dominate, and of course Maeda came in and did what he had been doing. Being dominate striking out the next three guys on 12-13 pitches or something like that.
If this game would have been an anomaly in Roberts managing, that would be one thing. Its not though.
He signed a 4 year extension. Any chance he is fired or released from that is pretty slim. Live with it.
Of course, I am living with it.
That means that a discussion is not allowed?
If that is the case, may as well shut it down since everyone on the team is under contract and we should just live with it without reproach.
Your comment makes zero sense, especially as this is a discussion blog as to the ups and downs of this baseball organization.
That was my opinion Jason, same as you. I do not think Dave is that great at in game decisions, but it is way too late to worry about all of that now. So, I quit dwelling on it. And unfortunately discussing it won’t change a thing. It might not make sense to you, but I understood it perfectly.
Jason that is the problem here at times. You can’t have a discussion about a moment or a single game without it being taken as an indictment on an entire season or career.
Dean Kremer pitching for Baltimore today. He’s the first of the prospects from the Machado deal to make the bigs.
~
The Dodger gave up ten prospects in the Hill, Machado, and Darvish deals. Plus guys like O’Neil Cruz and Jordan Alvarez in smaller deals. I get why they didn’t unload 6 prospects for Clevinger or overpay for Lynn.
Nothing beats a late inning home run at Dodger stadium and jumping up and spilling your beer! One of my best memories at Dodger Stafium sitting next to this guy who was screaming in between the first inning. So I asked him what he was yelling about? And he said the Trojans just scored. My beloved SC football team! So we watched the SCgame together on his phone r along with the Dodger game yelling and screaming together in both a Dodger and Trojan victory! Nothing could be sweeter!
Watching the Dodgers and Trojans at the same time is a form of sports heaven!!
I was at Dodger Stadium on my birthday one year, and the Lakers were playing game 7 of the finals the same time. They won the title about the 7th inning and Dodger Stadium went nuts! It was awesome. I too love USC. By the way I would be remiss in not congratulating Mike Trout who last night in the Angels SWEEP of their doubleheader with the Asstos, hit homer # 300. Congrats Trout.
Really fun post 2d2, especially the coaching from your recliner. That’s exactly what I do too and I’m not sure where the Dodgers would be without us. Well, probably exactly where they are now. I have the recording deal down to a science. I record everything to avoid watching any commercials. my ideal blow off day is 3 games in 1 day. I can watch the 1:00, 4:00 or 5:00 games then watch the Dodgers and be done by 10:30pm. I have taken to watching the White Sox play before the Dodgers. Just like being at Camelback Ranch.
“An Escape” I love baseball and it’s one of my most enjoyable activities. Always has been.
Thoughts on last night:
* Good game, except for Treinen. Can’t win em all. Move on, except for:
* I have been absolutely nonjudgemental on Doc this year. I mostly think he’s been pretty good especially with pitching changes. But having Joc in the 5 hole, ahead of Pollock (or anybody for that matter) is brutal. The “meat of the order” last night was 0 for 11 and 3 lefties in a row makes no sense to me with Joc in the middle. CT3 is hitting right handed pitching so why is he not DH? It looks weird but CT3 has serious reverse splits and is hitting .293 versus right hand pitching. That might have been useful last night.
* I’ve had it with Joc. I coach him up a lot from my recliner, 2d2. I’m glad my shoulder isn’t fully recovered or I would put the remote through my big screen. Last night he pulled 3 ground balls to the left side and had a K, accounting for 5 outs. He absolutely friggin loafed to first every time. When is the last time he actually ran through the bag at first?
* I have NO IDEA why Doc (or his teammates for that matter) put up with Joc’s BS. It’s bad baseball. I’d have his ass so far down the bench he would be rehearsing the USC Fight Song. All this from a selfish clown hitting .184 and approaching free agency. Where’s your pride and respect for your team and the game? He has lost any job as far as I’m concerned and should platoon with the Ball Boy.
* Alfonso Marquez was the umpire behind the plated last night. That is the best balls and strike job I’ve seen in awhile.
* Gonsolin deserved better.
* Score more runs tonight
Baseball is such a beautiful game. It’s so simple, yet so difficult at the same time. It’s a team sport, yet extremely individualistic. You can regularly expect the unexpected.
I share your disappointment over Joc. It seems like he’s just mailing it in.
Yeah and why would he be “just mailing it in”? I think he cares and is really frustrated. But it comes out in his body language like “I don’t give a s**t”. He looks even more ridiculous when you see Mookie and others playing the game the right way. And the lack of hustle is what I hate most. I know he can occasionally run into one but again, HUSTLING TAKES NO TALENT.
Really enjoyed your post, 2D2! I can add a few items to your list. I feel like a kid when I watch a game, especially if it’s live (going to Dodgers Stadium is still a peak experience for me), but also on tv (live streaming these days), and whenever I step onto a baseball field. I may criticize Doc’s moves, say something importune to Joc if he fails to hustle, get frustrated about this or that, but down deep, it connects me with the simple joy that I felt as a kid. And that’s worth everything to me. A couple of other things. There is still something about baseball that feels patriotic. I know football and basketball surpassed it in popularity, but it’s still America’s passtime. And finally, living in Holland, I can stay connected with my American roots. Greetings from Maastricht! Regards to your relatives, some of whom I assume still live here.
I have cousins that I’m close to that live in Schagen, Noord Holland. A few years back a cousin and her family came to visit us here in Southern California. While here, her son had his 13th birthday. As a gift, I took the entire family to a game at Dodger Stadium. That boy is in his 20s now, and he is still a Dodger fan and proudly wears his Dodger cap.
As I’m sure you know,.they have a real baseball tradition in the Netherlands. I had no clue about it when I moved here years ago. Good thing, otherwise my son wouldn’t have had the chance to play growing up, something very special we shared together for many years.
Beaty did very well last year when given the chance.
Joc should be sitting for two reasons – lack of production and lack of hustle.
Beaty can play left field.
If we make this into an algebra problem: therefore Beaty should be playing instead of Joc.
So far he’s gotten an at bat here and an at bat there, and then they sit him down. Give him a couple of weeks of steady at bats to see if he deserves to be in there on a regular basis. I can gurarantee you when he hits the ball on the ground you’ll see him hustle to first base.
I agree he should not start. But he has the experience and Beaty does not. In fact they have no one down at the alternate site with the experience that Beaty or Rios have. Joc does not look engaged, he does not look like he is ready to hit when he steps into the box. And except when he is on defense, he does not look like he is hustling at all. I am really beginning to believe that being traded and then not being traded affected him more than we might know. Also, Joc missed a lot of spring before the shut down, and wasn’t hitting all that great when they came back. There is definitely something not right with his game.
OK, I’ll grant you that Joc has more experience than Beaty.
I could point out that Andre Ethier has more experience than Joc.
Does that mean he should be our starting left fielder?
I agree with your point that the non-trade to the Angels may have affected him more than we realized, but we can’t play him just to make up for doing that to him. Wherever he winds up next year, the change of scenery should benefit him greatly.
Just quoting the company line there Blue. I would rather have Andre in his last season out there than Joc right now. At least he knew what was a strike and what was a ball. Joc is toast. No way they re-sign him. Same with Kike who is hitting like he is Badgers age right now. Sorry Badge, could not think of a better reference off of the top of my head!
All good points boys but for my money put Pollock in left field and leave him alone. He’s earned it.
Against LHP, AJ Is otherworldly. .366 OB%
Against RHP, he has a .286 OB%.
Joc has a better OB% against RHP at .295, but I also look at what Joc has historically done against RHP, and in my mind, he has earned another couple of weeks.
Disclaimer: I am not a Joc fan.
Great column 2D. Loved it. We became fans close to the same time. I started playing when I was about 7. But when the Dodgers moved to LA that was when I really fell in love with the game. Different times. We spent all of our spare hours playing some form of the game. And we played until it was dark, and we could not see anymore. There were not any playgrounds or local ball fields with lights in those days. First time I went to see them at the coliseum, it was something I had never experienced before. All the people, smells, sounds. Two guys blowing the charge on REAL bugles. And the players, about the size of ants from where I sat, but I enjoyed it all the same. Then came collecting the cards. Baseball cards, much better than football or basketball cards. 5 cards to a pack and gum for 5 cents. The anticipation one would get opening a pack. Wow, I got Sandy Koufax! And he wasn’t even a star at that point, just a struggling lefty with a fantastic fastball. Over the years the love of the team grew, and also the angst when they lost. Because of some very personal things that happened in those years, they and baseball were not only my passion, they were my refuge from all the negative things that were happening. Between baseball, the Dodgers, and my music, I had something positive to lean on. It was that way until I went in the Army and was on my own. The biggest drawback being in the service was not being able to hear all the games. Usually where I was stationed there were no games broadcast on the radio. I could catch a game of the week now and then if I did not have duty. But I followed the teams fortunes as best I could, and always went to Dodger Stadium when I was home on leave. Once I came home to California, going to Dodger Stadium as many times as I could when not working was something I did for years. I went to a playoff game in 81 against the Expos. Fernando lost to Ray Burris. Dodger Stadium was my special place to go to forget it all, and enjoy the sport I loved. Now, living in Colorado, I watch the games from my recliner, or sometimes, especially when they are on later, from my bed. I am also an arm chair manager/GM. I have railed at AF for not trading for someone I thought would make them better than they are and silently cussed out Doc when something goes wrong and I think it is because he made a dumb move..yeah, exe soldiers do cuss. I remember watching a playoff game against the Phillies and Stairs hit a homer that beat them. I was in the truckers lounge at the company I worked for at the time. I launched the remote in the general direction of the television. I missed, showing the Dodgers had good sense not signing me. And that was when the streak of not winning a series was still in the low 20’s. Now retired, with a lot of time on my hands, I am much more mellow. At least I feel like I am. But the love of the game, and the team is as strong now as it was then. It was pure agony not having baseball to watch from late March until July when it finally came back. Now that it is here, I can only hope this never happens again in my lifetime. I hated it enough the years they went on strike.
I too enjoyed the column 2d. Felt like you were describing me.
As many of you may know, I’ve had my issues with the name calling on this site for years. It’s better than it used to be. I think Mark has mellowed over the years. Maybe going from 6’4” to 6’1” humbled him a bit.
I’ve already expressed my feeling about Joc. He is a blind squirrel who plays like he’s got one foot out the door. I’d happily help him with the other foot if I was in charge. Phil’s plan works for me.
I have mixed feelings about Doc but mostly I support him. We’ve been pretty good with him running things. That said, some of his bullpen moves have me screaming names at my tv.
This is a good place to talk baseball. I’m glad to be a part of it.
Glad we are both still mentally stable enough to enjoy it. I think also that the name calling has subsided a lot. It gets a wee bit testy at times, but no where near what it was when Mark and I were going toe to toe. I guess the old Grizzly is getting a little long in the tooth……singular……
Awesome slo mo video on Twitter. It shows a Patrick Corbin pitch just missing a butterfly! Totally cool. Anyone want to bet that Joc won’t be in the lineup today? RHP starting again for the Rocks. Little scouting report for you. This kid did a pretty decent job his first start at Coors late last month. He lost his last start, but has some decent stuff. Oh. Cole actually lost his second game of the season to the Orioles no less. Angels swept the Asstro’s yesterday.
2D2 – nothing random about those thoughts. Very enjoyable read and brought up some Dodger memories for me.
As mentioned before I became a Dodger fan on April 19, 1952 after the fifth inning. My loyalty did not waver when they broke my heart and headed west four time zones away for the 1958 season. I have not lost my passion for the game but my true passion really tends to be with the minor league teams as I feel closer to the players there. Each morning when I get up I do check the Dodger game and view the videos. No matter what happened the night before there is always something good in a box score. That infield squibbler looks like a line drive single in the box score.
I love the home uniform which is the best in all of sports, in my opinion, and also love it when they have “Dodgers” on the jersey on the away uniforms.
I have not formed the same attraction for players now as I did when the Boys of Summer played and even into the fab 4 days in the infield. Free agency has done that to me.
Because all west coast games are too late for me to watch I really don’t have opinions on who should have done what. I just know the manager is mostly at the mercy of how players perform. He is a genius if a player does what needs to be done and a dummy if the player does not. He surely will make mistakes and they become so magnified when compared to the many good moves he quietly makes and how he keeps a group of millionaires happy. I think one of the best things he can do is always support his players publicly and privately and be honest with the team and the press.
Thank you Harold. On April 19, 1952 I was celebrating my first birthday in Naaldwijk, Holland. I have no memory of that day, but certainly a special day for both of us!!
Your just a kid! LOL….June 14th, 1948. Babe was still alive. Truman beat Dewey, and all was well with the world.
Mark, I have agreed with you many times. I do not agree with you on Doc.
1. Until he proves he can manage in the play offs, the jury is out. Kelly pitching 2 innings when he never did it all season. Many other decisions that could be second guessed in the play offs.
2. Starting Muncy at lead off this year when he never batted lead off in his life. How long did it take Doc to start Mookie at lead off when that is what he did.
3. This team is so strong even you or I could manage this team to a winning record. Maybe you, but not me.
4. Doc falls in love with doing new things. Joc at first base. Muncy leading off. Kelly pitching two innings. All failures. During the season, you can get away with these decisions. In the play offs, not. I coached a State basketball championship team. I played the kids that got us there. If you lose with your best players doing what they do, you will not be second guessed.
Baseball lends itself more than any other sport to criticism of the coach or manager. Pro football is full of its own nomenclature that allows ex-players with no particular broadcasting ability to carve out careers by talking about zone blitzes and Cover Two. Football coaches get criticized and fired, but not generally for game decisions, just for losing. NBA coaches’ main job seems to be handling the egos, and establishing substitution patterns. The franchise which gets a Jordan or Bryant or Curry or James usually is the one which wins the title, though there are obviously a few great coaches like Auerbach or Jackson or Larry Brown. Baseball is full of discernible strategical choices; and so fans, from the novices to those who have followed the game closely for years, are apt to chime in, and think that they would handle these decisions better than the manager. Lineup. Bunt, hit and run, vs. playing for the long ball. Starting staff. How long should you leave the pitcher in? Whom to use in relief, and in what order? Pinch hitting. Each of these decisions, accessible to the fan, can work out badly, and so the manager is very open to being criticized for them if they do.
Now, what is psychologically interesting is that there are some fans who decide that they do not like a manager (for very valid reasons or not), and constantly blame individual losses, or the failure to win a title, on him. Then there are others, and often people who broadcast the team’s games, or do postgame shows, who never will criticize him. Their infinitely repeated response is, “Hey, if Jones had struck the batter out; if Smith had come up with a hit there, would you still be complaining about the decision? Of course not. I think that the manager did the right thing, it just didn’t work out. That happens sometimes. All this second guessing is ridiculous.” People who have made a career out of such responses include Geoff Witcher, David Vasseigh, Rodney Peete, and plenty of others over the years. They do what the organization wants them to do; and they are also close to the manager and value the access, so they will always take his side. Another typical response is, “Did you play the game? Did you manage it? How do you know that the manager made the wrong decision?” Well, most people have never run for President or made a major motion picture, but that doesn’t mean they can’t perceptively criticize the actions of politicians and filmmakers, although those people don’t like hearing it.
For my part, I have scarcely ever seen a Dodgers manager who I thought was particularly good at game strategy. This could mean that I am just inclined to be critical, or maybe that the Dodgers’ ownership has rarely hired an astute game managing type. Sometimes such people are admittedly not great at handling players. But there are a few whose games we might not get to watch each season, but who one can perceive are very smart tacticians, always thinking ahead, being able to sense which pitcher is right to put in for that situation, or how long to leave the starter in. It would be nice to have one of those, though they are fairly rare. Does anyone remember Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh? He was not notable for being articulate or intellectual, but I thought he had a great intuitive sense of the game, and very often made the right decision, even going “against the book.” His team beat the Yankees in 1960; that was the World Series where the Yankees outscored the Pirates by over twenty runs, but lost the four close games. The 1971 World Series between Pittsburgh and Baltimore, Clemente and Robinson, Murtaugh and Weaver, was superb, and Murtaugh matched the great Earl Weaver all the way, and the Pirates won another title.
Dave Roberts is by no means a great manager in my view. I certainly didn’t start with that perception; i did not know what kind of manager he would be, though I was of the opinion was that he was a rather politically correct choice. But he has certainly won a lot of games, or he has allowed his players to win them. But there is no doubt in my mind that his decisions in last year’s playoff series were almost inexplicable, other than out of loyalty or stubbornness. And twice in the World Series, he pulled Rich Hill when he was pitching with great skill and intensity, only to have his bullpen lose the game. Roberts does not show any great imagination or insight in his decisions, he makes the decision he seems to have decided on in advance.
I don’t think that he has lost many games this year, the Dodgers sure have not. I don’t think he has won many, either. Some people here insist that Turner tried to steal second base on his own, that it was not Roberts’ call. If that is the case, then it was foolish of Turner to do it, and it was very surprising to learn that Roberts gives Turner a green light to steal any time he feels he can make it, given that Turner clearly has a thick musculature in his legs, has injured the hamstring before, is always walking gingerly after running hard or sliding into a base. The reward of a Turner stolen base is much less than the risk of his trying it, as we see again. If indeed this was all Turner’s decision, then I would like to know why Roberts greenlights Turner to steal any time he wants to, like Wills or Lopes. If the Dodgers fall short again, it is going to be someone’s fault, unless like the broadcasters i named above, we feel that baseball is just a dice game, whoever wins and loses titles is just a matter of luck, I know that in baseball, like all sports, luck is a factor; but I have always thought that the better coaches or managers win more big games than they lose, and that it is not a circular thing, where those who win become known as great by virtue of the luck that allowed them to win.
Several people have mentioned this… not just William, so here is my response:
In the playoffs last year, Kolerek had great results with Soto (a few times), but have you ever heard the term “went to the well too much?” I am certain that Doc and the Dodger brass had discussed it and I am equally certain that issue was brought up! Why am I certain? It makes logical sense to at least question the continuation of this mastery. Maybe it would have worked again, but Juan Soto has proven to be very adaptable at such a young age.
The fact is: we don’t know what would have happened. In baseball, it frequently happens that a player strikes out 3 times in a row, only to hit a bomb the next time. I know Dave Roberts is not perfect, but I also know that it is human nature to blame someone when things go South. If the same situation happened THIS year, I would still bring in Kershaw, but leaving Kelly in would have been mute. The whole dynamic would have been different. Kershaw did not execute – I will continue to trust him to do so NEXT time.
Even Barry Bonds choked in the playoffs… until he didn’t!
Justin Verlander has a 5.68 ERA in the World Series in 7 games. Does that mean he should never pitch then?
Sometimes things don’t work.
Sometimes we don’t know what is happening behind the scenes.
Sometimes other players outexecute your player.
Sometimes the manager makes a mistake, but not every time.
The fact is he didn’t “bring in Kershaw” to face Soto
He LEFT Kershaw in.
There is a HUGE distinction between the two. I am not sure how you cannot see that.
Did you not watch the game? I don’t know Clayton from anyone (although I have met him) but even a total stranger could read his body language of self-defeat all over him. He HAS to come out after the first HR to Rendon. Loyalty, pride be damned. This is a professional environment.
Being loyal is a commendable attribute, as you are showing here to Roberts in the face of repeated failures.
However, that loyalty as wishful thinking is a large factor of why there are no banners for the past few years.
I think that the Dodgers win a championship with Roberts. The team is just too good not to eventually. Maybe he will manage great games and great series in the future. I hope so. That won’t change the fact that he has made some tremendous blunders n the past. he just has. Not to take away from him as a man but not seeing the obvious is weaksause.
Kershaw did his job when he got Eaton. Maeda had dominated out of then pen. He’s facing Rendon for me.
OK, I will break it down:
1. Kershaw got Eaton out.
2. Rendon hit a first-pitch HR (if my memory serves me).
3. Then was Soto.
Kolarek had success with Soto in 3 previous AB’s, but here’s what MLB said:
So now here stands Soto-Kolarek, a matchup magnified at this time of year, and one that could very well play a role during Wednesday’s Game 5 in Los Angeles. The Dodgers retain full confidence in their Trade Deadline acquisition, the one who owns an 0.71 ERA (including the postseason) since joining the club, to be their guy.
But the Nationals equally retain as much confidence in their 20-year-old phenom, who has shown the Majors just how quickly he can adapt at the game’s highest level.
“The more he sees him,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said, “the tide will turn. Soto’s a good hitter, he usually figures things out.”
It’s your opinion that Doc should have taken Clayton out.
What it after he got Eaton out?
Was it after Rendon hit the HR?
We are dealing with opinions here, NOT FACTS! If it were a fact that Kershaw should not face Soto, he would not have faced him, but it is an opinion. Clayton was looking for redemption and yes it all blew up.
Someone else may have preferred Kelly or Maeda, but it is an opinion. It’s now a fact that it did not work, but at best, when a manager makes a change, there is at least a 50/50 chance it may not work.
You may have screamed at the TV when Kershaw was left in, but it’s still an opinion.
Are you telling me that everything is L and R? Up and down? Black and White? Are you saying that I can’t have an opinion different from you? I can see your opinion, but at the time I disagreed. I think I would still do the same thing again. My opinion.
If Kirk Gibson had struck out in the 1988 World Series, fans would have eviscerated Tommy “Gibson had no business hitting. The dude couldn’t even walk!”
Gibson executed based upon Lasorda’s opinion. Not by any facts known to man!
Let’s not forget that Doc was cheated out of a World Series. Lots of fans disagreed with leaving Clayton in the game, but again, it is based upon opinion… regardless of the outcome.
I am going to opine about joc. I’m sure it hurt him to be traded and not traded duh! So AF the great AF has to know that right? I mean if he doesn’t know it he is the only one who doesn’t that follows Dodger baseball. This has been going on the full season so why didn’t he do something about it at the deadline? I don’t have a clue but he must have had his reasons. Maybe no one wanted a guy hitting below the Mendoza line. Maybe AF felt at some point he would have his patented hot streak and maybe at this years playoffs.
On the other hand we have doc who keeps watching the same old lack of hustle. Why? I mean doc has been dubbed the great communicator. Can he not communicate that hustle is a requirement. Maybe joc has a hidden injury. Why doesn’t somebody in the press ask doc the question or have they? Mark, seems to have insider info at times please find out. I remember the staff making excuses for machado and his lack of hustle. But, he kept doing it and was not signed. The old school manager would have benched or fined him or both. Unless, there is something we don’t know but it should be addressed. If joc is just pouting he needs to grow up and put the team first. When you are making 8-9 mil u shouldn’t be whining. Joc should be trying to get the next contract. Doc doesn’t seem to be able to put the foot down when needed. He seems to be much better suited at trying to make everybody happy and wanting players to love him.
Dean Kremer 6 innings 1 hit in beating yanks today.
Great game by Kremer. He was just starting to come into his own in 2018 at the time of the trade. Many felt that Yusniel Diaz was the prize. Baltimore probably believed that as well. I preferred Zach Pop and Dean Kremer. Rylan Bannon and Breyvic Valera were lottery tickets. I still like Zach Pop as an Oriole, but Kremer gives the Orioles something to latch on to.
Really pleased for Kremer.
https://www.thinkbluela.com/2016/08/after-making-history-dean-kremer-makes-loons-debut/
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-yankees-dean-kremer-20200906-mw3y3hug7rgfrlea2ynmme6nfy-story.html
Does anyone know why today’s game starts at 7pm?
And I don’t know why they always blame Roberts, he is not on the field, he is not on the mound, he does not wear a glove, he is not the catcher, he is not the pitcher, and not to forget a very important thing : In front of them there is a team that also wants to win, or is it only the Dodgers who win and lose?
What the other team does, what the other team’s players do also counts. I mean, if it was Roberts fault, does that mean the other manager made the right call? And if Roberts made the right call, does it mean that the other manager failed?
Not everything is the fault of the manager, sometimes are the players who not execute.
Many people give too much importance to the order at bat, if the players did their job, it would not matter in what order they batted.
But hey, it’s just my humble opinion, you know more about baseball than me…
Managers will forever get the blame when the team does not win. Just simply the way the fans are. I remember Walter Alston making some very questionable moves, especially in the playoffs against the Giants in 62. He did not get fired, and most fans were really pissed. Then they swept the Yanks in 63, beat the Twins in 65, and that bought Alston enough good will to last until 76 even though they lost two world series in the interim. 74, and 66. But a guy like Bochy who managed to win with a wild card team is considered an in game genius. Alston left on his own terms, Tommy who had not come close to the 88 success, was felled by a heart attack, not the teams continued malaise. All the managers since, Russell, Tracy, Johnson, Little, Torre, Mattingly, and now Roberts have not gotten the team to the promised land. And until that happens, the fans will continue to pile on Doc. If all of a sudden, leaving Kersh in and no one homers, and they win a deciding game, then and only then will the fans be satisfied. It is just the nature of the beast.
Bullsear, Catnip!
MLB TV’s prime time game is why.
We need to see some consistent at bats for Rios, Beaty, Lux (Lux has for the most part gotten those at bats) and some consistent at bats against right handers for Pollock in determining playoff spots. I hope all 4 of them are starting today. The Dodgers are going to the playoffs no matter what Doc does with the starting lineup.
As far as the Doc discussion today, only blind people cannot see Doc’s weaknesses. I’ll leave it at that.
Some people are blind to the fact that they have no vision… just sight!
Common sense is also not so common!
Hall of famer Lou Brock passed away today. I saw him play many times. Great player and one of the smartest base runners I have ever seen. RIP Lou. You are missed already.
Sad day indeed. The Cardinals were the victors in one of the most lopsided trades in MLB history. Lou Brock for Ernie Broglio. Actually it was Ernie Broglio, Bobby Shantz, and Doug Clemens for Brock, Jack Spring, and Paul Toth. But most refer it as the Broglio for Brock deal.
I join Bear in saying you will be missed. RIP.
I was in Busch stadium as a child as they were counting down his run to a new record
Puerto Rican players will be allowed to wear # 21 on the 9th of September, Wednesday, in honor of Roberto Clemente Day in MLB. Might get confusing if Buehler is pitching that day. Castellani, the Rocks starter today has given up 6 homers so far this year.
As far as I know that would be Kike and Rios for us.
Tonights lineup.
1. Lux 2B
2. Seager SS
3. Muncy 3B
4. Bellinger 1B
5. Pollock LF
6. Smith C
7. Taylor CF
8. Beaty DH
9. Hernandez RF
Urias P.
Today’s lineup:
Lux
Seager
Muncy (3b)
Belly (1b)
Pollock (LF)
Smith
CT3 (CF)
Beaty (DH)
Kike (RF)
Urias
ha, we both posted it at the same time, but mine is first! LOL.
I think Doc is trying to boost Gavin Lux’s confidence! It may work!
Matt Beaty is playing his best defensive position tonight… which is part of the reason he does not play more.
Top of the lineup at bats. It’s good for him.
Beaty is here because he can hack. If he’s not doing that he will be out of a job soon.
Looks like a weak lineup to me. Is Betts hurt?
According to Doc, Joc is not in the lineup tonight because he’s dealing with a family matter. He might be away from the team for multiple games.
If I’m not mistaken, his wife is pregnant. Hopefully it doesn’t have anything to do with that.
This could be what is happening… He may never be back.
We have no clue.
Julio Urias: Even Ray Charles can see what kind of stuff Julio has. He just has to put it all together.
problem is even Ray Charles could wait him out and drive his count up and out of the game
Smith bomb. Over 1000 0PS.
This is why I was complaining about a 50-50 playing time from the catchers that Doc had for a while.
Here’s the lesson: Smith executed when he had the opportunity!
No excuses!
Just do it!
Here’s the lesson look at career stats.
You’ve been wrong about several players. Hernandez the most.
Yeah, I have been wrong about several players.
I stand for something… but you fall for anything!
Career stats?
What were JD Martinez or Justin Turner’s career stats when they were 28 years old?
You are so silly… and predictable!
What does any of that have to do with me?
I know we had some nice discussions after the trade deadline about the Padres new pitching staff, and how they had some nice young arms in Paddack and Lamet. And I think those guys are good. I just don’t think they’re any better than Urias May and Gonsolin. Cleavinger at this point might be better than our young trio, but as an ace he’s not better than Walker Buehler.
I think we’re just fine in the pitching staff dept. I like our staff. And I really like our staff over the next few years as the young trio gets more experience.
Betts just getting a blow. He will be back on Tuesday in Az. Julio may have great stuff, but his execution leaves a lot to be desired, and I have not much confidence in him going deep into games. Hitting leadoff has not helped Lux so far. Beaty is not hitting the ball like he did last year. Lack of playing time might be the reason. Smith with 2 hits so far. Bad base running by Seager. But stuff happens. They are still in this and close to getting to the Rockies pen. Why don’t the Dodgers use the bunt more. Hampson bunts, steals second and scores on a hit to left. Too much like old style ball I guess. Lakers bounced back for a big game 2 win. Julio out after 4.1. Pitiful,
Thanks for the Betts info. Seager just hit his 2nd HR, tied game. He has been awesome all year. The only really bright spot on the roster beside Betts. The rest are kind of imposters with power.
Urias just cannot go deep in games. His inefficiency gives Doc the jitters. Urias just can’t seem to settle in. I don’t know what his problem is. Probably mental.
Good to see Smith swing the bat and get hits. Somehow, Lux is not really prepared for the majors. He’s got talent, no doubt, but his attention is not good. Too many mistakes.
Looks like the only real weapon the Dodgers have is the HR. We have very few pure hitters and that is the main problem, folks.
75 pitches 52 strikes. He made one bad pitch. Gave up a bunt single. The Rockies have beat the shift multiple times this series. It’s not that the kids can’t go deep. They aren’t allowed to go deep. More tuff luck and the hook than a bad outing.
~
Last night the Dodgers were trying to get the tying run on for Rios. Did Lux bunt to beat the shift? Nope.
~
Nice job CT3!
He nibbles too damn much. Gets high pitch counts early, so Doc has no choice but to pull him. He made more than one bad pitch. His track record says he is far better out of the pen.
Taylor and Pollock are making a case to be starters in the playoffs.
I trust Taylor in the postseason
Me too Chris is nails most of the time. Joc out due to family issues. I wonder if they will call someone up.
He does need to be more efficient like not walking Story in the first inning. However, I think he pitched better than his line. Floro, also failed to do his job.
~
Kolarek is the only one in the pen who did his job so far. I guess Graterol but he wasn’t given a shot to finish his inning.
4 runs, 4.1 innings. Nope, pretty bad line and not very efficient either. I think Julio is not ready for prime time. His stats say he is better out of the pen. Floro gave up 1 hit and 1 walk. McGee and Floro allowed an inherited runner to score. But Fergie giving up a 2 run bomb to Kemp was the back breaker. They only got 3 hits and 2 walks off of the bullpen in 4.2 innings. They usually light pens up. Graterol faced his 3 hitters. He was not going to let him face Blackmon, which is kind of weird because Blackmon has reverse splits this year and is hitting lefty’s at a .360 clip. Kolarek got him though. Doc should have let him come out for a second inning. But he went to Fergie, and that was the ball game.
Ferguson give up another HR. 3 games in a row! I guess we’ll have to come back again!
BP suddenly looks very pedestrian. Never thought I would say this, but without Joe Kelly and Baez it seems a lot harder to get 12-14 outs from a BP that now features a very hittable Caleb Ferguson, Jake McGee, and to a lesser extent Blake Trienen.
They get beat on a homer by Matt Kemp, who now resembles the Goodyear Blimp. And Mookie sits on the bench with the game on the line and a chance to win. Hmm.
Thought that as well Michael.
Couldn’t believe he didn’t lead that Inning off with his ability to steal if necessary.
With the game on the line, SD winning their game, and just to at least look like you want to win as many as possible, you use your best. And their best was sitting on the bench.
Production-wise, my list of starters:
Urias has a 3.86ERA and a 1.31 WHIP, not exactly what we want out of a starter even though he is 3-0. 3 decisions out of 8 starts. He is definitely the low man, #5 starter at this point.
Buehler has a 3.60ERA, 0.97WHIP, and 1 decision out of 6 starts, #4 starter.
May, who has only 2 decisions out of 8 starts, 1-1, is our #3 starter with a 2.88 ERA, 1.81WHIP.
Gonzo, #2 starter with a 0.76 ERA and 0.72 WHIP, no decisions in 5 starts.
CK is #1.
The lack of decisions in the bottom 4 starters is mostly on Doc and the way he uses them. Some will like it, some will not. When you don’t let your starters loose, you tax the BP. We have a very good BP, but we cannot expect them to hold every game, every day. We are talking about 4 starters with an average age of 24.5 yo. They can’t pitch more than 75 pitches? They are not allowed to face pressure? Buehler was supposed to be our ace. Wood is still a big disappointment. All those that think there is no weakness in our starters should wake up. We cannot live and die with the HR, yet this is what we’ve got.
Have to agree with you Jeff. I think Doc is over thinking this. They had better find out soon if these kids are good enough to match up with the best. I have a lot of faith in Kersh, and I think Buehler will be there when they need him. But May and Gonsolin need to build up innings, and there are only 18 games left. I also think they need Turner back as soon as possible.
All of these short starts are getting to the ‘pen. Here is Dodgers.com:
“Although the Dodgers have the best record in baseball, all of those short starts last month by their inexperienced rotation seem to have taken a toll this month on a bullpen that has allowed runs in each of the last nine games with a 4.89 ERA. In this series alone, the Dodgers’ bullpen allowed 10 runs in 11 innings.”
’nuff said