The last few days have reminded me how frustrating this team can be sometimes. And it is not just this version, there have been many over the years. Last year, this team was a lot of fun to watch, and it stretches this season, it has been fun too. After losing the opener to the Rockies 8-5, and Belli losing a HR when he passed Turner on the bases, they went on a tear winning 13 of their next 14. After dropping a game to SD, they went into that horrendous 5-15 slump.
After that, they went on another tear going 12-2. Since the first of June, they have won 30 games. But have not passed the Giants simply because besides having gotten to within 1/2 game, they just have not gotten that big hit at the right moment, or clutch pitching when it was most needed. The Giants meanwhile have not gone into an extended slump and are getting great production from their scrubs. The Dodgers are not. And SF’s no-name starting corps and bullpen has been excellent and is rated #2 in the majors behind the Astro’s. I thought LA’s staff was giving up way too many HR’s, especially the starters, but with 114 allowed they are actually somewhere in the middle. Only St Louis, and go figure, Miami have not allowed 100 or more this year.
So, can they go on another run? I would think they could. They have some weaker teams on the schedule right about the time they will be at full strength. They have 57 games left. They only play the Giants 3 more times, but they will be a different team the next time they meet. They are more than capable of getting it done. Will there be more games where the fans get frustrated? Probably. I have never seen a Dodger team that did not, along with the excitement, bring a ton of angst.
They have some issues that need to be addressed. But this will be a better team in the end than it was at the beginning. Just the Addition of Turner, Max, and Duffy will ensure that. As long as they stay healthy, and can keep their stars on the field, they more than have the players to get the job done. Most worry about the pen. But the pen has done a good job most of the time. The problem has been what it has been in some years past. Consistency from the offense. They score a ton of runs and then go silent. A lot of the credit for that goes to the opposing pitcher, but fans do not see it that way. They think they should beat up on every starter they face that is not deGrom or someone of that ilk.
Starting pitching will get better. Scherzer and Kersh being added into the mix this month assure that. Me, I have more faith in Price as the 5 than I do Gonsolin. And the reason is simple. Experience. Forcing Gonsolin to come out of the pen and fire bullets instead of nibbling at the corners makes him a weapon. They did the same thing with Maeda, and Urias also. That is why he was so good in the post-season last year. Another thing Roberts needs to do is not always use Jansen as the man in the 9th. Treinen, Kelly, and Knebel all have experience at that. As for guys like Graterol, I do not want to see that kid out there in the 9th. Nasty stuff for sure, but not ready for prime time just quite yet.
As health returns, the bench will get better. Not having to rely on the AAA guys will make the team even deeper. I think their mindset should be let’s win the division again. They have the talent and time enough to as Jon Luc say’s, Make it so! I do not want to see them in a one-game playoff. I do not care who they would be playing. Let the Padres and Giants have to do that. secure home field for the playoffs and go from there.
We will have to wait and see of course how the Turner-Seager dynamic works out. But I think Turner, who would probably love to win another ring, will move to second, and Corey will stay at short. Of course if Seager needs a day off, Turner slides over and Taylor plays second. I have quit pulling my hair out over this team…..I have none to spare.
Well we know part of the reason Gonsolin struggled so badly the other night. He is on the IL with shoulder problems. McKinstry, who has not been close to the same player since he came off of the IL has been sent down. I think with the additions made at the deadline, he will not be back this season. They need to resign Taylor first chance they get. Mookie back in action, and contributed to the cause. I had never heard of Ramirez and he throws 2 shutout innings. Day off today, and then the Stro’s for two and another day off. Butane and Scherzer going against the Astro’s. Anxious to see the reception Max gets from the home town crowd. I think Scherzer can be for the Dodgers the same kind of addition Verlander was for the Astro’s a few years ago. I also believe we have seen the last of guys like Raley and Reks for the year. The next intrigue comes on Sept 1st when they can call up two extra players for the September run. Who will those guys be? Lost in all of this is the fact that Lux is getting close to being able to come off of the IL. Most likely if he is back on the roster he will be a bench player at best. But him, Mookie, Taylor, Turner, and Belli, have serious wheels and give the Dodgers speed they have not seen in many a year. Josiah Gray will make his debut in DC soon.
Great call, Bear!
Highlights From the Minors:
Tutut was 2-3 and his BA has climbed to .233 and OPS to .831. You can’t stop him – you can only hope to contain him.
Clayton Beeter went 3, allowing 1 hit and 0 runs, 0 walks and 5 K’s.
Forgive me but I don’t know who this Tutut guy is. I don’t see him in our top 30 prospects from MLB website. What can you tell me about him and why should I be excited? Thanks.
TM
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tsutsyo01.shtml
I think Mark is referring to Yoshi Tsutsugo who has played 1B and LF for the OKC Dodgers in late May and early June. That is Mark’s pet name for him. lol
Being insulated from the up close up fray with the Dodgers I don’t live game by game. Being on the east coast of Canada all west coast games come on just after 11:00 pm my time. Hence for well over half the season I simply check the score the next morning. I do not subscribe to MLB.TV anymore but do subscribe to MiLB.TV.
I don’t rejoice over a win , although I do like wins, nor fret over a loss. It is over and nothing can be done about it. I love the game and the Dodgers but with everything else going on in life, it is still just a game.
Not only that, the minor leagues provide so much for me that it dulls any pain I might feel from the Dodgers situation.
Same here, I take them as they come. Although losses like the one on Friday sometimes are hard to take. But, the team is getting healthier and better day by day. Time to do some business.
Thanks Chatter…..so now I know who Tutu is…..Yoshi T., the guy who couldn’t hit a lick in his short time with us. You could say that about all these guys who have come up and given a chance….they get 10-30 at bats, and then go back down after batting less than Cody.
Thanks Bear for voicing what most of us think. You probably omitted talking about Cody’s failures as a huge angst because we have discussed this so much already, why be redundant? I agree….let’s just watch and hope for a turnaround, knowing that we now have options-CT3 or Turner can play CF.
I think most Dodgers fans would agree with you not wanting to see Jansen as the exclusive closer. We lost Jake McGee (23 saves) because some people in power just didn’t have the balls to tell Jansen that “we are thinking of making you the 8th inning guy to start with.”
Honestly, Jansen frustrates me as much as if not more than Cody because when he comes in, it is serious. And just about every time he pitches, he allows base runners, while often they don’t score, it still is nerve racking as a fan. I saw Jake McGee yesterday pitch the 9th and in no time, one little, two little, three little Astros went to bed….game over, let’s go home. Jansen just doesn’t do that too often.
At first I thought Gonso would be better than Price…but you are probably right. All those walks though concern me, whether he is a starter or a bullpen guy. I’d rather have Bauer starting and not worry about who are 5th would be. And when Bauer pitches, we don’t need many bullpen guys to finish his games.
Lastly, this 10 day wait to get Turner in the lineup is testing my patience, which already is maxed out. I still can’t believe the Nats threw him in the trade.
“We lost Jake McGee (23 saves) because some people in power just didn’t have the balls to tell Jansen that “we are thinking of making you the 8th inning guy to start with.”
That is simply not true! We lost McGee because he wanted to go to a team and be THE CLOSER!
Jake McGee is having a career year, but in the past, he has been pretty good, or VERY BAD!
He will also be 35 this month.
Gonsolin ERA: 2.78 (in parts of 3 years he has never been over 2.99).
Price ERA: 3.55
Last year, Tony Walks Per 9 IP was 1.4. This year it is 6.6.
Evidently, he was having shoulder issues, but I am high on Gonsolin… if healthy. I have heard that The Dodgers are not happy he was concealing his shoulder issues.
I remember going to a game in Denver, and I saw this so I know it happened. Dodgers led 7-0. Gave up 10 unanswered runs, including 5 in the bottom of the 8th to trail 10-7. McGee, who was the Rockies closer came in and the Dodgers lit him up, scored 5, and won 12-10. I also remember last season in his first appearance as a Dodger right after he was signed, giving up a couple runs in one inning of work. Most of the posters on here were saying why did they sign this LOSER??? Well, goes to show, sometimes you get it right, and sometimes you do not. Peace.
I think Mark may be overstating that McGee went to SF to be THE CLOSER.
SF guaranteed him $5 million over two years. Not big money but one of the few relievers to get a two year deal. Considering that McGee was released in 2020 before being picked up by Dodgers, the multi year guarantee was probably a bigger issue than any guarantee of being closer. He shares the closer role now with Rogers, and when McGee was signed, he indicated that he was willing to help any way he could. Also helped that he grew up in Reno and born in San Jose. Here is article at the time he was signed. http://nevadasportsnet.com/news/reporters/very-fortunate-jake-mcgee-weighs-in-on-signing-with-hometown-giants
In my view, the Dodgers could have retained him if they wanted by giving a two year deal.
But they were pursuing Bauer at the time McGee was signed. And the Giants probably valued McGee more than the Dodgers.
McGee was a great signing by Dodgers last year, and a great signing by the Giants this year. Farhan has done a fabulous job with the Giants so far.
If he is still injured, shouldn’t he be resting up like everyone else? It seems illogical to me that a guy who is damaged would keep pitching…..just so he could become even more damaged……although I’m sure he wants to impress the bosses…
Who knows why he kept pitching. Only the players know. I have seen lots of them trying to keep playing when injured.
In the playoffs TM, the 5 will not even be a factor. He will be a bullpen piece. The top 4, Scherzer, Butane, Kersh and Urias are good enough to shut down any offense. Ad Duffy to that mix, and there will be some very experienced arms in the pen come playoff time. Mark is right, McGee wanted to close and went to a place where they gave him that shot. Cannot blame a player for that. Same with Wood who wanted to be a starter. I did not re-hash Bellinger’s troubles because that simply is something most want to just run into the ground. All good players have slumps. And Belli is no different. Whether he comes out of it or not is in his and the coaching staffs hands. Beating a dead horse is a waste of time.
Some teams only use 3, but I agree with you…4 is better. Don’t change the routine.
Hey Bear, if we do get Bauer back, play with me here, would you like to see Urias return to the pen to be the closer, like he was last year? (That is my desire.) That way we don’t have to count on a guy we don’t trust and who struggles keeping men off the bases. Unlike Jansen, Urias is Mr Ice running through his veins.
Yes, I think that could work. He comes in and pounds the zone. I do not trust Jansen in one run games at all.
Aaahhhhnother off day!
I feel the same way as TM regarding Trea Turner. Like a kid at Christmas anxiously awaiting for that Red Rider BB Gun to show up under the tree. It’s fun to machinate the lineup to see where this table setter fits into it.
I listened to David Vassegh’s show after the game on the radio yesterday during a Sunday afternoon drive down Pacific Coast Highway to visit my favorite Gelato Shop in Seal Beach. It’s called Gelato Italyano for those in the area and it’s worth fighting traffic for. Main Street and PCH right next to The Coffee Bean a tea leaf.
Vassegh said that Doc is also anxiously awaiting the younger Turner, calling him one of the most dynamic players in the league. He said that he and AF will meet with Trea to discuss his role with the team and get buy in from him regarding the way the Dodgers do things. Translation: Trea will be asked to play multiple positions and will be moved around the lineup.
He said that baseball is a “What have you done for me lately?” game. He noted that Belli better start producing because they aren’t going to keep a player who’s performing better on the bench because of past success or reputation.
Take it for what you will. David Vasseh, is pretty opinionated and doesn’t have the best track record with predictions. But, it sure looks like Trea will be asked to move off shortstop and play second base and even some outfield and wants to make sure he’s comfortable with it. Not that anyone would expect Trea to have any say so on the matter. After all, they just traded two top prospects and he’s under control for next year and he has another opportunity to get a ring.
Either way, this has to light a fire under Belli’s ass. A little extra motivation is good for our stoner eyed outfielder. We all know how he responded to being platooned following up with an MVP season.
I think Belli will have some time to turn this around. At least a couple of weeks before seeing his playing time significantly reduced. The best configuration is to have Trea at second and Belli in CF with CT3 able to give Turner, Pollock, Belli and Betts days off down the stretch to nurse their injuries with rest. CT3 can use a day off after rolling him out there more than ever. He also has the most experience coming off the bench with clutch pinch hits and to be a defensive replacement late in the game.
With CT3, Beaty and Pujols, they have a bench that should be feared by opposing pitchers late in the game. All of them have come up huge in those situations. McKinny balances out the bench with a lot of contact and great defense in the outfield and give them RLRL options at the plate. With health, no more AAAA players will see the light of day on this team. As a result, Lux is going to get an extended look at AAA pitching, possibly until rosters expand. As one of the fastest players on the team, I won’t rule out Lux on the Post Season roster as a pinch runner and defensive replacement in the middle infield with all the position shuffling they do. Hopefully they will get him a large glove and have him roam the outfield a little bit during his lengthy rehab assignment. Might as well start prepping him to be the next Super Utility guy in case CT3 walks and Seager comes back next year.
The Giants have an easier schedule in the near term, but as Bear pointed out, we’re a team that’s capable of going on a huge run no matter who we play. If you go by schedule, we should have been in first place by the end of July. Sometime things work out for a reason. Maybe, by not overtaking the Giants for the division lead in July, it gave Andrew a little extra motivation to make that Blockbuster deal… And Danny Duffy.
If you go by talent on the roster, things will take care of themselves. When everyone comes back healthy, the only weak link is Jansen, unless his “Mental Health” is somehow cured over the course of the next two months.
It’s all up to the Baseball Gods and fortunate health now. AF has made all facets of the roster as Doc proof as he possibly can. From the starting lineup and bench players. And from the rotation, all the way through the bullpen, there just isn’t any weak links other than the occasional Jansen melt down. As with Belli, there’s only so much failure that can be tolerated until a more deserving player shows up and takes that job.
I don’t get this manic thinking that CT has to relegated to a “super sub” once Trea becomes available. Taylor is on fire right now. In the next two months I would think he might a have a slump or two. But, right now he needs to play everyday in CF. You have Bellinger, McKinney, Pujols, and Beaty on the bench to sub in for the regulars. At this point in the season the team has to focus on winning every game. We are getting our injured stars back. They need to play almost all the remaining games. They have to put the Giants and the Padres in their place (2nd and 3rd). The talk of having Taylor available to sub in for other star players to keep them fresh doesn’t make much sense to me. Fresh for what? There are only 55 games remaining. It’s everyone on deck. Taylor doesn’t need to take a backseat to any player on the Dodgers. And why? To accommodate a severely slumping player. No.
I’m not sure what games you’re watching, but I don’t think manic would be an appropriate word to describe what CT3 has been doing since he arrived on the team. Your argument makes me wonder if you’re watching the games at all. In the last three games, CT3 started at SS, 2B and CF.
Taylor is having a career year for sure. His OPS is a whopping 880. But, to put that into perspective, there’s 4 regulars that have a higher OPS today.
Right now, his WAR is 3.8 which is on pace for 5.7 on the season in his best season. Belli’s best season produced an 8.7 WAR. To me, the plan that I layed out is a far cry from manic. The goal is not to finish the season with the most wins as possible. They didn’t trade quality prospects only to rack up wins in the regular season, they did it to win a World Series.
You see 55 games remaining on the season in just less than 2 months. I’m sure the Dodgers don’t see it that way. They are planning for the potential of playing up to 76 games through late October. They’ve played a little over a hundred so far, and we’ve seen how much rest was required and how banged up players have been and still are.
The best interest of the club is to keep guys fresh and to get Belli back to being Belli and with 2 months remaining and there’s plenty of time for that. Once the post-season starts, all bets are off and you make the moves that put you in the best position to win each and every time you take the field.
This is the management’s vision of losing some battles in order to win the war.
I think it’s manic to suggest an MVP and Gold Glove quality Center Fielder should be relegated to the bench right now. I think it’s manic to suggest that it’s time for everyone on deck when you’re only 3 games back of the best record in baseball with 2 months remaining on the schedule. I think it’s manic to suggest that the Dodgers need to panic in order to overtake a team with a much worse roster on paper with so much time left.
I like your optimism BulldogsandPenguins but we have been behind the Giants for it seem like an eternity. We need to win the division not be a wild card team. We need to play with urgency.
In response:
Yeah, manic probably wasn’t necessary in describing the thinking about Taylor’s role right now…..not since he came to the Dodgers. Who would have thought that Bellinger would be recovery from several injuries and be in a season long slump. But, he is, so this is why CT should be starting in CF.
I watch every game so this is how I come to the conclusions I do. Your crutch with people you disagree with is that they don’t watch the games is weak. Hell, you accused people last weak of coming up with Bellinger criticism by reading box scores and not from watching games. What?? I comment on what is happening in the present. The present can give you a clearer picture on what may happen in the future than looking at the past. Right now Taylor is on fire and is having terrific season. Right now our former MVP is awful and is having a bad season (for whatever reason). Therefore, my opinion, by watching games and looking at stats is that Taylor should be playing CF everyday until his play doesn’t warrant that position.
In regard to your last paragraph:
You dwell on the past to validate your point and completely ignore the reality of the present.
Only 55 games left. So, what’s your number?
I never said that the team should panic. The games aren’t played on paper as the Giants have shown us so far this season. And, again, what’s your number for all hands on deck? Why not now? Crush the Giants hopes and dreams. The team is nearly healthy. We’re adding a HOF pitcher and top 15-20 player. Crush the Giants and Padres now! Our starting position players are young overall. They can rest in the offseason.
This winter, if you could only sign 2 of Seager, Kershaw and Scherzer who would you pick?
Kersh and Scherzer, pitching wins championships.
I still say Kershaw retires… especially if he wins another Championship.
Could be, Lux is not on a rehab assignment yet. He has been on the IL since the 19th of July.
Kershaw’s 33. He won’t be Cy Young Kershaw anymore but he could learn to be effective for a few more years. Rich Hill put up 3.9 fWAR as a 36 year old. Kershaw is considerably better than him. I believe he and Scherzer can make a pretty good geriatric L/R tandem for the next 3 years.
I think we should prepare to see something special over the next 3 months.
I agree Badger. If the stars can remain healthy then this team could and should score an avalanche of runs. The Giants and Padres could be buried by the end of August. AF has made the team Roberts proof.
Starting Pitchers under contract or control are Bueller, Price, Urias, Bauer, May, Gonsolin. So, I start with Seager and then I sign the cheaper pitcher, shorter contract.
USA baseball lost to Japan 7-6 in 10 innings and are now 2-1. They go into the losers bracket. Team USA women’s soccer team lost to Canada in the semis’ and are out.
I may be in the minority, but I haven’t found the Dodgers fun to watch in years.
Muncy’s skill is admirable and the trade to acquire him is highway robbery, but he’s boring. His ABs take forever, he’s not dynamic. Seager the same way.
Those old Cards teams? With their fielding and running? FUN. The Phillies with Rollins, Utley and Howard? FUN. The Yankee / Red Sox rivalry of Pedro, Zimmer and Jeter? FUN.
This team is incredibly well run, it’s efficient. It’s boring.
Welcome to Baseball in the 21st Century.
Changes to be made:
1. Universal DH
2. Expand Roster to 27
3. Electronic Strike Zone
4. 20 Seconds between pitches (limits the number of throws to 1B and promotes stealing)
5. Eliminate Shifts
Those are all good with me MT. I also like the extra innings rule, maybe modified to start in the top of the 11th. I have no interest in 15 inning games the way everyone uses the bullpen these days. I have no need to see the Batboy pitch.
Once again, you mix up your facts. They did not trade for Muncy, they signed him as a free agent after he was released by the A’s. And excitement is based on a game to game basis. You telling me that his grand slam in last years 11 run outburst against the Braves did not even get a rise out of you? Baseball has changed and so have the Dodgers. Just be happy they are winning most of the time. If it bores you, why watch?
Bear, really?
Yeah really. If you are going to bitch about a player, at least get how they got him right. Taylor came in a trade, Muncy was a free agent. He has his perspective and I have mine.
In baseball,it can get slow. I was a basketball nut since I was 5 ,so I think that, is part of my reasoning.But I love my Dodgers thru and thru ,too much,. I like everybody on the team and I can tell u almost every play in the minors .Now I have my favorites but it’s usually whoever is hot.But my man Max Muncy is not boring,far from lt .Just watch him hit,he kills it.He is awesome.I love all the guys,I get upset,I got upset with my daughters playing ball.It is a great game and we have a great team.
I did mix-up my facts! Won’t be the last time.
On aggregate I find baseball, in it’s current state, to not be exciting.
But I don’t watch for excitement. I can play video games for excitement.
I like the strategy. I like the shifting because it proves brains and analysis can provide an edge. It’s why I like reading those who comment on the theories behind player development, on why launch angle makes sense. On why stealing doesn’t.
I’m super-happy the Dodgers are winning, I’m not super-happy they’re aren’t exciting.
Stealing when you get caught more than a third of the time doesn’t make sense. Stealing against Kenley Jansen makes perfect sense. In fact, I just looked at success rates vs starting pitchers and was blown away by some of the numbers. Syndergaard- 92.5% success rate. You Darvish 95%, Bumgarner 90%,.. the number over 80% is astounding. Jansen CS rate is around 15%. It just makes sense if you’ve got speed you use it against him.
Hey, I do it too. Sometimes I have to go back and check my facts. It happens. I just figured a fan like yourself would know something that has been so talked about.
Nope, I’m with you. I haven’t watched more than a couple of innings here and there. I miss Joc but not because of his performance.
Trea could change that for me.
Will Delta close stadiums?
Will Delta close stadiums?
Not in Dumbfu*kistan
Wow, talk about different perspectives. Muncy is my favorite guy to watch because his AB’s are almost always really good regardless of the outcome. He knows the strike zone well and generally swings at strikes and passes on balls. Honestly, I would much rather watch that compared to the Pablo Sandoval and Vlad Guerrero’s of the world but to each his own. For Seager, I would think you would like that guy because he is generally swinging on the first pitch. In any case, you might get your wish and not need to see Seager next year but Muncy is not going anywhere given his production and team friendly contract.
I get what you’re saying Bluto. The Dodgers play a boring brand of baseball and the state of modern baseball is boring in comparison to years past. I would certainly like more hits and less K’s even if it amounts to less homers. I miss stolen bases and hit and runs and lead changes as a result of playing small ball when you need a run.
I think some of Mark’s suggestions are knee jerk reactions. I hate making hasty rule changes to try to put a band-aide on a problem which is reflective of our instant gratification society looking for a quick fix. We should learn that lesson from the NFL who constantly makes rule changes and have seen their ratings drop steadily for the last 6 years.
1 – Universal DH – To some it makes the game more interesting, to others it makes it less interested. NL teams typically have better attendance records overall so the data doesn’t support that a DH in the NL will make the game more interesting.
2 – Expand the roster to 27. We just expanded it to 26 and it did not make the game any more interesting.
3 – Electronic Strike Zone. I believe this would absolutely increase offense since hitters wouldn’t have to guess which strike-zone will be called. I would like them to take their time and make sure it’s right before doing so. I suggested having the umpires wear a helmet similar to fighter pilots that can electronically assist them making the correct call. When you think of all the money in the game, I don’t think it would be cost preventative.
4 – 20 seconds between pitches. This has the most potential to yield unintended consequences. I don’t mind having a pitcher on a timer with nobody on and calling a ball if he doesn’t deliver in time. But to do this with runners on will completely change the game. No thank you.
5 – Eliminate shifts. Yes please! I thought that players and management would be smart enough to have hitters beat the shift on their own to basically have a free baserunner. Unfortunately, the nerds with computers obviously don’t see it that way and players who get paid for homers agree with them. This would help open up the offense if they do it right. If they do it wrong, it will completely change the game and possibly for the worse.
For example, if you only say 2 infielders on each side of second base, it will do very little when one of you middle infielder is standing on or right behind second base. It will still look like an extreme shift.
If you say 2 infielders on each side of second base and all of them have to be on the dirt, it could open it up too much.
Maybe 2 infielders on each side of second base, and three of them have to be on the dirt would be a good compromise. It’s hard to say without studying the proposed effect more thoroughly.
I hate the ideas of pushing the mound back, or making the bases bigger, which have also come up.
Muncy bores you…..say what?
I’m speechless…..I can’t believe you said that….
This guy is so friggin exciting to me….if he were here in my family room I would give him such a bear hug squeeze and not let go! Do you see the way he manhandles left handed pitchers? That is exciting my friend….it’s poetry in motion! Too bad Lux and Belli can’t learn from him…..but maybe it’s just innate.
Performance, especially in today’s game, can be exemplary but unexciting.
@BulldogsandPenguins
The amount of time between pitches (re-fastening batting gloves, taking swings) is absurd. If you watch old (or even relatively recent) videos the at-bat was so much more paced.
I agree again. Just not with runners on. Unless you want to see someone artificially shatter Henderson’s record.
On another subject: That Rancho team is putting up some numbers on offense. Who is this Ramos hitting .400 and Alcatraz plus McWilliams. Don’t appear to have any pitching other than an inconsistent Duran but they are hacking.
“You might have played with other teams, that’s the big leagues. But when you come with the Dodgers it’s the major leagues. You got to be proud of the word .” -Tommy Lasorda
https://www.facebook.com/SportsNetLA/videos/719403808970174
I don’t know if you can see this video, but I think it’s beautiful
You can’t see this speech by Lasorda and not feel something
Great share Jorge! Tommy was the greatest ever.
Great speech- thanks for sharing. His passion is from the heart and agree you can’t hear it without feeling something. That’s what I love to see from a manager. Its a shame that Puig did not take it to heart. That guy had the highest ceiling ever with his athleticism. Now can’t even get a 40 man roster spot.
A few comments: First, as to Mark’s statement that more people post after a loss than a win, this is somewhat comparable to the fact that most letters to the editor are complaints, not praise. And while sports is not analogous, it is also true that beating Arizona two out of three is nothing to be too excited about, particularly when we still trail SFG by three games, and are very unlikely to win a title if we are a Wild Card team. So in sports, success is relative to your competition; if someone is better, they win, and you do not even though in the abstract, you are very good. In this case, I think that Kapler is a better manager than Roberts, and so is Counsell, and so we are at a disadvantage in that, we need to clearly have a better set of players to make up for it.
I agree with Mark as to how much better it would be not to have to listen to Orel on the broadcasts. He surely means well; but he has either been told, or more likely, told himself, that he must never criticize a Dodgers player or the team. Nomar sometimes does, and it is refreshing; he wants us to win, but he is honest. Orel will keep saying things about the pitcher’s delivery, or choice of pitches, almost to the exclusion of the actual game going on. Beyond that, he adds no insights at all, no speculation as to what the strategy will be, or what needed to be done. Listen to some of the color men on the baseball networks; some have irritating voices, or love to make jokes, but there are some who add real insight, and make the game more entertaining. I usually mute the Dodgers broadcasts because I do not want to listen to Orel and Kristen. Surely we can do better than those two.
Again, we have to win the division. If we do not, we will play one game with SDP, which ends our season if we lose. Win that, far from a sure thing with our bullpen, and then we play best of five with SFG, and they have the extra home game, plus we will have used our best pitcher in the Wild Card Game, and he probably can’t pitch until Game 3. And note that both SF and SD have beaten us more than not this year. Then if we somehow win that, we have to play best of seven, probably against Milwaukee, who almost beat us a few years ago, and they are better now than that season. And then the World Series, most likely against CWS, maybe Houston. We had better win the division, and then our path is much more reasonable, no Wild Card game, and home field in all league series, probably the World Series, too.
I think that the bullpen is a problem, because we do not have a reliable closer. We have to get the last outs in any game, obviously, and we do not have someone whom we can be confident of. We saw some of that in the first game of the Arizona series . In a grueling series against a very good team, you have to have a very good closer, to match the other team’s. We do not, so the overall stats obscure that necessity. As to the bats, I expect us to do better with a full lineup, but we seem to pile up runs in some games, and then can’t drive anyone in, in others. I guess all teams have some of that, but it is particularly noticeable here. We just have to win most of our games, because clearly we cannot count on SF to start losing theirs.
“I think that Kapler is a better manager than Roberts, and so is Counsell, and so we are at a disadvantage in that, we need to clearly have a better set of players to make up for it.”
“Again, we have to win the division. If we do not, we will play one game with SDP, which ends our season if we lose. Win that, far from a sure thing with our bullpen”
“We just have to win most of our games, because clearly we cannot count on SF to start losing theirs.”
BINGO on 3 things, you are on fire today.
Wife and I are from Texas. Ironically, she has a CE conference in California and on Wednesday we fly into LA. Livelong Astros fan. Yes, I know we cheated but I’ve been cheering them on since birth. We just basically want to see the stadium and watch a ballgame. Am I going to get my ass kicked is what I’m basically asking? Any input would be appreciated. I’m looking forward to seeing your stadium. Looks pretty awesome. We’re sitting on 1st base side. Just wondered how the fans would be. Thanks for any advice.
Bear, Badger, and I are the enforcers, but if we can’t kick your ass, then 2D2, AC, and DC will…. and they are thoroughly bad men!
Just kidding. None of us will be there, so you are safe! 😉
I can respect you’re being an Astro fan…
The fans didn’t cheat.
LA fans for the most part are civil. The problems I’ve seen surround loud mouths. Admittedly I haven’t been to Dodger Stadium in a very long time but I’m sure you will be ok.
I’m not sure if Id wear any Astros gear to be honest. For Dodgers fans, 17 and what happened, is a real sore subject and people are still (justifiably) upset about it.
Its a WONDERFUL ballpark. As long as you arent mouthing off you’ll be fine.
Go Dodgers!!
Sound advice Matt. I wouldn’t get real lippy while wearing my Asstro shit, especially this series, the first Houston visit to the stadium with fans in it. Lots of scar tissue lingers and in my mind, justifiably so.
Agree. Im not a fan that ever talks junk especially in an away ballpark.
I hope we don’t see any violence in these 2 games. We should absolutely let the players and organization have it, no doubt about that.
Let’s beat them on the field….
Doubtful the fans will give you any grief. And I also doubt there will be violence. They save the worst for Giant fans.
All Astricks fans are required to dress like this:
DO NOT WEAR ASTROS GEAR! And definitely don’t smack talk after drinking too many beers. Astros gear + drunk + mouth running = Hospital Visit.
You’ll have a much better stadium experience if go incognito so you can walk around the entire ballpark and enjoy all of the different viewpoints and history without a bulls-eye on your back.
I’ve been going to the stadium since the 70’s and have never had any kind of problems there, but I always wear Dodgers gear and I talk to anyone who will listen. But, I’ve also seen drunken, loud mouthed fans wearing the opposite team’s colors bleed during a much more innocuous rivalry.
You are going to go to packed stadium during the first visit by the Astos since the cheating scandal broke. I can not say it strongly enough. Don’t wear Astros gear and say out of the outfield bleachers.
I’m an old man who loves baseball. I love the Dodgers and, like any dedicated fan, I can live and die with the daily results. But I really try not to. I love to analyze play and management moves but not always with a criticism. I love the high level baseball knowledge kicked around on this site. Did I mention, I just love the game.
Bear’s comments match what I was thinking this morning and the photos tell the story. Through all the ups and downs, the praise and the criticism, I always remember that these guys aren’t robots. We get to watch Mookie make plays at 2nd and Pollock on a tear. They are giving their best although we sometimes don’t think that’s good enough. Doc does his best. He is who he is. He’s got plenty of skills and some shortcomings. Don’t we all?
So, I remind myself to enjoy the games, win or lose. It’s more fun to win but i really enjoy kicking back and watching baseball on a perfect summer evening from Dodger Stadium. (on TV) We are really in a very good position and I’m optimistic.
I was super competitive as a young man and it took me pretty far as a player and coach. I wanted to kick your ass. As in older coach, I gained some insight about how do deal with the winning and the losing. It doesn’t mean I’m a quitter of getting soft. It means I’ve gain wisdom and a better perspective.
The beauty of baseball is that one day you look like these fans in the photos, suffering the anguish of a tough loss and the next day you pick yourself up, and try to do better next time.
Mark, I believe it was, yesterday mentioned that some fans are interesting, in that they only have comments after a loss. I don’t want to be that guy.
With all that’s transpired, the good and bad, we’re in a good spot. And it will get even better. I love the old cliche “ You win some. You lose some. But you suit up for every game”
Except today.
Nice post Bear.
Thank you Phil. We are on the same wavelength. When I was playing, and not just baseball, all I wanted to do was win. But we did not all the time and I tried to take home something from those losses. As I aged, it got a lot easier. And now, well, I cannot do anything about it, so why get all upset? I love the game and the team. I try to be patient when a player is struggling. And I try to believe the coaching staff is doing everything they can to help him get back on track. I think missing spring training, at least most of it, and then breaking his leg and hurting his hamstring has really gotten a talented hitter so far out of sync that he is doubting his own ability and it also seems like he is in a 2 strike almost every time he is up. I have seen many posts on here and elsewhere accusing him of being uncoachable and a lot of other things. Maybe he is, but I have not read anything except he is working hard. Maybe he is trying too hard. We have no clue what is going on. If they bench him, well, he will have put himself in that position. Roberts as much as indicated the other day is that Bellinger’s leash is getting shorter. With them getting Turner, they have a more than adequate replacement. Will it happen? Only Roberts and the training staff know for sure.
Bear, I want to add one more thing about winning and losing. I had the good fortune to coach in a town with very good youth baseball. It wasn’t unusual for the youth teams to advance deep into tournaments on a regional and national level. That was great because when they got to me, we could work on advanced baseball skills and strategy. These kids knew who to catch and thrown and hit some when I got them. One thing they did know was how to lose well. That my sound ridiculous but when things went south they knew how to pout, bitch and moan and almost run off the ship like rats. It was a real learning experience and sometimes I was successful dealing with and sometimes not so much. Many “Daddy-Ball” wanna-be coaches made it more difficult. It wasn’t hard to find where the kids learned to be bush. Some were perfect role models for their kids on how not to do it. Lose with class and dignity, learn from it and play better. It’s kinda like life.
Very true. And in life, I as many, have won some lost some, and wondered what the hell happened at other times. Losing builds character as long as you learn the lesson.
Per Houston Mitchell of the Times:
“You can move people around in that batting order however you want. And yep, I’d bench Cody Bellinger. He’s an outstanding centerfielder, but he’s hitting .163. Some will say he has been hitting better lately, but he’s four for his last 24, six for his last 45 and 10 for his last 82. There wasn’t a center fielder in history whose defense was so good that he could play with a .163/.263/.285 slash line. It’s time to put the team in position to have its best chance for success, give Bellinger all the help he needs to work on his swing behind the scenes, and hope he comes back strong next season.”
And
“But almost everyone in the bullpen makes fans nervous. Instead of one Pedro Baez, they have eight. If there’s a one game wild-card playoff, the Dodgers will be fine with Scherzer or Walker Buehler starting. But then what? Can Blake Treinen pitch three innings? ”
I’d bench Bellinger (mostly) going forward and play T Turner and/Taylor at CF.
And I agree with Mitchell’s assessment of the ‘pen.
… and yet, the Dodgers pen, minus Scherzer (who sends someone else to the pen), Knebel (on the DL), and Duffy are #5 in ALL of Baseball in Bullpen ERA.
MLB.com ranks the Dodgers #1 in Power Ratings.
Remember that I said the Dodgers Bullpen would be Top Five?
Well, they are there.
You and Houston Mitchell can worry about the bullpen and a giant asteroid hitting the earth and anything else you want, but the reality is the Dodgers Bullpen (PATCHWORK BULLPEN, at that) is #5 IN ALL OF BASEBALL.
Houston Mitchell knows that negativity sells!
I will commend the bullpen on a great job considering how much stress has been placed on them. We have been functioning without May basically all year, Gonsolin all year, kershaw and Bauer months. Urias and buehler have done their part but to go with 2 starters as long as we have it is unbelievable the bullpen can even function. AF has thrown one reliever after another at the problem which is starting pitching. Even now, u have the 2 plus scherzer. Duffy May never pitch. Kershaw slider, slider, slider who knows. Price mb well that is all we have.
Some relievers have come and gone because they shouldn’t have been in the majors to begin with. Not having a milb season last year didn’t help. If we ever get our team on track it could be great but it gets late early. Even if Duffy pitches I don’t c starter. Doc said we didn’t have time to build Price up with 3 months to go. We might have him and kershaw for next year.
Well, having 2 centerfielders is an interesting problem to have. I doubt Seager leaves shortstop and who knows if Turner wants to go back to centerfield. An All Star shortstop to second base? It can be justified with Lux out. It’s going to be interesting to see how this plays out. Turner must hit and hit at the top of the lineup. Taylor must hit, but he could be dropped to bottom middle.
I don’t buy the need for a “top closer”. We need a few solid back end pitchers that can get 3 outs no matter what inning it is. I think we have them.
Forget typical roles, with the talent we have we can redefine roles and win this thing OUR way. This is going to be fun.
Mark
There are 4 other teams that are within 0.04 points from the Dodgers bullpen E.R.A. The Dodgers bullpen could easily be #9.
If chickens had lips, they could be people… but they are not!
The Dodgers bullpen could be #9, but they are number 5.
Chickens are chickens and the Dodgers bullpen is #5! 😉
Excellent article, Bear!
It has been an up and down season for sure!
With the acquisition of Turner, Scherzer and Duffy, this roster is the best in the Friedman era. But without winning the division, a World Series title is a long shot even with this roster.
I think Trea Turner is very underrated. I think he is the best player on the roster. He is hitting .322 this year with a lifetime average of .300. He has stolen over 30 bases 4 times in his career.
He has 18 Hr this year already, and he is a solid fielder at SS who can play multiple positions.
My favorite player is Corey Seager, but he employs my least favorite agent, Scott Boras.
I would love to re-sign Seager, but given his injury history and his agent, the better option may be extending Trea Turner next year. In any case, Friedman has built a great roster, and it is up to the players to produce this year.
I think Trea Turner is Mookie II. They are both 5 tool players that weigh less than 200 pounds. This lineup is fast and it is powerful. Stand by.
The lineup may be fast Badger but they don’t steal enough bases(or try to) in my opinion. I would not like to see either Mookie or TT taken out of the first to slots in the batting order. My preference would be to bat TT 1st.
They need to pay attn to AJ stealing 3rd a couple times recently. Fairly fast, but nowhere near the fastest of quickest on the team. Bases are there to steal almost every game, they just need to get into that mindset IMO.
cheers
pb+
Very similar players indeed. Turner may have a little more speed, Mookie a little more pop. Both are very athletic. Like PhilJones said the other day, no one should be surprised that Mookie can play second base.
RC hit the nail on the head and I couldn’t agree more with his post. But, I have no doubt that we’re going to win this division if we can keep our best players on the field.
Thank you RC. Kudo’s always appreciated.
I agree with Mitchel about Belli & CF, but not about the bullpen. It will be fine.
Nice article Bear as always. I used to get all worked up over the wins and loses but as I have gotten older I try not to let it affect my daily life, I have to remind myself of that sometimes though.
In response to Mark yesterday that people only post when they lose and like to bitch, I am not a big poster where I feel I have to comment all the time, I like to pick and choose what topics I feel like I can add value. I do know that posting here has made me watch the games a lot more in depth because if you make an incorrect statement or view point you will be called out on it rather quickly by some of the veteran posters on this site. It took a comment by Jeff that encouraged me and others to participate more in posting comments and I have posted more than in the past.
I can’t wait for the series with Houston and to see Scherzer and Trea Turner in Dodger Blue. Scherzer has the nickname of “The Prowler” but I call him “Night Prowler” – in reference to an AC/DC song.
Keep posting Zeke. I always enjoy your thoughts.
Thank you Phil Jones, I also enjoy reading your comments and perspective.
Thank you Zeke. Don’t worry about being wrong, I have done that more than a few times when I thought I had my facts right.
DJ Peters to Rangers on waivers
Makes sense, Woodward knows him from his time with LA. Good luck to the kid. He will definitely get a shot with the Rangers. Jake Reed was claimed off waivers from the Rays by the Mets. Is that his 4th team this year>>??????
Angels, Dodgers, Rays and now the Mets. Wonder what the record is for number of teams for a player in one year.
Have no clue but that has to be close to a record.
I was rooting for DJ to succeed too….based on his preseason I got my hopes up. He only had 26 at bats with us so that certainly wasn’t enough. His OPS was .767 which was over .100 more than Lux.
I watched the Danny Duffy interview this morning and boy am I glad he’s on the team. This guy is a Dodgers lover through and though and he’s tickled to be here. He grew up in Lompoc which is a rural town seeded right between Santa Barbara and Vandenberg air force base and attended a handful of Dodger games during his youth. He said that he cried when Piazza was traded and always made it a point to go to games when he was in town afterwards. He’s a few key points…
He’s arguably having his best year of career since his 2014 season, he says it’s mainly due to his confidence which is even better than it was then.
He said he’s on target for a late August or early September with plans to pitch deep into October.
Not only is he comfortable pitching in the pen, he likes it. He’s ready for any role and sees himself as someone who can be used similarly to how they used Julio last year.
I think everyone will be pleased with Duffy. We have family in KC and some have Royals season tickets. The fans love him, but are glad to “loan” him to LAD, but want him back next year. If he stays healthy, he will greatly benefit LAD. I follow the Royals because I loving talking trash to family. They struggle to compete every year, but they did win it all in 2015, after losing to SF in 2014 because of MadBum heroics. Danny Duffy welcome to LAD, at least for this year.
That’s funny, my buddy that I have over to watch games with from time to time used to live near KC for about a decade or so and said the same thing you just stated.
I’ve very excited to have him on the team. Can’t complain when a lefty with a 95 Mph sinker joins the team and wants to pitch in the pen and do whatever is necessary to win. Local boy and Dodgers fan gives him a little extra motivation.
Agree this could be a very very valuable move.
According to Baseball Reference.com, the Dodgers’ bullpen is 20th in WAR, (-2.2) between Seattle and Pittsburgh.
They are tied for 23rd in save percentage (57%). They lead the league in blown saves with 23. They are 1st in lowest inherited runners scoring.
The bullpen is a mixed bag at best. One stat (bullpen ERA) is misleading. There is a reason that they are 1 – 11 in extra innings. As reported by TrueBlueLA, “Dodgers opponents have scored in 14 of the 18 extra innings this season, while the Dodgers have scored in only seven of the 18.”
The Dodgers’ record in 1 run games is also a reflection of the bullpen.
dodgerrick
That is absolutely true that the Dodgers record in both 1 run games and extra innings is a reflection on the bullpen and Doc’s handling of the bullpen. Absolutely.
My prediction before the season started was that if the Dodgers get knocked out of the playoffs or lose the world series it will be because of the bullpen. I stand by my prediction.
The bullpen was horrid for quite some time. But as they got healthy and experienced, they started excelling and they will get even better with the addition of other pitchers.
You guys are reading history books. I am looking into the future.
You see what you saw… so did I, but I see what will be. Sight vs. Vision!
If eyesight refers to how well the eyes capture images, vision refers to how the brain processes the information coming from the eyes. Sometimes a nerve from your eyes crosses with a nerve from your a$$ and gives you opticrectumitis!
so what other pitchers will they be adding exactly?
Knebel and Duffy, possibly Gonsolin if he comes back. Quackenbush and Feliz are doing well in AAA. Morrow and Kahnle are in the AZ Complex.
I thought Morrow was shut down. Is he throwing again?
Somehow I got the idea that his return just wasn’t going to happen due to health reasons.
STB, after that report it was reported that he would stay at the AZ complex and continue to try to come back this year. I haven’t heard anything since, or on Khanle because the Dodgers are very tight lipped. The other 5 guys are definitely options. The last two aren’t out of the realm of possibility.
FYI, I am worried about the health of two pitchers:
1. Kershaw
2. Duffy
Both could have potentially disabling injuries.
In the same interview with Duffy, he says the Flexor Tendon will be fine. They checked his UCL and it was fine.
They also said they looked at Clayton’s elbow and gave it a clean bill of health.
They said that Clayton’s soreness was equivalent to the normal soreness after a start and that they’re just being cautious.
They is whoever Doc refers to to during his pre and postgame interviews.
David Dahl anyone?
The Dahl of his first couple years in Colorado, sure, the Dahl who signed with the Rangers? No thanks. He has been lousy.
Josiah Gray throwing tonight for the Nationals. Does anyone know if the Nationals called up Keibert Ruiz to the majors or was he sent to there minor league affiliate?
Ruiz is in the minors. He might get called up in September.
Kaybear Sent to Rochester.
Jojo throwing a no-hitter tonight through 2 innings.
Thank you Bear and Singing The Blue, not familiar with the Nationals Minor League Affiliates.
Zeke, from what I see, K-Bear is on the Rodchester Red Wings AAA roster and listed on the 40 man,
Thanks Phil for the update.
Sobre la nota de ayer de Mark sobre comentar muy poco cuando el equipo pierde, creo que tiene razón en términos generales, en el juego se puede ganar o perder y en la edad de la mayoría de este blog entendemos perfectamente eso. Es cierto, además que es más satisfactorio para nuestro ego ganar que perder, y en lo particular reconozco las habilidades y recursos de nuestros rivales cuando nos toca perder, pero no puedo evitar sentirme frustrado cuando se pierde de una manera miserable, no lo puedo evitar. Quizá sea por eso mi adicción a mis queridos Dodger Blue. El término “miserable” es muy subjetivo, es la percepción de cada uno de los managers de “sillón reclinable” pueda tener del juego.
Tan verdadero. Puedo aceptar una derrota cuando otro equipo nos supera. Duele más cuando el cerrador no puede lanzar strikes o los bateadores no logran que un corredor llegue a home desde la 3ra base sin outs.
Exactamente Band P, gracias
I hope Dj gets a good shot in Texas. He is a exceptionally nice person. Dodger fan from birth. I’m sure this stings. But he wasn’t going to be given any kind of runway with the Dodgers. That was obvious. This is probably the best thing for his career.
My son is sad. We’ve known DJ since his time in Rancho. DJ was my son’s hitting coach this past offseason. He was giving lessons to help pay for his wedding/honeymoon at the end of last year. Even after the wedding, he continued to offer lessons right up to spring training. Way too cheap as well. I encouraged him to charge more (he was charging what any other “batting cage” instructor would charge). He’s humble to a fault.
I wish him the best playing in another blue. I hope he makes the Dodgers and us fans regret the decision. I like to see the good guys succeed.
That’s a nice story Jayne, thanks for sharing.
“T minus 3”
What does this mean?
After 3 more games played, the great Trea Turner will debut with the boys in Blue. He is set to return August 7th.
8/2…..no game
8/3……Astros (1)
8/4…Astros (2)
8/5…..no game
8/6…..Angels (3)
8/7……Debut
I can’t WAIT…….
Is that official or was it just an approximation? I think he has to go through certain protocols (test negative X number of times, etc.) before he’s cleared, although I could have my information wrong about that.
Trust in me……..
Would I steer you wrong, my brother?
LOL. I’ll trust in you until I have reason not to.
Per MLB’s protocols, Turner is required to remain in isolation at least 10 days from the date of a positive test — which was Tuesday, July 27. Turner would need to register negative tests and pass other screenings in order to be cleared for a return.
Roberts said he didn’t know for sure.
Gray went 5 innings for the Nats tonight against the Phils.
One run, 4 hits, 2 walks, 2 k’s. He did give up another homer.
I think that should make them happy.
I hope that Scherzer guy we got for him has at least as good a debut for us. Of course, he’ll be facing a better team
Way to go, JoJo…..I’m rooting for you. I hope you do just as well as Scherzer so that the trade won’t seem so lopsided as many people are claiming it is.
Giants win again…..no surprise.