Ships

Posted By on October 16, 2021

  • This first item falls under the category of “that Ship Has Sailed.” I had always predicted big things for Kike Hernandez. In fact I likened him to JD Martines. I had hoped that Andrew Friedman would keep him, but ultimately Kike wanted to start, and Boston gave him that opportunity. He racked up 585 AB’s for Boston and hit 20 HR while OPS’ing .786 with a .250 BA and a .337 OB%. He played 93 games in CF, 8 at SS, and 47 at 2B. He has made some great defensive plays and gotten some big hits… especially in the postseason. I am glad for him, but I am a realist, which is why I don’t wish he was back in Dodger Blue. It ain’t happening. That ship has sailed.
  • Joc Pederson’s ship has sailed TWICE as he signed with the Cubs and was traded to the Braves. He is dangerous and has a playoff reputation, which I think is overblown, but he remains dangerous. I would not let him beat me if I were any Dodger pitcher. The Dodgers know more ways to get him out than anyone. Exploit that!
  • The Chris Taylor ship is sitting at port. I think Chris Taylor will be a $60 milion/4 to 5 year contract… but not from the Dodgers. He is a year older than Kike and in many respects, they had simiar seasons. Kike’s OPS+ was 107 while CT3 was 110. CT3 is not worth $18.4 million (which is the qualifying offer), but if I were the Dodgers I would offer it… knowing that there is a possibility he would take it, but realizing that he would not walk awy from a better offer. That nets them another draft pick and when you pick as high as the Dodgers do, you need all that you can get.
  • There is no ship for Clayton Kershaw. Clayton will either retire (and if the Dodgers win the World Series, I think that is a likely scenerio), OR he will sign an incentative-laden contract with the Dodgers. He is not going to the Rangers and be a part of rebuilding. He has made his money. The only possible reason he would come back is to get another ring! On MLB Tonight, Harold Reynolds nailed it: “Clayton is not going to play for anyone else but the Dodgers. He knows the value of playing with just one team. He has made a lot of money and the only reason he will come back is to win another World Series. Right now, what team has a better opportunity at being back at the World Series than the Dodgers? No one!” I rest my case!
  • There is a ship for Max Muncy. That ship is sailing with a brace on his elbow. Max will not play in in NLCS and I doubt he plays in the World Series either. If you saw the injury, you will know why. I think it will be miracle if he does not have to get surgery to tighten those ligaments. They would not normlly do surgery until all the swelling has went down anyway. He will make great cheerleader, but while the Dodgers will miss hos bat, they can wether that storm with their depth.
  • There is a big ship for Max Scherzer. Max, like Clayton wants to win. He has embracecd LA and I believe AF will work out a contract with him… unless someone like AJ Preller gives him a 4 or 5 year deal. I know AF will go 2 years… maybe 3. There is that age factor.
  • Corey Seager has a huge container ship sitting at the dock. I believe the Yankees are the only team that could sign Seager, but I do not think they will. They have talked to Gio Urshela about moving to SS and he has embrsned it. That moves Torres to 2B (where he is much better). I think this ship has about 8 years and $295 million written on it.
  • Trevor Bauer is on a ship that is just going around in circles. Will that ship sail? Only a fool answers that question without all the facts, so I have no opinion.
  • Dave Roberts’ ship is anchored in the port of Los Angeles with a long-term permit. He ain’t going anywhere and have you noticed how smart he is when players execute?
  • Juan Toribio of Dodgers.com talks about what pitcher will take a ship to the mound tonight in the ATL. It all hinges upon Scherzer. Personally, I would do a bullpen game today. Start Knebel and then work in Price and Gonsolin with all the rest. Do not let Bazooka pitch to Freeman. Then, Sherzer goes Sunday on an extra day of rest and Buehler is well rested for Game #3.
  • Albert Pujols ship is sailing to St. Louis, but that is next season. Tonight he will be at 1B for the Dodgers. Let me take a stab at the lineup:
  1. Betts RF
  2. Seager SS
  3. T-Turner 2B
  4. Smith C
  5. J-Turner 3B
  6. Pujols 1B
  7. Pollock LF
  8. Lux CF
  9. Knebel P

FRIDAY:

  • Cody Hoese was 1-2.
  • James Outman was o-3 with aBB and run scored.
  • Bobby Miller went two innings, striking out 2 and giving up a HR to Jeter Downs who is playing SS.
  • Landon KNack went 3 innings, struck out 3 and allowed 1 hit with no runs. He is on a fast track.

THURSDAY:

  • James Outman was 1-4 with a BB and 2 runs scored
  • Jacob Amaya was 2-3 with a 2-run HR
  • Jeff Belge went 1 inning and gave uo 2 runs on a hit and 2 BB.

This article has 68 Comments

  1. I think Gonsolin should get the start and see if the Dodgers can try to “milk” 2-3 innings out him and then go BP for rest of the way. I’ll take our chances with Tony G. and a rested and aligned SP rotation of Scherzer, Butane and Julio for games #2, 3 and 4. Maybe at the right spot in the Braves hitting order we even get an inning out of Price (assuming he makes the NLCS roster).

    1. The game just ended but I don’t think Albies touched home plate. If anyone still has the game on and that they taped it……….replay the moment that Ozzie is approaching home plate and one of his teammates is standing right in front of the plate waiting to congratulate him and looks like Albies veers off just as he is coming home…………The obvious answer is that someone from the Dodgers would have noticed that but…………….I know it is too late now but just curious……….someone take a look at it and tell me what you think………..

      1. Ok they just showed another angle of Albies tagging home plate……
        I’m still very positive about us taking this series with our 3 dominating pitchers taking the mound
        Roll blue !!!

  4. The USS Trevor Bauer just got two U-Boat torpedoes portside and is keeling over. It hit an iceberg the size of Delaware and the Dodger excecs are already in the lifeboats and have abandoned ship.

    There is exactly a snowball’s chance in hell that Bauer ever puts on a Dodgers uni ever again. That ship hasn’t sailed. That ship was ground zero at the nuclear bomb test at Bikini Atoll.

    Kike wanted to start. He got his wish. I’m completely fine with the Dodgers not doling out an expensive contract for him or Joc. BTW, just to demonstrate how utterly inept Arte Moreno is, the Angels actually would have come out ahead in that aborted trade for Joc and Ross Stripling. I miss Kike’s defense, but, as expected, his offensive production is almost exactly average. To me, he wasn’t worth the price. Same with Joc. He was an expensive righty pitcher only platoon player who managed some key hits in the playoffs, but you don’t give 8 figure contracts to those guys.

    CT3 is a little different. We saw this year how vulnerable the team can be without good role players. Raley, McKinstry, DJ ….they were just terrible …and the team suffered, because you need guys like that to plug into the lineup.

    I would want to keep CT3 around simply because we don’t have anyone to replace what he does.

    My hunch is that Cory leaves for one important reason – you can’t pay everyone. Even the Dodgers have to make financial choices. He would probably rake at Yankee stadium, and his defensive liabilities would be less apparent there than in a pitching first Dodger organization. I would be pleasantly surprised if he stays, but the reason the Dodgers even traded for Trea is as a hedge. TT is actually a good defensive SS, and I’m pretty sure that’s where he would rather play … and Lux really needs to be allowed to develop in a starting role.

    As for Trea, I dunno, this is only a hunch, but I don’t get a good feeling from him. His is immensely talented, but I just don’t get a sense that he’s a gamer. I get the feeling that he plays for himself and is playing for his next contract and doesn’t really care terribly much about the organization he plays for or the teams around him. I guy like Muncy, you just know he’s a team guy. I don’t get that feeling from TT.

    My ideal scenario is:

    The Dodgers sign Cory, keep TT at 2nd. They sign CT3. Lux and CT3 now become a Supersub Right/Left duo. Lux will get around 500 ABs a year playing 2nd, SS and the outfield.

    CK retires and Max gets signed to a 3 year deal. By the end of 2022 there could be a rotation of Max, Buhtane, Julio, May, with Gonsolin as the swing man.

    I’m sure there are plenty of reasons why this will never happen and I’m just a schlub on the internets.

  5. A lot of money is coming off the dodgers books after this season. More than 130 million and if we get rid of the TB contract it will be even more.
    There will be enough money to keep both Corey and Max as the two most important pieces plus other guys like CT3, KJ and CK.(the latter 2 with incentive laden contracts)

    Now beat the Braves!

    Go dodgers!

  6. Totally unaware of Gonso’s health, I feel like he’s lagged behind in his development. If it will be a reality, now is the time to prove it, otherwise it would be better for me to walk like Kike and Joc for the good of both parties, my opinion.

  7. Dodgers announce Knebel will start tonight so this becomes a bullpen game.

    Am I correct in assuming that this means, unless the series ends in 4 games, that we will now be forced into 2 bullpen games this series while the Braves excellent starting staff is rested and ready to go. That could make a huge difference.

    And it also means that one of our three good starters (probably Urias) will only start once if the series goes 7 games.

    1. Yes, that was the main argument against a bullpen game today. Dodgers now probably will have to go with another bullpen game in game 5.
      But if Max needs some rest this is the way you have to go.
      This is where the loss of TB hurts.
      When we signed him that exact scenario of wanting to have another ace in the playoffs.
      Will be interesting to see if TG or DP will get the bulk of innings or if it is a true pen game with one inning each.

      Go dodgers!

      1. Price isn’t on the roster for this series so it’s Catman or one-inning each.

        And if TB were here, Max wouldn’t be.

          2. What’s our record in Opener games? I like the idea. The top of the lineup faces closer stuff, Starter opens up against the middle bottom, before you know it, you’re half way through the game. Our bullpen is a strength, so, use it.

            Of course I’d rather have Kiké and Joc instead of Souza and whoever, but, that was last year’s championship team. This team has a different identity, more or less. Taylor was Kiké until he was torpedoed twice then hit an iceberg. Oh wait, that was Bauer. Taylor just ran out of gas.

  9. Surprising to see EP on it and not v-gone. Would have thought they summon another LH for the pen to create match ups vs their dangerous LH hitters.
    Despite his postseason experience and resume in playoff games They obviously have not much confidence in DP that they rather go with bruihl

    Go Dodgers!

    1. V-Gon still has foot problems that have affected his delivery. It is best he rests until spring.

      Price’s arm is hanging by a thread!

      1. Phillips is taking Price’s role of”if all goes wrong.”

        Bruihl is legitimatel a’s part of the relief mix.

      3. Hello Mark, I think they should retire it and include people like Mich White so that they can gain post-season experience because our team will always be the protagonist and what better way for these young people to get used to the pressure of this type of challenge in small, low-risk interventions , Receive greetings.

  10. After being included on the NL Division Series roster, left-hander David Price and outfielder Billy McKinney were left off the NLCS roster in favor of right-hander Evan Phillips and lefty Justin Bruihl.

    NLCS_Roster

  12. Regarding Seager and the Yankees remember Cole and Giancarlo Stanton are owed roughly $60 million between them annually through 2027 (Cole is signed through ’28, Stanton has an option that year). Aaron Judge will be a free agent after 2022. Add one of the two big free-agent shortstops, and the Yankees would be paying at least $110 million annually (probably more) to four players, who for most of those years would be in their 30s.

    That would mean something on the order of 110 million for 4 players.

  13. The way things align right now, if needed, Scherzer will get game 6 and Buehler, game 7, I think the team that won 18 more games than the Braves during the regular season and was 4-2 against the Braves will not need 7 games to advance. The Braves have the pitching edge today, but their offense, while good, is missing Soler, who is out due to Covid, and was almost evenly matched during the regular season, both hitting .244. LA having a higher OPS and OBP outscoring the Atlanta offense by 40 runs. Atlanta’s team ERA almost a run higher. Their staff gave up 183 long balls to LA’s 161. Teams hitting .207 against LA and .234 against the Braves. Teams hitting .178 against LA in the playoffs.

  14. I think the Braves are no where near the team they were last year in the playoffs without Acuna and Ozuna. Soler is not even on the NLCS roster, so they lost a big power bat there. Pederson is so well known to the Dodgers that while he might run into one, they can take away his power. Duvall strikes out a lot. They have a lot of info on this teams strengths and weaknesses. DO not let Freeman beat you.

    1. The Dodgers offense goes to sleep quite a bit, that’s why I think the Braves could steal a couple.

  15. Courtesy of Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register:

    Seager the only left-handed hitter vs. Fried who had reverse splits this year:
    v RHB — .223/.277/.334, 10 HRs
    v LHB — .240/.298/.409, 5 HRs

  17. I could see the Dodgers bring back Kershaw on a 2 year, incentive laden deal and be healthy enough to start the season next year. He’ll have some rehab to do for that “forelbow” problem in the offseason.

    I could see the Dodgers bringing back Scherzer on a 2-3 year deal. He says he wants to pitch into his forties and he looks recharged with the Dodgers.

    Those two signing would fortify the staff for the next couple of years allowing them to develop the next wave of starters and nurse Dustin the Great back to health. They could ride Bauer for whatever’s left on next year’s contract and let him opt out after he re-establishes his value.

    That would basically be an FU pitching staff with Urias, Bueller, Scherzer, Kershaw and Bauer.

    Not only do the Yankees have Urshela and Torres, but they also have a tippy top shortstop prospect that’s just a year or two away. But wait, there’s more. Carlos Correa recently hinted that he wants to wear pinstripes. Some say that could mean Mets or Yankees, but we all know that really means Yankees especially with Lindor firmly planted up the middle for the Mets.

    I would love for Seager to stay home. Trea Turner is a shiny new toy, but I like Seags better. We’re also seeing the new and improved Gavin Lux and I’m sure a couple of the upcoming prospects will strike gold, whether that will Vargas or Outman or Busch or Pages, or my new favorite Brandon “Fat Boy” Lewis. “Let’s go Brandon!”

    Joc wanted a chance to play full time. He ultimately became trade bait and he’s back to a familiar role. I wish him well and have always loved him.

    Kike is what he is. He’s a very streaky hitter and I’d be more than happy for him if it leads to a trip to the big stage because that would mean the Astros lost. I saw him dive for at least three balls he had no chance of catching in recent games. He still makes bad decisions on the field and on the bases and his bat was a little above average this year. Nothing to write home about. But, he’s having a great postseason. The last I checked, we took care of the team with 107 wins, so there’s that. I don’t miss him.

    Doc is learning, so if he can guide this team to another WS Championship, I will be more than happy with his growth and continued success with the Dodgers.

    I sure hope Albert goes back to the Cardinals next year and finishes his career in the 700 club. Hopefully, he’ll have a couple more big moments in Dodger Blue and he’ll have another ring on his finger. I’ve always respected the Cardinals organization.

    I also hope the Dodgers are using some misdirection in regards to their pitching staff and Max Muncy. I hope they injected Max’s elbow with some PRP, stem cells, plutonium and nanobots and they’re just waiting for it to kick in.

    They’re talking about Pushing Buehler to game 3 to give him an extra day of rest. I don’t like it. I would prefer that they ride these horses on 4 days rest so they can all pitch twice during the series. Give Gonso the bullpen game for game 4 and sandwich the three headed monster before and after.

    I honestly can’t remember a time the Dodgers farm system has been this loaded, especially with position players and power arm starting pitchers. I would think they will be shooting up the farm rankings in the coming months. By this time next year, we will be top 5 or better in the rankings.

    AF is just amazing. We literally have an All-Star team at the major league level and our farm is about to pop again. Sorry for all you Farhan envyists, he’s a pretender until he can do it year after year and get some rings out of it. He was AF’s assistant for a reason.

    1. Late response, busy day. Beach bike ride with wifey and the dogs. Driving lesson with my daughter who resembles Lydia from Beetlejuice, then off to Excel Audio to pick up my new Wharfedale Lintons. Spinning records until now.

      Echo and the Bunnymen
      Wall of Voodoo
      Gang of Four
      Amy Winehouse up next

  18. Kike, who screwed up his chance at the cycle yesterday by hitting a second homer when he needed a triple, has a single and homer so far today (bottom of the 4th). Maybe he’ll manage to pull it off this time.

  19. Damn!!! I really feel good for Doc and his family… Poodlesandrockhopper has stated
    “Doc is learning, so if he can guide this team to another WS Championship, I will be more than happy with his growth and continued success with the Dodgers.”
    If that ain’t a lease on life, I don’t know what the heck is…
    Lets quiet the tomahawk chop tonite!!!

    1. You shouldn’t make fun of other’s names when your own is synonymous with “D”. Stones, glass houses and all.

  20. Things I already don’t like…

    Setup for two bullpen games.
    Lefty only going once in the series.
    One lefty hitter in the lineup.

    Game on. Let’s go Dodgers!

  21. You make it so damn e z poodle…
    You have so many good takes and then your colon takes over your pie hole..
    God knows how great Amy would have been..

    1. Great album so far. Just listened to Side 1 on the Back to Black double album. Also listened to Side 1 of Elvis from his TV Special and Side 3 of The Clash Sandinista in addition to the others I listed earlier. The pregame show started so I flipped over the the TV.

      I understand the speakers have a break in period of about 40 hours before they really start to sing. I’m very happy with them so far. The cabinets are beautiful Cherry veneers and the grain is so beautiful, they’re practically startling.

      They really sound great and my AVR receiver provides enough power to shake any wall of my house. But, I’ve already made up my mind that I’ll be dropping some cash on either a more powerful AVR or a seperate Integrated amplifier. I just don’t know if I want to open pandora’s box and get a tube amp. Although, I’m sure I can persuade myself if necessary.

  22. Don’t you just love the aggressiveness of based running by the dodgers so early in the game

  23. JT is 1-23 since his game tying HR against Wainwright. Dodgers will need him to come up big before this thing is over. His bat looks very slow right now, but I’m hoping he’ll find it.

    1. He screwed that one up for sure. He would have been safe if he would have just kept going.

  28. Guess we just like coming from behind! Bloop and a steal beats us. Our offense is just SO frustrating!

  30. Man on 3rd with one out with Mookie coming up and he pops out and then TT strikes out. That was the game right there. Horrible hitting with RISP and a really, really bone head base path out by CT3. Not quite sure what CT3 was thinking.

    I’ll wait for the post season press conference for a comment from Doc but there is really no way he can “spin” that 3rd out on the base path. Just a bad big league baseball play.

  31. Taylor with his speed should have tried to steal 2nd in the 9th with Smith ‘s ordinary move and the catcher not great at throwing out base runners. Cody would have driven him in. You have to take chances on the road in a tie game in the 9th. Not smart baseball.

    1. Definitely agree with your point.
      Taylor steals second in the ninth and he scores on Bellinger’s hit.
      And Albies steals second to,score,the winning run.
      Tough loss considering all of the chances Dodgers had.

  32. As Badger says: “we hit, we win”, tonight like almost all games the pitchers doing a great job, but we don’t hit, we don’t win.
    It seems that the Dodgers after winning a series and then celebrating, the next series always lose the first game, I hope that now history repeats itself and from tomorrow that carburetor starts and has to open all four throats, we are going to win this !! !

    1. Brain freeze. But why did the 3rd base coach not help him ?

      Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      1. Ball was in front of him. He should have seen how quickly Pederson was getting to ball and pulled up at second.

  34. Giving up only three runs in the bullpen game you think we should win this game. But once again despite getting 10 hits to their 6 we find a way to lose. So frustrating. 11 runners left on base, nobody appears to be able to come up with the clutch hit. And when in addtion to that problem you give them easy outs on the basepaths most of the time you are going to lose. A blooper , a sb and that is all she wrote.
    Lets hope our bats hold true to form and will be smoking tonight.

    Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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