… some Dodger fans thought Farhan Zaidi was the real genius and Andrew Friedman was just the “front man?”
Neither do I! But, AF is humming, “How do you like me now?” Gabe Kapler was fired from his second manager job (maybe his third time, if you count getting picked over for Doc Roberts). Actually, this is just Farhan Zaidi trying to save his job! Maybe it works… maybe not. But we do know that he’s not the genius!
… some Dodger fans questioned why Ryan Yarbrough started in Denver and then pitched four innings and gave up a million runs at Coors?
Neither Do I! Actually, the Dodgers just wanted Ryan to throw 4 or 5 innings and not waste the bullpen. They knew his breaking stuff wouldn’t break there. They just needed him to be ready to throw 4 or 5 in the playoffs, and last time I checked, there were no games scheduled at Coors in the playoffs.
… when some Dodger fans said this team would be lucky to win 85 games?
Neither Do I! Actually, some fans had them at less and some had them sub .500. What a run! Now they are looking for #100.
… some Dodger fans thought the bullpen would be the Dodgers’ Achilles Heel?
Neither Do I! Actually, I do. Before June 20th, the Dodger’s Bullpen was #29 in MLB in ERA. Since then, they have been #1, and they are currently in the #2 spot in all of baseball, with a 3.42 Bullpen ERA. The Yankees are still #1 with a 3.38 ERA. What a turnaround! The Brewers are #3 with a 3.43 Bullpen ERA.
Games Number 160 & 161
- It was good to see David Peralta get a couple of hits last night. They will need him against those RHP.
- Lance Lynn did not have his best stuff as he walked four, but he allowed just two hits and two earned runs and limited the HRs to one. I think the key is that if he walks a couple of batters or they fill the bases, you have to come get him then.
- I am mildly surprised that Clayton is pitching as well as he is. At 89 MPH, he has no margin for error. He will likely start Game 1, but last night he was pitching against a bunch of bums, so I still need to see what he does against better competition.
- It was good to see Will Smith get a Big Fly Friday night to CF. He needs one more for an even 20!
- Among pitchers with at least 120 innings pitched, Clayton Kershaw is #2 in ERA among starters. Only Blake Snell is better – 2.25 to 2.46 ERA. However, Clayton’s arm and shoulder are held on with duct tape and baling wire!
- Mookie has cooled off in September, but with two games left in the season, he has a 8.2 WAR to Acuna’s 8.1 WAR. You can make a case for both, but Acuna is bright and shiny!
- Today is the last game and the final chance to win 100 – not that winning 100 means much! It would be nice to see Bobby Miller win his 12th game and lower his ERA even more!
Yes, the OKC Dodgers are the PCL Champs, but not the AAA champs. From MiLB.com:
Michael Busch and Miguel Vargas both homered as the Oklahoma City Dodgers put together a four-run rally with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning Saturday night, but the Norfolk Tides held on to defeat the Dodgers, 7-6, in the Triple-A National Championship Game at Las Vegas Ballpark. The International League Champion Tides (3-1/90-59) grabbed the game’s first lead in the third inning when Coby Mayo was caught stealing second base and a run scored from second base for a 1-0 Norfolk advantage. The Pacific Coast League Champion Dodgers (2-1/90-58) fought back to take the lead. Hunter Feduccia hit a solo home run in the fifth inning out to right field to tie the score, 1-1. Then in the sixth inning, the Dodgers went in front, 2-1. Miguel Vargas doubled and later scored on a RBI single by Jonny DeLuca for a 2-1 OKC advantage. The Tides went on to load the bases in the seventh inning before Colton Cowser hit a grand slam out to center field for a 5-2 lead. A two-run homer by Connor Norby in the ninth inning extended the Tides to a 7-2 lead. The Dodgers then rallied with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. Drew Avans connected on a RBI single. Busch followed with a two-run homer out to right field before Vargas connected on a solo homer out to left field to cut the deficit to one run.
I always enjoy the last game of the regular season. A win gives the Dodgers 100 and yes that would be cool.
Hoping Mookie finally hits number 40 and Freeman gets his 30th homerun and 60th double.
I was never a big fan of Farhan Zaidi. After he left, some fans were in a panic and yah there was the 107 win season. He connected all the dots that year. But that’s hard to do. He got lucky. You really need an exceptional farm system to sustain that kind of success. I’m hoping the Dodgers don’t bring back Kapler. Some of the things he says are a little weird. Do people really talk like that? Apparently the clubhouse environment in Frisco wasn’t all that great.
i hold my breath every time a ball is hit to Max! He’s done a respect job there this season, but he’s not an everyday 3rd baseman. it will be interesting to see who’s at 3rd next year. Mark, do you resign JD or go after Ohtani? Martinez has put up terrific numbers! Do you trade Max? Dodgers need an upgrade defensively at 3rd. that error last night didn’t cost Clayton the win, but it did give him the loss. hopefully number 100 today! Hope bobby has a great game today. I think he should pitch game 1 with Clayton game 2, with Grove staying warm, just my opinion.
As DH, I would have Muncy as the LH DH, and if JDM or JT wanted to come back, they could be the RH DH. I thought JT was done, but he held up well this year. JDM was re-markable, but he is the one who looks like he is breaking down. At 3B next year, it is Vargas or Busch. That has to happen.
Between Busch and Vargas for 3B, I hope it’s Vargas. Looks like Vargas’ reworked swing is meant to generate more power.
Colorado and USC was a great game yesterday. The Buffs were without two of their best players (Travis Hunter), but if not for some casual clock management, they might’ve tied it late.
Forgot to post this last night:
DODGERS RECALL VICTOR GONZÁLEZ
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers have recalled left-handed pitcher Victor González and placed right-handed pitcher Lance Lynn on the bereavement list.
González, 27, joins the team for his fourth stint and he is 2-3 with a 4.13 ERA (15 ER/32.2 IP) and 29 strikeouts on the season. He has been with the Dodgers parts of three seasons, and he is a combined 8-4 with a 3.26 ERA (32 ER/88.1 IP) and 85 strikeouts against 31 walks. With Triple-A Oklahoma City, he was 2-1 with a 5.40 ERA (12 ER/20.0 IP) and 22 strikeouts in 20 games. He has pitched in 159 minor league games (77 starts) and he is a combined 22-29 with a 4.39 ERA (205 ER/420.2 IP) and 416 strikeouts. He was signed by the Dodgers as an international free agent on July 2, 2012 from Tuxpan, Nayarit, Mexico.
Lynn, 36, recorded the win last night, tossing 6.0 innings and striking out four to record his seventh win since joining the Dodgers. On the season, he is a combined 13-11 with a 5.73 ERA (117 ER/183.2 IP) and 191 strikeouts between Los Angeles and Chicago-AL. He has been in the Major Leagues parts of 12 seasons with St. Louis (2011-17), Minnesota (2018), New York-AL (2018), Texas (2019-20), Chicago-AL (2021-23), Los Angeles (2023) and he is a combined 136-95 with a 3.74 ERA (784 ER/1889.0 IP) and 1906 strikeouts. He was originally drafted in the first round (39th overall) of 2008 First Year Player Draft out of the University of Mississippi by the St. Louis Cardinals.
Max at 3rd is a liabilty. He cost CK the game yesterday in the 6th.
First he does not tag the runner coming right at him from 2nd and instead goes to first, leaving runners on the corners.
then he butchers a taylor made dp ball allowing the eventual winning run to score.
Make him the DH next season, he will be a bargain if he puts up the same numbers as this season and bring in a guy like Chapman or Arenado to play 3rd.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Neither Chapman nor Arenado is coming. Bank on that.
AF will let some other team make dope-fiend moves.
Not so fast Mark
While I think it is likely that we will man third base with an internal option I would not rule out Andrew putting together a package of prospects and trading for Arenado. He would solidify the infield defense and lengthen the lineup.
Hey, maybe Lux can play 3B… or do you still want him in centerfield?
Max is not a great third-baseman, but what evidence is there that Vargas or Busch would be better? Neither have earned raves for their defense at 3B. The Dodger brain trust have pushed both to other roles.
Vargas might become a better defender than Max, and perhaps should be–but there must be a reason the Dodger brass decided to move him from 3B to 2B.
Max had played 2B often, so putting Vargas at 3B (his position in OKC) was a viable option. Alas, our hyped ROY candidate just taxied down the proverbial runway and never really took off. The silver lining is that Mookie moved to 2B and Heyward wound up in RF, adding about 200 OPS points by replacing Vargas in the lineup.
As for Busch, he is only now learning 3B and while he seemed passable as an emergency option, he clearly has limits. Max, far from ideal, has the stronger arm–and so does Taylor and Kike, two other 3B options. Busch’s arm is more suitable at 2B (unless Mookie is there) or in LF.
Hey, whatever happened to our grand scheme to move Will Smith to 3B?
NEXT YEAR:
1. I can see a platoon of Rojas and Lux at SS (at least initially).
2. Betts may go to 2B.
3. Heyward signs a two-year deal and platoons with Jonny D in RF
4. Vargas or Busch to LF and 3B.
5. Max at DH with a RH compliment? JDM? JT?
If Max is at DH, his righty complement would often be Will Smith. One of the downsides to a full-time DH was that it limited the opportunity for Will to DH.
Based on their experience, I assume Vargas would be better at 3B than Busch, but I don’t see either as a defensive upgrade. For defense, Taylor and Kike might be the best options. Perhaps a platoon with Max?
If the Dodgers want to upgrade their infield D, Chapman still makes a lot of sense.
Imagine a defense, l to r, of Chapman, MiggyRo, Mookie and Freddie. Not a single weakness. Would it require a “dope-fiend” contract? I really don’t think so. He’s a SoCal boy and may accept a bit less to play for the Dodgers.
As for the OF defense, how about, from LF, DeLuca, Outman and Heyward? Perhaps Taylor can platoon with Heyward.
Mookie has great numbers. But don’t think it will even be close as Acuna runs away with MVP
It is called the Most Valuable Player Award, not the Most Flashy Player Award or the Player With the Bst Stats Award.
I too think Acuna will win, but it is very close and depends upon how you define “most valuable.”
Well it is decided by people, so until they switch to some ‘robo-computer-decider-.’ It is a subjective decision. And I will be surprised if it will be close. Now if Braves missed the playoffs, that would be another thing. OK we will have the answer in a while.
I agree Mark, Acuna is the flashy media darling! think if Freddie gets 60 doubles think they stop the game and he holds the 2nd base bag above his head? don’t think so, but in today’s sports world anything is possible. how long has been since Ronald got yanked in the inning for not hustling? I don’t think Dodgers have anyone like that on their roster (Verdugo) been a lot of fun being on here this season. through. all the bad, good moronic, great and just plain funny ideas we have all floated around, great minds all stink alike! Thanks Mark and Bear for keeping it so much informative and fun! still want Arenado Mark! call me a moron for the memories!
Nolan will be 33 next year and has a boat-anchor contract.
This is his worst-ever year (not counting 2020). His OPS is .774.
James Outman is better than that!
No way! No how do I want to pay him 4 more years!
Mark, you suggest what basically amounts to a platoon DH next year with Max sharing duties with JT or JDM.
In what universe do you think either of those guys willingly comes back as a part time player?
I think in the Universe of getting millions of dollars to play now and then. Seems perfect for JDM
Max is already under contract. JDM wants to be here.
It looks like Muncy has a team option for next year that will be for $14 million since Max had over 550 plate appearances.
JDM is eligible for the Qualifying offer of $20.5 million.
And Ohtani is still a possibility as a DH only next year.
I would love to bring back JDM at a team friendly 2 yr. deal. Or sign Ohtani for a one- or two-year deal until he pitches again and can get his huge long-term contract.
But the most likely scenario to me is the Dodgers give JDM the QO and he leaves for big money. And then the DH is split between Muncy, Will Smith, Busch and other regulars be needing a rest.
Max is already under contract. Actually it’s a team option but we all know the team will exercise it at that price.
JDM wants to be here. He doesn’t want to be here if it means he’s only a part time DH. Especially considering the year he’s had which will mean all kinds of teams will be throwing offers at him to be a full time DH and will be offering him 2 or 3 years when AF might only be comfortable with 1 or 2, max.
He might take a little less money to stay here if it meant he was the every day DH, but under your scenario? Sharing that with Max? I say no way.
I don’t see them wanting to keep Max at third every day, so they’re going to have some major decisions to make as soon as free agency starts. And, of course, there is also the Ohtani possibility to factor into the DH situation, although you can add me to the list of folks who say it won’t happen.
I thought Martinez said he was only going to play 1 year with our boys.I don’t know why.
He did in an interview with Kirsten. Said he was only here for one year.
ROJAS has earned the right to play every game. Lux should not play one game at SS. He is so inferior to Rojas in the field and his bat is only slightly better. Besides, put Lux in the OF (see below).
Lynn has earned the right to pitch in the playoffs. He was huge for us down the stretch….a great inning eater too.
I hope Grove stays in the pen and is on the playoff roster. I trust him much more than Yarbrough. But I know team is looking for hopefully two lefties in the bullpen. VESIA + anybody not named Ferguson.
Marvelous Max should be on the team next season….show him some respect, over 100 RBIs. I don’t like to read guys dissing him. He’s a good guy and loves being a Dodger. We got rid of Bellinger….don’t make the same mistake here.
Still undecided about James Outman. I applaud his 23 HRs and near .800 OPS….but not sure he would make a difference over Gavin Lux playing the OF. I would resign Heyward for sure if we needed another CF or we didn’t think Lux can play CF. I think he could learn to.
Lux was shockingly bad when he saw some action in the outfield a couple years ago. He obviously had played SS his entire life and had trouble judging fly balls and running routes. He botched a couple of routine plays and ran full speed into the centerfield wall.
The next day, his teammates used some tape to illustrate the create the outline of his body crashing into the wall. Lux got a good laugh out of it.
Meanwhile, Outman is getting high marks for his defense–and the offense has been pretty good too.
Bill Plunkett
@billplunkettocr
Dave Roberts acknowledges that it’s “pretty much a no-brainer” that Clayton Kershaw will start Game 1 of the NLDS for the #Dodgers next Saturday. “That’s how it’s lining up” as long as Kershaw comes out of tonight’s starting feeling fine.
3:05 PM ET
Dodgers (99-62)
Giants (79-82)
SP Bobby Miller R
11-4 3.89 ERA
SP Kyle Harrison L
1-1 4.85 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
RF Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
DH J. Martinez R
3B Max Muncy L
LF Chris Taylor R
2B Amed Rosario R
CF James Outman L
SS E. Hernandez R
65° Wind 5 mph Out
Let’s get our 100th win today!!!
I think it was on Scott’s old board, but it may have been here.
There were actually some “fans” who took exception at Farhan playing Fantasy Football with players. It still brings a smile to my face.
Just wondering on what kind of contract JDM can garner elsewhere? At his age. He missed alot of games this year and is one pulled muscle away from disaster
If I was a GM in 2024: (Most will be happy I’m not a GM.) This roster is made without any trades or Free Agent signings. If there were trades or FAA signings they would include a catcher (all FA catchers don’t appear to make the Dodgers better); and a left handed starter. Catchers would be Smith, Barnes and Feduccia, slowly start the transition of Smith to 2nd base. Other infielders, Freeman, Taylor, Rojas, Busch and Lux. Outfielders, Betts, Heyward, Outman and Deluca. DH Martinez. Outside looking in would be Miguel Vargas and Andy Pages. I’ll post pitching staff later. I’m not in the same opinion as many of you in that having a staff of 4 or five right handed starters isn’t bad. I’m trying to think of a team especially in our division that has predominantly left handed hitters. If Cartaya would step up that would take Feduccia out of the picture.
Final game of the year and the Giants pitcher has already hit 3 batters, Freeman, Smith, Taylor, and it is only the 4th inning. Miller looking good so far. I will worry about next season after this one is over. Not going to make any predictions. I like Lux’s bat, but his glove at any position besides second is very suspect. No to him moving to the outfield.
Showalter out as manager of the Mets. Tim Wakefield, the knuckleball pitcher passed away at age 57. RIP.
Timmy was a cool, cool dude. RIP
Finally, one of the F-22’s threw a hot lap down the beach at ~800’. Damn, that is crazy loud and faaast! Strung out 5-6 vapor cones. Showtime!!
Air Show heading into home stretch. Place is rocking. USAF!
I trade Lux.
You’re fired then!
I quit! You can’t fire me!! LOL. Why not trade Lux? They have no clue what they will get out of him. He has maybe 15 HR power. I stick Mookie at second permanently. Gives DeLuca and Heyward RF. Lux is at best a mediocre defender at SS and defense, despite what some think, is important. Gavin is a good trade chip. Use him and Busch for trades. Hell, I would trade Vargas too. He is overrated.
Now you made Mark mad as well!
not a nelson fan ! too phony. like Karros. nerdy nelson. shouldn’t we hit at least 1 san francisco batter?
They did but only grazed him. I like Nelson. He is new and has a much more relaxed delivery than the canned Davis who sounds like every other FOX announcer. I prefer Nomar over Eric.
Most baseball executives call a 100 win year a career achievement. AF calls it a transition year! All you 80 something win year in 2023 please step forward and pick up your moron badges! At least the past 11 years should have taught us is no complaining until the end of August. And Robert’s should be NL manager of the year. Hands down! And AF, well he’s just on another planet!
* I said 85 to 90 wins. Do I get like a certificated instead of a moron badge? And I wasn’t complaining at the time, when I said 85 to 90. The roster coming out of Spring Training wasn’t impressive. The Rotation of Urias, CK, May, Gonzo, Syndergaard and an untested Pepiot looked initially serviceable, with tons of questions. Those questions became reality. Thompson in center, 2 reclamation projects Heyward and Peralta, rookies Outman and Vargas and Lux going down early, did not make me more confident.
So Cassidy, tell me you saw this group coming out of Spring Training , winning 100 games and the Division. It would say a prediction like that would be take either blind loyalty or you’re Nostradamus.
I guess I didn’t learn my lesson in 11 years. Or 72 year. What I thought was every year is a new adventure. We wanted to see the prospects get a chance and they were better then advertised. The projects produced. Doc was great and a new approach was unveiled. This team developed amazing chemistry and synergy. We’ve had a remarkable, fun season. But if you’re going to claim you predicted 100 wins and a Division Title with the team coming out of Spring Training, I’m calling bullshit.
* I would seriously never consider a platoon at short with Lux and Rojas. WTF does Rojas have to do to earn some respect? But it’s predictable. Many didn’t like Seager and couldn’t wait to move him to third so ? could play short. Then Trea wasn’t good enough there for many. Rojas has evolved into a leader, a popular clubhouse guy and is a great defender. If he hits close to 240, I can happily live with that And he makes a fraction of what Seager and Turner make. Yes, he has a low OPS because he doesn’t hit the ball out of the park. But we have guys that do that and 4 with 100+ RBI. This isn’t slo-pitch softball. A solid defender at SS is worth a lot. But some just haven’t warmed up to the guy, for reasons I don’t understand.
There is no way Lux can carry Rojas’ jock at short. He might be better at short and he’d need to be because he wasn’t a good 2nd baseman. Mookie was instantly better there from the git go, when he moved in. Vargas made a better pivot on the dp then Lux ever did. I don’t know where Lux plays but it’s not a platoon at SS. I’d trade him but what’s his value as damaged, unproven goods?
I’m in the keep Rojas at SS camp, he is a lockdown defensive fielder.
I also didn’t see 100 win season.
Wish Freddy would have gotten to 60 doubles.
Mookie cooled off in September and fell short of 40 HR
Don’t play until Saturday but will be watching wildcard games. Should be fun.
Do you remember when AF hired Farhan?
I do. It’s obvious that AF thought highly of his executive ability. And under Farhan the Giants have always fielded competitive teams (sometimes very competitive) even though the Giants lack a single star in their lineup. Their best bat belongs to…. Wilmer Flores? Farhan gamely tried to get Judge, and wisely backed off Correa. Seems to me that Farhan has done a a fine job….
Does anybody at all remember anyone here saying that these Dodgers would be lucky to win 85? I certainly don’t. The consensus, I’d say, is that Dodgers fans figured the team would take a step back–and they certainly did, from 111 wins to 100–and that the beefed-up Padres would surely take a step forward and compete for the division title. Who here predicted that the Padres would actually step backwards? Anybody???
Heading into the playoffs, the 2023 edition of the Dodgers seems in better shape than that 111-win disappointment.
In retrospect, perhaps the best move AF made in 2023 came early, when he dealt young prospect Jacob Amaya straight up for the aging vet Miguel Rojas.
Yep!
I disagree about them being competitive under Zaidi. Their record under his leadership does not support that. He took over after the 2018 season. They finished 3rd, 3rd, 1st, 3rd and 4th. In those 4 seasons where they were 3rd or 4th, they finished a combined 84 games in back of the division winner. 2021 is the exception, and then they only won the division by one game. They, like the Dodgers, with the best record in the majors, then got bounced in the NLDS. Now you are correct that they have won without any real star power. But I don’t think finishing third three out of five years and fourth once is very competitive. One thing that they have always done is play the Dodgers very well. But they did lose the season series to them three of the five years. Zaidi will have a chance to change that. The Giants will be kicking the tires on most of the major free agents.
Let’s enjoy this year its been fun. I don’t expect guys 35 years old and older to be able to produce next year like this year. Maybe next year will be the transition year.
I totally agree David. I remember some mentioning only 85 wins, but I couldn’t say who unless I went back to blogs we did in spring and read all of the responses. I also had my doubts about how they would do and the Padres made such a big splash they were the media darlings. Hah, laugh is on them. I wouldn’t doubt that Melvin opts to get out of Dodge with all those huge ego’s down there.
TW
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPR7AUEPm/
R.I.P. Tim – the last of the breed!