I have heard a few Dodger fans say that maybe the Dodgers made a mistake in signing Roki Sasaki and Hyeseong Kim. Of course, Kim was sent to OKC at the end of Spring Training to work on his hitting. It’s early, but last night he was 2-4 with two walks and 4 RBI, as he hit a double and a triple. It’s way too early to say he is going to be great or a bust, and to even think that is beyond silly! First of all, Kim signed for three years and $12 million. It’s not like the Dodgers’ future is riding on him. I have no opinion on him… yet. I know he is gifted defensively, but can he hit? We shall find out. He is but one tool that the Dodgers have in their large tool belt.
The same is largely true of Roki Sasaki. The Dodgers are paying him the MLB minimum. He is young and maybe has a case of nerves, but what’s the worst that can happen? Maybe he is a bust, maybe he has to go down to OKC. Maybe he will never be what we thought… but maybe he will. The Dodgers are off to a 5-0 start without Kim and Sasaki contributing. Max Muncy and Andy Pages have yet to get untracked. Shohei Ohtani, Tony Gonsolin, Clayton Kershaw, Emmet Sheehan, Nick Frasso, Justin Wrobleski, Bobby Miller and other options are available in case Sasaki faulters..
Some things will work out… to the good or to the bad. That’s why they play the game. Don’t get hung up on a couple of players. Look at the overall composition of this team and realize that the Dodgers have Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, Plan D, and on and on. Don’t worry, be happy. Play Ball! BTW, Michael Conforto looks to be quite a find for the Dodgers.
I’ll say one thing… the Dodgers bullpen looks to be nails and then Phillips and Kopech are soon due back. Wow! Got in late last night to see the final couple of innings. No game today. We are going to Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, and other places today. There are 14 of us in two AirBnB’s. We are staying at 515 Lakeshore Dr. In Fullerton. It’s a little chilly, but it’s Disneyland tomorrow. Then, the Dodgers game on April 1st.
I want the Dodgers to send Roki down to AAA for a month to get his mechanics ironed out. He was very wild and missing off the plate far and away. He’s only 23 and needs to take his time developing and transitioning into the highest level of baseball before he wrecks his confidence.
Sasaki said he’s still getting used to the MLB ball. He didn’t have control issues in Japan, so between nerves, possibly trying to hard and a different ball, it might take some time. Whether that’s best spent with the Dodgers or AAA is TBD.
Yeah, the only mistake might be not starting him in AAA. Maybe if Gonsolin was ready he would’ve.
Depending on time and transportation options I would suggest going a few miles north to Hermosa Beach, their downtown section is right on the beach has some very good restaurants and bars.
As to Sasaki, I agree and think nerves were a big part of yesterday as the majority of his pitches were completely non-competitive and easy for the batter to ignore.
The length of the Dodger lineup is just daunting must be somewhat stressful to the opposing pitcher(s), which puts a lot of pressure on them to try and be perfect, or worse yet for them, too cautious.
Once Kopech and Phillip return WHO, besides Garcia goes down?
I really like Casparius and Dreyer and think both of them will become top-tier relievers.
It’s a good question. If it’s Dreyer, you tell him he’ll be back. He can commiserate with Knack and Wrobleski.
We ended last season ALMOST out of pitchers [I didn’t think Buehler was coming in], so a little overkill is understandable. Maybe rotating IL stints to keep guys fresh.
Add Duran to the list of names to follow.
We are seeking a multi-inning bullpen guy since they are using Casparius for one inning.
Miller, Gonsolin, Frasso . . .
The Dodgers are 5-0 and Ohtani, May, Glasnow, Kershaw, Gonsolin, Phillips, Kopech, and Bazooka haven’t even pitched yet. Just an embarrassment of riches.
I am not embarrassed, Iam happy.
Who is saying those signings were mistakes?
Whoever it is (if any), they’re morons.
If it’s a bit of fudging by our esteemed author to generate some creative inspiration, well, I remain unperturbed.
“Sasaki had a bad game!!! OMG!”
I don’t care.
“Mookie had a stomach ache! He needs to see a gastroenterologist immediately! OMG!”
I don’t care.
I’m not going to sweat Roki missing the strike zone in March. Even worst case scenario – he develops an anxiety disorder and can’t throw strikes, his arm falls off, whatever, and is a “bust,” it’s not like the Dodgers don’t have Gonsolin, May, Miller and Kershaw lying around.
Everything that happens right now means nothing.
The only thing that matters – the ONLY thing – is that the team is at full strength and FRESH in September and October.
Actually, Mookie breaking his hand last year was a blessing. It allowed him to have some time off, build up again and be physically and mentally peaking at the right time.
It’s a long season. A player can’t be at his peak both mentally and physically for that long. You just wear down at the end.
I hope Glasnow and other players get “injuries” in the middle of the year. It will enable them to stretch out in August and peak in September.
Will Kim hit MLB hitting? I dunno, but Edman’s a stud out there so I’m not worried about it.
The blogs are out there where you can read what some fans are saying, and I have described it accurately.
The best thing that happened when Mookie broke his hand last Farther’s Day was Ohtoni became the leadoff hitter in the lineup and broke up the two back to back lefties of Ohtoni and Freeman when Mookie returned in August batting second.
I love Edman at second but if Kim hits his way to becoming the second baseman, I like Edman in CF.
Freeland might also hit his way onto the Dodgers.
Having a couple of guys pushing those trying to keep their spots on the 26 is fun to watch.
I believe Freeland will be the Dodgers’ SS in 2026 with Mookie moving to 2B after winning his only Gold Glove at SS.
I’m not exactly sure where all of this excitement over Freeland comes from.
Last year he played at 3 levels and each time he was promoted, his numbers got worse.
At OKC, in a so-called hitter’s league he had a .243 average and a .731 OPS.
I think he has great promise and is still fairly young, but I’m not ready to hand him a starting infield job next year until he shows me some better numbers at AAA.
Switch-hitter. Plays SS, 3B, 2B. Power, some speed & defense. 80 intangibles. Ballplayer.
That’s why I’m rooting for him, but he has to do better than .243 at AAA.
Those are qualities that make him a good prospect, but not a sure thing starter at the MLB level.
From what I’ve read, Freeland seems to have a high floor but a low ceiling. Should be a solid major leaguer–but not an all-star.
But Freeland is a true SS. And I assume he’s got a stronger arm than Gavin Lux, who was supposed to be a true SS…. but just started in LF for the Reds.
Will Freeland play SS for the Dodgers next season? It might depend on Mookie’s druthers. If Mookie wants to move off SS, Freeland should have a shot–but Edman is an option too.
Come 2026, Rojas and Taylor could be replaced by Freeland and Kim, and Barnes could be replaced by Rushing.
With an unusual Sunday offday for the Dodgers today,Bobby Miller is on the mound for Oklahoma City today making his first start since being hit in the head early in Spring training.The game is 3:05PM ET.
Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Huntingdon, Newport , I love those places. Stayed at Redondo last visit. Enjoy yourself Mark, sounds like a great family day.
Was thinking it must be the ball with Sasaki, he didn’t have any control issues back home.
What a great start to the season.
Bobby Miller sent 4.2 innings and allowed 2 hits. Zero runs. I call it progress
Very nice
Hit 99
Very sad day for me, our drummer, Butch Klipp, passed away this evening at age 70. We have been friends and fishing buddies for about 40 years.
Sorry for your loss, Bear.
Sorry, Bear.
I feel your pain. At our age, they drop like flies.
Hang in there Bear. So sorry for your loss.
Thank you, guys. I have to go over to his house tomorrow and help his wife with notifying his friends and some family members.
awful. My condolenses.
I’m sorry to hear that, Bear. You’re a good friend, being willing to help his wife with a very difficult job. I hope it goes well and helps both of you to process the loss.
Way too early to fret about Sasaki and Kim. Both are super-talented young guys who are making big transitions in their lives.
Meanwhile, the Padres moved to 4-0 with a one-hit beatdown of the mighty Braves. Tatis Jr and Merrill are both batting over .460.
Fuck ’em
Yeah!
LA does not play them until June. They won’t be undefeated by then and neither Merrill or Tatis Jr. will be hitting over .400.
I know it’s only 5 games, but Chris Taylor has not appeared in any of them,not even as a defensive replacement. The 26th man on the 26 man roster is appropriate.
Ouch. Pretty hard for Taylor to prove he doesn’t suck if he can’t get into a game.
Speaking of defense, have the Dodgers made any errors yet?
NO errors in the five games played thus far.
There are 6 teams that have no errors. The Dodgers are one of the six.
The D-Bags have 6! YIKES!
Chris “The Janitor” Taylor
I don’t want to jinx it so I’m not going to give you details but I may have a very cool interview tomorrow at the game.
I also may have 4 extra tickets to the game tomorrow
NO Profar tonight because he has been suspended 80 games for a banned substace.He probably was using it while with San Diego with his enhanced stats last year..
The Dodgers lineup for Monday’s game vs Braves. Freddie Freeman is out of the lineup:
1. Shohei Ohtani DH
2. Mookie Betts SS
3. Teoscar Hernandez RF
4. Michael Conforto LF
5. Will Smith C
6. Tommy Edman 2B
7. Max Muncy 3B
8. Kiké Hernandez 1B
9. Andy Pages CF
Freeman had a “mishap” while showering Saturday night according to manager Dave Roberts, resulting in an apparent aggravation of his formerly sprained right ankle, which hasn’t completed healed yet. The first baseman is dealing with some swelling, so Los Angeles opted to rest him Monday. Freeman can be considered day-to-day for the time being, while Enrique Hernandez will handle first base in the series opener with Atlanta.
10:10 PM ET
Braves (0-4)
Dodgers (5-0)
SP Grant Holmes R
0-0 .00 ERA
SP Tyler Glasnow R
0-0 .00 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
SS Mookie Betts R
RF T. Hernandez R
LF M. Conforto L
C Will Smith R
2B Tommy Edman S
3B Max Muncy L
1B E. Hernandez R
CF Andy Pages R
59° Wind 14 mph Out
Glad they moved Muncy down in the lineup.
This team is good.
The Braves announced that right-hander Reynaldo López was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to March 29, due to right shoulder inflammation. Fellow righty Bryce Elder has been recalled as the corresponding move. Per Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Elder will take Wednesday’s start in place of López.
Got back from LA last night.
What a fantastic 3 games vs Detroit to opening the season at home.
Everything was top notch. At the stadium this year they have whats called “Go-Ahead Entry” all you do is take a selfie on your phone and walk right in. Worked liked a charm. Always love being at Dodger stadium and this was special to see the banner raised and them get their rings with wife and son and his GF,
Also took a few “driver-less” cars. They are called Waymos, pretty wild, but honestly they are better than most LA drivers. They are only in 3 cities, LA, SF, and Phoenix. If your in LA try it out (they dont go to Dodger stadium).
Have fun Mark, looking forward to see who the interview is with.
This team is Good DAM Good!
Ballsy. You have Waymo guts than I do.
Was nervous at first, but with the amount of cameras and tech that car has, made you feel pretty safe and was a smooth ride…and you dont have to tip!!!
We had one pull-up by us at a stoplight. There were people in the crosswalk that confused it for a while… but nobody died.
I was just in Vegas and saw some driverless cars. Square-shaped. Are those Waymos?
probably testing out a new market. I had never heard of em before this trip. But Id take em again….
Pages looked ok last night.