- Predictably, Shohei Ohtani pitched like he had not been on the mound for two years, but in his 28 pitches, he flashed speed (100 MPH)and showed excellent control and movement. It will take some time to build him up. Two innings in the next outing will be great.
- There is no reason for the Dodgers to trade for a CF’er. Andy Pages is handling the position very well… thank you!
- Max Muncy is approaching .800 OPS while Michael Conforto is struggling to get to .600 OPS. That simply won’t cut it, and the clock is ticking.
- Dylan Cease has great stuff and mediocre results. Methinks his problem is between the ears.
- I periodically check in on Gavin Lux and Miguel Vargas. Lux is hitting .281 with a .752 OPS. I am surprised that he only has two HR in the Great American Ballpark. Vargas is at .242/.762 OPS with 10 HR for the ChiSox. He is arguably the best player on a horrible team. Luis Robert is still below .200!
- I don’t know how long the rope is for Conforto, but it can’t be much longer.
When, if Conforto is jettisoned, then why not give Ryan Ward a cup of coffee at the MLB level? This is his 6th year in the Dodgers’ system. It would have been the 7th, if not for COVID. He’s probably not going to hit, but will he do any worse than Conforto? Mostly, it’s just a salute to a guy who has spent all his career with the Dodgers. He will be 28 years old in February and will likely get a new start next year in another organization. Of course, the Dodgers could DFA Conforto, call up Feduccia, and make Rushing the LF’er for the rest of the year. - When will Mike Sirota move up to Tulsa, which is a pitcher’s league? That will be his challenge! He will likely stay with Great Lakes for a few more weeks, but so far this year (between RC and GL), he is hitting .345 with a .447 OB% and a 1.090 OPS. He strikes out at a 28% clip and has 10 HR… one every 16 ABs. This is his first year in the minors, but he is older than Hope and DePaula, and his bat is more advanced. All three of these players may be together with the Dodgers in a couple of years!
X-CITES
Happy 26th Birthday, Steve
Tomorrow is my youngest child’s birthday. He will be 26, and the Letters after his name (CEO) speak volumes. We named him CEO a year ago on his 25th birthday. Not many 26-year-olds are CEO’s of a $150 million company. I am very proud of him and that his mother and I can enjoy our retirement. 😉
I ran across his Senior Football Demo Tape today, and it reminded me that he decided to join US Water Systems upon Graduation instead of playing football.
A new day, sun is shining here fot the first time in 4 days! I had the distinct pleasure of watching ohtani with my grandson last night! he wanted to spend the night with me so we could watch him pitch. Nothing spectacular about his outing, but the magnitude of the moment was amazing! 100 with no extra effort! I will say that him being on the mound and the possibility of him getting hurt scares me. Losing that bat would be devastating! But no negative thoughts. …. What is going on with these umpires? The strike zone is as big as a wheelbarrow! As Karros said yesterday, if you don’t go full count , you don’t have to worry about it. BUT, Machado should have been rung up. Casparius was obviously upset on several non calls. To be fair, Cease was also the recipient of some questionable calls. UGLY! ABS is coming! i wasn’t sure if i would like it, but it’s got to be an improvement on some of these umpires! ….. I am really pulling for Conforto, but it looks more and more like he just isn’t going to hit enough to warrant a place on the roster. Not sure when, or if they cut ties with him. Maybe Dalton or Kim start taking all the at bats in left. …. With all these pitchers coming, the bullpen will be taxed even more. Emmit not expected to go more than 4-5 innings, Ohtani on a snail’s pace, Snell, Glasnow? i’m guessing Ben goes back to long relief at some point., but they could probably use another “yarbrough “ type in the pen. Vesia, Scott, and Yates all sharp!! Kopech is really making great strides! Just running out of gas is the biggest challenge! …. hoping for a big win today! Taking the first 2 in this series sends a message, You’re still the padres, and we’re still the Dodgers! Sit down clown!
Neither Rushing nor Kim is going to spend time in left I believe.
Here is the Umpire Scorecard:
https://x.com/UmpScorecards/status/1934982963667558575
Can someone cite me the rule on when a checked swing is a strike.
Because to my understanding, there is no definition for what is and isn’t a checked swing.
Which means arguing about it is pretty pointless.
According to my understanding of the rule, no checked swing should be ruled a swing.
MLB Rule 3.09(c) and guidance from Rule 5.09(a)(1) (formerly 6.06):
“A strike is a legal pitch when so-called by the umpire, which… is struck at by the batter and is missed.”
A checked swing is ruled a strike if:
1. The umpire believes the batter intended to swing, even if they didn’t make contact.
2. The bat breaks the front edge of home plate (a common visual cue).
3. The bat goes too far forward, usually past the batter’s front hip.
The above is not in the Rule Book, but is the Umpires’ Agreed Method for determining strikes. There is no precise line or definition—it is a judgment call by the umpire. If you go past the front edge of home plate or past the front hip (or both) it should b ruled a strike. That’s what they teach umpires.
I am pretty sure they are testing automated “check swing” validation in Single-A ball somewhere.
IIRC, it’s how far the bat/swing traverses. So bat tracking as opposed to pitch. Obviously.
Yes they will be tracking the bat. From what I’ve heard, the decision point will be the foul lines. If this is the case, a lot of current strikes will now become balls.
I think so. This is spurring my memory. It’s an angle (60 degrees maybe) that a bat has to cross.
Do you have a citation for this please?
Here’s how the experimental system works:
Hawk-Eye technology: The same system used for Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenges is being used to track the bat’s movement.
45-degree rule: The decision is based on whether the bat head crosses a plane 45 degrees ahead of the knob, aligned with the first-base line for right-handed hitters and the third-base line for left-handed hitters. If the bat head is less than 45 degrees ahead, it’s considered a no-swing.
Challenge system: Teams can challenge a checked swing call, and the Hawk-Eye system will determine the outcome based on the 45-degree threshold. A video of the Hawk-Eye determination is displayed on the ballpark video board.
Limited challenges: Each team is allowed one challenge per game, and they retain the challenge if it’s successful.
Umpire still makes initial call: The home plate umpire still makes the initial check swing call.
Potential for major league adoption: This system, like other minor league rule experiments, is not guaranteed to be implemented in the major leagues. MLB is still evaluating its effectiveness.
Not sure what producing a citation would involve.
But here is a link!
https://www.mlb.com/news/check-swing-challenge-comes-to-single-a-florida-state-league
It would let me see the rule from a source that I could evaluate. Rather than some random screen name on the internet.
From your link
“a definition of what constitutes an actual swing considering that none exists in The Official Baseball Rules beyond a pitch that “is struck at by the batter.” ”
This is what I understand the rule to be. So people wanting to crucify an umpire for ruling on a check swing and showing screen caps and videos…none of that helps since it’s not defined
It was a strike.
Something to throw out there. DFA Conforto and either Kike or Rojas. Kim becomes more of the utility player. Bring up Ward and Ruiz to man left field. This will open one spot on the 40 man roster. Okay go and start blasting this arrangement.
One can start the blasting on how I spelled Conforto.
Or just bench Conforto
I don’t get this interest in Ward, much less in Ruiz.
Is there any reason to believe they are anything but AAAA players.
Not to demean AAAA players, but the name (when evaluated correctly) conveys usage.
There are 29 other teams that could easily trade for either.
Markets prove value.
“Prove” is a strong word.
Teams frequently miss on players.
Maybe “suggest” would be better.
That no one seems to be clamoring for this guy is evidence, but not proof, that he doesn’t have what it takes to make it.
No. Markets prove value.
If you want to go into a rabbit hole on value, go with god just don’t do it here.
Of course they don’t.
Markets, being created by humans, are imperfect.
A proof, by definition, cannot be imperfect.
Moronic convoluted response, stick to valueless yet overly frequent game updates
Not really my problem if you don’t understand the concept of “proof”.
I mean, it kind of is.
I value living in a world with thoughtful and informed people.
But, you understanding “proof” isn’t worth what it would take for me to teach it to you.
If they move on from Conforto, I’d imagine it would be for a proven player at the trade deadline.
Though, Conforto is an exhibit as to how proven players aren’t sure bets.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Sheehan (elbow) will be activated from the 60-day injured list to start Wednesday’s game against the Padres, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.
“As expected, Sheehan has received clearance to make his 2025 debut for the Dodgers this week after completely his recovery from May 2024 Tommy John surgery. The right-hander was cleared to kick off his rehab assignment just over a year after the procedure and was sharp over his four outings in the minors, logging a 3.97 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 21:1 K:BB in 11.1 innings. In his most recent start for Triple-A Oklahoma City last Thursday, Sheehan tossed 3.1 innings and 63 pitches, so he’ll likely be operating with a workload restriction Wednesday. While Sheehan should be in line for multiple turns through the Dodgers’ rotation, he’ll be at risk of a move to the bullpen or a demotion to Triple-A once the likes of Tyler Glasnow (shoulder), Blake Snell (shoulder), Tony Gonsolin (elbow) and Roki Sasaki (shoulder) return from the IL”.
I would think that Snell and Glasnow would be assured of a rotation spot once they return, but I’m not sure you can say the same for Gonsolin or Sasaki.
If Sheehan is pitching really well, Gonsolin and/or Sasaki might find themselves in the bullpen, or in Roki’s case possibly at OKC.
Yamamoto
Shohei
Kershaw
Snell
Glasnow
Sheehan/Casparius/Gonsolin/Sasaki
All subject to future injuries.
All subject to future injuries.
I agree with your first 5
I’d add May to your list of possible 6’s.
My IDEAL post deadline/injuries rotation would be
Snell
Glasnow
Yamamoto
Shohei
Kershaw
Sasaki
With May and one of Casparius or Sheehan being used as floating piggybackers
For example
Week 1: Snell 18 batters faced, then May 18 batters faced. And Shohei 18 batters faced, then Casparius 18 batters faced.
Week 2: Glasnow 18 batters faced, then May 18 batters faced. And Kershaw 18 batters faced, then Casparius 18 batters faced
The 6 player rotation should keep players fresher as should limiting their starts every few turns. Using 2 piggybackers will also keep them stretched out while limiting arm barn usage twice a week.
That does require 8 starting pitchers which means only 5 relievers
Scott
Vesia
Banda or Dreyer
Yates
Kopech
Until Bazooka or Treinen are healthy. Then Dreyer or Banda has to go.
Conforto needs to go. He’s had enough time to get it figured out. Kim or Edman should be in CF with Pages in a corner. I know Teo prefers RF, but Pages should be playing there. Conforto brings nothing to this team. Defensively poor and washed up at the plate. I don’t believe Ward could be any worse.
That
ward could definitely be worse.
Someone can always be worse.
Ward hasn’t been bought ranked as a prospect.
Teams don’t seem to be clamoring to get him from the Dodgers
The Dodgers, who know him best, don’t seem to think he’s anything special.
Could he be something? Of course
I doubt it
10:10 PM ET
Padres (39-32)
Dodgers (44-29)
SP Randy Vasquez R
3-4 3.57 ERA
SP Jack Dreyer (opener)
2-2 2.78 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
SS Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
RF T. Hernandez R
3B Max Muncy L
CF Andy Pages R
LF M. Conforto L
2B Tommy Edman S
77° Wind 8 mph Out
Bullpen game today
It’s been 6 rest days for Sauer so I’d expect him to take down some batters – then get optioned for Sheehan tomorrow?
June 17, 2025
Glasnow (shoulder) went two innings and about 40 pitches in a live batting practice session Tuesday, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.”Glasnow has been battling right shoulder inflammation since late April, and he’s slowly been making steady progress in the last couple weeks. The right-hander looked “really good” in the BP session according to manager Dave Roberts, and a minor-league rehab assignment could come in the near future”.
Not the ideal start
First, the run
Second, two batters reach which means, if Sauer comes in next he’s facing the top of the order that much sooner and potentially more times
Shohei leadoff homer would be nice
Dreyer through 2 on 34 pitches.
Who’s up next to face 9-1-2?
Muncy!
(Fine. That run was mostly Smith)
And MVPages!
Just like all Dodger fans knew, unwaveringly, since opening day
Trivino first pitcher out to get #9 then the top of the order.
Ideally, he makes quick work of 6 batters. Then Sauer can start with #’s 6-8 in the order.
So much for that
Sauer time
Facing #’s 9-1-2 in the order.
Go get ’em
Changeup in the dirt
Did you see that, Bluto?
MVPages!
Since 4/20
.340/.230/147
Not sure what the people who wanted to send him down were smoking.
Dill!
Two run lead with 9 outs to get and a depleted bullpen and an unfully stretched out Sheehan tomorrow.
How many more batters will they let Sauer face?
MVPages hitting his 3rd here would really help.
Fine. Just a single. Conforto time!
Pitching change.
I’d go Kiké
Touchdown Tommy with the two-point conversion.
Put this one away Freddie.
Oof
Things went from “maybe Sauer can finish most of this game” to “Emergency!” real quick.
Mostly survived
Let’s go Scott!
re: Ohtani HBP/Roberts ejection.
Dumb
I do not think Tatis was hit on purpose
I think it’s certainly possible, maybe likely, that Ohtani was hit on purpose.
Hitting opposing batters on purpose is dumb.
The umpire’s warning was, IMO, justified.
Roberts, likely, complaining about the warning strongly suggests that the Dodgers intended to retaliate. Why else would he be upset about a warning (perhaps, maybe, because the Dodger’s pitching staff is very thin and an ejection would hurt LA more than SD)? Retaliation is dumb.
Quit throwing at hitters.
Nice, if a bit stressful, win
The early season “we need to get rid of these guys” crew performed:
10 PA, 5 hits, 2 HR.
3 BF, 1K
Ohtani 4K’s, not great. We could post hoc ergo propter hoc that to his pitching yesterday. But, that’s a fallacy.
Bullpen status
Likely out for tomorrow
Sauer
Scott
Maybe out for tomorrow
Dreyer
Trivino
Kopech
Banda
Available
Yates
Vesia
Wrobo
I would guess that Sauer gets sent down for Sheehan
Wrobo is available on 4 days rest for some bulk innings
That just leaves Yates and Vesia as moderately rested.
So, maybe Trivino goes and a fresh arm is called up.
Lots of people hate this
I like it. The extra level of strategy and problem solving.
Maybe something like this for the near, but unforeseeable, future?
6/30 OFF
6/29 (Ohtani & Casparius)
6/28 (May)
6/27 (Kershaw)
6/26 (Yamamoto)
6/25 (Wrobo)
6/24 (Sheehan)
6/23 OFF
6/22 (Ohtani & Casparius)
6/21 (May)
6/20 (Kershaw)
6/19 (Yamamoto)
6/18 (Sheehan & Wrobo)
Pages had a great game tonight, and has certainly earned the CF job. A lot of us were skeptical early this season wand preferred him in a corner, but his improvement has been obvious. He’ll deserve all-star votes–and will perhaps bump Teo from the team.
But Pages’s success in CF doesn’t mean the brass shouldn’t seek an upgrade to Conforto.
But who?
–Rushing is untested in the OF in The Show. Bringing up Feduccia to be a third catcher could work, but seems unlikely to me. I’d like to see Rushing get some starts in LF–but he hasn’t so far, so why would Roberts and the brain trust experiment now?
–Ryan Ward has certainly earned consideration, but it’s obvious the brass thinks his skills (especially his defense) are limited. While a promotion would be nice, I think “nice” would seem out of character for this front office. The Dodgers should deal him to a team that could add him to their DH mix.
Outman, conspicuously (and humorously) omitted from Mark’s consideration, has been the “taxi squad” 27th player. In fact, he’s been on the 26-man roster twice this season. Outman has hit nearly as well as Ward in OKC and can provide quality defense across the OF. Sorry fearless leader, but Outman remains the obvious candidate on the 40-man roster to replace Conforto.
–But perhaps the Dodgers deal for an outfielder. Several should be on the market. I still like Mullins is an obvious fit as the O’s will be sellers. I suspect that Red Sox, having dealt Devers, will want to hang on to Duran’s offense. The O’s also have a proven 4th OF type in Laureano that wouldn’t cost much.
Who else could be on the market?
BTW, I think Shohei’s debut was better than commonly believed.
Pages came thisclose to catching Tatis’s bloop single, and yes, Machado got a gift from the first-base ump. That easily could have been two outs. If Shohei had kept his pitch count below 20, maybe he’d have pitched another inning.
I think anyone who watched Shohei, thought he was TERRIFIC!. A bloop hit, a poke to left by Arreaz and a poke to shallow center by Machado for the SF. The throw up the line otherwise Tatis out. A little wild, certainly amped up. Can’t wait to see him again
Ohtani already has 90 Ks in only one inning pitched, but those are as a hitter. Conforto has 20 less, so I guess that’s why he is still on the roster. That and the fact that he has little trade value. Keeping O in leadoff when his tremendous power could be driving in runs behind a few guys who don’t strike out as much. But as Mark said, he has always been leadoff.
We are wearing out our BP. AS break can’t come soon enough. Last night we outhit the Pods and pitching was good enough to win 8-6.
Big Don would be proud of the pitchers. They have to defend their hitters
Hitting the best players seem to be the plan for both teams. DHs have been tremendous for baseball but pitchers batting would alleviate a lot of bruises..
This rivalry is eclipsing Yanks- Sox quickly. This is baseball at its finest and most exciting. Sheehan starts tonight. He sounded confident in the interview.