Last year when Corey Seager went down with Tommy John Surgery, it was immediately known that he would miss the rest of the season. Thus, the Manny Machado trade. It now appears that Corey will be out a month… maybe less, so there is absolutely NO WAY the Dodgers are going to trade for ANY shortstop, let alone anyone named Lindor. It ain’t happening! Comparing last season to this season is like comparing apples to oranges.
Doc will keep rolling Kike and CT3 out there and in about 10 days, we will know the answer – the will either rise to the task… or not. Alex, JT and Cody are all hitting again as is Mad Max. And… as long as they don’t use him too much, Mr. Freese is pretty dang good. The Dodgers should weather this storm. The Dodgers have four players with and OPS over .900, which is considered “upper echelon” for hitters: Freese, Bellinger, Muncy and Pederson. JT could be there soon and Corey was also headed that way before his injury.
The silver lining to this is that Corey could be rested and stronger for the playoffs after missing a year and CT3 and Kike might get their swings back. That’s the best we can hope for, but even if they don’t the Dodgers have enough hitting to be fine. It appears that Matt Beaty and Freese will platoon at 1B… or some such thing.
At any rate, that was a very nice game last night against the team that is expected to challenge the Dodgers for the NL Championship. Frankly, I don’t think they will. Of course, the Dodgers are #1 in pitching in the NL with a 3.32 team ERA. They are also #1 in starter ERA at 2.84, while the bullpen is tied with the Cubs for #8 at 4.24. I would still like to acquire an arm or two, but I think the existing staff will improve. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. After all, Joe Kelly can’t get any worse… can he?
Dodger Rants and Raves
- The Dodgers drove Jon Lester’s ERA up to 4.08. He’s allegedly the Cubs ace. Since last year’s All-Star Game, Lester’s ERA is well over 4.00. Lester will be 36 in January and is owed $45,000,000 over 2020 and 2021. Methinks this contract will be a boat anchor on the Cubs.
- I still think Alex Verdugo is best utilized at leadoff. Just my opinion.
- Yasmani Grandal is hitting .283 with 15 HR and a .937 OPS for Milwaukee this year. He’s playing like the best catcher in baseball. PERIOD! I’m just saying… Bumsrap likes to rag on me, but right here, right now, he’s the player I expected. I’m glad for him. That said, maybe he’s someone who can’t play in LA.
Minor League Report by DC
DSL Dodgers Shoemaker 8 – DSL Indians/Brewers 7
Starter Benony Robles (18) and reliever Stivin Gutierrez (17) pitched a total of seven innings leaving with an 8-4 lead. Robles gave up one run while Gutierrez gave up three. Right-hander Alex Acevedo (18) pitched a scoreless eighth inning but ran into a buzz saw in the top of the ninth giving up three runs and leaving with two outs and a possible tying run on second base. Right-hander Carlos Rodriguez (20) picked up the save with a ground out for the third out.
Offensively the Dodgers scored in the third though the sixth inning with four in the sixth. Left fielder Juan Diaz(17) hit his first home run of the season in the fifth inning. DH Marlon Cairo (23) and shortstop Bladimir De La Rosa both had two hits and two runs batted in.
DSL Dodgers Bautista 1 – DSL Astros 3
Jermig Rosario (17) and Denverick Martines (18) in his debut pitched a scoreless three innings while Rafael Tua (17) and Heisell Baro (17) did not fare quite as well giving up a combined three runs in their five innings pitched.
At the plate the Dodgers had only three singles.
Great Lakes Loons 2 – Lake County Captains 4 (Cleveland)
In a rain shortened game the Loons came out on the short end of a 4-2 score. Stephen Kolek started for Great Lakes and gave up four runs in four innings. Two in the third came across after second baseman Jacob Amaya muffed a sure double play ball. The two in the fourth inning came on a single and a no doubter home run by Captains catcher, Bo Naylor. Mark Washington in his season debut pitched a clean fifth inning.
The Loons first run came in on a Luke Heyer home run in the third and the second on a Niko Hulsizer single in the top of the sixth inning. Unfortunately the game was halted at that point with one out and Loons on first and second with Jair Camargo at the plate.
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 8 – Lake Elsinore Storm 14 ( San Diego)
Quakes pitchers Michael Grove and Wills Montgomerie were big contributors to the Storm hit parade giving up four and eight runs respectively over 5.2 innings. Sven Schueller and Bryan Warzek each chimed in with an earned run in their inning while Wes Helsabeck escaped further injury with a clean 1.1 innings pitched.
At the plate the Quakes scored in each inning from the third through the seventh and did have 12 hits but also struck out 12 times. Donovan Casey had three hits while Nick Yarnell and Bryan Morales each had two. Jeter Downs hit his 11th home run, a two-run shot in the sixth inning.
Tulsa Drillers 6 – Frisco RoughRiders 1 (Texas)
The Drillers got off to a quick start with six runs through four innings courtesy of a Keibert Ruiz two-run home run in the second inning and three runs in the third inning on a Chris Parmalee double and a Christian Santana single. Zach McKinstry brought in an additional run in the fourth inning with a sac fly. Santana finished with three hits and two runs batted in.
Ben Holmes started and gave up a run in the first inning but no more over five innings on six hits and six strikeouts. Andre Scrubb and Chris Nunn finished the sweep of the RoughRiders with two scoreless innings apiece. Tulsa pitchers allowed just 2 runs and 18 hits in the three-game sweep.
OKC Dodgers 10 – Albuquerque Isotopes 0 (Colorado)
Dennis Santana started for the Dodgers and got plenty of early support. On his part he struggled a bit but prevailed giving up no runs but four hits and a season high five walks. He stranded seven runners in scoring position. The OKC bullpen of Joe Broussard, Zac Rosscup, Stetson Allie and Jaime Schultz covered the final four innings and allowed two hits, with two walks and six strikeouts.
The offense kicked into high gear in the first inning on a Will Smith home run. A gift run came home in the second inning on a bases-loaded walk to Blake Gailen. Things broke loose with a six-run fourth inning when seven consecutive Dodgers reached base. Cameron Perkins kicked off the festivities with a home run followed by a two-run single by pitcher Dennis Santana and a second two-run single by Zach Reks who scored on a sac fly by Will Smith. Connor Joe roped a two-run double with the bases loaded and two outs in the seventh inning to complete the scoring.
Yes, Grandal is having a good year. He is very good except when he is not. Same with Joc except for the catching a throw thing and BABIP.
The biggest plate of crow that I have ordered up several times has to do with Muncy. I am now a believer. No more trade high thoughts; he is a keeper.
Lux still has a chance of appearing in games for the Dodgers while Seager is out IMHO.
If history repeats, his numbers will drop faster than panties on prom night. His numbers will drop faster than balls from his glove in a playoff game. You can take that to the bank.
Grandal is a shocker. He has never been this consistent. He has had streaks. It appears he is another who can’t handle the bright lights but more power to him except against the Dodgers. As far as lindor you are right we will not get him. But why, he is a fantastic player, rh, can hit and run as well as play defense. He is a player every team would like to have long term. He wouldn’t have to replace seager but be in addition to seager. Would you rather have him at second or kike and Taylor? He might not be receptive to that but he might AF would know.
Probably nobody would want him but if they did I would include Barnes in a trade for a reliever. Will smith may never hit but he might. Sorry to say I have given up on Barnes. I trust AF to make the right decision on bringing smith up. AF is not going to rush smith but Barnes is another one we could trade and never miss.
Lester is no more an ace than kershaw is. They are both very good but their best days are behind them. I give kershaw props for hanging tough last night. Bellinger had a great game and nice to see him break out again. This is a preview of two potential World Series teams. The cubs don’t have any excuses except we’ll the Dodgers.
Tulsa Drillers All-Stars:
This year’s game will be played at Tulsa’s ONEOK Field on June 25 and will include some of the top prospects in Minor League Baseball, including eight players from the hometown Tulsa Drillers.
The eight Tulsa representatives who will play for the North Division in the contest are Keibert Ruiz, Gavin Lux, Cristian Santana, Zach McKinstry, Cody Thomas, Chris Parmelee, Dustin May and Shea Spitzbarth.
We expect Ruiz, Santana, May, Thomas, Lux to be all-stars. I am most pleased when a Zach McKinstry, Chris Parmalee and Shea Spitzbarth get recognized. When we read game reports McKinstry and Parmalee always seem to be in the middle of something. Shea seems to be on the edge, pitching well, but not yet quite consistent enough. He was signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2015 out of Molloy College.
I don’t think Barnes will be traded. I suspect the dodgers will try to keep three MLB level catchers to allow for the inevitable injury.
This year it is Barnes and Martin with Smith riding the insurance shuttle. Next year Barnes and Smith with Ruiz on the shuttle for injuries.
With smaller more athletic type catchers I suspect we will stay with a 60/40 tandem if possible as we expect to play deep into October every year.
You don’t trade the main catcher on the league’s best pitching staff.
He doesn’t have to hit much, but I think he will raise his BA. His OB% is .322 so that’s not horrible.
Your probably right about Barnes but smith may be better. AF, doc, and the pitchers can answer this. If they were all comfortable and I believe smith has a better arm it might give us more value. If they determine smith is ready it looks like he has more upside than Barnes. Barnes is adequate but if they think are team will get better I hope they go for it. Martin is like freese be careful with use. If he makes it to the playoffs healthy he could very well be our starter.
One reason Barnes will not likely be traded this year even if they think Smith is better is next year. We need both Barnes and Smith next year as our catching tandem.
Once Ruiz shows he is ready to play regularly in MLB then it is time for the discussion. That will likely be in 2021. Barnes will be in his 2nd arb year at that time. If Ruiz needs more time then Barnes is here until free agency. (Subject to new CBA)
For the next 2 – 3years look for Barnes to be in LA and playing regularly
I coach little league with another guy who has a really big heart.
Last weekend our leadoff batter had a big day with several huge hits. Our #8 hitter struck out in every at bat. My buddy comes over to me after the game and says “Next game I’m switching those two players in the lineup. I noticed our #8 guy crying after that last strikeout. He needs a shot of confidence so I’ll bat him leadoff. Our leadoff guy had a great day at the plate so he’s already feeling pretty good about himself.”
As I was trying to process his logic, it suddenly dawned on me that this was a total Dave Roberts move. As an outside observer, it sure feels like Roberts is thinking “Kike and CT3 need to know I believe in them so even though they strike out every at bat, I’m going to bat them leadoff. Verdugo’s been performing well, but I need to make him feel like he has more to prove so I’ll continue to slot him lower in the lineup than even the OKC callups…”
Interesting take. Great reasoning.
I strongly doubt that Doc’s thinking that Kike and CT3 need to know he believes in them is more important than feeling they are letting down their teammates. The chemistry is developed with the players not with Doc. Doc is just doing his job. He didn’t choose these players, he was given them to manage and make sure things are running smoothly. He cannot insure this through his own thinking. It is totally up to the player to manifest talent. Some just don’t have what it takes and some just have enough to tread water.
As I’ve said before, the Dodgers have so much talent that the water treaders don’t represent a threat to their winning ways. Sometimes a player is just good for defense. Taylor may be one of those, but Kike has proven in the last two years that he can be an offensive force. Taylor has been terrible for the last 2 years. How much more time does one give a player to prove themselves? It’s the same story every year. With Grandal, he slumped both offensively and defensively here. So, he’s gone and no one really misses him. He was more frustrating than satisfying. And, when you have 2 players that were under team control at low salaries and then start to climb to the 3.5M level, the real evaluation will begin and the debate of value comes in, ‘are we getting our money’s worth from them?’
I agree that Kike and CT3 are good for their defense. If they must be in the lineup, why should they bat leadoff when they strike out so often? What do you think is the reasoning for them hitting leadoff?
Doc, and only Doc.
I’m with you on Barnes. I wouldn’t miss him if someone was willing to take him for a setup guy. Catching is a need around the league and he’s serviceable. It’s not that I hate him or anything. He’s kinda like the invisible man for me this year. He does just enough where he’s not in the cross hairs, but not enough to get noticed. Will Smith can step right in to fill his shoes.
As far as Lindor goes, of course you can use a guy like that. He’s elite. But, to put him at second base is a disservice to him and the prospect cost will be huge. The bullpen is the glaring need and Muncy is going to play second base most of the time when Pollock comes back as long as Joc and Alex continue to hit.
Seager getting the injury prone label. He kinda looks fragile. Dodgers need to get him healthy and robust. Want to see the ball jumping off his bat and blasting holes in the fences…the way it used to.
I would say that Corey was there – the ball was jumping:
The last 15 games he was hitting .411 with .459 OB% and .732 Slg%
The past 7 games was .500 BA, .516 OB% and .700 Slg%.
That’s pretty dang good.
Seemed like the mph off the bat wasn’t as high as it used to be though. Though to be honest I don’t really know. Maybe it’s always been around 88 MPH. He’s definitely been hitting it where they aint though.
The league average is 88.9 mph.
Corey is ripped. You can see the power and agility in his body. Injury prone is not necessarily related to the shape someone is in. Hamstrings, ACL’s are accident related. So is getting hit by pitches. There is only so much an athlete can do to avoid injuries. There is no science of injury prevention to athletes. Some are ironmen, some are not. No accounting for bad luck.
Does anyone remember a few days ago when Corey ate it at 1st base? Same leg took the brunt of the spill. Seems related.
Anyways, the ball was jumping off his bat before he went down. Not really concerned in the near term, he looked pretty close to his old self before this. So many guys have hammy injuries. It’s part of the game.
On the other hand, he’s never had a normal Spring Training either. Let’s hope this isn’t becoming a pattern.
59, I thought the same thing. When Seager came down weird on/off that 1st base bag, I thought he did some serious damage to himself!
Ranking the TOP DEFENSIVE OUTFIELDS in MLB by The Athletic:
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
We ranked the Dodgers infield the best and we could have rated their outfield as the best, too — if we rated them strictly off Defensive Runs Saved.
Cody Bellinger has been out-of-this-world good in right field. We made a mistake not including him among the best outfield arms. He’s saved 19 runs in the outfield this season, six with his arm (both best in MLB). Of the 32 baserunners who could have taken an extra base on a ball he fielded, more have been thrown out directly by him (7) than advanced (6). That’s outstanding.
He’s not the only good one.
Alex Verdugo has eight defensive runs saved spaced out across all three positions. Chris Taylor and Joc Pederson have done all right. The thing to consider is just how good they might be if A.J. Pollock was healthy. Pollock, normally highly-rated for his range and positioning, albeit with a poor-rated arm, actually cost them five runs before going on the injured list.
Most Defensive Runs Saved – 2019 Outfields
Dodgers: 28
Twins: 23
Rays: 21
Astros: 21
Giants: 17
Brewers: 16
Would Pollock be better served playing LF, with his bad arm? Verdugo looks fantastic in CF
Probably.
Yes, I don’t see Pollock as an elite defenseman. The speed could also be gone that he once exhibited in his younger days. Verdugo, Belli, and Taylor are a great defensive tandem, for sure. Joc has neither speed nor the arm for defensive elite level.
Thank you Jeff. I get so sick of the Pollack for everything argument. He isn’t some savior for this team and never was. Damaged goods that keep getting damaged is all he was. Yes, he will get a hit here and there, but they team really doesn’t need him back. Look what they have done with him out. Trade him, I say. There are players who have worn the Blue much longer that deserve more of a shot than him. Cold hard truth.
Put pollock in left and use verdugo, Taylor, kike in center. Play the hot hand.
Put pollack on the trading block and promote Beaty full time.
Agreed on putting Pollock in LF if Joc continues to sink. Give CF to Verdugo. He has earned it. In any case, I think our outfield is covered.
Question…….Mark, AC or DC…..How do minor league managers feel about their star players being brought up to play periodically for the big team? I know they want the best for their players and their main goal is preparing the players for that opportunity, but do the managers ever rebel against losing their players right at the minor leagues playoff time. This might be considered a moronic question.
I don’t have a good answer from actual experience or knowledge but the minor league system serves at least two purposes. One is to support, develop, grow the major league team. If it was not for that goal I expect minor league teams would not be affiliated with MLB teams.
Secondly the goal is to develop players for MLB baseball, personal development to become as good as they can become, which hails back to purpose number one. Winning a minor league championship is important in that it helps players know what it is like to win and what must be done to win. However, winning at the minor league level is secondary. I expect the biggest reward for minor league coaches is to see their players advance regardless of the timing. That is a testament to their success as coaches. A promotion the day before a big game would not be frowned upon, at least in my opinion, but the promotion would be celebrated. Imagine the manager going to Zach Reks the day before a championship game and saying to Zach or some other player, “Pack your bags, you are going to Los Angeles.” I believe that at that moment all that matters is the player, not the team winning or losing a championship.
If people pay for a ticket to go see the playoff games in the minor leagues, then of course it should be important, out of respect for the fans since many cities do not have a major league team, it does not take away that joy of living an championship
Not Moronic, but there’s two things at work:
1. The good and advancement of the player; and
2. The fact a manager may want to make his record as good as possible and win a championship, for his own career advancement!
It’s like the definition of “mixed emotions:” Seeing your mother-in-law drive off a cliff in your new Mercedes!
A manager like John Shoemaker may look at it entirely different than a manager like Drew Saylor (which is part of the reason he is gone). Everyone has some “selfish interests.”
Thanks Mark. I just wondered if sometimes they got upset.
Thank you both, DC and Jorge for your input and I understand what you both said. I am sure the manager is thrilled for their players to move up. They do a great job in the minor leagues in my opinion. It was just a curious question is all and I appreciate the time you took to answer. Go Blue.
I know that I am late to the show on this. But both the team and management are as excited as can be when one of theirs is promoted. There is never any animosity and rarely if ever any envy as they all believe that one day it will be their turn.
Very rarely does a team in the playoffs pull a player up before the playoffs are done. The only reason a player would be called up and miss the playoffs is because he was needed to take the place of an injured player on the ML roster. The MLB team can wait the few days of the MiLB playoffs to pull a player up in September. The City, fans, team ownership, team and field management, and players all want to win a championship at any level. The ML team also knows how valuable that feeling of winning a championship is.
Thanks AC. Makes sense. I also think it is a credit to the Minor League managers when a player is called up and I am sure they are proud of it. Just ignore my questioning, lol.
Those are very good questions and I know AC appreciates them in a way few can.
Great questions, that most can only speculate on. Mark is right, I do appreciate the questions.
Eight years ago I interviewed Tom Seidler, (Peter O’Malley’s nephew and Walter O’s grandson), who at the time was owner of the Cal League Arizona Diamondback affiliate Visalia Rawhide. I went there for the purpose of seeing what it was like to be the grandson of the man that brought the Dodgers out west and he had a lot of great stories to tell in that regard, but on the topic of losing players through advancement up the ranks of the minors, he pretty much said that as a Minor League owner, it was understood that he’d lose his best through advancement. And he was okay with that, even if it could hurt him in the standings and at the gate. That’s just part of the drill. He also received substantial funding from the Big League affiliate, so it was accepted.
I looked up his quote on it and it looks like the portion on that topic about the fan reaction to player promotions was what made it past editing. Here is a snippet:
“asked how fans react when players move on and advance through the ranks, leaving a competing Visalia team high and dry, Seidler said, ‘The fans understand and accept it. They take pride in players that advance to the big leagues and that they went through here.’ He points out the photos of Visalia greats on the outfield walls. Amongst them were Vada Pinson, Kirby Puckett, Tom Kelly and even umpire Doug Harvey…’We have our own little Hall of Fame.'”
If you’re interested in reading the whole piece, I can provide the link. The old blog is inactive now, but it’s still available to read. Oh, almost forgot. Tom Seidler is now with the Padres, having purchased the team with the O’Malley ownership group. A hard working guy that worked his way up through the ranks in the Dodgers minor league system administration before Peter sold the club, then he moved on and purchased Stockton and then Visalia in the Cal League.
I wonder if the Dodgers will rethink moving urias back into the rotation. He seems to be getting more comfortable in the pen. He could be a hader type very versatile. I don’t know how this fits with keeping him healthy. Is it harder on him physically to come out of the pen or to be in the rotation? I know the team thinks the way they are using him now is helpful. But, if they were to take the gloves off would the pen be more stressful? I just wonder if they are considering that. He has reverse splits at this point but it could solve the need for a lefty. I mean would you rather have him or Alexander? I am only talking about this season. A playoff rotation of buehler, ryu, kershaw, and hill would be pretty good. Of course, urias could be a dominant starter.
In the playoffs a bullpen of Baez, Kelly, maeda, and Jansen from the right side and Ferguson, urias from the left side would be pretty darn good if all were performing as capable. A lot cheaper that way so I am sure they are considering it. You might also throw stripling in there. Of course they could matchup with urias in the rotation if they felt it was necessary. What a tremendously talented staff. One really good reliever would make this pen dominate somebody like hand. Not just because hand is good but he would take the pressure off the rest which might allow them to relax and perform.
He was the top lefty prospect in MLB not long ago and he’s had a lot of success as a starting pitcher. He’s only pitching out of the pen to “protect him” with an innings limit. Once he hit’s their magic number, he will be back in the rotation. You can bet the farm that’s the way they’re going with this.
Of course it sounds good to use him Andrew Miller or Josh Hader style. But, that’s risky for his health and neither of those guys are the starter that Julio is.
Urias is getting stretched out for a bullpen game where he goes 4 or 5 innings. Soon enough he will swap spots with Maeda and they will need another leftie in the pen. I think (hope) Alex and Caleb can handle the role because I highly doubt they pay the price for Hand.
I don’t believe the Dodgers will move Urias into the rotation. Especially, while the starters are going strong. As a #5, Maeda will usually forego the rotation and be moved into the BP, but other than injury, I don’t see Urias starting this season. He’s much more valuable in the BP.
Those of you who want Verdugo towards the top of the lineup get your wish today.
Peterson
Verdugo
Turner
Bellinger
Muncy
Taylor
Beaty
Martin
Hill
Not the same as batting leadoff, but close.
I hope Beaty proves me wrong, but I’d rather have Freese in there instead of Beaty.
Finally they put Muncy where he should be, behind Cody. Max is projecting for 37 bombs and 98 RBI, Cody 51 and 133, Joc for 42 HR’s. Along with JT, Alex and Freese the team can handle injuries to AJ and Corey offensively. CT3 is going to play a lot at SS and Kike needs to get his approach dialed in if he wants more PT. I suggest he watch video of Freese and JT who let fastballs get deep and drive them the other way off RHP unlike Kike who is pull happy and flails at sliders that break outside. I like Alex being up on top too-long overdue but he’s a rookie.
It might not matter because this Dodger offense rocks, but we might be weak at the bottom. That’s why I like Verdugo preferably 6th or 7th to drive in runs before the catcher and pitcher spots come up.
I’d like to see Freese in there instead of Beaty.
Hopefully I’m proven wrong.
Beaty is a 4A player, CT3’s approach is not much better than Kike’s-especially when he takes fastball strikes then flails at breaking balls out of the zone and Martin holds his own at the plate but like Freese is older and Doc won’t push them. One could hope the guys at the bottom take their walks and don’t hit into DP’s and Hill is just asked to sacrifice.
I think you might be underestimating Beaty. He looks like a solid bench guy who could hit .275-.280 with no true defensive position.
If Joc leads off the game with a blast, then Verdugo will in effect be batting lead-off in the 1st. Of course, if he and Joc were hitting in reverse, then Joc could hit a 2-run homer in the 1st.
Actually hitting #2 might be Verdugo’s ideal spot. He’s got the kind of bat control that plays well at #2. Probably six of one and half a dozen of the other. At this point I’m just happy to see him hitting at the top of the lineup.
And, of course, we wouldn’t want to hinder Joc with his ZERO stolen bases this year.
I tend to think that our Home Runs are wasted on Solo Shots with Joc. Hitting 1st may get you one run, but if he hit lower the potential is for much more run production. Hell, using Docs logic, you might as well leadoff with Bellinger. With the pitcher hitting 9th, it has always been the best way to leadoff with a high obs hitter and speed. But the game has changed so much, no team even values speed that much. Part of what I hate about modern baseball.
‘Could Kelly get any worse?’ Sure. He could pitch more often.
No. to both questions
Just my opinion against righties:
1 Turner 355 AVG 442 OBP 457 SLG
2 Freese 356 AVG 431 OBP 733 SLG
3 Bellinger 374 AVG 462 OBP and 716 SLG
4 Peterson 253 AVG 368 OBP 642 SLG
5 Taylor to break up the bottom of the lineup without Seager. Who cares?
6 Muncy 267AVG 376 OBP 513 SLG
7 Verdugo 273 AVG 333 OBP 430 SLG
8 Catcher whomever
9 Pitcher
Did you ever consider that Joc hits .172 in the cleanup spot for his career?
Mark
And the sample size is what? And it must be against righties.
It’s his CAREER at cleanup and probably against RHP because he can’t hit LHP.
Swap Verdugo and Freeze and perhaps you have something there.
Mark
No, give me numbers. I’ve noticed that you have a bias against Joc. C’mon give me numbers.
I’m not trying to stir up anything but give me numbers.
If I’m wrong then tweak the lineup slightly no big deal.
The Dodgers offense is so good that wherever Joc bats is fine with me as long as the right guys are starting.
Go here and you can see all his numbers:
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=pederjo01&year=Career&t=b
I do not dislike Joc, but I do not consider him a core player.
In the interest of full disclosure, I predicted he would never be better than a 4th or 5th outfielder.
Again 34 plate apperances IN HIS CAREER batting 4th c’mon small sample size.
I would think you would be better than this.
I can’t be better if that is it. But look at what he hits in other spots in the lineup. It ain’t good! Mostly…
Then there’s the “Eye Test” – He can’t hit lefties. Most of his HR come with no one on base. He is not great under pressure.
He’s not!
Spin it any way you want… He’s not!
Who was badmouthing Beaty? I want to know…
He doesn’t look nervous or out of place. He’s had some really nice at bats so far.
Props to him for being ready!
Agree Bobby. And look, Beaty just hit a 2-run homer. The Dodgers sometimes think a guy needs to spend his entire life in the minors before he is ready to replace a useless Major Leaguer.
Mark
It’s obvious you hate Joc. So I’m not going to go there. But I said clearly that if the bottom of the order produces tonight then I will be wrong and I said It might not matter because this Dodger offense rocks.
I’m not going to touch your hatred for Joc. But Joc is a key part of THIS AWESOME OFFENSE.
I don’t want the Dodgers to trade any piece of this offense, BECAUSE THIS OFFENSE IS AWESOME. Including Joc.
Lighten up, I don’t know why you are pointing me out as the devil. I guess because I defend Joc.
I plead guilty even though I like Beaty, he is a grinder and was AA player of the year 2 years ago and got hurt last year. He was never a power guy though and prior to tonight’s game he had no walks and 1 2B so his BA was the same as his OBP and slugging not much higher. He had the lowest OPS of anyone available but he came through and got some extra base hits. Maybe I was wrong, he could be more than a 4A player but it will take more than one good game. Doc and the brain trust were right tonight and I hope he can keep it up. One thing he is good at is PH so he has value but is not to me an everyday player. He is up because of injuries but Cody, CT3, Muncy all got their shot the same way.
Good for Baety, I was wrong.
Hey BB,
Beaty looks pretty good to me, but Joc is also a key to this team. He is the spark plug. Stick to your guns on Joc.
Hamchuck
Thanks Bro. I have no problem with Beaty. I just know Freese is hitting bigtime.
But as I said if I’m wrong about Beaty starting over Freese then so be it. But I’ve said clearly don’t touch this offense with any trades.
Yeah I don’t know why Joc is a target. Might be something internal here between certain guys, I’m new here so I guess I shouldn’t get involved between the Dodgers front office vs a previous front office or some other rivalry.
Don’t know.
It is just one game. You never know what Joc would have done. I never pay too much attention to game to game moves, because you never know.
Never Forget. You are a fan who pays their salary, so you can say whatever you want.
Remember, Freeze has some slight knee issue. He’s also old, so he won’t be playing every day, no matter how hot he gets.
Keep him fresh and unleash him in October!
The salary is going to start going up on joc in a year or 2. At some point the Dodgers are going to look to trade him before he gets too expensive. Hopefully, we can win a World Series before that happens. At his best he kills rh pitchers. He is so streaky and doesn’t hit lefties. I’m still wondering why they took the plunge on pollock. Injury prone, defense has slipped, stolen bases not there, ave power, streaky, wrong side of thirty, I don’t know just doesn’t really look like somebody AF would go for. He is a righty who could get streaky at the right time, good character guy I guess. Maybe it will become clearer down the road. As salaries go maybe he is a cheap free agent.
Bingo!
Pollack most likely will be injured at the end of the season. Maybe an ingrown toenail? Joc will come through, as usual in the Playoffs.
Mark. I agree with your Verdugo comment in your post.
I also think if Grandal is the best catcher in the NL. One cannot deride him because of some poor playoff work, as you would have to include most of the team. All in all, the Dodgers should have kept him around for the short term.
Beaty is showing he deserves a real look see and stop sending him back to the minors. Will Smith the same. If he hits and plays better than the vets, he stays. I
As per Kyle Glaser:
Dodger fans: Start paying attention to Devin Mann. Like, right now. Strong, physical, athletic, great at-bats, hits everything HARD, and the defense at 2B and 3B is there. He’s a good one. A very good one.
“When I was at Louisville I was a very reserved hitter,” Mann said. “I didn’t really use my body well, use my levers well. Then, when I got drafted with the Dodgers, we made a lot of changes with my lower half and bat path, just making sure I was tapped into all the power that I have and making sure I’m staying through the zone better. It’s paid off so far. I’m happy with the changes we’ve made.”
Mann’s power production stands in notable contrast to his past. He hit a combined 15 home runs in three years at Louisville. He hit only two home runs in 65 games last year after signing. Now, he’s tied for second in the California League in home runs.
Mark, why are all of DodgerBlueMoms questions, good questions, but all of ours (59, BB, Bobby, Me) are moronic. You fall in love with the women on this board and treat us blue collar guys like imbeciles. 🙂
Question to the Board: Does Mark get Crushes on people, especially the Chicks???? lol
Hamchuck, I am old enough to be Mark’s mother maybe so please do not call me a chick. Mark, AC, DC and a few others (unlike you) have been kind enough to answer things I have been wondering about. I try not to criticize too much and avoid negatism. If they consider my questions good, then I appreciate the information they give to me. Go Blue
Beaty looks like he belongs. However, he’s got 2 errors in his short stint on the team. They haven’t been devastating and a good club can absorb mistakes that are minor. I have no real opinion about him at 1B, yet. We need to see what he can do over time. Maybe he would be better in the OF, but we have a surplus of players there and few for 1B. Let the dice roll. Maybe Pollock will wind up there!
Boy Howdy I knew I would trigger someone with that post and low and behold…..We have now established that you have no sense of humor. I can see we are going to get along swimmingly 🙂