Mookie has a 4-4 night with 3 HRs and 5 RBIs, and a HBP. His OPS is now sitting at 1.074. Anyone watching the game realizes that Mookie’s 3 HR night ties him with Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa for the most 3 HR games in a career. I am going to go out on a limb and say that before his career is over, he will have that record all by his lonesome.
There is no doubt that Mookie is special, and that he makes the team better. But for me, what is most unfortunate, is that the LA fans cannot watch him at the stadium in his first year in a Dodger uniform, and give him the accolades he so richly deserves. Dodger Stadium would have shook for a 6.0+ on the Richter Scale for Mookie tonight. He is going to be fun to watch for the next dozen or so years.
At the time of Corey Seager’s surgeries in 2018, I wrote that while JT is the heart and soul of the Dodgers, Corey was the glue. The team seems to play better and more cohesively when he is in the lineup. I do not believe that it was a coincidence that without Corey Seager for most of the year, the 2018 team tied for their worst record during their 7+ year run since 2012, with a regular season Won-Loss of 91-71 (same as 2016). I also do not consider it a coincidence that they played mostly like excrement since he went down with back discomfort. Doc has found an elixir and it is Mookie in leadoff and Seager at #2. That is no surprise to many of us here at LADT, and we did not have to have special meetings with the players or management to make that observation.
I also believe that those two bunts in Wednesday’s game, was a little magic potion for the team. At least for a little bit. The team will go into a funk again before the season is over. But now they know that they can win with the bunt as well as the HR.
I thought and wrote that Cody’s oppo double in Wednesday’s game was his best AB of the season. He continued to attack with his first two AB’s in last nights game. Just bad luck, but he crushed both balls. Joc and Max still have work to do. Max had a couple of awful called strikes that were not close. The same thing was happening to Cody. When things go bad, there are just no silver linings. Max now has 24 K’s in 90 PA.
But guess who has woken up…that favorite whipping boy…Austin Barnes. Two multi hit games in three, and he went 5-9 in the series. He is now hitting .226/.273/.355/.628. His .628 OPS is better than Cody’s and Joc’s, and just south of Muncy’s .640. No, I do not believe he should be anything more than a backup catcher, but he is a good backup catcher.
The other star on Thursday was Julio Urias, who just turned 24 on Wednesday. The difference last night…he went after the batters. He was pounding the strike zone. Zero walks for the first time this year. He threw 86 pitches, and could have finished the 7th, but he did not need to. Dennis Santana needed some more work, and he came in and did a great job. The 2.2 scoreless innings from the Santana, Jake McGee, and Dylan Floro, gives the bullpen 20.2 consecutive scoreless innings. I think it is fair to say that AF has addressed the bullpen in a big way for this year. Dylan Floro looks almost unhittable thus far. He has appeared in 9 of the 20 games, and pitched 8.1 innings. He has allowed 0 runs, 4 hits, 1 BB, and 6 K. He has a 0.6 WHIP.
I also believe that Urias went to school on Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin. He saw how successful both of them were by being aggressive and attacking the hitters. He needs to carry that attitude forward into his next start. It has been my belief that it wasn’t for lack of command that Urias had increased pitch counts, but trying to be too perfect and nibbling. I thought he needed to trust his stuff which everyone believes is top shelf. Last night he became a pitcher. He did not let the HR’s bother him. He continued to fill up the strike zone. I also believe that he was nibbling instead of lack of command, because Doc even intimated that the difference in Urias last night was how aggressive he was with the fastball and throwing it for strikes. Hopefully, something clicked for him.
Doc also said that Gonsolin will get another start. I am a Ross Stripling fan, but right now he is back to #6 SP behind Kershaw, Buehler, Urias, May, and Gonsolin. Maybe they stay with the six man rotation for the balance of 2020.
A little personal note. Today will be my last post for the next several days. As most everyone here knows, we lost our son Kristopher last year. Monday marks the one-year anniversary of his passing, and I just do not feel all that chummy or creative. This has been a bad year for me and my family, however LADT and the people who continue to contribute have been a blessing taking my mind away from the negativity. I have asked our other outstanding writers to find another article in them, and I will get them published. I will still be watching the games, but unless I want to joke with Mark, I do not see me contributing much over the next several days. I will also continue to monitor the comments, so continue to play nice.
GO BLUE!!
Kris, this is for you. Love you, Mom and Dad!!
Yep, a totally different Urias. I thought after he gave up the 2 homers, oh no, here we go again. But they came back with 3 in the bottom of the inning and the romp was on. Mookie went nuts and the rest of the offense woke up. Everyone in the starting lineup managed to get on base except Joc. Personally I think Max needs a day on the bench. He needs to step away and clear his mind because this really has to be getting to him. Having Seager back, and hitting in the spot in the batting order where he has been the most productive in his career is beneficial to both Corey and the team. The Joc Pederson in the leadoff role experiment should be over and done with. I was happy with Belli’s first two at bats. He scorched both of those balls. The liner to center had an exit velocity of over 109 MPH. He has to feel better about the last 2 games. This bullpen is the best I have seen since AF took over the team, and I remember many here saying that Floro should not be a part of it. He is now one of the better pieces of the puzzle. Jeff, we feel your pain my friend and totally understand the need for some time. I will contribute as best I can.
Unfortunately I know how it feels to lose someone in the family, and I can’t even imagine the pain of losing a son, I don’t think there is a more terrible pain than that. No matter how much time has passed, it will always hurt, it only remains to remember him with joy and not with sadness. Today baseball doesn’t matter, I send you a hug and my condolences to you and your family. And Jeff, I hope it doesn’t sound disrespectful or insensitive, but if I could, the next win would be dedicated to your son Kris!
Last night was a “statement” game.
Mookie made the statement that he likes to hit leadoff and should stay there.
Julio Urias made the statement that he is going to be a big-time pitcher. He showed he can weather adversity, giving up only two hits after the first inning. He went 6.1 innings and has a 2.45 ERA = 13th in the NL among qualifiers.
AJ Pollock made a statement that he was upset with my talking badly about him. I’m going to keep on doing it, in the hope he keeps on doing it. 😉
The Dodgers, as a team, made the statement by winning 11-2. They now have scored more runs than any team (fire RVS?) in baseball and the pitching staff has given up the fewest runs in MLB (except for the Cards who have only played 5 games).
Even Austin Barnes is looking serviceable.
Pederson and Muncie look lost, maybe a couple of days off to clear their minds will help.
Cody Bellinger has been getting more barrel on the ball. He about due to breakout!
The Dodgers are now tied for the most wins in MLB. What a difference two days makes.
When the series started I said I hope the Dodgers were ready to play inspired baseball because the Padres were coming to rip the Dodgers heart out. After the first 2 games it looked like that was going to happen with the Dodgers playing uninspired baseball and down 2 games to the Padres. The Dodgers gave the ball to Gonsolin in game 3 and he pitched masterfully, then came last night and Urias, he stopped tiptoeing and went after the batters in 6.1 innings of real pitching. Guess Roberts finally figured out what most of us already knew and had Betts, Seager, and Turner batting 1,2,3.
Wow! Julio, right from the start worked fast and pounded the strike zone. Even with the two HRs in the first inning I was hoping he would continue working at a good pace and attacking the hitters. Either he’s a good major league pitcher or he isn’t. Well, he’s an excellent major league pitcher! And, with the offensive explosion it sure made it a fun night of Dodger baseball.
Ditto on Jeff’s remarks and observations of all the offensive exploits by nearly everyone. If AF does nothing else he will go down in Dodger history as it’s greatest executive just on the Mookie Betts deal. To have the patience to wait several years for just the right player to spend an obscene amount of money on. There couldn’t be a better person or player for the Dodgers to acquire. Congrats to AF and Mookie.
Jeff, my heart goes out to you on having to deal with your son’s passing. I do the same every March 23rd for the past six years. But, it’s an good time to reflect on all the positive times you had together. Take care.
My thoughts are with you Jeff.
The best to you, AC. Hopefully our childish rants and raves over the next 3-4 days will bring you a few smiles. Well that and the Dodgers taking the series in Anaheim.
I’m looking forward to seeing Kersh vs Trout Rendon etc tonight. Let’s see how this driveline thing works out tonight.
Oh, and memo to Doc: keep Mookie and Seager 1-2.
Jeff, thinking of you and your family this weekend.
Thoughts to you and your family, AC. I found this on pinterest and Etsy com
You’re in my heart you’re in my soul.
But now apart, no hand to hold.
I won’t forget the love you gave
I still can feel it to this day
I stand without you by my side,
But know you’re watching way up high.
We will meet again for this I’m sure.
Because our love will last and endure.
Hope this helps, your friend, DBM
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family Jeff.
Betts, Bellinger & Barnes, the new killer B’s?
Jeff, In the midst of a grieving and difficult year you still made the effort to keep our site up and running. Thank you. My prayers are with you and your wife during this time of reflection and grief for your son Kris.
AC note about Dodger Stadium shaking like a 6.0 earthquake for Mookie got me thinking how odd this year has been for all the players. Many of these guys feed off the fan support in home games. This adjustment I think is taking a little longer for Max and Belli. Once a few hits drop in I think these guys will show their value. Angel pitching has been terrible again this year and hopefully these guys take advantage in the upcoming series.
Jeff, God bless you and your wife on this difficult anniversary as you grieve and cherish your memories of Kris.
I didn’t know about your son, Jeff. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Many of us look forward to reading this blog every day. It has the best analysis out there, the profiles of the Dodgers old timers are great, and it is very entertaining. Of course, the people who contribute to it bring their own unique and often quirky perpectives, which I really enjoy. I thank you for doing something special for us in this very difficult year for you.
Jeff, let me add my voice to those above, feeling your pain and wishing you peace in the reflection of the good times you had with your son. We are your unofficial family here and you know that we are behind you and your official family 100%.
Take as much time as you need. Hopefully the Dodgers will bring a few smiles to your face during these sad days.
Jeff, my prayers are with you and your wife. May God touch your souls and sooth your grief.
Jeff, My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. I’m so sorry over the loss of your son. I hope you can relax and reflex on the good memories of you son. They never go away.
You have done a spectacular job being the skipper of this site and I appreciate you saving it from the scrap heap. You will be missed even if it’s just a few days.
Some thoughts on last night:
* Wow! When this team gets clicking on all cylinders, it’s a firestorm on the opposition
* I hope I never again have to say “just put Mookie at leadoff spot and leave him alone”.
* If I had anything to do with it, I would keep the batting order intact 1 through 5. And maybe 6 but Muncy, as mentioned, could use a day off. Since it’s a lefty tonight, Joc likely sits. I would leave Taylor at DH or 2nd base (if Cory plays short) in the 8 hole and Barnes at 9. They’ve been good at the bottom and set the table for Mookie. My point is leave the top 5 exactly the same!
* Interestingly, I don’t think we’ve faced a left handed starting pitcher since July 30th, Robbie Ray and the D-Backs. So Joc likely sits tonight as a starter. But it seems the whole match up game of lefty-righty is so temporary these days it almost doesn’t matter. With starters going 2 times through the lineup only, it becomes moot by the 5th or 6th inning.
* I’m with everybody loving how Urias aggressively pounded the zone last night. I love the recovery after the homers in the 1st. And most of all I love his improved pace and the elimination of that unnecessary rocker step. I don’t know who got to him to pick up the pace but thanks. As an old infielder, it’s a welcome change. Now, can we get Baez to do the same?
* I watched the Dodger broadcast again last night after a night off watching SD broadcasters. It dawned on me as Joe and Orel tried to fill space again in a blowout, that I am about 2 generations removed from Joe’s attempts at humor
I’m looking forward to CK tonight. And I look forward to Doc not changing the top of that order.
Jeff, my sincere sympathies, and we will look forward to reading your posts when you feel up to it.
Congrats to Mookie for his awesome batting performance. I really like his play and attitude. Very good trade.
Also want to compliment CT3 for his contribution in last night’s game, both hitting and defense. Just goes to show a mixture of home runs and base hits can be successful. Does not need to be only homers.
I agree on CT3, DBM. Sometimes I don’t think we realize what a valuable asset he is to the team. He’s an above average fielder everywhere we put him (I actually think he’s a better defensive SS than Corey) and he’s gotten lots of clutch hits for us through the years he’s been here.
He’s the kind of player who never makes waves and will do whatever you ask of him for the betterment of the team. The only way he’ll ever get into the HOF is as a visitor, but we’re lucky to have him.
Singing the Blue and DBM – CT3 is a great skilled shortstop and a valuable player as you’ve pointed out. You probably know this but he came up as a shortstop in the Mariners organization. He was a AAA all-star in 2014.
During spring training in 2015, Taylor fractured his wrist when he was hit by a pitch. After he recovered from his injury, he began the 2015 season with AAA Tacoma, playing shortstop and second base. He would have a stint with the Mariners later in the year, but was sent back to Tacoma. For the 2015 major league season, he batted .170/.220/.223 with no home runs and one RBI in 94 AS’s. The Mariners fell in love with Marte and bagged Brad Miller and CT3 as their SS. On June 19, 2016, the Mariners traded Taylor to the Dodgers in exchange for Zach Lee. As we all know the Dodgers development staff and CT3 revamped his batting stroke. In the meantime the Mariners remain the worse franchise in modern baseball history.
Thank you Phil for the info. I have always liked Chris and think he is a great player and teammate. Hope the Dodgers keep him for years.
Belli hit the ball hard yesterday. It’s only a matter of time before he joins the party. And what can I say about Mookie? What a gift that he’s on our side! Already has 6, 3 HR games at age 27! And his positive attitude is contagious. If some of it rubs off on Belli and Muncie, we’ll be unstoppable. Finally, good to know that Doc has been reading this blog. Putting Mookie and Cory #1 and #2, telling Urias to be more aggressive, and the bunts,.can’t be coincidental! Finally, from the day before, you’ve got to love Joe Kelly. His trash talking, pouting, calling out the Astericks, and “wild pitches,” may have been just the spark the Dodgers needed.
Betts is getting some well deserved attention as is Urias and Taylor. But how about Pollock? That catch in the first inning was spectacular, as was Joc’s reaction. You could clearly hear Joc yell WALL! Then he adds to that by homering. The guy has been steady when the big guns have not been firing. Kudo’s to AJ for another well played game.
Agree Bear.
While Pollock is on this great streak, I bat him 5th behind Belly and before Muncy.
Bear, please let me set the lineup from now on!
Keep 1 – 5 intact from last night. And 6th if Muncy plays.
You are going to have to talk to AF about that. My lineup would look a lot different from yours probably because I drop Muncy to 8 or 9.
Jeff, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I cannot imagine losing a child.
It took Doc a long time to put Mookie in lead off position. I hope he never entertains a thought to put someone else there. Pederson and Muncy need to rest. I agree with you on CT3. By getting on ahead, those HR’s become 2 and 3 run HR’s. CT3 needs to move to second when Corey comes back. Then bring up Lux. Let hm play and let CT3 be the super sub. I think Gonsolin has to stay in the rotation. May, Utias, and Gonsolin are 3 young guns.
Kike, Pederson. And Stripling are expendable. Get something at trading deadline that is needed. Maybe an outfielder. Bull pen looks strong.
The Dodgers are 13-7. The Cubs are 13-3. The Cardinals are 2-3. What is MLB going to do with this? Just in terms of the Dodgers, the Cubs are four games ahead in the lost column, in the battle for the best record in the NL, and if they do not make up the games, that is hard to overcome. Now, it may be that home field is not going to matter at all, but I think that home surroundings would help in the playoffs. Are they going to play 2-3-2, or just stay in one venue? And if home field really does not matter, then I guess the only goal is to make the playoffs, as it does not matter much where you are seeded, except maybe that you do not want to be seeded 8th, and play the best team by record..
Well, the whole thing is being dealt with as best they can with the circumstances arising. We enjoy the fact that there is a season, but we know that is going to be diminished in baseball history, no matter who wins it. In some ways, i am looking at this season with an eye on the next one, and that is why I am excited when we see a good game from May or Gonsolin, and when Bellinger starts to get back to form. I hope that next year’s team is clearly the best in the league, if not all of baseball, in terms of roster strength. Some of our players will not be back, due to one-year contracts or hopefully trades. And we don’t know where we or the other clubs will stand in terms of monetary flexibility. I would try to sign Treinen now, though, and take the risk that he keeps pitching as well as he has so far. He really solidifies our bullpen. But I suppose that he would rather wait and go for the three-year deal he will get in the offseason, as a closer.
At this point, the twelve-year deal for Betts is looking very smart and proactive, now we have at least one position where we have a superstar for the future, as long as he stays healthy.
2-3-2 is not until the NLCS and World Series. The first round is 3 games at the home of the team with the best record. Then a 5 game set to decide the teams going to the NLCS. Not sure what they are going to do about the Cardinals, they are just now going to restart, Marlins have only played 10 or 11 games themselves. Cubs are easier because they will make those 4 games up in double headers probably. Joc, Kike, Baez, Turner , Trienen, are all free agents. They will probably try to retain Turner on some sort of contract. Jansen, and Kershaw will be in the last year of their deals.
I suspect they will do a deal with Turner to finish his career as a Dodger.
I would think they will make offers to Baez and Trienen but expect them to sign elsewhere for more $.
I don’t envision a scenario where Joc and Kiké are Dodgers next year.
I think you are right Grinch. I’d like to see JT finish his last couple years as a Dodger primarily as a DH. I’m hoping Rios could take over at 3rd but that’s TBD. I suspect you’re right about Joan Baez and Treinen, who I like. But the future is bright without these 2. When I look at the bullpen arms in the future, I see Floro having closer stuff right now, if he’s needed in that role. And I see Graterol as future closer somewhere when he gains more command and experience. It’s hard not to like 100 with life.
I can’t see Floro being a closer for a good team. He lacks command and isn’t good enough vs lefties.
~
Now Graterol looks like a closer. So does Gonsolin. I prefer Gonsolin in the rotation but with the fastball/splitter combo he could close.
Jeff
Best wishes.
Looks like Doc is sticking with Mookie, Corey, JT 1,2,3
Max gets day off
1. Betts RF
2. Seager SS
3. Turner 3B
4. Pollock LF
5. Bellinger CF
6. Taylor DH
7. Hernandez 2B
8. Rios 1B
9. Barnes C
Kershaw P
Excuse my French, but about effen time. Muncy has not hit a ball on the nose in more than a week. He is the team leader in K’s by a bunch. I switch Rios and Hernandez around. Kike is not hitting either. I did not know this, Trout is 0-10 against Kershaw.
Then he has to sit tonight!
My prayers for you and your family Jeff!
Sorry to hear about the loss of your son AC . I’m sure he had as good a life as you could possibly give him. and his being in your life made you a better man. Sincere condolences.
Can we tear down the gallows now or at least encase it in bubble wrap…
Best proposal of the week was Trade Belli… This is why we have drug counselers…
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours Jeff… Celebrate the memories of his life with you…
I don’t need counceling. I’m an expert on what works for me.
Bellinger and Muncy aren’t off the schneid. I’d trade them both in the right deal.
Trade him? I thought we were gonna outright him! Let’s put Barnes in centerfield!
He’s got the speed to play it, but with a catcher’s glove it could be difficult.
Hey AC, ‘the future ain’t what it used to be’. This month on the 18th 19 years ago tragedy tugged on my coat and since those words come to mind a lot. I guess the world has never been on the right track. It’s surely not all a box of chocolates. I hope you don’t take me wrongly as there are no right words to be said. At least that’s still how it is with me. Sorry for you man.
And…..we’re off. 1st and 2nd, one out, no runs. Cody strikes out of course.
I see now they’re painting ads on the mound. Next comes ads on the uniforms like Mexican baseball. It’s all about $$$.
Are we doing Home Run Derby again tonight?
It seems like Bellinger has an off-balance swing. His legs don’t seem like their planted right. I’m no expert though.
What looked like an off-balance swing produced a homerun. As I said I’m no expert. His swing just has looked different to me. Glad to see him hit a homerun.
Kershaw up to 94 MPH on the fastball tonight. Good snap. Doesn’t have good control of the breaking stuff – but he’s been aggressive and he’s gotten 8 ground ball outs in 4 innings.
I’d say those of you who have predicted the demise of Kershaw and Bellinger should re-think your positions.
We have seen over the 3 or 4 games that Cody is getting it together.
Clayton looks vintage!
Clayton looks great. At the same time confirms Doc had no business sending him out for the 8th inning vs the Nats.
Excellent outing by Kersh.
We win, we’re back in first with 6 weeks go go!
Alright Bellinger with another one.
Come on Badger, just laying out some stuff… If you need counseling, we don’t need to know…
Damn were looking good though… Divine intervention or???
I meant to say I don’t need drug counseling, because I know what works for me. I was rushed and couldn’t edit.
We should not have deeded to send Jansen out there. I guess the pen was due for an off night.
Mookie is slumping!
Nice to see Belli have a good night at the plate. The rumors of Kershaw’s demise are way premature. He pitched like an Ace tonight. Most impressive thing I saw was the hustle on ground balls. Seager, and Pollock got RBI’s beating out grounders. The bullpen was due for an off night. Charged with 3 runs after not giving up any for more than 22 innings. Team is 14-7, one full game ahead of the Rockies who are 12-7. 3 ahead of the Padres who lost to Arizona 5-1. 2-8 with runners in scoring position, so with some timely hitting the game would not have been that close. Buehler-Heaney tomorrow night. Then May-Teheran on Sunday. Barnes is hitting .259 now.
I also read some talk on MLBTR that MLB is considering increasing the player pool by at least 15. It sounded like this will be a done deal. With the trade deadline 16 days away, this could set up some top prospects being involved in deals since it is believed a lot of teams will use that to keep their best prospects sharp. It is also looking like Will Smith might be headed for the IL. The stiffness in his neck is still there and he is having problems moving his head from side to side. My guess is that they will most likely promote Ruiz for his first MLB action.