Sorry I can’t offer much advice on what the Dodgers should do about the pen so during the past week I jotted down some minor league happenings, much of it with the Loons.
Brett de Geus
Pitcher Brett de Geus became the 7th player from the Loons to be added to the East roster for next week’s MWL All-Star Game on June 18 in South Bend, Indiana. He takes the place of left-hander Austin Drury who was promoted to the Quakes after the all-star announcements. De Geus, a 6’1” right-hander, was selected by the Dodgers in the 33rd round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft out of Cabrillo Community College. The 21-year-old from Pleasanton, California has made a smooth transition to the bullpen after working nearly exclusively as a starter last season. He is 3-0 with a 2.88 ERA and 27 strikeouts against just six walks with no runs allowed in his last 15 innings
Niko Hulsizer (per Matt DeVries)
The Midwest League announced on Monday that Loons slugger Niko Hulsizer will be in the field of eight participants in the MWL Home Run Derby on Monday, June 17. Hulsizer, 22, currently ranks 2nd in the MWL with 13 home runs this season. He’s also no stranger to the home run derby format after winning the 2017 College Home Run Derby as a sophomore at Morehead State. That night at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska, Hulsizer crushed 52 home runs en route to the title.
Injury Free
As of Monday night no Loon has gone on the IL during the current season. Absolutely no offensive player has been shut down and no pitcher has other than perhaps to move people around.
Stolen Bases
As I have followed the Dodgers minor league system I have noticed a trend that seems to mirror the parent Dodgers. Obviously a team must have players capable of stealing bases but I am not sure the Dodgers could not have stolen more than 23 bases in 67 games. Perhaps the timing of the stolen base is more significant than the number of stolen bases. With the exception of the Quakes, the Dodgers minor league teams don’t run much, are not capable of it, or the manager is not a “running” boss.
The Loons have 47 stolen bases ranking them 14 out of 16 teams in the league. The Lansing Lugnuts lead with 96.
The Quakes do run and lead the league with 91.
Tulsa is dead last in the Texas League with 15 while Northwest Arkansas has 114.
The Oklahoma City Dodgers have stolen 31 bases, good for 12th in a 16-team league. Tacoma leads the league with 74.
On the other side of the coin, it often seems that other teams run at will in games involving the minor league affiliates. I did a quick check with the minor league catchers to find out the caught stealing percentages.
Hunter Feduccia 14%
Jair Camargo 23%
Steve Berman 15%
Connor Wong 30%
Jordan Procyshen 20%
Keibert Ruiz 19%
Josh Thole 10%
Rocky Gale 29%
Wll Smith 19%
Any guesses who had the best CS percentage in MLB history? Make a guess and then check the bottom of the article.
Quakes All-Stars
Last week I made a pitch for RP Logan Salow and 2B Devin Mann to be selected to the California League All-Star team. They were, as announced on June 7, along with SS Deter Downs, C Connor Wong and OF Donovan Casey. The Inland Empire 66ers host the game in San Bernardino on June 18.
Other Incidentals
While listening to a Loons game on Monday evening announcers Brad Tunney and Blake Froling were discussing Loons third Baseman Miguel Vargas. They did not have a totally accurate spray chart or other record but concluded that at least 40% of Vargas’s hits are to right field, his opposite field. As they spoke Vargas laced a double to right field. That certainly would help explain why he does not hit for more power. He hits right-handers well with a .300 average in 170 at bats. Will an attempt be made to make him more plus conscious to increase his power?
Second Baseman Luis Izturis of the DSL Dodgers Shoemaker is the nephew of former Dodger Cesar Izturis and his brother Maicer Izturis.
As of Tuesday the Loons magic number to capture a first-half play-off berth was two. Since they start a three-game set with the Lake County Captains on Tuesday, they might already have captured a spot before this article is posted.
Hump Day- Rall E. Camel
During a game late in the 2009 season, the team showed a video of a braying camel on its scoreboard, which led to a come-from-behind win. Subsequent showings of the video seemed to coincide on a regular basis with the Loons rallying for wins. After a few seasons, the frequent appearances of the rally camel video led to the introduction of alternate mascot Rall E. Camel in 2012.
On Wednesday, August 22, 2018 the Loons become the “Great Lakes Camels” for the day wearing a special uniform and ball cap for their game against the Fort Wayne TinCaps.
The uniforms feature a clean and classic look, mimicking the style of the Loons MLB affiliate, the Los Angeles Dodgers, while also existing on its own merit. The look leans hard on the red color to maintain the Loons palette. There is also a minimalist camel sleeve patch, echoing the sleeve of the Loons’ green jersey. The caps feature a camel with black and red outlining the brown head and neck.
Did someone say there are superstitions in baseball? You might believe that the “rally camel” has a magical potion. During the current season the Loons become Camels every Wednesday. Thus far in 2019 the Camels are 7-0 on hump day.
Best CS Percentage in MLB History If you guessed Roy Campanella you guessed right. He is absolutely my all time favorite catcher. His CS percentage was 56% with 187 stolen bases and 252 caught stealing. Other names we recognize are Yogi Berra – 49%, Ivan Rodriguez – 46%, Johnny Bench – 43%. There are about 30 names we may not recognize and mostly didn’t see play between Campy and Yogi.
Minor League Report by DC
Pitcher of the Day – Victor Gonzalez
Gonzalez pitched 5.1 innings for the Drillers on six hits, no runs, two walks and five strikeouts. He lowered his ERA to 2.92
Hitter of the Day – Jose Ramos (DSL Dodgers Bautista): 1 run, 2 hits, home run, 6 RBI
DSL Dodgers Shoemaker 1 – DSL Rays2 5
Michael Martinez (19) started for the Dodgers and went four linings giving up two hits and two runs and taking the loss. Jose Mendez(18) and Juan De la Cruz(18) combined to gave up three additional runs between them with Juan De la Cruz striking out four in 1.2 innings pitched. Isaac Rodriguez (16) finished up with two innings of one-ht ball with three strikeouts.
The Dodgers out hit the Rays 9-4 but the pitchers were sabotaged a bit by four errors. Luis Izturis and Juan Diaz both had two hits
DSL Dodgers Bautista 10 – DSL Athletics 4
Harold Galino (18) started for the Dodgers and went three innings leaving the bases loaded in the top of the fourth inning. Hugo Beltran came on and all three inherited runners scored. He did pitch three innings with noruns credited to him. Edgardo Henriquez (16) and Hendrick Briones (17) finished up with a combined three scoreless inning.
The Dodgers had but six hits, two by Jose Ramos(18) including a three-run home run in the bottom of the first inning. They did have 10 walks
Great Lakes Loons 9 – Lake County Captains 3 (Cleveland)
Jose Chacin’s struggles continued as he gave up five earned runs in 2.2 innings, all in the third inning, while Jasiel Alvino gave up another in fourth inning. At that point the Loons trailed 6-2 on a night they wanted to claim a first-half play-off spot. Guillermo Zuniga gave the Loons a chance by pitching three hitless innings with three strike outs. However, Joel Inoa surrendered two more runs in the bottom of the seventh inning and another in the eighth leaving the Loons down 9-3.
At the plate, the Loons scored first with two runs in the top of the third inning on a sac fly and a ground out. Unfortunately they left the bases loaded. In the top of the fifth inning they drew one closer with two singles, a walk and a wild pitch. That was all the scoring for Great Lakes. Jacob Amaya, Niko Hulsizer and Leonel Valera each had two hits. Amaya has reached base 37 times in his last 18 games.
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 7- Inland Empire 66ers 5 ( LAA)
The Quakes have qualified for the postseason for the fifth consecutive year, as on Tuesday night, they were crowned First Half South Division Champions with their fifth straight win over Inland Empire. They did so with the long ball. Devin Mann hit his 11th home run of the season on the first pitch of the game and was followed later on in the game by Jeren Kendall (4), Connor Wong(12) and Donovan Casey (8). Kendall’s turned out to be the game winning hit in the top of the ninth inning. Along with Kendall, Jeter Downs and Wong also had two hits. Won, with his 12th home run, is now one off the league lead.
On the mound, Geraldo Carrillo went four innings giving up two runs and striking out six. Bryan Warzek followed with a scoreless inning while Sven Schueller and Wes Helsabeck gave up three runs combined in their 2.1 innings. Max Gamboa stranded an inherited runner in the eighth with one out and pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up the win.
Tulsa Drillers 4 – Frisco RoughRiders 0 (Texas)
Victor Gonzalez made his 5th start of the season and breezed through the first four innings on three hits and three strikeouts. The fifth inning was a bit more challenging with two walks and a single with no runs scored. In the bottom of the sixth Gonzalez left with two on and one out and was replaced by Yordy Cabrera. Cabrera retired the side with no more damage and completed 1.2 clean innings. Shea Spitzbarth finished up with two innings on one hit and five strikeouts. Cabrera has thrown five-straight scoreless appearances out of the bullpen. Over his last 7.2 innings, he has allowed only two hits and has struck out nine.
Offensively the Drllers scored first with a run in the top of the fourth inning on a Christian Santana single. They tripled that output in the top of the fifth inning with three runs on four straight hits and a sac fly. Zach McKinstry, Chris Parmalee and Cody Thomas each drove in a run. McKinstry knocked in his 31st run of the season and has now hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games. During that stretch, he is batting .340 with a pair of homers and seven RBI.
OKC Dodgers
The Dodgers were not scheduled as they traveled to Albuquerque to start a three-game series there on Wednesday.
Discussion (81)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Why in the world would the Indians consider trading the 25 year old Lindor for Joc Pederson? I’m not fully familiar with Lindor’s current contract status, and the chances Cleveland has to sign him to an extension, but I do know that Lindor is in a completely different stratosphere than Joc. No doubt that Joc could be part of a package going to the Indians, but it would certainly have to be a PACKAGE. As for Lindor’s and Seager’s futures with the Dodgers, I’d cross those bridges when I had to.
Freese will be exposed if he plays everyday and in addition will be an injury waiting to happen. He is obviously producing but overuse will ruin that. 2-3 days a week would probably keep him fresh and productive.
I am starting to be concerned about seagers health issues. He has great skills but for a guy age 25 he has a lot of setbacks. He is not a pollock for sure but he has a lot of issues at such a young age. I feel for him he must be real frustrated.
Maybe the Dodgers could make a deal for lindor. He is going to be a free agent and he has been unwilling to sign an extension with Cleveland. They should be ready to deal. Trade joc for him. You would get a rh bat and when seager comes back he could be the second basemen. Then kike and verdugo could platoon in left.
Here’s a comment that will no doubt be unpopular. I predict that CT3 will produce substantially better offensively in the next six weeks than he has so far this season. Assuming he’s the regular shortstop while Seager is out, he knows that he’ll play every day and at shortstop.
He won’t feel he has to produce every day in order to keep his spot in the starting lineup so he’ll relax a little and that will lead to better results.
And just to give the majority opinion equal time. He could press even more than usual knowing that he’s the guy who has to make up for the lost production from Seager.
I’m betting on the first scenario but if we took a poll I know I’d be outvoted.
If Freese starts everyday, chances are that that’s when his age will show. Freese is used the way he is, in order to maintain his stamina so that he’s at full strength and sharp when it really counts, in the postseason. Chances are that the Dodgers will maintain their commanding lead (maybe even lengthen it). No need to push Freese, and risk wearing him out unnecessarily.
I have no clue exactly what the Dodgers should do to replace Seager. I suspect that they have pretty good idea if Lux is ready for a promotion or not. For now, I’ll put my trust in the people who possess a preponderance of the info required to make the decision. If it’s 6-8 weeks, I suspect the Dodgers have the wherewithal to keep on winning. After all, they did so while Corey was hutting ,220. The only thing that worries me are additional injuries that could weaken the roster, e.g., Justin Turner re- injuring his hamstring.
But injuries are always a fear, for every team.
Muncy is about to go on one of his hot streaks and that will help a lot, and JT is swinging well, and Alex looks better too. Freese should play as often as his body will let him and get what you can from the other players. The pitching will have to hold up for 18 straight games starting with the Cubs for 4 who are heating up as well. I’m hoping Beaty and Garlic play sparingly and are mainly pinch hitters for the pitcher. Lost in Kelly’s meltdown was that he struck out the side when he wasn’t walking guys or throwing the ball away. He has all the talent in the world and will be needed. He is a sunk cost so might as well use him, not sure how to correct his yips but he may be trying too hard, just trust your stuff and throw strikes.
Bring Will Smith back up (as the primary catcher) to help with the loss of offense production from Seager being out. To me Smith is a better hitter than Barnes and Martin.
Fortunately the Dodgers are in a weak division that they should easily win, so no need for any knee jerk reactions with the offense.
Evidently Will Smith (catcher) coming up to replace Seager.
I’ve been saying this for awhile now. Freese needs to start everyday.
Freese OPS 1027
Freese OPS vs righties 1165
Freese OPS vs lefties 915
Trade Taylor, lux, May, Ferguson, Peters for lindor and hand. Each team gets a ss and a left handed reliever. That could be the framework of a trade. A lot of young talent leaving but big time talent coming back. This won’t work because Lindor will be a free agent and the Dodgers won’t want to pay him.
Joc not running hard on Grounders to first !! Has anyone noticed ? 2 nights ago game ending dp did not hustled down the line !! last weeks hitting like .275 now is at .240 or something. I dont like him as Leadoff does not run hard and is inconsistent. Someone needs to get on his face about this !!
Ken Giles to the Injured List with elbow inflammation.
A piece off the board maybe?
Good Grief! We’ve got our new bullpen piece!
We’ve signed………………………………………are you ready………………………Zac Rosscup!
Yes, it’s true. Minor league contract – he’ll report to OKC.
Loons win! The Loons captured a first half play-off spot this afternoon with a 5-0 win over the Lake County Captains.
The last time Hand was traded, he was just signed to a team friendly contract which now has one less year on it. He was traded along with Adam Cimber (another solid bullpen piece) for Francisco Mejia who is now the #4 prospect in the Padre’s system at 23 years old. He has questions about his defensive game at catcher and has a career .171 batting average in 123 major league ABs. Mejia was baseball’s top catching prospect and Cleveland’s No.1 prospect at the time of the trade.
No game today
Doubt roster moves today. News today will be Seager MRI results if they talk.
Look for Matt Beatty tomorrow (went on IL retroactive to 6/3 tho 10 day not critical as would replace injured player). Beatty has been rehabbing in RC.
Beatty/Freese at 1B with some Beatty 3B. Muncy at 2B. CT3 primarily @SS but some Kiké at 2B and SS. Garlic remains 4th OF.
My call. Who knows what AF and Doc will do
I am all for giving Lux a shot for 6 weeks. I’m quite confident his average in those 6 weeks would be better than the averages CT3 and Kike currently have. He’s dominating at AA, and he’s our #2 prospect for a reason.
As far as catcher, Barnes is back to 2018 Barnes and not reverting to 2017 Barnes. Another week or 2 of this, and it’s time to bring Will Smith up and let him take over.
Bob Nightengale is now saying Dodgers are expressing interest in Brad Hand. I’ve been harping on getting Hand or another stud for the bullpen the last month. No more crap from Big Lots for our bullpen. Go all in and get this ring in 2019.
Speaking of timing, I just got a Press Pass to the Midwest League All-Star Game in South Bend next Tuesday! Since there are 7 Loons that will be there, I thought it might be the opportune time. The Cubs agreed!
Here’s something that may give you all pause:
EARNED RUNS GIVEN UP BY A BULLPEN:
#1 – Cleveland – 73
#2 – Houston – 83
#3 – Cincinnati – 90
#4 – Dodgers – 93
#5 – Colorado – 100
#6 – St. Louis – 101
#7 – Cubs – 102
#12 – Yankees – 108
#13 – TB – 109
#18 – Boston – 120
#23 – Milwaukee and their awesome pen – 135
#28 – Angels – 157
Put that in your pipe and smoke it. It may not be as bad as you believe.
So, if Seager is DL’ed 4-6 weeks, I would think CT3 will be the SS and Gavin Lux or Will Smith will get the call up. Since Kike can play SS too, there is no need to call up a minor league SS.
There is no chance Schultz or Stewart are called up. Gonsolin could get the call.
Just because the Dodgers did not hit the last couple of games with RISP , does not define them. They are still one of the better teams at plating runners in scoring position.
I’ve seen enough….CT3 and Keekay are horrible. It’s clear AF recognized he didn’t want both of them in the line-up every night and that’s why he signed Pollock. Unfortunately, with Pollock’s injury and now the injury to Seager, we are going to continue to see a lot of the strikeout tandem. Add in the very futile AB’s by Barnes and you can see the team still suffers from a lack of hitting w/ RISP.
Urgh, 2 game sweep the wrong way and Corey out just when he was getting hot. What a bummer.
Maeda really pisses me off. It’s like Mark says, he just doesn’t have the mental fortitude to be at his best. When he attacks hitters, he’s awesome. When he nibbles, he’s gets behind and gets into trouble. A couple of more starts and he should be ready to swap roles with Urias.
CT3 / Kike are gonna have to step it up, but they’ve been horrible as of late.
Damn, I hate losing to the Angles. But, losing Corey just rubs salt into the wound.
Pollock gets his PICC out today!
Ferguson looked awesome!
Verdugo ready to go on another tear!?!?
A couple weeks back, therealten asked who some of my dark horse candidates were. I focused primarily on relief pitchers because that is where my interests lie. I am really pleased to see how some of those guys are doing, especially Brett de Gues and Max Gamboa. Not highly championed but they are performing well, and as long as they continue to do so they have a legit shot at reaching the ML.
I would rather see Lux at short than Taylor for the next 4 to 6 weeks if Seager really does have a grade 2. As I remember, Steve Sax was brought up from AA ball to fill in for Lopes.