Tough night for the Dodgers on Jackie Robinson night. The team got in late from San Francisco and did not look ready to play. These games happen. Forget about it, get some sleep, and come back tomorrow.
It would be easy to pick apart the game, but no team can play on all cylinders each and every game. The Dodgers started out well enough with a pair of singles by Mookie and Corey. However as became evident throughout the game, the team just could not help itself with RISP, and neither runner scored. The team put two runners on base again in the 3rd and 4th inning and did not score again.
Mike Minor looked like a CY winner instead of the pitcher with the 2nd highest ERA in the AL. He shut out the Dodgers for 6.0 innings with four singles and three walks. They also struck out six times against the soft throwing LHP. I cannot determine if it is their usual inability to hit LHP or just a very lethargic game.
Texas native, Dustin May, took the mound in the stadium he grew up 30 miles from. He grew up a Texas Rangers fan, so he was excited. It is too bad that he could not have family and friends there to cheer him on. Dustin continues to show that someday he is going to be a dominant pitcher. But as a pitcher with his speed and movement, his lack of strikeouts is going to cost him until he convinces himself that he needs to get his offspeed (curve or change) to be thrown for strikes. When Orel indicated that Dustin only lands his curve for a strike 3 times a game, that fact does not go unnoticed to opposing teams. Orel also made the point that in this last three games combined, May had a total of 5 K’s. May could be a top of the rotation pitcher, and I believe he will be one day. Will he be there as a true #3 playoff pitcher in 2020????
May was down 2-0 going into the top of 7th, and Will Smith starts the inning with a double, and the Dodgers again had a runner in scoring position. After a Kike’ ground out and a Mookie strike out, the team was now 0-10 WRISP. However, that brought up Corey Seager who is unworldly this year so far with runners in scoring position with 2 outs. Before tonight, Seager was 9-18 with an HBP with runners in scoring position and 2 outs. What does Corey do…he lines a double to score Smith making it a one run game. JT follows that with a single that scored Corey and tied it up.
Dodgers looked like they were ready to take control, and then everything broke down. I made an argument why Lance Lynn would be a good addition because he has an ability to pitch 100+ pitches per outing. However, it is clear to me that an ability to throw 100+ pitches is just not important to Dave Roberts. In his postgame presser, Dustin said that after the 3rd inning he decided to mix up his pitches more and he gained a lot more confidence. It is something that he will use in future outings. He only threw 80 pitches, and was still strong as he hit 100mph in the 6th. He only threw 12 pitches in the 5th and 6th innings. Why not let Dustin build on that confidence? How else is he going to be able to get through the 7th or maybe the 8th. He had a good opportunity to show that he has the length to go deeper into the game.
But the bullpen has been so good this year, why not turn it over to them and let the offense wake up. McGee gave up the long fly to Derek Dietrich, then 3 singles to the next 4 hitters, and Jake’s first bad outing as a Dodger was over. The usually reliable Dylan Floro gave up a double and a sac fly to allow the final two runs to score. Just a bad night from two very reliable relievers. It happens. The only problem that it has now happened in two of the last six games. The bullpen is just throwing too many innings this year, and this was a good opportunity to let Dustin stretch it out. Is he a game three playoff pitcher? Let him prove it on the field. I would have rather seen him try and fail.
One positive outcome was Mitch White making his MLB debut and pitching a scoreless 8th inning, finishing it in style with a K of Shin-Soo Choo. Congratulations Mitch on an impressive debut.
One potentially negative concern was JT leaving after stealing 2nd base in the 7th inning. After the game, Doc said that it was something in his hammy. The current thinking is that it is cramping but nothing more than a very mild strain. JT will not play tomorrow. They do not seem overly concerned. Just being precautionary with as large of a lead in the standing as they have.
Saturday – Another Texas RHP, Ross Stripling vs. Lance Lynn.
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that during the game, we learned the tremendous actor, Chadwick Boseman, who expertly played Jackie Robinson in one of my absolute favorite movies (genre notwithstanding) 42, lost his battle with prostate cancer and passed away at 43. Ironically, Chadwick passed away on the 75th anniversary of the meeting between Jackie and Branch Rickey. Jackie will be idolized throughout history, and Chadwick will be remembered for his outstanding portrayal of the legend. Chadwick, rest in peace.
https://www.si.com/mlb/video/2020/08/28/si-insider-jackie-robinson-75th-anniversary
Discussion (133)
Disagree, not disagreeable
How about that call on Dietrich when he actually walked into the ball to get hit? Second time he has done that this season.
Coming from a Ross Stripling fan, it is time to send him to the pen. He has lost command of his fastball and it is just laying flat over the middle of the plate. He did have more than a chance. It is now time to turn it over to Tony Gonsolin. I am still not convinced that Urias “gets it”, but without a trade, it is going to be Buehler/Kershaw/May/Gonsolin/Urias.
For all the nonsense that Adam Kolarek was getting, he still seems to be pitching very efficiently and effectively. He gives up a weak ground ball single to Kiner-Falefa that would have been an out had Beaty been playing more straight away 1B. But again no runs. He has done everything asked of him.
Double steal! Now that’s old school. Mad Max is waking up.
Our big three lefty bombers finally leaving the Mendoza line behind!
Muncy bomb.
Time for another Belli bomb! Lynn up to 90 plus pitches in the 5th. He is not long for this game.
Wilmer Flores is an interesting idea. Kike has failed miserably to be our lefty killer and Wilmer is raking vs lefties. It’s a big drop off defensively but a boost hitting lefties.
I’m all for Joc beating the shift but I was looking forward to him hitting off of a guy who throws nothing but fastballs.
I am NOT comfortable anymore with Strip on the mound. We will need more runs.
But, after seeing Lynn’s stuff, I can see why teams would want him.
I love it Muncy doubled and Bellinger homered. Good signs.
Really inconsistent balls and strikes…AGAIN. Lux is called out on three questionable pitches but the same pitches were balls for Strip.
I just looked it up. Texas has the second worst team batting OPS in all of baseball.
Hey does anybody know why Smith isn’t catching today? Is he injured again or is this just a Doc decision?
Bear, I’m watching Lance Lynn warm up. I think it’s about time you admitted that he’s your son.
According to reports, LA has released reliever AJ Ramos.
There is some buzz out there that AF is checking on the availability of some players. No names mentioned, but one is a Royal.
I have only read through half of the posts but I would like to thank all of you for chiming in on my post up top. Even Michael Norris (AKA Bear) who has a whole different philosophy than me.
I have read some GREAT points made by a few of you and I might highlight them later when I have some time.
The point of my original post had nothing to do with yesterday’s game outcome specifically.The bullpen part of my post was just about past playoffs. And the other part of my post was pointing out that we have better options internally for 2B than Hernandez.
ChiSox, San Diego, and Toronto seem to be the front runners in on Lance Lynn. The Dodgers have inquired, however per Bob Nightengale are “unlikely” to meet the asking price. You can bet that if Lynn shuts down the Dodgers today, the Pads are going to become even more interested.
Today vs future Dodger Lance Lynn:
Mookie
Seager
Muncy (3b)
Belly
Joc (DH)
Beaty
Pollock
Lux
Barnes
Rosenthal reporting the Pads are on the verge of trading for Trevor Rosenthal. They are going to be a difficult opponent for whichever teams have to play them in October.
Stripling tonight and I don’t feel very confident.
These kids will never get to 100 pitches the way Doc manages. It was disappointing to see May removed but hardly a surprise. I’m not worried about the bullpen getting worn out with 28 players. Even after Urias short outing there were 7 relief pitchers who didn’t throw that day.
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I’m good with May and Gonsolin. I don’t love Lynn but no doubt tonight will be a showcase.
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Like is playing way too much. He should be a bench bat and defensive replacement. Everyone has to play enough to stay sharp or find their swing but Kike is a one tricky pony. He hits fastballs middle-in. Let Lux play. He was good enough to take Goose deep twice the other day. Let him play already.
It is believed that Turner’s injury was a cramp caused by dehydration, not a strain, he will sit today and be re evaluated on Sunday. Poll: Who thinks the Dodgers give JT at least a 2 year deal this off season? Just slinging hash here gang, and seeing what sticks. Personally, I think it is a given he gets at least a 2 year deal.
As far as I have seen on almost every outlet I have read, there is absolutely no buzz about the Dodgers being interested in anyone. Reds have said Bauer is going no where. Cleveland is in the race, and their asking price for Clevinger has been quoted as being ridiculous. Jays have an interest in Simmons, and the Angels are looking like they are sellers. A couple of teams, most notably the White Sox are kicking the tires on Bundy. My hunch is Ol Andy stands pat. This deadline is it. There is no picking up players being waived and then traded. My guess is that they go into the post season with a Kersh, Buehler, May and Gonsolin rotation, with Strip being demoted to the bullpen, especially if his start today is as bad as the last couple have been. AF might pick up someone for the pen if it is the right price and fit. His interview the other day said they will make moves if it makes the team better. What would be great is more consistency from what they have. I think Lux is going to start the next few games for sure with the status of JT yet to be determined. (He is supposed to have tests today). Not sure if Rios is close to coming back. He would be a power boost off of the bench. Beaty should get some reps with JT sidelined. Was surprised to see that Betts has the most career AB’s against Lynn. I thought JT had seen him more. One other thing, some person on Twitter suggested that MLB adopt the 7 inning game as the norm for all games. Personally, I think that is dumb. It would be like reducing football to a 3 quarter game. Leave tradition alone.
Hello Quas. Nice to see you and hope you are doing better.
Above, Eric commented on Doc’s use of AJ Pollock in the NLDS last year to show his ineptness at managing the team. I do not think anyone on this site has ever said that Doc is a master at making decisions during the game, but to say that his use of AJ Pollock is proof positive that he is inept is not fair (IMO). Last year, AJ Pollock was one of the best hitters in the Dodgers lineup the second half.
Pollock – .288/.348/.537/.885 – 13 HR and 33 RBI
Muncy – .225/.385/.489/.874 – 13 HR and 38 RBI
Belli – .263/.371/.546/.917 – 17 HR and 44 RBI
I assume that Doc should have checked his crystal ball to learn how horrid a NLDS AJ was going to have. Doc sat him for games 4 and 5, although he did PH in both games (and K). They did not lose because of those two PH attempts. His 15 K’s were less than Belli’s 17 in the 2017 WS. In post season play, Belli has struck out 52 times in 145 PA (35.9%). Should Doc sit Belli?
I do not think there would be much argument from most that Doc has a problem managing a bullpen. But outside of Bruce Bochy who doesn’t? Doc did not give up the HR’s to Rendon and Soto in NLDS Game 5. It was Clayton Kershaw. I am on record that I believed that Maeda should have come in to face Rendon and Kolarek to face Soto. But there is no guarantee that the results would have been different. I think the Nats had divine intervention last year, and I have no idea why. I liked what Cary Osborne had to say about sticking with Kershaw. I cannot find the article, but it was something along the lines that Doc was trying to get Kershaw a little redemption for past failings in the post season. Kershaw owned Eaton in the 7th. Let him feel a little more success. Unfortunately, it backfired. The sentiment seems logical, and I can see Doc doing that…right or wrong.
I had my coat tugged on and missed viewing 3 innings but yesterday’s umpire did a better job calling balls and strikes than any umps I’d seen for quite some time. They said he was a rookie ump.
Jeff, nice analysis of May in your opening. I think he did’t pitch badly and deserved better fate. By definition it was a “quality start”. But there are some weaknesses as you pointed out that need to be improved upon. More secondary pitches for strikes is a start. I like the fact that he threw the change. It comes out of his hand okay but I would like to see him scrape more speed. His 7-8 mph difference, to me, is not enough. He’s got such life on his pitches, when he can better command his secondary stuff and change speeds better, he will go to the next level.
* Good game to put behind us.
* Some complaining about our catcher’s throwing ability lately. While neither is great, our pitches don’t seem committed to holding runners. May did pick a guy at first but he guessed right on a first movement break. The throw on Tavaris was terrific but he stole it on the pitcher.
* Speaking of Tavaris, he robs JT or a homer, beats out a grounder to 2nd (I replayed it twice and timed him down the line at 3.67) and stole 2nd. He scored on Choo’s double which was a good pitch by May but better hitting. That’s an earned run manufactured by speed.
* I have watched Joey Gallo take live BP, on the field, at spring training and it’s awesome. He hits moon shots. So I watched his swing in slo-mo last night and saw alot of similarities with Bellinger. Belli starts taller initially but once each get their hands in the launch position things are very similar. Uppercut, bucket foot, high launch swing with a huge long extended follow through by both. Lots of swing and miss but lots of power. I couldn’t teach that stroke.
* Around Jackie Robinson Day, I also like to think about Larry Dobie, who broke the color barrier in the American League just 3 months after Jackie. Doby was the first player to go directly to the majors from the Negro leagues. A seven-time All-Star center fielder, Doby and teammate Satchel Paige were the first African-American players to win a World Series championship when the Indians took the crown in 1948. Doby later served as the second black manager in the majors with the Chicago White Sox HOF guy like Jackie.
* An overhead view of the new Ranger Ballpark last night showed what looked like a full parking lot. You don’t suppose they have cardboard cars out there, do you?
I wouldn’t mind seeing the Dodgers trade for Lance Lynn. He has pitched well this year and could slot well into the #3 spot in the rotation. I just wish they could do it before he starts against us today. Hader would be another good target but I think the asking price would be too high and not sure the Brewers would even consider moving him. I am not thinking they will do much if anything but it’s always fun to think about a few more pieces.
I agree with Badger I don’t see any major trades. Possibly a rental starter for insurance purposes that is not going to cost to much, if one of the kids aren’t stepping up. Muncy is going to be fine. Belli is going to be fine. Lux will get a few more looks at second. If Kike or Taylor get hot we won’t be talking about second. We do have the best
record in baseball.
Boy, what a killjoy! Ruining all our fun AC, even though all of your points are well taken, as usual.
Wilmer Flores is an interesting idea that I haven’t heard anywhere before. Yes, of course Farhan would trade with us if he liked what we gave him in return.
The Angels will never get to the playoffs if they don’t get pitching. They could replace Fletcher if they got really good pitching in a trade for him. Of course, we’re never going to give them that pitching which would probably have to include at least one of Gray, Gonsolin or May.
It is not enough to just want a player. There has to be reciprocal interest and players that will match with the needs of the trading team. I do not care what the career stats say for a trade deadline deal. I am only interested in what they are doing this year. That is the purpose of a deadline trade…to take the team to the championship.
The Angels walked away from a Ross Stripling/Joc Pederson/Andy Pages for Luis Rengifo and MiLB??? Exactly who does anyone think LAA would demand for 26 year old David Fletcher, who has the most hits in the AL, and is controlled thru 2024. There is as much chance of getting Mike Trout as there is for David Fletcher. NONE. Not happening.
Admittedly, there is more of a chance that KC would consider trading their best player and face of the organization, but why would they. The talks would have to start with May or Gonsolin and include Lux and others. Merrifield is primarily an OF now. A transition that started last year (76 GS at 2B and 73 GS in OF). 2020 – 25 GS in OF and 8 at 2B. Why more OF? Please do not tell me it is so they can find a place for Nicky Lopez. Put yourself in Dayton Moore’s seat. Don’t make a trade proposal that you like as a Dodgers fan. What would it take to get Dayton Moore to trade Whit Merrifield? It is not Omar Estevez, Gerardo Carrillo, Michael Grove, DJ Peters, Cody Thomas, Zach Reks, Victor Gonzalez… Start with May/Gonsolin/Lux/Gray. At least two plus another.
I have read the name Jose Ramirez. Cleveland is right in the thick of the race and is not going to trade Ramirez. Cleveland is not a good trade partner for LAD anyway as they desperately need a good hitting MLB outfielder. The Dodgers are not going to move Pollock, Bellinger, or Betts, and Cleveland has zero desire for Joc. Forget Mike Clevinger, Zach Plesac, and Brad Hand as well.
Cincinnati is now 1.0 games behind St. Louis for the automatic #2 team in the NL Central. Also 1.0 GB NYM and Philadelphia for #7 & #8 WC. They have said they are not sellers. How much of a buyer they are we do not know. If the Dodgers want Trevor Bauer, they are going to need to wait until next year.
The competition for Lance Lynn will be stiff. CWS says they are in the hunt for Lance Lynn and/or Robbie Tay. Rick Hahn is never afraid to pull the trigger. I still do not think that Texas will trade Lynn unless they get a massive overpay. They figure to contend next year, and Lynn is their Ace. Robbie Ray is a much more likely trade candidate. Arizona figures to go nowhere and Ray is a rental. CWS has the prospects to make it happen. But Houston is also interested.
If I were in the AL, I would be worried about CWS. With Nick Madrigal back, their offense is very solid. Nick Madrigal is the type of offensive player I think many on this site would like. He is a base hitting machine that does not strike out. But he has ZERO power, so his OPS will never be that high. I very much like Nick Madrigal, but he is not going anywhere.
Would the Dodgers consider a trade for Gausman? Would Zaidi trade with LAD? What would it take to get Wilmer Flores? He is controlled thru 2021 with a team option for 2022. He is hitting .297/.341/.730/1.071 against LHP this year. WRISP he is hitting .343/.368/.629/.997. He also plays all over the infield. He is more likely to be moved more than Whit Merrifield or Jose Ramirez.
I am more than fine with making a trade. I would trade Lux if I thought it meant bringing a WS championship to LA. Of course there are no guarantees, but there are no guarantees that Lux will be a productive ML hitter either. However looking at the number of teams that want an upgrade, and knowing that AF is not going to overpay, the likelihood of a meaningful trade are not great. I am guessing that the Dodgers are going to need to find a #3 from May/Gonsolin/Urias and hope that Belli, Muncy, and Kike’ can re-learn how to hit LHP. I will be very surprised if AF makes a game changing trade.
Lux back on the roster today replacing Webster.
Strange days and weird times.
Not sure you can conclude much at this point, especially with a player like Gavin Lux, who many call a can’t miss prospect. Guessing you need a normal spring training and a regular season to get a better feel.
Certainly don’t feel Dave Roberts is the issue. Championship teams overcome mistakes made by managers, usually highlighted by players rising to the moment and maybe a bit of luck. Hey, managers make decisions, some work, some don’t.
This is the best team I’ve seen in LA in a long time, but the truth is they should be hitting better at times, but again, it’s a strange time so who knows how this would play with a normal spring and a 162 game season, which would allow their depth to be a major factor. Depth always seems to play a big role, but it’s usually based on the long haul, not the short sprint.
All that said the team is far from perfect and could improve with the right moves.
As to Cory Seager, can’t see the Dodgers allowing him to walk away, might become an Adrián Beltre situation. I like Seager’s chances of becoming a long time Dodger.
Looking at trades, Lance Lynn makes some sense, so does Trevor Bauer, who may want to be a Dodger. Whitfield would be an upgrade at second. It will be interesting to see how all this plays out. I’m guessing Andrew Friedman is active.
The Dodgers had a record of 24-9 going into last night’s game. They tied it up in the seventh inning, so they had a decent chance to win, and even if they lost, they would be 24-10. Roberts, who virtually never has anyone try to steal a base, who almost never even employs hit-and-run, has Turner try to steal second. Turner is the last person I would want to see try to steal a base. His musculature is such that he is always at risk for leg injuries, and has had several, which sometimes take a long time to heal. But Roberts decides that this is a time to call for a steal. And sure enough, Turner has to run at full speed for ninety feet, and then dives into second base–and injures his hamstring.
We hope that he is indeed day-to-day, as Roberts often says, but he also could be out for two weeks or more. Missing Turner for the playoffs would probably mean another season of ultimate Dodgers futility, even with all the talent on hand. The reward of having Turner stealing second base is far outweighed by the risk that he would injure himself. Yes, you have to play the game, and take some risks, but the incongruity of having Turner trying to steal, when you virtually never put on any running sign, was a glaring mistake, in my opinion, and the result was hardly surprising. That was the most important aspect of last night’s game, in my view.
SORRY i MEANT SCB NOT SBC
I have no idea who it would take to get those two players but like SBC I have no problem with lux being part of the package.
The way I see it is we need 2 pieces- Lance Lynn and Whit Merrifield. Just a little bit of backround on Merrifield: The following are all lifetime averages:
.296 BA
.313 BA vs LHP
.867 OPS vsLHP
.315 RISP vs all
By contrast: Barnes(6-15) and Pollock(12-35) combined are hitting .360 vs LHP. Next would be Seager at .225
Oh and BTW Merrifield can also steal a base or two. Lifetime averagefor a full season
32 SB. He also led the AL in hits the last two years(total 398)
A few observations: The Dodgers seldom play well after playing a night game then traveling to another city (even home), and not getting to sleep until the early morning hours. 14 inning doubleheader sweep of Giants, including a bullpen game, then flying to Dallas was tough duty. Kiké is playing like a player who is resigned to soon wearing another uniform. I cannot recall seeing a player with the talent of Cody Bellinger take so many awful looking swings. Formula for disaster – 16 of 17 Jake McGee pitches are fastballs to a fastball hitting team – of the 16 fastballs the Rangers hitters swung 10 times and only whiffed twice (4 fouls, and 4 BIP). Dodgers trade targets? Royals Will Merrifield or Angels David Fletcher for second base?
And you show a lack of knowledge of baseball period. You have no clue. I know what Muncy’s OPS is, and Bellingers. Expected batting average means bupkis. Your eyeballs obviously are not that good. And you do not have a clue how important defense is. I cited those two instances off of the top of my head, but tell me oh brilliant one, didn’t the first game of that double header feature some outstanding defense that basically saved Kershaw from giving up the lead. Sure, I remember all of Dave’s past moves, who doesn’t ?? And how about the two catches over the last 2 days that cost JT a couple of homers? Hernandez is an offensive hole in the lineup. Everyone can see it. If it were just him, no one would be talking about it at all. But it is up and down the lineup. And how, after how brilliant the bullpen has been for most of the year, can one question Roberts use of same? It is not his fault the starters are barely getting out of the 5th inning. If he made a mistake tonight, it was not letting May go back out for the 7th. He had only thrown 80 pitches. But before you start telling me I live in the stone age when the only person on this blog who thinks defense is over rated is you, well, you had better learn a lot more about the game before you take me on bucko. I have a lot more knowledge of the game and it’s history than you. I can tell you right now that off the top of my head, I can name a couple of Hall of Famers who got there more for their defense than their bat. Bill Mazeroski, and Ozzie Smith. Argument over
Someone in yesterday’s conversation asked what’s keeping the Dodgers from winning a championship. My short answer is Doc. My long answer is Doc’s mismanagement of the bullpen and his love for defense over offense, more specifically the hole Doc himself has created at 2b by insisting on starting Hernandez there.