Cause every little thing is gonna’ be alright.
Rise up this morning, smiled with the rising sun
Three little birds, by my doorstep
Singing sweet songs, of melodies pure and sure
Saying, “This is my message to you”
Bob Marley taught me that!
The Negative Nellies are simply beside themselves as the Dodgers have bolted from the pack to the best record in baseball. Andrew Friedman bashers are crawling back into their holes and hiding from the sun.
Andrew Friedman’s moves, motives and methods have always been questioned by certain fans and the naysayers have posted en mass about the Dodger’s deficiencies. It’s only one game, but even Wild Man Kelly looked good! If he gets his act together, they will have to hibernate until November.
I love it when they not only don’t know what to say, but can’t say anything. Well, they do say “Let’s see if they can keep it up.” Translation, “I am really miserable and if the Dodgers keep this up it will spoil my mood!” Get back in your holes!
Last night was another nice win. The Dodgers Ace did not have his ace stuff but as Ace’s are prone to do, he kept them in the game and ate up some innings.
Alex Verdugo
After almost 100 AB’s, A.B. (that’s his initials and what a better set of initials for a guy who was born to hit?), is hitting .344 with a .380 OB% and a .956 OPS. I have called him Tony Gwynn-esque to the consternation of some you who are now munching on crow. I am going to go one step further and predict that he will win multiple batting titles (that’s more than one). He’s now a fixture in the lineup and his enthusiasm is contagious. The only question about him was his attitude and work ethic… and that has been asked and answered.
Max Muncy
Many thought that 2018 was an aberration and that Mad Max would regress. He is now showing out and showing off. His defense has been wrongly maligned and he is solid at 1B and 2B. I believe that if you left him at 3B, he would do well there as well. Max is an athlete and he has an excellent batting eye.
Enrique Hernandez
I would not trade Kike for DJ LeMahieu and that’s not because I don’t think DJ isn’t a great player – he is. However, Kike along with his brothers in arms (Alex, Corey, Cody and JT) are the heart and soul of the Dodgers. Maybe CT3 is part of that group too. These guys are hungry for a championship… and they deserve to get there together. Kike has thunder in his bat and has a knack of getting the big hit. I still think the best is yet to come from him.
The Dodgers have 25 wins and are on pace for 104 wins after many picked them to get off to a slow start. The Dodger Brass were roundly criticized for not having the team ready. Don’t even say anything – there’s no need. The bashers have been continually wrong since Friedman came to town and they will keep being wrong because they are irrational. I have learned to deal with it.
Things are very exciting right about now and it is fun watching these guys develop on the major league level and in the minors. Speaking of the minors, here’s my cue:
Minor League Report
Oklahoma City Dodgers – The OKC Dodgers are now 10-22, as they lost 13 -6 to the Nashville Sounds, but there were a few bright spots. Kyle Garlick hit two more HR; Will Smith broke out of his slump and went 3-4 (he’s back up to .244, but was headed to .200 before last night); and Castro was 2-5. Brock Stewart gave up 8 hits and 7 ER in 3.2 innings. He is a train wreck, as is Stetson Allie who gave up 4 ER and 3 BB in 0.1 innings pitched. Allie’s ERA sits at a cool 19.29! Yikes!
Tulsa Drillers – The Drillers drilled the Corpus Christi Hooks by coming from behind with 4 runs in the bottom of the 7th to win 8-5. Gavin Lux (.307 BA/.958 OPS) hit his 8th HR and Zach Reks hit his 7th to go along with 5 RBI. Reks is hitting .326 with a .422 OB% and a .987 OPS. Reks can rake! Santana went 2-4 and his BA is at .340. He has cut down his long swing and is a nice work in progress. He could be the next Dodger 3B. Andre Scrubb pitched 2 innings and (3-0 1.10 ERA) got the win and Marshall Kasowski (2.38 ERA) got the save, also pitching 2 innings and striking out 4. Tulsa’s record sits at 18-12.
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes – RC moved to 21-12 with a 6-4 win over the Inland Empire Puffers as Berman, Chiu, and Rincon all homered. Starling Heredia appears to be clueless as he is hitting .182 and had 2 more strikeouts last night. He is striking out 48% of the time. It’s not looking good for him. Gerardo Carrillo went 4 innings and allowed 1 Hit to go with no ER, Sheffield got his 6th save with 1.2 innings pitched. His ERA sits at 1.84. He’s a candidate to move up.
Great Lakes Loons – The Loons moved to 19-13 with a win over Kane County Cougars by the score of 10-6. Outman, Paulson Baldwin and Huisizer all homered as the Loons put up 13 hits.
Discussion (80)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Mark. What? The only thing I know about water is that I drink it and water the yard with it! Any good left handed pitching owns us not just Corbin. This weekend we’ll see if we can handle good right handed pitching. Better win tomorrow. Would hate to get swept!
Corbin owns us.
Lineup:
1. Kike CF
2. JT 3B
3. Cody RF
4. Freese 1B
5. Mad Max 2B
6. Corey SS
7. CT3 LF
8. Martin C
9. Mountain P
I have been extremely busy lately as we are working on a new project that involves “Hydro Gas & Electro Magnetically Charged Reformed Liquid Silica (RLS).” If that sound crazy, consider what it does.
Water is the predominant substance on our planet and we magnify the power of water for use in agriculture with Hydro Gas. This Gas which is Aqueous gas produced and stored in the gas phase, Magnifies and enlarges the intrinsic power of water without separating Oxygen and Hydrogen molecules with No environmental contamination. The by-product is simply water. It is Extremely efficient in terms of generation.
When the Hydro Gas is injected into any water, the water is then restructured internally at a molecular level to have the following three unique properties:
1. Micro-Clusters for increased hydration
2. Charged with free electrons and hydroxyl ions as a natural source of antioxidants and disinfecting power
3. Alkaline PH of 8.5+ to detoxify and provide better health for your body.
The first property is that this gas reforms the H2O water clusters to become more linear, forming micro-clusters of the molecules of water. These micro clusters make the water much more hydrating, soluble, and permeating for the cells and the body. This means that when someone drinks this water, they hydrate much quicker and assimilate much more efficiently any nutrients or vitamins that they eat.
The second property is that this gas energizes the water with free electrons and hydroxyl ions. We measure this with an Oxidation-Reduction Potential meter, or ORP, which is measured in positive or negative millivolts (mV). Water infused with our Hydro Gas has a negative ORP of -300mV while regular drinking water has an ORP of + 200mV or more. This means that when you drink our restructured water, it gives off powerful anti-oxidants to the body that help energize and rejuvenate your cells.
In addition, the -300mV ORP means that without the application of any chemicals, this water becomes a potent bactericidal and fungicidal agent. At the molecular level, all pathogenic bacteria and fungi are destroyed. Also, because of the microclusters, this water increases the nutrient absorption rate of plants and the growth rate of the plants. In exercise, you can go through a rigorous workout and this technology dissipates the lactic acid in the muscles – you are 80% less sore after working out and injury recovery is dramatically quicker. BTW, it cured my sons MRSA after 2 years of Antibiotics.
The third property is that the Hydro Gas makes the water alkaline, with a PH of 8.5+ without the use of any chemicals, and I am not even going touch on the cancer-killing properties of this technology. That’s too much to even comprehend. We are working with certain athletes and sports organizations to vet the technology. Stay tuned….
This is becoming a THING in sports. The Dodgers are doing it (though not publicized) and the Colts are doing it BIG TIME with this guy:
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2019/05/08/how-former-green-beret-has-changed-colts-thinking/3625380002/
Vegas,
Actually, I never ran LA DODGER REPORT. After I shut down LA DODGER TALK I gave it to Scott Andes and I was just a guest writer there. I had no control at that site.
I was sick of blogging then because of a few ________________ (you fill in the blank) and I just wanted to take it easy. I almost gave him LA DODGER TALK but I ended up giving him LA Dodger Report. I’m glad it worked out that way. BTW, I have been offered $10,000 for LA DODGER TALK, but I ain’t selling. I’m having fun again.
Sounds like Brock Stewart revisited. Fregie does have a great curve.
Of course, I may be wrong, but I don’t see that capability from him.
Mark, I disagree about Ferguson. I’m sitting on his fastball all day long. If he can throw 3 curves for strikes then I’ll sit down. Like Kersh, if he develops a killer slider the kid is a top,of the rotation pitcher and he signs a BIG contract. If I’m the Dodgers he goes to OKC and throws nothing but sliders!
Mark, where are the archives? Can we access them anymore, like to 2004?
I was thinking about what AC said earlier about Friedman being a deity. I don’t idolize people but I appreciate unusual talent when I see it. While I don’t idolize him, I will say that there is no one I would rather have running the Dodgers. That’s all there is to it.
I work with lots of famous people and none of them awe me… Andrew included. I just think he is doing an amazing job. When he made the Dee Gordon trade, I immediately got what he was doing. I would not have signed Jansen or Kelly, but it may be OK. It takes a while for it to all fall in place.
It appears to me that Andrew probably thinks this is the best Dodger team since he came to LA and he will likely spend to get more firepower… whether that’s prospects or money. He just won’t make dope-fiend moves.
I think my best call was Adrian Beltre – in his Rookie Year, I said he was HOF material and I was roundly mocked. I think that was back on the Old LA Times blog.
But, then there’s Andy LaRoche – I said the same thing for him.
Sad News:
Zach Lee has given up 38 hits in 28 IP for Syracuse in AAA and has a 5.08 ERA. I never did buy into his hype, but thought he might develop as a #5 starter. At age 27, that seems a dream. What happened?
“I don’t like their middle relief. There’s just something missing there. They have to find a way to bridge it between the starters and [Kenley] Jansen.” – I totally agree. The help will come… from within or without.
I think another RH Bat and another Bullpen piece is quite likely. The thought within the Dodgers organization is that Travis d’Arnaud could make a Muncy, Taylor or Turner type of metamorphosis. They think RVS can turn him into Superman from Clark Kent. I’m not counting on it.
Ferguson will be back and either Madea will be traded or go to the bullpen. I do not think he has the temperament for the pen, and with his contract predicated upon starting, I would think he could have excellent trade value, especially if he can have a few good starts. You can never have enough starters, unless you have too few relievers.
The starting pitching is the strength of this team. When they are good the Dodgers have a chance to win every game and the starters are getting healthy and the team is winning. The exception – Maeda needs to be in the bullpen. If they are going to pace Urias then I would switch Stripling with Maeda – Strip was the most consistent starter (other than Ryu) while Kershaw and Hill were on the IL.
Relief is still a question. When Jansen overthrows his cutter doesn’t move and he becomes hittable with a flat fastball. Kelly is still too inconsistent and that is just who he is. He is capable of a month or 2 of good pitching but he has never pitched well over an entire season. Baez and Floro seem to be pretty good 7th and 8th inning guys. I will tell you that I am nervous once the ‘pen is called upon until a win is secured.
The Dodgers are better against RHP than LHP. The split is .260/.347/.470/.817 vs RHP vs .256/.347/.447/.794 against LHP. the big difference is in SLG, which is what happens when Muncy and Pederson sit and Freese and Taylor play.
Taylor, Turner and Muncy are turning it on now. Seager still not hitting. I wonder how long it will be after 1 season and 2 surgeries for Cory to come back completely.
Dodger hitters are relentless. They see more pitches per game than anyone and push starting pitchers out early and get into the soft underbelly that is middle relief of their opponents. The length of the lineup and their ability to move Taylor, Kike, Muncy and Belli around to suit their needs makes them very tough to match up against. And I do think that Verdugo is off to a very strong start.
I work with a guy who’s a D-Backs fan. He usually ticked that the Dodgers have 2 full lineups of position players and 2 full rotations of starting pitchers. The Dodgers’ depth and versatility makes them very hard to beat during the regular season.
MLB.com recently published an article about the all teams in the NL West. One scout wrote about the Dodgers “I don’t like their middle relief. There’s just something missing there. They have to find a way to bridge it between the starters and [Kenley] Jansen.”
The other issue for me – can the Dodgers be the best team not only for 162 games but in the post-season? Does another high powered relief arm or another ace starter do it? Another RHH? For me the biggest issue is the ‘pen. Can Kenley get it done? Can they get from the starters to Kenley? I don’t trust Kelly. Can a bullpen of Floro, Baez, et al get it done?
Crowing about our calls on players that produce is like going to Vegas. We only talk about the time we won and not the 10 times we went and lost money! Be real and also talk about your misses. Where are all the people raking AF over the coals for the Cincy trade? His misses are out in the open for all to see. How about yours?
Hey, I disagree with all of you!!! Don’t know what I disagree with, but I just disagree. Just kidding!!
I’m thoroughly enjoying this team so far. That is until they lose, then I don’t enjoy it as much. I want them to win all 162 games. That won’t happen, so I enjoy the E-ticket ride for what it is.
Some other random thoughts: Do I think this is a perfect team? Nope, not by a long shot. Are we trending upward, sure seems like it. Bellinger is coming down to earth a little, but Muncy and JT are starting to rake. Seager is still finding his way. The others are who they are. Can this team be strengthened? Absolutely! I’m not ready to give the CY Young to Buehler just yet. Nor Ryu, for that matter. Let’s see how they hold up for the season first. Do I think DJLM is better than Kike? Yes I do , but I also think that Kike, considering the cost differential, and his versatility, is more valuable to the Dodgers. I like Verdugo, but I’m not ready give him the batting title or Rookie of the year awards just yet. We have too small a sample size. He’s certainly performed well up to now and appears to have brought some youthful energy that was lacking last year. Would I like to add another strong starting pitcher and lock down reliever? Most definitely! I like the pitchers we have, but they don’t necessarily give me a “Sandy Koufax” or “Eric Gagne” type confidence.
I totally agree with Dirk (on MLB and also our national discourse).
Of course, the Dodgers have ways they could improve. I was in favor of going after DJLM – I thought he was great when he played against us while on the Rockies. He was right handed and he was going to hit for high average. Defensively, he reminded me of 2nd base version of Corey Seager – tall middle infielder. Even though I liked him, I needed to think through what the Dodgers would do with Muncy, Keekay, and Lux if they signed DJLM. They definitely could have improved the team by trading and/or switching those guys to other positions, but there’s also the possibility those guys could step up and provide a solid 2nd base solution in the event the Dodgers didn’t get DJ. So, I’m not heartbroken over not signing him.
JT Realmuto’s a different story. Of course he would provide a stronger option than Barnes/Martin. However, I never got the impression the Marlins would be reasonable in their trade demands. They insisted on Bellinger PLUS prospects, for goodness sakes.
Regarding Harper, I agreed with the front office. I don’t think a decade-long FA deal is the answer to a problem that’s not really there. I agree that Harper’s talented, but are the Dodgers really desperate for young, talented left handed power hitting outfielders? I think they can do fine in that area as is, without breaking the bank. Plus, I’d rather see them break the bank when it comes time to retain their young stars.
Regarding Kimbrel, my view is that it’s a crap shoot. He didn’t look the most dominating of the Redsox relievers during last season’s playoffs. That would be Joe Kelly, but even he wasn’t a sure thing once he came over to the Dodgers so why would I be more confident that Kimbrel would work out?
I’ve been a Dodger baseball fan all my life since I was like 6 years old. Baseball was Vins voice and Koufax pitching. My Dad took the sporting news which was the closest thing to having the internet for baseball back then. A lot of the time it was just checking the box scores. So what’s my point? From my limited experience this ownership and general management (Friedman) is the best the Dodgers have had since they’ve been in LA. DR not Walter Alston but not all that bad and probably will improve. I will think that even if the Dodgers don’t win any world series ever. Now if they sink down and don’t compete that would be another story. So many variables and so much parity in baseball these days. True that year in and year out the yanks and red sox compete . Cubs put together a couple of good years then slipped. Freesco,well, they sank down into the depths of total non competitiveness. So sure I really would like to see a WS championship for the Dodgers sometime before I die. And it would be even more awesome to put together a decade or so of WS championships. You know…total domination of MLB. But what we’re getting these days isn’t so bad when compared to what was Dodger baseball not too long ago. It’s all in your perspective and expectation. Besides there is way more important things to worry about, like watching the constitution of our nation turning to ashes before our eyes on cable tv. Perspective and expectation.
Before I start, and I hope it does not qualify me as a Negative Nellie, the Dodgers do not have the best record in MLB. That belongs to the Minnesota Twins who have a .657 record while the Dodgers have a .641 record (2nd best in MLB). However I am not sure how important that actually is. We all remember who had the best record in MLB in 2017 and we all remember who did not win the WS, arguably due to a piss poor bullpen and a lack of a Playoff Ace. Some things just do not change, or have they? Obviously those issues have now been resolved with Ryu being the best pitcher in MLB (or is it Mike Fiers?) and Joe Kelly pitching a scoreless 9th. Voila, the bullpen and Playoff Ace are intact. Why play the rest of the season, the Dodgers are not going to lose another game. Just give them the Trophy now.
Apparently debate is no longer an accepted form of dialogue on this site. Why debate when we are told that the best 25 players (or is it best 40 players) in all of MLB play for the Dodgers. There is obviously no room for improvement. Apparently the Dodgers are so good there is no room on this team for a 3-time GG 2B who is hitting .339/.396/.449/.845 for NYY. After all we were told that DJLM is too old and could not hit away from Coors. I guess that ends that debate. If we wanted such a player then we obviously are naysayers and do not understand the genius of Andrew Friedman.
Also, why isn’t it acceptable to question Andrew Friedman’s moves, motives and methods without being considered a naysayer? Have his moves, motives, and methods produced a WS Champion? Ever? Forget Brian Cashman, Dave Dombrowski, Theo Epstein, and Brian Sabean.
Cashman has won 4 WS with NYY. Dombrowski took an expansion team and won a WS in his 5th year with the Marlins, and then rebuilt the team that won the 2003 WS even though he was with the Tigers at the time. He then won a WS title with the BoSox. Remember all the way back to 2018?
Theo Epstein won two WS with the BoSox and then took a Cubs team that was 75-87 in 2010, rebuilt it, and won a WS in 2016. It is irrelevant how he did it….he did it.
At least Brian Sabean won 3 WS titles before he was told he was no longer needed by the Giants. But those guys have nothing on Andrew Friedman. Right? Those 4 guys combined have won 12 WS since the Dodgers last won one. And yet, if we dare question the moves, motives and methods of Andrew Friedman we are somehow considered a pariah. It is especially hard for someone like me who appreciates what Friedman has done, and has written about that appreciation and admiration on multiple posts. But he is not God and I refuse to deify him, and I will continue to question his building of a bullpen even if it is no longer acceptable to do so on this site.
Therefore I will go with the flow. There is no room on this team for any player outside of the Dodgers organization. Why look at ML ballplayers when you have future HOF at AA a A+ who are better than those ML players right now. Don’t look at any help at the trade deadline, because no other team has anyone good enough to play for the Dodgers. After all those teams are sellers for a reason. Right? At the end of the year, the top 10 MVP vote getters will be Dodgers, the top 5 CY vote getters will be Dodgers, and the top 3 bullpen award vote getters will be Dodgers. I am thinking that the NL should just make the Dodgers the AS team and let them go at the AL.
However, without the hyperbole, satire, and sarcasm, I am really enjoying this team, and am excited about their chances this year. They are playing at a different level than anyone else right now, and they are not even playing their best baseball yet. It is not just one player. Like 2017, this team seems to have a different hero each game. Also just like 2017, they are never out of the game. It is a great time to be a Dodger fan, even if you think there are flaws. So…GO BLUE; BEAT THE NATS.
M.T. As Alfred E. Newman, one of my heroes, would say ” What me worry”???
You are the Dalai Lama of Dodger baseball… Done sucking up for now!!!
Why don’t we put Alex V. in the 4 hole for now until Belli and Seager re-heat… OK your right about being an ardent Alex V. fan, but I said “for now”… Yes, a long time ago I said have him leadoff…
I’m a little worried that Belli came back a little too soon with the shoulder separation.. Speaking from experience this condition can linger…
Damn, it’s great to be a Dodger fan…
No more expecting shut outs or no hitters when Kershaw pitches anymore. But hey, still a very good MLB pitcher. And if he can stay healthy for a while you never know what he might do on any given night. Another no hitter? Not impossible.
Were you sharing a big spliff with him when he gave you the advice. One surprise after another.
I found an older scouting report on Kyle Garlick. I guess he’s changed his stance around since then but the athletic hitting stuff doesn’t usually change much. Bat speed is the telling unteachable skill that I look at and Garlick has above average bat speed according to this report. Doesn’t make a lot of sense his not being on any recent prospect lists. He is having a very good start to this season. Needs to get his average up some to really impress. He has a lot of hits though.
Not only was I wrong about Verdugo, he’s fast becoming my favorite player! Volver, volver! Even his walkup song is awesome. I love his hits, even the cheap ones because he makes contact and keeps it moving. He should be playing every day and batting leadoff. He can play all over the outfield and he runs the bases well. He hits lefties and righties and is pretty damn good with the glove. He’s like Jeter in the outfield as he does everything well, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
The Dodgers are playing so well right now it’s scary-they are scary good. Now I can see a drop off with Hill and Maeda in the 4 and 5 spots and some shakiness in the bullpen but come on they are getting it done. My man Muncy is proving the doubters wrong, my choice for ROY (and people laughed at me) Verdugo is playing great and my best starter not in the rotation Urias will be back soon enough. This team has the look of a winner this season and I mean the Big Winner.
One question to our dear leader: why the bashing of anyone who questions your exalted opinions? You sir seem to be a poor winner and either want to draw people out to argue with or drive them away. Who cares what they say on ‘the other site’? We all know where it is and no one comments much there anyway. Maybe your site is growing traffic but most of my favorite posters have cut way back, replaced by some knowledgeable but sometimes snarky posters who must be lots of fun at parties. My advise: Lighten up and enjoy the ride.
Alex Verdugo is currently 5th in all of baseball with his .344 BA in 100 PA min. He is also 4th in Defensive Runs saved, behind Cain, Belly and Trout…. he is good.
Interested in Reks, Scrubb, and Santana.
Don’t know much about the first two but Santana’s 4/25 BB/K rate needs to improve. 62/326 for career.