The past eight years have been incredible for Dodger fans: Eight straight division championships and two trips to the World Series. But it was not enough – the Dodgers did not win the World Series… never mind that they did not win it the twenty-four years before that (cheating aside).
“Andrew Friedman will never get it done.”
“Dave Roberts is an idiot.”
“Kenley Jansen is done.”
“Clayton Kershaw is a chocker.”
“Max Muncy should not be on the roster.”
That is but a fraction of what is posted on a daily basis. For 4 or 5 years, I was lambasted every day by many who are still on this board, because I stood up for Andrew Friedman. It got so bad that, like Jeff, I decided to step back and created another board where I could take a lessor role, but I was still attacked.
So, I came back and made a few changes. Gradually, the site came back and the other one died. Then, Jeff (AC), Harold (DC), Rob (2demeter2), and Michael (Bear) came along. It was a great run, but now many of them want to leave. Why?
Simple Answer
Many of you love to bitch no matter what! You are not happy unless you are miserable and you love to make others miserable. Yes, misery loves company. Consider this:
- The Dodgers scored the most runs in MLB this year;
- The Dodgers gave up the fewest runs in MLB this year;
- The Dodgers had the best record in MLB this year; and
- The Dodgers are overwhelming favorites to win the World Series this year.
… and it is not good enough! The Dodger should have an All-Star at every position (damn the Luxury Tax)! Look, I know it has been a long time since the Dodgers won a World Series, but Andrew Friedman has only been in charge for six years and Dave Roberts has only been managing five years – Don’t kick the cat!
Rose Colored Glasses
I am accused of having on rose-colored glasses by some: “I will say just in general that I would not want to read or participate in a blog where everything had to be positive and rose-colored.” The Dodgers are the best team in baseball. They are not perfect. AF and Doc are not perfect, but whining is for babies and dogs. Any way you look at the Dodgers, the outlook is rosy!
Others say things like ” I have seen a lot of posters come and go and I suspect I know why.” OK, great – you know I do not tolerate stupid stuff. Good for you! Try saying smart stuff. Jeff Dominique and I have disagreed about a lot of things, but he always has substance and both of us are wrong many times. If you ask him, I have been wrong more often than him and if you ask me I will say he is probably right! Jeff has an uncanny ability to look into the future of a player. I suspect he is doing something illegal… but I digress!
However, Jeff and I agree about a lot, including the fact that many of you cannot help but spew negativity… no matter how good things are going. The difference between Jeff and me is that he is a gentleman… while I am a street fighter. Some of you can’t help but say stupid stuff. I get that. You need to get this: When you do, I will call you on it!
We are the best team in baseball, but like every other team we have flaws. Matchups can be difficult. I go through the season with the joy of a nine-year-old boy which was what age I was when I became a Dodger fan. I enjoy every step of the way and in the end, if we lost, I was disappointed… but then I got ready for next year.
I choose to live my life being happy and joyful. I also realize I have been blessed. I believe in Blooming Where You Are Planted! You can’t choose what happens to you, but you can choose your reaction to what happens.
So, I am happy all season and when the Dodgers don’t win, I am miserable for a day or two, and then, I move on. On the other hand, many of you are miserable every day, even when the Dodgers win (“they should have played better defense…”, etc.).
I will call it the way I see it and I believe in Jim Rome’s “Have a take and do not suck” methodology! Feel free to disagree with me (but support your argument with facts) – Jeff and I disagree a lot, but we are not disagreeable. As an example, I may say “Austin Barnes needs to go to AAAA.” Jeff may say “Just give him some time.” Jeff was right and I was wrong, but it was an unfair advantage because Jeff had experience I did not have. His son, Andy was an MLB catcher. Jeff took advantage of me. 😉
So, after the playoffs, I will be back on a more regular basis after you have run Jeff and others off this board. Yes, you did! If you can’t have joy, what good is it? I will respect your views under the following conditions:
- Have a take and do not suck;
- Don’t talk politics or religion;
- Don’t swear… damnit;
- Don’t whine;
- Support your views with facts;
- Don’t second guess (that’s so lame);
- Realize the MLB players are 100 times better than the best of us;
- Realize that the Manager and staff have access to stuff we do not;
- Don’t talk down to others; and
- Follow the Golden Rule!
You can be miserable 363 days a year, but I will only be miserable 2 days a year! Think about that!
Jeff Dominique (AC) is going to guide the Dodgers to a World Series Championship and I will be back… hoping that Jeff continues to post here as his spirit moves him.
Michael Norris/aka Bear will continue to write some amazing stuff.
Rob Schelling (2demeter 2) is taking a hiatus, but will check in occasionally.
Harold Uhlman (DC) is an unknown, but I would love to have him here… as little or as much as he wants. I think he is or will soon be 90 years old.
Evan Bladh will also lend a hand. He has 11 months until he retires, however…
I wish I could talk Dodgerpatch into doing a blog a week. He is incredible.
I have to go – my 6th granddaughter (Violet) wants to meet me tomorrow. I will not miss that for anything! My youngest son is having his first child. I am so blessed!
Discussion (73)
Disagree, not disagreeable
OK
I read this today and thought it might be helpful:
http://www.paulgraham.com/disagree.html
I like reading the posts and the disagreements in here. I especially enjoy those that don’t spin their takes and basically get buttass hurt if someone calls them on a take. There is one poster in particular has a way of always wiggling out of a disagreement and painting themself as being innocent as a lamb and doesn’t understand any confusions (NO it is not Mark Timmons, Timmons is a straight shoot, okay he does wiggle a little bit at times). Disagreement is good, leads to good conversation or at least it should. What I mainly see is a group of very thin skinned, overly sensitive individuals. If everyone would stop being so quick to feel like a victim of something or someone, this place would be so much easier to enjoy and so much better in general. Well, that’s how i see it and sense it.
The report is that both Clevinger and Lamet have played catch, but neither has thrown a bullpen. With just 2 days to go until the playoff games begin, I think the chance of either one of them pitching in games 1 or 2 is minuscule at best. I guess we will all have to just wait and see.
So, evidently, it is Buehler Tuesday and Kershaw Wednesday.
Bulldogs&Penguins,
Everyone did not hate you, but sometimes you went off the rails.
It happens! 😉
Hi peterj. Hope you and family are doing well. Well, I am sure they all wanted to win and some just could not do it. I will continue to root for the Dodgers, win or lose. I wonder if my cutout will still be in the stands during the A’s games. I guess I might go and look to see if it is where I think the area it might be in
ps I am not THE Sunshine Spreader, maybe A Sunshine Spreader most times, although I do have my weak moments. And they better have Floro on the next playoff roster, lol.
DBM – I believe that 7 out of the last 8 year’s teams had their minds in the game… But alas we didn’t or couldn’t move that mountain…
I wanna believe last year we win it all if not for the Astericks antics…
This game is tough and I don’t think there’s a player on the 28(?) that wouldnt give anything for the ring… Good all around play, health and a lil luck is my opening pitch every ST…
P.S. Or should it be Sunshine Spreader from now on out???
I haven’t posted all year, and under a different moniker. The reason is that I dared to say such a controversial statement that AF can’t be considered the best GM until he wins a championship. I also had a habit of going hard after those who said horrible things to me or about me. I have kept reading both posts and comments, but never had the desire to post until now, since we are on the subject of why people leave. My word of advice is, people have different opinions and shouldn’t be chastised for them. Especially if they can back them up with a reasonable argument.
To MT and AC, and no offense to the other writers, you are what keeps this site interested and it isn’t the same with either of you posting less. I hope you both decide to continue to post regularly. AC makes all the sense in the world, except his hard line stance on the Dodgers not going over the cap. MT, you are extremely entertaining, but you’re way less good at predicting the future than you think you are.
This team has the best chance it has had in this run to finally win the big one for three reasons.
1) This is the most balanced, non platooning lineup that we have had.
2) None of the remaining teams has the pitching that compares to the Nats, Red Sox, or Astericks.
3) MLB simplified managing for Dave Roberts. Less unnecessary pitching changes and double switches due to the 3 batter rule and the DH.
Munchy sucks this year (I was castrated for suggesting we trade him while his value was high in the past) and it is absolutely idiotic of Doc to bat him 4th, almost as idiotic is to have Rios on the bench in favor of Muncy.
That’s all I got.
NO mountains can be moved…
Unless you KNOW mountains can be moved! — Mark Timmons aka/The Mountainmover
Glad to see you write an article, Mark. Thank you. Well hope I did not wear AC out with my many questions. Someone referred to me, I think as a Sunshine Spreader. If so, for the most part, I accept the designation. I am a believer in Mind Over Matter. I also think a positive and confident attitude can move mountains. Therefore, I feel that we are going all the way.
I love to read all the various thoughts on anything Dodger. So many folks that post here bring their own knowledge and expertise on a wide array of topics. Info you don’t get anywhere else unless you want to research stuff yourself. Just think of the topics that are addressed here; line ups and rosters, prospects and MiLB, baseball history (Dodger and otherwise), the Negro Leagues, Umpires (just last week), financial information on caps, salaries, rosters, instructional opinions and much more. I personally like to offer thoughts from a player and coach’s perspective and years of being around the game. The strength of this site is the combined knowledge and opinions of so many folks.
Now let’s talk about the next round. Here are may thoughts
* If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Folks can complain about Muncy, especially in the 4 hole, and they have a case on that one. But he’s gonna play. Who else would. Please don’t tell me we’d be better with Joc in left, Pollock in center and Belli at 1st. Joc is not an improvement in the line up and should be a pinch hitter only. He’s overweight, not a good defender and strikes out too much. Oh, and he can’t hit.
* I would add Floro and drop Gore. That’s 14 pitchers and 14 position players.
* I like the idea of keeping K-Bear as a 3rd catcher for the simple reason is when Barnes catches CK, Smith should DH and K-Bear can catch in case and can pinch hit. Yeah, I know. No experience but I like him there in case.
* I like CK starting game one but have zero problem with Buehler starting. I think this depends on his blister and giving him an extra day.
I really like Urias in the bullpen especially as a back up after Buehler like last week. I would keep him there as the 1st guy out of the pen.
* That leaves May and Gonsolin as starters for games 3 and 4 with that strong bullpen ready to go. If it goes 5 games you may have a bullpen game or get what you can from CK (I don’t love this idea) or Buehler and Johnny Wholestaff.
* I have my doubts on Clevinger and Lamet health and ability to go many innings, if any. Paddack has not been good lately and doesn’t have a good history versus the Dodgers. Davies is just okay. The Dodgers have so many more pitching options than the Padres. I like our pitching way more for 5 days in a row.
* Yup, I’m old school in many ways including my dislike for the way the Padres play the game. Way too much hot-doggin for me. But they love to get under opponent’s skin with celebration. They want to poke the Bear. We can’t take the bait. I just want to quietly kick their ass and move on.
* Doc is making good decisions. I loved the Bazooka in the 9th last game. It’s no time to reinvent the game now. Just let the players determine the outcomes.
* On a completely different note, I’ve been doing my voodoo chants in hopes we don’t get Eddie Perez any more. I got the chance last week to listen to Chipper Jones for my first time. He was with Jon Sciambi, who’s usually so-so but I thought they were great to listen to. Chipper is really good. He is thoughtful in his analysis and doesn’t try to fill up every available second with babble like Rick Sutcliffe. I’d like to listen to Chipper more.
I cannot help but wonder how good they would have been with a healthy Price. He will be there next season, and he should be pretty well rested. But I am looking forward to seeing what White and Gray can add. I think the only free agents of their own they pursue are Turner and Treinen. I think they let the rest walk.
Graterol is with the team and will continue to be groomed to take over for Kenley. There are other options as well. including May and Gonsolin, but they are on a starters path. Treinen could also be that guy – he likes to close better than set up although he publically makes no waves.
Kenley was very good until about September 11 – but he had a better ERA than Hader and was barely behind Chapman. The biggest concern is his walks and I would not use him in extra innings. He remains the Dodger’s closer… and should, but Dave has him on a short leash and has options.
I look for the boys calling the lumber to put some thunder into it. They were on cruise control against the Brewers. They will be ready for the Padres.
Playoff schedule
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-playoffs-schedule-2020-postseason-dates-times-tv-info-for-alds-nlds/
Dodgers late game every night.
Mark, I will address a couple of points. You pointed out I suspect I know why posters leave. It has nothing to do with you. I think some leave because they are not included in the discussions. That is just an opinion that may or may not have merit. Jeff, in my opinion was good at inclusion so I liked that.
Second, the Dodgers/Milwaukee game finished after midnight in the Midwest so for those of us who work it was way past bedtime.
You have disagreed with me many times. I don’t care it is your or my right to do so. Not all arguments or disagreements can be decided by statistics.
Just for clarity I will say I am very happy the way Roberts managed the 2 game series. I was so glad when he put graterol in the ninth instead of Kenley. I was biting my nails afraid he would go to Kenley and ruin kershaws great outing. I admit when the sinkerballer started giving up fly balls I got a bit nervous. Going forward I hope he doesn’t think Jansen has to come in at every save opportunity.
I have been adamant that kershaw is not our ace. But, the past couple of years he has been a different pitcher. Milwaukee couldn’t hit but kershaw definitely had playoff stuff.
Good morning everyone. Hope y’all slept well and had a great Saturday. I myself watched me some college football, and then I went back and watched the very first game of this season. So interesting to go back and look at how it all started this year. If any had forgotten that game was an ESPN game. So Perez and Kurkjian were there. May went 4, the Giants scored the 1st run, and Kike went 4-5 with 5 ribbies. And was not heard from again for a couple of weeks. The only real gripe I have had with this edition of the Dodgers is inconsistency. The offense has had that problem, and a couple of the pitchers did too. Urias for all that talent was maddening in the early portion of the season with all that nibbling he did instead of attacking the hitters. He sure has turned that around. I agree that rather than start one of the big guns in game one, they should start Gonsolin or May. May has pitched well against SD, and who can forget that nasty pitch he threw to Machado that broke about 18 inches. I am getting older, and although there are days when someone posts something that touches a nerve, I am mellowing a lot. Too much has happened this year to make it feel anything close to normal. But writing for this blog has helped me immensely. I read on the last stream where one of the posters was saying something about not being interested in the history of the team because he had read a lot about it and he liked reading about the current team and the analysis that Jeff would give, I appreciate that more than most might realize. There are things about the way the game is played now that I dislike, but then again it is the only baseball we have. The game has moved on from the game of my youth so the best thing for me to do is try to enjoy it as best I can. I am still after all, just a fan. I am not a great analyst, but I do watch the games closely. If I see something I think I can add that first, makes sense, and second, is relevant to the conversation, I will definitely do that. Not watching the NFL. Just not interested any more. But have watched parts of the Lakers playoff games. James and Davis have made Laker basketball fun again. I Hope every one has a great day. Stay safe….
I don’t post as often as I used to. In general, I have been very bullish on this year’s iteration of the Dodgers, and I’ve said so, but being a fan doesn’t mean that you ignore reason and the evidence of your own eyes and pretend that everything is wonderful if it’s not.
I have been concerned about 2 things this year. You can certainly argue that given the Dodgers’ success thus far, none of them have been a big factor in the outcome of the season – at least not yet.
1 – The Dodgers no longer have their vaunted depth of starting pitchers. They have Kershaw and the Mod Squad or whatever you want to call the 4 youngsters. (I get that Buehler has experience and is ordinarily in a different category, but he hasn’t pitched much this season.) The callowness of the Fab 4 has lead to Dodger starters averaging 4.6 ip/start, and absurdly low number. They have gotten away it this year by having only a 60 game season and a 28 man roster with lots of extra relief pitchers. This formula may work this post-season or may not, but were’t you glad to see Kershaw go 8 in Game 2?
2 – The offense sometimes simply disappears. But given the depth and quality of the lineup it’s hard to see why, with one exception. The Dodgers’ lefty sluggers (Bellinger, Muncy and Pederson) have all had bad seasons. I have no idea what’s happening behind the scenes but I have to believe that the Dodgers are doing all that they can to “fix” the Futile Three. It hasn’t happened yet. Again thus far it hasn’t mattered, but it sure could.
In general, I have been far more optimistic than pessimistic about the Dodgers this year. I still think that they should win the Series and am also aware that there is enough randomness in baseball that the odds are against them. In a short series anything can happen. But I will reiterate that being a fan doesn’t mean that you have to turn off your brain or disbelieve the evidence that your own 2 eyes give you and not recognize that there are pluses and minuses and that the Dodgers aren’t perfect.
If I am among those who have pushed Jeff away from running the site, I guess that the only remedy for that is to stop posting altogether. But personally, I think that a multiplicity of viewpoints makes things more interesting.
This is from the Padres site:
But the simple fact is this: It’s much easier to survive three bullpen days than it is five.
Imagine if the Padres had to play another game against the Cardinals on Saturday. They’d have nowhere to turn. Nearly every reliever was used beyond his typical workload.
“They’ve been overworked, they’ve been overtaxed, the medical team, getting these guys last night, staying late, working on them, getting here early today, working on them,” Tingler said.
Our bullpen and starters are rested. Lamet has right biceps tightness and Clevinger has right elbow impingement. If either onei s on the roster, I cannot see them pitching very deep ndthe bullpen is exposed already. BTW, earlier I said 7 games – the SD series is 5. I’l like to see it over in three. Throw everything but the kitchen sink.
I believe that Clayton, the Young Turks and a Bazooka will seal the deal!
Welcome back MT…
No doubt 2020 has been a once in a lifetime event…
I will sorely miss Sweet Lou… Him and I were and continue to be good friends of Bill… Lou’s wisdom helped me manage my life on life’s term…
Well, it comes down to San Diego and this series scares the s___ out of me… Many said the Madres were still a year or two away and I disagreed… This is a very good team and it may end up a dog fight…
Go Blue…
Here’s something I missed that is pretty funny:
Horrible news about Charlie Haeger – he was still only 37.
I am sure there are mental health issues involved – so sad!
https://sports.yahoo.com/charles-haeger-mlb-pitcher-wanted-murder-dodgers-padres-white-sox-234818619.html
A few can ruin it for the masses.
I get that people are upset and on edge during this crazy year of 2020. Baseball has been a great escape and should continue to be. NFL Football is in danger of closing the season down. The pandemic is red-hot right now. We have learned how to treat it and way fewer people are dying, but it is no joke. Vaccines are anywhere from a month to six months away, but baseball has pulled this off and we have something to rally around.
We have some incredible fans on this blog and I value you all, but Jeff tries to not be confrontational – you may not know he is upset. You will know it with me . .. that’s a fact!
Someone mentioned about monetizing the site – Jeff, Harold, Rob and I myself never wanted to be part of that. All of those ads and popups interfere with your experience. We do this as a labor of love and if we don’t love it we won’t do it. It’s that simple. Now, How about Tuesday’s game?
Obviously there is a lot going on outside of baseball and no doubt nerves are being stressed everywhere. Perhaps some of that has found its way here?
When I read Jeff’s column yesterday I felt the expressions of a man who sounded pissed off. I expressed my feelings, asked my question and moved on. Many people expressed their thanks to him for the fine work he has done here. I did not see that gratitude reciprocated. I find that sad.
There are some things we cannot talk about here. I got that message on August 27th when teams decided not to play, for reasons we cannot talk about, I said something regarding that, and Jeff set me straight in an email. Ok. We disagreed and put it behind us. At least, I thought we did. Maybe not?
I come here to hear everyone’s opinion and when things are thrown out I look forward to exchanging thoughts on whatever topic the group chooses. We can, and do talk about a variety of topics here. We talk about history, music, movies, where we live, where we went to school, what professions we may have pursued and of course, the Dodgers. I don’t expect to agree with everyone on everything and it’s only natural that there will be those that disagree with me. I’m cool with that. That’s the nature of discussion. I thought that’s why we come here. I don’t believe anybody’s take is “stupid”, though I do find some more insightful than others, and when I do I say so.
I’m sorry the experience of sharing different opinions has been so painful for Jeff. I hope with some time to reflect he will be able to find some joy in the fact his writings stimulated conversation.
I look forward to where we go from here.
There’s this;
“ Some of you can’t help but say stupid stuff. I get that. You need to get this: When you do, I will call you on it!”
And then there’s this;
9. Don’t talk down to others;
I have to say, with a fair amount of perspective: this is the worst Dodger blog I have ever read.
Charles Haeger found dead from self-inflicted wound RIP