Before we start the season, let me say that I am extremely excited that Mookie Betts will end his career (probably) in Dodger Blue. Unlike many of you, I am not surprised. We all know how much Andrew Friedman loves his top prospects and he simply was not going to part with three top prospects (including Tony Gwynn-esque, Alex Verdugo) for a rental. Do the math! I think Alex Verdugo will be a very good player in his own right, but not one of the Top Three in baseball, like Betts. Andrew Friedman will not make dope-fiend moves, but he is not afraid to spend if it makes sense (witness the offer to Gerrit Cole).
Let’s not forget that Mookie is very versatile. He is a Gold Glove Right-Fielder, but he can also play CF (however, the Dodgers have a Gold Glover there already) and he can play 2B. It would not surprise me if Cody Thomas or some other outfielder who could play RF allowed Mookie to move to 2B someday. This was a great move by AF and I am sure that Farhan is very pissed – the Giants were going to layout a War Chest for Mookie. I think this also tells you that Mookie wants to be a Dodger! Yes, he absolutely does!
A lot of you mocked Andrew Friedman for failing to sign big-name free agent pitchers (including the guy they are facing tonight), but he was just trying to win while building a dynasty. McCarthy, Kazmir, Anderson and others were just “bridges” to get him where he wanted to be. Where he wanted to be is where he is at. He has a plethora of live arms in the minors and Jo Jo Gray, Tony Gonsolin, Mitch White, Dustin May, Bobby Miller, and other starters are trending towards Chavez Ravine.
McCarthy, Kaz, Anderson, and Company were just a sign of the times. AF had to win and rebuild at the same time. No one has successfully done that… until now. Watch and Enjoy the ride! Get ready to hoist a World Championship Pennant over Dodger stadium! As a final aside: Not all players age well, but “little guys” (he not really “little” but at 5′ 9″ he’s not big, nor is he bulky) seem to age better physically. I can see Mookie being successful until his late 30’s. I would not sign Corey Seager to that kind of deal as bigger guys seem to have more areas to “break down.” I am sure AF considered that side as well, when deciding to sign Mookie. Mookie instantly becomes the face of the franchise and listen carefully to what he said:
“I’m here to win some rings and bring rings back to L.A. — that’s all I’m focused on,” Betts said after signing a landmark 12-year contract extension that runs through 2032.
“This is what I’ve been working for my whole life. I know the Dodgers are going to be good for a long time. I love being here, everything about being here. The people here made me feel so comfortable. Everybody’s amazing. This organization is a well-oiled machine. I love it.”
OK, Cut to the Chase
Today is Opening Day (finally) and expectations are extremely high. Andrew Friedman has built the best team in baseball – a juggernaut and nothing short of a World Championship will make this season a success. NOTHING! Oh, you can disagree with me that this is the best team is baseball, but you would be wrong! The Dodgers are better (on paper) than any team in baseball… even without David Price.
The 2020 season begins today and it’s like every team in baseball is tied for first place after 102 games. With 60 games left, a champion will be determined. This is no longer a marathon, but rather, a sprint!
The Athletic has the Dodgers as a “near unanimous” pick as the best team in baseball. Just about everyone else has the Dodgers as the favorite to win it all, but as we all understand, no championships are bestowed upon you because you look good on paper. You have to actually play the game. You also have to be physically and mentally ready to play the game and what I have witnesses during this Summer Training is a team that is as “locked and loaded” as any Dodger team I have ever seen – probably more so!
Yes, there are a few new players: Betts (Price… well almost), Treinen, and a couple of others, but the “core” of the team is essentially the same as in 2017, 2018 and 2019. They know they have not fulfilled their promise as a group and they also know that 2020 might be the last time this group has a chance to win together. Kike and Joc seem destined to move on (still, you never know). I get a sense that they are completely locked in on the ultimate goal, but they also realize they have to win TODAY in order to achieve that goal. One win at a time!
If you look below the surface, I think you will see a “quiet rage” also drives them. They know they were the best team in 2017 and were robbed by the Houston A-H_________s! They know they had a let down in 2018 and in 2019, they were again the best team in baseball and completely failed to execute. They know they could very easily have two or three World Championship Flags flying above Dodger Stadium. They are embarrassed by that, but 2020 can cure it all.
If you watched the first two scrimmages against the Diamondbacks and the game with the Angels, you saw a team that was again the Big Blue Wrecking Crew with their bats. What may or may not be as evident is that this team also has incredible pitching. Let’s take a quick look:
Starting Pitching
Even minus David Price, who looked like the “old David Price” in Spring Training, these starters are as good, top-to-bottom, as any team in baseball. Clayton Kershaw is looking more and more like the old Clayton (or maybe I should say Young Clayton) and he’s now incorporating a changeup into his repertoire. He hasn’t mastered it, but it’s encouraging to see him finally trying. I have always said that if he can develop a change up, he will win another Cy Young. That didn’t take into consideration that Rob Hill and Driveline Baseball could add another 2 or 3 MPH back on his fastball. He is the Ace of the staff.
As the season stacks up, Walker Buehler may not start until game five against Houston due to the fact that he has not really been stretched out for some unexplained reason. Dave Roberts has said that Dustin May and Walker Buehler will pitch in tandem for the first few starts of the season.
Ross “Chicken Strip” Stripling may be as good of a Number Five as there is in the game, however, he will start the season as the Number Two. I look for big things from Ross this season. It’s his time and Ross needs to seize the day. He has been a good soldier, doing whatever was asked, but he has asked to start and deserves that chance. He’s getting it. Let’s not forget that he was once an All-Star and that his career ERA is 3.51. That’s pretty dang good for a number five!
Julio Urias will likely start as the Number Four and we are now seeing why he has been so hyped. His 95+ MPH fastball is supported by an arsenal of three or four other pitches including a hammer curve. He is also stretched out and has no inning limits in this sprint. The Number Three starter is Alex Wood, who is looking like the Alex Wood of the first half of 2017 when he was an All-Star. The only question is “can he stay healthy?” If he can, what a weapon! If he can’t then there are Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, and Mitch White at the ready.
Relief Pitching
Within recent memory, I have never seen such a bunch of pitchers in the Dodgers bullpen with so many “live”arms. Kenley Jansen looks to be the old Kenley Jansen and Blake Treinen looks as filthy as ever. Then there is 101+ MPH Graterol, Dustin May (who has looked outstanding out of the pen), Pedro Baez, who has not pitched for obvious reasons. He’s now healthy and will be phased back in a little at a time.
Jake McGee hasn’t impressed me at all. Well, I take that back – he could instill confidence into hitters taking batting practice, but AF knows him and Mark Prior must think he can “fix” him. He can still hit 95 MPH. The Dodgers have been “saving” Joe Kelly – he has some undisclosed issue, but his four-seamer (which he could not throw last year) has been filthy (according to people who have watched him).
Dennis Santana looks to be the most improved pitcher in camp and Scott Alexander, Dylan Floro, and Adam Kolarek round out the pen. They only need to be league average. They are role players and there are a number of players at USC that will see time. You will see some shuffling between the 30, 28, 26-man roster, and the COVID-19 squad.
Position Players
The Big Blue Wrecking Crew (I can’t think of a better name) is back and they are flat-out loaded. Mookie is going to be loose and put up some amazing numbers. I have said it before and I will say it again: “The Dodgers have six players who could potentially be in the MVP Race (I mean… like Top 10).”
- Mookie Betts
- Cody Bellinger
- Corey Seager (he’s back!)
- Justin Turner
- Max Muncy (won’t win, but in the conversation)
- Joc Pederson (has hit some LH pitching already – he’s capable of being Top 10)
Of course, I doubt that all of it happens, but they are capable. I was sad to see that Zach McKinstry did not make the 30-man, but he will be back. The Dodgers have lots of LH hitters so he was the odd-man-out. Beaty, Raley, and Rios are all LH and ahead of Zach. Next year, Zach and CT3 will likely be the L – R Swiss Army Knives. I would love to keep Kike, but that doesn’t seem likely.
Most positions are set:
C – Will Smith with Austin Barnes as his backup. If Austin falters, look for Keibert Ruiz sooner than later.
1B – Max Muncy can play 2B or 3B, but I see him staying at 1B all year (except for regular rest).
2B – Pick one between Kike and CT3 . The hot hand will play. Both are solid but Kike is the better defender at 2B. Both players will also play other positions.
SS – Corey Seager will re-claim his place as one of the TOP THREE shortstops in baseball. He could be the MVP. Ken Gurnick of Dodgers.com com predicts just that: “He’s healthy, driven and overlooked. Since Day 1 of the real Spring Training in Arizona, Seager has looked comfortable, confident and especially healthy. If he can stay that way, finally fully recovered from elbow and hip operations, it will be fun to watch just how good he can be on both sides of the ball.” CT3 is the backup SS.
3B – Justin Turner is the “heart-and-soul” of the Dodgers and if he can stay healthy for 60 games, he will be a dynamic force. Edwin Rios looks to be the backup.
LF – I see a strict platoon between Joc Pederson and AJ Pollock. LF is a strength… not a weakness. Joc is playing for a big contract and he looks to be laser-focused to do so. I think he will be a monster! AJ is healthy and motivated as well.
CF – Cody Bellinger is the reigning MVP and he is certainly in the discussion for 2020. CT3 is the backup.
RF – Mookie Betts – Odds-on-favorite to win the MVP. He is special, that’s for sure! Kike is likely the backup and might play an inning or two here.
DH – Depending upon the matchups, it will be the hot hand between Edwin “Light Tower Power” Rios and Matt “Lunch Bucket” Beaty on the LH side and Kike and CT3 on the RH side.
This lineup is illegal in 49 states! OK, what am I predicting?
- 45 Wins – That’s right 45-15
- A World Championship
Anything else does not compute. If they don’t win, you can’t fire the players, but you can fire the manager. Get it right, Doc! This is your chance.
Dodger Dogs
- Will going to what is essentially “minor league camp” be a stepping stone or stumbling block for Gavin Lux?
- I sure could use a dose of a one-man booth. I think Joe Davis could pull that off and Orel could go somewhere else. I don’t hate Orel, but I do not enjoy the dynamic. Joe Davis is a young Vin Scully – he can spin some tales.
- MLB.Radio asked who the first player would be who would hit a HR in an empty stadium and respond to a “fake” curtain call. The consensus answer was Kike Hernandez! Shoot, he might do that curtain call in a banana outfit!
How About Some Music?
FYI, Elle King’s parents are Rob Schneider and London King.
UPDATE – Press Release
DODGERS ANNOUNCE OPENING DAY 30-MAN ROSTER
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced their Opening Day 30-man roster ahead of the 2020 60-game regular season, which begins this evening at 7:08 p.m. against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman made the announcement.
The 30-man roster as broken down by position:
Pitchers (16):
Scott Alexander (L)
Pedro Báez
Walker Buehler
Caleb Ferguson (L)
Dylan Floro
Brusdar Graterol
Kenley Jansen
Joe Kelly
Clayton Kershaw (L)
Adam Kolarek (L)
Jake McGee (L)
Dennis Santana
Ross Stripling
Blake Treinen
Julio Urías (L)
Alex Wood (L)
Catchers (2):
Austin Barnes
Will Smith
Infielders (5):
Matt Beaty
Max Muncy
Corey Seager
Edwin Ríos
Justin Turner
Outfielders (5):
Cody Bellinger
Mookie Betts
Terrance Gore
Joc Pederson
AJ Pollock
Infielder/Outfielder (2):
Kiké Hernández
Chris Taylor
Injured List (1):
Jimmy Nelson, RHP (45-day, low-back surgery)
Discussion (102)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Maybe this is the year Kike breaks out and becomes JD Martnez?
😉
Who is Gavin Lux?
Kike goes yard, drives in 5 and solidity’s his spot as the leader for the NL MVP award! LOL>……great win, score late and often to win going away 8-1. May did a good job, Oh yeah, Kolarek gets the win. Graterol pitches a scoreless 9th.
You know you have a really good team when your best players do the little things that help you win a game. Nice job Mookie and Belly!
This is the most boring group of sportscasters I’ve ever heard. Opening day, no excitement from them, very little real analysis of the players, and dull, plodding, 2nd rate chit chat. ESPN has fallen way down in baseball coverage. Unfortunately, I’ve no other possibility to change today’s coverage.
4-1, bottom of the 7th. Dodgers should walk away with this one. Great slide by Mookie at home plate. Kike clutch.
Why have Muncy leadoff? Doc, give us a break!
Who was the idiot questioning why Roberts started Kike over CT3? I guess that would be me!
Hate all the new rules in the following order:
1A 16 team playoff
1B. Extra innings rule
3. 3 batter rule
4. DH
Glad to be watching baseball though. Even a terrible broadcast by ESPN. And they have been terrible.
Barnes does not belong in the big leagues! He’s just a black hole in this lineup!
I have never been a Doc fan. Tonight, I still am not a Doc fan. Starting May is fine. Pollack and Barnes? How about a left handed for the DH. Lefty, righty and lefty? Doc just thinks too much. I just hope Doc does not screw up this team.
Too cute with the lineup for me. Just put Betts in leadoff. Barnes starting? Really?
This is a weak Giant lineup. Kersh could have shut them down with a broken back!
This is the most bizarre/surreal Opening Day ceremony ever
https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-sports-2aefb45d-290d-4b32-9cd6-da82d4c7d18d.html?chunk=3&utm_term=emshare#story3
Calm down Jorge. Maybe we can get a game under our belt before you puff out your cheat and start calling an MLB team a AAA team.
I read a twitter from Blake Harris…..
1981:
– Shortened season
– Rookie starts Opening Day
– Dodgers win World Series
2020:
– Shortened season
– Rookie starts Opening Day
– Dodgers finally win World Series ???
Only if you expect Cueto to throw a complete game (I hope no), otherwise I wouldn’t worry too much, but we’ll see…
Injuries happen every day, it is better than it was today and not at the end of the season, the good news is that we are going against the AAA team from SF ….. Nothing happens, this has not started yet and I have already read a lot worried people, let’s wait for the first game to end, the first week, the first month, the first cut of the roster … And maybe then, if there are reasons, we should worry, but only until then, not before!
Hopefully Fernando’s ghost is hanging around the stadium and takes possession of May …
Opening Day Lineup:
Muncy
Betts
Belly
JT
Seager
Kike (2b)
Joc
Pollock (DH)
Barnes
Starting pitcher: 2020 Rookie of the Year Dustin May
Mark, when you announced your retirement from Dodger Talk back in April Jorge V had the call. When the season begins he’ll be back! He called it to the day! When your first wife is your “trophy” wife you can never leave!
Tonight’s lineup is nothing like I expected.
This could not be better scripted!
You can’t make this stuff up!
Dustin May is starting tonight.
Clayton Kershaw to the IL.
… and so it begins!
That’s what AF knew that we didn’t and that’s why May never left the Ravine.
Last Rookie to start Opening Day? Fernando!
This is going to prove to be Very Interesting.
as I was saying “… unless there is a back story we don’t know about…”.
I’m learning with team, if a move doesn’t make sense “ there is a back story we don’t know about.”
I guess AF does know something we didn’t know.
Why’d they send May down again ?
Just read that Bobby – unbelievable.
Starting Pitching is the weakness for me, especially with Buehler behind and Price at home. Now CK out.
Not ideal.
Kershaw to the DL with back stiffness. Guess driveline didn’t help with the back
Dustin May recalled, and will start tonight. His Rookie of the Year campaign begins in 4 hours!
I’d put a cap on as well Mark!
Mask Up!
…. and wipe that smile off your face!
Golf and Dodgers baseball. Does not get any better. I love this team.
I got my 4th hole in one today. Have a drink on me.
I think Cody, CT3, and Betts are no slouches as far as speed is concerned on the bases either. Just saying, and ducking under desk, lol.
Maybe the Taxi Squad will be May, McKinstry and Gale?
With a 30 man roster, why not add Gore. If he helps score 1 run to win a game, then so be it. When it goes to 28, he becomes a question, and at 26 I think he has to be gone, but… you never know.
Re. Gore: I think Al Davis was in charge of that roster spot, and said ‘I don’t care about anything but speed! Take the fastest guy ‘
Nice write-up, but I definitely want to extend Cory Seager.
We have never seen a season as short as this, so who knows how it will go? I would expect at least a couple of surprise teams to make the playoffs, and anything might happen in a short series. But 60 games is enough for the better teams to rise to the top. Note that the line on Dodgers season wins is 37.5, with Over being -130. It does seem a little low, but we do have three starters who are somewhat iffy, at least. We need Buehler to be at least as good as last year, because he is our ace, and the pitcher who is going to open against any playoff team, unless he has to pitch a late game in the earlier series. And we need Jansen to go back to 2017 form, and Treinen to show that last year was far outside his usual mean.
If we stay healthy, our lineup is one of the top two in baseball. Interestingly, Seager is 58-1 to be MVP, so this would seem to make him an overlay, but he would have to win it, not just come close,
to win the bet. And I hope that Roberts is quick to adapt, and not keep using a pitcher who is not effective, because we cannot afford to give up some victories because of misplaced loyalty or too much patience.
I want to give Mark credit for consistently predicting Betts to sign a long-term deal. Now we will see if his decided optimism on Urias is warranted. A strong year out of Urias would be a big factor in a possible championship.
i just saw on the news that Juan Soto has tested positive, will of course not play, and that all the Naionals players will be tested tomorrow. This season is still very uncertain.
What is the rule for guy at 2nd in the tenth has to be the last batter out in the 9th?
If so Gore for the most part a wasted spot.
Love this team. Really, really do and maybe more so than any Dodgers team I’ve been alive to witness. I feel we’re as well balanced as any Friedman era team with the exception of maybe 2017, but certainly capable of surpassing that team. Great blend of young/prime/vets. Love the personalities and character of the team. They could have become defeated after the 2018 WS loss, but came out like gangbusters last year and look fully ready and engaged this year. I have full confidence in the decision makers. What’s not to love?
One question, is it possible for David Price to change his mind and decide to come back for this season? I’m not finding any information on the possibility.
Unlike most of you, I think having Gore on the roster is a wasted spot. Too one dimensional. But I never thought they would go with 17 pitchers either. Would have preferred McKinstry got that slot. More versatile. But I think they want Gore because of the extra inning thing. In a month, they will be down to 26 players for the sprint home. When that happens, they can only carry 13 pitchers, so 3 of those guys are not going to be around for the big push. I think when that happens, experience is going to win out over youth and stuff. Kudo’s to AF for giving Mookie the long term deal. I am one of those Mark mentioned who was not down with what he did at the beginning of his run as President of baseball operations. They still have not named a GM, so AF is obviously doing both jobs right now. I also think had all this not happened and the season started on time, Raley would have made the team. He was raking during spring. I am not now, nor will I ever be a big fan of the way they evaluate players now. I have always liked the eye test. You can project all you want, but until some player is in that position, you have no clue how he will respond. As for Orel, he can go the way of the Do Do anytime. I do not agree with Mark that Joe has great stories, I just think he is a research hound and he is more like Joe Buck than Vinny. Orel is Orel. He likes talking about pitching and golf. Pitching, ok, I am not interested in golf. I much prefer Nomar in the booth. They can also get rid of Jerry Hairston anytime too. He is another aggravating analyst. Worse thing about tonight’s game is that we have to listen to ESPN’s crew. Now that Ross is a manager, one of their more entertaining voices is gone.
In other opening day news old friend Kyle Garlick made the Phillies 30-man roster. Glad to see that.
Carson Fulmer, 8th overall pick and picked 16 slots ahead of Walker Buehler in the 2015 draft was Dfa’d by the White Sox today. Neither the Sox nor the Padres are ready yet, but I could see a World Series between those two in the next 3-4 years.
Nice to see your stuff again MT. Good stuff. Here’s you best statement:
“Get it right, Doc! This is your chance.” Doc overmanages. He loves to toss out the line up de jour. With this team, he doesn’t have to win games with his genius. With the absence of the DH and no need for double-switches, he needs to get out of the way and let his athletes win games. Baring injuries, he can have a set, everyday line up with a platoon in left and Kike providing rest and pinch hitting. With the 60 game sprint this isn’t tryout camp again. Set that line up and let the big dog eat.
So the Redskins this year will be called
Washington Football Team, WFT or should it be WTF
Who is this Mark Timmons guy and what’s he doing writing on this blog? 🙂
Good job Mark! It’s like riding a bicycle for you isn’t it. Fall out of bed and write a good article.
The Dodgers have a strong lineup. Let’s hope that each of the players plays up to their strengths!!
Looking forward to a great Dodger season! I am very happy to see the Mookie Betts signing. I am surprised but happy! Great defender, base runner, offensive package. I don’t see a power guy but his other attributes with apparently plus attitude is welcome.
The Dodgers are obviously stacked but if I had to nitpick the starting rotation would be a place to start. Buehler can be great but disappointing that he is not ready. Kershaw is steady but we will see if he is ace quality. Stripling could be good in a short season, urias I am very hopeful but unproven, wood who knows. Price opting out could really hurt as he is capable of being an ace. If we get an injury we have may who I would start to begin with. After that it gets pretty dicey.
Graterol could help us greatly and treinen. If those 2 come through our bullpen could be super. Barring injury our team could be great! I just think the rotation will make or break us. Buehler, kershaw, urias could make a tremendous trio but the other 2 are bigger question marks.
Thought May earned a spot on the opening roster. Just not 100% sure about some of the relief pitchers selections, but I am sure it will all work out in the long run to success.
Wow, I wish I had it like Jake McGee. Completely blow the interview and still get the job! Sign me up for something like that.
Update Above
Gore added to the 30-man. May optioned.
I’m guessing Mr. May is not a happy camper this morning.
I think you have to give Jake McGee a little time to work out issues with his delivery and arm slot. Seems Friedman remembers McGee in Tampa Bay and thinks some tweeks can turn things around for him. After a few sessions with Rob Hill at Driveline may do the trick. Rob worked this spring with Kershaw, Jensen, Wood , and Graterol and I believe they all have improved.
Mark I think 45 wins is possible. This team has no obvious weakness especially since the bullpen is improved.
Yes welcome back Mark. Nice write up!
I could see Muncy playing 2nd and Rios/Beaty seeing time at 1st. Go Blue
42 wins will get it done.
Mark, nice to see you writing again. Very interesting read. As I mentioned in a previous blog, I am disappointed that McKinstry did not make the roster. Just wondered however if he could make the taxi squad and travel with the team. Who do you think should be on it and does that start today?
Would you rather have Cole or Betts? For a regular season it’s Betts but in the playoffs a pitcher like Cole can get you 2 wins by himself in each series. What do you think?
Cheers fellas. 18 holes with my son and Dodger baseball tonight; life could be worse.
Lets enjoy the ride!!
MT, you consider Raley ahead of McKinstry on the depth chart? I disagree. I think we see Zach first.
Yes, Max can play third but I think Rios is now JT’s backup as you mentioned. We may see Muncy at second a few times this year but I’ll be surprised if we see much of him at third. From what I’ve seen, he’s a much better first or second baseman than he is a third baseman.
Question: Now that AJ Ramos has not made the opening day roster, does he still stay in the organization or will he be cut loose? I really liked what I saw from him and think he could contribute before the year is over.
I agree with you Mark, Roberts better not screw this team up. Play Ball.