The Splendid Splinter Revisited
We have seen the obvious similarity in appearance in Ted Williams and Cody Bellinger. When the comparison was originally made, the comparison was only the physical resemblance… they were totally different hitters. After Cody Bellinger’s “makeover” the resemblance is much closer. They still have beautiful swings, but Bellinger has more of an uppercut swing. That’s now the biggest difference. They both are elite hitters and we read yesterday that if Cody keeps it up, he will have the best season of any MLB Player since {gulp}… Babe Ruth.
When Cody Bellinger made the first out in 9th inning last night, it was very obvious that he cut down his swing and just tried to make good contact on two strikes. That has to be a big part of Cody’s success this year and gives me confidence that he can keep up his monster season. While he made an out in the 9th inning, it was an absolute rocket that was caught right at the RF fence.
The Doctor
Doc Roberts has the team running more this year. Hit and runs, stealing (not just signs), etc. It’s not that they will steal a ton of bases, but they are being very aggressive on the base paths. They are 21 out of 25 in stolen bases and lead MLB in OB% (.350), just ahead of Houston. They are #2 in Runs Scored behind the surprising Minnesota Twins. With Corey Seager and Justin Turner just hitting their groove and with a healthy AJ Pollock, this team could be an offensive Juggernaut. Maybe we need to break out the old moniker: “The Big Blue Wrecking Crew.”
A lot of credit has to go to Dave Roberts. Many pundits are saying he is the Manager of the Year … so far! His players know their roles and know he has their backs. Even Joc understands that he is not going to play against lefties… at least at this juncture. Why mess with success? You can make a great case that the NL All-Star Outfield should be Pederson, Verdugo, and Bellinger, but Doc is the “glue.”
Some of you don’t like him and that is your prerogative. When he took out Ryu with two outs in the 8th and replaced him with Kenley Jansen, if Jansen had given up a HR, some would have said “Doc is an idiot.” No, Jansen did not execute! But last night he did. Whether, he executed or not, the right move was to take Ryu out. You could see he was done. It’s not the moves the manager makes, so much as the way a player executes. Doc is the perfect manager for this team. There was a time I wanted Joe Maddon, but he is getting pretty “long-in-the-tooth”. It’s a younger manager’s game… and Doc is our man!
The Indomitable Kid
Alex Verdugo is just a professional hitter! He stays within himself and delivers. He is not swinging for the fences and so has only 4 HR… he should not change that approach. I do think he will hit lead off at some point, but he is valuable further down, because he moves runners, makes productive outs and drives in runs. He will occasionally jump on a pitch and hit it out, but that is totally not his approach. His enthusiasm and borderline “stick it to the other team” attitude is contagious and he has earned the right to play every day.
The Re-invented Closer
That the Dodgers have been wanting Kenley to throw his slider more and he has been resistant to that has been publicized, but last night, he evidently trusted the process and threw the slider very effectively. If all he throws are cutters, the hitter can guess where it might be and have success, but when he mixes in his nasty slider, they have no chance. This is the re-invention of a new and improved Kenley Jansen… now if Joe Kelley can just be re-invented… maybe “resurrected” is the better word!
The Crafty Lefthander
Ken Gurnick of Dodgers.com called him “LA”s Left-handed Greg Maddux:”
Ryu pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings on four hits in Thursday night’s 2-0 Dodgers win, utilizing a four-pitch mix that didn’t stress the radar gun, but produced a better game outcome than hard throwers Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Walker Buehler.
Listen to Callaway, who played in Korea when Ryu broke in there.
“He mixes it up better than I’ve seen in a long time,” said Callaway. “There’s no pattern whatsoever. He drives his arm through every pitch and sells everything, whether it’s a changeup, curveball, he gets through it. He’s using his fastball at the top of the zone at the right time. It’s just kind of really a lesson in pitching to everybody sitting there watching. He pitched a heck of a game.
“I saw him when he was 19 win an MVP in Korea when I was playing there, and he was unbelievable then. This kid knows how to pitch. The last couple years, he’s one of the ERA leaders in the league. He’s doing a heck of a job.”
Clayton Kershaw: Take Notice!
Minor League Report by DC
Player of the Day – a toss up between Jair Carmargo and Jeren Kendall who won the toss. The 23-year-old center fielder had three hits, including a double and home run, along with two runs scored and four driven in.
Pitcher of the Day (from MLB Pipeline)
Dodgers: Edwin Uceta, RHP (No. 20) — 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 9 K (Class A Adv Rancho Cucamonga). Uceta allowed a two-run home run in the fifth inning and struggled with his control en route to a season-high four walks, but the 21-year-old also established a season high in strikeouts while notching his fourth win in his last five starts. He’s having a breakout campaign in the California League, where he’s racked up 65 strikeouts in 50 1/3 innings and owns the circuit’s second-best ERA (2.15). The 2016 July 2 signee has good feel for a three-pitch mix of average-or-better offerings.
Great Lakes Loons 8 – Bowling Green Hot Rods 4 (Tampa Bay)
The Loons started quickly in the top of the first inning with a lead off single by Miguel Vargas, a stolen base, a walk to Dillon Paulson and a two-run double by Jair Camargo. After falling behind 4-2 in the bottom of the second inning, they scored single runs in six of the last seven innings. Every Loon had a hit with Romer Cuadrado, Dillon Paulson and Jacob Amaya recording two. Jair Camargo had three.
On the mound Zach Willeman had an unusual start giving up four runs on no hits but with four walks, two steals, a HBP and an error. The only ball to leave the infield was a sacrifice fly. All six outs in his two innings were by ground out. Brett de Geus followed with two scoreless innings and Jose Martinez with five shutout innings.
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 12 – Inland Empire 66ers 4 (LAA)
Edwin Uceta started for the Quakes and picked up his fourth win. He went five innings with two earned runs on three hits, four walks and nine strikeouts. Melvin Jiminez gave up a run in his 1.1 innings pitched as did Max Gamboa in his inning. Connor Mitchell chipped in with 1.1 scoreless innings. Combined the four pitchers struck out 15 but they also walked 12.
On the offensive side, every Quake except Marcus Chiu had a hit with three having multiple hit games. Both Jeren Kendall and Connor Wong had three while Nick Yarnell had two including a home run.
Tulsa Drillers 1 – Springfield Cardinals 5
The Drillers played two with the Cardinals and came up short on both ends of the twin-bill. In the first game pitchers Victor Gonzalez and Andre Scrubb gave up a combined five runs on 10 hits, two walks and four strikeouts.
Tulsa managed only six hits, two by Chris Parmalee who homered and had a double.
Tulsa Drillers 3 – Springfield Cardinals 6
Michael Bowden started for the Drillers and gave up five runs in four innings including two two-run home runs. Michael Boyle conceded another un in his inning while Marshall Kasowski struck out two in the bottom of the sixth inning.
The Drillers did have eight hits to match the Cardinals totals with all eight being singles. Cody Thomas had two for the only multiple hit game while Angelo Mora, Logan Landon and Jordan Procyshen each drove in a run.
OKC Dodgers 10 – Memphis Redbirds 8 (St. Louis)
Tony Gonsolin made his second start coming off the IL and pitched his limit of 1.2 innings with no hits or runs scored along with two walks and two strikeouts. Rob Zastryzny and Joe Broussard allowed all the damage by the Redbirds giving up six and two runs respectively. Josh Sborz, Kevin Quackenbush, Justin Grimm and Jaime Schultz all logged a scoreless inning.
The bats came alive as the Dodgers collected 12 hits, three each by Kyle Garlick and Drew Jackson who also included a home run in their totals. Zach Reks and Errol Robinson had two hits. Reks drove in three while Garlick had a season high five runs batted in.
Discussion (65)
Disagree, not disagreeable
El Gasolino with a clean 8th inning, getting Harper for the 3rd out. No mid-inning pitching changes (so far) for Bob Geren.
Chicken Strip warming up in the 6th. I would do that, Kenta is doing great, but I think he is starting to fade a bit.
Chicken Strip warming up in the 6th. I would do that, Kenta is doing great, but I think he is starting tom fade a bit
Bob geren with the magic touch lol just kidding. This is why I didn’t want to see seager out last night. He is getting there. How about Pederson wow! If he could hit 260 part time he might hit 35 homers. Our bullpen is a sore spot but our offense appears to be so much more potent against righties. We better hope Taylor, kike, and pollock can come alive or we will be seeing lefty after lefty just to keep joc out of the lineup. Castellanos and Greene anyone? Btw I was very skeptical of muncy following up with a good year. Wrong, he may still not hit 30 homers but his improved defense and solid offense is proving he is no fluke.
Harper is watching this and thinking “what did i miss out on!!!”
Well Mark Joc sure a shell can hit right handlers!!!!!!
By the way, anybody noticing that in a 2-0 game, Arrieta, who is pitching decent, already has 50 pitches in the 3rd inning. Like Uncle Ned keeps saying, this lineup grinds you to death.
Damn, Mad Max! So much for the 2nd year slump, he has a very compact swing. Lookin good!
It’s not 1941 and Belli should not be mentioned in the same paragraph as TW. 1 quarter of 1 season doesn’t make you an immortal. TW was the best hitter ever. Belli may not even be the best hitter on the Dodgers. He’s done well in April and May, and let’s wait a few seasons before comparing him to the greats. Time is the great tester. Let’s quit comparing and just enjoy his performances.
For those of you trying to decide which game to go to, Thursday June 13 vs the Cubs is Joe Kelly Bobblehead Night!!!
Roberts out tonight! The way Arrieta pitches against the Dodgers it probably doesn’t matter. Maybe Geren can be a good luck charm.
At this point looking at OPS against stats for 2019 and career to get us to the 8th inning for Baez and 9th for Jansen.
Floro and Urias are pitching good vs right handed hitters but not vs left handed hitters and their career stats back that up.
Garcia (believe it or not) and Stripling are pitching good vs left handed hitters but not vs right handed hitters and their career stats back that up.
Otherwise there is no pattern going on with the rest of the bullpen so it would be best to try to stay away from the rest of the bullpen if the game is tight, and Joe Kelly is God awful. Just wanted to mention Joe Kelly is God awful if anyone forgot. LOL.
This roster is so versatile that
even after seeing the lineup its like a crossword puzzle figuring out who’s playing where.
Who’s on first!
Joc
Muncy (3b)
Seager
Belly
Beaty
Verdugo
Kike
Fresh Prince
Maeda
Ryu has always been a savvy, cool, dart thrower. He has had great composure since he entered the league. He has such an instinctive feel for pitching that I do not believe can be taught. He just has to remain healthy and fresh and hopefully pitch in dodger stadium. He may be finally healthy from his shoulder issues. To suggest that kershaw could mirror him is a real leap. Kershaw has been blessed with a golden arm but his aggressive competitive style is of a power pitcher not finesse. He picked up the slider with ease but just doesn’t have the feel for the change. His curve could definitely improve with consistency but then again it is a feel pitch. Some say jt could step out of bed in the dead of winter and hit. Well ryu could throw a strike under the same condition. Maddox like indeed!!
Good grief No! Now’s the time to make hay, when the sun is shining.
It is such an enjoyable experience to watch Ryu work. He is so confident and efficient on the mound. I love his composure. A master craftman that stays focused on his responsibility. A thing of beauty to see him not get all wound up with emotion, just focused on the task. An unassuming cool cat.
Tonight we get to see what could have been… and it isn’t necessarily better than what we’ve got going right now.
Bryce Harper is starting to heat up – at least Phillies fans have stopped booing him. We could have broke the bank and gone for Harper. But if you haven’t noticed, the Dodgers have a pretty good solution in right field this season – we would not have been better off had we broken the bank to sign Harper.
In addition, we get to see Realmuto this series. The Phillies insisted that any trade to send Realmuto to the Dodgers would START with Bellinger plus A grade prospects. Realmuto is solid, but Bellinger is the next Ted Williams and/or the next Babe Ruth! Our catchers have not been terrible plus Will Smith looked good in his MLB debut so I’m glad we never made that trade.
Yes, it’s MORON!
Could the m word mean moron
I couldn’t be happier for Ryu.
And at the risk of being called the M word, I will say it; Ryu is the Dodger Ace.
MJ we all miss you, kind regards.
Wouldn’t Ruy make a dam good pitching coach for us when his career ends. What are the chances.
Good call on Carmargo!
At age 8 in 1951 I became a Dodger fan. Living in Jupiter, FL I attended many Spring Training games at Dodger Town and West Palm Beach as I was growing up. I had quite a collection of baseball cards that I had Dodgers sign (including 5 Koufax rookie cards). I would trade Mantle & Mays cards for Duke Snider cards! At age 19 I left home for Parris Island and Marine Corps boot camp. While I was there, my mom cleaned up and threw them all away! I have no idea what that collection would be worth today.
Last night in the 8th inning with runners on 1st & 3rd and 2 outs the Mets brought in a RH pitcher with Russell Martin scheduled to hit. I would have had Joc pinchhit and have had Will Smith catch in the 9th.
Pete Rose and Tony Gwynn are examples of singles and doubles hitters that were HOF caliber players. Multiple 200+ hit seasons will get HOF votes. A player that never hits more than 12 HRs in a season can still be a HOFer.
Saying someone will hit 25 home runs sounds like that is the threshold for being considered great. It isn’t. In Verdugo’s case, we should be saying we think he will get 200 hits in multiple seasons. But by doing so, we put an artificial number in place that says he didn’t meet his potential if he doesn’t get 200 hits.
Minor League Report by DC Updated above.
In Verdugo’s AB where he hit the walk-off sac fly, I recall being upset when he swung for the fences on the first pitch he saw. And I was ecstatic when he went the other way with the sac fly. Turns out that Verdugo was upset himself after that first swing, and determined in his mind to just try and make contact after that. Don’t recall if I read that or heard it in Verdugo’s subsequent interview. In any case, it’s a sign that he’s a hitter with a plan, and open to making adjustments when necessary. And yes, I still believe that with experience and maturity, Verdugo will see a steady increase in power. I won’t predict exact numbers, but I believe that in time he will hit north of 20 HR’s. At worst I see him being a doubles machine.
I wonder if Kershaw is encouraged by watching Ryu, to further develop his change. It’s the one thing he needs to return to elite status.
Ham: “Most collectible Dodger memorabilia I have sold or own?” That’d actually be interesting!
Mine was a Piazza rookie card I purchased in 1992 from a collector who had never heard of Piazza! I paid 25 cents for that card, and sold it 2 years later for $125, because 1) I’m an idiot, 2) I was in college and $125 was a ton of money in 1994, and 3) I was in college and needed food and beer money.
I went to the game last night and was disappointed that Seager and Turner were both out of the lineup. I wasn’t aware that Turner was having hamstring issues until I returned home to see it on the news. I was amazed at the defense that was on the field and how interchangeable this team really is. Beaty in LF, Verdugo in CF, Muncy at 3B, Taylor at SS, Kike at 2nd and Freese at 1B. At first glance it reminded me of a Joe Torre Sunday lineup. We managed to score two runs and that’s all Ryu and Kenley needed. I was expecting to see lots of offense last night off of Vargas but as it turned out if wasn’t the case.
I wonder if the Mets are still convinced that the Dodgers cheated Wednesday night? It seems like if we were cheating, we would have scored more than two runs off of Vargas or they may have gotten smarter about changing their signs. Happy Friday and lets take down the Phils.
Verdugo can hit and he certainly got the job done the other night with that sac fly. Not trying to do to much, he knew what his job was and did it. That’s what I like about him. He may win a batting title at some point in time. He may develop some more power. But right now, he pays the game the right way. I can’t recall him making any mental mistakes, he gets the job done in the box, in the field and on the bases. To me, he looks like a guy that’s going to get better. Plus, his walk-up song awesome. Volver, volver!
Doc does a great job getting buy in from his players. I’m on him a lot and wouldn’t call him a great manager by any means. He’s still very stupid with the unnecessary pitching changes, and the scrabble lineups, but he isn’t all bad. Except for driving and post-game interviews.
To say that people know what their role is an interesting way to put things. I think it’s more accurate to say the players understand their roles will change on a day to day basis. Can’t argue with the results until we get to the postseason. The yahtzee approach to lineup construction hasn’t served us well when it has mattered most. But, maybe this is the best way to play the cards he’s been dealt.
I don’t know for sure of Alex Verdugo compares to Ron Fairly. I think he will have a significantly better career batting average but is somewhat alike in terms of plate discipline. Fairly actually walked more than he struck out and Alex is not prone to the strike out. Fairly’s high for home runs was 19 and more usually in the 12-25 range. It was not the number of home runs I recall about Fairly, it was that he had some significant home runs. That is, unexpected and at important times. I expect Verdugo to do that too. Hit home runs at least in that range and at significant times.
I still wish he’d been given an opportunity in the Post Season.
What you both describe above is exactly what was missing.
MJ was Verdugo’s biggest advocate BTW.
I have repeatedly said that Verdugo is a singles and doubles hitter and should be appreciated for what he is and not what he is not. He is not a 25 home run guy and never will be. He probably will never walk much because players that walk a lot are not players that have great plate discipline; they are players that foul off a pitch or have more swing and misses. Verdugo will put the ball in play more often when he swings and that will reduce his walks.
The last time I looked, Joc had a higher OBP than Verdugo so there is no reason to put Verdugo in the lead off spot against righties; maybe against lefties though.
Pederson, Seager, Bellinger, Muncy are all capable of hitting in the cleanup spot but all are lefty bats. Verdugo is too but he happens to hit lefties better than righties so he breaks up a potential string of those 4 hitters much like a righty bat would.