I have come to a stage in my life in which I just want to enjoy life, the winning, the losing, the draws. My love for the team and the game is not diminished by a loss. It is disappointing but if disappointment is my big issue for a day I am having a pretty good day. In my many years, there has not been even one day in which the morning light did not erase the night darkness. You might say I am looking through rose-colored glasses and I must admit the view is very good. In the same vein, I really do not engage in controversy unless the stakes are high for someone else personally. Then I will wrestle a bear.
In the same light, on LADT, I tend to stay away from debate, not expressing my opinions that are certainly not as well informed as so many LADT posters. I tend to play around the edges and mainly delve into my love of minor league baseball. Practically everything I write is merely informational and can be found just about anywhere. Perhaps it is even a bit selfish as at times I seem to be writing for me about things I find interesting. It is a low risk and a low reward process rarely eliciting more than a few comments because there are no opinions to cause rebuttal or even further thought.
First, a bit of a story. I had previously written on another blog and had become friends with a number of blog members. We became close enough that in 2013 we spent over a week of spring training together at Camelback Ranch. It truly was a highlight of my baseball life and in fact my life, period.
Three years ago, things fell apart and I left the blog. I am telling this story as at times on LADT I see things being said that I had experienced and of which I chose to no longer be a part. I am not saying that about myself and LADT, as I have never experienced it personally here, but through a lens I had once used elsewhere.
On that blog, it became very difficult to express opinions that were outside of the mainstream. For instance, I was called “naïve”, my opinions “ridiculous” when I wrote about my feelings regarding some of baseballs unwritten rules. I still consider some of them to be a sign of immaturity and ego-driven. The end came when I wrote a piece that was opposed to another writer’s point of view regarding the World Series. His stand, backed by Tommy, was that you got nothing if you did not win the World Series. My stand was that much was gained just by being there, a place 28 other teams wished they had been. I claimed a World Series appearance is still good for the faithful fans and good for players experiencing their first World Series, among other things. I was chastised publicly and accused of attacking the writer with my opposing view even though we had agreed that if we had issues with each other we would talk it out over the phone or by private email. The story is a bit longer than that but it ended when I felt I was no longer trusted as a lifelong Dodger fan and a friend.
LADT articles with some fire, some speculation, some risk-taking in them engage so many posters. Who cares if opinions don’t match? That is why they are called opinions. That is, a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter. Opinion is strengthened by relevant facts but can be just an opinion thrown out there with no supporting data. For instance, I could just say I don’t like the DH and leave it at that or provide my reasons why I would prefer it never came about. It wouldn’t make any difference if I was right or wrong. It’s an opinion. It isn’t insulting to anyone and doesn’t mean I am naïve. I know both sides of the story and what will soon happen but I just prefer my opinion based on my 67 years as a Dodger fan.
After all this rambling, what I am trying to say is if we don’t take to an article, or an opinion, that would not be unusual, although LADT has a pretty good batting average. It would be one dull place if we did not have differing opinions with something to elicit other opinions and consequent discussion and would be much less informative. Differing opinions cause us to grow in the realm of baseball that we all seem to love. Do we like every other article we read in life or the opinions that are expressed? Obviously we don’t. If we don’t, there is no obligation to read the piece or respond to it.
Opinions, speculation, opposing views are the spice of writing. I expect in the political world they are referred to as an op-ed. They stimulate conversation, discovery, show that the authors of the opinions are engaged and knowledgeable, just as those with differing opinions are equally engaged and knowledgeable. Regardless of our opinions, differing or otherwise, we should always keep our eye on the ball, not the writer. If it was not for the ball, and the writer, there would be no blog.
Discussion (42)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Jansen gives up a key home run in the 8th and the Arizona’s lead became two runs. We pick up one run in the 9th and lose by one. More proof that any role for Jansen is suspect at best.With Kershaw’s and Ryu’s recent performances, the league figuring out how to pitch to Bellinger, Muncy possibly not returning fully healthy,Robert’s decision to keep Jansen as the closer,too much left handed starting pitching if Hill comes back and can start again,,it will be an early exit from post season this year,maybe in the first 5 game series against the wild card winner. We are looking more and more like the Braves of the 90’s. At least they one World Series after 14 tries.We just don’t match up against the powerhouse teams like the Yankees or Astros and will face a tough challenge from Washington,possibly the wild card winner. I hope I’m wrong.
We’ve definitely hit a rough patch, but it was inevitable. This is largely the same team with the best record in baseball in 2017, that about this same time in the season, would lose 16 of 17 games. Let that sink in. Dodger Nation would melt down if we go on a similar losing streak. In retrospect, a lot of players were on record stating it was for the best and the team needed it. What’s important is how we enter the playoffs. The 2017 team eventually shook itself, and ended the season relatively strong.
I’m in favor of giving key regulars some extended time off. Give Bellinger a week off, whatever it takes to get him fresh again. He’s the key to our offense, the catalyst, and needs to be great if we’re going to do damage in the post season. Jansen needs to be in top form as well. Rest him for two weeks and let Kelly close games. Ryu should probably get two weeks at least. We’ll get Urias back soon, let him take Ryu’s spot for 2-3 starts. Win/Win. If Hill makes it back in time, I’d let him take Kershaw’s starts. If we lose every game thru the first half of September, so be it, the division is ours. Two weeks left in the season, ramp it up physically and mentally. Treat every game like a playoff game and be as efficient, focused, and intense as possible. Hit the playoffs rolling. Treat this next two weeks as preparation for rolling.
The team loses 3 games and bring a crybaby, which is more volatile, fans or relievers?
Mark
Those comments were not from me – and I’m guessing not from Pete either.
I wouldn’t say that about Ryu & CK
And my normal Avatar of me and CK is not there!
Just so no one thinks I’ve gone mad.
Why wouldn’t Lux be added to the 40 man roster tonight and send Alvarez or Ruiz to the 60 day IL or dfa Schultz? This would allow him to be eligible for postseason if he completely rakes.
My understanding of the rules is if they don’t do this the only other way is if he is replacing an injured player who has been on the IL for at least 10 days? In this instance the commissioner’s office has to be petitioned so I imagine no fake injuries.
Not only in the ninth, not only in situations of pressure, it seems that it will always be the same result….
Good job Kenley, again!
the baseball seasons does have it’s ups and downs but you don’t want the downs at the end of the season. there is plenty of time to turn things around – a whole month.
i do get the sense that there are guys who are tiring. Bellinger comes to mind. a day off for him was a good idea.
the bullpen has been a problem all year long. Jansen seems to be pitching worse; so does Baez. I don’t get the Yimi Garcia thing – he’s likely to give up a hr every appearance.
I trust that the rotation will be fine for the post-season. They will rest guys who need rest especially as the rosters expand. The bullpen is a whole other problem. I don’t see an easy fix. they haven’t fixed it yet.
Jeff, I have been hearing this stuff for 5 years.
There is no problem.
The Dodgers are just in a bad streak.
This too shall pass. I have watched (and learned) that in 55 years of watching baseball.
Keep finding ways to lose! Wake me up in October
I have lost count as to how many balls the Dodgers have ripped into outs in this series. It’s been a lot.
Both of you will need Full Knee Replacements after that kind of knee-jerk reaction.
Justin Verlander has given up 33 HR. Overrated and Top 5 in Cy Young the same year? Wow!
I’ll stay with overrated if that’s the choice.
Will Freaking Smith!
Every day I keep reading posts about Lux being given serious consideration for a call up and so forth. If that’s the case, why not now? Now, that Muncy went on the DL. Now, that the last day to add a player to the roster is today. Now, that we’re resting players with key players on the bench it seems every night.
The only think I can think of is that they feel that they need to get Kike and CT3 going for the post season and a Lux promotion would cut into their ABs.
Incidentally, J-Hair was calling them out to call up Lux on the pre-game show today. He was calling him a difference maker and was intimating that they’re waiting for OKC’s season to end. Lux is in OKC’s lineup tonight playing SS.
Verdugo is getting ready to go on a rehab assignment next week for about a week.
The lineup tonight is pitiful.
Wise words DC.
Yimi Yimi Yimi a man with no Cajones,
As ABBA would say.
Unbelievable that he’s still in the Big Show.
Bum-have you moved to Portland already? Portland was a great city. It has become a cesspool. Living outside of Portland may be a better option. Seattle is also becoming a cesspool.. Sad to see some of our big cities on the West Coast becoming a garbage city.
Wonderful post DodgerChatter. Thank you. Now do the same with politics please!
I want the DH.
I want robot umps calling balls and strikes.
I want a team in Portland OR and then I want a West Coast Division composed of Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angles, Anaheim, San Diego, Arizona.
I want to allow defensive players to stand anywhere they want.
It is much more fun to watch the World Series if the Dodgers are in it and I probably will not watch but a couple of games if they are not in it and while it is exciting and satisfying if the Dodgers win the WS, by no means do I consider it anything I have accomplished. If they beat the Yankees in the WS that will always be a bigger plus and if they lose to the Yankees that would be a big minus emotionally.
Just sayin but ever since Verdugo has been hurt seems like a little spark has been missing from this team
And now, if I may, I will shift to the reason I wanted to write something on this blog this morning, ,which was to say a few things about the Dodgers’ current situation. I guess that my basic theme in what I write here is that I think that the Dodgers’ ownership is taking advantage of the great loyalty of Dodgers fans, by trying to get away with spending as little as they can get away with, whereas some other major market franchises are willing to go further to win the coveted titles. I think that if the Yankees fall short this year, their ownership and fan base will be very disappointed, and demand better. If the Dodgers fall short, the ownership will count the profits, raise ticket prices once again, and still refuse to go over the luxury tax threshold, meaning that when it is time to play for a major championship piece, they will demur and make various excuses as to why it was not prudent. I think that they let the fans down; and while I certainly do not expect them to break the bank, the franchise which at the least is the second most profitable in baseball, should do more, and feel that they have more of a responsibility to their fan base.
That’s a generalized argument and of course others can disagree. In the concrete present, we see that our bullpen is not good enough. It wasn’t when it started the season, this was borne out as the season progressed, to the point that virtually every informed baseball pundit expected the Dodgers to bulk up the relief corps, by either getting an ace closer, or perhaps two or three decent relievers. They did none of that. They got one guy who essentially comes in to pitch to one or two lefthanded hitters; this is someone whom Tampa Bay, battling for a wild card spot all year, did not want any longer.
So now we see exactly what could have been predicted. The Dodgers are struggling to be able to hold onto leads, because the bullpen is very unreliable. Last night, the relievers gave up two runs in the seventh, and one in the eighth. The night before, they gave up six runs or so. In the last game in SD, the closer blew a one-run lead in the ninth, but we managed to win in extra innings. In the one game we won against the Yankees, the closer loaded the bases in his one inning of work, and managed to escape. Against Toronto, the closer gave up the lead in the ninth, but the team won in extra innings.
You can’t win a title like that, at least I don’t think so. Right now, it looks as if our only path would involve Ryu coming back to top form, and our starters pitching great game after great game in the playoffs, and us scoring enough runs to manage to weather the fact that the bullpen is going to give up runs in most close games. Roberts seems to be making various stabs; last night he went with Baez, Sadler, Garcia in that order. Another game he will do something else. Every reliever we go to is a risk, except Kelly up until two nights ago. It is like a probability calculation: what are the odds that three iffy relief pitchers are somehow all going to get through their one inning effectively? One is sure to do poorly, and we have no other viable options.
The Yankees’ closing three are almost impregnable. Why didn’t we go after Britton a couple of years ago, or Ottavino last offseason? Why did we think that Jansen was going to overcome his health and pitching issues last year to the point that he was going to be a great closer, which a championship team needs? I don’t think that the ownership thought too much about it, because to change things is not their preference, and they did not want to spend the money for a bullpen rebuild. So they toss the same people out there; Baez, Garcia, earlier Alexander and Floro, and figured that this was enough. But it obviously is not. So here we are , now a half game behind NY and Houston for the best record, and with the Braves now offering a major threat to us even getting to the World Series. Maybe it’s just a slump, maybe we will go back to earlier season form after we get a few players healthy. We will all hope so. But going into the late season and the playoffs with this bullpen is not an appealing prospect. And the problems are mostly going to show up on the road, with the crowds yelling, and our pitcher overthrowing to result in a game-tying wild pitch, or somehow focusing on a runner on first base, when the potential winning run is on third, and ending up balking him home.
Dodgers always leave me wondering why some teams seem to get better as the season goes on and some don’t. The season isn’t over and no one knows what’s gonna happen so….hope springs eternal. Though in this case it’s autumn.
If we all had the same opinions, then who would need these blogs. Keep up the good work
Excellent post DC.
I appreciate this blog, as most of the comments here are done in a civil matter. None of that “You’re an idiot” stuff, which is beneath grown men and women. And as Dodgers fans, we are all going to have various opinions. Of course whether the Dodgers win the title pales in comparison to the various things going on in the world, but sports can be a nice respite from that, at least sometimes. I And I have always appreciated intelligent fandom and sincerely expressed views.
AC, I read your article and fully agree with you on your thoughts and opinions. The definition of “opinion” is….a view, judgement or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter. One person’s judgement may not be the same as another person’s, which almost brings the umpires to mind. Variety is part of life. Also want to wish peterj a successful recovery.
Thanks for your very thoughtful words DC, one of the best posts I’ve ever seen on a sports blog. You realize, however, that you are a relic of the past. You cannot just toss an opinion out there and expect to have other people receive it neutrally, or if not neutrally, respectfully. In today’s world it’s tribe against tribe and you absolutely MUST choose a side and be ready to spit on the other guys.
Shame on you for believing that a World Series victory isn’t the be all/end all. That just having a winning team almost every year is nothing. You have to win the big prize or you’re a total failure.
As you shrink back into a corner, not wanting to be cut down by the crossfire, rest assured you have at least one other guy standing there with you. Fans arguing points with one another is what sports is all about, but civility……………………………that word has been removed from the 2019 dictionary.
Great reminder DC! I agree with you that the DH sucks!
JK – I agree that I like reading other’s options even if they’re wrong.
JK – I agree that variety is the spice of life and sometimes people will opine something that you may not have thought of, giving you a different and valuable perspective.
Gonsolin and May have both pitched very well. Sadly, they’re both fizzling out quickly and by the 80 pitch mark they begin to struggle. Hell, I had little league kids have more in the tank than that.
I wonder if this is a Dodgers thing (organization philosophy) because it seems like they don’t go deep in their minor league games and the pitchers are built up slowly in Spring Training.
Is today the day? Lux DNP last night.
DC Great way to start the day off… I too am a big time fan MILB and have been blessed have alot of Dodger teams a car drive away… I miss AAA in Las vegas, as that provided my wife a little shopping at the outlet, a darn good meal or two and of course a little baseball for me… Darn, I’m gonna miss AAA Alb coming to Vegas this month because of back surgery last Wed…
LADT is the best of all the Dodger sites… But alas it does it’s characters… They are as irritating as the catheter I’m wearing for the next couple days… OK I’m rambling, so it’s Hasta La Vista time…