We are now down to the last week, and we have no more idea as to who will be the Dodgers Wild Card opponent today than we had at the beginning of the season. Because the 2nd place teams in the Central and Eastern Divisions are relatively close, there are six teams that could fall to the #8 seed. Only two NL teams have actually clinched a spot in the playoffs; Dodgers and Padres. Although the Braves and Cubs are almost assured.
- NL West – San Francisco
- NL Central – Cardinals, Reds, Brewers
- NL East – Marlins, Phillies
I would include the Mets, but they are 2.5 games back of the three .500 teams (Giants, Reds, Brewers), and there are just too many teams ahead of them. There are going to be some interesting matchups this final week to determine the final standings.
- Giants – Rockies (4), Padres (4)
- Reds – Brewers (3), Twins (3)
- Brewers – Reds (3), Cardinals (5)
- Phillies – Nationals (4), Rays (3)
- Cardinals – Royals (3), Brewers (5)
- Miami – Braves (4), NYY (3)
It could also get interesting as of right now, the Cardinals are only scheduled to play 58 games. What will happen if they are just ahead or just behind the #8 team? I have heard that the decision will be best won-loss percentage, but that I do not know if that is the final decision. Because the first wild card game for the NL starts on Wednesday, it seems likely that the Cardinals fate will be decided on by win-loss percentage.
In the AL, five teams have already punched their ticket into the playoffs: Tampa Bay, NYY, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota, and Oakland. The other three are almost slam dunks…Houston (#6), Cleveland (#7), and Toronto (#8). There closest competition are the Angels and Seattle (4.0 games behind #8), and Detroit and Baltimore (4.5 games behind #8). The Wild Card series that I am going to be watching with most interest will be the #4 and #5 teams: Minnesota and NYY. Technically both teams have a shot at winning their division, but the odds are against them.
Next item – As the season is winding down, I thought I would take a look at the 2020 Rule Changes and offer an opinion as to whether I believe they should be considered for permanent changes or not. Theoretically these rule changes would normally be decided at the next CBA, but there is nothing that says that if both sides decide to make the change, they could make it.
Rule Change – Roster limit of 28. This was very helpful because of the number of injuries incurred, especially with pitchers. The original rule change was to start at 30 drop to 28 after two weeks, and to the agreed upon limit of 26 after a month. However, because of the uncertainties of the COVID-19 spread and mounting player injuries, the decision was to keep the roster size at 28. I believe this was the proper decision for the 2020 season, but the roster size will and should go back to 26 for 2021.
Rule Change – Universal DH. I think this has been almost universally accepted. There are still multiple traditionalists who hate the DH, but for me, both leagues should be playing under the same rules. If the choice was to make both leagues without the DH, I would be in favor of that; however, that is not going to happen. For me, both leagues with the DH is the preference over AL with and NL without. But the decision to keep the DH in the NL is not as clear cut as many may think. This rule change figured to be rather contentious and a source of negotiation for the next CBA. Will either side decide to give up their negotiation stance on this issue?
Rule Change – Extra Innings to begin with a runner on 2nd Base. To save pitchers’ arms, this was necessary for 2020. For 2021 and beyond, while I have enjoyed the drama with a runner in scoring position with no outs, I think I am in the Clayton Kershaw camp on this one. It does not seem like baseball. I know it works in the MiLB as it gets games over with quicker and it does save on pitchers’ arms, I become more of a traditionalist with this rule. Last year the Dodgers played 10 extra inning games (winning 6). That does not seem that onerous to change a rule staple for me.
Rule Change – 7-inning Double Header games. I understand why these were necessary for 2020, but they should not be considered for the future. MLB is not MiLB or Softball. The game was intended for 9 innings and they should stay that way. I may be a dinosaur, but I do not consider MLB games too long. Neither the length or time bother me.
Rule Change – A pitcher must either face at least three batters or pitch to the end of the half inning. This was not a COVID-19 rule change, is not subject to revert back to the way it was. I am not sure how much of a factor this has been. The intent was to find a way of speeding up the game. Again, this is not an issue for me. If you want to speed up the game, limit the number of commercials between innings. But something tells me that neither MLB as an organization nor the teams are going to want to cut into their advertising revenue. Some publication with much more powerful computers than my Dell Precision 7720 Laptop should be able to calculate how much time this rule change may have saved. IMO, MLB pitchers should be able to get three hitters out (RH or LH), so I am okay with the rule change.
Finally, Justin Turner (and wife Kourtney) are extremely involved in LA Charities. See the following twitter post on JT and Kourtney’s involvement in LA DreamCenter.
So much so that JT has been nominated for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award. From MLB:
“The Roberto Clemente Award is bestowed annually to the player who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.
Every year, each MLB Club nominates a player to be considered for the Award in tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character. This year’s list of nominees features players whose various community and philanthropic activities have focused on important issues ranging from awareness & fundraising to support those with cancer and other illnesses or special needs, education for young people, natural disaster relief, outreach to underserved children & communities in the United States and abroad, and more.”
After receiving the nomination, JT said:
Being nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award by this great organization is something that my wife Kourtney and I are so proud of, and it’s truly an honor to be recognized. We feel so fortunate to be able to give back – especially during these hard times due to the coronavirus – and support our homeless veterans, hospitals, schools and youth sports. We have the greatest fans in all of baseball who support us year-round, and we have a duty, a responsibility to give back to the community above and beyond.
You can read more about the Award and vote for JT at the following site:
https://www.mlb.com/community/roberto-clemente-award
There have been 50 winners in 49 years. There were two winners in 2014. There have been two Dodgers who have previously won the award: Steve Garvey (1981) and Clayton Kershaw (2012). Let’s get the vote out for JT in 2020.
Discussion (90)
Disagree, not disagreeable
8 straight division titles. That’s impressive. Good job to Friedman for building the teams. Next year tie the Yankees and the following beat the Yankee streak. Let’s break the all time record of 14.
8 straight titles unless something really bad happens. Pederson even got a hit tonight, and Seager was once again, except for the error pretty clutch. He owns the highest BA of any player at home. 4 homers. Yay…
Padres lost
Muncy needed that!
Taylor and Pollock bombs. How many bombs tonight.
Yes Muncy bomb, hopefully Muncy is back.
Muncy again.
Tampa lost, they are now 4 back in the lost column. Dodgers go 3-3 in the last 6 they will end up with the best record in baseball in 2020.
That was actually a great at bat by Will Smith. I like his poise up there in the 5 hole
Muncy.
Not that anybody cares but Angel Hernandez finally, as I predicted, had heard enough during his pitiful performance in The White Sox game. In the top on the 10th he ran star player, Tim Anderson, from the dugout and skipper Ricky Renteria, the 2nd night in a row. I can’t wait to see Angel get assignments in the post season.
Hey DodgerBlueMom, I tried to address your great umpiring training question from hours ago. It’s kinda buried above so easily missed. I’d like you to scroll back so you can read it.
Thanks
Turner scratched. Muncy in the 3 hole with Belli hitting cleanup. Rios at 3rd.
Just a comment about umpiring again. I’m watching the White Sox at the Indians with Angel Hernandez behind the dish. As expected, it’s been a shit-show. Both side complaining and somebody will likely get run before it’s over. He might actually be a crew chief. So these veterans along with CD Bucknor, Joe West must never be evaluated anymore. Everybody expects him to be terrible every time and he never disappoints.
Doc was asked whether Dustin or Julio will be on abbreviated pitch counts, and Doc said no. Dustin will take his normal start on Sunday, and they will decide what to do about Julio. But Doc was very quick to point out that Julio is in the discussion for #3 at the 1st round of the playoffs. He has pitched well enough to be considered as will Dustin and Tony.
Doc was asked how does a guy with 99+ fastball and movement not have a better strikeout ratio. Doc’s reply was that Dustin pitches a heavy sinker and is generally down in the zone. He is learning how to change eye levels, but his offspeed pitches are not there to be dominant just yet. He is still learning. All that Doc wants Dustin to do is to continue to attack and pound the strike zone.
Now that Joc was back, there was a question, not wanting to get too personal, is Joc back for good. Doc said he could not answer that. Joc will be in LA this week and play against all RHP. He will be in LA for the first round, but after that, Doc does not know if Joc will be going to Texas. But it will not be because he is hitting below .200. Doc recognizes that Joc may not have had as good of a year that either wanted, but he also recognizes that Joc is capable of winning a playoff game with his power.
Blake Treinen – Never once worried about closing coming to the Dodgers. He had multiple offers to go to teams with the closer’s role in hand. What the Dodgers offered was that they cared about him and how to keep him healthy. Blake indicated that in an industry that has so many teams that would have no compunction to continue to throw out the pitcher and not worry about next year. The Dodgers will not let that happen. They have been clear and up front that they want Treinen to be healthy and have a long career. But he never came to LA thinking he was going to be the closer.
The team seemed to refocus in San Diego. Not that they were necessarily playing poorly, but they sensed it was time to buckle down. The team is now in playoff mode. One game, one AB, one pitch at a time. Do the little things.
For those that believe in chemistry, Blake offered that this team from the top (AF) to the clubhouse attendants, is friendly and happy to be there. The players generally care for one another. That is not always true with many teams. Oakland was generally the same for him. The team worked as a unit and cared for one another. Blake also enjoyed his time in Washington. Washington also treated the players well, but I got the sense that there were a lot of singular attitudes that Blake noticed. He did not mention names, but I would guess that he was referring to Bryce Harper, and maybe some others.
I would not be surprised to see Blake Treinen back with the Dodgers in 2021, if they can get him for a reasonable amount.
Muncy doesn’t think so! Is it too late for Muncy to turn this thing around? Belly seems to be headed in the right direction. Doc trying to instill some confidence n Muncy in basically meaningless games. Now if he bats him cleanup in the playoffs without Muncy getting things figured out then the moron tag is legit!
Moron Dave is batting Muncy 4th again. The guy has lost his marbles.
Some of my thoughts on the current rules extending beyond this year:
* Like Mark, I can see rosters at 27 or 28. I think I like 27 more.
* I like the extra innings rule and hope it stays. I’m on record of liking the instant pressure and strategy that the runner on 2nd causes. I am usually bored (or asleep) during the 15 inning staff grinders that has the Bat Boy pitching at the end. Have the excitement and get er done.
* I like the 3 batter rule.
* This is a prefect time to finally go with the DH in both leagues. It changes the game in many ways beyond the obvious easy out in the 9 hole. It eliminates double-switches, keeps your pitcher in the game longer, maybe, and allows 2 lead off hitter types back to back 2nd time around. I personally believe this requires a re-look at the team’s philosophy on use of the DH. The Dodgers have used it, like most NL teams, as a means to get a non-starter off his feet and only hit. Anywhere in the line up it appears. I would take a look at the model that worked in the AL for years; a DH who has a more permanent spot in a power slot who just hits. The Big Papi, Edgar Martinez, Nelson Cruz types. JT comes to mind as a DH fixture in the 3 hole at some point when we have a defensive/hitting replacement @ 3rd. That may be to old school for Doc who prefers swiss army types that he can manage.
* I would have agreed with Williams’s contention that umpires are part of the game up until a couple of years ago. But we can now see, through technology with the K-Zone imposed on the screen, how many pitches are missed and the inconsistency of too many umpires. And not on just fringe pitches but big 2 ball or more misses. I now see it every night. I think due to opt outs, retirements, and replacements, and just incompetence it’s worse than ever.
There’s still a home plate umpire obviously, to call half swings, fouls tips, balks, time outs, out calls at home and balls that bounce through the strike zone. But just like instant replay, the technology is there (or close) to get it right so why not use it? I saw it in Fall Ball last fall and it was seamless.
*I’m assuming we win the division and play the 8 seed, my guess the Reds.
* I’m now looking at how our pitching lines up before the bell rings, with 6 games in a row and 2 off days.
I love to speculate and see what DOC and the brain trust does.
I see May going tonight and again on Sunday on regular rest. He would again be in regular rest for game 3 the next Friday, if needed.
Urias tomorrow and maybe very short relief Sunday just to eliminate 6 days off before another relief spot or 8 days before a possible start – too long.
It hasn’t been announced but I would think Gonsolin Thursday leaving him rested for relief in the NLWC 3 games.
It gets interesting Friday and Saturday between CK and Buehler. This will set up the NLWA game 1 starter on regular rest. The other starts game 2 on regular rest.
I have no idea on what Doc and AK have in mind but I enjoy looking forward as it gets to crunch time.
One think seems certain, if you lose game 1 to somebody like Bauer in the 3 game series, it’s all hands on deck like games 6 and 7 of the World Series. There’s rest to retool before the NLDS.
This should be extremely interesting.
I’m ok with expanded playoffs but the #1 snd #2 seeds have to get a first round byes. The three game series for the top seeds are totally unfair. Let the 4 wild cards have a three game series to advance against the top 2 seeds in the first round.
I feel the DH is and has been fruit from a poisonous tree. Which will be the next position that separates offense and defense? For those who favor the DH why limit it to pitchers alone? I don’t know why nearly all pitchers are so bad at hitting but there has been a couple who had the tools to excel in both. The ‘Babe’ didn’t really rake till taken off the bump and put in left field so one obvious takes away from the other. The reason may be common knowledge but not to me.
Umpires have written some history that shouldn’t be in the books and no doubt has resulted greatly the worth of several players and I see instant playback not only exciting but also needed and batters and pitchers shouldn’t need to make different adjustments for every ump. There’s pro’s and con’s to everything but getting it right is most important. I mean it is a sport. A strike should be a strike and a ball should be a ball. Bring it.
There’s nothing wrong with a tie and there’s also nothing wrong with tiebreakers. It always breaks down to that in the end anyways. Well someone’s at my door.
Nice write up Jeff.
I’m fine with the DH. I opposed it for several years, but I’ve tired of watching pitchers flail away with the bat. For every Michael Lorenson, there a dozen or more pitchers that don’t know which end of the bat to hold. Then again, it was exciting to see Ryu get his first home run last year.
Not a fan of the runner on second to start the 10th rule. I would propose that the 10th and 11th inning be started like any other inning. If tied after the 11th inning, then put the runner on second to start the 12th. Definitely no to ties. Like crying, there are no ties in baseball(other than in spring training, when it doesn’t matter).
I was neutral on the electronic strike zone, but I’m starting to change my mind some. Umpiring this year has been as bad as I ever recall. Some of these guys make C.B. Bucknor, Angel Fernandez and Joe West look like umpire all-stars.
As to the double headers, I would propose the college format. First game 9 innings, second game, 7 innings.
The 3 hitter minimum rule is fine. Hasn’t made a huge impact, but I prefer it over the change a pitcher per batter scenarios that we were beginning to witness more and more often.
I don’t care for the expanded playoffs. Like William said, it is a cheap trick to make more money for the owners.
I’m ambivalent to the 28 man roster.
I know it won’t happen, and may not happen next year, but I would also put fans back in the stands.
William, your comments are consistently well-written and always make me think and sometimes change the way I am leaning.. Although I am a hockey fan, I agree with you that the playoffs are too long and too many teams involved. All about money, I think, maybe Baseball too.
I had the same thoughts as you when it came to the electronic strike zone, thinking umpires were part of the game, good or bad, but have been so disappointed lately with their decisions on balls and strikes. Maybe they need to be better trained and that could solve the problem. Perhaps they need to have a Spring Training for Umpires, if they do not already? So, I will change to being undecided on that issue. Thank you for your comments.
Two strong opinions which I have stated before.
The expanded playoff system is a cheap trick to gin up fan interest. Wild Cards were that, too, but those could perhaps be rationalized. But allowing eight teams in each 15-team league to make the playoffs, is embarrassing. And the first series being best of three is worse. Fans are supposed to think that the people who run sports have some interest in the game itself, the fairness and the legitimacy of how it is designed; not just that the owners will do anything for more money. I don’t follow the NBA or NHL for various reasons, but the “virtually everyone makes the playoffs” is part of it. And it is worse for baseball, because we all know that any team can beat another in a three game series. And playing 162 games just to eliminate sub .500 teams, is an affront to fans. Who wants to follow a long season for essentially nothing, since all the teams with winning records are in the playoffs?
And I guess that I am the only one who hates the idea of electronic umpires. This is a sport of people, not machines. What would be the remaining rationale for keeping the base umpires, since a machine could make the calls more accurately? Why keep human players, get machines which don’t get sore arms, don’t swear or spit. If umpires do not make good ball and strike calls, get better umpires. The idea that each umpire has his own strike zone has always been known; just like basketball referees may have their own perceptions on blocks vs. charges. Humans are not machines, so they vary. We don’t want them to vary widely, but if we need a machine to always call things the exact same way every day, every game, we might as well play the whole game on computer. There are some people who would prefer that. We will lose something special if we replace umpires making calls, with machines. The reification of computers and technology as some kind of superior development, is a big mistake, for many reasons, including aesthetic and human ones.
And I am wondering, who is going to call the foul tips vs. clean swing and miss, and the half-swings? The electronic machine will only call pure takes? Same pitch in the same spot with any pitcher, in any game, in any year, will always be called the same? Is that good? And if MLB might decide that the pitchers are falling behind, that they want to help them a bit, and so they expand the strike zone, do they just adjust the machines? This is not baseball, to me. We all know the thrill or the disappointment of a 3-2 pitch which is taken, and you can see the umpire start to make the strike three call; and often the batter is incensed, which is interesting, too. Now we will have a climactic pitch, the machine makes the call, it is relayed to the batter, he walks away, game over, more commercials, no controversy, machines rule.
A very Happy 93rd Birthday to Tommy Lasorda. Vince Scully will also be 93 in November.
Not a fan of 28 either. Especially with the DH which has already eliminated the double switching and strategy. With 28 we will see starters never getting stretched out and so many relievers it nullifies the stupid 3 hitter rule. 26 with a 40 man roster is just fine.
I didn’t think I would like the DH, but I actually do. For me, the advantage is not so much that pitchers don’t bat, but that “resting” players can.
I don’t like the three batter rule and hope it is eliminated. Nor do I like the excessive number of teams that qualify for the postseason.
I would think adoption of the DH in the NL would lessen, not increase, the need for additional roster spots beyond 26, since fewer double-switches would be needed.
Ross Stripling is 0-2 with a 736 ERA for Toronto (1.91 WHIP) and the league is hitting .304 against him. Ouch! I feel for Ross!
Kenta Maeda has become the ACE of the Twin staff. .252 ERA. 0.76 WHIP and the league is hitting .167 against him. This was a good deal for both sides.
I’d hire a hypnotist for Muncy and Pederson.
Montas is a fastball pitcher, so they should not really have too much trouble with Frankie if they are patient. Montas is 3-4 with a 5.86 ERA. Manaea is 4-3 with a 4.50. Fiers is 6-2 with a 4.67. None of these guys are Cy Young. But Fiers is a breaking ball pitcher, and a few years ago, he threw a no hitter at the Dodgers. And he gets Buehler. May and Urias up for the first two. Lets hope Urias is over his first inning yips. You can’t pitch like that to hitters like the A’s have. They are without Chapman, but his replacement, Jake Lamb has suddenly found his bat. As for the DH, it is here to stay. The 3 batter rule will be kept too. 7 inning double headers will be gone. Now, Manfred likes the extra inning starting with a runner on second. But that opinion is not widely shared. It does make things more tense and exciting, but my view, and this is my opinion, it gives the home team a huge advantage. Electronic strike zone, all for it. If any of you watched Sunday’s game, that ump was all over the place, and never called anything consistently. He called a pitch on one of the Rockie hitters a ball that was up in the zone, the very next inning, he called the same pitch a strike on a Dodger hitter. Pitiful. I think the rosters will slide back to the way it was supposed to be this year, 26 until September 1st, and then you will only be allowed 2 extra players the rest of the way. I also think that taxi squads are going to be considered. They have proved valuable this year. But those are subjects for the next CBA. Reds have very good starting pitching. Their BP< not so much. And their offense frankly stinks. They can be beat. Right now, they are the 8 seed by a hair. Brewers and Giants are right on their tail. Lamb is hitting .364 with 2 homers and 7 RBI’s in 6 games.
This I believe:
1. If Max Muncy and/or Joc Pederson have a few 0-for bad games in a row, one or both could be left off the roster – I believe they can play themselves on or off the playoff team. Muncy and Pederson have six games to save their jobs. If they go 0 for 20 the last 6 games, I cannot make a case for them.
2. In the first round, any team can win 2 games. If the Dodgers play the Reds and Kershaw and Buehler are on, it could be over in a heartbeat, but the same applies to Bauer and Castillo. I do not like this format!
3. Pederson and Muncy need to move down in the order. Frankie Montas is going tonight, so Joc and Max will both play. Lux too.
Thank you, AC, for the great breakdown and explanation of the new shortened season rules for people like me. Here is what I like or not.
1. DH is ok, almost inevitable that it came to the NL. Do not mind it.
2. Extra Innings Rule? Agree with SoCalBum on tie games so do not like it.
3. Three Batter Rule does speed up the game so ok by me. Honestly, how long does it take to throw the ball around the infield? Less time I think than the umpteen times a batter unties and tightens his batting gloves especially on a 10-pitch plate appearance.
4. Do not like the 7-inning double headers. Ok for this season only.
5. The 28-man roster is a good one, I think, to keep. Electronic Strike Zone would help frustration of pitchers, batters, managers etc.
And I already cast a well-deserved vote for JT.
A very effective way to reduce time in the games would be that the manager cannot ask for time out only to check the replay, only to decide if they ask to call NY to reverse a decision. I don’t know if what I said was understood, sorry for my english
Not a fan of the DH, but long ago was resigned to the fact that the NL would one day adopt the rule — it was never going away. With Dave Roberts as manager, I love the 3 batter rule. I do not care for the extra inning rule, but neither do I like to watch 13+ inning games and the toll it takes on players, especially pitchers. I have long advocated for computer determined strikes and balls. For every umpire that does a good job of calling strikes and balls it seems that there are at least two that range from poor to awful — not to mention each umpire has his own strike zone. Pitch framing has gone to pulling pitches into the strike zone on some umpires. Finally, I am disappointed that MLB has canceled the Arizona Fall League.
My opinion
The DH is fine
The 3 batter rule, stays or goes, whatever.
The extra inning rule I do not like.
The electronic strike zone, yes.
Last 2 series, like to see the Dodgers win both series and hope Roberts plays McKinstry in all games.
You forgot the electronic strike zone. That needs to happen in 2021. The umps are horrible!
I like the extra-inning rule.
I like the DH in both leagues.
The 3 batter rule is OK.
If the DH does come in, then I think the roster should be 27 or 28.
aJust my opinions…
Cmon Bear watching Hill swing a bat and run to first was pure fun!
I don’t think the 3 batter rule has done what they had hoped. Managers like Roberts is switching pitchers every three to four batters no matter the situation. One game he took a pitcher out with two outs in the 9th even though the game was a blowout.
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I’m generally with Clayton on the extra innings rule too. I do find it odd that proponents applaud the strategy that takes place during the new extra innings rules but like the DH. We’ve gotten rid of strategy and roster management all so that a pitcher doesn’t bat twice during a game all so a .230 hitter does. This dinosaur hates the DH.
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The change I despise the most though is the expanded playoffs.
Great analysis Jeff. I honestly believe the DH is going to be kept. It might have to be part of the next CBA, but in my eyes, after how well it has been recieved in the NL this season, managers are going to want to keep it, and I know I do. Make baseball universal. Same rules for both leagues. I dislike the extra inning rule, but it also has some legs because Manfred loves it. As for 7 inning double headers, Manfred has already indicated they will not be used going forward. I have read a lot about Turners efforts in the community, and being a Vet, I know they are involved in a lot of activities to help homeless Vets. So I definitely will vote for JT.
Anyone who thinks Muncy is on the playoff bubble is too dumb to run a baseball blog.