“Baseball flows with the rhythm of life. Comes forth in the spring, lives in the summer, goes in the fall, plays in shitty Latin American ballparks in the winter” – Walt Whitman
- I have to admit that I’m conflicted about MLB’s decision to move the All-Star game from Atlanta. I’m not conflicted about their decision. Simply put, I disagree with the MLB’s action. Why I disagree is not important. I’ll leave that to Mark and those of you who want to engage in that discussion to sort it out. I’ve come to learn that a blog and social media are not the places to engage in such discussions, as rather than educate, it only invites more rancor. Frankly, I come to this blog to have a moment’s respite from the stress of day-to-day living, not to fight or argue.
● MLB’s decision on the All-Star game did, however, further bolster my opinion that Rob Manfred is one of the worst, if not the worst Commissioner of Baseball during my time as a fan. I wonder how you can get and keep a gig like that, and yet continue to make blunder after blunder. MLB’s decision has made me ponder, once you make a decision like this, where does it stop?
● My conflict with MLB’s decision stems, primarily, from my lifelong love for baseball and whether I could ever decide not to follow the Dodgers in the days ahead. The reason I find myself so conflicted is that I have a deep-rooted love for baseball and the Dodgers. Baseball is such a precious, enjoyable, and simple game. It was the first “American” game that I learned soon after I immigrated from Holland as a five-year-old. I cherish the many years of memories I have of playing, coaching, and watching my sons play. My family has lived much of our life, playing or watching baseball. Whether it is playing over-the-line at Artesia Park, playing catch in the back yard with my grandson in the back yard, simply throwing a ball in the air and seeing how far I could hit it, or sitting in the stands at Dodger Stadium, I have always loved the game of baseball.
● I know that much about baseball has changed over the years. Professionally, it has become big business. Billionaire owners make a ton of money off their teams. That’s their right. Players are also being paid an enormous sum of money to play this game. While I don’t begrudge them their right to make as much money as they can, from my perspective, it has impacted much of the purity of the game. Even youth ball is now affected by the “pay to play travel teams.” Moreover, the pressure placed on kids nowadays to “succeed” as opposed to just having fun, has removed some of the youthful innocence from the game. Gone are the days of playing a pick-up game in the backyard with your best buddy. Despite that, because baseball and the Dodgers have been such a large part of my life, I’m not sure that I’m ready to be “done with baseball and the Dodgers” because of some stupid corporate decision. I gave up watching and following football and basketball many years ago, for differing reasons, and I don’t miss them. Maybe it will happen with baseball and the Dodgers too, but not just yet.
● For the most part, I have chosen not to engage in the political banter that’s been prevalent in the past couple of weeks. I respect and admire so many of you that read and comment on this blog. You have great insights on baseball and, in some instances on life and I enjoy reading them. I also admire Mark. It is a tremendous undertaking to keep this blog afloat and he spends an inordinate amount of time writing articles and providing fresh content every day. I’m only involved in this in a small way, and I can tell you that, from the help he provides me with the few articles that I post, he does an awful lot behind the scenes. I’m grateful to him for putting forth the effort he does, and I’m also very grateful that he humors me by letting me ramble on in my random thoughts articles.
● The reason I try to stay away from the political discussion is that, much like the purity and innocence of baseball, gone are the days that people can engage in civil discourse. I’m sure that things might be different if we were having some of these discussions in the backyard over a barbeque, but once behind the anonymity of a computer screen, things change. Simply expressing disagreement no longer seems to be allowed, as most people have this insatiable need to rebut each statement of disagreement by attempting to show that they are right and they, and they alone, have the superior intellect in the discussion. I fall victim to that thought process every now and again, and when I do, I don’t even like myself for it. In my opinion, this need to be right is an incredibly unhealthy perspective that can wreak havoc on your personal and professional life. I blame the lack of civil discourse on political debates. I can’t watch more than a few minutes of the “debates”, if we can call them that. They’re more of an exercise in who can speak the loudest and interrupt the other more effectively. It is rare, that opposing arguments are ver discussed in a meaningful sense. Rather, it seems the accepted style is to engage in ad hominem attacks and forget to make your point on an issue. It defies my understanding how Joe Biden and Donald Trump can be the best this country has to offer for presidential candidates. That’s also why I never watch CNN, Fox News, or their ilk with my grandchildren. We want to teach them the importance of manners, and they will never learn them by watching that nonsense.
● I am disturbed that the Commissioner’s office leaked to the press that the balls used by Trevor Bauer were being inspected. Perhaps they weren’t responsible for the leak. Maybe it was an umpire or one of the clubhouse boys who did. Frankly, it doesn’t matter how that information got to the press, it just shouldn’t have. If you release the information for one pitcher, you have to do it for all. But of course, that’s not going to happen. I also find it peculiar that the players most critical of Manfred as to his investigation of the Astros and the punishment meted out, Justin Turner and Trevor Bauer, have had private information about them leaked to the press which caused them to be painted in a bad light. I, for one, don’t think that’s a coincidence.
● Finishing the discussion about civil discourse, ultimately, who cares if you think, for example, that Jansen should be the closer, or I think that Knebel should be the closer. It really doesn’t matter. None of us on this blog will ever have any input on that decision. Further, I doubt that anyone on the Dodger coaching staff or administration is going to call us to get our advice. Moreover, we do not have all of the information available to the coaching staff. We may think we know it all, but we don’t. Therefore, the discussion is and should be, nothing more than for fun. Just like the game itself.
● Well enough of that blah, blah, blah. After Friday nights’ 1-0 victory over the Nationals, then again after Saturday nights 9-5 victory, and lastly after Sunday’s 3-0 shutout, I came to LADT to read the game and post-game comments. I had to read over the comments twice because, with the exception of one quick comment by Bear, I could not find a single comment from anyone praising Doc Roberts for the use of his bullpen. He did a masterful job this weekend, and I would think after all the criticism that’s been heaped on him, he would get some love. He managed to pull the right strings in each game. Then again, maybe it was just luck on his part, I guess.
● Having the players receive a congratulatory message from their favorite players of their youth, was a very nice touch to the ring ceremony. It humanized the players and reminded me of the purity and love for the game that I wrote of earlier in this article. Most all of us had favorite players growing up, and we can all identify with how special it might have been for the Dodgers’ players. With that part of the ceremony being meaningful, I feel the less that Mark Walters speaks on these occasions, the better it would be for the fans. Just my opinion, but his speech made me want to vomit. On the other hand, I did get some satisfaction, sadistic perhaps, when the fans booed LA Mayor, Eric Garcetti.
● It’s still early in the season, but you have to like this team. Minus Mookie and Belli, they represented well against the Nationals. The starting pitching looks solid, if not yet spectacular. Throwing more than 4 innings per game, is a nice change from last year. And, to Eric’s dismay, I think the bullpen is going to do just fine. Knebel has been a very nice addition. Currently, the pen is without Graterol and Gonsolin, who I think we can agree, will only make it stronger. Plus, I still think that Jimmy Nelson and David Price will be just fine as the season moves along. We may see a replacement for Alexander somewhere down the line, but right now, he’s a no harm no foul pitcher. Maybe, if the starters continue to throw 6 or 7 innings, the Dodgers won’t have to tax their bullpen quite as much.
● Speaking of Gonsolin, I am concerned that his injury might be more serious than initially reported. I hope not, but more recent reports indicate that he may be on the shelf for longer period of time.
● I don’t wish him any ill will, him being a local boy and all, but frankly, it would not bother me if Joe Kelly spent the entire year on the IL.
● Again it’s early, but I like what I see from Zach McKinstry. I love his enthusiasm. He appears to be a more disciplined player than Kike. He’s certainly is not as fidgety in the batter’s box as Kike. He has also done well defensively. I’m not ready to christen him ROY yet, but he’s exceeded my expectations by a lot. While he has been a ray of sunshine, unfortunately, Matt Beatty has not yet found his rhythm. He looks out of sorts at the plate. But, the season is long and I think he will come around.
● Sunday’s version of Kenley Jansen was really nice. I read a quote from Dave Roberts about Kenley: “He’s been working really hard with the performance guys, Brandon McDaniel, and his staff. Connor McGuiness has been good for him,” Roberts said. “He’s just been working really hard. Credit goes to Kenley, and it was really fun to see.” Keep on working Kenley, maybe there is a full year left in his gas tank.
● It seems that it was premature to stick a fork in Justin Turner and Clayton Kershaw. They’ve done quite nicely up to this point, at times even showing some flashes of greatness. Let’s hope they make it through the year without injury. With the depth available to Doc, he can give them plenty of opportunities to rest as needed throughout the season.
● The more and more I watch CT3 play the more I appreciate him as a player. He does so many little things well. Getting him from the Mariners for Zach Lee will always go down as one of the most one-sided trades in Dodgers history.
● Gavin Lux looks so much more relaxed and confidant this year. Defensively he has been very solid and his bat is coming around. Several of his outs have been very hard hit. I think he’s going to have a solid year.
● Max Muncy is also looking more like his earlier version, as opposed to last years version. He looks much more dialed in and is hitting the ball hard.
● This article was written on Sunday afternoon, and I’m adding this portion on Wednesday morning. Last night’s game, albeit against the lowly Rockies, was fun to watch. I dig the long ball! There were a lot of hard-hit balls and some of them went far enough to make the home run seats. What I found most impressive, however, is how well Trevor Bauer pitched. Again, it’s early in the season, but he shows a great command of his pitches and he exudes confidence on the mound. If he does this all year, I think we’ll all be happy that AF signed him.
While not giving up on the Dodgers yet, I’ve decided to retire my song parodies. After the first one, I mostly continued to do them for DodgerBlueMom. She was the only one who ever seemed to enjoy them. With the sad news of her death, I think it’s a really good time to hang that writing endeavor up.
My song for the day is “Goin Back” by the Byrds.
Discussion (100)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Muncy and Turner saved the B team last night. It wasn’t long ago that many were ready to move on from Turner because it was taking too long to sign him, too expensive to sign him and we could just slide Rios in to take his place. Well good thing AF wasn’t in that group! And Eric, at this rate the bullpen may be THE strength of this team. And it isn’t just my gut telling me that! Tho it is quite a gut.
Well, It’s about to get real. I’m ready for some baseball now that extended Spring Training against a bunch of bottom dwellers is over. He’s how we close out the month…
Padres – 3rd place, supposedly the second best team in the MLB.
Mariners – 1st place in the AL West
Padres – again
Reds – Tied for 1st in the Central
Brewers – Tied for 1st in the Central
It’s just another serie, against a third-place team, but it’s time to show those clowns who is the king and the only best team in MLB !!
Is it just me, or is there no option to comment on the Price is right?
Kenley or Knebel? I’m fine with both.
For that matter, I’m encouraged by Price. A three-headed monster works for me. Injuries could force this former Cy Young ace into the role. Before Bauer was signed, I was more than comfortable with Price in the rotation. Remember, Eckersley and Smoltz made the move to the pen earlier in their careers and wound up in the Hall. Price could be a key weapon….if not trade bait.
Dodgers are off to a ridiculous start, but they’ve yet to play a team with a winning record. The upcoming games with San Diego will help demonstrate just how good this team is.
At the risk of seeming greedy, I too am a bit frustrated that Lux isn’t hitting like McKinstry , and by the inconsistency of Bellinger.
Patience is in order. The best possible lineup clearly includes Bellinger but maybe not Lux. Today Muncy moved over to 2B–not ideal, but “serviceable.” The Dodgers are so good that perhaps the greatest suspense before the playoffs may come at the trading deadline. Indians reportedly demanded Lux in a Lindor deal; would they want him in a package for Jose Ramirez ? Turner could shift over to 1B, Muncy to 2B. (Pardon my general manager fantasies.)
Sorry, but I feel compelled to close with a political note. With all respect I want to point out that, contrary to a recent assertion in this space, it wasn’t baseball or Rob Manfred or Joe Biden or the Georgia lawmakers that forced politics into LADodgerTalk.
That was a choice made here. And if people “go there,” I’m perfectly willing to engage, and I find it encouraging that others are willing too as well.
It’s quite trendy now in some circles to protest “cancel culture”–and it’s richly ironic how the people use this phrase are often the same ones who wanted to cancel nothing less than the clear results of a presidential election. Some of these self-styled “patriots” even staged a violent, lethal insurrection –and it wasn’t incited by President Biden.
One of the common traits of baseball and politics is that both are rich with useful statistics. There was a suggestion here that President Biden is failing to “unite” the country–yet as I write this surveys show he has a 59% approval rating, attributed largely to his administration’s covid relief and vaccine efforts, and now the proposed infrastructure measure. His predecessor’s approval rating never reached 50%, and it is now at about 39%. (You can look it up. ) But then, as his former defense secretary Gen. Mattis pointed out, that particular POTUS never even showed an interest in uniting the American people. (You can look that up too.)
But back to baseball….
I kind of like Charlie Steiner, even though he seems to make an error every time I listen. Today he said that “Diaz bobbled” when he meant to say either “Diaz blooped” or “McKinstry bobbled.”
I recall only one time that Vin, such a poet, made an error.
He was describing some incident that had Lasorda shouting from the dugout at the umpire–except he called Lasorda “Durocher.”
Then Vin was briefly silent, as though he caught himself.
Then he wisely just moved on rather than call attention to his bobble.
My big question mark is , which Belli are we going to see this year
His stance and swing just don’t seem conducive to consistency
I think the league has really learned how to Pitch him, I certainly hope I’m wrong
I’d like to know what others think but it seems to me, he’s not on the right track to adjust back to the league to be the elite player he was in his MVP year
Dodgers winning % 846. No other team has reached 700. yet.
Way to F. …ing hang PRICE
Nelson’s stuff is there, if he can be consistent he’ll be awesome
Eric, Nelson’s gonna make u a believer before this season’s over!
Maybe it’s just the TV Channels
I love old westerns
Whenever I see Gavin Lux I am reminded of Audie Murphy
Looks just like him. Might be his demeanor and his looks
Tonight lineup
CF Taylor
3B Turner
1B Muncy
C Smith
LF Pollock
SS Lux
2B McKinstry
RF Raley
P Urias
2D2, excellent writing. Manford has to go. However, I’m not sure he will be replaced with somebody who will be much better. Call me jaded.
Things have simply changed. Our society and our games. What is cause and what is effect is difficult to determine. Is social media a disease or simply a symptom of a larger more endemic problem?
You brought up youth sports. I am living the changes that have taken place in youth baseball. I got home at 11;00 last night because my son had a double header in Riverside. On a Wed school night. Like so many things in our society today, youth baseball is a choice of extremes. Have your kid play in local rec league against miserable competition on a team where your lucky if half the players can even play catch (and give your son little chance of developing to the point of playing HS baseball)… or … spent $200/month + playing on a travel team and have your kid treated like a division 1 athlete with a 6 day a week practice/game schedule with drive line classes mixed in between. If you want to start on these teams, that is the expectation. Full financial and time commitment at 12 or 13. Kids with families without means or parents who don’t have the time or the willingness are simply not going to play baseball past 14. Period. That is the new youth baseball.
Like you, I still love the game. However, I have made a conscious effort in the past year to NOT dive into baseball related social media. Just like I found that fantasy football reduced my enjoyment of the NFL, I find that all the OCD coverage of MLB on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook reduces my enjoyment of the game. My son’s phone sounds like a Vegas slot machine, pinging off an alert every 15 seconds from some baseball writer/analyst he follows on Twitter. “Dad, so and so said that this player is overrated”. “Dad, some guy on Twitter said we should trade for Trout”.
I hate it. Which is why I do enjoy this blog so much. This blog reminds me of old school sports writing. At least when it doesn’t become stuck on politics. Which I understand is almost impossible to ignore these days. As long as sports organizations keep jumping into it.
I hope Manford is shown the door. But I’m not sure who the owners pick next would be much better. Some things have changed and they will likely stay changed.
Unfortunately.
Excellent article 2D2!
Many great points. I have often criticized Dave Roberts for his handling of the bullpen, and I must give him credit for his recent decisions. Going back to the 5 out save in Colorado, and throughout the National series, he made good choices on pitching changes. Of course, it always comes down to the pitchers performing well, but if I am going to criticize when it doesn’t work out, I need to give him credit for the successes. And last night in the Rockies game, Roberts seemed to push all of the right buttons. When Graterol and Gonsolin come back, the bullpen should be a great strength of the team.
Thanks for the blog and the dialogue!
Eric, I think Nelson is going to prove you wrong this year. When he settles in, I think he will pitch some big innings for us. And I’d bring Kelly back just to pitch to Machado. Now that would bring some fireworks!
I just want to clear up something. I never said that I think the bullpen will be a weakness. I said that I think the bullpen will be the weakest part of the team. I think the offense and starting pitching will be better than the bullpen. I think the bullpen will not be either bad or dominant, it will be decent to good depending on injuries and the way Doc handles it.
Gonsolin being injured is a big blow to the bullpen. Also Graterol who hasn’t pitched is clearly better than a few relievers that we have, more specifically clearly better than Santana, Nelson, Alexander. Those 3 amigos are the weakest links in the bullpen in my opinion. And again I’m talking about career stats. I left out Joe Kelly in this discussion because nobody knows what’s going on with him, but he would be another one of the weakest links in the bullpen.
Again the bullpen is not going to be weak, but it is going to be the weakest part of the team in my opinion. This is a very good team.
Very good stuff 2D2. Very good analysis and opinions. Thanks for the post.
I haven’t been shy about my feelings about Rob Manfred. And now the Bobba-Louie of change, Theo Epstein. Yesterday was the announcement of 2 more dip-shit ideas for the poor Eastern League. That Independent League has become MLB’s experiment lab and the players expendable lab rats.
What is obvious right now is that MLB doesn’t like the current game. And they feel rule changes can fix this “broken” game. When you start with that premise, there is no limit to ideas for change. So, I disagree right off the bat. I don’t think baseball is broken.The players and the game always adjust to the times.
So with that premise, the “game is broken”, what’s needed is more athleticism, more stolen bases, more hits, less strikeouts. you know more like the NBA and NFL and soccer. We need to pander and recruit the younger non-fans who demand constant stimulation. They watch games, sort-of, while taking selfies, talking on cell phones, eating and whatever other distractions. To me these are NOT baseball fans. I see no need to change the rules and demensions of the game to suit them. They have no appreciation the strategy, for rhythm of the game, for the pace of play, the smells, the colors, the skills displayed.
As I’ve mentioned, I count 23 changes from Manfred and and MLB to fix the game. Very few have any merit. I’m all in for speed up rules enforced. A 15 to 20 second pitch clock and 2 minute pitching changes makes sense. I’ve watched it in fall ball and it works. Make the hitters get in the box and the pitchers pitch without all the cat and mouse games. We did that it in high school. Why the Player’s Union has opposed these efforts is beyond me. That’s the easiest way to pick up the pace without major changes.
The 2 latest experiments are total bullshit, again. The double-hook rule is some sort of lame compromise between having a DH, and not. It’s a solution in search of a problem. When there’s a pitching change, the DH is lost. (so here’s an attempt to change how the game is managed by eliminating an “opener” and adding “strategy”) Why do I want to see the DH lost? Why do I want more pinch hitters, more double switches. I want the best players on the field.
Now let’s change the dimensions of the park. Move the rubber 12 inches back. Or 2 feet. Or 3. Do it until guys quit striking out. Really? This isn’t about the ball being that much slower, as some have mentioned. It’s about the hitter’s reaction time. The “percieved velocity” of the ball. I’ve listened to Tom House enough to know that for every foot a pitcher releases the ball closer to home it equals 3 mph in perceived velocity. So with an added foot, the average fastball speed goes from the current 93 to 90. 90 was where the average was some years ago and I guess it was a better game then? Those damn pitchers just throw too damn fast now. Make a rule.
So I’m old school and proud of it. Again my advice to MLB is leave the game alone with a few obvious exceptions like the ABS and the DH. And give the umps the power to speed up play with clocks. Play Ball!
I am a happy camper today. My new 12 string just got here,
Funny how posters will say they dont want to talk or write about politics but then go on to actually write and post about politics. As for MLB taking the all-star game out of Georgia it is about social corporate activism. Right is right and wrong is wrong when a political party outright tries to deny easy access for the people to vote all because a sore loser lied and claimed the election was rigged. Baseball is a business just like every other professional sports league. Many players urged MLB to do this. The fact is a heard lots of people “talk” about how they were going to boycott the NFL and NBA and even MLB for players “kneeling” or taking a stand in the name of social justice. And since the SCOTUS Citizens United ruling corporations are people too.
I for one dont want to hear the complaining. Put up or shut up with your boycott nonsense. Whew, got that out of my system.
Now about Jansen. Things that I have noticed is that on many of his cutters there is little movement and all are coming in at the same speed. This allows hitters to adjust and tee off on him. This may be what they are working with him on. The other was his command and that being the back of his mind them adjusting to this and so he nibbles and why he has been giving up a lot of walks. I am just glad to see that he has put together a few decent outings in a row but I am still not very confident when he comes into a close game to save. Having Knebel available to pick up the slack and limit Jansen is optimal.
Surprise player of the year so far on the Dodgers is Zack McKinstry.
Today is Jackie Robinson day across baseball. Everyone will be wearing #42.
Giants in second place and playing well. Imagine that. In all fairness to the Padres, they are playing without Tatis and do not have the kind of depth to overcome a loss like that. The Dodgers won 5 games without two of their big guns. Padres cannot pull that off.
When May gets better putting hitters away with 2 strikes he’s gonna be awesome. Four seamers up in the zone and getting his breaking just off the plate instead of bouncing it 2 feet off the plate in the dirt. Like that 2 strike breaking ball Trienen threw to strike out Story. Nelson could be up for his first close of the year tonight. Gotta save the big four for the Padres series!
Fantastic write up 2d2. You covered a lot of topics with civility and reason. I enjoyed the Byrds song. One I had heard a few times, but unfortunately has been left off there greatest hits album. I guess for an obvious reason…it wasn’t a commercial hit. I had heard of Moby Grape, but wasn’t familiar with their music. Bummer their main musical band influence and creator destroyed his life with drugs.
The Dodgers seem to firing on all cylinders at the moment. This weekend will be a good test and provide the team with their first real competitive opponent. In watching May last night I thinking “and this is our #5”. Yikes for the rest of baseball.
Manfred’s ridiculous experiments are a joke. Move the mound back a foot to slow down the velocity. How about having players learn to make more contact and defeat the shift. Now days it’s blow up the whole thing and start over as opposed to concentrating on the obvious problem and fixing that. It’s like defunding the police and reimaging law enforcement. No, how about weeding out shitty cops. Or, how about creating training to avoid excessive use of force when they stop uncooperative suspects. Most people want more policing not less. Especially, in poor neighborhoods. That’s a fact. Anyway, enough political commentary.
Carry on.
The Dodgers are on track to win an unprecedented 194 games!
I’ll take the “under.”
That is a great Byrds song, written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, but done in classic Byrds style. I remember when the song came out, and I was disappointed that it was not a hit. I would rather hear this song than some of their big hits
I don’t think that any area can escape the controversies which swirl around. The 24-hour cable media is a big part of that. They need people to keep watching, and people seem to need new things to argue or be polarized about.
Jansen is pitching pretty well, but he almost never has a clean ninth inning. Against teams better than the Rockies and Nationals, , that will be a concern. Right now, though, 10-2 is very impressive.
Thx 2D2 for a nice write up. Good to have your perspective back. I’m with you on so many of your points. And you reminded us all about how much time and effort Mark puts in to keep LADT up and running. Thank you Mark. Your blog adds so much to the Dodger fan experience. Even if we can sometimes be “ morons”! And come to think of it I just don’t understand why Doc and AF don’t consult with me regarding their some of their decisions. I should give them my email!
Excellent write up. Bravo 2D2. Expressed everything I feel and more. Here is another for you. I read about this yesterday and thought, why are they messing with the game? We all know they are going to use bigger bases in one of the leagues as an experiment. Baseball has teamed with the Atlantic league to test some new idea’s too. Here is one I think is nuts. They are going to move the mound back one foot. Huh? You have all of these guys who for years have been pitching from 60 feet 6 inches, and now you want them to get used to doing it from a foot further back? I also read about the reasons. MLB supposedly is concerned about the high strikeout rate. So, they figure that by moving the plate back, the ball will be traveling a little slower when it gets into the hitting area, and walla, more hits, less strikeouts. How about maybe more arm troubles for pitchers who have trained one way most of their lives and now have to make a huge adjustment just to make sure they can reach the plate. Guys who throw in the high 90’s like May would lose maybe 2 or 3 miles an hour on their fast ball. What about curveball pitchers who now have to throw the ball a little harder to get it to the plate, and how does that affect the break? Just plain nuts in my mind. They are also going to test a rule that says when you pull the starting pitcher, you lose the DH. Idea there is to force managers to have to use more strategy. Wow. Again, another head scratcher. As for the Dodgers and the way they are playing, I am extremely happy with the start. Who wouldn’t be happy with 10-2. But I have seen some posts elsewhere saying that they should be 12-0. Maybe, but baseball is an unpredictable game. Rondon, of the White Sox missed a perfect game last night, not because of an error or a walk, he plunked a guy when he had 2 strikes on him with one out. Yep, ya never can tell what will happen. I love McKinstry’s work ethic and the results are showing. I think Beaty’s problems are just an extension of how he played in spring. He did not hit well there either. I honestly think a change of scenery will do him a lot of good. Lux has been hitting in bad luck. He has hit some balls very hard that were atem balls. Taylor is the Dodgers Swiss knife. He can do pretty much anything. Belli is due back Friday. So someone has to go. My candidate right now would be Beaty. Not going to give Doc praise for his handling of the pen just 12 games into the year. Ask me 100 games from now and I will have a better analysis for you.
Excellent write-up.
Yes, I want to see Rob Manfred go. I think he’s bad for the game. Should have never thrust baseball into the middle of the Georgia nonsense. What did he think baseball would gain, especially when the entire country is so badly split?
I agree on coincidences and leaks. I also agree with Trevor Bauer and other players about Manfred. Past time for him to depart, for the good of the game.
I’ve asked myself the same question about walking away from baseball. The final straw may come down to whether there is a work stoppage. If there is, I’m guessing I walk away. I’m sure I won’t be alone.
Headed for the game tonight. Already just a tad ticked off. I read Mookie won’t be in the line-up. This is an old story. Go to a game and star players sit. Didn’t get to see him play last year, finally get to be in-person and no Mookie? Hope the reports are not true. Hey, I have no patience.
I keep thinking this will be the last year I buy season tickets. I listened to baseball analysts on the radio saying that fans aren’t really paying for escalating player salaries. Okay, then why do they keep raising ticket prices?
All of this factors in when I consider the long term future of the game. Then there is the patience of Dodger hitters, going deep into counts. Good strategy no doubt. But it really slows down the game.
I already hate the fact there is no DH. I like action. Another reason to dislike Manfred.
Again, enjoyed the write-up.
I already write about politics elsewhere, no need to do it here.
Lux looked lost at the plate. Is he going to be a feast/famine kind of player at the plate??
Congratulations to Raley on his first hit.
I think all of the major sports are in for a real surprise from what is going to be accepted and supported by the American fans. LIke you said, sports should be a respite from the day in and day out grind and concerns in our lives. Instead sports has become a constant reminder of the day in and day out grind in our lives. The days of the packed stadiums are over, and not because of “out of extreme caution for out fans” (they stopped doing things “for our fans” many years ago). The days of high TV ratings are over (without viewers, ad money dries up, without ad money teams will dry up). Times are a-changin. Anyone notice that the PGA is doing quite well, hmmm, I wonder what’s the difference in the approach they have taken (okay I know but I’ll leave that for y’all to contemplate for a minute).
Woke will drive you broke (in so many ways and not just money ways), listen up fat cat owners, your slip is showing!
I agree about Jansen and Knebel. Kenley will not close every game, but I predict he will have more saves than anyone else on the Dodgers. It’s clear that he should not pitch back-to-back games, but he has been very effective when he doesn’t. Kenley has 3 saves to Knebel’s 2. I like what I am seeing.
Dustin May struggled, but the bullpen didn’t.
Also, when Bellinger comes back, what happens to Zach McKinstry? At this juncture, Zach is a more worthy candidate for 2B than is Gavin Lux! Zach is leading the team in HR and RBI and is OPSing over 1.000. Lux is barely OPSing half that! I know it’s early, but this routine with Lux worries me. McKinstry just shows up, shuts up, and steps up. He just gets the job done. Lux is out of excuses. He has to earn his playing time and just like Kike, he hasn’t! I am fearful that Gavin may be a bust!
Speaking of Kike, he;s stile mired at .208 and Joc Pederson is hitting .108. Joc is what I thought he was!