This is what MLB Players live for. This is where legends are made and failures are lamented. This is why they play the game. This, my friends, is called a Pennant Race. May the best horse win. No Snakes allowed! I have said for quite some time that this Dodger team is built for the Post-Season. I might add that it is also built for a pennant race… that is with two assumptions: #1: I assume that Kenley Jansen will be healthy (mentally and physically); and #2: I assume Chicken Strip will be dealing with Spicy Mustard. We will see how mentally strong Kenley is, and if he recovers from the bad streak, it could make him even better. Adversity will make you or break you! I think Kenley will make this a stepping stone and not a stumbling block.
You may say that is “wishful thinking” and you would be correct – it is! The Dodgers won’t be successful without Kenley! I think that is just the way it is, so that is what I am wishing for, but with Chicken Strip, Maeda, Baez, Alexander and Floro pitching out of the pen, he should not be asked to do that multi-inning thing often… if at all. Wow! Floro has been a real find for the Dodgers, hasn’t he? In 20 IP, he has struck out 24, has a 1.74 ERA, .87 WHIP and the league is hitting .153 against him. Erik Goeddel has also been very solid this season. I think Julio Urias will be up soon, even though Roberts said he wants him to be able to pitch back-to-back. I do not think he should do that. Let him pitch when he can… don’t push it.
I am feeling very good about the pitching right about now. I’ll feel even better when/if Kenley is back on his game. The Dodgers are far-and-away the best pitching team in the NL and even with their struggles offensively, they are barely behind the Cubs in runs scored… and I am going to go out on a limb: September will be the FIRST month of this season where the Dodgers post a “Positive Clutch” stat! Why do I say that? WAG!
Puig Flies: According to MLB.com: Puig went from home to third in 11.02 seconds, the second-fastest time for a Dodgers player since Statcast™ began tracking in 2015. The only faster time was Carl Crawford’s 10.72 seconds on April 27, 2015. Puig also had a sprint speed of 29.5 feet-per-second on the play.
In case you are old enough to remember:
Discussion (101)
Disagree, not disagreeable
There must be a good reason why Verdugo and Toles haven’t been added to the roster. Does anybody know what it could be? Doc can’t play guys who are not on the roster so he can’t be blamed for not playing them.
The lineup experiment , well ok tried it, it didn’t work so please let’s not pull that one again.
Looked to me like Rich Hill was about the only guy out there that really really wanted to get a hit. Nice job Rich, tough luck.
Turner and Machado are the only can hit the ball
Tomorrow’s game is huge, win and we are in postion to win 3 or at least split. Lose and we could be looking at an uphill battle.
I think playing a few call ups over Taylor or Kemp has no downside. Both are in horrible slumps and just seem lost, how can toles or verdugo be any worse?
Did Baez finally look himself in the mouth and see he’s better than he thought? He can probably hit near the top of the order and contribute no worse than most. He sure handles pressure better and even the clock work is par.
That was a reality check I’m afraid.
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Gonna be a quiet October.
Leave it up to the Padres and Rangers to inspire confidence and back to reality
I swear if CT 0 for 3 (0 for 4 tonight) is in tomorrow’s line-up I will s&i% my pants. He is unbelieveably bad right now and for the life of me I have no idea why he is even penciled into the line-up. His AB’s are painful to watch, either swinging at a pitch in the dirt for a strikeout or watching strike 3 right down the middle.
Put his butt on the bench but it kind of shows he has very limited bat to ball skill and last year was most likely an aberration. Kemp is toast and I hope we win the next three but it looks like the five game winning streak against some bad teams was a mirage. When the Dodgers play against good pitching like the D-Backs and Cardinals the team with the horrible RISP and absurdly K rate always surfaces.
Dodgers – 15ks. 0 for with RISP.
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Taylor hitting .188 before tonight with 32 k in last 88 AB – last 30 games. Add tonight’s golden sombrero and it’s 36 K in last 90 AB. He shouldn’t be playing. Neither should Kemp. his GIDP in the 8th was a killer.
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Roberts needs to run a regular lineup out there and give them a chance to get into a rhythm.
Hate to be right, but said it before the game, Robert’s cost is the game with this lineup with kemp in the 4 hole and Taylor
On a positive note, Austin Barnes got a hit! Can anyone tell me the last time that happened
Another solo HR. Boy, they let Ray off the hook. He had no command early and they could have knocked him out. He got himself right and has looked tough. Bad hitting again.
I like Taylor, but he needs to sit. We really do not have one outfielder that is hitting right now. We need Toles and Verdugo badly. I can only hope they will be in the line up on Saturday.
Lack of fundamentals cost us, Robert’s cost us with this lineup.
Welcome to playing a real team again. Real teams like this get 2 out big hits, whereas crap like SD and Tex don’t. Coming back in this one would be gigantic!
Dodgers 5 baserunners in 4 innings – 0 for 4 RISP.
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Hill looks good.
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Kemp should not be playing right now. In the last 30 games, he’s hitting .191 with 20 K vs. 10 H and 1 HR.
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They have to figure out some way to get Muncy’s bat in the lineup. He doesn’t have big splits LHP vs. RHP(.985 OPS vs SHP; .968 OPS vs. RHP).
I have no faith in Puig right now
You were right about Taylor… so far.
Different day, same story…CT3 with another K!
Let’s get his pitch count up
Kike can’t hit this guy either…
Damn Kemp should be on the bench. He can’t hit Ray!
See, you can spin this however you want!
Damn Turner should not be playing – he’s hitting .202 against Ray!
Dozier gets the first hit, but should not be playing?
Rumor of mccutcheon to nyy
If Puig gets to three balls it’s a good at bat
Mark that was a different Taylor then the current version who swing through straight 90mph fastballs with regularity.
Kemp has similar numbers against Ray but has been overmatched all second half and should be playing a couple times a week, and not game 1 of this series. First at bat was an indicator of how far off he is.
Here’s my point:
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There is no wrong or right answer.
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The the Dodgers beat the hell out of Ray tonight, does that mean I am right? NO!
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… and if Ray shuts them out, does that mean you are right? NO!
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There are so many variables.
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AC could be right – maybe it’s best to have a few lefties…
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I just don’t know.
I was thinking the same as AC.
And Muncy hits lefties more then a few players in this line up.
And I always like to see Cody in the line up too, especially since he has been so good in August.
Dozier has good numbers against Ray, but he hasn’t hit lefties since he has came over here, either.
I said it earlier and I will repeat what AC said as well, the current Taylor and Kemp should not be in this lineup, Cody and Muncy should be.
Maybe it works. But let’s take a look at the August offensive numbers for the starters:
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Dozier – .223/.364/.433/.797
JT – .396/.481/.703/1.184
Machado – .265/.315/.490/.806
Kemp – .197/.280/.273/.553
Kike’ – .333/.400/.510/.910
CT3 – .195/.284/.338/.622
Puig – .271/.311/.457/.768
Barnes – .111/.360/.167/.527
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Look at two of the LHH reserves for tonight:
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Cody – .368/.429/.563/.992
Max – .273/.355/.673/1.028
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By inserting two LHH who are having a much much much better August for Kemp and Taylor, you get two better bats, and you do not allow Robbie Ray to pitch to one spot against an all RHH team. He finds the spot, he does not have to move.
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We will never know which lineup would be more productive, so all we can do is hope that Kemp and CT3 can produce some offense tonight.
More – Dodger Hitters Verses Ray:
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Bellinger – .167
Dozier – .400
Kemp – .429
Kike – .269
Taylor – .438
I’m actually quite excited for tonight’s game! Big series. Pennant race. Bears preseason on ipad. Things look good!
Tonight’s Lineup:
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1. Dozier 2B
2. Turner 3B
3. Machado SS
4. Kemp LF
5. Hernandez 1B
6. Taylor CF
7. Puig RF
8. Barnes C
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I know what Doc is trying to do with an ALL-RH lineup and I have no problem. The other argument is that all RH hitters make it easier for a LH pitcher. Maybe or maybe not! I’m guessing that there is some rationale for the lineup…
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There’s no reason these guys can’t execute.
By the way, the Brewers released Ariel Hernandez today.
DODGERS REINSTATE JOSH FIELDS
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LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers today reinstated right-handed pitcher Josh Fields from the 60-day disabled list and optioned right-handed pitcher Yimi Garcia to Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.
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Fields, who missed 54 games with right shoulder inflammation, has appeared in 37 games with Los Angeles this season, going 2-2 with two saves and posting a 2.36 ERA (9 ER/34.1 IP).
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Garcia, who was reinstated from the disabled list on August 24, has made 22 relief appearances for the Dodgers this season, posting a 1-2 record and 5.57 ERA (13 ER/21.0 IP) while striking out 17 batters and walking three.
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To create room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated infielder Rob Segedin for assignment.
I don’t like the lineup at all, I know it is one of Robert’s matchup/numbers specials.
However the most important series of the year, where game 1 momentum is real, get the best hitters this month out there. Taylor and Kemp should be on the bench and Bellinger and Muncy playing. Also first base is not Hernadez’s best postion, he should be in the outfield with Bellinger. Come on Roberts put the book down and open your eyes. Barnes has to play one game this series, this one makes the most sense since the other LHP going for the Dbacks, Patrick Corbin has reverse splits.
Madson would be decent addition, and who knows Honey could fix him, the guy has pitched well on the biggest stage, I will be disappointed if the FO does not ante up for him, the cost cannot be much more then a lottery ticket??
Go Blue!!
standings update:
we are .5 games behind COL and 1 game behind ARI in the NL West
and .5 games behind COL, 2 games behind MIL [1 in the loss column], and 2 games behind STL in the Wild Card
PHI is one game behind us in the Wild Card
ATL is 3.5 games ahead in their division [4 in the loss column] and CHI is 4.5 games up [5 in the loss column]
CHi is currently 4 games up on ATL for best record in the NL
The Dodgers did what they needed to do against San Diego and Texas plus it gave them some momentum for the AZ series. They are at home and AZ would feel victorious if they split the series. Dodgers need to win 3. Dog days of summer are about to wind down and shorter and cooler evenings are coming. Magic says this is win time.
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Machado was a must have this year and he is making a difference. Did I miss something about his clubhouse antics with the Dodgers? I thought he was being cool.
Arizona Fall League Rosters have been reported (they are subject to change). The Dodgers will once again be a member of the Glendale Desert Dogs. They will be joined by members of the NYY, Cleveland, ChiSox, and Orioles affiliates.
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Dodgers on the Roster:
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Ben Holmes – AA – LHP
Nolan Long – AA – RHP
Andre Scrubb – AA – RHP
Jordan Sheffield – A+ – RHP
Keibert Ruiz – AA – C
Errol Robinson – AA – SS
Jared Walker – A+ – 1B/3B
Cody Thomas – A+ – OF
If we take 3 of 4 or 4 of 4, there is no guarantee we take over 1st place. Let’s not forget the Rockies. That said, I would be satisfied with either of the above.
minor league won/loss records don’t mean much but i’m starting to notice rancho cucamonga’s. tonight uceta pitches [and gonsolin for AA] and yesterday leo crawford moved to 8-0. any thoughts from the prospect mavens here about crawford? he’s mostly escaped my notice.
Also, I am a drummer in a Classic Rock Jam band and we play Kicks and Louie Louie. Love Paul Revere and the Raiders.
I know I have been spoiled by the Dodger teams over the past few years but I do not have a warm fuzzy feeling about Kenley, Alexander or Maeda closing out the games. I am hoping that Stripling can step into this role until Kenley gets his Mojo back. That’s if Chicken Strips Back is going to be Ok. If not, it’s going to be a long nail biting end of the year.
man, russell martin is batting .197 this year. i saw he was on mlbtraderumors list of 2019-2020 free agent catchers and his name caught my eye. not sure we want to add a 36 year old catcher on a one-year deal but i think we need a stop-gap option in case we don’t retain grandal. smith, ruiz, cartaya are all top shelf but they are not ready for prime time. and i’ll believe farmer as a back-up catcher when i see it.
the pitcher stepped off the rubber so it’s a live ball situation. the batter has to get out of the way.
Since I post from the west coast I am often the last post before comments are closed. That happened again last night, but I had a question I want comment on so I will repost my comment.
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An observation and question. When Puig tried to steal home Bellinger was at bat. As the pitch is delivered the catcher steps forward in front of the plate and Bellinger steps back out of the box and gives him a clear path to the pitch and the tag. Could the catcher be called for interference for stepping so far forward and why wouldn’t Bellinger swing (gently) hit the catcher with his bat and get the call for interfernce.
Pretty funny:
http://www.dodgersnation.com/dodger-players-photoshopped-as-females-blame-dodgers-reddit/2018/08/29/
Vegas… I’m thinking that you’re thinking it’s prime time to put Manny out on waivers!??!
Yesterday, the AZL Dodgers beat the AZL Indians 2 in a come from behind 9-8 semi-final victory. Tonight they face the AZL Cubs 1 in the winner take all championship game. Good luck to manager Mark Kertenian and the AZL Dodgers.
Tonight starts the 4 game series with Arizona, and the Dodgers need to take 3 out of the 4 games but nothing less than a split. My two fears are the offense and the bullpen. It’s down to one series at a time until they win or lose the division. Let’s see what happens.
Yes, quite old enough to remember Arizona. One of my favorite songs during my freshman college days. You are even older if you remember that Mark Lindsay was the face man for Paul Revere and the Raiders.
Maeda made me nervous last night. If Kenley comes in tonight with a 1-2 run lead, I’ll likely have to watch that 9th inning while on the toilet! This will NOT be easy, and the back end of the bullpen is going to need to come thru over the next 4 days for us to take 3 of 4 and take over 1st place.
Of course, we could just outslug these guys too, and put them out of their misery. And I’d think living in Phoenix is misery. So let’s put them out of it.
I can not even begin to imagine living in an area where there would be snakes like that. It gives me the hebegeebies.
Just my opinion, but I would be shocked if the Dodgers acquire Ryan Madson. I think it was just to block him from AZ or COL
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2018/08/29/indiana-pacers-lance-stephenson-lebron-james-magic-johnson/1087205002/?for-guid=8F4FBD70-0250-E311-B0F3-D067E5FDCF96&utm_source=indystar-Indiana%20Pacers&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=baseline&utm_term=hero