Rising and Crashing of the Phoenix (AKA MLB)

June 20, 2020

Well I got my hopes up earlier in the week when Rob Manfred met face to face with Tony Clark and “reached a framework that could form the basis of an agreement” for a 2020 restart with full prorated play.  On June 17, the twitter world was all abuzz about this pending “deal”. Jon Heyman Breaking: MLB and players union are closing in on an agreement to play the 2020…

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Jake Vogel – CF

June 18, 2020

With the 100th pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, The Los Angeles Dodgers select…Jake Vogel, CF, Huntington Beach High School, Huntington Beach, California. https://www.mlb.com/video/2020-draft-jake-vogel-of?t=mlb-draft “Now batting for your Los Angeles Dodgers, CF, Jake Vogel”.  At least that is what his high school coach is hoping to hear. More players from California have gone on to play MLB than any other state, and in particular Southern California has been a gold…

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A Closer Look at Bobby Miller

June 14, 2020

Once again Billy Gasparino was following the recommendation of super scout Marty Lamb in drafting 1st round draft pick, Louisville RHP Bobby Miller.  He was also responsible for scouting and drafting 2nd round pick, Landon Knack out of East Tennessee St.  They were close to a third recommended player, Louisville OF, Zach Britton, but chose Carson Taylor instead.  Britton went in the 6th round to Toronto.  Marty Lamb has been…

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2020 MLB Draft – Day 1

June 11, 2020

The evening started with a couple of important comments. Per Rob Manfred – “We’re going to play Baseball in 2020” Announcement with all 30 GMs united in their support for Black Lives Matter.  The united front was the brainchild of Theo Epstein.  It is certainly a fantastic program in light of current events, but it needs to be more than just feel good platitudes in order for there to be…

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Let The Draft Begin

June 10, 2020

Round 1 begins tonight at 4:00PM PT on MLB Network and ESPN. Rounds 2 – 5 begins Thursday at 2:00PM PT on MLB Netwok and ESPN2 We will be covering the draft in detail. I will be covering Day 1, while 2D2 will be covering Day 2. I will summarize the full draft, and Harold will follow up with an in-depth profile of the Dodgers #1 pick and perhaps others….

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Recent LAD Draft Results

June 9, 2020

We are on the eve of the one meaningful positive news event thus far for the 2020 MLB season.  Even the event has warts as we have reduced the number of draft picks from 40 to 5, but it still lends to something good to look forward to.  We have all read and heard what a throw of the dice the draft is, and with 6 picks, how does that…

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Let There Be Baseball

June 6, 2020

In direct response to KP, dodgerrick, and others who have emailed me, you are correct that this is a baseball blog…specifically a Dodger baseball blog.  I try very hard to keep it topical, but let’s face it, there is not much baseball going on, and news from LAD is even more sparse.  I try to hold posts open for two to three days, but when I see the discussion move…

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AC Editorial – Owners vs MLBPA Tug of War

June 2, 2020

While I absolutely disagree with Mark’s point that the Owner’s caved, I still do not know whether we are closer to MLB or not.  The sides are still too far apart with a very short period of time to close the gap. But in my opinion, the Owner’s did not cave, but launched a surgical strike right at the Players. I am disgusted how the two leaders are acting like…

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Things That Make You Go Hmmm

May 26, 2020

Monday was a bittersweet day for me. On the positive side, it was my wife’s and my 46th wedding anniversary.  It also marked the 16th anniversary of Andy’s MLB debut.  However, it also marked our first anniversary without our son Kris.  Kris was a nomad, but no matter wherever he was, he would ALWAYS call his mother on May 25 and wish her a Happy Anniversary.  Never failed.  I have…

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2020 Draft Prelude

May 23, 2020

As I am sure all baseball fans have learned, the MLB Draft will be limited to five rounds.  I know 2D2 is in the process of preparing a more detail analysis, but I thought a little preliminary might be worthwhile.   The draft will be remote, virtual, and will be held June 10-11.  Round 1 and the Competitive Balance Round A (37 picks) will be held Wednesday, June 10.  Rounds…

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