The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

April 8, 2017

Five games into the season and the Dodgers are 3-2. There’s really not much to go on, but we have seen some good things, some bad things and some ugly things. In baseball, it is all about Peaks and Valleys.  Peaks and Valleys – write that down! The Good 2.25 – That’s the Dodger’s team ERA.  They are among the best in baseball. The starters ERA is 2.93 and the…

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Rant and Rave Friday

April 7, 2017

So Adrian Gonzalez is still having issues with his elbow.  How much?  We do not know.  It has sapped his power but the silver lining is that it is forcing him to go the other way and that may be a blessing in disguise.  At this stage of his career, I like him at #5 or #6, but the Dodgers currently don’t have a true cleanup hitter.  More about that…

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Over the Hill and Through the Woods

April 6, 2017

Evidently Rich Hill doesn’t flourish in Spring Training, and while he was not in mid-season form last night, he was pretty good.  Five innings was enough – let him go six his next start.  You have to love this guy’s story, determination and never-say-die attitude.  What are the odds that a guy finally figures it out at 36 year old and becomes a star?  Probably about the same that he…

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It’s a Start!

April 4, 2017

Anytime the season starts with a Giant loss, especially a fantastic bullpen meltdown and a Dodger win, It’s all good! Obviously, there is a long way to go, but you might as well get off to a good start against the AAAA Little Sisters of the Poor.  I think Clayton Kershaw makes more than the whole team… and it’s easy to see why! Seven straight Opening Day wins! Joc Pederson…

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World Series or Bust!

April 3, 2017

A few years ago, a blog called The Post Game was published with the picture I just posted on the cover page.  There is no photo credit, but they evidently photoshopped it, so kudos to them. I hope they don’t mind my using it.  In the article they quoted Clayton Kershaw: “It’s funny that’s a headline story — World Series or bust,” Kershaw told ThePostGame. “I feel like every team…

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The Tuneup is Over – It’s Time to Play Ball!

April 2, 2017

Opening Day for Baseball Season is today!  The Dodger have their opening day on Monday and it looks like they are firing on all cylinders.  Corey Seager could get out of bed and single on the way to the bathroom. I have just a few thoughts about the approach of the season: The Dodgers may not need a Brad Brach – before the season is over Yasiel Sierra could be…

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Barnes Loses It!

March 28, 2017

I AM POSTING THIS EARLY because I leave for Florida at 5 AM Wednesday Morning and won’t be back be back until Monday.  Hopefully Always Compete can keep you entertained – I’ll try and get a few in, but we have rented a 6 bedroom condo for the family Spring Break. Cheers! Here’s the IMPORTANT STUFF, the way I see it: Bobby Wilson hit a 2-out 2-run HR (his 4th of the pre-season)…

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Expect the Unexpected

March 28, 2017

The Dodgers agreed to a contract with Justin Masterson yesterday which will cause some peoples heads to explode… but others will get it. Low risk – high reward!  Brandon Morrow – Low risk – high reward!  MLB Trade Rumors said this: It’s not clear at this point whether Masterson will be assigned to a minor-league roster or instead spend some time at extended spring training working with his new organization’s staff….

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Monday Rants and Raves

March 27, 2017

I’m not a baseball professional, but Scott Kazmir’s hip still tightens up and interferes with his delivery – same as last year but his velocity is down.  It sounds like that unless he fixes the hip there is going to be no hop on his fastball. I’m not a doctor either, but it seems to me that if it can’t be fixed, it’s the end of the line for Mr….

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Kike Hernandez or Chris Taylor?

March 26, 2017

Andre Ethier is most certainly going to start the season on the DL, but Andrew Toles Grand Salami yesterday iced his place on the team.  I punched his ticket!  It also doesn’t hurt that he is hitting .348.  I think this kid may have Wally Pipped Ethier. Next up is our utility infielder position. Chris Taylor has garnered a lot of attention with his Spring success in the Cactus League.  He…

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