The Spring is three games in, and to draw any conclusions would be foolhardy. But I still have some observations from what I have seen thus far. For the first three games, the pitching has been outstanding. Albeit, without Matt Chapman and Matt Olson, Oakland’s offense is just north of woeful, as is Colorado without Trevor Story and Charlie Blackmon. The Giants did not play but a couple of regulars….
Game Two Analysis
Disclaimer: What we are seeing is through the microcosm of Spring Training. Current performance is not evidence of future prospects. It is a small sampling. Some of it is skill and some of it is luck. Take it all with a grain of salt. The Position Players It was great to see Gavin Lux get two hits in three at-bats. If anything, all he needs is confidence and he should…
They Saved the Best for Last
NOTE: Jeff knew what I was going to lead off with today! 😉 Yes, I know it is early, but the best thing I saw all game yesterday… and I saw a lot of good things, was Michael Grove’s pitching! I wish there was a radar gun, but his stuff looked great. He has an arsenal of pitches and showed an excellent feel. I have always thought he would be…
ST Begins – Dodgers with Overall Best Depth and Talent
October 27, 2020… After that unforgettable strikeout of Willy Adames by Julio Urias Almost four months to the day, the Dodgers are going to be taking the field in an actual baseball game, even if it is only a ST game. The Dodgers are starting 32 year old LHP, Mike Kickham. Kickham signed a MiLB contract on January 27. Lat year Kickham last year pitched for Boston, and pitched in…
It’s (Almost) Time for Dodger Baseball
I wonder if the Dodgers could lure Vin Scully back to do a few games this year? It might give him some solace and joy and allow him some time away from his grief. It would also overjoy Dodger fans just to hear him one last time: Everyone processes grief differently, so it may be out of the question or well within reason. At any rate, it’s just an idea…
There Will Be Speed Bumps
However, big challenges are not out of the question. Stuff happens! A devastating injury can occur at any time. If it happens to Edwin Rios, Chris Taylor, or Tony Gonsolin, it’s bad, but what if it happens to Mookie Betts, Corey Seager, or Striker Buehler? Injuries occur and sometimes Tommy John Surgery is necessary. Bones can be broken, ligaments can be torn – If you have been around sports for any period of time, you are acutely aware of this.
All Positions are Set, But One!
Outfield is Set Cody Bellinger in CF is is allegedly healthy and should be ready for another “monster season” after shoulder surgery. Mookie Betts has RF nailed down for the next dozen years, so that is set. LF belongs to AJ Pollock as long as he can stay healthy. He hasn’t done that much, but when he did, he was All-Star Caliber. The outfield is set. The only question is…
Clueless in Seattle
Please, not another Tom Hanks movie reference! I contemplated as to whether I should write the following column. It is not about the Dodgers, but it does reflect on how stupid some can be in a position at the highest level in a MLB organization. This issue is going to be heavily considered in the upcoming CBA negotiations, so it is important from a MLB standpoint. The Seattle Mariners are now…
The Times, They are a-Changin’
I am sad to say that it appears to me that Street & Smith’s Baseball Yearbook has ceased production. Since I was a kid, I have always bought Athlon Sports Baseball Preview, Lindy’s Sports Baseball Preview, and Street & Smith’s Baseball. It appears that Street & Smith’s has bit the dust and Athlon and Lindy’s can’t be far behind. Time marches on but the nostalgia seems to be waning. Print…
The Best Player I Ever Saw
Well, spring training is here. Right now it is dominated by the sound of balls hitting mitts with amazing velocity. There is plenty of optimism, and from each camp, you hear that this guy looks amazing, and his pitches are jumping out of his hand. All that will change in the next few days when the rest of the squad reports and soon the crack of the bat will join…