Media Questions for AF and Doc – The first several minutes were spent with respect to COVID-19. The Dodgers are still trying to understand all of the protocols. It is a brand new scenario, and they are all learning. A question with respect to how many Dodgers and staff have tested positive for COVID-19. AF indicated that there have been some, but none were considered serious, and that they will…
Plaaaaay Baaaaall
Well…MLB players are expected to report July 1 to their home fields for COVID-19 testing and to initiate ST 2.0. Camp is due to begin July 3. As is usually the case with “normal” ST, pitchers and catchers will report first, with position players due to follow. It is expected that the players will report to ST on a staggered basis, and that they would be on the field at…
MEET ROBBIE PETO
I confess that I have been suffering from COVID-19 and MLB/MLBPA fatigue over the past few weeks. As Led Zeppelin would sing “Been dazed and confused . . . “ I can’t keep up with it all. We’re going to play. Nope, just kidding, we’re not going to play. Wait a minute, it looks like we might play after all. No, it’s not going to happen. Then you got the…
Are MLB Owners Short Sighted?
I want to be clear from the start. I am now, and I always have been on the side of the players when it comes to salary. They are entitled to whatever they can get. Scott Boras and Gerrit Cole can convince NYY that Cole should be paid $324MM, and that becomes his Fair Market Value (FMV). But Scott has no right to dictate to the owners as a group…
Rising and Crashing of the Phoenix (AKA MLB)
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…
MEET CLAYTON BEETER
With the 66th pick in the MLB player draft, the Los Angeles Dodgers select Clayton Beeter, a draft eligible sophomore, right-handed pitcher out Texas Tech University, where he majored in accounting. Like Landon Knack and Bobby Miller, Beeter was scouted by Marty Lamb. Lamb (who is worthy of his own profile) has had very good success with players he’s scouted(including Walker Buehler and Will Smith). If Beeter signs(he does have…
Jake Vogel – CF
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…
MEET LANDON KNACK
With the 60th pick in the MLB player draft, the Los Angeles Dodgers select Landon Knack, a 5th year senior right-handed pitcher out Eastern Tennessee State University, where he majored in accounting. Knack comes from Dodgers area scout Marty Lamb’s territory, joining Bobby Miller, Walker Buehler, Will Smith, and Matt Beaty as recent notable draft picks Lamb scouted. Lamb was also responsible for scouting Clayton Beeter. When I first read…
Gavin Stone – from Bear Purple to Dodger Blue
Right-hander Gavin Stone was selected by the Dodgers in the fifth and final round of the 2020 First-Year Player Draft. He was the penultimate selection in the draft at No.159 one pick before the 160th and final selection. He was rated the 303rd best-prospect in the draft by Baseball America. He is third-highest Central Arkansas MLB draftee in school history, and highest since 1992. He is the 23rd Bear to…
A Closer Look at Bobby Miller
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…