The Dodgers’ Rotation is going to look something like this starting today, as Shohei Ohtani and Ben Casparius join the rotation with Emmet Sheehan right behind them. The immediate effect is that this is going to tax the bullpen even more, as Ohtani, Casparius, and Sheehan are in no way “built up.” However, it is a necessary step. Wrobleski, Dreyer, Sauer, Banda, and others will be taxed in the short…
The Kershawshank Redemption
I don’t have much time today. Our 5-year-old granddaughter stayed the night, and she loves to go out to breakfast and to church, so I am pressed for time, but I could not resist saying: “I told you so… and the horse you rode in on.” 😉 All the haters and doubters that wanted Clayton to be gone had sight but no vision. This is Clayton Freaking Kerhaw! Never doubt…
Change?
The Dodgers signed Michael Conforto to a one-year/$17 Million Dollar deal last winter, but there were several other clubs involved as well, including the D-Bags. Interestingly, the Dodgers also inquired about him at the Trade Deadline in 2024. Michael Conforto was once an excellent power hitter, having compiled 27 HR in 2017, 28 HR in 2018, and 33 HR in 2019. His OPS from 2017 to 2020 was .880. He…
The Dodgers Should Be Sellers at the Deadline
If things go according to plan (and they almost always don’t), by the All-Star Game, the Dodgers should have these arms ready for the rotation: I’m no mathematical genius, but that seems to be about a half dozen too many. Now, we don’t know what’s wrong with Tony Gonsolin – we just know that he has been completely shut down from throwing. They tell us that the damage is not…
Jumping to Conclusions is not an Olympic Sport!
Let me remind you that, as fans, we have very little information with which to understand why Dave Roberts might make or not make a move. The case in point was the removal of Hyeseong Kim from the game last night in favor of Kike Hernandez. Some fans were upset by that. Why? Sometimes you accuse Doc of playing favorites, but I suggest that is precisely what you are doing…
Is there more left in the tank?
In 2015, Clayton Kershaw’s Average Fastball velocity was 94 MPH. Even through minor injuries, he remained a dominant force, leaning on both high velocity and pinpoint command. By 2016, he was still ringing it in around 93.6 MPH, relying on that mid‑90s heat to set up his deadly off-speed arsenal. After 2016, the decline began. By 2018–2019, Kershaw’s heater had slipped into the 90–91 MPH range. At one point in 2018, about…
Do You Want a CF’er?
There has been a lot of talk about the Dodgers wanting to acquire a Centerfielder, such as Luis Robert, Jr., or Cedric Mullins. I do not see either one as an upgrade. I’m going to give you a Centerfielder that will not only make the Dodgers better but also cripple the Padres who want this guy as well: Jarren Duran. The Padres have been linked to Duran, whom they want…
Rants & Raves
I wasn’t going to post today, but I had so many comments to make that I am just making them a post.
Don’t Be a Moron!
I was on another site yesterday, and as usual, their modus operandi is to bash certain players, especially Doc and Andrew. Here are a few of their comments: “AF whiffed on Scott.” “Ohtani can look like a blind man trying to swat flies with a flyswatter, especially with men on base lately.“ “Can we stop with the whole expecting to get all of these pitchers back from the injured list?…
Scottafied… Again!
It seems to me that a certain number of Dodger fans like to criticize Andrew Friedman’s signings and/or trades. Of course, it is usually done with perfect 20/20 hindsight. While fans of any sports team may criticize general managers, it’s not simply to feel superior, although that may be a factor in some cases.  Fans lack the complete information and context that a GM has when making decisions. GMs work with…