Just a couple of years ago at age 18, Julio Urias was the Dodgers Top Prospect. He was off-limits in any trade discussions. He was the heir apparent to Clayton Kershaw as the Dodgers Ace. As a rookie, he was much better than Clayton – not even up for debate! The Dodgers handled him with kid gloves… and then the unthinkable happened. He was injured and had anterior capsule surgery…
Any More Changes or Stand Pat
Yesterday Mark made a good argument as to why the Dodgers might want to stand pat. Today I would like to make an argument as to why the Dodgers should consider another move or two. I understand the thought that with how the Dodgers are built right now they can compete and win the NL West. I understand why many believe the team should stay as is and let the team…
This Team is Built for the Playoffs
Maybe this is what happens at the trade deadline: Rotoworld Injury Updates Hyun-Jin Ryu (groin) pitched two innings in a simulated game on Wednesday. Next up is a three-inning simulated appearance Saturday in Los Angeles. The left-hander will likely begin a minor league rehab assignment after that. Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts said Friday that Julio Urias (shoulder) is a serious candidate to work out of the club’s bullpen down the…
Updated MLB Top 100 Prospects – Mid Season 2018
MLB Pipeline came out with their top 100 MLB prospects, and a new Top 30 for each team. The MLB Pipeline prospect list is put together by Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo, two excellent minor league and amateur talent evaluators. Padres – 4 Top 25; 1 top 26-50; 2 top 51 to 75; 1 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 8 Braves – 2 Top…
The Curious Cases of Logan Forsythe and Austin Barnes
The Dodgers have lost two in a row, but the sky is not falling. They will stay the course and they will win the NL West. Nobody is dead. This too shall pass! Must I keep reminding you? Of greater concern to me at this juncture is… WHAT IN THE HELL HAPPENED TO LOGAN FORSYTHE AND AUSTIN BARNES? I must say that it irks me when people who have never…
Dodger Chatter: Minor League Gleanings
Don’t look now but the minor league season is looking a bit short. Where has it gone? As always there has been much to follow and some surprises. The minor league play-off picture is taking shape with the possibility of five Dodger affiliates extending their season with three already qualifying for the extension. Dominica Summer League Dodgers: The DSL Dodger complement, after a promising start, has run aground. The DSL…
Postcards From The Edge
Clayton Kershaw is my favorite Dodger. I was on the Kershaw bandwagon long before he was Clayton Kershaw. Disclaimer: I do not claim to be the only one to see that. Ray Charles saw it too, but it was about 13 years ago that Roger Dodger and Voldmar and I went to Beloit, Wisconsin to see Clayton Kershaw pitch for the Great Lakes Loons, and it was as close as…
Dodger Chatter: Another Andrew
Dodger fans are all aware of the fall and rise of outfielder Andrew Toles. I expect many of us are waiting patiently and perhaps impatiently for the team to assign him a permanent full time role at the MLB level rather than shuttle back and forth between the parent Dodgers and OKC Dodgers. During the 2018 First-Year Player Draft the Dodgers signed another Andrew in the 31st round of the…
Chicks (and FAZ) Dig the Long Ball
There has been a lot of discussion about the state of the game with respect to Home Runs and Strikeouts. Many of us remember when hitting wasn’t so much hit or miss as it is today, and for many of us remember the game was more enjoyable when teams were “producing” runs. But the HR has always been the attention grabber. The first and arguably the most prodigious HR hitter…
How Do You Spell Relief?
I think the “trickle-down effect” of Manny Machado in the Dodger’s lineup will be significant. The Dodgers really miss Corey Seager and he replaces Cory with a stronger RH bat. This should help everyone in the lineup. Watch Chris Taylor and Cody Bellinger’s stats improve. Depending upon what happens between now and the end of the season, the Dodgers offsense could be more potent than that of 2017… and I…