Checkers or Chess?

December 1, 2020

as we sit in our easy chairs, Andrew Friedman is in the “Catbirds Seat” knowing that he doesn’t have to make one solitary move and knowing that other GM”s will make some moves of the “dope-fiend” variety. So we wait.

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The Marketing of Players

November 29, 2020

This is the time of year when we hear that teams will be listening on potential trades for Player A.  However, most of the time those proclamations are simply rhetorical.  The Brewers have said they are willing to listen to offers for Josh Hader.  The Rays will be listening on offers for Blake Snell.  The Reds will be listening on offers for Sonny Gray.  The Cubs are listening on offers…

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Construction of A 40 Man Roster – Part One

November 2, 2020

The Hot Stove League is always fun for us armchair GMs, allowing us to look at ways of improving a reigning World Series championship team.  Not just a WS championship team, but THE consensus choice of the best team in MLB for 2020.  But changes must be made.  Nothing can stay at the top by being stagnant.  Changes can come internally or externally.  AF is a master as to building…

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Bill Buckner: Gamer or Goat

November 1, 2020

NOTE: I told you Rob Schelling aka/2demter2 would be back – little did I know how soon!— Mark Timmons Gamer:   A player who approaches the game with a tenacious, spirited attack and continues to play even when hurt; a competitor; a player who doesn’t make excuses. The term is a compliment, most especially when it comes from another player. Goat: one blamed for causing a failure or defeat, esp. in…

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Dodger Rants & Raves

October 31, 2020

Over the past few days, I have listened to several interviews, heard rumors and news. Here are few things I would like to share: I am so impressed with Edwin Rios (the person). He is mature beyond his years, poised, thoughtful, determined, and fully understands the role hard work plays in becoming a great player. He has singled-out Justin Turner, Clayton Kershaw, and Mookie Betts for teaching him the importance…

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2021 and Beyond… the Dynasty Continues

October 29, 2020

Dodger’s Offseason Plans The Dodgers won the World Series in 1988 and it only took thirty-two more years to win another Championship.  I guarantee the next ones (notice I did not say “one?”) will be much sooner. Dave Roberts and Andrew Friedman got the proverbial monkey off their backs and both can now rightly take their respective places as “baseball icons.” I do want to say a few things about…

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After 32 Years, The Drought Is Over

October 28, 2020

CLAYTON KERSHAW GETS HIS RING!!! We can put the Kirk Gibson HR and the Orel Hershiser team celebration into the Smithsonian, because we have new LA Dodgers World Series heroes.  It took the 3rd time in 4 years for the Dodgers to finally cross the Championship line.  Mookie proves to be a difference maker not only for the game but for a World Series Championship team.  Corey Seager ends a…

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The Role Player

October 23, 2020

Just like every other fan, I have my favorites.  I believe I have been more than obvious that Corey Seager has been my favorite Dodger since he was drafted.  I also have jerseys for current Dodgers, Kershaw, Buehler, Bellinger, Turner, and Wood.  I love the stars, but I am also partial to those who are more role players and not top of the rotation pitchers.  The angst I feel with…

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Brandon Lowe, Blake Snell, and Rays Bullpen Even Series

October 22, 2020

In 2017, George Springer was 0-6 with a walk and 4 strikeouts before getting a one out double off KJ in the 9th inning in Game 2.  A sleeping giant had awoken.  In 2020 postseason, the Rays best hitter, Brandon Lowe was in a miserable slump, but that ended when he took Tony Gonsolin deep in the first inning.  And he wasn’t done. Gonsolin gives up a walk to Margot…

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Armchair GM

October 16, 2020

Well, basically, that is what we all are in some form or another. I know that I have often thought, damn, I can do it better than he can, or what is he thinking? Armchair GM’s also usually feel they are good managers too. Over the last several years, I have often disagreed with both Roberts and AF. I still feel Roberts, although a great communicator and player’s manager, still…

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