Austin Barnes – Page 2 – LA Dodger Talk

Unconventional Thinking

April 30, 2023

Unconventional thinking is the ability to imagine new possibilities and solve complex problems that have eluded other people. Being unconventional is an essential element in doing original work or creating original ideas. Right now, the Dodgers could use a heavy dose of unconventional thinking. Let’s jump right into where I think the problems are the greatest. Before, I start: That was Vintage Kershaw last night! The Old Man is still the Ace!…

SS Looks Good on Mookie

April 24, 2023

69 comments

Or… maybe it’s more like, “Mookie looks good on SS.” Either way, I think this is one of those situations whereby Mookie could transition to SS seamlessly. The Dodgers play injuries very close to the vest, but I have to believe that there is talk within the Dodge Front Office of Will Smith changing positions (call it Joe Mauer Syndrome). The most logical place right about now is LF. He…

Things That Make Me Go “Are You Crazy?”

April 23, 2023

129 comments

There are a few things that drive me crazy. I’ll beat you to the punch: “That’s not a drive… that’s a short putt!” OK, whatever! Things that drive me crazy are things that defy logic, so if you apply some logic, it won’t drive me as crazy! Being Resistant to Moving Will Smith From Behind the Plate Let me put this into perspective: Will Smith is in the process of…

JD Martinez – New Clubhouse Leader

February 9, 2023

50 comments

There is no denying that Justin Turner was the Dodgers’ Main Clubhouse Leader during his tenure with the team. Of course, Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw were also there and are leaders, and what I am about to write is in no way meant to be demeaning to JT, who will always have a special place in Dodger lore. However, maybe Andrew Friedman and the Dodger Brass felt it was…

Who’s Stealing Now?

January 14, 2023

60 comments

I have been wondering about this. The new bigger bases are supposed to improve the running game, IE, stolen bases. This has been a winter of change. The Dodger’s two best thieves of bags have left the team. Trea Turner, 27, and Cody Bellinger 14 have left via free agency. # 3 on the team last year was Freddie Freeman with 13. Mookie had 12, and Chris Taylor had 10….

The Keys to Beating the Padres

October 14, 2022

74 comments

First of all, the keyword is “Don’t Panic.” OK, it’s two words, but you get my drift. In both games against the Padres, the Dodgers have played like a team that has had a number of off days and is not sharp, and does not feel a sense of urgency. Actually, here are the four things the Dodgers need to do to beat the Padres. The Stars Need to Come…

Lost Among the Stars

September 13, 2022

38 comments

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has given us a keyhole view towards the heart of our Milky Way Galaxy, where a dazzling array of stars reside. Most of the view of our galaxy is obscured by dust. Hubble peered into the Sagittarius Star Cloud, a narrow, dust-free region, providing this spectacular glimpse of a treasure chest full of stars. Some of these gems are among the oldest inhabitants of our…

What are the “Chance’s?”

September 8, 2022

110 comments

Back in 1999, the Dodger organization used to have these various contests for fans during a celebratory home stand that they called “Think Blue Week.” They had a series of essay contests to win various prizes. The prizes included being able to take batting practice in the Stadium and raking the infield with the grounds crew during an inning of the game. You could even be the P.A. announcer for…

What About Next Year?

September 6, 2022

53 comments

I had already started this blog post when Whistling Ranger (welcome to LADT) posted this: “I look for the Dodgers to concentrate on roster management in the offseason. There is extreme competition for the 40-man roster. Look for them to trade older players for younger, promising players that they don’t have to protect. If they don’t, they will lose some through the rule 5 draft or have to DFA them.”…

Weekend Update

August 26, 2022

57 comments

As we head into the weekend, we’ll examine some of the current News and Notes as it relates to Dodgers Baseball… The Dodgers are coming off a sweep of the Marlins and taking two of three to take the season series from the Brewers resulting in a 5-1 record during the 6-game home stand. The Dodgers outscored the Marlins 19-4 and outscored the Brewers 22-11. Next up, the Dodgers will…

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