I am often asked why I am such a minor league fanatic. Certainly having as son toil in the minors for 9 seasons was a factor, but I was a fan long before that. It started in 1969 when both a high school classmate and a high school football adversary were both selected in the June draft. One went on to replace a 3rd base legend in Brooks Robinson (Doug…
Saturday was an eventful day for the Dodgers as Hyun-Jin Ryu and Trayce Thompson made their first official appearances of the season. Ryu is coming back from elbow and shoulder surgeries on his chicken wing and Thompson is only overcoming a broken back. I have to believe that Trayce will start the season at AAA, along with Andrew Toles – it won’t hurt either of them to play every day…
Look, I am a big Positive Thinker. I believe that you get what you believe. A wise man once said: “As you believe so it shall be done unto you.” I have seen it work in my life (big time) , so I admire a guy like Willie Calhoun who is undersized and physically challenged in almost every aspect of the game of baseball… except hitting! When it comes to hitting,…
I watched the Brewers feed yesterday. I sometimes do that just to hear what other baseball people have to say about the team and certain players. On e of the Brewers announcers said this: “The Dodgers have 10 legitimate Major League Quality Starting Pitchers.” “This is a team with a great deal of depth. They are built for the long haul.” I actually think it’s more than 10, because at…
Only a moron would try and predict what the Opening Day roster will look like this early in the Spring. It’s way too early. There will be injuries – there always are; There will b e surprises – there always are! That is why W.A.G. Predictions are so inaccurate. In fact, you likely have to be a moron to even hazard a guess, so here goes: Starters Grandal -C Gonzalez …
Start with a hungry team who fell just short and age it a year; Stir in a few new players; Blend in growing maturity; Add a dash of experience; Simmer with lots of competition; In a side pan, simmer Turner Ward’s system until gelled; Allow the creation to rest periodically; Boil in a large pan of determination; Slowly combine growing manager experience; and Broil away all vestiges of injury. Cook for…
David Hood of TrueBlueLA has a nice writeup of Alex Verdugo whom he has ranked as the Dodgers #5 prospect. I agree with most of what he says, so there is no need to re-hash what he says. Here’s a sample: There’s little doubt in my mind that Verdugo will at least hit for average at the major league level. I’ve seen few players where contact comes as easy to…
I have been telling you a few things over the Winter: Julio Urias is going to have a breakout year; Yasmani Grandal will come close to 40 HR; Willie Calhoun won’t play 2B due to horrible defense and lock of foot speed; Among Ryu, McCarthy and Kazmir, at least two will be contributors; and Cody Bellinger is ready. Former GM, Jim Bowden also has some bold predictions going into Spring…
In case you don’t know, FAZ stands for Friedman, Anthopoulos and Zaidi – the three-headed monster (or braintrust) that ultimately makes the Dodgers deals. I have never been a great fan of sabermetrics, nor am I a fan of platoons, but FAZ is a huge fan of platoon splits… and I know why. I get it – it just doesn’t mean I like it. As most of you know, I…
The thing is, we don’t have to trade for this player. He is already on the team, and while the Dodgers could go on to win if he plays poorly, they could easily win it all if he lives up to his potential. We all know who it is. “The Wild Horse” has as much talent as anyone I have ever seen play the game. He has shown plenty of…