Is There a Draft in Here?

November 5, 2023

NOTE: There was recently some discussion about the Rule 5 Draft, so we will discuss it right about now. On Tuesday, November 14, 2023, teams must add eligible minor leaguers to their 40-man rosters or risk losing them in the Rule 5 Draft by 5 p.m. CT. Every December, the Rule 5 Draft allows clubs without a full 40-man roster to select certain non-40-man roster players from other clubs. Clubs…

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Is The Manager the Problem?

June 8, 2023

Pitching changes, lineups, and strategy decisions are subjective… VERY subjective. Additionally, second guessers are seldom wrong. I rarely question tactical decisions because I know that there are frequently underlying reasons. I think I was dead on in what I said about Caleb Ferguson, and I think you will find out about it soon enough. The beat writers report what the team gives them; sometimes, they are told not to publish…

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I’ve Seen This Story Before

May 22, 2023

Since becoming a Dodgers fan at age 9, sixty years ago, I have seen this story so many times that I laugh instead of panic. Most years, the Dodgers had no chance, but I rooted for them anyway. In 1988, they had no chance, but the impossible happened! Over the past ten years, Dodger fans fully expect to win every game, every year… and rightfully so! The Dodgers are the…

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Just Move Mookie to SS Already!

May 7, 2023

For the record, it was discussed yesterday whether Clayton Kershaw was a #1, #2, or #3. I think the answer is d. Neither – Clayton is a #2.5. There. That’s my final statement on it. How many aces have 33 starts anymore? Only 31 pitchers in MLB had more than 31 starts last season. So there is that! Of those 31 pitchers who had ERA’s below 3.00, there are only…

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SS Looks Good on Mookie

April 24, 2023

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…

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Things That Make Me Go “Are You Crazy?”

April 23, 2023

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…

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A Look to 2024

April 14, 2023

I predicted that Will Smith would be a good backup catcher… and that was based on his defensive prowess at the time. No one, ZIP, ZERO, or NADA, ever expected him to become a feared power hitter. He has disappointed somewhat on the defensive side. Well, disappointed is not the right word, but he is not the best defensive catcher in baseball… though he isn’t bad. Austin Barnes is a…

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What Does Spring Training Mean?

March 11, 2023

Almost Zero! Almost Zip! Almost Nada! In case you haven’t been paying attention to the Cactus League, the KC Royals have scored 110 Runs and given up 67 Runs. They have a 12-2 record, and if you think Spring Training means something, then march yourself right up to the nearest sports book and bet your life savings on the Royals because they are going to win the World Series. However,…

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James Outman on Track to Make the Squad

March 5, 2023

Eight games into Spring Training… and James Outman is seizing the day. Of course, there are three weeks left, but if it ended today, James Outman would be in the squad. All he has done is hit the ball, run the bases and play excellent defense. In other words, he has done EVERYTHING! James Outman was a dark horse to make the team, but so far, he is forcing his…

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The Plan May Be Unfolding…

February 10, 2023

It appears that Andrew Friedman wasn’t not just posturing as I thought when he said he wasn’t worried about the CBT. After adding journeyman outfielder, David Peralta yesterday and another $6 or $7 Million onto the payroll, it’s clear Friedman is not concerned with re-setting the CBT. It’s not the last time I was wrong. I am, however, always looking for the rest of the story or for the other…

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