2021 Hot Stove League ???

December 28, 2020

Editorial Comment – This post was written prior to the Blake Snell acquisition by the Padres. The longer this offseason goes without much movement, the more likely AF is going to get involved. The number of teams that want to jettison payroll is growing  and is undoubtedly going to pique the interest of teams like LAD.  While it will stress out fans who continually want to see something happen to…

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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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AC’s Musings

November 13, 2020

We need to end this myth that Mookie cannot hit LHP.  Over his career, against LHP, Betts is slashing .297/.379/.509/.888.  Mookie’s career against RHP – .302/.372/.526/.897.  Those seem like even splits to me.  Over his career, Mookie has faced RHP 76% of the time.  I think it is more likely that Betts was unfamiliar with NL LH pitchers, and after a year on a new team and a new league,…

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Trade Deadlines

August 30, 2020

It was suggested that what the Dodgers need is a dominant closer and a dominant setup man.  No mention as to who those players should be.  But they better not allow a base runner as that is what is expected for Dodger relief pitchers.  Below is the pitching line for the top closers (in terms of # of saves) in MLB for 2020.  I dare say that if LAD fans…

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Who Will Be LAD #2?

December 29, 2019

I cannot see the Dodgers signing Josh Donaldson.  He reportedly has two pending four year deals (Twins and Washington).  But the Braves have right of last refusal (meaning that is where he wants to play), but they are going to need to guarantee that 4th year, which they are contemplating right now.  There is no reason for the Dodgers to continue to chase their tails here.  JT is a quality…

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Winners and Losers

October 1, 2019

As we are getting ready to see who the Dodgers first opponent will be in the post season, it is extremely difficult for me to consume any negativity ascribed to the Dodgers after this season. No conditional statements…they were great. The best team in LA Dodgers history. I say LA Dodgers because the 1953 team that 105, did so with 8 less games. I still read from some how bad…

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Random Thoughts

June 23, 2019

A few days ago, Bluto posed the following: “I mean if you are evaluating players from a far then you have to be down on prospects when they fare poorly. But what’s the difference between being down and writing off? And what does writing off mean? Does it mean moving down in the prospect list? Or removing altogether?” I am sure that my opinion of “being down” vs. writing off…

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Potpourri and Minor League Report

April 7, 2019

I wrote about the possibility of a slow start for the Dodgers but did not predict one. I know Mark liked to chide me with that after the first two series. But 5-2 against arguably two of the worst 3 teams in the NL was nothing to brag about. The Padres played the same two teams and went 4-3. And now LAD gets to face the Rockies without having to…

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State of the Dodgers – Halfway to a World Series

June 30, 2017

Thursday night’s game was the official half way point in the season. So I thought it was an opportune time to look at what is right, or what is wrong, what can be fixed, or what doesn’t need fixing.  With Thursday night’s win, the Dodgers are 53-28.  That is a projected win total of 106.  They will win 94 even if they go 41-40 the rest of the way.  The…

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Is Dodger Starting Pitching More Questionable Than Others???

May 13, 2017

Ryu gets tattooed and now there is a problem with the starting pitching?  I do not consider Ryu anything more than a #7 on this team.  I have no idea whether Ryu would have pitched better with regular rest or extended.  Maybe his curve just does not work in Colorado.  I have no delusions that Ryu will be anywhere close to the pitcher he was before his shoulder problems.  …

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