Back in First Place!

August 8, 2018

Except for bad pitch selection (4 fastballs) to his last batter, Rich Hill was again terrific.  No blisters = a very good pitcher. This is the pitcher the Dodgers are paying for and if he keeps it up, he’s a bargain!  Blisters have been his kyrptonite! The bullpen was very good again:  Floro, Alexander, Chargois and Jansen handled a hot A’s team. Oakland has the 4th best bullpen ERA in…

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Any More Changes or Stand Pat

July 29, 2018

Yesterday Mark made a good argument as to why the Dodgers might want to stand pat. Today I would like to make an argument as to why the Dodgers should consider another move or two. I understand the thought that with how the Dodgers are built right now they can compete and win the NL West.  I understand why many believe the team should stay as is and let the team…

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This Team is Built for the Playoffs

July 28, 2018

Maybe this is what happens at the trade deadline: Rotoworld Injury Updates Hyun-Jin Ryu (groin) pitched two innings in a simulated game on Wednesday. Next up is a three-inning simulated appearance Saturday in Los Angeles. The left-hander will likely begin a minor league rehab assignment after that. Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts said Friday that Julio Urias (shoulder) is a serious candidate to work out of the club’s bullpen down the…

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Mannymania – Part II… Almost!

July 18, 2018

Well, I’ll be damned!  I never thought it would happen… and it hasn’t actually happened, partially because the Baltimore Orioles medical staff is legendary for killing deals due to medical reports or actual physicals.  It’s possible it could still unravel… remember Peter Angelos is the owner of one of the worst-run franchises in baseball.  Hopefully it is finalized soon, so we can get on with it. When the Dodgers traded…

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The Case for Standing Up

July 16, 2018

Yesterday, we discussed “standing down” at the trade deadline because of many problems with this 2018 version of the Dodgers. While they are officially in first place in the NL West, they look like a flawed team… and they are!  But guess what? So is every other team.  It is my opinion that this starting rotation is as good as any in baseball… from top-to-bottom, especially if they are healthy. …

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It May Be Time to Stand Down

July 15, 2018

Usually at  the trade deadline, every team looks to get better so that they can make that special run and maybe, just maybe, catch lightening in a bottle. Me? I am becoming to develop a realization that the Dodgers problems are too complex and deep to solve with more deadline trades. Let’s consider what the Dodger’s problems might be: Kenley Jansen – His velocity is down… way down. If you…

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Dodger Chatter: 2018 Amateur Draft

July 7, 2018

Much disappointment has been expressed because the Dodgers couldn’t sign their first round selection this year.  High school right-hander J.T. Ginn chose to attend Mississippi State University and perhaps enter the draft again in 2020 after his sophomore year. I was 100 percent sure that the Dodgers had a commitment that he would sign or else why would they select him with their first overall selection when some very good…

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Rant & Rave Sunday

May 19, 2018

I am headed to LA at 6:00 AM Sunday.  I will be staying at the Sheraton in San Gabriel until Thursday. I’ll be at the Ravine Monday and Tuesday.  The Dodgers are giving the wife and I the Grand Tour Monday at 4 PM.  I am very much looking forward to it. I’ll be looking for you… E-mail me.  mark@uswatersystems.com The lead in the NL West is shrinking! Rich Hill…

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Did The Dodgers Turn The Page??

May 10, 2018

It was actually an encouraging game for the Dodgers as a team. CT3 got on base on 4 of his plate appearances.  Plus he actually got a stolen base.  Puig had a 3 hit night.  The Dodgers actually got a sac fly.   After the third inning they stopped chasing Corbin’s slider and worked him to where he was gone after 5.  Baez is proving to be a good low leverage…

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What Happens After Corey Seager?

May 2, 2018

  What do the Dodgers do now? Personnel wise – NOTHING .  FAZ needs rely on what they have developed.  They have shortstops that can play at the ML level, although certainly not at the Corey Seager level.  Other than Francisco Lindor or Carlos Correa, there is no other comparable SS. There is absolutely no reason to make a trade for a rental like Manny Machado. But let’s be realistic….

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