The Final Pieces

May 26, 2019

There has been a lot of conjecture as to who might get traded and who the Dodgers might target in a trade. Frequently the target is bullpen help and a RH power hitter. There are lots of relievers the Dodgers may target: Greene of the Tigers, Vasquez of the Pirates, Leclerc of the Rangers and many others. Most Dodger fans are focused on the bullpen as that seems to be…

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The Bullpen: Fact & Fiction

May 24, 2019

It has been suggested by some that Craig Kimbrel is the solution to the Dodger’s bullpen woes. Just to be sure that I understand it, this is the Craig Kimbrel that Boston (who needed a closer) parted ways with and 28 other teams have passed on? No one wants him for a reason, but the Dodgers should sign him anyway with some silly “knee-jerk” reaction because he just happens to…

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So Whatever Happened To . . . ?

May 23, 2019

One of my favorite times of year is the time leading up to the MLB player draft.  I enjoy both college and high school sports, and while I don’t follow them as fervently as I did when I coached, I still get excited about the draft considering who the Dodgers may or may not select and I follow the prospects from my local area.   According to Baseball America, approximately 1,200…

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The Game is Evolving

May 22, 2019

On a number of occasions Mark has advised that the game is evolving and we should get used to it. It is difficult to argue with either point. The game has evolved out of necessity to offer a sense of fairness in competition and to, as they say, level the playing field with a standard set of enforceable rules. Actually, if you Google it, there are ample sources following the…

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Hindsight: 20/20

May 21, 2019

Looking back today on the trade that brought Rich Hill and Josh Reddick to the Dodgers for Frankie Montas, Grant Holmes and Jherel Cotton, I thought it was a good bet at the time, but if Friedman had it to do over, he wouldn’t. He wouldn’t, not because it was bad deal, but he wouldn’t because it did not win a Championship. Holmes may be toast and Jharel Cotton might…

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I Was Wrong About Alex Verdugo

May 20, 2019

Well, I think I was right that he had excellent bat-to-ball skills and that he had a cannon mounted on his shoulder. I may have been right in calling him “Tony Gwynn-esque.” I do believe that Alex is going to be a star. He may hit 20 HR some years and he could hit more, but this is a guy who will be a career .300 hitter. I truly believe…

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Dodgers Minor League Report

May 19, 2019

I will cover the Dodgers – Reds game on Saturday as part of the Minor League Report, because that is how they played… like a minor league affiliate. I will cover them last to teach them a lesson (yeah, that will work). Great Lakes Loons – The Loons improved to 24-15 by destroying the West Michigan Whitecaps 7 – 1. Andre Jackson continues to shine and he did not disappoint…

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The State of the Catcher

May 14, 2019

Austin Barnes and Russell Martin have taken the majority of the innings behind the plate this year. After about 25% of the season is complete, Martin is hitting .259 with a .400 OB% in just 39 AB’s while Barnes is hitting .206 with a .316 OB%. Barnes started the season hitting well but cooled off quickly and has not shown much since his initial start. Martin has fared better in…

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Rants & Raves

May 13, 2019

Here were, about 25% of the season gone the Dodgers still are the Class of MLB with the best record in baseball. They have problems… juts like every other MLB team, but they are pretty dad gum good. Let me rant and rave about a few things: It turns out that Scott Alexander was missing his targets and was high in the zone because he has a hip problem and…

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Don’t Worry About a Thing…

May 9, 2019

Cause every little thing is gonna’ be alright. Rise up this morning, smiled with the rising sunThree little birds, by my doorstepSinging sweet songs, of melodies pure and sureSaying, “This is my message to you” Bob Marley taught me that! The Negative Nellies are simply beside themselves as the Dodgers have bolted from the pack to the best record in baseball. Andrew Friedman bashers are crawling back into their holes…

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