I’ll answer that with one word: NO! No one here has ever built a major league bullpen. I have not built one either. However, I have seen them built many times, and I believe Andrew Friedman knows how to do it. Feel free to believe that Dave Roberts just blew the game yesterday. If you believe it, it must be true, right? I mean, he brought Kenley Jansen in for…
“On the one hand, his fans, teammates, and organizations love him for the offense he brings to the table. On the other hand, all are often driven to despair by his antics and shoddy attitude. Not to mention his greed and stupidity.”
That leaves the final spot up for grabs between Edwin Rios, Matt Davidson, and Sheldon Noisy. Davidson is not on the 40-man roster, so that would seem to preclude him. Rios could win the job by getting hot at the right time, but there is something I like about having a hitter like Noisy on the bench when there are two out and runners on base… and you need a run or two.
At some point, I could see Will Smith hitting #3 with Bellinger #4 and Muncy #6, but make no mistake about it – the Dodgers have been very good with JT hitting #3 and Mad Max at #4. I just think that Bellinger and Will Smith have the speed to hit towards the top of the lineup.
One of the things I enjoy most about spring training is the opportunity to watch the kids play. Even though there is little chance of them breaking camp with the Dodgers, how exciting it must be for them to be able to pitch and play alongside the veterans. In no particular order, Jo Jo Gray, Bobby Miller, Landon Knack, Andre Jackson, Michael Grove, Miguel Vargas, Jacob Amaya, Michael Busch, Kody Hoese, James Outman, Andy Pages, Devin Mann, Omar Estevez, Nick Robertson, Ryan Pepiot, Gus Varland, Kendall Williams and Geraldo Carillo, I’m excited to see all of you perform and I truly hope that this experience gives you the confidence to take the next step in your careers and that you ultimately make it to the show.
October 27, 2020… After that unforgettable strikeout of Willy Adames by Julio Urias Almost four months to the day, the Dodgers are going to be taking the field in an actual baseball game, even if it is only a ST game. The Dodgers are starting 32 year old LHP, Mike Kickham. Kickham signed a MiLB contract on January 27. Lat year Kickham last year pitched for Boston, and pitched in…
I wonder if the Dodgers could lure Vin Scully back to do a few games this year? It might give him some solace and joy and allow him some time away from his grief. It would also overjoy Dodger fans just to hear him one last time: Everyone processes grief differently, so it may be out of the question or well within reason. At any rate, it’s just an idea…
However, big challenges are not out of the question. Stuff happens! A devastating injury can occur at any time. If it happens to Edwin Rios, Chris Taylor, or Tony Gonsolin, it’s bad, but what if it happens to Mookie Betts, Corey Seager, or Striker Buehler? Injuries occur and sometimes Tommy John Surgery is necessary. Bones can be broken, ligaments can be torn – If you have been around sports for any period of time, you are acutely aware of this.
Outfield is Set Cody Bellinger in CF is is allegedly healthy and should be ready for another “monster season” after shoulder surgery. Mookie Betts has RF nailed down for the next dozen years, so that is set. LF belongs to AJ Pollock as long as he can stay healthy. He hasn’t done that much, but when he did, he was All-Star Caliber. The outfield is set. The only question is…
Second base is up for grabs. About two-thirds of all teams in MLB would love to have Chris Taylor… and we could sure do worse. However, is this the year Gavin Lux seizes the day and fulfills his promise? This could possibly play out and CT3 becomes the “Swiss-Army Knife.”