Jim Hughes- A True Fireman

January 1, 2020

I am slacking it a bit today as we have had our family with us for the better part of four days and will be away most of tomorrow and Thursday. So, I pulled up an article from exactly four years ago ( January 2, 2016). They say you never forget your first love. At least that’s what I’ve been told. As much affection as I have always had, and…

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Tommy Davis – The Man Could Flat Out Hit

December 1, 2019

For two seasons, you could argue that Tommy Davis was the best young player in the National League. In 1962, at age 23, he finished third in MVP voting (behind teammate Maury Wills and Willie Mays of the Giants).  What did he do that year?  Nothing much, but lead the NL with a .346 batting average, 240 hits, and 153 RBI. The RBI are still a team record.  The 240…

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Jim “Junior” Gilliam – Mr. Versatility

November 20, 2019

Last week I submitted a post on Joe Black indicating it was one of my two favorite articles that I have ever written. The other was on Jim Gilliam that I profiled on Think Blue LA  on April 25, 2016. AC was/is a huge Jim Gilliam fan and suggested I pull this one out of the mothballs so AC this one is for you, again. As a youngster growing up…

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Mismanaged Bullpens in Playoffs

October 28, 2019

Yesterday’s article from 2D2 inspired the reincarnation of an article I have been toying with for a bit. I am not adverse to Doc or a big advocate.  He is a good communicator and his team loves him.  But he is not the best in-game manager, and the mistakes he does make (as every manager does) gets blown up because of when they happen.  Game 2 of the 2017 WS…

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Walter Who?

August 21, 2019

What are the skills that a successful baseball manager must have? I suspect that there are many possible answers to that question, perhaps as many as those answering the question. No doubt each of us posting on LADT have different preferences or expectations. Some are happy with Dave Roberts, some not so pleased, some neutral. Perhaps each of us has a manager in mind that we think is or has…

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What If…

August 11, 2019

It has been widely published that the Dodgers are 31 years between World Series Championships. All Dodger fans want to forget that, but what if…I know it sounds like the Kratt Brothers. For those with small children or grandchildren you probably know Wild Kratts. Brooklyn was nine World Series and lost their first seven: 1916 and 1920 (as The Robins – managed by Wilbert Robinson) and did not return for…

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Dodgers Reportedly Hire Robert Van Scoyoc as Hitting Coach

November 28, 2018

Some eyebrows were raised when news broke that the Dodgers were contemplating hiring 32-year-old Robert Van Scoyoc as their new hitting coach. Perhaps those eyebrows are still raised and locked into position waiting to see how things play out.   One argument expressing doubt is that he has never played major league baseball so perhaps lacks the understanding of hitting at that level. I’m not sure that makes much difference…

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