A Bag of Hammers

I am just going to say it, even if it costs me my media access… wait, I don’t have media access anymore, so here goes:

Dave Roberts is dumber than a bag of hammers if he left Pedro Baez in to allow 5 runners to get on base and all score.  Even Ray Charles could see that Baez was a “deer in the headlights.” We all knew what was going to happen.  We have seen this movie too many times.  Is Doc really that dumb?  Or… is he at odds with FAZ about Baez being on the team and he left Pedro in to force FAZ to designate him?   Or… maybe Pedro has pictures of Doc in compromising positions? Whatever it is, it’s maddening and has to stop. Maybe this is why FAZ has not extended Roberts.  I have been a huge supporter of Doc, but this is just too much!

That said, it was a great comeback, against the highest paid bullpen in the major leagues. As I have often said, relivers are a fickle bunch – we all wanted Kyle BearClaw who had a 1.28 ERA the first half of the season, but has a 22.24 ERA the second half.  Past performance is no guarantee of future prospects – that is especially true with relievers.  Look at what the Rockies bullpen makes:

• Wade Davis – $16 Million (plus 2 more years $36 million) – 5.51 ERA (6 blown saves)
• Brian Shaw  – $7.5 Million (plus 2 more years $20.5 million) – 6.45 ERA (4 blown saves)
• Jake McGee – $7.5 Million (plus  2 more years $20.5 million) – 6.63 ERA (2 blown saves)
• Mike Dunn – $7.0 Million (plus 1 more year $8 million) – 9.00 ERA – 9.00 ERA
• Adam Ottavino – $7.0 million – 1.63 ERA (3 Blown saves)

$45 Million doesn’t buy the kind of bullpen it used to!  What a trainwreck! The Rockies have nearly $50 million in bullpen arms and they are 29th out of 30 teams in MLB. The Dodgers only spent $5.00 on their bullpen and they are ranked #12 out of 30. They are actually 7th in the NL while the Rockies are last.  However, when Ryu and Urias return, the bullpen will get even better. I have been saying for a while that this team is built for the playoffs. Of course, next there is the case of Kenley Jansen who has experienced heart problems in the past and is currently hospitalized in LA with an irregular heartbeat.  He could be out for the series or out for the year.  It is silly to try and guess – who knows?  We all hope it’s just the series, but we will find out.

Who Closes Now?

As I said, relievers are fickle.  Boston is finding that out right about now.  Craig Kimbrel had a 1.77 ERA before the All-Star Break, but has had a 7.11 ERA since and has blown 4 saves.  He has been regarded as one of the best closers in the game… so you never know. I guess the Dodgers could try Marshall Kasowski, but he needs another pitch, is not on the 40-man and isn’t ready… so there is that!

Most likley, it will be bullpen by committee with Floro, Alexander, Chargois, Ferguson and maybe Maeda in the mix.  Whoops, I forgot Axford, Fields and Cingrani!  But, I keep asking “Why Axford?” Axford?  Maybe they know something we don’t… or maybe he has photos of FAZ…   Hummmmm…  Actually, it’s just next man up!

Other Stuff

• Chicken Strip was awesome with his return from the DL.  It seems like it was fatigue.
• My Colts looked pretty good and with a little Luck could make the playoffs.
• Anyone want to bet me that the Lakers will win more games than the Pacers?  I say no!