I would not expect Miguel Vargas to debut at 3B in Philly due to the hostile environment, but one never knows. I hear Miggy V is taking balls at 3B at a furious pace and that Dino Ebel and others are working with him. Of course, the Dodgers are not going to trade for a 3B at this time. Maybe it will change at the deadline, but Vargas could fill the void. He’s a couple of years older and wiser than the last time he played 3B. He has the arm, but does he have the talent?
He has 316 games at 3B in the Minor Leagues under his belt, totaling 2,732 innings. His .923 fielding percentage is not very good, but a lot of that was when he was much younger. With maturity and more confidence, it could play out differently. I am from Missouri. However, Miguel will have to show us. He is 24-years-old and will be 25 the days before my birthday. I would not expect to see him at 3B for at least several days, but that is just me.
Prospect Report
Baseball America listed 30 Prospects Generating Buzz In The Dominican Summer League, and Emil Morales is one of them:
Emil Morales, SS, Dodgers
— Baseball America
“Morales came into the DSL season with big expectations. He was the top signing this year for the Dodgers at $1,897,500 and came with exciting preseason reports on his offensive prowess. Morales has lived up to his reputation, batting .338/.471/.588 in 87 plate appearances, slugging four home runs with 17 walks and 20 strikeouts as a 17-year-old. Morales is 6-foot-3, 190 pounds with the strength and bat speed that allows him to drive the ball with some of the best raw power of any hitter in the DSL, often posting triple-digit exit velocities.
While there has been a tick higher swing-and-miss to his game, he generally has shown a mature offensive approach with a sound righthanded swing. He drives the ball with consistent loft and damage and could grow into a 25-plus home run hitter. He’s a below-average runner who has improved his first-step quickness at shortstop and has a solid-average arm, though he does have six errors in his first 13 games. The Dodgers will probably continue to develop him at shortstop, but third base seems his most likely position as he gets closer to the big leagues. “
Emil has a chance at being very special… maybe even staying at SS. Here’s some video:
Maddux Bruns – LHP
Bruns stuff has never been in question. His stuff is filthy, but the only question was, “Can he throw strikes?” He has averaged just under a walk an inning in his career. However, the Dodgers have some optimism now that Rob Hill suggested he move to the 1B side of the rubber and the results have been promising. I what is a small sample, he has already cut down his strikeouts. Even is he doesn’t make it as a starter, with fewer walks, he could become a “lockdown reliever.”
Justin Wrobleski – LHP
With his start on Sunday, he may have earned an opportunity to stay in the rotation. He has the makings of a workhorse and is very impressive. He had Tommy John three years ago, so he should be good for two to three more years. BA has this to say about him, as he is currently ranked by them as the Dodger’s #6 Prospect:
“His fastball sits 93-96 mph, touches 98, and gets ugly swings with the angle and deception he creates from a closed-off delivery and short arm stroke. His fastball occasionally flattens out when he spins out of his delivery, but it’s an above-average pitch at its best. Wrobleski has a natural feel for spin and can manipulate the shape and power of his above-average, two-plane slider anywhere from 78-86 mph. He also has an average, 87-91 mph cutter he’ll mix in. Wrobleski’s 86-90 mph changeup has progressed to become a below-average pitch that gives him just enough to handle righthanded hitters. He throws strikes with average control and works quickly.“
— Baseball America
I am looking forward to seeing him continue to grow this year. He pitched at Great Lakes last year and in 102 innings put up a 3.25 ERA. This year, he started at Tulsa, and then after 67 innings, he moved to OKC for 10 innings, and now he is in the Show. That where he needs to be… now he needs to bloom where he is planted.
Discussion (29)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Good God, still dealing with the Fire Roberts idiots on the Spectrum site. Doc had no choice , Miller didn’t have it , but he had to ride him as far as he could to save the bullpen for the next two games , totally get it. I am so OVER the new breed Dodger fans who judge and throw toxic shit game by game, win or lose. Uncle Ned Colleti always preaches ,, baseball is a Season, so many twists and turns, and you have to adapt and make the right moves to be there in October. This whole win now , and we totally suck because we lost a 3 game series attitude is gettin old real fast. Fing uneducated idiots. Am I the only one who is playing the looong game into October? Roster will be so much different by then .. Everybody just take a damn Xanex and chill.
The Dodgers have apparently upped their offer to the Sox for Crochet. This story was on Dodgers SI. Sports Illustrated. Just who or how many was not in the article which was posted on Google News.
One more story then I’ll stop. The bat boy brought dad a ball and asked him to sign because he was the boys favorite player. Dad told him to wait and when in the clubhouse and got his first base glove. About 10-15 years ago dad got a call and the guy asked dad if he was the guy who played baseball with the dodgers affiliate? When Fad confirmed it the guy said that I’ll bet you have some grandkids that would like the mitt. The former bat boy mailed it to dad, another huge fight, this one I lost.
Thanks NJ
Tonight we celebrated my Dad’s 95 birthday. For year now my brothers and sisters take turns sitting with him. I’ve learned so much about him it gives me chills. Dad is a very humble man, he was signed by a Dodger scout named Burt Wells. He played in the organization for three years but he had his third kid coming and he needed to get a real job. His mother kept a lot of his box scores. One time I came home and there were a few laying on the table which never happened. I looked and saw a SS named Mantle against one of the teams he was playing against. I asked day if that was Mantle’s brother or relation, nope that was Mickey Mantle. I was numb. I asked Dad if it was evident that Mantle was going to turn out like he did. Dad said the only thing I remember about Mantle is he played short and when the ball was hit to him the people behind first base were real nervous. I found a box score of an all star game with all stars from teams playing against the Yankees. Dad was the MVP of that game. Later on I was snooping around and found a watch and asked Dad what it was all about. He told me to look at the back of the watch, he was MVP of his team that season and got a watch. I was in a book store and came across the book Mantle before the glory. It talked about an all star game that Mantle had four errors at short. The Yankee brass was there according to the article and decided to move him to center field and succeed Joe Dimago (sp). I called Dad and said did you play in such and such all star game? He said yep had. a decent game. I told him what I found in the book and he said Mantle had a rough day. That is the game Dad was the MVP. He made off with an original Brooklyn Dodger uniform which I have after many fights. Now when I open my three hours with Dad, most of it was about Vero Beach and the minors and all that stuff. Burt Wells nephew Johnny Keenan replaced Burt Wells and signed among others Mitch Webster. Keenan nephew is a buddy of mine and of Websters said that Wells talked about Dad a lot and Johnny Keenan knew all about Dad. Sorry about the long post. It is easy to see why I’m a life long Dodger fan. And pissed I never heard any of Dad’s stories until he was 95.
What a joy it is watching an organization that has a top GM and a very well respected mgr.
Add to that a team that plays with passion every night, and shows solid baseball fundamentals.
Now let’s talk about
The Dodgers
All the teams know the Dodgers will be hard-up for bats and pitching in the next 3 weeks.
You want to talk about the Dodgers being in a terrible negotiating position. Wow
Maybe it’s better to work with what you got and what you may get back this year from injury.
Maybe move some bench tomato cans for a few better tomato cans.
Just don’t overpay and gut the minors. All the clubs the Dodgers deal with knowing the position they’re in will ask for the moon. If so walk away.
In the off – season some tough decisions will need to be made .
That can be a discussion after the season.
Let’s look at what type of character , fight and ultimately skill our current group and IR returnees demonstrate .
Let’s see how far we can go this year. It should still be a competitive team.
Go Dodgers !!
Hard to draw many conclusions from this game. Phillies are a better team right now and have lined up their three best starters to face Miller, Stone, and Knack.
Aside from Miller getting raked, … again, the Dodger at bats in the fifth and sixth innings with first two runners getting on was the worst. Four strike outs.
They have some holes but not as bad as this game would indicate. Does not get easier tomorrow with Ranger Suarez pitching. It will be interesting to see how they respond.
Yawn! I have seen this movie too many times, and most of you have no clue.
Sorry!
Too many injuries to key players and a flawed roster. Not a 100 win team this season. AF and BG have 21 days to figure it out or it will be an early exit for the 3rd year in a row in the post season after spending 1.3 billion dollars. Sad!!
I know that Zach Wheeler is one of the best pitchers in MLB, but no one but the top 3-4 guys hit consistently. Mookie and Max coming back will help, but they have way too many guys who just can’t hit.
A team like the Dodgers can’t do better than Kike, Taylor, Lux, Biggio, et al? How many utility players does one team need?
I believe that Miller is still injured. He has lost 3-4 MPH off his fastball can’t locate any of his secondary stuff. It’s like when Gonsolin was pitching with a season-ending injury last year. I can’t believe that they keep running him out there.
Miller what has happened to him.He looked like he was a can’t miss.Our pitching staff looks like we’re cursed with injuries.
A complete ass kicking.
1. Miller has to be sent down. Can’t find your release point in the big leagues. I mentioned two weeks ago he should be sent out and I’m even more convinced now. Dude is a “head case.”
2. DFA Biggio. Not a big league bat and now the entire jury can see not a big league glove either.
Miller is nothing more than a AAA pitcher masquerading as a big league pitcher. Not saying he can’t get there but he’s not there yet. Allowing two runs to score with two outs to the the #7, 8 and 9 hitters is a recipe for disaster. AF has to get SP ASAP.
Seems to me like the pitching coach and the infielders are scared to go talk to the pitcher when he’s in trouble.
07/09/24 Los Angeles Dodgers recalled RHP Michael Petersen from Oklahoma City Baseball Club.
The Dodgers are placing right-hander Tyler Glasnow on the injured list, with Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic relaying word from manager Dave Roberts on X. The right-hander’s back tightened up on him on Sunday. Per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times on X, the team is hoping it’s a minor issue and that Glasnow could be back shortly after the All-Star break.
6:40 PM ET
Dodgers (55-36)
Phillies (58-32)
SP Bobby Miller R
1-1 6.12 ERA
SP Zack Wheeler R
9-4 2.74 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
C Will Smith R
1B F. Freeman L
RF T. Hernandez R
CF James Outman L
SS Miguel Rojas R
2B Gavin Lux L
LF M. Vargas R
3B Cavan Biggio L
93° Wind 10 mp
Harper and Schwarber off the IL and in tonight’s Philly’s lineup
I think the best senerio is Bellinger Hornier and a pitcher from the Cubs need someone who can play third and Hirniee can in case Muncy is done for the season then Betts comes back and play second byte yiu still need another infielder besides biggio hernandez and taylor . If Vargas was so good why did they get Biggio. Why is he still on the team. And they have Lipcicus in minors so cyt Bughio and bring Lipcicus up at third base until Muncy comes back.
Is Billy Cox still available for 3B?
I will be interesting to see what the Dodgers do moving forward at SS. I think they will give Willy Adames a strong look this off season.
Love the prospect content, thanks.
I have Morales & J. Vargas as high-ceiling RH SS bats who both are likely to move to 3B.
Albertus & J. Perez are exciting future 2B options.
Hope & George potential CF & DePaula & Quintero RF.
Plus lots more on the horizon. C is covered for the next decade and we just need our SPs to stay healthy.
Freeland 100% looks like the SS of the future and 1B/DH has enough overflow with Rushing/Liranzo to be covered as well.
At what point do you give Rushing a LF glove? 😉
Think about this when you want to include young pitchers in trades. Last year Kershaw led the team in starts with 24, followed by Bobby Miller with 23, Urias 21, Gonsolin 20, Grove 12, Syndergaard 12, Lynn 11 and Sheehan with 11. Miller has started this season pretty much on a regular basis. Grove started a couple of games. Not one other pitcher has thrown a pitch for the Dodgers this season. There are various reasons 4 of those pitchers are still in the organization and we hope get a number of starts before the season ends. Urias we all know about his situation and the other two are gone from the organization. When the old saying “you can’t have too much pitching” is as on the mark. You can go out and get a starter or three but you are walking a tightrope if you give up young pitching in those deals.
Go back to the 22 season the top five pitchers in starts, not one has thrown a pitch for the Dodgers this season. You can follow the other seasons and pretty much see the same thing.
Dodger Territory with Alanna Rizzo and Clint Pasillas is excellent.
Should be a must listen for Dodger fans.
We could get Cody for a lesser package than we would have to give for Robert Jr.
Cody has already proven himself to be a clutch post season performer.
We won’t know what Andrew will do until he does it. I don’t think he knows at this point. What I do know is that Andrew Friedman will gather information and explore every opportunity to improve the team. What he ends up doing will depend on how things on other teams play out over the remainder of July.
I am confident that he will do something and am looking forward to seeing what that might be.
More and more I am leaning towards Robert jun too. As Cassidy said I would take the risk with his injury history. Dodgers did it with Glasnow too. Risk /Reward is worth a flyer unless the WS ask for the moon eg 3 top 10 prospects.
I would give them Outman, Rushing plus Knack. They would get a MLB ready CF to replace Robert jun, our Nr. 1 hitting prospect at a premium position in C plus a pitcher who has already proven to be a capable Nr. 3 or Nr. 4 in a MLB rotation.
IMHO that would be already an overpay on our part given Robert jun. current production and injuriy history.
If they want to expand the trade I would be willing to include Wrobleski or Ryan plus Gelof plus Martin plus Hurt for Crochet.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Dodgers wanting Vargas to play 3b means either.. 1) They really love his bat, and playing that position gets him more PA’s ..or.. 2) They’re really concerned about Muncy’s availability for the rest of this season ..or.. 3) Maybe it’s both.
I agree with Joe. Give me a bat. Give me a great defensive CF. Give me Robert Jr. His ceiling is an all star. Outman and Pages ceilings are average MLB. I’ll take the chance on his health and returning to form and if he does our October lineup would be fearsome! And Bear and I could put a side bet on that happening or not!
As long as he is not traded to another team no matter what position he plays, I had already read that Vargas is not “a great glove” at third base, well, Muncy is not a golden glove either!
The kid has done everything they’ve asked him to do, he changed positions and played 2B with injured fingers, then they put him at LF and he did it too, and it’s true that he may never become a gold glove player in any position, but at least he knows how to hit.
Leave him alone… Give him a break!