Arsonist

Some people can’t stand prosperity. When August started, the Dodgers were 59-45 and two games up in the NL West. Now they’re 76-48 and 11.5 games up in the NL West. In yesterday’s Power Rankings from The Athletic, the Dodgers were ranked #2 behind the Braves in all of MLB. However, that changed slightly, thanks to Caleb Ferguson, who is certainly no fireman… more like an arsonist! Bobby Miller was saddled with his 3rd loss as Caleb got his 4th Blown Save! Caleb is evidently trying to pitch himself off the playoff roster. You can question the move all you want – maybe Doc should have left Bobby in – but he’s a rookie who has thrown 97 pitches, and if he had left him in and he got scored upon, the same persons who would criticize taking him out would have questioned letting him in.

Bruce Bochy is regarded as a genius because the moves he made in three World Series worked (for the most part), but the reality of the situation is that if a manager makes a move that works, fans seem to think that makes him a genius. In reality, when players deliver, the manager looks like a genius… because the players made him look that way. Caleb Ferguson has a way of letting the team down on the biggest stages. Next man up!

Bryan Hudson and his 8.10 ERA are also underwhelming. Hudson and Ferguson are but two of the lefthanders in the bullpen who seem more like arsonists than firemen. Caleb can pitch when there is a lead and no pressure but seems to crumble under pressure more often than not. Victor Gonzalez has not exactly inspired confidence, either. Alex Vesia has been up and down as well and does not exactly inspire trust. Ryan Yarbrough is a LH long man, but without Ferguson and Hudson, Vesia is not a reliable choice in the bullpen. There are 38 games to sort this out, and other than Yarbrough, which lefty has your confidence? There are none on the horizon, so it would appear that at least two of the following LH pitchers will have to be on the playoff roster:

• Bryan Hudson
• Caleb Ferguson
• Alex Vesia
• Victor Gonzalez

That’s kind of like asking how you would like to die: Would you rather be burned at the stake or hung? Not a good choice! There is still time for some of these left-handers to step up, but it is getting late. In my opinion, the Dodgers are in good shape with the righthanded pitchers.

• Ryan Brasier has a 1.11 ERA
• Joe Kelly (who may not be back)has a 0.00 ERA
• The Bazooka has a 1.53 ERA
• Ryan Pepiot has a 1.80 ERA
• Shelby Miller has a 2.40 ERA
• Gus Varland has a 2.45 ERA
• Evan Phillips has a 2.49 ERA

The Dodgers may be forced to go with Caleb Ferguson in the playoffs, but he makes me very nervous. While he has a decent 2.87 ERA, he has given up more hits than innings pitched and sports a 1.45 WHIP which is horrible for any pitcher, let alone a reliever! A gentleman who used to post here as “TheOldtimer” (R.I.P.) would say, “Under pressure, his sphincter gets tight!” Alex Vesia will likely make it, so as of today, we can see this playoff roster:

1. Urias
2. Kershaw
3. Lynn
4. B. Miller
5. Brasier
6. Graterol
7. Pepiot
8. S. Miller
9. Varland
10. Vesia
11. Ferguson
12. Yarbrough
13. Phillips

That means that Walker Buehler, Emmet Sheehan, Gavin Stone, Yency Almonte, Blake Treinen, Jimmy Nelson, Tyler Cyr, Daniel Hudson, and Michael Grove are on the outside looking in. Some are injured and have no shot. Kelly could be out… who knows? Injuries could change the complexion of everything. It’s not time to panic, but it’s about time to figure this out.

Bobby Miller deserved a better fate last night. By the way, Bobby Miller is having a better rookie season than Clayton Kershaw did. This kid is special. But it’s up to Clayton to right the ship today! Ryan Pepiot will likely start on Thursday, with Bryan Hudson being demoted (again). I know that Dave Roberts said that Walker Buehler would only be used as a starter, but if can pitch, maybe he is an option out of the pen. Walker is very effective against LH hitters!

P.S. It sucks that the Dodgers could not blast Thor into oblivion. Thor has been a little better with Cleveland, but not close to good. He was flat-out “lucky” last night, as he should have been pounded! Mookie and Will did their share, but the rest of the team failed. Busch looked disadvantaged in his at-bats last night. I am sure he is pressing… but this game is results driven.

Dodger Farmers

• Miguel Vargas has rebounded and, after a 2-5 last night, has his BA up to .295. Whether he gets the call in September is the question.
• Gavin Stone pitched three innings in relief of Alec Gamboa (the opener). Gamboa is a 26-year-old LH who has had a nice season: – 9-1 with a 2.29 ERA. His walk rate is a little high with OKC, but on the year, his WHIP is 1.00. We could see Gamboa and Stone in September. Ken Giles and Shelby Miller also pitched last night for OKC.
• Diego Cartaya (.191 BA) was 1-5 with his 18th HR – a two-run shot.
• Josue De Paula (still 18) was 4-5 last night (.288 BA) for RC.