Bat-to-Ball Skills
I happen to like hitters who have good bat-to-ball skills. I was reminded yesterday that I championed Andy LaRoche to be a star years ago, and it never happened. Yes, I missed that big time. Subsequent to that, I have been an advocate of Alex Verdugo, Keibert Ruiz, and Miguel…
I happen to like hitters who have good bat-to-ball skills. I was reminded yesterday that I championed Andy LaRoche to be a star years ago, and it never happened. Yes, I missed that big time. Subsequent to that, I have been an advocate of Alex Verdugo, Keibert Ruiz, and Miguel Vargas. They all have excellent bat-to-ball skills in common. Of course, Verdugo and Ruiz have been traded away, but I think that Miguel Vargas has such a unique bat-to-ball skill that the Dodgers need to keep him. The Dodgers have Teoscar Hernandez, Max Muncy, and other players who have a lot of swing-and-miss. Vargas is an excellent complement to those players.
The Yankees have been elevated by Alex Verdugo and his bat-to-ball skills. I would not trade Vargas, as he is what the Dodgers need in their lineup. Verdugo has allegedly matured, and while he is hitting around .260, the season is young. He will not win a batting title this year, but there may be one in his future. Ruiz is struggling to stay around .200 after showing signs of hitting last season. Batting average is down across MLB as pitchers are throwing harder and spinning the ball more than ever before and their arms are dropping like flies.
Yes, I missed LaRoche, but here is the difference: I based my analysis on Andy LaRoche, Alex Verdugo, Keibert Ruiz, and Miguel Vargas based on YEARS of watching these players. I did not base it upon watching a couple of games and saying, “This guy can’t play,” as some morons do. Yes, I am not always right. Thank you for reminding me! You can jump to a conclusion in a small sampling, but years of watching generally is more accurate.
Some of you were down on Teoscar Hernadez because he has been slumping of late. Some even suggested that he should platoon. BULLSHIT! Who in their right mind would say that? Teo Hernandez essentially won the game for the Dodgers last night with two home runs including a grand slam. This is a country where FREE SPEECH is guaranteed (well… unless you disagree with the media narrative), but if you are not aware, Free Speech is not Free. Get it? Got it? Good!
It was excellent to put a good old-fashioned beatdown on the Yankees. It would have been even better if the Dodgers had brought out the brooms today. CT3 even got a hit but struck out three times. In his 88 ABs, he has struck out 41 times. Yeah, he’s close to getting back to what he once was… NOT! His strikeout rate is way up, and his BAbip is way down. That’s a recipe for hitting .100!
Are You a Pessimist or an Optimist?
Ronald Reagan’s favorite story or joke concerns twin boys of five or six. It goes like this:
“Worried that the boys had developed extreme personalities – one was a total pessimist, the other a total optimist – their parents took them to a psychiatrist.”
First, the psychiatrist treated the pessimist. Trying to brighten his outlook, the psychiatrist took him to a room piled to the ceiling with brand-new toys. But instead of yelping with delight, the little boy burst into tears. ‘What’s the matter?’ the psychiatrist asked, baffled. ‘Don’t you want to play with any of the toys?’ ‘Yes,‘ the little boy bawled, ‘but if I did, I’d only break them.’”
Next, the psychiatrist treated the optimist. Trying to dampen his outlook, the psychiatrist took him to a room piled to the ceiling with horse manure. But instead of wrinkling his nose in disgust, the optimist emitted just the yelp of delight the psychiatrist had been hoping to hear from his brother, the pessimist. Then he clambered to the top of the pile, dropped to his knees, and began gleefully digging out scoop after scoop with his bare hands. ‘What do you think you’re doing?’ the psychiatrist asked, just as baffled by the optimist as he had been by the pessimist. ‘With all this manure,’ the little boy replied, beaming, ‘there must be a pony in here somewhere!’
Some fans are just born pessimists. No matter what happens, they are going to see flaws. Me? I’m looking for the pony! Some Dodger fans are secretly disappointed after the first two games against the Yankees as they have nothing to bitch about and their lives are pointless. 😉
Coming into New York, the Dodgers were ramped up to play what is/was allegedly the best team in baseball, and they turned it up. I still believe the Dodgers are the best team in baseball, and if they need to make a move, they will. I am not advocating moving Mookie back to 2B, but if Bo Bichette becomes available at the trade deadline, I would do that. Lux could be part of that deal. Bo and Gavin could both benefit from new surroundings.
It was rumored yesterday that the White Sox had asked for Josue DePaula, Dalton Rushing, and Landon Knack for Luis Robert, Jr. I would do that in a heartbeat. Yes, that is a lot to give. Robert has an extensive injury history, but his upside is too great to ignore. Bichette is a natural SS, and his bat could come alive with the Dodgers. Outman will be back soon, but with Outman and Pages, we need to realize that Outman can’t hit LHP, and Pages can’t hit RHP. We know that about Outman, but it appears to be the same with Pages. Pages OPS against LHP is .866 but is just .662 against RHP. The difference between him and Outman is that he exhibits power against his same-side pitchers while Outman doesn’t.
Try this out:
- Betts 2B
- Ohtani DH
- Freeman 1B
- Smith C
- Muncy 3B
- T. Hernandez LF
- Robert, Jr. CF
- Heyward/Pages RF
- Bichette SS
It could happen. Vargas and Ryan would likely have to be a part of that deal for Bichette. It depends upon their record as to whether Toronto will be sellers. We won’t know until the deadline.
X-CITES
When are we going to see Lipcuis?
It’s a Fantastic Time to be a Dodger Fan… Unless You are a Pessimist!
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Discussion (104)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Teo was named NL player of the week. Well deserved. Judge took home the honor in the AL.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale while the White Sox are “listening to offers” on Robert, the team would be seeking a trade package “greater” than what the San Diego Padres gave to the Washington Nationals in exchange for Juan Soto.
That’s what Dodgers are dealing with. Note to Sox; Robert Jr is no Soto!
I am rooting against the Trashtros! Always!
If my voodoo powers work , Kyle Tucker will be on the market. I’d be more than fine with an OF of Tucker in RF, Teo in LF and an Outman/Pages platoon in CF.
But I think Robert is much more likely to be traded. AF and his team, I assume, will do a deep dive on Robert’s injury history. Is it a chronic issue or dumb luck? Could the Dodgers help Robert stay healthy with better conditioning?
But speaking of OF, it sure seems that the Dodgers could add a few years to Teo’s deal. Here’s a quote from Teo via mlb.com:
“I want to stay. I don’t want to keep bouncing around the league. I feel good here, comfortable. I think this is a good chance for me to win. That is the most important thing for me. It’s a great group. I would love to stay.”
And Robert’s contract is team-friendly, with an AAV below $20m for the next 3.5 years. He’d cost a few prospects, but would be cheaper than top FA options.
I’m all in favor of trying to get Tucker but can someone please explain to me why we think the Astros can’t afford to re-sign him?
If we assume Bregman won’t be back and Verlander will be gone either after this year or next (he’s exactly on track for innings pitched to vest for 2025), those are two of their higher paid players.
Maybe they don’t want to bring back Tucker for some reason, but I think they can definitely afford him if they want to.
By August 1, Vargas will either be playing in OKC again ..or playing for another organization.
Either way, he’s not going to be on the Dodgers parent club beyond that date.
That’s my opinion/prediction.
I may change my fake name to Mark Timmonso.
If jumping to conclusions were an Olympic sport, we might have some Gold Medalists.
While I cannot definitively say what exactly is happening, I do not think the Dodgers would have called up Miguel Vargas if they were not high on him. “Hey, ya’all, let’s call Vargas up and sit him for no reason because we are not high on him and we are dumb as hell! The Dodgers are not dumb. That I know.
I also know two other things:
#1 – After Vargas had two broken fingers last year, he picked up some bad habits and never felt comfortable, and there are times this year when he still looks uncomfortable.
#2 – He has been spending a lot of time with RVS and Company.
This leads me to believe that they are working on something and that they believe they they can “fix” whatever it is without sending him back to OKC.
Feel free to disagree, but to me, that makes the most sense and of course, they are not going to announce it to the world.
I do not believe for a minute that the Dodgers value Outman and Pages over Vargas… and LH is no problem for him to play. He will be fine there. Just my opinion.
Tucker would be great. Right now, he is on the 10-day IL. It would take a huge offer to pry him away from the Astros. And since Houston is only 4.5 games out of the Wild-Card, probably a little premature to think they will be sellers at the deadline. Their most ideal trade component is Bregman, who is a free agent after the season. I still believe Freidman will NOT pursue a big-name talent at the deadline. It just has not been his MO.
Wayne I didn’t suggest they were slow playing him. They brought him up and they aren’t playing him. What else is it if not slow play? Why is he there and not playing. Perplexing.
Book Em
Bluto that’s good.
But fake name or real you’ll never know.
Duke, why don’t you just give us your insight as to why ‘miguelito’ is on the roster. I did.
You say Rojas is hitting over his head, Eric, and nobody is going to expect him to win a batting title, but this is his 11th MLB season and including this year he has hit over .280 five times.
If you couple that with his excellent defense, he’s definitely an asset. The only disadvantage when you compare him with CT3 and Kike is that he can’t play outfield.
Players poll at The Athletic:
($$$)
Open on www.nytimes.comhttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5529966/2024/06/10/mlb-player-poll-overrated-underrated-worst-organization?source=user-shared-articleOhtani best player.
Betts Best vibes.
Lots more good stuff
Seriously?
I think you need to have a better explanation for why the Dodgers are not playing Vargas much at all.
Can you provide an example of any current Dodgers who were “slow-played” onto the roster?
Roberts has been playing Pages plenty so the Dodgers can better assess his performance at the ML level. Seems clear to me the Dodgers value Pages more than they value Vargas. Last season, the Dodgers did not “acclimate” Outman but put him in CF from the start–and he finished 3rd in ROY voting. His ML achievements far exceed what Pages and Vargas have delivered.
If I understand your reasoning, you are suggesting, in essence, that Taylor is being played so that Miguelito, as a highly valued prospect, can be gradually eased and “acclimated” to the majors. But Vargas has already had 323 ABs in the majors, producing a .195 BA and .291 OBP. He even made the playoff roster in ’22. And let’s not forget that the Dodgers gift-wrapped 2B for him last season –but now they don’t want him playing 2B at all. How much acclimation is necessary?
He mostly played 3B in the minors, but the brass hasn’t used him at 3B in the majors. Alas, he apparently is not considered UT material. I’ve read that he is best suited to play 1B or DH–but it would take an injury to open up those spots. Where is Vargas on the depth chart?
The Dodgers may indeed keep Vargas because a trading partner would understandably prefer Outman or Pages, much as the Rays prefered Jonny De Luca.
Understand that I’d rather see Vargas get the ABs that Taylor is getting. I assume Vargas wants the opportunity too. But I don’t see AF and Robert dictating their roster and strategy to help Vargas. If the brass really wants to help Vargas, they should play him–or trade him.
Kyle Tucker would be fantastic…. but will the Astros be sellers?
Not so sure about that. The Astros are a good, proud franchise that is 4.5 games out in the Wild Card race. Their fans would be pissed if they threw in the towel. A winning streak could get them back into race–and a losing streak could put Tucker on the market.
For that matter, will the Blue Jays sell? They are only two games out of a Wild Card.
Right now, the White Sox, Angels, Athletics, Marlins and Rockies should clearly be sellers. A few teams should join that list.
If the Dodgers don’t believe in Vargas, why is he on the roster. Could’ve left him in OKC. He is being slow played for a calculated reason.
Book Em
Hey Duke definitely not Snider. Why don’t you give us your insight on why the Dodgers are slow playing Vargas. Why is he on the roster? ? Hmmm. Cat got your tongue. Well I guess you don’t have to be a critical thinker to cut people down. Have a take and do not suck. Right.
Book Em
Great series, love this team!
Jack Harris
@ByJackHarris
Some Dodgers injury updates, per Dave Roberts
–– Clayton Kershaw is scheduled to throw another three-inning sim game, then could be ready to begin a minor-league rehab assignment
–– Bobby Miller could be ready to return after pitching 4+ innings in a rehab outing with OKC last night. No final decisions yet, but with a stretch of 13-straight games starting next week, a six-man rotation is a possibility
I think Vargas gets traded. He has no defensive position, looks very uncomfortable in the OF. Outman is our best CF defender, hopefully he comes back soon and gets back to last year’s production at the plate. Pages should play most days in right with JHey getting the occasional start. Lipsicus should get a chance right now! Kike is a pinch hitter/defensive OF replacement type player only.
Cassidy, Robert was the 23rd best player then, he sure isn’t now. He is hitting .205, hasn’t played in two days, and he has 2 homers and 2 RBI’s. How much is an injury prone player like him worth? Sorry, I just do not see LA getting into a bidding war for an oft injured player. You think the Dodgers are the only team in need of outfield depth? Atlanta would be all over that guy. Dodgers have a lot of mid-level talent, but their star power at AAA is weak. Pages is not as bad of a defender as you might think. He misjudged a ball today, but he has only made one error. He has more homers, a higher OPS, more RBI’s than Robert does. He had a slump and has come out of it. I don’t think they will trade for a star player. I think they go more for a good hitting outfielder who gives them some contact. AF is not going to pay the price for damaged goods.
Therealten, after seeing how Teo responded to my platooning suggestion, I think my work is done! I’m done advocating for more playing time for Vargas. If the Dodgers don’t believe in him, why should I? Fun series. Judge is a beast. So fun to watch him play. CF continues to be an issue for us both offensively and defensively, so I’m all in on Robert Jr. He’s young, cheap and controllable and ESPN had him ranked as the 23rd best player in baseball. We have the minor league depth to make it happen. But I’m good with Lux. Still think there’s a star in him. No on Bichette.
Pages with a rough night. Probably should have caught the ball in CF when he jumped but didn’t have too and then the slide into 3B on Hernandez’s sac bunt with a raised right leg. If he had used that leg to hit the base rather than his bent leg he’s safe. WTH was that?
Just when I’m about to give up on Lux, he gets three hits, showing off those bat-to-ball skills.
Tough loss. Grisham has always been a good player, despite his .100 BA. Seems at his best against the Dodgers. Came up big in the clutch.
Oh well.
Pages hit 3rd with the wrong foot
pay the man!! dodgers can’t let teo get away!!! Glasnow is nasty!!!
Have yourself a series Teo!
Maybe the NYY should forget about Soto and prioritize Teo this offseason