Bo Who?
Since the 2016 First-Year player Draft, Dodger fans have been questioning the first selection made by Andrew Friedman and friends. That selection was none other than shortstop Gavin Lux who is currently pushing for a spot on the Dodgers postseason roster. When we questioned the pick we, of course, did not have the inside information that Director of Amateur Scouting Billy Gasparino and his team had. Yet, it seemed to
Since the 2016 First-Year player Draft, Dodger fans have been questioning the first selection made by Andrew Friedman and friends. That selection was none other than shortstop Gavin Lux who is currently pushing for a spot on the Dodgers postseason roster. When we questioned the pick we, of course, did not have the inside information that Director of Amateur Scouting Billy Gasparino and his team had. Yet, it seemed to be a pick that did not add up to us.
One reason that it did not seem to be the best possible option was that another shortstop, Bo Bichette, was available at the time that Lux was selected with the 20th overall pick. The plot thickens when we look back and observe that Bichette was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays with the 66th pick. It thickens because Will Smith (32), Jordan Sheffield (36) and Mitchell White (65) were also selected by the Dodgers before Bichette came off the board. So, it wasn’t a Lux or Bichette only option. It was a Lux, or Smith, or Sheffield, or White option.
Dodger fans were not the only ones questioning the Gavin Lux first-round selection.
“Internally and externally, there always seemed to be a little bit of doubt when you talked to people about it,” Dodgers scouting director Billy Gasparino said. “We (the scouting department) never felt it, but I know it existed.”
Both shortstops started the 2016 season in rookie ball with the 6’0”/185-pound Bichette in the Gulf Coast League and the 6’2’-190-pound Lux in the Arizona League. Lux is three and one-half months older than Bichette. After that Bichette seemed to move more quickly through the Blue Jay system and arrived in Toronto on July 7 in the current campaign. He went on a bit of a tear highlighting a missed opportunity by 29 other MLB teams.
Going back a bit, Gavin Lux, who bats left and throws right, had an acceptable 2016 season with the AZL Dodgers and Ogden Raptors. He followed that with a very disappointing 2017 campaign with the Great Lakes Loons, especially when compared to Bichette who was also in the Midwest League with the Lansing Lugnuts.
Something happened during the 2018 season as Gavin Lux seemed to take flight. Between the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (88 games) and Tulsa Drillers (28 games), he posted a triple slash of .324/.399/.514 with a .904 OPS along with 15 home runs and 57 RBI. He struck out 88 times and had 57 walks. Meanwhile with the AA New Hampshire Fisher Cats 131 games) Bichette’s slash line was .286/.343/.453 with an OPS of .796 along with 11 home runs and 74 RBI. He struck out 101 times and had 48 walks.
So what happened that the young shortstop began to blossom during the 2017 season? Gavin Lux happened. What the Dodgers saw in his athleticism and determination vaulted him to the front of the line. That is, to number one in the Dodgers top 30. What Dodger scout Trey Magnuson initially saw in the Kenosha Wisconsin native simply took root.
Baseball America reported that Lux was aware of the questions surrounding him but simply shut out the chatter and went to work. When he was drafted he was a skinny kid at about 165 pounds. He added 10 pounds of muscle heading into 2018 and another 15 as he prepared for this season. He spent hundreds of hours deprogramming his natural swing and replacing it with a modified version that put him on a better plane with the ball.
His fielding work began in the wee hours of the winter mornings at the Dodgers’ complex in Glendale, Ariz., and stretched long into the afternoons. The same resilience Magnuson saw in Lux as an amateur grew in professional ball, in the form of a relentless work ethic to ensure he would never struggle again as he had in his first two years of pro ball.
In 113 games at Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2019, Lux hit .347 to rank fourth in the minors, while his .421 on-base percentage ranked 10th and his .607 slugging percentage placed sixth. In terms of OPS, he ranked fourth (1.028) overall, behind only Kevin Cron, Jared Walsh and Mark Payton, a trio of older, bat-first players at Triple-A.
Bichette went to Toronto after some time on the IL in 2019 and 56 games at AAA Buffalo. I expect a comparison at AAA is not apt as Bichette has hit well in 38 games with the Blue Jays. However, below are their AAA stats for 2019.
Bichette 56 games, 35 runs 8 HR, 32 RBI, .275/.333/.473, 806 OPS
Lux 49 games, 54 runs, 13 HR, 39 RBI, .392/.478/.719, 1.197 OPS
Lux is getting his first taste of MLB so we will have to wait and see how the rest of the season plays out for him.
In the meantime, he has been selected as the 2019 Baseball America Minor League Baseball Player Of The Year. The last two winners of the recognition were Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays) in 2018 and Ronald Acuna (Braves) in 2017. Ever confident, Lux has been a bit surprised by his rapid ascent up the baseball ladder.
“Obviously I feel like I always believed in myself, but I don’t think I would have expected two years ago to play like how I am now, I guess you could say,” Lux said in the Baseball America piece by Kyle Glaser. “It is a little surreal. I’m just enjoying it and having fun every step of the way and taking advantage of it.”
This season, Texas League managers have voted Lux as the league’s best batting prospect, best defensive shortstop and most exciting player.
What do others on the scene say about Gavin Lux?
“He was doing things not only our guys here were talking about,” Oklahoma City manager Travis Barbary said, “ but you see the reaction in the other dugout and they’re like, ‘Man, this guy is unbelievable.”
“You talked to everybody around—the coaches, the principal, everyone in the office—everybody was glowing about Gavin and who he was as a person as well as a player,” Dodger scout Trey Magnuson said.
But what about the guy who ultimately has the final say with Dodger rosters and players? That would be Andrew Friedman, President, Baseball Operations. I don’t think I have heard Friedman lavish as much praise on any other player, certainly not one yet a full-fledged MLB player. It is a testament to his determination, confidence and work ethic that has drawn such praise.
“Each year in spring training we lay out some goals (for our players) for the year,” Andrew Friedman said.“It’s great in theory. It rarely plays out in practice. But it truly did with Gavin. Every time we gave him goals and things to work on, he poured himself into it and has steadily gotten better at all aspects of his game.”
Friedman does not talk about Lux’s baseball IQ, or at least use that term, but his comments reveal a feel for the game that Lux possesses that is far from typical for 21-year-old players.
“His approach in the box is the most mature I’ve ever been around in someone this age,” Friedman recently told the Los Angeles Times. “Just his awareness of what pitchers are trying to do, taking feedback from an at-bat or pitch-to-pitch, how to apply it to what his plan of attack is—it’s something I’ve seen a lot of major league players struggle with throughout their careers. It’s very rare to be able to see someone his age to be able to slow down the game and understand that cat and mouse game between the hitter and the pitcher in such an advanced way.”
As Mark would say, “We are in for some kinda’ ride!”, with Gavin Lux.
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Discussion (59)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Hou lost again to Oakland.
We are now tied with Hou (who does own the tiebreaker over us however)
Dave Roberts has some sort of fascination with Hernandez. I understand starting Hernandez when there are no better options, but he starts Hernandez anyways with better options.
Hernandez 220 Average 701 OPS vs righties.
Magic number is 11. In October!
Magic Number 10
Baez and Urias have been our 2 best relievers. It would suck to lose Urias as a reliever if Hill can’t be the 4th starter in the playoffs. Also I like Urias in relief more often instead of the 3, 4 innings and then multiple days off.
If Hill is done, stats say Urias should be a reliever and stats say Gonsolin or May should be the 4th starter as of right now.
Kenley had some nice movement on his cutter. The only thing that concerned me was the fact that he ran two counts to 3 balls. When Kenley was at his best he threw strike after strike. And an efficient Kenley is a better Kenley. His past dominance was the product of stuff accompanied by impeccable control.
Magic Number (to get best record in the NL) 11
Kenley with a clean inning. That’s encouraging! And that’s what bad teams do-give away wins! Very discouraging about Hill! Now we’ll have to find a fourth starter. And an offense!
Wow, Urias takes about as long as Baez does to throw a pitch
Hurry up dude
I love our offense when we strike out and score 2 on a wild pitch. We’re just that good baby
Knee injury to Hill.
MLB.com says he was removed due to injury but gives no detail.
Unless Hill is hurt, why is he being taken out before even an inning? And if he is hurt, that is the season for him, which is a blow. I am surprised that Roberts did not even talk to him, so I’thinking that it was not pain which caused this, but we will see. If not, then he should have left him in. He has left plenty of pitchers in for three or four innings, even when not pitching well. Hill needs to work his way back, even if he understandably struggles.
I can’t tell what’s up with Rich, but his facial expressions make me think he’s feeling some type of pain?
Wow, our game today is a national tv game on Fox?? I didn’t know Fox had prime time Thursday baseball games?
That’s in the Seager Utley mould.. Old school. Can’t remember Seager smiling much either
Welcome back Dick Mountain!
My son got the opportunity to get to know Gavin when he was with the Rancho Quakes last year. A lot of what I’m reading meshes with what I saw. Many fans found Gavin to be somewhat “cold” and “standoffish”. I don’t think I ever saw him smile. My son asked for his autograph several times on various items and he always signed. Later in the season he actually had some full conversations with my son. He was always polite but also very serious. When other players were goofing around Gavin wasn’t. I’m guessing he had a bit of a chip on his shoulder after his season with the Loons. The guy was determined. Ironically, he looks much more relaxed when I watch him play with the big club.
Today’s win the series lineup:
Joc (RF)
Beaty (3b)
Pollock (DH)
Belly (1b)
Seager (SS)
CT3 (LF)
Lux (2b)
Kike (CF)
Martin
Pitcher Dick Mountain
DODGERS ACTIVATE LHP RICH HILL
RHP JAIME SHULTZ DESIGNATED FOR ASSIGNMENT
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that they have activated left-handed pitcher Rich Hill from the 60-day injured list. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated right-hander pitcher Jaime Schultz for assignment.
Hill, 39, has been sidelined since June 20 with a left forearm strain and will make his first start tonight against the Baltimore Orioles at Orioles Park in Camden Yards. On the season, he 4-1 with a 2.55 ERA (15 ER/53.0 IP) and 61 strikeouts against just 12 walks this season in 10 starts. The southpaw is in his 15th Major League season and is a combined 65-42 with a 3.84 ERA (397 ER/931.2 IP) and 993 strikeouts.
Schultz, 28, was in his first season in the Dodgers organization after spending the last six seasons with the Tampa Bay. He was acquired from the Rays on January 8 in exchange for right-handed pitcher Caleb Sampen. He pitched in four game for the Dodgers this season, going 0-0 with a 7.20 ERA (4 ER/5.0 IP) and three strikeouts. In 47 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City, he went 2-3 with a 5.85 ERA (31 ER/47.2 IP) and 62 strikeouts.
There’s 15 games left. We’re on pace for 103.5 wins. That’s a pretty good year.
If we win 103.5 games, and don’t get home field in the World Series? Then wow! That’s not our bad. 103.5 wins is an amazing year and if some team, or even 2 teams tops 103.5 wins? Well then more power to them; that’s impressive!
But I’ll take my 103.5 wins any day and see how it plays out.
Having said that, we need our guys in the MVP and Cy Young race to wake up and have a nice last 2 weeks and be ready for 3 weeks from today, when the NLDS opens at home.
When your two best players all year are struggling right now it’s a bit nerve wracking. If Belly and Ryu don’t right the ship in these last few weeks it’s hard to see us winning a ring this year
I missed out yesterday commenting on the Dodgers clinching the West. Busy being retired. Congrats to the Dodgers. It really has been a fun summer watching this team, The 12 walk-offs, the youngsters coming up and playing well. Bellinger’s first half. Ryu’s first half. Watching Buehler become a dude. The chemistry. Lots of things too like and enjoy. I personally have gone away from, for the most part, trying to pick stuff apart with analysis and criticism, second guessing player decisions, pitching and the different line up everyday, and assume Doc and AF know what they are doing. I really don’t like the “spring training” feel, try out (auditions) model that continues to go on this late in the season. I really have tried to just watched and be emotionless to these things that used to raise my blood pressure, I’m going to just enjoy the ride the rest of the way and see how it all plays out. Whenever I want to be critical I just remember that I could be sent to “baseball hell” and be forced to watch the Orioles or Tigers for a week straight.
Some other thoughts:
* wow do some people have to have an opinion on everything? There were opinions on how the Dodgers celebrated like there’s a right and wrong way to celebrate after clinching? Grab a glass of wine, a good book and don’t watch.
* Ryu’s next start is huge for him and the Dodgers. He has maybe 3 more starts and if he struggles to the wire and can’t be trusted with a start, he is dead weight. I don’t see him in the bullpen, pitching poorly, in competition with 15 other relief pitchers for a spot. No help there. He really needs to right the ship.
* I’m confident JT will be good to go for post season. If not my vote is CT3, former everyday shortstop. He fills the bill defensively and nobody else has to move around. Just my opinion.
* the bullpen continues to be very interesting for post season. 2 guys I would have thought a few weeks ago to have no shot on the PS roster, Kolarek and Garcia are getting tons of appearances in the last 22 games. Garcia has 12 appearances and Kolarek 11. I think Kolarek has a big role and he’s been good. Fergy ( a lock I think) has 11 and Kelly, only has 5 appearances (underworked and maybe ailing?) I can’t decide if these are auditions or not.
* the Dodgers and Doc have had the ability to rest guys all season, especially the 2nd half, and don’t need to take extended days off to regroup after a tough pennant race. More rest is not necessarily a benefit now. Let’s get to work, get in a rhythm, and try to win home field down the stretch. Like Bellinger/Buehler, I think it is very important and it’s well within reach. Starting tonight.
Again congrats on 7 straight.
It’s not like JOC has been a bust. He is very streaky and it can be frustrating at times but he had a good year last year OPS over .850 and an even better year this year. OPS about .875 with 32 hr’s and he plays a pretty good corner outfield. Those kind of players don’t grow on trees! And he has been a post season baller! I love JOC!
Dodgerpatch,
You may not be wrong about Joc. After all, Jose Bautista turned around his career at age 29. And although I would trade Joc for the right return, I am not unmindful that he still possesses a great deal of upside potential. Human beings are not all alike, and late bloomers do exist.