Could the Dodgers Stand Pat?
Gavin Stone’s last outing was a resounding success. Ryan Pepiot FINALLY went two innings in his 2023 debut. They will ramp him up over the next two weeks. Even Noah Syndergaard showed signs of life last night as he went five innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs while…
Gavin Stone’s last outing was a resounding success. Ryan Pepiot FINALLY went two innings in his 2023 debut. They will ramp him up over the next two weeks. Even Noah Syndergaard showed signs of life last night as he went five innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs while striking out six and walking nary a batter. Add in Clayton Kershaw, and in early August, Pepiot, Syndergaard, and Kershaw will be back. Of course, all some of you will remember is how bad Thor was before he went on the IL, but just remember that past performance is not indicative of future prospects. Add in the prospect that Striker Buehler could be back in September, and I think the rumors of trading for starters will fly out the window.
Urias and Gonsolin both pitched very well in their last two starts, and while it is easy to believe that Gonsolin’s arm is hanging on by a tendon, that may not be the case at all – in fact, if it were the case, he would not be pitching. If his UCL is “frayed,” it would be felony stupid to allow him to pitch. I think Doc took him out so that he could build on this start. He also pitched well in his last start… except for two bad pitches. I think that this is enough starting pitching:
- Urias
- Gonsolin
- Kershaw
- Sheehan
- Pepiot
- Miller
- Grove
- Syndergaard
In fact, when everyone is back in August, Grove, Sheehan, and Pepiot will move to the pen or back to AAA. It depends upon who is hot, but all three could be bulk-inning eaters. Also, Alec Gamboa, who struck out the side in his first AAA appearance, is chomping at the bit to get the call. He is a lefty who was another converted starter, and he has flourished in the bullpen. He had Tommy John in 2017 and also missed 2018. Gamboa has 5-pitches that include a 2-seam/4-seam split with his fastball. His fastball sits 93-94, and he hits 96 with his 4-seamer. He needs to be added to the 40-man roster or be lost to Rule 5 this winter… and he would get snatched in a heartbeat.
I suppose that it is possible the Dodgers could trade for Nolan Aernado if he becomes available, but at this minute, I would say the chances of that are slim and none. The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence and above the septic tank! Devin Mann also deserves a “look-see.” Jake Marisnick is an elite CF’er and will platoon with James Outman.
Mookie Betts is Playing Like a Superstar
.287 BA/.983 OPS, 27 HR, 64 RBI – MVP if not for Acuna, Jr.
Nick Frasso
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Discussion (185)
Disagree, not disagreeable
1. The Orioles, like the Reds and Diamondbacks, are loaded with young talent. Drafting in the top ten for several years in a row makes a difference. They deserve credit for hitting on those picks and developing them. Dodgers have a lot of depth in their system but do not appear to have the top end prospects those organizations have. Each of them have more on the way. Impressive young teams.
2. I think I read where Sheehan is going to bump up against that “ceiling” for innings pitched in a season before too long. He threw 68 innings last year and is at 80 innings this year. Done an admirable job considering he skipped AAA but he would likely be replaced if/when they acquire another starter.
3. This is not the team nor the season to sell off top prospects. There are not a lot of difference makers on the market – especially pitchers. I think with the acquisition of a starter (rental) like Giolito, Flaherty, Hendricks, or Montgomery and a right handed bat (Grichuk, Pham could be had cheaply) they would be favorites to win the West. Winning the West keeps them out of a one game playoff and gives them a legitimate shot to get to NLCS. Like many of you, I do believe success in the MLB playoffs has a randomness to it – a crapshoot, Stay out of Wild Card, win the West, take your chances.
4. With Vesia and Almonte showing signs of the regaining the success they had last year – that bullpen has become six deep. Phillips, Ferguson, Graterol, Brasier, Vesia, and Almonte.
As of today, the Dodgers have not signed any of their draft picks.
We’re the favorites as is
Orioles were one low and away slider to Taylor from a win!
That, kids, was a really nice team W
Bullpen to jaded, dodger fans………. HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW !!!!!!!!!
Kudos to Sheehan. He could have imploded. But he kept his cool and kept us in the game… A great learning experience…
And I had to follow on MLB Gameday and listen to some on the radio.
How O’s games are blacked out in NC Makes zero sense. MLB needs to change these blackout rules.
Great win. For the Grandpa out there that went give us a report, must have been a blast, congrats!!
The reason the Dodgers have been on a hot streak is simple. The bullpen now has been nails and not giving up late leads. Bellinger had two more hits in last nights Cub’s loss. Biggest rumor still has him going to the Yankees. He likes Chicago and like Stroman would love to stay there. Ohtani hit #35 last night. Boone getting roasted for pitching to him.
It is time to cut bait on Barnes. He, as Lasorda would say, couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat. He is one for his last 16 with 6 K’s. He has driven in 5 runs all year. He is a 1.1 minus WAR player. At least last season he added some pop to the lineup. So, the pitchers get mad, big whoopee. They need production from that spot in the order when Smith is getting a blow. Here is a little tidbit I picked up last night watching DC win their game. Keibert Ruiz has allowed 72 stolen bases when he is catching. The most in the majors.
My final rant is on Max Muncy. Everyone praises his OPS because he draws a lot of walks. But walks rarely drive in runs. Max is healthy now. He is batting in an RBI position in the lineup. He has 53 runs batted in, most of those came early in the season when he was hot. I would like to see how many rallies he has killed with strikeouts, and how many men he has left on base. He has already struck out 87 times in 259 at bats. He is hitting a combined 194.5 over his last two seasons. How much longer can the Dodgers keep this guy in the four hole when he is a black hole in the lineup? I put Martinez in that slot and leave him there. to hell with this left right left right BS.
Was at game last week! Wonderful atmosphere and beautiful ballpark! Wonderful win ! My nine year old grandson commented why is muncy hitting cleanup? He finally swung at a first pitch! (He whiffed) couldn’t tell for sure but looked like Emmit was getting squeezed a little. Saw Will smack his glove on the ground a couple times on no strike calls. Back tonight , grove needs to get them thru 5-6 innings. Good pickup for Friedman with Brasier! Need Nolan at 3rd!