Dispense With the Reliever Speculation
The Dodger starters are 11th in MLB ERA (3.68), while the relievers are 12th (3.64). Overall, the Dodgers rank 10th in MLB Team ERA (3.66). That has prompted much speculation by fans as to the Dodgers needing to trade for bullpen help. As usual, many fans have sight but lack…
The Dodger starters are 11th in MLB ERA (3.68), while the relievers are 12th (3.64). Overall, the Dodgers rank 10th in MLB Team ERA (3.66). That has prompted much speculation by fans as to the Dodgers needing to trade for bullpen help. As usual, many fans have sight but lack vision. All over the blogosphere, some Dodger fans suggest that the Dodgers need a closer as Evan Phillips is 8-8 in save opportunities, and his 0.71 ERA is not good enough. They see a shiny object and want that… “and they want it now!” Silliness is what it is.
We go through this every year. Fans write ad nauseum about the bullpen’s deficiencies only to have to munch on a heaping helping of crow. The Dodgers’ bullpen went from a massive liability to a strength throughout the 2023 season. The relievers had a 5.05 ERA through the first 23 games of the season. It was still 4.98 in mid-June, and only the woeful Oakland A’s had a higher bullpen ERA. Bill Plunkett of the OC Register wrote this:
But things turned around from there and the Dodgers’ bullpen was one of the best in baseball over the final three months of the season. Ryan Brasier was released by the Boston Red Sox in late May but had a 0.70 ERA in 39 games with the Dodgers. Brusdar Graterol had the best season of his career, going 4-2 with a 1.20 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in a career-high 68 games. Joe Kelly was re-acquired at the trade deadline and allowed just three hits while striking out 19 in 10⅓ innings back in a Dodger uniform. After a slow start, Evan Phillips regained his form and eventually settled in as the closer, converting 24 of 27 save situations.
So, here we are – the Dodgers are 19-12, and fans are pining for the flavor of the week, but look at what the Dodgers have in the wings:
- Dustin May – That could be a shot in the arm.
- Conner Brogden – Back in June or July.
- Nabil Crismatt – Jury is still out.
- JP Feyereisen – Give him time. He used to be lethal.
- River Ryan – He is out with shoulder fatigue and is expected to return in June.
- Kyle Hurt – Also shoulder issues.
- Tony Gonsolin – He could pitch out of the pen at the seasons end.
- Brusdar Graterol – Best reliever last year.
- Clayton Kershaw – He’s a starter. Why list him here? Because it will add to the depth.
- Bobby Miller – Back soon.
- Nick Ramirez – Maybe the LH option?
- Emmet Sheehan – Late season.
- Blake Treinen – Any gas left?
- Ricky Vanasco –
- John Rooney – He will be up.
The Dodgers don’t have to go outside the organization. Ryan Brasier was rounding into form until he suffered the calf injury. He’ll be back soon enough, but I don’t understand how an injury to a baby cow affects his throwing. 😉 Even Joe Kelly is throwing 100 MPH and looking good. The Dodgers don’t need any more stinking pitching! Doc is just letting the team play right about now. In jockey parlance, he will “go to the whip” down the stretch.
Thank You!
Thank you for all the e-mails and kind words yesterday. I appreciate it very much. I’d also like to apologize to my detractors: “Sorry if I offended you, but F______ you if I did. Just go away!” Back to Dodger baseball.
Dodger Shorts
- The bullpen and the bottom of the lineup rocked last night.
- Is Andy Pages taking over in CF, making Outman the proverbial 4th or 5th outfielder (just like I said)?
- Kike Hernandez: .278 against LH Pitching.
- Is it too early to push Andy Pages for NL ROY?
- Aaron Hicks was 8 for 57 (.140) with the Angels when they DFA’ed him yesterday. Chris Taylor is 3-48 (.063). Just saying…
Minor League Stuff
SUNDAY:
Later this week, I will have a column on possible minor league call ups.
X-CITES
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Discussion (45)
Disagree, not disagreeable
I hate losing to the Diamondbacks almost as much as I hate losing to San Diego and the Giants. This was a winnable game. Ohtani failed once again in a clutch situation with runners in scoring position. His at bat in the 10th inning was awful. He needs to take lessons from Freeman on being more selective. Lux is doing the same thing. Taylor pulled after one at bat. His time in LA is coming to a close. Muncy needs to cut down his swing with two strikes. Betts is hitless in this series.