Dodgers Take it to the Max
Doc just took all the pressure off of Max Muncy by announcing the following: “The results haven’t been there consistently, I’m aware of that. But I do think that stuff under the hood has shown better for me. … I’m going to continue to give him runway. I certainly still expect…
Doc just took all the pressure off of Max Muncy by announcing the following:
“The results haven’t been there consistently, I’m aware of that. But I do think that stuff under the hood has shown better for me. … I’m going to continue to give him runway. I certainly still expect quality at-bats, but right now, I’m gonna ride with Max. … It’s gonna be that way until it’s not.”
— Dave Roberts
I have been calling for Max to sit, and while what Dave Roberts just said is just the opposite, I agree with it. In fact, it might be a stroke of genius. Now, I am not calling Dave Roberts a Genius – I am sure that Andrew Friedman and the Dodger Braintrust we also behind this announcement. However, what it serves to do is two-fold:
- It sends a message to every MLB PLayer that the Dodgers are Loyal to their troops; and
- It takes the pressure off of Max and could just be what he needs to break out of his season-long slump. Time will tell…
Yes, he made an error last night, but Max has worked hard at 2B and 3B after playing 1B most frequently in his career. He has made himself into a solid defender. We also saw that he could turn on a 98+ MPH Fastball as he doubled in the 9th. It very well could be that as awful as Max has been, he could be the guy who drives the Dodgers Bus to a World Series Championship.
Clayton Kershaw Hates Coors Field, and Coors Hates Him Back!
Clayton lost his 3rd game of the year by giving up 3 ER and just one extra-base hit to the Rockies. It’s the Coors Effect. Hopefully, the Catman can right his ship, but Coors is a tough place to do that. Personally, I would make today a bullpen game and push Tony to Monday! Just my opinion, but at least this time, the worst the Dodgers can do is get out of there with a split. I’d rather win and take the series!
Chris Martin: Why?
I think this was a deal that was made for two reasons:
- Chris Martin just might surprise you; and
- I think Andrew felt that McKinstry deserved a chance to play, and this was it.
However, Chris Martin might be on the Andrew Heaney, Tyler Anderson Path. Martin has great control, and that is something you just can’t teach. The Dodger Pitching Gurus (Prior, McGinnis, Bard, Hill, et al.) have proven adept at “fixing” a pitcher. Don’t be surprised to see Martin’s ERA go from 4.13 to 2.20. The foundation is there. His kind of control could result in some amazing changes to the way he pitches.
James Outman is allegedly scheduled to start in RF today. Then he will probably go back to OKC… even if he hits 4 HR!
Future Dodgers Down on the Farm
- OKC was blanked by Sugar Land 6-0
- OKC only had two hits.
- The highlight was a perfect inning by Pedro Baez, who had 1 K.
- Nothing to see here…
- Tulsa lost 7-2
- Tulsa had but four hits.
- Kyle Hurt was beaten like a rented mule: 4 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 5 K, and he now owns a 9.82 ERA. YIKES!
- Never speak of this again!
- Great Lakes was beaten 2-1 by the Lansing Lug Nuts.
- Move along!
- Rancho Cucamonga lost 3-2 to San Jose
- Ronan Kopp gave up two runs in 3 IPs. Nuff Said! He did strike out 5.
- We will call yesterday Bloody Saturday as all 4 top minor league teams lost.
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Discussion (72)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Who needs Soto when we have Outman
So who are the ones here who have been touting for Mr Outman to be brought up?
Step forward to receive your honor…..
James “awesome” Outman!
Giants trade for Machado!!
When Taylor comes back he replaces Outman. Assuming he isn’t traded, when Rios is ready, (or the Dodgers get another bat) does he replace Muncy? I would think Lamb/Thompson are worth keeping.
I’m really happy for Outman. A homer in your first AB must just be an unbelievable feeling. I always thought he was very athletic. He’s put up solid numbers in the minors, but nothing eye-popping. But, the word is that the Dodgers did with Outman what they tried to do with Jaren Kendall. Try to completely change his swing. So far, so good. His swing is smooth and fairly compact for a 6-3 frame. He’s also “The Best Fielding Outfielder in the Organization”. I want to see more.
When Eric first suggested bringing him up, I argued that he hasn’t played above AA and he should get some time at AAA before being considered. Just one month in AAA and he had a game of a lifetime. Way to make the most of your opportunity.
I’m not going to discount James as a 4th or 5th outfielder. He has the defensive chops for Center Field and the bar just isn’t that high for offense at the position. He’s got some pop, he’s got some speed and he’s a very good defender. I’m going to say that he can stick at the position. He can be to CF what Will Smith is to C.
But, I must say, it sure looks like an audition for other teams just ahead of the deadline. If he does get traded, I wonder if he’ll turn into the next Jason Worth. If he doesn’t, maybe he’s the guy to platoon with Trace, or put pressure on Belli to make an adjustment, or eventually take his place?
Good luck James Outman! I really rooting for you.
So, Tony G was solid today. Not great, not bad. In the end, 3 runs in 5 innings on 92 pitches is a walk in the park at Coors field. I sure hope he’s getting over the hump. If it weren’t for a weird 3 run third, he looked like his old self.
Less than 48 hours to the trade deadline and there hasn’t been a ton of action around the league, much less with the Dodgers. It feels like they’re big game hunting before committing to filling any perceived holes. They grabbed another reliever that they want to fix. I’m optimistic that they can make him better. He’s got a solid fastball, but none of his secondary pitches seem to work, but they do induce grounders at an extremely high rate. Yes, David Robertson is a better pitcher, but no, you wouldn’t get him for Zach McKinstry.
If this were Christmas, I would be thinking that we might just be on the naughty list this year. I feel like a kid at Christmas. I don’t really need anything, but want something anyways.
Let’s find Max a new home.