Excuse me for borrowing the title of one of my favorite baseball movies, but it is a perfect title for this post. Baseball is at a crossroads in my humble opinion. For years, I was a traditionalist. Still prefer the old-style NL game. But it this day and age, that kind of baseball has become very boring for the most part… at least to younger fans. And that is where the future of the game lies.
Promotions and giveaways fuel the attendance, and in some cases, star players. I doubt the Angels would draw as well as they do without Mike Trout. The Dodgers draw because they have had a run of success unprecedented in the team’s history. As good as the Boys of Summer were, they never won 8 years in a row. 2 was their best. And they did that twice. Of course, it was a much different game then. Now teams have to rely on the bullpen more than ever, and a weak starting staff can wear one out in a hurry. Injuries can also contribute to overuse as the Padres are learning the hard way.
Free agency changed the game forever with stars allowed to change teams if their contract demands were not met. They now get traded before they can walk without the team receiving anything but a draft choice in return. Dodgers have gotten a few of those these last several years and kept only a couple while others moved on. Betts is the best example, and I have to believe that Mookie is going to start lighting it up at some point. He just has way too much talent not to.
I was inspired to write about this after I signed into my MLB.com account to change my password, and they asked me to take a survey, which I did. There were questions about Covid-19 and the response of my state government and the Feds. But after that, they got down to some baseball questions about rule changes. I submitted my answers, and I tried to be as honest about them as I could. I am for the universal DH. Anything to not see pitchers hitting anymore.
As a Dodger fan, that may seem a bit off somehow since they have had pretty good success, especially the last several games. But still, pitchers usually are not that successful, and I have always disliked seeing a chance to score squashed because some weak-hitting pitcher comes up to bat. I am against the runner on second in extra innings. I know it gives both teams a chance to score and keep games from being overly long. But it just reeks of little league baseball to me.
I think suspended games should be played from the point of the suspension rather than being started all over again, and by rule, players losing their stats from that game. I am for the automated K zone. As bad as umpires have been calling balls and strikes over the last several years, it is needed. Also, I think these radical shifts should not be allowed. Of course, if hitters just would go the other way, they would disappear. There is a rule being tested in one of the minor leagues where the infielders must be on the infield dirt, are not allowed on the grass, and there can only be 2 infielders on either side of second base. I like that rule.
I think eventually, baseball will once again expand the rosters to 28. They will either do that, or there will be taxi squads available to immediately replace dinged-up players with healthy ones. Especially if a player has a minor injury that is only going to keep him from playing for a couple of days. That makes sense to me. They do have extra players on road trips for this purpose. It would work kind of like the NBA’s game available list. Now, after this season, the players and MLB have to sit down and hammer out a new CBA. I think, and I honestly believe that this is going to be one of the more contentious negotiations in MLB history.
There are a lot of things Manfred has been doing that have the players in a fighting mood. And this latest crackdown on substances on the ball is just another Manfred decision that makes you shake your head and wonder about the future of the game. In my opinion, another work stoppage or strike would be very damaging to the game itself. And unfortunately, I do not trust the powers that be on either side to bring this to a quick and amicable solution.
I also believe the owners do not want another work stoppage, especially after the truncated season and lost revenue in 2020. But it is obvious that changes are needed. They cracked down on PED’s, but it took them years to get over the stigma caused by their use. Manfred to me at least is not a leader and is one of the weakest Commissioners in baseball history.
The Dodgers themselves will have some hard decisions to make after the season. They have some free agents to deal with who have been vital to the team’s success: Kersh, Seager, Taylor. I do not think Kersh will get another 3 year 90 million contract. I would like to see them keep Corey. But we will have to see what kind of deal he wants. Taylor to me is a no-brainer. He is valuable in so many ways, and there really is no one in the organization who comes close to being as versatile. 2 years with an option would be perfect in my mind. Gives the better kids in the organization time for development and seasoning.
Of course, if things go south in the CBA negotiations, it will all be a moot point. If The Dodgers were not where they are in the standings, and were playing very badly, would they consider trading Corey or Kersh? Even Taylor? I do not think so. I believe if they trade anyone at the deadline, it will be some minor leaguers who have an upside or fringe players like Raley. Only time will tell, and hopefully, all sides make the right decisions For Love of the Game.
Discussion (21)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Happy Father’s Day to all you fathers.
For those of us who are Andrew Toles fans, Bob Nightengale has a really heartbreaking update on him, as per the following link. His Dad, Alvin, must be one helluva guy. This is what being a good father is all about. My heart goes out to him.
https://sports.yahoo.com/wants-son-back-father-dodgers-120054485.html
Tatis reinjured his shoulder yesterday. Did not look good. If he is out it will make it a little easier for the Dodgers in the upcoming series at SD. And we probably will have Belli and Max back too.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Might be a blessing in disguise. He already had 100 pitches
Buehler is dealing tonight. Offense getting runners on, but has missed some chances to add on.
Will Smith is kicking ass tonight. Three for three with a home run.
Latest Doc update on injuries says Seager to rehab assignment early next week as opposed to mid or late next week as reported yesterday. Belli ready to go in the San Diego series and Muncy for Game 2 or 3. I thought Belli wasn’t eligible to come off until the 2nd game. My math could be wrong.
The problem against lefties is that he has looked so bad against breaking balls and he takes fastballs right down he middle. It’s like has no plan of attack. How about this. If it’s spinning take it and look fastball and swing!
Lux has .148 AVG at 54 AB against LHP.
For only 54 AB, some here, are creating a narrative that he can’t hit LHP and that he’s a platoon player, are you serious?
54 AB equals, approximately, 13 games or two weeks, It’s unbelievable, I can’t believe it,, 54 AB !!!
With the right handed pinata, sacrificial lamb Matt Peacock on the hill, the Dodgers will roll out their “Surviving” lineup…
Betts CF
Lux SS
Turner 3B
Smith C
Beaty 1B
Taylor 2B
Pollock LF
Z-Mack RF
Bueller P
I’m more confident in this group in the playoffs than our offense against lefties even when healthy.
I am now promoting Nelson into the late, meaningful inning group along with Gonzalez,Treinen and Kenley. Kelly soon to follow if he keeps throwing his fastball. Price when he becomes more comfortable out of the pen. Add Graterol when he gets up and running (his slider is the key) and Knebel when healthy. That is a bullpen worthy of October
Why can’t pitchers hit? Many of them were the best player on their team growing up. Other players must play both offense & defense. Why not pitchers? So far as the shift, let the team put their players any place on the field with the exception of pitcher & catcher. Before his latest injury, Belli was batting with one out and Lux was in first. The one infielder on the left side of the infield was about ten feet from second base. Why not bunt toward third base? Instead he hits it hard into the shift resulting in double play! ABS could improve ball/strike accuracy.
Not in an arguing mood. We all have out opinions and that is what this blog is about. Like I said, I am at heart a baseball purist. I wish the game was like it was when I was growing up. I could really live without analytics, the shift, men on second in extra innings, starters who only go 5 or 6 innings, 20 K’s a game between the two teams, hitters making millions who barely clear the Mendoza line, pitch framing, umpires with short fuses who have no clue what the strike zone is, drunken fans doing the wave, which has been passé since the 80’s, walks by relievers, the 3 true outcome game. I would love to see more bunts for base hits, batters using the whole field instead of trying to pull everything. Example, Will Smith is a much better hitter when he takes the pitch where it is thrown. Remember, this kid is less than a year in the bigs by games played, and has 30 dingers and is the ONLY player in Dodger history to record 5 hits in a playoff game. He has played 147 games in his career and has 90 RBI’s. My kind of catcher and he has improved his defense and game calling skills. As for Pujols, as a player he has my total respect. He plays the game right and brings so much to the clubhouse and bench. it is painful to watch him try and run. But for a guy his age to still even be out there, well, it takes real dedication to put oneself through that kind of regimen, and by all reports, he is the first guy in almost every day. Calling him Fat Albert, well, I like his other nicknames better, the Machine, and El Hombre.
Great stuff again Bear, as always
* I agree with most everything you said, with a couple exceptions. I want the DH and have been a convert. I have no desire to watch pitchers hit. They risk injury and it is a free out, mostly, for NF pitchers
I like the extra inning rule and think it not only shortens games but creates instant drama in the 10th. I like to see different strategies as well.
*The ABS can’t happen soon enough.
* I think a work stoppage is possible as there is so much contention and dislike between the sides. It would be very clumsy. Your point that the owners my may not be financially willing to get to that point after the last year and a half. I hope you’re right and good sense prevails. Something I don’t associate with Rob Manfred.
Great thoughts and analysis Bear
* “Dancing around the raindrops” is a great description of Bauer’s pitching. He is extremely fun to watch go about his business. He takes to the next level the personal competition he has with each hitter. He’s really fun to watch.
* And another shutout by the bullpen.
* If Lux doesn’t kick it in against lefties, he will end up platooning at 2nd when Seager comes back. His .148 / .451 ain’t gonna cut it as an everyday infielder.
* I’m glad Lux wasn’t hurt at 2nd on dp try in the 4th. But he doesn’t know how to get out of the way. And he’s not alone. It’s a lost art. The rules, beginning in youth leagues, now allow the fielder to basically stand in the base path on the pivot to first. Players no longer possess the ability get up and out of the way with a sliding baserunner. A properly executed “take-out-slide” isn’t taught anymore either. My players (and me) knew 5 pivots at second and practice each one. Some were based on the incoming throw and others were to vary your looks so the baserunners couldn’t predict where you’d be on the turn.
* You will never hear me openly disrespect major league baseball players or teams. You won’t hear me called any club “a AAA club” to devalue a Dodger opponent. These guys are in the big leagues for a reason. They have put in years of work and have obviously found some success. They deserve credit and respect, especially from armchair critics who never played past high school. And you will never hear me use the term “Fat Albert”. It’s disrespectful and comes from a character from Bill Cosby who I really don’t want to credit for anything.
We’re there any Diamondback fans in the stands last night? It had to have set some MLB record for greatest percentage of away fans at a game. Incredible! Pantone has to be the greatest traveling fan base in baseball history. My son and I travelled to San Diego in 19 with them. I know for a fact it’s the greatest alcohol consuming fan base in baseball history. Super fun!
Kyle Barraclough is available
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/06/pirates-trade-rumors-closer-richard-rodriguez.html
Seager can go at the end of the season and there is no problem, enough of “great hitter, poor defensive and not always healthy” If it were up to me, I would let him go and try to sign Baez, cheaper, much better defense, good hitter, and a fact that is not talked about much, and perhaps it is not important, but he is Latino, that would be great for the Latino community. Urias and Gonzalez are the only ones currently, but not a single batter. (For obvious reasons, I did not mention Pujols)
I agree that this next CBA negotiation is going to be a shit show. Manred has been catching a lot of heat from the players and rightfully so. I’m wondering if balls and strike calls are really that bad, or if it’s perceived that way since the box is on the screen. I too hate the shift and thought it would go away over time when teams started going the other way and taking the free hit. I’m sure Tony Gwynn, Rod Carew and Wade Boggs would do that and try to hit 400.
When you start making new rules, you open a Pandora’s box. I don’t recall a lot of new rules until they implemented instant replay, then the Posey rule at home, then the Utley rule at second base, then a three batter rule, the 15 day DL changed to 10 days and now it’s the IL for some reason, teams changing their names because everything is racist. Still can’t close that damn box. Now, they’re experimenting with larger bases, moving the mound back, screwing with the baseball constantly, shift rules, etc. After all this, the game is less watchable than ever. So what do they want to do? Fix it with more rule changes?
I know I’m in the minority on this site, but I hate the DH. We had it last year, I didn’t really hate it, but now that we have real baseball again, I enjoy the pitchers hitting more than ever. People don’t like the three outcome type baseball? Put the DH in the NL to add another three outcome hitter and take away more strategy. That makes perfect sense.
Steven Souza Jr. was the player of the game last night. I’ve been hearing everyone gushing about what a great guy he is. I’ve seen a couple of interviews with him and I get it. He has such a great attitude and you feel like he’s very genuine when he speaks. This guy completely destroyed his knee a couple of years ago and he goes all out for that ball against the wall last night going knees first into the wall. I love this guy already. Then he bombs a line drive to break a 0-0 tie. I’m hoping for a big resurgence for him.
Sadly, the Dodgers made another mediocre lefty look like Cy Young. But, they did do some damage against a lefty reliever as SSJ homered, Lux walked and Burnes doubled against Mantiply. I think things will improve when the team is closer to full strength.
Every time Mookie has a multi-hit game, we hear that he’s back! Then he proceeds to follow it up by wearing the collar. The press is very kind to him.
Trevor went 7 scoreless last night without gooping. My prediction that his next 4 starts will be better than his last 4 is right on track. Cassidy says it was against a AAA team. Well, Cassidy. You didn’t qualify that his last 3-4 starts included Houston, the top offense in baseball. I maintain my position. Bauer will still be a top pitcher, with or without the goop.
Here’s the teams he played when you calling him out with total runs as of today and his IP Earned runs he allowed.
HOU 384 / 6.0 / 2
STL 278 / 6.2 / 3
ATL 330 / 6.0 / 3
TEX 274 / 6.1 / 4
ARI 298 / 7 / 0
He gave up 7 runs to the two worst offenses and held the 3 best to 6 runs. So much for your AAA theory.
Raley has no trade value. DJ Peters is the type of guy we could see let go.
Vinny’s contributions to this movie is one of the reasons I really love the movie. Vintage Scully for sure.