Being no-hit in baseball is humbling, humiliating, embarrassing, and in this case, it is a wake-up-call! Bear was right yesterday, these are not the 2020 Dodgers. This version is different from last year. Gone are the “all-or-nothing” bats of Kike and Joc who have been replaced by McKinstry and Lux. That has not been a problem. The problems is that the team has gotten poor production from Betts, Seager and Bellinger. Of course, injuries have been a part of it, but that is no excuse. The mantra is “next-man-up!” The next man up has also not delivered. I happen to think that will change, but change is hard.
This 2021 version of the Dodgers is not the same as the 2020 version – that much is true, but when they are back to full health… which is not far off, last night’s embarrassment could be the impetus to change. We know these guys can hit and score runs – they have done that better than any other NL team. They are #1 in runs scored in the NL. The problem is that some nights, they simply show up and sleepwalk through the game. It’s something you can see or at least “sense.” Last night, I went to bed in the 4th inning (which is about the 5th or 6th time I have done that) because I was certain that they were not going to hit. When I got up today and saw the no-no, I was not surprised.
This problem is not a lack of talent. It’s a lack of resolve. It involves changing your thinking and as a result, your mindset. The Dodgers can put up runs line no other NL team, but it seems like it is feast or famine: Everyone hits or no one hits! These guys have to change their thinking. They have to realize that “I can make a difference in this at-bat” and feel the need to do so. I am not in their heads, but it may involve a change in visualization. Successful athletes in all sports can visualize what happens before it happens and that helps make it happen. 50% of this problem is 80% mental.
Last night’s no-no can be a “stepping stone” or a “stumbling block”. This is the choice the Dodger hitter now face. “you were no-hit… what are you going to do about it?” I say “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.” Mookie and JT need to have a “players only” meeting and challenge the entire team to get better. It’s not one big thing… it’s a dozen little things:
- Hitting the other way
- Laying down a bunt when the other team shifts
- Not always trying the pull the ball
- Stealing a base
- Hitting behind the runner
- Threatening to steal to disrupt the pitcher
- Focusing and visualizing what you want to happen
Those things don’t always work, but if they work only 20% of the time, it will impact games. Some have asked why Turner was not playing last night or why Price was pitching. It’s easy to tell you why Price was pitching: BECAUSE HE HAS TO! He is learning a new role in the bullpen and he has to pitch as much as possible if he is going to be a factor down the stretch and in the playoffs.
Why Justin Turner did not play is something we will probably never know, but to somehow put it on Doc is pretty ignorant. He could have felt sick, maybe his knee was tweaked, maybe he was a little tired, or maybe it was his planned day off. We don’t have the inside information, but Dave Roberts does. This team is very, very good, and capable of scoring lots of runs. Witness their 13-2 start. Maybe that start caused this malaise. There is such a thing as a “World Series Hangover.” They have played well in spurts and poorly in other spurts.
Dave Roberts can literally “push the button” and get them to focus and play better, but the key is: DO NOT DO IT TOO SOON. I think it will cure itself. These guys will wake up and win the NL West GOING AWAY! In six games, they will be at the halfway point. This is a horse race and they are almost at that halfway point. They don’t have to do what Calidoscopio did in the Breeders Cup in 2018, when he went from last to first, blowing the entire field away, in what may have been the best horse race ever. The Dodgers are just 4.5 games back. That can be made up in a week!
So, I do not see doom and gloom. I do not think the bullpen is bad and I give little credence to those who only comment when things are not going well. It’s a knee-jerk reaction. This team will get hot down the stretch and win it all, just like Calidoscopio did, because they are thoroughbreds… maybe right about now, they need to act like junkyard dogs!
Tomorrow, we have another real treat from Dodger Chatter. Stay tuned!
Dodger Minor League Player Notes
- Kaybear was 2-3 and walked twice.
- Scott Alexander and the Bazooka each pitched an inning and gave up runs. Alexander is getting close, but they are working with the Bazooka on some new stuff. Bazooka might be down for a while.
- It was good to see Jacob Amaya go 3-4 with a BB. He has been struggling.
- 6′ 7″ Mark Washington continues to dazzle at Tulsa, He is 2-0 with a 1.19 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP. He has a 94-95 MPH fastball, a nice change, and a decent slider. The rap on him in the past is that he walks too many batters. He has solved that problem this year and could move up rapidly. He pitched 1.2 hitless innings last night, striking out 3.
- Brandon Lewis hit his 10th HR of the season at RC. Watch this guy.
Discussion (46)
Disagree, not disagreeable
It was a fun game for me because they did what I have been asking: “Mookie, Lux, Bellinger and CT3 have to steal bases” and today they did, in the first run scored Bellinger steals the base and scores, great !!!
The offense takes on another dimension if you add the base steal to a line up that has the potential from 1 to 8 to finish with 20 + HR.
I hope that adding the SB there was something planned before the game and not something that Bellinger and Mookie came up with at the time, I hope that combining power + speed on offense is the new way, a strategy, of the team, that would be a lot of fun to see, they can do it !!!
Yeah, because the Dodgers had a four-run lead, it wasn’t a save for Kenley.
But after these last four games, it sure felt like one…
Nice that McKinstry and Pollock came through, and also Mookie and Muncy in the end.
But Lux continues to struggle.
When Seager comes back, should Lux continue to start? And if it’s a platoon at 2B, should it be Taylor/McKinstry?
Nice seeing Jansen come in to close a non-save at home for a change.
It wasn’t a clean inning by Jansen, but he look good
Man I’m glad for Pollock, he needed that and so did the Dodgers
Now let’s keep it going!!
Dodgers 0 for 7 RISP, 7 LOB after 5 innings.
Arrieta the latest pitcher with a plus – 5.00 ERA to shut the Dodgers down.
Pages & Valera double-donging tonight.
Bad news. Giants won again.
Lux’s Batting Average dropping like a re-entry capsule returning to earth.
Kelly seems to be continuing his progression.
Knock on wood !!!
Gonsolin ,,, Pitching well and decent pitch count and doc pulls him?
and just like that…….Belli makes me look dumb.
A base hit and a stolen base!!
lol
Bravo a hit!!!!
I can’t believe the dislike of Gonsolin here. Take a look at his career stats. When he is healthy he is good.
First inning Dodger’s pitcher recives a HR..game over…as usual… unbelievable
5th straight game with a HR given up in first inning, unbelievable.
0-4 against Cubs this year, will they show up tonight. Not feeling real optimistic the way Gonsolin has been so far this year.
Jo Jo Gray allegedly threw live batting practice today. If he gets healthy, he will be on the MLB team.
I’m not sure how this comes down to Corey or Cody. In reality it comes down to contract demands and if it makes sense. They tried to give Corey an extension, he apparently wants to see what’s out there like Justin did.
I find it odd that they don’t lock up some guys long term early on like other teams seem to do. I haven’t see that happen under this regime.
And then the biggest thing to consider is there isn’t a CBA beyond this year, so it’s hard to figure out what Cody will get without know what the cap or tax is going to look like.
Other options are to let Kershaw walk and to trade Betts. After seeing a preview of what Mookie’s sunset years are going to look like, I would definitely trade him before he locks in 5 and 10 rights on this team. But, then again, that could be gone in the next CBA as well.
So great being a baseball fan. A new day is a new chance to win. No thinking about the last loss for a few days or a week.
Who would you rather have, player A or player B?
Player A – .247/.365/.453/.818
Player B – .282/.349/.447/.796
Interesting read on ESPN about how MLB is trying to fix the game. Moving the mound back is about to be implemented in an Independent league. Modifying the rules of the shift is also out there. And one other thing, playing normal baseball through 11 innings, and then having the runner on second after that. But the big focus is on cutting down strikeouts and increasing the action. Kidd to become the coach of the Mavericks.
Tonight’s Line up…..Betts, RF Muncy, 1B Turner, 3B Bellinger, CF Smith, C Lux, SS Pollock, LF McKinstry, 2B Gonsolin, P…..Arietta has a 5-8 record and a ERA of 5.45. He is not a huge strikeout pitcher, so they should be able to at least make some contact off of him. Aaron Nola of the Phillies has tied Tom Seaver’s mark of 10 straight strikeouts in the Phil’s game tonight against the Mets. And he also contributed a double to the offense.
I know that my opinion will not be popular but there is zero chance that I sign Bellinger long term. No way. I don’t think I sign him even to a “home town discount” deal. I just really don’t want him long term and with Boras in the meeting, theres no chance of that.
He was a great player for the first half of 2019 and really, that is about it. For the deal he is going to want, Ill take my chances without him. He may be the least clutch hitter on the team from a eyeball perspective and I don’t think his body holds up with that swing. I have seen some compare to Tiger Woods, which I agree with, but also a Tim Lincecum, who was amazing, but his body couldn’t handle the torque.
Defensively, Belli is fantastic at multiple positions for sure but that isn’t enough for a HUGE deal
Seager, who knows. I could literally flip a coin and not be disappointed with either outcome. With Lindor off the table, maybe sign him. I think that I would still rather have Story.
It going to be interesting to see how this team changes over the next 3 years. I don’t think it’ll look anything like it does this year.
Two former Dodgers in the baseball news today, Danny Columbe selected by the Twins and brought to the roster and Brett deGues was claimed on waivers by the D-Backs.
With our four game skid it is time for Tony G. to step up and pitch big. Unfortunately I’m going pessimistic and thinking he won’t even pitch 3 innings and he’ll get “lit up.” Then again what does it matter when the Dodger offense can’t do anything. Fire RVS.
Ever ask yourself why the Dodgers have a “game planning” coach? What exactly does a game planning coach do and why does he fail so miserably at that job? Baseball really is an easy sport to play. See ball…hit ball. See ball…catch ball. Go the other way as a hitter, if you’re a pitcher… pitch strikes and avoid the free passes. On defense… play fundamental baseball, don’t try to be too cute and glove throw the ball three feet above the first baseman. No when to “eat the ball,” rather than give up an extra base. Steal a base on offense, if you’re a pitcher hold a runner.
We need a “game planning” coach for what reason? Asking for a friend.
Perhaps we should acquire two more hitting coaches or an assistant to the assistant hitting coach. I feel better now. Win a freaking game.
I do not see a need for Adam Frazier. If everyone is healthy, CT3 is the 2B and while Frazier is having his best year, there’s not much difference between the two players… certainly not enough to give up a big trade chip.
To change the subject from our inability to hit, I was thinking again about this mid-season crackdown on using a foreign substance, or two.
Pitchers these days get a new pearl constantly throughout the game. And they are only treated on the surface by a mud rub. What might happen if baseballs stayed in the game longer? What if they lasted longer then one short hop to the catcher? What if they stayed in play and some of the shine wore off, they got a little seasoned and could be gripped better without having to resort to a foreign substance. I’m not talking about the old days when balls were black from tobacco juice or scrapped and cut mysteriously going around the infield.
Do you remember when a pitcher ran to first and when he was the third out, the first baseman flipped him the ball to take to the mound? Now the ball becomes a souvenir.
How many balls do you suppose are used in a game today? 12 dozen maybe? 144 baseballs doesn’t seem outrageous when they last a pitch or two. What if a ball was used longer and pitchers didn’t have a new slick one for damn near every pitch? Just a thought although some of the TSA security searches have been entertaining and the fans would miss out on the souvenirs.
All is well.
The Dodgers are great.
They just got no hit so things are looking up. (Maybe if they get no hit again things will be even better?)
They lose 1 run games, extra inning games, games against teams .500 and better. While they have injuries, uninjured players are mostly not playing well (exceptions being Muncy, Taylor, Smith, Turner, Buehler, Jansen and Treinen).
They aren’t motivated to win – really? If so, isn’t that the manager’s job? What’s Roberts doing if not motivating the team? It can’t be high strategy.
A team with the likes of Betts and Kershaw needs motivation to win? Maybe they have the wrong players.
Nate Jones and Zack Godley elect free agency.
Possible trade targets:
Ketel Marte of the Dbacks and Starling Marte of the Marlins are playing well on teams that should be sellers. So is Adam Frazier of the Pirates.
Hmm….
Ketel is a personal favorite. I like Belli’s speed in CF, but he’s excellent at 1B, and Muncy has shown he could slide over to 2B. This would enable Ketel to play CF… Or maybe Ketel supplants Pollock in LF and Taylor/Lux/McKinstry share 2B. Whatever. Frazier, whose current OPS is about .200 higher than Lux’s, could simply slide into 2B–but he’s got some versatility too, as does Starlin.
Yeah, I think AF needs to do something. These three are proven major leaguers who are playing well. Trevor Story will be shopped, but assuming Seager comes back, he’s less of a fit–and the idiot Rockies may be reluctant, but Story fits the “rental” label. The Dodgers right now have a lot more questions than answers, especially on offense.
MT said today what I have been lobbying for all year: It’s not one big thing… it’s a dozen little things:
“Hitting the other way
Laying down a bunt when the other team shifts
Not always trying the pull the ball
Stealing a base
Hitting behind the runner
Threatening to steal to disrupt the pitcher
Focusing and visualizing what you want to happen”
I would add as part of the hundred little things that can improve, an emphasis on fundamental defensive baseball. Poor tags, not making routine plays routinely, pitchers late covering first base, lazy pitchers not hustling to back up bases. It’s death by paper cuts. A team can get away with shitty fundamentals when they score a ton of runs but winning baseball against good teams requires doing the little things that matter. It’s called winning baseball. Aside from in-game decision making, this is my complaint with Doc. It’s a failure of management and the coaches as much as the players. Doc doesn’t bat of pitch of run the bases but he allows his teams to NOT to do the little things and play aggressively.
This too shall pass. I think we heat up at the right time when SF comes to town….
I kind of saw last night coming. The way they were hitting in San Diego was not very awe inspiring. But I have seen them no hit before, and a few years ago when Utley was on the team, they were no hit twice. Arrieta and Feirs did it within a 9 day period. Arrieta is pitching tonight against the Catman. So you have to think the BP is going to be busy. HR’s sink them again, Buehler has now given up 13 which ties him for second on the team with Urias. Bauer leads the starters with 17. Kersh has given up 11. And they are getting beat by the guys who are not hitting a ton either. Starters have put the team behind the 8 ball early the last 4 games. So it was not a fun game to watch. Their futility against a guy who gave up 8 runs to the Marlins in his last start was just not a great evening of TV. But last night after the game, as often happens to me anymore, I had a hard time winding down and could not sleep. So I watched a documentary on Robin Williams. It was brilliantly done. He was always one of my favorites. And he was such a tortured soul. And it helped me put things in perspective I think. I love the game of baseball, but I have not played in years. So I cannot put myself in these guys shoes and even comprehend how they handle something like this. Obviously, you have to put last nights performance in the rear view mirror and get yourself ready for today. The talent is there. As for intensity, well, keeping players focused for 162 games is almost impossible. There are going to be nights when they look flat and play flat, and last night was one of them. They just came off of a very emotional and disappointing 3 games in San Diego. I have to believe they are all looking deep inside themselves after last nights game, and will come out with a better effort tonight. 4 game losing streak, 4.5 behind the Giants and basically in a dead heat with SD. Get better or miss the playoffs, it is that simple..
Yeah, the no-hitter could be for the best. I like the optimistic take. Plus, I don’t think I ever heard of Tulsa’s Mark Washington before. Another reliever to watch.
And yet… and yet…
We really have seen Cody Bellinger play like an MVP since 2019. There have been flashes, but the offense has been spotty for a long time now. Right now, in a key moment, I’d rather see Muncy or Turner at the plate.
Corey Seager was absolutely great at the end of 2020, winning those MVPs. But he is streaky. And when he returns, are we really expecting MVP-caliber Corey? And will he suddenly be less injury-prone?
Mookie is not close to Mookie-caliber. Just looked it up: His OPS is at .818, which would be good for most players–but his career OPS is .890. (Still, it’s .100 higher than Pollock.)at That near-half-season slump seems about right. Muncy is at .943 ( All Star!), with a significant drop to Turner, Smith and Taylor before we get to Mookie. And more than 100 points later, at .687, is that young hotshot who’s getting that long runway. Lux rhymes with… no, I that would be mean. But as Stu Nance might have told Chick, “That won’t get it done.” Nope, not at all.
So yes, the Dodgers are in dire need of strong returns from Seager and Belli, who have at least proven themselves in the past. Improvement from Mookie seems likely. Less confident about Pollock, though he has been streaky.
So… how should AF upgrade this offense?
Good post, Mark.
Not familiar with Mark Washington. Has AC [or DC] done a scouting report on him?
If healthy Gonsolin is a great #5 starter. He was placed in a bad situation last playoffs. Never had any kind on a defined role. And I’d bring up Graterol just because he’s not doing well at OKC. It hasn’t worked with the guys playing well there.
I have never understood why they insisted on Price moving to the pen. IMHO he is our best option for the Nr. 5 starter with May out.
I am not a big fan of Gonsolin to begin with and since last years playoffs I have not much confidence in him.
Bazooka again was wobbly last nigh at OKC. I am not sure he will be a factor this season.
Many here are saying the Dodgers will make a move soon with an easy schedule coming up in July. Would not be so sure about that if Belli, Mookie are not getting on track soon and Cory looking to be out longer than expected.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The last series in Arizona happened twice, with Mookie at first base hitting Turner and with Lux at first base hitting Pujols, Turner and Pujols kept the count 3 and 2, knowing that they both make a lot of contact, neither Betts, nor Lux ran, it was a natural hit and run, and they ended up in a double play, that makes me desperate that they are so passive to play, the only way I had to score was for Turner or Pujols to hit a double against the wall or an HR.
They have to add base steal to their offensive arsenal, Betts, CT3, Bellinger and Lux can do it.
I am not saying this because the team is losing it is something they should do in every game, exploit the players’ tools, use them !!!
Yes Mark, you are absolutely right, is the mindset.
Go Dodgers.
Mark, I agree with everything you say. But why haven’t they been doing this all year. Why now. This is why I do not like Robert’s as a manager. Why don’t we hit the other way? Why don’t we steal? Why don’t we bunt against the shift? We have Lux, Taylor. Bellinger, and Betts who can steal, and they do not. They just wait for the HR. When we are scoring 0-3 runs a game, you need to manufacture runs. Doc will not do it, and yet that was his game when he played. Doc is the leader of the team. They are not fun to watch. Other teams like San Diego, SF, want it more than the Dodgers. I will not accept injuries as an excuse. Every team has injuries. Fire Doc. I know that will not happen, but it should.
Mark. You said:
“It’s easy to tell you why Price was pitching: BECAUSE HE HAS TO! He is learning a new role in the bullpen and he has to pitch as much as possible if he is going to be a factor down the stretch and in the playoffs.”
If you thought the game was essentially over at 3-0 then pitching Price is fine. But I didn’t think the game was over at 3-0 and that’s why I questioned the move to have Price pitch.
Keep in mind he had a 1.62 WHIP and .830 OPS going into the game and now has a 1.74 WHIP and .866 OPS after his performance last night.
Give Price innings in blowout games until he can prove he deserves better.
This current Dodger team, obviously, isn’t playing very good baseball right now. It’s easy to blame Roberts, but the players are the ones not executing. The games are unwatchable. The pitching has been good overall. The defense hasn’t been good all season. I attribute that to injuries with the replacement players not MLB ready and playing positions they aren’t qualified to play. The Dodgers value versatility, but this had lead to incompetent play in the field and offensively. The hitting has been awful recently. Most here thought that with the return of Bellinger, Muncy, and Betts that the offense would return to being productive. Bellinger can’t stay healthy which is making it difficult for him to get on track. He’s had one productive game since his return from his broken leg. Muncy was hitting well before his injury so let’s hope he can return to that level soon. With Mookie, who knows what’s going on with him. I assume he is injured. Roberts is always closed mouthed when it comes to injuries. He never gives a straight answer or tries to BS away any questions about injuries. Will the return of Seager help to get things going? With hand injuries, even though they have healed, can cause issues with swinging a bat. I agree with those that suggest trying some old time basics to get the offense back on track. But, the Dodgers seem to be content with the home run, walk, or strikeout outcomes.
B O R I N G !
Boob Manfred continues to amaze with his ridiculous handling of finding the foreign substance abusers . The players are ratcheting up their mocking of his latest mandate. Manfred’s reaction is dismissive and arrogant toward the players. Only Manfred would decide in the middle of the season to enforce a rule that he has ignored to the point that it was ruining the game. That isn’t right. The proper thing to do is wait until the offseason to determine what should be done. That gives pitchers spring training to adjust if necessary. Manfred has for years tried to do things to speed up the game. So, with his out of the blue concern about foreign substance abuse he has caused the games to be longer. Does he even pay attention to what his actions do to the game? Hopefully, once the new agreement with the players union is completed the owners will fired him and hire someone who actually likes baseball.
Playing like chumps rather than champs! Looks like a bunch of overpaid ,non motivated fat cats who have nothing to play for with last year’s World Series trophy in hand. As Yogi used to say ,”it’s getting late,really early”. AF has his work cut out for him before the deadline. Another starter is needed (I like Berrios of the Twins), or another quality reliever. If they get a starter move Gonsolin or Urias to the bullpen. Not your 2020 Dodgers yet.
Wow, the comments last night were really out there. I think people are overly emotional. This team can’t hit 98 and can’t hit 89. Why do they lead the league in runs scored? Gavin Lux can’t even get a walk, he proceeds to get two. This team sucks! Maybe you should swap out your Red, White and Blue for some Orange and Black?
I expected the offense to be a little slow with Belli and Muncy coming off the DL. It wasn’t hard to predict that.
Baseball is a weird sport. Davies was effectively wild last night and the Dodgers had a hard time with the slow stuff. These things happen.
Mark my words, this is the calm before the storm. Hitting is contagious.
BacchusB and PorpoiseBoy are great additions. I love their light-hearted style.
It’s Friday, so at least there’s something to be happy about. It’s a beautiful early summer day in Huntington Beach. It’s nice and cool and no wind. I think it’ll be a good day for a bike ride before work. I’m going to the record store in the late afternoon with my son. Then, I’ll watch our Boys in Blue snap this losing streak later tonight.
I suggest some of you step away from your keyboards today and do something positive. Maybe do some breathing exercises, meditation? Anything to balance out the constant negativity.
Everybody has a take. I like what Trevor Bauer had to say after the Dodgers got swept in San Diego.
I’m not sure the intensity, the edge, the drive is there — too many injuries. Now It appears that Corey Seager’s return may be delayed, the wrist has not quite healed.
Some of this could change if Mookie Betts played like Mookie Betts. Maybe that begins next month.
It’s going to take Cody Bellinger time to acclimate, missed a lot of time. No question, the Dodgers miss Seager’s bat.
It’s a long season, until it isn’t. Maybe Farhan Zaidi can nurse an older Giants team over the finish line.
Maybe in July the Dodgers catch fire. Or maybe they simply can’t untwist their dysfunction. They’re finding lots of ways to lose.
As Mark cites the Dodgers lead in some hitting categories. Sometimes they score runs in bunches. They may produce six runs on five hits. But that seems like a flaw. They are patient, take lots of walks. But sometimes they have poor at bats in key situations. That was true a few seasons back and they finished well. But it’s frustrating. Some of it is mental.
But I’m sure the intensity is there. These are definitely not the 2020 Dodgers. Last year Mookie was Mookie, Seager had an MVP season, Joc and Kiki stepped up, Gonsolin had a great regular season. They need somebody to catch fire, ignite the team. Thinking that would be Seager, but he’s not on the field.
But it’s not just hitting, it’s defensive lapses too.
The risk of saving a team’s focus for when the time is right is that team forgets how to do it when the time is right. This is maybe my biggest gripe with Roberts. There is no sense of urgency. That culture comes from the top, and no way would Tommy just accept losing.
Overall, from a statistical perspective, the Dodgers rank about where they did in 2017, when they won … what was it? … 104 games? But if you remember, they had a knack for delivering when it mattered. It was uncanny how many walk off wins they had – in 17 and last year. They were focused and confident and did the small stuff needed to win.
This team is just listless.
I’ve read two people now make the claim that the Dodgers will be leading the division over the Giants at the end of July by the same number of games the Dodgers are currently behind. That’s a 9 game turnaround – in a month. Whatever the Dodgers need to do they better start doing it now or the season is just going to slip away.
“Yeah, but the Dodgers have cushy schedule coming up?”
That’s great, but it really doesn’t matter if the Dodgers simply can’t beat good teams. You typically encounter good teams when you get to the playoffs. Right now the Dodgers would get bounced in the first round.
Better to keep Graterol down. He needs to learn how to throw a four seam fastball and sequence pitches. The guy throws 100 and can’t strike people out.
Well put. Time to wake up and show the rest of the league just who we are, there’s still time.