If I knew that I had three months to live, I would root for Andrew Friedman to trade as many prospects as possible in order to win the World Series. Of course, only the good die young, so I will live to be 126 years old! Shoot, I’d tell Andrew Friedman to trade for David Bednar, Juan Soto, Luis Castillo, David Robertson, and JD Martinez. “Gut the farm. Who cares, I’ll be dead in 90 days?” Of course, we have no control over that, and sometimes I do think that the Baseball Gods would look down poorly on that, and all of a sudden, the team would be beset by a multitude of injuries.
I trust Andrew Friedman to do the right thing, but I just hope that Stan Kasten and Mark Walter don’t urge him to make some dope-fiend moves. I think the Dodgers can win if they stand pat… and call up Miguel Vargas. Shoot, trade for Joc Pederson and Kike Hernandez! I just wish August 3rd would get here so all of this conjecture can be put to rest, and we can just play baseball.
I have said it before, and I will say it again, “The Dodgers are the best team in baseball, but there is a degree of luck involved.” If the Dodgers stand pat, I am fine with it. If Friedman made a trade or four, I am also down with that. Just get it done. I am tired of all this “Trade Simulator Stuff.” It’s just Mental … well never mind! So, we wait.
Last night was an ugly game and at LADT we don’t do game recaps. You can find them anywhere on the web. I have never understood recaps in the days of streaming. Back in the 70s and 80s, we did not have enough recaps. Now with the internet, we have recaps out the Wazoo! A recap might be valuable if I didn’t see the game, but if I didn’t see the game, I just “speed watch” it. Technology is great.
Rants & Raves
- The Dodgers won 21 out of 23 and were 9-1 in their last 10 games (and nobody praised Doc) before losing these last two to the Nats, and of course, “Dave Roberts Lost the game for the Dodgers.” Rather than say that, you should just have “I’m a Dumbass” tattooed on your forehead. Let’s see, Doc does not have many options in the bullpen due to a lack of available arms. Doc had planned not to use Bickford (he had to anyway), Alex Vesia, David Price, Caleb Ferguson, and Evan Phillips, who were all unavailable in an effort to manage their workloads. The Dodgers have a lot of bullpen injuries, and Doc is trying to manage it. So he brought in Garrett Cleavinger, who was horrible and “DOC LOST THE GAME?” Cleavenger was brought in to do a job, and he failed, so it’s Doc’s fault? This is exactly why I call people “morons” because to say that is moronic! END OF RANT!
- According to the Draft Tracker, the Dodgers have not signed a single draft pick!
- Mitch White had a lot of “seeing eye hits,” but he did not walk anyone and struck out four. He deserved to win.
- When Jo Jo Gray harnesses his terrific movement, he should be filthy.
- Garrett Cleavinger has a major league arm but may not have the major league makeup!
- It’s only one error, but you could see the trepidation in Lux’s throw. I’m not calling it the Yips, but it does concern me… because it affects his entire game… and when a guy has a history of the Yips you have to pay attention. It’s that little hesitation… I’ll just chalk it up to “It happens.”
- Hopefully, the Dodgers can take BP on Corbin, and maybe Heaney can throw 5 this afternoon.
- There’s a “gag order” in effect in the Trevor Bauer appeal… and it’s evidently working!
Future Dodgers Down on the Farm
This one is short and sweet. OKC won 6-5 as Miguel Vargas was 2-4 with a BB and RBI, and Ryan Pepiot pitched 7 innings (84 pitches) and allowed 1 ER on three hits while walking three and striking out 6. Carson Fulmer got the win (he’s 5-1) by pitching the last two innings and allowing 1 H and 3 K’s.
Tulsa won 2-1 as Gavin Stone went six innings allowing three hits and 1 ER while walking three and striking out 6. Trust me… there’s nothing else to talk about.
Discussion (32)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Announcers compare Soto’s hitting to Ted Williams? Williams is one of the best all time hitters. Soto is under .250. Williams lost some of his prime years to the military as a Marine pilot. By the way, Lux is now hitting .301!
Are we forgetting about Rios at 3rd , or is he being added in any trade talk.
Pads and Giants lose. LA up 11.5 on SD and 17.5 on SF. Today was the Giants 51st loss. They lost 55 all of last year.
Lux’s horribly timed error yesterday hasn’t seemed to phase him. 2 for 2.
Good sign.
Padres lose in bottom of ninth on a walk off double by the Tigers. Let’s go Dodgers….no let up!
In a radio interview today David Vasey with Hansel Alberto was asked about the fist to the helmet gesture. He said TT was talking to the guys about the wolf of Wall Street. In one scene Di Caprio during a pep talk with the brokers said I’m not taking no for an answer and with microphone in hand hit his head.
Today Doc started Hanser Alberto. He has a hit and and rbi so far.
Doc is a genius!!
1 I’ve looked at Cleavinger’s upper level minor league stats and MLB stats.
2 When you use him expect trouble.
3 The game was winnable before Doc brought him in.
4 The manager is supposed to know this.
I think the trade for Juan Soto-Corbin is dead.
STB – you commented, regarding Cartaya’s tradability that “We already have Will Smith, considered one of the best catchers in all of baseball so the idea of splitting catching time between the two or moving Smith to third base is not optimal.” Why not? Catchers can transition easily to a corner. 3rd base saves Smith’s legs and keeps his bat in the line up.
Every time I see a Soto trade proposal, there’s a guy I really want to keep going back to the Nats. Justifiably so. I would want a great return if I were a Nats fan.
I would rather keep Miller, Cartaya, Vargas and Busch than include them in a Soto trade. I would much rather trade for Bell, with lesser prospects if even possible. If Bell and Taylor need to sit an extra day every so often to make Bell in the DH spot doable, so be it. You won’t need to worry about once the postseason starts. You don’t need to give players a breather at DH during the postseason.
The manager puts the player in and it is up to the player to perform PERIOD. Roberts did his job, Lux and Cleavinger did not. Lux is still here and will be unless traded. Cleavinger is on a plane back to OKC. Is Roberts a great in game manager? IMHO no. But he is exactly the kind of manager the front office wants him to be. There is no drama in the clubhouse. New players are made to feel like family, and he manages the ego’s pretty well.
If Andrew really wants Soto, he can beat anyone’s offer. Question of the day is does he REALLY want him.
If he does, it will probably take both Miller and Cartaya plus others.
We already have Will Smith, considered one of the best catchers in all of baseball so the idea of splitting catching time between the two or moving Smith to third base is not optimal. Therefore Cartaya is tradeable for the right (read spectacular return).
Miller has tremendous potential but has been very inconsistent. He’s already 23 and hasn’t even been promoted to AAA yet. Therefore Miller is tradeable for the right (read spectacular return).
As B&P has pointed out, Belli, even in his current state of play is still very valuable and might actually be in L.A. long term. If his 2023 mirrors 2022, AF won’t need to throw a 200 mil contract at him to keep him. As the worst hitter in the lineup, he might still be worth keeping.
JT is nearing the end of his every-day playing career and if Max doesn’t return to mostly normal Muncy he’ll probably be cut loose at the end of the year. That leaves 3rd base for Vargas next year and if he can’t cut it, we always have CT3 available or someone yet to be determined. And if JT finishes the year in the same manner he’s been performing over the past weeks, he’ll still be worth bringing back on a reasonable contract.
Dodgers get Soto.
Nats get: Miller, Cartaya, Pages/Ramos, Vivas/Leonard, Knack/Grove
2023 Lineup:
Mookie – RF
Soto – LF
Trea – SS (he’ll beg to come back now that we have Soto)
Freddie – 1B
Smith – C
JT/CT3 – DH
Vargas – 3B
Belli – CF
Lux – 2B
2023 Starting Rotation:
Urias
Buehler
May
Gonsolin
Kershaw/Pepiot/White/Stone
Assuming all the above start the year healthy, someone will give Anderson more than we would offer him. If not, he’s another option.
2023 Bullpen:
Treinen
Phillips
Fergy
Vesia
Graterol
VGon
Almonte
Nelson/Duffy/Pepiot/Kahnle/Bruihl/Fulmer
Okay, simple question. Simple answer is No.
Again, I don’t think you’re looking at trying to trade for Soto and a pitcher like Castillo. I like Juan Soto long term.
I’m guessing the Dodgers are also focused on the chance to acquire a generational talent, but with back-up plans in play as well.
Based on what has been written or said within the organization, there is apparently a serious effort to land Soto.
Maybe Soto is still in DC after the trade deadline with teams considering the ask too high. The Dodgers certainly have the prospects to get the deal done. But going all in for both a starting pitcher and Soto would really impact the farm system. I’m guessing there are a couple of pitchers they don’t want to trade. I’d definitely want to hold on to Vargas and Cartaya too. Even holding back four good prospects the Dodgers can still make a big deal. They would be able to sustain at a high level into the future. There is also a strong possibility that LA wants to keep Soto out of San Diego.
Maybe they just make a minor deal or two. But they need a bat. Max Muncy has become a rally killer and with more than half the season over, it really doesn’t like anything is going to change.
The Dodgers are the best team in baseball, but there are no guarantees that acquiring Soto or a pitcher … or both will win them a World Series. Baseball is a weird game.
Let’s see if the vs. lefty lineup is up to the task today.
JT returns at 3B
Munchy is on the bench, hanging out with Belli.
Trayce in CF, flanked by Mookie and Lux.
Smith at DH with Barnes at C, day game after a night game.
Hanser, Trea and Freddie round out the infield.
* After a rough day before, Mookie came out with a vengeance. Great players have so much pride I wasn’t surprised. His throws from the outfield were really exciting and got White off the hook.
* But I have to ask – after Soto’s out, why is White pitching to Bell with first base open? Walk that guy. Mookie rescued us after a poor decision.
* I also did not like Cleavenger back out there for the 9th when it was still 4-3.
* The “yip demons” are very patient.
* Gray had a knack for closing down potential big innings. He pretty much shut down Freedie and Will when they could have done damage.
* White needs to get some swing and miss. I did like him using his change up more. Orel made a great point. It’s good to see White get some length when he had average stuff at best. He deserved better.
*So, a little useless hypothetical question – with all of are pitching injuries, would Josiah Gray be with the Dodger staff now had he not been traded? Or would he be brought along slowly and be in AA or AAA still?
* I tried to help Muncy by suggesting that he swing the bat more even at borderline pitches. Well, that didn’t work. Now he’d swing at the rosin bag. How long is his leash? At some point doesn’t he have to sit? Maybe it’s a waiting game to see what turns up by the deadline. If no bat is involved, don’t we have to see Vargas? I’m sure he can hit .159
* We need to play better today.
I really don’t think it’s fair to use Belli and Muncy in the same sentence. Muncy is basically useless. Well, maybe not useless, but he should be considered a bench player for the rest of the season.
This is where Cody ranks today among CF’s in all of baseball. And that’s considering that Aaron Judge is listed as a Center Fielder. Does anyone really believe that Judge is a CF?
R 11th one less than Luis Robert
H 12th I’m actually surprised he’s this high
2B 10th Tied with George Springer
3B 9th
HR 8th
RBI 9th Tied with Adam Duvall
BB 13th
SB 8th
As you can see, he’s easily a top 10 CF, just on offense. So, we can complain all we want about Belli, but most teams have worse options. All those numbers move up a spot with Judge in RF where he belongs. Considering his defense, he’s probably closer to the 6th or 7th best option in the league.
Back to Muncy. Doc was talking about CT3 the other day and which positions he would play when he comes back. Somehow, CT3 is mostly considered to continue in LF and CF and some innings at second base. Doc went on to add that JT and Muncy all but have 3B covered. WHAT? WFT?
Are we really planning on extending Max’s runway? We haven’t seen enough? Hell, Zach McKinstry would be a better option right about now.
We have other options we can use at 3B. One is JT, when he comes back. Another is CT3 when he comes back. Z-Mack should be in AAA right now playing 3B with Vargas in LF. Jake Lamb has been an All-Star 3B in the past. It’s not like Max is an elite defender at the position, I don’t see how Jake would be a whole lot worse.
I understand that the trade deadline is coming, so now isn’t the time to start cutting guys from the roster. But, at the same time, there’s absolutely no reason to keep rolling Max out there on a daily basis. Let him earn it. Hell, I’d rather see Hanser play third every day until JT comes back. Tell me that a Hanser/McKinstry platoon would be worse than what we’re getting from Max. Max can always come in to pinch hit at take over 3B at the end of the game. It’s just crazy that Max has the same amount of AB’s over the last 15 games as Gavin Lux and Trayce Thompson and more Abs than Alberto, Barnes and McKinstry.
Once the trade deadline passes, CT3 and JT should be back in action. I had better not see Max in the starting lineup after that. Let him come off the bench and prove he can hit. Maybe he should take another IL stint himself and let him take the Max (imum) rehab assignment before bringing him back. JT, Lamb, Trayce and CT3 should be getting all of the DH / LF / 3B Ab’s. That’s 4 guys for 3 spots. CT3 needs to play 4-5 games per week. JT needs one day off per week. Trayce doesn’t need to be platooned. Lamb should be platooned and Hanser can get any leftovers. If Max isn’t on the IL, he should earn his AB’s coming off the bench.
Now, this isn’t to say that he should be cut or DFA’d or even traded. He could get back to the norm at some point, maybe even later this year. He could be back to being Max as early as next season. But, in August, he needs to be on the bench and stay there until he can hit his weight. Z-Mack has been on the bench it seems forever and has 1 AB in the last 15 games. What a joke. He should be playing in AAA, staying ready and all that bench time should go to Muncy.
3:10 PM ET
Nationals (34-65)
Dodgers (64-32)
SP Andrew Heaney L
1-0 .59 ERA 15.1 IP 23K
Confirmed Lineup
RF Mookie Betts R
SS Trea Turner R
1B F. Freeman L
DH Will Smith R
3B J. Turner R
CF T. Thompson R
2B H. Alberto R
C A. Barnes R
LF Gavin Lux L
Clear-day
0% Rain
77° Wind 7 mph Out
DODGERS ACTIVATE ANDREW HEANEY
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers activated left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney, recalled right-handed pitcher Jake Reed and optioned left-handed pitcher left-handed pitcher Garrett Cleavinger and right-handed pitcher Mitch White.
Heaney, 30, returns from the injured list and will make the start this afternoon. On the campaign, he is 1-0 with a 0.59 ERA (1 ER/15.1 IP) and 23 strikeouts in three games for the Dodgers. He has been in the Major Leagues parts of nine seasons with Miami (2014), Los Angeles-AL (2015-2021), New York-AL (2021) and Los Angeles-NL (2022) and he is a combined 33-38 with a 4.65 ERA (333 ER/644.2 IP) and 666 strikeouts. He signed with Los Angeles in free agency this offseason after spending parts of last season with the Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees.
Reed, 29, returns to the Dodgers for the first time since appearing in six games (one start) for Los Angeles in 2021. He has spent parts of two seasons in the Majors with Los Angeles and New York-NL (2021-22) and he is combined 1-1 with a 6.61 ERA (12 ER/16.1 IP) and 16 strikeouts. He began the season with New York, going 1-0 with a 11.37 ERA in five games with six strikeouts. Since being claimed by the Dodgers on July 13 from New York, he has appeared in two games for Triple-A Oklahoma City, going 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA (0 ER/2.0 IP) and three strikeouts. In his minor league career, spanning eight seasons, he is a combined 2-15 with a 3.75 ERA (153 ER/367.0 IP) and 386 strikeouts in 254 games. He was originally drafted in fifth round of the 2014 First Year Player Draft out of the University of Oregon.
White, 27, pitched 6.0 innings, allowing two runs on nine hits with four strikeouts last night. In 15 games (10 starts) for the Dodgers, he is 1-2 with a 3.70 ERA (23 ER/56.0 IP) and 47 strikeouts for the Dodgers this season. In three years with the Dodgers, he is a combined 3-5 with a 3.58 ERA (42 ER/105.2 IP) and 98 strikeouts in 38 games. He was originally selected in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft.
Cleavinger, 28, pitched 1.2 innings last night, allowing six runs (four earned) with three strikeouts in the loss. He has appeared in four games for the Dodgers this season and he is 0-1 with a 10.38 ERA. He has been with the Dodgers two seasons, and he is a combined 2-5 with a 4.43 ERA (11 ER/22.1 IP) and 28 strikeouts in 26 appearances. With Triple-A Oklahoma City, he was 0-2 with a 2.79 ERA (9 ER/29.0 IP) and 47 strikeouts in 22 games. He was acquired by the Dodgers on December 29, 2020, in a three-team trade from the Philadelphia Phillies.
Are we paying Bauer now.Will we pay ever have to pay him?
What if?
Gavin Lux did not make that error.
That would have been Out #1.
Then Cruz struck out for Out #2.
Next Ruiz Struck out for Out #3.
Inning over. Dodgers ahead. Bring in Kimbrel for the 9th.
How is any of this Doc’s Fault.
It’s all on Lux!
Shane Bieber might be available.
The Dodgers are one of the best teams in MLB in “Runs Saved,” and a HUGE part of that is Cody Bellinger’s Defense. If the Dodgers sit Belli or get rid of him, they had better score a lot more runs.
There’s a gag order on an case in front of an arbitrator?
Really?
Max’s rope is running out, and thats ok.
Lets find that out now instead of October. We don’t lose anything in the field if he doesn’t play. I will say he is average to above average at 2b and 3B, but Turner and Taylor and Lux are better defensively and right now he isn’t giving us anything at the plate. He is pressing.
Vargas is going to get a look and we’ll see what he can do, but do you trust him in October?? Maybe he will be this year’s Rosario?? I wouldn’t mind a trade for Bell and just let him DH.
Bottom line this team is great, we will need a few folks to get hot and carry us in the playoffs. I think we have the horses to do it.
Win today!
Unfortunately our next scheduled games are in the” House of Horrors”, Coors Field in Colorado where the bullpen will be used and abused.
Not much to say. My only gripe with Roberts was sending Cleavinger back out there. He obviously does not have the mindset. They snatched defeat from the jaws of victory again. Good news is that after today, they do not see the juggernaut that is the Nats again. They won’t trade for Bell simply because he plays no other position than first base. Although as a switch hitter he would be an ideal DH. Yep, the time has come to sit Max. He needs something to change drastically. When he, Belli and Barnes are in the lineup, there are three almost automatic outs. At least Bellinger runs into one now and then and is a superior defender. Great throw from Betts to nail the runner at the plate. The Dodgers do tend to play down to their opponents. As for trades, never good at predicting those things. It does seem to look like the Mets are targeting Contreras from the Cubbies.
As for Max. Lets face it he is playing along with Codi. And yes if 1 or 2 of the other guys don’t come thru then its hard to win. And no he isn’t going to AAA. My question would be if he is on the Playoff roster. We know teams looooove to go with experienced players rather than kids. Even if they hit .150
Watching the game last night was akin to watching the Titanic sink. How the hell is it possible that no one is available in the bullpen just 5 days after the entire bullpen is rested for the All-Star break? Especially when your starter that typically throws the least innings is on the hill?
More bad news with Treinen? He keeps getting pushed back, no explanation like all the other infirmed Dodgers. What the hell is going to happen when Heaney takes the hill and can only go 75 pitches? 13 freaking pitchers isn’t enough?
Why go after Soto when you can get Josh Bell for a pack a Big League Chew and a coupon for sunflower seeds? Damn that dude is a tough out. Sorry Mark, more conjecture.
Does anyone really think the Nats will get 5-6 top prospects AND have to take on Corbin’s contract for Soto? There’s no way this is going to happen.
Moronta isn’t looking so bad by comparison.
Everyone in the current pen seems to implode if they’re asked to get more than 3 outs. Meanwhile at OKC, Carson Fulmer finished the last 2 innings yesterday allowing 1 hit and nothing else while recording 3 K’s. WTF is taking so long to bring him up?
The Dodgers would rather hoard players than stack their 26-man roster with their best players. Just go ahead and cut somebody and bring in Fulmer. After a couple of days of rest of course, because it was so important to have him win that AAA game.
At least it’s a short turnaround today. The game starts at noon.
2022 Dodger Draft picks signed
8 255 2B Taylor Young R/R 23 Louisiana Tech$169,100 $2,500
9 285 LHP Brandon Neeck R/L 22 Virginia $156,600 $27,500
10 315 C Simon Reid L/R 21 Westmont College $149,600 $2,500
17 525 RHP Payton Martin R/R 18 West Forsyth HS (NC) $125,000
2022 Dodger Undrafted Free Agents Signed
Connor Godwin, RHP, JC of Central Florida.
Carter Lohman, LHP, Louisville.
Livan Reinoso, INF, Tennessee Wesleyan.
Christian Ruebeck, RHP, Kansas State.
Lucas Wepf, RHP, Louisiana-Monroe.
If the Dodgers trade for a pitcher, would it be for the playoffs or to close the season well and in good shape? I mean not to go tired or with a dead arm, there are some in the team who run that risk. I understand that Castillo may be the best option, but not the only one, I think Friedman is going to surprise with someone like Quintana, Greinke, Bumgarner, etc., and with that I think he would be fine, to give pitchers rest
And please, no more Muncy, it was already very clear that this season he is not well, it is already absurd, boring and stupid to continue waiting for his batting to improve, with him and Bellinger in the same lineup it is giving too much advantage to the other teams, you can’t expect the top 3 or 4 hitters in the lineup to do all the work!
To gut or not to gut ?
If I knew the Dodgers would win the WS this year I ´d say go all in and do it.
But since you never know if it will work that way I say make one or two smart trades to improve an already very good team.
I would hold on to Miller and Cartaya in any trade. Every one else from the minor leagues should be available in the right deal.
Pepiot improved his trade value again with yesterdays excellent start at OKC. His ERA is top notch in the hitter friendly league.Same for Stone.
Mitch White improved his stock as well.
Both are major league ready and should be enticing to teams trying to rebuilt.
I agree however that August 3rd can not come fast enough since the uncertainty is kind of nerve wrecking.
On another note: How much longer can Doc go with MM ? His at bats have become painful to watch. A gigantic rallye killer who can not even get his usual BBs any longer. He is hurting this team bit time.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!