I grew up in Ohio and lived there until 1976, when I was 23 years old. I have been in Indiana for 50 years, so I consider myself a Hoosier. Now, I actually live 45 minutes from Bloomington, where the IU Hoosiers play. However, since I was nine years old, I have been a Dodger fan. You know the story! I have been absent from the blog a lot this year due to working on my book, The Mountain Mover. It is due out in the fall. Finally… thirty-two years in the making. I have been incredibly blessed. However, one of the biggest blessings is this blog!
As I read the comments from people like Jeff Dominique, Michael Norris, Badger, Bumsrap, Bobby, Ted Raymond, Phil Jones, Dodgerdad, Kevin, Daytona Jack, Simon Killer, Bobby, MushersPop, Watford Dodger, JohnDoll, Matt, Cassidy, Bluto, Dodgertifosi, Zeke, Andrew Forte, Dodgerpatch, Jayne Cobb, Hawkeye Dodger, David, Bison Jones, Singing the Blue, Dano, Porpiseboy, Norcaldodgerfan, Illinidodger, Jorge Valenzuele, Anthony H, DodgerOldGuy, Gus, OC Dodger, 4-Gens, John Ferguson, Ron Fairly Fan, Vinny’s Ghost, BlueAZ2020, DCN, 77Dodgers, and others. Sorry if I missed you…
I think the above commenters and I have 100,000 years of combined experience being Dodger fans. The commenters on this blog are an amazing part of this blog. There has never been a better time to be a Dodger fan. Thank you all for your support. This blog will get even better in the future… I promise!
OKC Comets 8 – Charlotte Knights 5
Charlotte had top LHSP prospect Hagen Smith on the mound, and I was hoping to watch him pitch. But I got caught up in Yoshinobu’s game, and that is what I was focusing on.
This certainly was not his finest outing. In 4.1 IP, Smith allowed 8 runs (7 earned) threw 90 pitches (50 strikes). He gave up 6 hits, but four of those hits left the yard. I will go back and watch the game.
RF Zach Ehrhard is reminding everyone to not forget him. He led off the game with 8th HR.
LHSP Cole Irvin took the mound with a 1-0 lead, but could not get out of the first inning. He gave up 4 singles, 1 BB, 2 HBP, 1 SF, and 4 runs in with runners on 2nd and 3rd when RHRP Jerming Rosario was asked to get out of the inning. Rosario allowed a soft single to give the Knights a 5ights a 5th run in the inning.
3B Taylor Young hit his 2nd AAA HR in the 2nd.
In the 3rd, Ehrhard and 1B James Tibbs III drew lead off walks. LF Ryan Fitzgerald hit a 2-run triple (4) and scored on a throwing error to tie the score.
OKC put up 4 in the 5th. With one out, Ehrhard hit his 2nd HR (9) of the game. DH Tommy Edman singled and scored ahead of 1B James Tibbs III on his HR (19). LF Ryan Fitzgerald doubled (6) and scored when SS Hyeseong Kim hit an RBI single.
In his next two innings, Rosario allowed a BB and 2 Ks. He was relieved by LHRP Garrett McDaniels who pitched 2 scoreless innings.
RHRP Evan Phillips continued his rehab. He allowed 1 hit I his 1.0 IP. Unfortunately that one hit was a HR.
In the 7th, Fitzgerald singled, Kim drew a BB, and Taylor singled to load the bases. 2B Austin Gauthier followed with a 2-run single and a 5 run lead.
RHRP Paul Gervase relieved Phillips and pitched a scoreless 7th with 3 K. In his 2nd inning of work, he allowed a hit, but got another K.
RHRP Wyatt Mills was summoned to pitch the 9th. He allowed a run, but finished the 9th for the win.
- Zach Ehrhard – 3-3, 2 BB, 3 runs, 2 RBI, 2 HR (9)
- Ryan Fitzgerald – 3-5, 3 runs, 2 RBI, double (16), triple (4)
- Taylor Young – 2-5,1 run, 1 RBI, HR (2)
- Austin Gauthier – 2-5, 2 RBI
- James Tibbs III – 1-2, 3 BB, 2 runs, 2 RBI, HR (19)
Tulsa Drillers 7 – Wichita Wind Surge (Minnesota) 6
RHSP Roque Gutierrez pitched a pair of scoreless innings. In the 3rd, after he struck out the 1st batter, he hit the next batter and allowed a double. After another strikeout, Gutierrez was about to get out of the inning before allowing a 2-run double.
In the bottom of the 3rd, DH Kole Myers drew a BB. C Frank Rodriguez singled and RF Josue De Paula singled to score Myers.
Wichita scored 4 unearned runs, 3 on a HR off Gutierrez in the 4th.
In the 6th inning, Tulsa came roaring back to take the lead. CF Mike Sirota led off with a BB, and in so doing increased his on base streak to 52 games. SS Elijah Hainline also walked. LF Zyhir Hope singled to load the bases. Sirota scored on a PB. 2B Jake Gelof and 1B Chris Newell both walked and Hainline scored. 3B Kyle Nevin hit a 2-run single. Rodriguez hit a go-ahead SF.
In the 9th, Tulsa brought in RHRP Nick Robertson. Nick picked a bad game to give up a run. With one out he surrendered a game tying HR before striking out the next two.
In the bottom of the 9th, JDP walked and stole 2nd. Sirota singled and JDP stopped at 3rd. Hainline walked to load the bases, and Zyhir Hope hit a walk off SF for the win.
Every Tulsa batter reached base safely.
- Josue De Paula – 3-4, 1 BB, 1 run, 1 RBI
- Kyle Nevin – 2-4, 1 run, 2 RBI, double (8)
Great Lakes Loons 3 – Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Milwaukee) 1
Great Lakes got on the board when LF Chuck Davalan hit his 8th HR for a 1-0 lead in the 3rd.
RHSP Brooks Auger pitched 3.2 scoreless innings. He gave up 3 hits, 2 BB, and registered 6 K.
In the 5th, CF Eduardo Quintero hit another solo HR (3).
RHRP Reynaldo Yean got the final out in the 4th and 1st 2 outs in the 5th. Yean exited with 2 runners on base. RHRP Alex Makarewich walked the first batter faced, and struck out the next batter to retire the side.
RHRP Isaac Ayon pitched the next 3.2 innings, allowing 1 run on a solo HR in the 6th.
In the 8th, 3B Eduardo Guerrero and SS Emil Morales both drew lead off BB. After Guerrero was forced out on a ground ball, Morales scored on a fielder’s choice and throwing error.
With 1 out in the 9th, PH Marco Dinges grounded softly to Ayon for the 2nd out. Something happened on the play as both Dinges and Ayon were ejected.
RHRP Davis Chastain was called to get the final, which he did.
- Eduardo Quintero – 2-4, 1 run, 1 RBI, HR (3)
- Charles Davalan – 1-4, 1 BB, 1 run, 1 RBI, HR (8)
- Doubles – Cameron Decker (3) and Emil Morales (3)
Lake Elsinore Storm (Padres) 17 – Ontario Tower Buzzers 1
RHSP Hyun-Seok Jang started his 3rd straight poor game They are progressively getting worse. He has completed 9.1 innings allowing 22 runs (21 earned) on 17 hits, 6 BB, and 10 K.
RHRP Jholbran Herder relieved Jang in the 3rd retiring the side. He also pitched a scoreless 4th.
RHRP Ricardo Montero could not record an out in the 5th. He walked the 1st 3 batters, hit the 4th batter, and walked 2 more. RHRP Accimias Morales relieved Montero with the bases loaded. He unleashed a WP and the Storm had their 4th run of the inning. Morales got the three outs without allowing any further damage.
Down 17-0, RF Ching-Hsien Ko was HBP. 1B Easton Shelton singled. With one out C Bryan Gonzalez Garcia doubled to score Ko and to breaj up the shutout.
Not much to talk about in this game. Turn the page. Play again Sunday.
No ACL Game
DSL Astros Orange 17 – DSL LAD Bautista 0
LAD Bautista had 2 hits, and some horrible pitching in this one. This is one to simply forget.
Discussion (123)
Disagree, not disagreeable
News around the league: Brewers promoting top prospect, SS Cooper Pratt. D-Backs activated Jordan Lawler and outrighted C, Aramis Garcia to AAA. Mariners expected to activate Cal Raliegh tomorrow. Twins DFAd Orlando Arcia.
It started with Magic, then Kobe, and now Shaq. They gave away a Billy Jean King bobblehead. Now that was lame.
One of my best friends, Gary Freed, who passed away two years ago, was a Brooklyn native. He never forgave O’Malley for moving the team. Gary moved to LA in the early 60’s when he went to work for Ma Bell.
Up to Tucker, if he starts looking like he is having fun, then I will say he is ready to break out.
Edman will push Freeland off of the roster.
Thanks Cassidy. Blessings upon you.
I had some banana pudding pie. It was delicious. Thanks John.
Neither do I.
Would Dave Roberts have pulled Sheehan after he went through the Sox lineup twice?
Maybe. But he was attending his daughter’s college graduation.
To me, the worst news from this game were the continuing struggles of Jack Dreyer. Definitely not the same guy who was so good as a rookie.
Silver:
–Sheehan was nails….for the first 5 innings… and then he wasn’t.
–Mookie with a two-hit game, including a HR, and his first SB of the season. Lifted his BA to .204!
–The bottom of the lineup–Ward, Rushing, Freeland–contributed 3 doubles, 1 walk, 2 runs and 2 RBI.
All likely true, except your percentage linkages are very unlikely. Especially since the “Lebaby” years. The bobblehead deal is still lame IMO.
Ryder Ryan looked interesting today. Throws lots of breaking balls, gets tons of movement.
Did you use to frequent Vero Beach?
I was a Lakers fan when Wilt Chamberlain played for them. Not since then, although I respected them.
The two teams have been intertwined forever. I have a Dodgers jersey with 8 in the front and Bryant 24 in the back. I have a Dodger/Laker logo hat with 2020 champions on the back.
Every star Laker, and even non stars, have thrown out the first pitch at Dodger Stadium. Dodger stars are always at Laker games and get gigantic ovations. Hell, the Dodgers brought the 2024 and 2025 trophies to early November Laker games, and the place is decked out in Dodger and Laker gear. I’ve seen Kobe and Magic bring out the NBA championship trophies to Dodger Stadium.
I would bet 90 % of Laker fans are Dodger fans, and vice versa.
I moved to South FL in 1979. Now live in Plantation. About 12 miles west of Fort Lauderdale Beach. My dad used to buy the ‘Daily Mirror’. on way to work in AM. It didn’t have those late scores
I vote “NO!”
Tis
Though I understand the supposed “why”, due to new linkage I personally think giving Lakers bobbleheads away at Dodgers games is LAME.
I lived in Brooklyn in 1975 (my oldest son lives there now).
It was very different in 1975. I worked on a construction job in Spanish Harlem and had to wait until the “Later Edition” of the newspaper came out to find out last night’s scores. The early edition did not have them. I think it was called the “City Edition.”
I had to walk blocks to find a bodega with the City Edition. How times have changed!
You still in NY?
I was playing. Thanks for all you do.
A lot of posters have been writing about how they became Dodger fans, so here is my story:
I was born in Brooklyn in 1948 , so Fugedaboudit! Who else would I be rooting for? My dad worked a lot when I was a kid, so I never went to many games. Maybe 3 times at Ebbets field my whole life. My rooting was watching TV. WOR channel 9 with Rheingold Beer and lucky Strike as sponsors. My main early memory was the 1955 World Series. And remember my friend, a Yankee fan, laughing at me after we lost game 1 of 1959 series 11-0. Duke was my favorite player. Sad when they moved and remember how hard it was to keep up with the team. The morning papers didn’t have the late scores. I think it took me two years to realize that Davey Lopes last name was one syllable, not two. Not many national games on TV. I remember Drysdale going for the record shutout streak. No TV, but I went outside with my transistor radio and was able to just barely hear the broadcast from Philly that nite. Going Forward still a fan and loving every minute of these last few years. My wife bought me a ‘repeat champs’ license plate holder for my car
Nice Mark. Pretty cool AI thing ya did there. Not sure Ohtani would listen though.
Never watch that stuff. Enough violence in the world without watching two guys beating up on each other. Quit watching boxing after Benny “Kid” Paret was killed by Emile Griffith.
Our mayor is not great, but it’s a terribly weak mayor. The City Council and Board of Supervisors are where the real LA power lies.
I’m all for charter reform, but that’s been terribly slow.
And a wonderful mayor
Badger, Muncy could bat third. But right now you’re right. A lot of #8 hitters after that
Good one Bobby! I’m watching college World Series! Hope USA wins the World Cup. But I can’t stand soccer! I watch my granddaughter because I love her!!! Used to love boxing back in the day 70’s and 80’s! Roberto Duran , boom boom Mancini, Tommy Hearns, marvelous Marvin hagler! UFC not so much.
Maybe it’s time for the Dodgers to consider moving Sheehan. A place like Minnesota might be a better place for him. A package for Joe Ryan? I’m all in. Between Emmit and Sasaki I’m going to need pepto bismol!
Jalen Brunson is a man and a player I admire.
Sorry, I was helping my wife at her restaurant today and did not check.
I just posted your bail.
I have been there… it is nice, but I prefer Newport, RI. The best lobster I have had, and they have a cool hotel right on the ocean. Love that place…
F that UFC event.
The game sucked too. 0 for 7 WRISP. Sheehan’s ERA actually went up. Dryer’s did as well. Obviously. .
I think Ohtani should lead off, Freeman hits second, and everybody else hits 8th.
Just a great time in LA and in sports.
Went to the new LACMA, which is amazing.
Great soccer!
I hate the NBA, but the Knicks were terribly fun.
The best Stanley Cup in a while.
Perfect beach weather!
The dodgers rampant.
I won’t watch as I usually don’t watch UFC, politics aside.
However, I hear Josh Hockit, former Fresno St running back, will be fighting there, so good luck to the former Bulldog.
I think the Stanley Cup Game 6 tonight is a more important event, as is whatever World Cup game will be on then. Also, that rerun of Big Bang Theory on TBS likely more important as well.
I care about politics and will
Be watching also.
Don’t care about the politics, but will be watching every fight at the UFC event tonight. Great card. Wesside
Another horrible 0-2 pitch sinks Sheehan’s day.
Find a two bedroom apartment in OKC for Hurt and Dryer.
Somebody please throw Page’s a life preserver
Maybe it’s just the #2 spot is haunted
The amazing thing is that we really aren’t playing that well and still have the second best record in baseball.
When this team finally puts it all together, look out!
Now let’s get Tucker on track.
Nice series for Mookie. Hopefully he is over that slump.
Mookie homers to make it 6-3 and is now over .200 at .204.
Has to be one of the two. Ward is not going down just yet.
Thanks Bum, I am way past where I thought I would be.
Thanks Patch. I am humbled.
Much appreciated Phil.
Thanks, Jeff, I feel the same way. Been doing this since 2020 when Mark invited me to join the party. It has kept my mind sharp.
Nah, she was a dog.
Maybe someone can dig me up in 1000 years and make a discovery.
Thanks Anthony. Hodges, two of my cousins, now both deceased, were born in June, two years after me. One on the 16th, and one on the 19th. Three sisters with 3 sons, all born in June. My mom was the youngest of the three.
Down by five runs in the 7th this will probably be a 3-3 road trip. Our BP is taking on some serious water right now. Hurt and Dryer bring a gas can when they come in from the BP and Treinen isn’t much better.
Soon we will get Phillips and Diaz back and once Snell and Glasnow get back we can perhaps move Lauer to the BP. Team needs a serious BP shake-up.
Hoping Edman provides some life on the offensive side and I’m anxious to learn who goes down when he is activated. Espinal or as Bear indicated he feels Freeland gets sent down.
They are no longer playing better than expected?
Dear lord!! Dryer is either hurt or cooked! What has happened to the bullpen?
I’ve spent more time in Mark’s jail on no charges than Capone spent in prison
I doubt this would happen. I thank it would be a class act and not detrimental to the Dodgers when Edmund comes back (tomorrow) if they ask Ward if he would rather go back to OKC or be DFA so another major league team could grab him. He belongs in the MLB but I’m afraid he’s expendable for the Dodgers. This isn’t a put me down on Ward, I believe it would be. a reward. Plus it opens a precious roster spot.
There are no small commenters, just small comments. Like this one.
Will do. Are training there from Boston and picking up a rental car. We’ll be staying in Ogunquit but will spend time in Portland and environs.
Happy Birthday Bear and congratulations on reaching 78. It’s an accomplishment and it wasn’t an easy path.
I was more a fan of Bar Harbor and Camden and Acadia National Park. Bathe is interesting as well
Happy birthday, Bear, to the best Dodger historian around.
Happy Birthday, Bear, and many more!
As one of the “Lesser Commentators.”
Many thanks to all who make this the best Dodger Site in all of Dogerland!
Yes happy bday Bear.
You’re just like a good bottle of red.
And Mark, really looking forward to the release of the jook
Without patience you are more likely to become a patient.
Was Cleopatra as hot as they say?
Next step is to become an artifact.
Cheers and Best Regards
My wife and I have been there on five cruises
The waterfront is nice and the seafood is wonderful but expensive. My favorite place is in the Flatbread Bar. Excellent flatbread (pizza) and 15 regional draft beers. Waterfront dining. Lighthouses are cool, as are their grounds. You can take an overnight ferry to Nova Scotia and gamble, eat, and sleep the night on board.Take your car and see the island or just do the tourist thing. Another beautiful mille walk along the waterfront with great ships , shops and eateries.
Happy birthday Bear. Hope at least treat yourself to a big dish of ice cream!!
Happy Birthday Bear. Thanks for all of your contributions here. I really enjoy all of your well researched and well written articles. I hope you enjoy your day and many many more to come. Please keep up the good work.
And thanks Mark for providing such a terrific place of all of us to share our thoughts and opinions on Dodger baseball. Thanks for the shout-out and we do have years of experiences to share, between all of us.
And thanks Jeff for your excellent knowledge of baseball and the organization and the talent coming up. I appreciate it.
Thank you all. This is a great place and thanks to you 3 for all you do.
Bear, let me also wish you a very happy birthday. You have been a great friend over the years. Enjoy the day . Enjoy the Dodger win.
I started writing for Mark in 2017, and have rejoined him this year. I enjoy research and wrting, but I truly enjoy the comradery and thoughtful discussions by all the commenters.
Nelson Espinal
@nelson__espinal
Shohei Ohtani over the last 15 games:
.421/.492/.825 with six home runs, 12 RBIs, seven walks, and 15 strikeouts.
His season-long OPS is up to .980, and his average is now at .307.
Ohtani is the best hitter in the NL.
Please tell me what you think of Portland, Maine. It’s been on my list to check out for a while now.
I’d challenge. I wouldn’t bunt, but I’d for sure challenge.
Avoid it at all costs!
Happy bday! Hopefully Sheehan and friends get you a W for the bday gift.
2:10 PM ET
Dodgers (45-26)
White Sox (37-32)
SP Emmet Sheehan R
3-3 4.70 ERA
SP Byran Hudsan (Opener)
3-2 2.25 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
CF Andy Pages R
1B F. Freeman L
SS Mookie Betts R
3B Max Muncy L
RF Kyle Tucker L
LF Ryan Ward L
C D. Rushing L
2B A. Freeland S
68° Wind 17 mph Out
I don’t agree with that
Bear, May you have a happy and blessed birthday. I’m a long time fan like yourself. I’ve been a fan since 1953. Love your blogs on Dodgers history.
I, like you, have a birthday this month. I’ll be 81 on the 19th.
Just another day to me now at this age with no family nearby.
You’re very correct this blog is a blessing for all of us! It’s even better these days with extra input/expertise. Besides the baseball knowledge, all way better than mine, I really enjoy how Jeff places the financial spin into the game, team make up and how they use their money. Great show men!
Tucker is frustrated and definitely pressing. You can see it on his face. The game right now is not fun for him.
Thank you Zeke.
Thanks Duke, I am already an antique.
Hmmmm. Did no think of that.
Family trip to NYC/BOS/Maine starting Tuesday. Will be in Manhattan for Knicks’ parade Thursday. Might head in the opposite direction.
Doesn’t matter, as long as you win the argument
I predict that with 16 HRs in 65 games, Max Muncy stays exactly on his 40 HR pace for 2026.
If it wasn’t a school holiday I didn’t much g.a.s.. Every day is flag now. I have two I know born on this particular flag day. It’s just a reminder to say hey to them.
We’re totally trading for him.
Ferris better wake TF up or his prospect light will dim all the way off. I still believe in the talent but he needs to sharpen up, starting today.
Root has probably passed up by and maybe Serwinowski too. If he’s to be a trade chip, the time to shine is now.
Dodgers win 6-4. Sheehan redeems himself from last start. He goes six allowing 2 earned with 7 K and 2 BB.
There’s a huge chance I might be off a bit….
Y’know, he draws walks and occasionally steals a base. Even though he looks a bit lethargic in RF, I believe he is a good defender.
Unlike a lot of our best hitters, he doesn’t hit the ball to the opposite field with authority. We didn’t give him a 10y/$500m deal or even an 8y/$400m one. We overpaid in tbe short-term for his production right now. His Dodger story is not yet written.
Thanks Ted, much appreciated. I was 21 before I realized they were not putting up the flag just because it was my birthday!
Thanks Andrew and Dad. Don’t know about wiser, but I know about the slower.
Karros commented on how much players from other teams dislike the field there. The ball did take a bad hop and Espinal almost caught it on the fly.
Actually Mark, I was with Marc Antony and his legions battling for Ceasar! Thanks for the birthday wishes guys. All I want is a Dodger win.
Sheehan rebounds from his last start last Sunday against the Angels,pitches well and the Dodgers win a close game.
Thanks Badger. I really appreciate it. One of my friends made an AI post of me in a Dodger jersey surrounded by BABES! It was totally cool. It said Legends don’t get old; they just get better. Not a legend, but I’ll take it.
Thanks Jack, sometimes I don’t agree with myself!
Him and Jay Johnstone. Jay would drive Tommy nuts with his pranks. Johnstone and Reuss once went out and dragged the infield after the top of the fifth inning.
Happy Birthday Bear. I have two friends also celebrating a June 14th Birthday! You got me by six months.
Let’s see if the Dodgers can get you a victory for your special day!
The error no doubt caused a deflation. Everybody felt it. Did that allow the fat pitch hammered into the seats? I don’t know. Maybe. Shouldn’t have, but maybe.
Perfect game, no hitter, shutout, all lost with two pitches. The first one was the error on a routine play. Oh well. That’s baseball isn’t it. Got the W. Got an 8 game lead. Got Sheehan on the mound. With his 4.7 ERA.
Gulp.
Any predictions?
The Braves currently lead all of baseball 46-24 with a .657 winning percentage, followed closely by the Dodgers 45-25 at .634. In the American League, the New York Yankees currently hold the top spot 42-27, though they trail both the Braves and Dodgers in overall league-wide standing.
Saw the slow-mo replay on Mookie’s error…
Looked to me that there was a slight bad hop that brought the ball up above his glove. Certainly an error, but a tough break too. (Hanley had an easier play on the error that cost Kershaw a perfecto.)
The ball caromed to Espinal, who failed to make a bare-handed throw.
Too bad Miggy wasn’t playing 2B. He might have pulled off another miracle .
In his return from the injured list yesterday, June 13, 2026, Tarik Skubal pitched 4.2 innings, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits with 4 strikeouts and 1 walk. Making his first start since April 29 following elbow surgery, Skubal threw 80 pitches (53 strikes) and reached up to 99.9 mph on his fastball. Despite the high velocity, he was saddled with the loss as the Tigers fell 3-1 to the Cleveland Guardians.
For context, the Dodgers’ team OPS is an MLB-leading .788.
So Tucker is 75 points below that.
“The Guardians are expected to place superstar third baseman Jose Ramirez on the injured list with a left hamate bone fracture, according to multiple reports, including from Zack Meisel of The Athletic. Ramirez was removed in the fifth inning of Saturday’s game against the Tigers after popping out in his third at-bat”.
I dont comment a lot, but love the blog read the great articles and posts everyday!
“The Braves announced that right-hander Spencer Strider has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his throwing elbow. Right-hander Anthony Molina was called up from Triple-A in the corresponding 26-man roster move”.
Sunday’s Dodger Affiliates’ Schedule
11:00 a.m. PT: Tulsa (Adam Serwinowski) vs. Wichita (Jose Olivares)
11:10 a.m. PT: Great Lakes (Sean Patick) at Wisconsin (Jayden Dubanewicz)
2:05 p.m. PT: Oklahoma City (Jackson Ferris) at Charlotte (David Sandlin)
2:05 p.m. PT: Ontario (TBD) vs. Lake Elsinore (Carlos Medina)
I’m trying to be more patient about the prospect that Kyle Tucker, the $60 Million Dollar Man, will eventually be producing a .900 OPS.
Or even .800.
He’ll get there. I have faith!
But right now, Tucker’s OPS is at .713.
The highest-paid Dodger not named Shohei ranks 8th in OPS among Dodger regulars, trailing Shohei at .979, Max at. .912, Rushing at .886, Pages at .831, Freddie at .827, Teo at .784 and Smith at .720.
Among regulars, only the slumping Mookie has a lower OPS at .611.
Among non-regulars, hard-luck Kike is at 3.250 with a 1.000 BA (in 4 ABs) and Ward is .813.
Ward has hit 3 HRs in 35 ABs….while Tucker has needed 247 ABs to club 5 HRs.
But patience, I’ve been told, is a virtue.
I’m trying.
We are so lucky to be Dodger fans and so lucky the Dodger brass signed the three star Japanese players Ohtani,Yamamota and Sasaki.Without them the last two years, we would NOT have won back to back World Championships. Hopefully all three are healthy and a 3 peat is possible.
That was pretty funny — thanks for sharing.
Jerry Reuss was a known prankster — liked that little touch.
Happy Birthday Bear,another year wiser!
Happy birthday Bear! I enjoy your posts so much! Living in Virginia, you don’t see that many dodger decals on vehicles around. Got mine though! I do see several dodger hats around, but mostly on the heads of bandwagon fans who don’t know squat about the Dodgers much less their history! I feel like I’m part of a distinguished community on this site! The fact is, we’re blessed to be dodger fans! But even more than that, we’re baseball fans ! I may never meet anyone on this site in person, but it’s easy to see that all you guys are good people! Continue to state your opinions. There is no right or wrong. It’s what you might do if you were in charge. Now granted, some of us would be out of a job quickly!! But it’s all good!
Nobody in the game of baseball probably felt any worse than Mookie yesterday. My grandson said to me, Papa, he lost the no hitter so the error doesn’t matter. But it did matter. I told him, if that error didn’t happen, the ninth inning probably would be completely different. Not saying that a hit would not have happened, but the inning doesn’t play out the same way!
And I said the other day. I will take Yamamoto 8 days a week over Ohtani. I’m not saying Ohtani isn’t great, but give me 8-9 innings of Yamamoto compared to 6 innings of Ohtani. I’m just happy that they are both on the same team!
My pick to click today? Dalton Rushing. Dalton goes 2 for 4 with a dinger!
One more thing about Mookie. 3 hits yesterday. I bet he would have taken the Ofer, just to have that play back !
I really thought Yoshi was gonna do it. Gutted for him but he just didn’t let it derail him. A true professional.
Feel sorry for Tucker. He’s pressing now. Making things worse. He will come round because confidence is everything in sport and just now he’s got none. Give him time.
Can’t claim to be in the same league as all you Dodger fanatics, but gotta say that supporting the boys in blue has become a huge part of my life. Dodgers are my favourite team in any sport by a distance.MLB. Com has made a huge difference to my watching experience.
Many Happy Returns Michael.
Appreciate everything you do here.
Happy Birthday, Bear!
Most people don’t know this, but Bear grew up with Abner Doubleday (1819-1893) and actually fought with him in the Civil War! 😉
Very happy to be part of the best Dodger Blog and look forward to each new thread and comments.
Happy Birthday Bear.
Bear’s birthday?
Remember:
You’re not getting older, but more vintage.
Late in yesterday’s game, before the perfect game was broken up, several WS players challenged strike calls. It got me wondering, if it was still a perfect game, with 2 outs, bottom of the 9th and the score being what it was, as a player would you challenge a call? What if the call was strike 3? This has never been an issue before. What would you do in a blow out? Or in a close game?
Happy birthday Bear.
Great Blog. I look forward to posting and reading every day. For the longest time that I can remember the blog has been civil and attacks on personalities free. There are many varying opinions here on what the Dodgers should or should not do,but there has been NO outright anger towards individuals just stating his or her opinion for the longest time..Bear,Jeff and Mark combine inform us and challenge us.You three are very BEST along with all the contributors you mentioned above and more.Keep up the EXCELLENT work .
Mark,
I am sure I speak for all of us “lesser commentators” in thanking you, Bear and Jeff for all the info you provide. We always don’t agree with you or each other, but the respect we show goes a long way. There is no blog out there, Dodger or otherwise that compares. The bond of Dodger fans here is as amazing as the team we love even if they frustrate us sometimes.
If anyone’s interested, here’s the clip of Tommy in that episode of “CHIPS” that I mentioned yesterday:
https://youtu.be/hrmHS5Dcua8?si=0sPARKUFbkc7L6oE