It is August, and the annual let’s get crazy season has started. It never fails this time of year. Fans begin to lose their collective minds. Why? Well, I really have no clue. I just sit back and watch.
What amazes me most is that fans who have followed the team and the game for years really have no idea how the roster is set up or how it is changed come September and then playoff time. They changed the rules a couple of years ago only to allow two callups on the first of September. It used to be the roster could expand to all 40 players if a team desired. Baseball now wants more teams involved. So they limit the roster. What they also limit is the cup o coffee many minor leaguers used to get at that time of year. Recently, the Dodgers did it with Lux. Before him, they did it with Seager and Pederson. Even when they were in tight pennant races, the also-rans used September to see what their prized prospects might bring to the table. Won’t happen much anymore.
Naturally, as fans, we like to think that we know who should be on the roster better than the GM or the manager. The Dodgers work a little differently than most teams. They pretty much decide roster options by committee, with the final word resting with Friedman. Of course, he listens pretty intently to all parties. I am pretty sure that in 2020, the decision to use Urias to close after Jansen’s blown save in Game 4 came from up top.
We all like playing armchair GM. Right now, the biggest debate on this site, and a couple of others I read, is what to do with Kimbrel. I have no clue how the final decision on him will be made, but I am pretty confident that Kimbrel is going to get the majority of the next month to iron out his issues or be replaced. The only real option to close is close to coming back, Treinen. Urias is not an option this time. He is locked into the starting role. They have a couple of guys I think could do the job well and should be given a shot at closing a game or two. Ferguson and Phillips. I also think, and don’t laugh, that Heaney could very easily step in and have a lockdown inning.
Of course, there are so many different opinions out there. Most of our posters have very definite ideas of how they think the Dodgers should play it. One thing I know for sure. If healthy, the first four hitters are going to be Betts, Turner, Freeman, and Smith. With a little Muncy, maybe. Those four guys are the most consistent players on the team. Look for Freeman and Trea to go off again, especially when the calendar turns to September.
I am not big on predictions. But I have to believe that Muncy is going to get better as the season goes on. He has at least shown he can keep it going for longer than a couple of games. He has been pretty good since August rolled around. Gallo is going to pop one out once in a while and strike out when we least need it. I have no idea what to expect from Bellinger at this point. I think they will keep Lux low in the order simply because you cannot have all your worst hitters at the bottom of the lineup. Trace, Hanser, and Taylor are all going to have to step up some more. Taylor is very valuable with his glove, but right now, his bat is a sieve. Austin Barnes will continue to give Smitty a day now and then and may even hit one out again. Overall, the team is clicking, and we as fans have to like that. They go home now to play the Marlins, who, despite their record, have a very good pitching staff. Then they get Milwaukee again before facing the Marlins and Mets on the road to end the month.
My least favorite Dodger ever next to Tyler White. Granny is actually on base in this photo taken on the 4th of July a few years ago from the third deck. Anyway, make your own decisions and see how close you can come to naming the 26-man postseason roster for the first round. The hardest choices will come in the bullpen.
Future Dodgers Down on the Farm (MT)
- OKC was postponed due to rain.
- Tomorrow they play 2 with Gavin Stone starting his first AAA Game. Andre Jackson starts game 2.
- Tulsa won 7-3
- Ismael Alcantara, who hit .183 at Great Lakes and was moved to Tulsa as a reward (sarcasm alert), was 1-3 with a 3-run HR.
- Andy Pages hit his 22nd HR.
- In his first AA Game, Nick Nastrini retired the first 17 batters he faced, threw 6.2 innings of 1 hit ball and allowed just one run while walking two and striking out 8.
- Leonal Valera was 2-4 and is hitting .303. In my opinion he has passed Eddys Leonard and Jorbit Vivas on the utilityman depth chart.
- Great Lakes beat Lansing 12-3.
- Damon Keith finally woke up and realized that he was in A+ Ball so he hit two HR and a triple as he was 3-5.
- Jose Ramos drove in two runs as he pushed to get 100 RBIs. He’s 11 shy!
- Eddys Leonard was 2-4 with 3 RBI as he also hit his 12th HR. Jorbit Vivas was also 204.
- Rancho Cucamonga lost 11-6.
- Dalton Rushing is a man among men as he was 4-5 with 2 HR, 3 RBI and 3 Runs scored.
- Peter Heubeck was roughed up – In 3 IP, he have up 5 Hits nd 3 ER
Dalton Rushing should be in Great Lakes and Diego Cartaya should move to Tulsa. 19-year-old Yenier Feernandez should be doing most of the catching at RC. It’s just my opinion, but Andrew does not consult me on these things.
Top 100 Prospects
As you probably know, Baseball America just released their Top 100 Prospects, and the Dodgers are ranked #2 in MLB Farm Systems. That is an incredible feat for a team that has won more games than any other in the past ten years. The only team ranked better is the Baltimore Orioles, who have not won since Christ was in Camden Yards.
The Dodgers have 7 Top 100 prospects (the Cards are the only other team with 7), but by next season, the Dodgers could add two more. Right now, they have these players:
- Cartaya – #9
- Miller – #22
- Vargas – #24
- Busch – #47
- Pepiot – #51
- Stone – #53
- Pages – #75
I believe that Dalton Rushing will make the list next year as well as Nick Nastrini… and Emmett Sheehan could also be close. Enjoy this while you can because some team will make a run at Andrew Friedman and offer him ownership. Bet on it. Of course, some fans will say, “Friedman has only won one championship.” Well, it should have been two, but now with the expanded playoffs, it becomes so much harder. Teams can get hot like the Braves last year and win it all on momentum!
Discussion (30)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Kershaw Aiming For September Return
By TC Zencka | August 20, 2022 at 8:04am CDT
Clayton Kershaw could return to the Dodgers in the second week of September if all goes according to plan, per J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group (via Twitter). His back now asymptomatic, Kershaw has started throwing bullpens. With the division all but locked up, the Dodgers will prioritize getting Kershaw healthy for the postseason. The legendary southpaw has continued to defy the odds when healthy, pitching to a 2.64 ERA/2.72 FIP in 15 starts covering 85 1/3 innings.
Dodgers News: LA Planning for Intriguing 6-Man Starting Rotation for a Bit
Clint Pasillas
Aug 20
The Dodgers get a big weapon back today with the return of Dustin May. The lanky right-hander re-joins the rotation 15 months after undergoing season ending Tommy John surgery.
With the return of May, the Dodgers rotation gets a little more full. He joins ace-in-the-wings Julio Urias, All-Stars Tony Gonsolin and Tyler Anderson, as well as veteran lefty Andrew Heaney. Moreover, with Clayton Kershaw sidelined, top pitching prospect Ryan Pepiot has taken a couple turns in the rotation for now. And earlier this week, Dave Roberts said that will remain the case.
The manager said that the team will keep Pepiot in the rotation once May returns which means, you guessed it, the Dodgers will be running with a 6-man rotation for at least a little bit.
Dave Roberts said Ryan Pepiot will stay in #Dodgers rotation after Dustin May returns. They will go with 6-man rotation for time being
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 17, 2022
With just seven weeks of regular season left, easing back on at least a pair of starters at the top of the rotation seems to be a focus for the LA front office. Tony Gonsolin has already thrown more innings than he ever has as a big leaguer and Julio Urias is well on his way to surpassing the 200 innings pitched mark for the first time in his career.
Another reason why you can never take what Doc says to the bank (not that I necessarily expect him to say anything else). Could’t watch last nights game so not sure about any commentary, but reading the boxscore today I saw where Phillips got the save with a one-run lead despite Doc proclaiming Kimbrel was still the closer, even with just a one-run lead.
Say what you will, but Kimbrel, short of a late-season turnaround, has played himself out of the closer role and perhaps off the roster completely.
I sure would be more comfortable with less squeaking narrow wins but it’s so much better than any loss. I will be happy with squeaking a win in Saturday’s matchup but the bats will have to be more alive than they’ve been these last few days as the opposing pitching is a level higher and gets to another level further ahead. I hope I’m looking forward for the test against the Mets. That’s the real dipstick for a level check on Dodgers offense. I know we’re better than they are but do they?
So….
Why not just make Trayce the starter ahead of Belli?
Trayce has been spectacular at bat and in the field since his return to the Dodgers–and it’s not a tiny sample size.
Except for the glove and occasional HR, Belli has been pretty bad, with the worst on-base percentage of any regular by a wide margin. And it’s not a small sample size. The runway to recovery has been long.
Since his return, Trayce has been much more impressive than Belli, Taylor or Gallo this season. Hasn’t he earned more playing time?
Perhaps Roberts should shuffle Trayce, Belli, Taylor and Gallo between left, center and DH to try to figure out the best combination.
But as far as what-have-you-done-for-us-lately, Trayce is clearly the best.
Possible playoff lineup that won’t happen but should be considered:
Mookie
Lux (great on-base percentage–better than Mookie or Trea)
Trea
Freddie
Will
Max
Trayce
Justin
Belli/Gallo/Taylor
I doubt Lux would get moved up. Because if it ain’t broke…
Plus, batting him 9th would keep the pressure off him and keep pressure on the rival.
Hader couldn’t get an out tonight. 3 runs aloud with a HR. ERA up to 5.06
Uff!!
Player of the game : Trace Thompson!
PHILLIPS IS COMING TO CLOSE IT OUT!!!
Way to go Trayce….I am beginning to think I am watching our new playoff centerfielder. An premier athlete who also happens to be a clutch baseball player……
Dodgers prospect Yunior Garcia just hit a home run 489 feet, per Trackman, off Mariners prospect Michael Morales. 110 mph off the bat. That ball was annihilated
Kershaw had a bullpen today, almost two weeks since he’s thrown. Doc says another bullpen, then a sim game and possibly activation after that.
Yencey, second week of September. Not progressing as fast as they hoped.
Brusdar is looking at an activation on Monday.
Doc gave Price a ton of praise. Said he can pitch anywhere in the pen and is doing a fantastic job and other guys look up to him. Says he’s a strike thrower and is very efficient.
Says Dustin May is a starter.
Says you might need 5 starts in the postseason due to the elimination of some travel games. Maybe for the NLDS, most likely for the NLCS. World Series you only need 4.
Buy teams have to wait 5 days to play with a scheduled off day before and after the WC series.
Gavin Stone started at AAA and went four innings. He allowed no runs or hits.
He would be an asset in the bullpen NOW!
I hope the Cardinals bring back Albert for one more year. He’s got 11 bombs now and he’s just 10 away from 700 and 6 behind A-Rod.
What the heck is up with Daulton Rushing? I can’t remember a guy starting off this hot.
.452/.579/.881/1.460 – Yes, it’s just 13 games, but it’s also his first 13 pro games. Incredible.
Remember when Matt Beaty was traded to the Padres for a random minor leaguer.
His name is River Ryan. He has a 2.36 ERA and 13.3 SO/9 rate this season in the minors.
10:10 PM ET
Marlins (52-66)
Dodgers (81-36)
SP Jesus Luzardo L
3-5 3.72 ERA 46IP 58K 19BB
SP Tyler Anderson L
13-2 2.81 ERA 128.1IP 101K 25BB
Confirmed Lineup
RF Mookie Betts R
SS Trea Turner R
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
DH J. Turner R
LF Chris Taylor R
3B H. Alberto R
CF T. Thompson R
2B Gavin Lux L
Clear-day
0% Rain
76° Wind 5 mph Out
Blunderfull, coming into yesterday, Heaney had given up 1 dinger all year in 31 innings I wouldn’t get overly concerned about the 3 yesterday. He didn’t get away with 2 pitches to McCutchen and the dinger to Renfroe was after a strike out and passed ball. He still has a 1.77 ERA and has great swing and miss stuff with 10 K’s yesterday. I think he’d be a great weapon out of the pen.
* Will Smith had kind of a tough night despite his RBI single. The passed ball was weird. I don’t think he was crossed up. He just missed the ball. And if Lux lets Will’s throw to second on the steal in the 5th travel, they may have a had a shot. Tags are a lost art. I have no idea why Lux received the knee high throw so far in front of the bag, demanding a long, slow, sweep tag to chase the runner? A “pop”tag while receiving the ball at the base might have worked. We’ll never know as Lux made a good throw look bad.
* As I previously mentioned, I think Heaney with primarily with his 2 pitch mix is a great candidate for the bullpen in the playoffs.
* I thought Corbin Burnes was a slick lawyer on the old LA Law Series. He is a dude. Brewers top 3 pitchers and the leverage guys looked pretty good to me. The Brewers are a nice team.
* Gallo, CT3 and Bellinger at the bottom of the order were 0 for 10 with 7 K’s. Lux has to be in the middle of that group or something to break that group up.
Dodgers released Tony Wolters.
I keep reading that some put May as a starting pitcher in the playoffs, when he hasn’t even pitched a single inning this season.
And leave Anderson out of the rotation, I understand Heaney going to the bullpen, but Anderson why?
If anyone wants Anderson back next year, take him out of the rotation and you’ll see how easily he comes back to the team next season!
I cannot wait until October to see just how off in our predictions we all are. I will no doubt lead the pack in missed players.
Bobby Miller will not be on the playoff roster. AF has a long track record of preferring veterans on the playoffs. Besides, I’m not ready to go along with all the of Miller gushing just yet. He throws triple digits deep into games, but even watching that pre-season game against the Angels didn’t overwhelm me. His fastball looked a little straight and seemed to lack late movement to my untrained eye. Let him develop before we contemplate putting him in that kind of pressure environment.
V-Gon will not be on the playoff roster – or I don’t think he should. Remember, he was almost out of baseball because he couldn’t throw strikes. Some magic happened in 2020 and he was able to find the strike zone and was very effective in the playoffs. He lost his control again in 2021, and coming off injury, there’s not enough time to see which V-Gon the Dodgers have in 2022.
May will be a starter on the playoff roster, but I don’t think he’ll be able to pitch deep into games, and he’s shown in the past that playoff pressure can get to him. I think I like Anderson as a long relief piggyback/insurance policy for May just because he shows a completely different look than May – and he throws strikes and commands the strike zone. To me, control and command really play up in the postseason. Who to leave off among Anderson, Heaney and Price? I really don’t know.
Watching Devon Williams was a revelation to a lot of people. “Oh! So THAT’S what a closer is supposed to look like!” We now know why a team in the playoff hunt was willing to trade away a guy like Hader, and we now know just how bad our closer has been. I think even Roberts, cryptic and evasive PR spokesman as he is, alluded to the possibility he won’t be on the playoff roster. Unless there’s a 180 degree turnaround, he needs to be gone … but that’s already the consensus here – I hope. If you’re still talking about his bad luck at this point or are just pulling for him no matter what because you’re a good and loyal Dodger fan, I don’t know what to tell you at this point. I’m a Dodger fan, too, but I also want win, and my support for players because they wear a Dodger uniform is not unconditional. HE’S GONE!!!
I sure hope the likes of Miller, Pepiot, Bruns, Stone, et. al. develop into solid pitchers because the Dodgers will have some decisions to make in a couple of years with Urias and Buehler hitting FA. Urias is a Boras athlete, and personally I think he’s gone. Buehler’s stock will have dropped because of his injury history, so I think there’s a better chance of signing him, but no guarantee he gets his 98 fastball back, either. I told you people his ulnar collateral ligament was like a frayed piece of dental floss, but you didn’t believe me. Told ya! He’s a thrower. He’s going to have to learn how to pitch.
Vassegh injury update?
He going to a 10 day IL?
Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna was arrested and charged with DUI and Failure to Maintain Lane, Atlanta’s CBS 46 reports. Ozuna was booked into Gwinnett County Jail at 4:39am, per the report. The Braves have not yet commented on the matter.
How’s that decision to reinstate him looking Rob Manfred?
Treinen’s velo is down from where it was and should be. Not sure we can count on him just yet.
It has seemed proven the 9 hole it’s best to put a threat batter as a weapon that produces a more productive top of our lineup. While likely the position gets one at bat less that is paid for with any more runs that occur in the bottom 8 innings. I can’t understand how this hasn’t become the norm for as long as the DH has been in the AL. The leadoff batter only holds true for the 1st inning. The 9 hole is not best to put your worse hitter.
After watching Devon Williams close the game for the Brewers yesterday, I saw what kind of closer it will take for the playoffs. It looks to me like the Brewers and Mets (Diaz) have the best closers of the NL playoff bound teams. Unless the Dodgers can find a closer or committee of closers in September, I am not optimistic about our playoff run…
I’m not laughing at your Heaney suggestion, OldBear. In fact, if Kimbrel continues to fizzle, I believe we’ll see more of a closer by committee situation. Although, the best bet is for Heaney to be a long man lefty ala Andrew Miller.
I don’t think the Dodgers have room for Bobby Miller this year and I can’t see them making yet another DFA to give Miller a cup of coffee. We already have DFA’s coming when we activate May, Treinen, and perhaps V-Gone and Kahnle.
So far with the Dodgers, Gallo is .231/.333/.615/.949. That’s plenty of production right there and he’s got a serious glove. This is no experiment, he’ll stick if he keeps this up.
The biggest battles for the postseason roster are going to be in the bullpen. There’s just way too many quality arms down there and with a couple of starters potentially in the mix, it’s going to get really interesting. Price, Heaney and Anderson are going to be really redundant and with Vesia, Ferguson and potentially V-Gone, I don’t see all of them in a post-season pen. There’s a lot of great righties too with Phillips, Almonte, Treinen, Brusdar, Martin and we’ll see about Kimbrel. That’s an even dozen right there without considering Kahnle, who may or may not return, for 9 postseason spots.
My ideal lineup would be…
Mookie RF
TT SS
Freeman 1B
Smith C
Muncy DH
JT 3B
Gallo / Trayce LF
Belli CF
Lux 2B
I like Lux batting in front of Mookie when the roster turns over with two big homer threats after the first 6. But, I wouldn’t complain if Lux hits behind JT either. I just think it’s a waste to have a burner like Lux hitting behind JT. If Belli or Gallo walks or homers or K’s, the three most likely outcomes, there’s plenty of speed or room ahead of Lux for him to run wild.
CT3 needs to come off the bench to give them a mostly platoon-neutral option in LF, or play anywhere else in the field when necessary. Hanser can be a late inning option against a tough lefty.
Eddie Rios probably gets the September callup as a bat when the rosters expand. He’s used to being a bench player for the most part. As previously stated, the callup on the pitching side will be a guy coming off the IL.
I’m going to Visalia this weekend to see and stay with family. We’re having a big ass dinner at a Mexican Restaurant with a party of close to 20 at 5PM on Saturday. They better have the game on, otherwise I might miss some of May’s debut. I might just bring my tablet to the restaurant with me. I have no idea if MLB will black out the game.
Damn!
It wasn’t a horrible outcome splitting a 4 game series against the Brewers in their yard, but Kimbrel blowing that save in extras did make it that much worse for me. It was good that he came right back and saved a one-run game, but it wasn’t very clean and it doesn’t make me think he’s getting it together. His stuff is great, but he really needs to go on a run soon in order to keep his current job.
It seems the same people that wanted to give up on Lux are the same people that want to give up on Kimbrel.
There will be a lot of competition for the playoff bullpen and some upset near misses. Hoping V Gon makes it back for a September try out. I love his stuff and moxie. If May comes back and builds up to a starter and Kersh comes back heathy could Anderson or Heaney not make the playoff roster? Really looking forward to the Met series with DeGrom and especially Scherzer.
IMHO it will come down to Phillipps and Treinen as closer IF Kimbrel continues to struggle.
Even without Kimbrel our bullpen should be in great shape with Graterol, Almonte, Ferguson , Vesia, Phillipps and Treinen at the back end in high leverage situations. Should Kimbrel return to his all star form of the past (unlikely) that much better.
And Price has looked very good too lately. His veteran presence in the pen should help too in pressure cooker postseason situations.
Rotation Julio, Clayton, Gonsolin, May. Anderson and Heaney in the pen to provide some long reilief if necessary.
About Bobby Miller: I would give him a look in September, either as a starter to give our regulars some much needed rest or out of the pen. With his stuff he could be a huge shot in the arm come playoff time.
I´d give Gallo a couple more weeks to prove himself and then bring back Rios. Rios has just as much power from the left side than Gallo but a better average and OBP.
Barring any inhuries I can see the batters for the playoffs like this: Betts, Turner, Freeman, Smith, Muncy, JT, Lux, TT, Barnes, CT3, bellinger, Hanser plus GAllo or Rios.
Gavin seems to have found his power stroke lately. Only a great play provided him from hitting another HR , settling for a triple. BTW he leads all MLB in that category now.
I would add him to FF, TT, Mookie and Smith as the 5 most consistent hitters on the team .
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!