Hope for the Best – Prepare for the Worst

Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear, and you might be just as close to the truth as anyone. I don’t believe Doc when he tells us about Tony Gonsolin. Some of you prefer to think it’s because he’s stupid because that fits your worldview. I think Andrew Friedman and the Front Office have carefully constructed a narrative, and Doc gets to deliver the “punch line.” It’s not because he is stupid – it’s because he is very smart. Give your enemies very little to go on.

• So, I am of the opinion that Tony Gonsolin may not be back this season, and if he is, it might be in a limited role. I’m OK with Tony for an inning or two at a time. Of course, I have no inside information… it’s just a feeling!
• What could hurt more is Gavin Lux’s neck/back injury, and again, I have no inside information, but his neck has bothered him on and off this season. I worry more about losing Lux moreso than Gonsolin.
• I expected Dustin May to have some cobwebs. Last night was not a surprise. He has a few weeks to get it worked out, but even if he doesn’t, he could give you one or two high-quality innings out of the bullpen. We just have to let it play out.
• Blake Treinen’s velocity is down, so it will likely take him a few weeks to return to his normal speed. In the meantime, we wait!
• We are not hearing the full truth about Yency Almonte – now they are saying “a few weeks” … maybe or maybe not.
• Tommy Kahnle, Victor Gonzalez, and Danny Duffy are all on the mend. Duffy seems to be doing the best, barring setbacks.
• What I do know is that Julio Urias, Clayton Kershaw, Andrew Heaney, and Tyler Anderson all have something to bring, but they are all LH. I am not sure that is a great idea in the playoffs. The Dodgers may be forced to activate Gavin Stone and Bobby Miller, if Gonsolin or May can’t start. I keep thinking there is some rule that prevents them from being transferred to the Active Roster if they are not on the 40-Man roster, but I can’t find it. Tell me I am wrong or find it!

On the hitting side, has Joey Gallo shown enough to warrant a roster spot? No! But he will be given some more time. Trayce Thompson is showing he might be the real McCoy, but it appears he does his best work when he has to “earn it.” … and he has! Miguel Vargas is about to be given his opportunity. It might be at DH. In fact, I think that would be a great move right about now.

Losing Gonsolin and/or May would be the biggest obstacles. I don’t expect to lose May, but his progress may not be linear. Gonsolin is the most worrisome. That said, if the Dodgers put up their normal hitting lineup, and players hit like they have in the past and are capable… Don’t worry about it! Look at this group without Lux:

1. Betts RF
2. Turner SS
3. Freeman 1B
4. Turner 3B
5. Smith C
6. Muncy 2B
7. Vargas DH
8. Bellinger CF
9. Thompson LF

That’s fearsome!