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“It”

That is what James Outman has: “IT!” With his arm, last night, he threw out a runner at the plate, and both of his home runs were “key” to the Dodger’s victory over the Cubs… especially his Grand Slam. “IT” is something that is not definable, and yet it is something that allows…

By Mark Timmons2 min readJump to 87 comments

That is what James Outman has: “IT!” With his arm, last night, he threw out a runner at the plate, and both of his home runs were “key” to the Dodger’s victory over the Cubs… especially his Grand Slam. “IT” is something that is not definable, and yet it is something that allows the person to see things in slow motion, slow their heartbeat, and seize the moment. It appears to me that no stage is too big for JO. It’s still a small sampling, but you cannot argue with the results. Major League Pitchers will be trying to figure out his weaknesses and he will have to compensate, but right about now, he has to play every day!

When he was called up last year and hit a HR in his first at-bat, we took notice, but after four games, he was sent back down. Some people wondered why he was not called back up later in the season. Well, this is baseball. Some players get “lucky” and then fade away like “Super Joe” Carboneau, who was the Rookie of the Year in 1980, hitting .289 with 23 HR, only to face into oblivion the next year, and he was gone a year later. Novices are impressed with instant success, but baseball people are more calculated. It takes time to show you have “it” and maybe I am jumping the gun, but I have seen James Outman rise to the occasion on at least 6-8 times already.

I see a pattern, and it leads me to believe that he is “Big Games James.” James has had very few at-bats against LHP in the MLB, but is hitting .429 against them (.260 vs. RHP) this season. James has earned a spot to play every day, whether that be in CF or RF (if Mookie goes to SS). This changes everything and then add in that David Peralta is warming up and Miguel Vargas Thumb is looking better and this team may be a force to be reckoned with. Patience Grasshoppers!

Mookie Betts – SS

Those of you who don’t think Mookie can play SS forget that when he was drafted, he was a SS. Last night, he was able to show off his skills, and there is no doubt in my mind that he can play the position… at an All-Star Level.

Air Mookie!

Discussion (87)

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  1. Duke Not SniderApril 22, 2023

    Just noticed that this dismal day for the Dodgers was also a dismal day for the Padres. They were similarly stomped by the D-backs, on a two-hitter by Zac Gallen.

    Could the D-backs be for real?

  2. Duke Not SniderApril 22, 2023

    That future Dodger is now 3-0 with a 0.64 ERA. He’s struck out 38 batters in 28 innings.

  3. Duke Not SniderApril 22, 2023

    Oh, found more good Dodger-ish news today!

    Tim Wallach’s son Chad homered for the Angels, while future Dodger dominated in a 2-0 win.

  4. Duke Not SniderApril 22, 2023

    All considered, I really wish this had been a perfect game.

    Any silver linings for the Dodgers?

    I guess Williams threw a perfect inning.

  5. Dodger dadApril 22, 2023

    Right now, today, this is the worst dodger team I’ve seen in several years! That could change, but there’s a lot of work to do!

  6. OldBear48April 22, 2023

    Missed this stinker. Went to see The Covenant. Good movie. Tonight I am heading out to Chatsworth to play some tunes.

  7. BadgerApril 21, 2023

    Well I had the bottom of the order wrong. 0 for 8 with a walk and 5 Ks. Top of the order 0 for 10 with only 3 Ks and a walk. So clearly the top of the order was just as worse.

    What an ugly game.

    Rear view mirror. Moving on.

  8. Carlos ZamoraApril 21, 2023

    Discusting

  9. CassidyApril 21, 2023

    Proud to say I may have just watched the worst played game in Dodger history. Now that I think about it I’m embarressed to say that I watched this entire game. I need to step up my retirement game!

  10. QuasimodoApril 21, 2023

    I’ve got zip nada nothing with no passion.

  11. VengeurApril 21, 2023

    I like this Williams kid. 1-2-3 inning.

  12. BobbyApril 21, 2023

    Dodgers showing their character by fighting to ensure we don’t get no hit

  13. CassidyApril 21, 2023

    Mark, following todays title, may I suggest the title for tomorrows article, “Sh”.

  14. RichieFApril 21, 2023

    I hope Smyly gets his perfecto. Maybe that will wake us up.Although he has thrown 93 pitches with 2 innings to go.

  15. BadgerApril 21, 2023

    They have 12 runs. We don’t have a hit yet. I’m sure I can find something else to do.

  16. CassidyApril 21, 2023

    Was that an iceberg we just hit?

  17. VengeurApril 21, 2023

    I thought that loss yesterday might take the starch out of the Cubs for a game or two. Wow was I wrong. Now I wonder what this drubbing will do to Dodger conference.

  18. BlunderfullApril 21, 2023

    Reeds delivery is kinda odd looking. What does he get with that hand shaking at the end?

  19. CassidyApril 21, 2023

    Well I’ll give you this Bradley. The way we look today, I might sign Bumgarner for his bat but not his arm. And who knew the cure for Bellinger was to face the Dodger pitching staff!

  20. Jayne CobbApril 21, 2023

    I was annoyed about the early start. Especially on a Friday.

    Now? Well, at least so far I’m quite glad I haven’t been watching this game.

    Ugh

  21. NorcaldodgerfanApril 21, 2023

    It seems the Cubs fixed Bellinger just another reason RVS should be sent packing.

  22. Watford DodgerApril 21, 2023

    This is a very hard watch.

  23. BadgerApril 21, 2023

    Well crap.

  24. BradleyApril 21, 2023

    Hey Mark looks like Dodgers might need Mad Bum as a fifth starter wouldn’t be a bad idea having Syndeguard Kershaw and Bumgarner with Urias and I say Jackson you laughed in preseason when I said that but now he is out there and rumor is Mets Dodgers and Yankees looking at him he knows how to pitch out west so why not.

  25. Andrew Vincent ForteApril 21, 2023

    04/21/23 Los Angeles Dodgers transferred RHP Ryan Pepiot from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list. Left oblique strain.

    04/21/23 Los Angeles Dodgers placed RHP Michael Grove on the 15-day injured list. Right groin strain.

    04/21/23 Los Angeles Dodgers selected the contract of RHP Jake Reed from Oklahoma City Dodgers.

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