Or I Could Say, It’s Not How You Start… It’s How You Finish!
Heather Dorniden (now Heather Kampf) is an American middle-distance runner best known for her grit and determination on the track. She competed for the University of Minnesota, where she was an NCAA champion in the 800 meters.
Her most famous moment came during the 2008 Big Ten Indoor Track Championships. In the 600-meter final, Dorniden tripped and fell hard with one lap to go—but got back up, chased down the field, and astonishingly won the race. That comeback performance went viral years later and is often cited as one of the greatest displays of perseverance in sports.
After college, Dorniden continued her career as a professional runner, specializing in the 800m and 1500m. Beyond athletics, she has become a motivational figure, frequently sharing her story as an example of resilience and mental toughness. Here is her inspirational win:
Since the All‑Star break (which fell in early July), the Dodgers have gone 12–21 overall. Of course, the media loves this. Plaschke and others will be reveling in their swill. But… things are about to change, as players who have been injured will start coming back as early as this weekend and next week. Kike Hernandez (Mr. October) is as important on the bench as he is in the field. Max Muncy is the heart and soul of the Dodgers. Hyeseong Kim is a weapon, and Tommy Edman is … well, Tommy Tanks. We do not know how fast they will ramp up, but as they come back and Doc “does to the whip,” I think you will see the Dodgers get up, dust themselves off, and, like Heather Dorniden, outsprint everyone down the stretch.
This team is built for the big moments. It’s go time. It’s for sure that Buddy Kennedy will be gone. Michael Conforto is unlikely to weather the storm. This will be very interesting to watch.
Dodger Notes & News
- Ohtani’s velocity was visibly down last night… why? No clue. I don’t think he should pitch and hit in Colorado again.
- Michael Conforto is officially the worst hitter in baseball (.188). He will be gone soon.
- Paul Gervase has a future… It’s just not now!
- Jack Dreyer’s arm may fall off.
- Henriquez remains intriguing.
- Don’t be surprised if Jackson Ferris is added to the roster as a reliever.
- Kiki is hot at OKC. He’s coming sooner than later.
- I have no idea how Edman’s ankle is, but if Kim is pain-free, look out!
- Kopech, Yates, and Scott are also due back by the first week of September.
I don’t know how much I will post for the next month
I have lots of doctor’s appointments as they get ready to replace my shoulder on the 27th. It does not sound pleasant to me, but I have to do it. My daughter is getting married on Saturday, and I delayed the surgery to walk her down the aisle and do the father-daughter dances. That should be a blast! My youngest son is performing the wedding, and my wife is the Wedding Planner. (She is not my daughter’s mother, who is not coming—I won’t say any more.)
I will post when I can, but I have to be in a sling for 4-6 weeks and then in therapy for 60 days. After that comes the back surgery, the carpal tunnel surgery on both arms, elbow surgery, a heart ablation, and possibly a brain transplant, but since mine has rarely been used, I am looking forward to 2026!
Discussion (40)
Disagree, not disagreeable
This here blog is a fine place to discharge one’s negative emotions as the team suffers through its greater than average misfortunes. On the other hand, how welcome a forum it is to share one’s bliss with fellow travelers after a victory such as today’s 8-2 triumph. The bi-polar ride that is the sum of the late August 2025 season has been an adventure for sure.
I chatted today with with a laid back SoCal transplant Dodger fan who’s a checker at the local super market. The young man gave me context that I will effort to hang my hat on, namely these past three games are like the Padres’ World Series. “Those dudes down there” he concluded “are just a bunch of cry baby wannabees.” I will trust in his judgment…
Mr. Freeland is looking pretty solid. Freddie was, well, Freddie today. Dalton Rushing is a keeper, his bat will eventually become more consistent and today was a sample of what’s to come I’d wager. Yamamoto was good enough and the relief pitching was a damn sight better than that group of complainers on the other side. I even stayed tuned in for some of the post game interviews and gossip, something I hadn’t had the stomach for lately. That smarmy David Vassegh still puts me off my potato chips and near beer though. GO DODGERS!!!
Now that they’ve completed their quota of runs and hits, game over?
O boy. Another wasted opportunity in inning #1
amen AVF! everyone oooh’s and aaah’s about ohtani and the fact he’s hitting 102 on the radar. Ignoring the fact he’s been hit hard lately. i don’t remember him swinging so wildly last year. right now they need his offense far more than his pitching! Wrobleski can hold down the #5 spot for the rest of the season. fix the offense! the pitching is not the problem!
Time for Ohtoni being a starting pitcher to be over iin 2025.He has all winter long to ramp up for the 2026 season. Make him a reliever. We need him to get on base and start stealing some bags and put pressure on the pitcher and defense. 17 steals this year doesn’t cut it. i’m sure all his other offensive numbers will also increase.
4:10 PM ET
Dodgers (73-57) 2nd place Western Division
Padres (74-56) 1st place Western Division
SP Y. Yamamoto R
10-8 2.90 ERA
SP Nick Pivetta R
13-4 2.81 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
SS Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
RF T. Hernandez R
3B A. Freeland S
CF Andy Pages R
LF M. Conforto L
2B Miguel Rojas R
C D. Rushing L
75° Wind 10 mph L-R
i’m hoping doc doesn’t sit Fleeman again! he’s the offense!! Kennedy? don’t get it! 2 games, ok. almost every day with Alex sitting? no! … lot of games left. Friars haven’t won sh#t yet! Speaking of padres. I despise Machado. BUT, i will give him his due. he’s as smooth as anyone I’ve seen at 3rd base. Shame he’s such a arssss!…. i like andy pages. but sometimes he rubs me a little. At times he refuses to take a pitch. swings at non competitive pitches. throws to the wrong base. that said he is very talented. but last night he pulled up 6-7 feet from first base and didn’t run thru the bag. didn’t like it! remember when we had a guy playing shortstop a couple of years ago who was criticized for that and admitted he didn’t give it his all, all the time? we don’t cut him any slack now that he’s gone! i’m just saying!…. i’ve not been one to scream for Ward, but dear lord, he’s got to be better than conforto ! if buddy miller can make this roster? i’m just saying!
Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is insanity.
Today’s bets aren’t on whether the Dodgers will win, they’re on whether they’ll get more than 2 hits and/or score more than 1 run.
In my humble opinion Glasnow is NOT a starting ptcher you can count on in a BIG game. IF the Dodgers plan on starting hm in the playoffs, he’d better start a game at home because these are his 2025 road stats show an ERA of 5.40 with 16 strikeouts in 4 appearances.
So as the Dodgers slip-side into second place, again…. the burning question is: Should Buddy Kennedy get more runway?
Joking aside, I’m still baffled by how a Buddy Kennedy can wind up in the defending champ’s lineup while long-suffering Ryan Ward remains in OKC. Yes, I know they play different positions… so why not promote ML vet Nick Senzel instead? I assume Kennedy is in there because of some sort of 40-man/waiver-wire logistics beyond my ken. Whatever. It’s just bizarre.
Anyway, I assume that the returns of Kike, Kim and Edman will knock Kennedy, Dean and (I ope) Conforto off the roster.
We are supposed to be encouraged by the returns of Scott and Yates too–but what if the time off doesn’t improve their performances? And what guarantee is there than Kike, Kim and Edman provide the jolt this team needs when superstars like Mookie still struggle? The Dodgers should still win the West…right? right???…but the Padres reinforced their roster and could have the momentum down the stretch. But the Dodgers should at least get a wild card spot… right? Right???
For Dodger fans, this one sucked. Thank goodness for Rojas preventing a no-hitter and Freeland for preventing a shutout.
But baseball fans, I suspect, enjoyed watching Glasnow, a Hollywood-handsome guy who looks like a Marvel Avenger, get outpitched by a guy who looks like somebody who might sidle up at the local dive. Nestor Cortes might be the funkiest pitcher in the game.
Another great outing from Glasnow. $30 million a year for a pitcher that can’t stay healthy or throw strikes. You gotta hand it to Andrew Friedman he sure knows how to spend money.
I have a post “in jail”
Without being presumptous, perhaps it can wait to be “freed” until the next post by Mark?
8:40 PM ET
Dodgers (73-56)
Padres (73-56)
SP Tyler Glasnow R
1-1 3.12 ERA
SP Nestor Cortes L
1-2 5.87 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
SS Mookie Betts R
C Will Smith R
1B F. Freeman L
RF T. Hernandez R
LF Alex Call R
CF Andy Pages R
2B Miguel Rojas R
3B B. Kennedy R
74° Wind 7 mph Out
The Dodgers have activated RHP Kirby Yates from the injured list and placed LHP Blake Snell on the paternity list.
News from Internet:
Bill Plunkett on new acquisition, Adam Serwinoski ($$$$$)
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/adam-serwinowskis-pitch-package-excites-dodgers/
““Big, funky (arm stroke). Really good fastball,” Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes said of the 6-foot-5 Serwinowski.”The pitch package as it is right now is really solid.
“We feel strongly that getting with our (player development) group, we can add a harder slider to round it out, potentially make some adjustments to his changeup.”
Longenhagen chat:
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/eric-longenhagen-prospects-chat-8-22-25/
Aviaries: What’s your concern level wrt Zyhir Hope’s really poor contact rates in the low minors? You still have him ranked pretty highly among all prospects, and while I understand he has a lot of pop it just seems crazy that someone whiffing on a third of his swings in A+ is a top-50 prospect.
Eric A Longenhagen: It’s a lot of whiffing, he’s probably still a 50 for me but I’d expect his ordinal rank to drop on next update
Jay Jaffe looks at what current pitchers and catchers may make the HOF
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/cooperstown-notebook-the-2025-progress-report-part-i/
Kenley Jansen has a sneaky case!
Baseball America picks one player per team to enjoy the September callup ($$$$$)
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/20-mlb-september-callups-wed-love-to-see-in-2025/
Nick Frasso for the Dodgers
Maddux Bruns turning a corner, as per Dodgers Digest?
https://x.com/dodger_daily/status/1958915913547157687
“Maddux Bruns…Atta Baby
4.2IP | 2H | 0ER | 8Ks | 3BB
Bruns has had a challenging year, in the midst of a career that has been high-centered due to injury, so what he needs is good health, and several good starts posted on top of each other.
Because he’s still only 23, and still as talented as ever, and will still, almost assuredly, put things together the way we’ve expected from him.
I had a long-time Major Leaguer tell me last year that everyone’s table is different, and that statement stuck because it’s so true.
Bruns has posted an ERA of 3.38 this month and has 17 Ks in 16 innings. He’s still issuing too many walks, but that is part of the process. The main thing is, he’s posting one outing after the other, and if he can keep doing that, the “execution” piece should catch up with the “stuff”
Ardaya ($$$$) on Patrick Copen
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6562793/2025/08/20/dodgers-pitching-prospect-patrick-copen-lost-vision-eye/
““He has three legit fastballs,” Gomes said. “And he’s taking steps forward. Even as he’s moved up levels, the walk rates have been maintained … his overall pitch package is really impressive.”
Matt Eddy @Baseball America looks at the toolsiest players of the 2020s ($$$$)
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/mlb-players-with-the-top-20-tools-of-the-2020s-so-far/
Tons of Dodger representation. Kershaw, Freeman, Ohtani, Betts
Future Dodgers was on the Dodger Blue video podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQkrHnROc9M
DePaula, Hope, Sirota, Ferris, QUintero among those discussed.
Baseball America asked managers who has the best tools in Minor League Ball ($$$$$)
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2025-milb-best-tools-managers-vote-on-the-top-prospects/
Quintero, Elkins, George amongst other Dodgers
“Vicissitudes: a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant.” The New Oxford American Dictionary could have been describing the unpleasant turn of events that has seen the Dodgers’ fairly recent lead of 9 games gurgling down the drain. Damn, now they share first place with those aggravating pretenders from the south. Oh for the days of the stability, of a productive lineup 1-9, a healthy pitching staff and a rock solid defense. Despair is an option if one is so inclined. BUT: a brain bath of dopamine for Dodger fans could be in the offing when once again the squad is operating with their best of the best. GO DODGERS!!!
When your 4 superstars go 2-15, you don’t deserve to win. The Rookie tried to show them how, but they are slow learners.
I’m betting and hoping Conforto gets DFA on September 1. There is no more need to endure the pain watching him in the batter’s box and outfield any longer. Nice guy but not one of AF’s better signings.Move on!
“Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler is being removed from the Boston Red Sox starting rotation, per manager Alex Cora.Buehler is going to the bullpen and will not start Monday for the Red Sox. The right-hander is sporting a 5.40 ERA across 22 starts this season”.
9:40 PM ET
Dodgers (73-55)
Padres (72-56)
SP Blake Snell L
3-1 1.80 ERA
SP Yu Darvish R
2-3 5.97 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
SS Mookie Betts R
C Will Smith R
1B F. Freeman L
RF T. Hernandez R
LF M. Conforto L
CF Andy Pages R
2B A. Freeland S
3B B. Kennedy R
74° Wind 6 mph Out
08/22/25 Los Angeles Dodgers activated LHP Tanner Scott from the 15-day injured list.
08/22/25 Los Angeles Dodgers optioned RHP Matt Sauer to Oklahoma City Comets.
The Los Angeles Dodgers could be getting utility man Kiké Hernandez back by next week, according to manager Dave Roberts.
Here we go another three game series with the Padres at there home. The big three ohtani Betts and Freeman have got to hit or click. This would be the weekend for them to start that. Kikie and Kim should be back but on like monday that will help. and the the week after that Edman and Muncy will help out a lot. Then there wont be any excuses why there not just clobbering teams they will have there team and no injuries. But yet again as playoffs get close and Freeman and Betts have to play. Then they get run down for the playoffs to then start with two guys with little tor no rest to just get in to the playoff. I thought the idea was not to do that this year. Where the regulars were playing so much and then there tired when the playoffs start. Well tonite should be interesting the home team fans do not like us. And they will be amped up for this. The good thing is we just saw them last weekend both teams should know about each other.
i’m willing to bet anyone out there that Michael Conforto doesn’t go anywhere. A big mac, a burger king whopper, your choice! i really believe if they were going to cut him, he’d have been gone. Now give Doc credit, he’s tried about everything possible. But yesterday? Cleanup? he just made a mistake, right? i give up. And yeah, we gave Barnes a much worse time and he had climbed over .200! Can’t criticize AF for the signing, i thought it was a sneaky good idea. it just hasn’t worked out. ……. Dodgers need this first game tonight. Yu Darvish may not be so generous in the first inning tonight. score first and score often. keep that bullpen in check. dodger bullpen should be somewhat rested and replenished. time to step it up again Dodgers!
While a potential return date remains unclear, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Muncy took some swings on Wednesday without issue, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“He hit off a tee [Wednesday], so he is in a good spot. Trending in the right direction. I don’t know time of return, but all things that I hear, it’s been really promising. … No discomfort.”
Drama awaits beginning tonight. Hoping Machado once again won’t speak to the media post-game(s) due to his petulant angry disappointment. A heaping steeping cup of schadenfreude would be especially satisfying. The Conforto conundrum continues. The mind gyrates in the face of as yet unanswered questions. Why is he still in the lineup? Will he be around much longer? Ah, the joys of speculation…
The cavalry begins to trickle in tonight. An $18 million a year closer who had lost his way followed by a hopefully rejuvenated splitter/fastball $13 million dude on Saturday. I can almost remember being jazzed about a stacked bullpen at the dawn of the season. The offense and defense will soon be rejuvenated with A-team contributors. High hopes with a side of trepidation. Go Dodgers!!!
7 Dodgers in updated ESPN top 100 prospects
Outfielder Josue De Paula, who won MVP in the Futures Game in July in Atlanta, was one of seven Dodgers ranked among the top 100 prospects in Kiley McDaniel’s updated list at ESPN:
12) Josue De Paula
44) Eduardo Quintero
46) Zyhir Hope
56) Mike Sirota
73) Alex Freeland
85) Emil Morales
99) Jackson Ferris
“#Dodgers Dave Roberts confirmed Tanner Scott will be activated Friday vs. Padres.
Kirby Yates will be activated on Saturday”.
— Kirsten Watson (@kirsten_watson) August 21, 2025
Kim playing LF tonight for Oklahoma City. Maybe Conforto gets DFA’d on Sept. 1 and teams then unable yo pick him up for the playoffs, not that anyone would or he his left off the Oct. 1 playoff roster. You choose.
Olney was on a podcast and basically said the Dodgers goal is to get to the playoffs with the pitching set up.
That seems to be the only goal. Not necessarily even through a divisional or league-wide best record.
He also said that the basic sentiment around the league is if the Dodgers have enough in the pen.
The league thinks the lineup and starters will be fine.
I was listening to the Rockies broadcast for an inning or two, and both of the announcers wondered why Conforto was doing so badly. One said, “He should be a dangerous hitter.” When Kike, Kim, or Edman returns, I think he is gone. By going 3-5, Freeland cemented his role for at least a few days. Nice to see Alex call settling in….
Nice win! Let’s get ready for the punks down south!
Conforto hitting clean up ,,, Humm wonder who’s great idea made that call , should have dumped him already , just sayin
3:10 PM ET EARLY GAME
Dodgers (72-55)
Rockies (37-90)
SP Clayton Kershaw L
7-2 3.01 ERA
SP Chase Dollander R
2-9 6.43 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
SS Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
DH Will Smith R
LF M. Conforto L
3B A. Freeland S
C D. Rushing L
CF Andy Pages R
RF Alex Call R
2B Miguel Rojas R
94° Wind 6 mph
The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Matt Sauer and optioned Paul Gervase to Triple-A Oklahoma City ahead of their series finale against the Colorado Rockies.
Best of luck Mark as the joys and challenges await. Meanwhile, as I sat in a local brew pub alongside some of my NW pals last night, there was lousy internet access and I was unable to learn of the goings on in Denver in real time. Glad I missed this one. The game in and of itself was statistically insignificant. Let’s leave it at that and hope for far better times ahead. GO DODGERS!!!
yeah Bear! i said last night, get both of them bus tickets! why bring kennedy in and sit Freeland? And i know, they’re playing chess, yeah yeah. would it hurt to see if Ward can hit mlb pitching? is .160 that much worse than .170? Or at least put Call in left field till edman and kim get back! … IT is possible ohtani moves to a relief role. Maybe last night was just a product of coors, but he got hit plenty! … who’s responsible for coaching the outfield? Whoever is, maybe they should teach pages and teo which base they should throw to! Dodgers looked like the rockies and vice versa. The GOAT needs some run support today! No ohtani. maybe he does need a break. (not just the line drive). PLEASE, no kennedy today!
I hope the marriage ceremony and celebrations go well and your daughter is very happy.
Best of luck on the shoulder replacement. My mother-in-law took a very bad fall at age 88 and had her shoulder replaced. She lived until 100-1/2 years and toward the end said the only thing in her body that DIDN’T hurt was her shoulder!
Coincidentally, I have an appointment to get a cortisone shot in both shoulders this afternoon. I badly separated one in 1976 (idiot kid injury), didn’t have recommended surgery and it’s never been right since. Re-aggravated both shoulders in July (idiot adult re-injuries!) and been in a lot of discomfort for over a month. I’m certain you can relate. Hard to move, harder to sleep, etc. Haven’t had cortisone since ‘76 but it hurt like hell then. I’m told it is much more gentle now….(but a little terrified anyway). I can only imagine how scared I’d be if I had to have the surgery you’re about to have. Again, best of luck.
PS: GO DODGERS!
Hope it all comes out well Mark. Bad game, forget it and move on. I DFA Kennedy, Conforto today. Bring up Ward and activate the first healthy body you can find. Kersh has to be the stopper today. They could be back in second place by the weekend.
Mark, please make Buddy Kennedy go away. Do what you need to do.
Mark,
Good luck with all this. But you are correct your brain still must have plenty of unused space so no reason to replace at this time.
Now that you are retired from your business, I know you cannot just sit around. So you could just open an ‘All in the Family’ wedding service.