It's Time For a New Closer

I might be the most nostalgic Dodger fan alive. I have a love for the guys who are “good guys”. I still talk to DJ Peters. He and his wife just had a beautiful baby boy. And he also got released by the Giants in the KBO. At pretty much the same time. What a mixed bag.

I love Max. But reality is a thing. It pains me.

Like the day I realized I had no chance to play division one or pro ball. It sucked. But Max needs to be told his Cinderella story has come to an end. It was a great run. But it’s over. I have all the sympathy.

Remind me of a scene from Moneyball. “Some of us are told we can’t play the kids game anymore. Some of us are told told at 18. Some of us are told at 40. But we’re all told”.

https://youtu.be/QRGgCnxp9Lo

I hurt for Max.He is very competitive,you can see that.I know he is working really hard trying to get it back.I have been thinking he’ll brake loose all season.We are still hoping.Hang in there Maximus!

You’re right Quas. Watching him hit right now in the ninth. He does need some R&R for a mental regrouping. Just hit a long double off the right field fence.

Max is an athlete. His hitting is suffering likely due to all the effort he put into dialing his defense as that is the reverse of his problems. He’s surely trying and it’s going to come, but soon enough? Stress is the issue now and he’s trying everything. You can just see that in his every expressions. Gotta feel for him.

A friend and I were going over AF’s history of trades. He’s smarter than all of us combined.

If you look at the list of minor leaguers he’s traded, he got the best of each team that was involved. I remember names like Willie Calhoun, Jharel Cotton, Yusnel Diaz. Montas had been good.. But he had TJ and a PED suspension after that trade. Josiah Gray and Ruiz might end up being good MLB players. But I’d still make those trade in a heartbeat. About the only real miss was when we traded Yordan Alvarez before he played a single pro game for the Dodgers. But, who knew at that time he’d be what he is? Vargas, Cartaya… we’ve seen them do nothing but mash. They won’t be traded. If we do trade anybody, good luck to the team that gets was AF is willing to trade. They’ll likely regret it. Which is also why other GMs are probably reluctant to trade with him. Dodgers play chess. Everybody else is playing Hungry Hungry Hippos.

Paderes offer per MLB Insider is crazy. SS CJ Abrams, LHP Adrian Morejon, McKenzie Gore, OF Robert Hassell III, #23 MLB prospect and OF Joshua Mears, Padres #8 prospect. supposedly the Nats asked for one more prospect. Teams to submit their final offers asap. Giants listening to offers for their veterans.

Max’s game is complete shit right now. Can’t forget the easy out #3 in Philly he booted to give the game to the Phils and tonight he boots a routine ground ball to 3B. Stop the madness, when has Doc and AF seen enough?

Chris Martin is basically Phil Bickford with more innings pitched in his career. This year Chris Martin is worse than Phil Bickford. This is based on stats. This trade does nothing for me, it just gives Doc another crappy reliever to use in games that are winnable. Chris Martin is not playoff material.

The Dodgers traded with the Cubs for the wrong guy. It should have been for David Robertson instead.

I’m glad to see that some of you are now finally talking about what I’ve been talking about for a long time. The 1 part of the team that has room for improvement is the bullpen. Especially for the playoffs.

I think it was Mark that brought up David Bednar. He is my 3rd pick among the smaller pool of relievers available than previous years because of the expanded playoffs. Bednar has only been good since 2021. 1 full year and this year. Before that he was horrible in 2019 and 2020 but it was only 11 innings and 6.1 innings. The reason Bednar is my 3rd pick is because he has been good in only 107.1 innings and the price for him will be bigger than my top 2 picks that are rentals. Therefore will not cost as much and have better career stats than Bednar in much more innings pitched. Therefore are more proven than Bednar and they are doing better than Bednar this year too. But don’t get me wrong, Bednar would be an upgrade over most of our bullpen. Therefore I would be glad if the Dodgers got him. He is my 3rd pick for the bullpen.

8:10 PM ET

Dodgers (67-32)

Rockies (45-56)

SP Clayton Kershaw L

7-2 2.49 ERA 76IP 81K

Confirmed Lineup

RF Mookie Betts R

SS Trea Turner R

1B F. Freeman L

DH Will Smith R

2B H. Alberto R

LF T. Thompson R

3B Max Muncy L

C A. Barnes R

CF C. Bellinger L

0% Rain

94° Wind 5 mph Out

On James Outman: This is purely a “SHOWCASE.” If the Dodgers are lucky, he will come up and hit like a madman so that he can be traded. He will be a nice 4th or 5th outfielder and he can play all three positions, but, like McKinstry, there is no place for him.

So, Zach McKinstry was likely told he was going back to OKC, and both he and Friedman know he has no future in LA. This is Andrew helping Zach stay in the bigs. Now, it’s on Zach. Martin is a huge reach… but you never know what might happen. He’s exactly the type the Dodger Gurus can transform.

Martin strikes out 30% of hitters, something the Dodgers need. He gives up the HR more than we’d like, so will be interesting to see how/when we use him.

FYI,

Chris Martin is 36 and has a 4.31 ERA this year. I’m not sure if he is an improvement over Bickford, but I guess he has experience on his side.

I don’t see any reason to pop open the bubbly stuff on this “minor” transaction though, but I am still expecting to see a much bigger splash to be made soon.

Rays To Acquire David Peralta

By Steve Adams | July 30, 2022 at 2:40pm CDT

The Rays and Diamondbacks have agreed to a trade sending outfielder David Peralta from Arizona to Tampa Bay, reports Robert Murray of FanSided (via Twitter).

I think Martin will fit in nicely in the bullpen. Probably a seventh inning kind of guy. Hits 95 with the fastball. Throws a bunch of different pitches so I think the coaches will tinker with that. Maybe end up throwing fastball,curveball, and slider.

Outman was a surprise. I was thinking next year to make his debut in the bigs. Vargas is who I was thinking would be called up first as he is dominating AAA. Outman plays an exceptional right field. If he can hit big league pitching look for him to stick.

The Chris Martin trade may be an indication that mtg does not expect to have key arms return for the playoffs.

I would love to land Soto. That might be the leverage we need to sign Trea to a short High avg value deal bc i do not see the Dodgers giving Trea 300 million.

Rockies agreeing to an extension with Bard. Cards and Phils make a trade with Sosa, SS , going to the Phils for LH reliever, Jo Jo Romero. Move made so Cards can bring DeJong back. Trevor Story has a fractured wrist. Pederson, who got a two single digit salute from Cubs manager, David Ross, is on the 7 day concussion IL. Probably will miss at least 3 of the games against LA.

Rockies agreeing to an extension with Bard. Cards and Phils make a trade with Sosa, SS , going to the Phils for LH reliever, Jo Jo Romero. Move made so Cards can bring DeJong back. Trevor Story has a fractured wrist. Pederson, who got a two single digit salute from Cubs manager, David Ross, is on the 7 day concussion IL. Probably will miss at least 3 of the games against LA.

Jim Callis

@jimcallisMLB

2nd-rder Dalton Rushing signs with

@Dodgers

for $1,959,390 (slot 40 value = $1,951,900).

@LouisvilleBSB

C, 1.156 OPS with 23 HR, combines power & patience, strong arm behind the plate. Source says LA has agreed to terms with all but its 20th-rder in

@MLBDraft

.

With Martin coming in, someone has to go down pitcher wise. My guess, Jake Reed. One reason AF traded for the guy is that he does not walk people. His walk rate is at 3%.

After trading away utility man Zach McKinstry in a trade with the Cubs, LA is calling up minor league outfielder James Outman. As of earlier this morning, reports had Outman en route to Colorado.

In 90 games split between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City this year, the prospect has posted a .279/.381/.534 triple slash line with 21 home runs and 69 runs batted in. Nice. He slowed down a bit average-wise (.225 in 22 games) after joining AAA. But overall, his on-base skills and power have been there.

Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic confirmed the news.

* What a catch by Bellinger. He, Mookie and Trayce can run down some fly balls and Coors is a great arena to show those skills. Belli’s catch was awesome

* On the “not so good” side, Maybe he and Muncy shouidn’t be back to back in the line up. Together they were 2 for 9 with 5 K’s and left 5 orfthe 13 runners left on base. Put somebody between these two.

A quality team AB is damned near impossible for Belli. He struggles with contact so situational hitting is a dream. Last night he got it dead backwards in 2 AB’s. Top 7, no outs, Muncy on 2nd. Belli needs contact to the right side to advance Muncy to 3rd. He just has to do what he always does, pull the ball on the ground into the shift. Instead, he struck out looking leaving Muncy stranded at 2nd. His next AB in the 9th with Lux on first , he pulls a grounder to the right side for a near DP. Exactly what he needed to do his previous at bat.This of course was while the Dodgers were stuck on 5 runs and failed to add on. It almost cost the win. Bellinger shows no ability to “play pepper” to help his team.

* Jess Mendoza made a great comment after TT error and the next play which he turned two. The error didn’t effect the next play. No “stinking thinking” and doubt. I used to talk about this mental side of the game with my players all the time. This is the difference between professionals and young amateur players. More often then not, a high school player will boot a ball and then another and another. Fear of another failure becomes a real thing. I did that as a high schooler. We would talk about fear and doubt effecting the next play. The ability to flush the negative separates the men from the boys.

* Once upon a time the nice play by McMahon on Trayce would have been an out every time. The rule of thumb before replay was the call would favor the outstanding play, if it was close. Conversely, if the play wasn’t clean and was bang-bang, the call went to the runner. The theory was fans didn’t pay to see a great play and the runner called safe. The D would get that call. Obviously, that’s long gone with replay. but I miss the idea that great plays got rewarded.

* I watched Aroldis Chapman come in, throw a 100 and have a clean inning for the Yankees yesterday. It was the 7th. Without fuss, he has moved to a set up guy and no longer closes. I would strongly consider that for Kimbrel with Phillips and hopefully Treinen soon (even Allmonte) closing games.

** But Willie was right again……..”All’s Well, That Ends Well”

Read between the lines folks.

We’ve just traded a lefty hitting outfielder.

Why?

This means we are definitely getting Soto. Otherwise why trade an extremely important guy like McKinstry.

I hope you guys realize how lucky you are to have me here to explain this stuff.

So, if Martin is a Dodger, who is he replacing in the bullpen? Don’t recall, are Bickford/Moronta still with the club? Who will replace McKinstry on the bench? Is it Vargas time?

This all looks like a shuffling of the deck before the big move.

Strange move. Don´t get it. Maybe just to unload McKinstry and give him a good landing spot.

Martin probably will be the first one to get the axe as soon as May and Treinen are ready.

The way the roster is right now it will come down to Lamb or TT for CT3 unless the Dodgers make a bigger move in the trading department to free up some roster space.

Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!

Many people are waiting for Taylor, as if he is the solution, have you guys forgotten that he strikes out too many times? I think he and Belinger are leading the MLB in strikeouts right now!

And once he’s back, obviously McKinstry will be demoted to the minor leagues, but who’s he going to replace in the lineup, Thompson, Lamb?

Something that is not going to happen is that Muncy is left off the roster, much less for the playoffs, if not, then what is the point of continuing to be stubborn in putting him on the lineup day after day?

Taylor, Muncy and Bellinger in the same lineup, you better get a couple of good pitchers for the bullpen, or again the dream of another championship will come to that: A dream!

And Kimbrel will continue in the team, even though we all know that he cannot be trusted, it doesn’t matter, nothing will change, or have they already forgotten someone named Jensen? How many opportunities did they give him until his patience ran out, that was when Julio came in to close the games, but this season Julio will not be in the bullpen, he will be a starter

No rookie will make the roster, at least not for the playoffs, the front office will not trust the youngsters, and they will go with what they already know, so Muncy can rest assured that he will be in the playoffs!

I’m just learning that McKinstry has already been traded, does that leave Lamb out when Taylor comes back?

Does that mean Muncy, Bellinger and now Taylor in the same lineup? Wow, 10 strikeouts per game!

We’re getting reliever Chris Martin from the Cubs.

How he’s an improvement over anyone we already have is beyond me.

No details on who we’re sending the Cubs. I assume it isn’t Cartaya or Miller.

Maybe Jeren Kendall.

Looking ahead to the playoffs and thinking about our starting pitching, I’m sensing the Dodgers may take a non-traditional approach — i.e. shorter starts coupled with long relief, or combo starters.

While the Mets will likely get 6-7 innings of 1-run ball from the likes of Degrom and Sherzer, I can envision the Dodgers deploying “combo starters” like Julio/Heaney and Gonsolin/Kershaw to complete 7-8 innings before turning to the BP.

And, if Bhutane and May are playoff ready, they could be pieces of this strategy too. Unlike last year when Sherzer and WB provided long starts, I don’t see that happening this year. Julio still tends to throw too many pitches, Gonsolin is in uncharted waters for innings pitched, Kershaw is fragile, and Anderson, Mitch White are not playoff caliber starters.

Go Dodgers!

Glad to see Castillo is off the market and in Seattle.

My #1 wish is for LA to save up their money to pay TRE TURNER to return for 8 more years. Knowing that Mookie, Freddie, and Tre would be around for quite some time makes me feel pretty relaxed.

I’m not really interested in Soto like some are. It seems to me Trayce Thompson may be just as good as Happ, so is it worth it to trade good prospects for a guy who may not improve our team much? And don’t forget Chris Taylor should be back soon too.

So who do we need? We need a guy like Julio Urias who was able to close all the big playoff games in 2020. Who could that be? Mark gave us a list of about 10 guys not counting Kimbrel, Hopefully one of them can rise up….bullpen is essential to winning playoff games. We did it in 20 and Braves bullpen did it in 21.

Max Muncy? Man, I would hate to give up on him, but I realize he is not helping us much this year. But if we can trade him for an asset that could help us win the WS, I’m open minded. I just don’t think this Max Muncy is the real Max Muncy…..

TM

Mark –

Agree with you on Kimbrel! My concern is that he struggles against good AND bad teams. In the playoffs, you are only playing the best teams. I am not optimistic that Kimbrel can be effective 2-3 times in a tough series with the Mets, Atlanta – or, (God help us) the Yankees. I don’t know the solution, but I can see a big problem on the horizon if Kimbrel continues in the closer role without significant improvement!

I agree with Andrew about Muncy. Max has had a nice three-year run; but, all good things come to an end and he should not be on the playoff roster as of today. I think he will be given the rest of the regular season to find himself but I am not optimistic.

On a more positive note, Trayce Thompson is gaining my confidence with every game and I am a sucker for “feel good” stories. I love it when perseverance and determination are rewarded. I think he will sustain his performance level.

Kimbrel is a train wreck at times, but his career numbers cannot be ignored. And as last season proved, he can find it just as sudden as he lost it. Am I defending him? No. I just tend to look at the fact that they won the game, and that is all that matters. He also had not pitched in a few days. Jansen did the same thing for years. And remember, Kenley was ineffective enough to make Roberts go to Urias in the 20 series. It is all about confidence. Right now he is missing his spots and his slider and fastball both flatten out sometimes, and that is when he gets hit. I am going to be offline until Monday as I have to hook up my new computer tower. And it will take a while to get it all set up. Don’t go nuts while I am gone! LOL. Beat Colorado again!

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Kimbrel just pitched 6 in a row without allowing a run and everyone screams when he gives up 2 while still notching his 18th save at Coors Field.

Bryant reached on a bleeder and Rogers got a seeing-eye grounder past Lux. The defense didn’t save him. That fly ball was 250 feet and in foul territory. Trayce said after the game that he wasn’t running that fast.

This is why the Reds suck. They picked up a High A prospect and a Low A prospect as their top two in their return for Castillo. Everyone on this site will be dead before the Reds are good again.

At least we won’t have to face him in the Post-Season.

We have visitors again this weekend, more family in town for a summertime cool down by the beach. As a result, I didn’t get to watch much of the game. I did get to see the first couple of innings, so I got to skip over the nonaction in the middle of the game. I re-watched Kimbrel’s ninth after I saw all the meltdowns on this site on the MLB app. I’m amazed at how unlucky Kimbrel is.

Okay, so everyone wants Bednar. In Kimbrel’s last 7 games, 2 ER at Coors Field last night, no runs for the rest of them. In Bednar’s last 7 games, 4 ER for 7 runs total.

In June, Kimbrel gave up 5 runs, 3 earned in 10 games. Bednar 6 runs, 6 earned 8 games.

I don’t know what world you all live in.

Our best hitter for the last two weeks is Trayce Thompson. 355/459/677/1.136.

Game time is 5PM. Sunday sauce is already going. Making Gnocchi next.

I’m watching a complete meltdown last night with Kimbrel and thinking how in the hell can the Dodgers go to the playoffs with this guy as the closer. I’m no expert, but he seems to have good movement with his pitches. And, like bad Kenley, has no idea where they are going. He never seems to hit the catcher’s target. I know it’s not the case but Kimbrel doesn’t appear to have much intensity on the mound. Just throw the pitch and whatever happens…..It’s a joke.

I read the last of the comments from yesterday’s blog this morning along with Mark’s assessment. All seem to be in agreement that Kimbrel must be removed from the closer role. Our opponents in the NL playoffs all have very good offensives i.e. Braves, Milwaukee, San Diego, St Louis. If we’re fortunate to get to the World Series then the most likely teams are the Yankees or Astros. I doubt that the Dodgers would survive NL playoffs with Kimbrel let alone the WS. How is it the coaching staff has had success with many of the current pitchers to maximize their talents yet have failed so miserably with Kimbrel? Like I mentioned above his stuff appears to be fine it’s the location that is the main problem right now. There’s no way can you have your closer throwing 20+ pitches every time he’s called upon. In the playoffs the closer will likely be pitching in most of the games so a low pitch count per outing is essential. That ain’t happening right now with Kimbrel. Bottom line he needs to be removed from the closer role. No need for the Max Muncy approach to rehabilitation. He has gotten worse each month this season.

In July Kimbrel’s stats are:

Avg .302

WHIP 1.60

ERA 5.40

Hits+BB in 10 innings is 16

Averaging 18 pitches per appearance for the season.

I feel that Evan Phillips should be given the role. Hopefully, Treinen will remain healthy the rest of the season and is available to close if necessary. It would be ideal for the Dodgers to get Phillips to close financially because they have him under control for another three years. No more spending $15M+ annually for a closer.

There have been some fantastic play from several players in July. I think Gavin Lux has to be the player of the month for the team. It’s been fun to watch him progress as a player. Several posters here were disappointed with Lux because of the expectation of superstardom was not being met. I was OK with him becoming a solid everyday player. The odds of a player becoming a star because of outstanding minor league output are usually low. Well, he has proven everyone wrong! He appears to be quietly realizing his potential as the season moves along. But, what about his lack of power? I feel that will improve as he continues to work on his craft. As well as his defense. Also, JT appears to be back to being JT. It’s good to see. And, of course, my favorite Dodger, Will “the thrill 2” Smith is back on track!

I was going to comment on Jessica Mendoza’s work as well. I noticed that there was some comments at the end of yesterday’s blog with one dissenter for her analysis work. philjones joined the conversation and basically expressed my feelings about her work for me. She’s knowledgeable, fun, has a pleasant voice and seems to compliment Joe Davis very well. She’s about the game and not self promoting. Of all the female announcers in pro sports she is the only one I care for. I’ll take her over Orel, Eric, and Dontrel any day. I know it wouldn’t happen, but if she became the permanent color commentator I would be fine with that. I’m over Orel’s bullshit stories about all the so called “tricks” he used to pull while pitching. Some of what he says is laughable. Yeah, sure you did Orel. Eric adds almost nothing to a broadcast. And, Dontrel’s “clever clichés” get old quickly.

With the trade deadline fast approaching it will be interesting to watch how it all plays out. I don’t think there will be any earth shattering deals made. I think those will be in the offseason. I hope the Padres trade for Soto and completely empty their farm system. As in most cases GMs go for the shiny objects and ignore the obvious. Which is pitching, Pitching, PITCHING!!!!! The Dodgers have realized this and the Yankees finally did as well. Same with Houston and Tampa Bay.

Carry on.

I dont know what the exit veloicitys said but none of those balls in the 9th looked hard hit, maybe Bryants but when you have a 3 run lead you can pitch to contact.

The walk was bad, I’m not giving up on him yet, but I wouldn’t have him face lefties, he can still be a valuable piece. The pitch to Cron was nasty.

Kershaw Day!

I agree Craig Kimbrel is a mess. Control seems to be his nemesis. But, realistically, does anyone think the Dodgers are going to toss him to the roadside? They’re hoping a light goes off and he goes on a roll.

Evan Phillips can certainly close. The Dodgers need another bullpen piece, something Andrew Friedman hates to do. The price is usually high and the results often questionable.

Help may come from within, just like Julio Urias in 2020.

But you’re right, the trade deadline offers an opportunity to aggressively address the issue.

Maybe the play of Trayce Thompson helps solve the need for another bat and Chris Taylor will return shortly.

All of the hype involving Juan Soto is a distraction. Can’t imagine the Dodgers taking that kind of hit to the farm system, generational talent or not. A couple of top prospects, two or three other mid to lower rated prospects, then maybe. But four or five top prospects? No deal.

Maybe prospects are just prospects, but I like Miguel Vargas, looks special, and so does Diego Cartaya. Not to mention a couple of the pitching prospects.

The Dodgers are not trying to catch anyone. They are distancing the pack and soon will add Dustin May, Chris Taylor and Blake Treinin. Okay, I’m still concerned about Taylor’s swing and miss syndrome. But Vargas could be the bat they need. Max Muncy? Definitely agree they need to give Carson Fulmer a shot.

Anyone want to go back and redo the trade for Josh Fields.

Everyone is picking on Kimbrel but as long as we have at least a three run lead he’s money!

2022 Dodgers draft picks

Round Pick Pos Player B/T Age* School Slot value Signed?

2 40 C Dalton Rushing L/R 21 Louisville $1,951,900

3 105 SS Alex Freeland S/R 20 UCF $582,700 $580,200

4 135 OF Nick Biddison R/R 21 Virginia Tech $435,200 $382,500

5 165 SS Sean McLain R/R 21 Arizona St. $325,400 $322,900

6 195 SS Logan Wagner S/R 18 P27 Academy (SC) $253,400 $600,000

7 225 SS Christopher Campos R/R 21 St. Mary’s College $199,900 $197,500

8 255 2B Taylor Young R/R 23 Louisiana Tech $169,100 $2,500

9 285 LHP Brandon Neeck R/L 22 Virginia $156,600 $27,500

10 315 C Simon Reid L/R 21 Westmont College $149,600 $2,500

11 345 OF Kyle Nevin R/R 20 Baylor

12 375 RHP Jacob Meador R/R 21 Dallas Baptist $125,000

13 405 OF Chris Newell L/L 21 Virginia $147,500

14 435 SS Jose Izarra R/R 20 Florida SouthWestern JC $125,000

15 465 SS Nicolas Perez R/R 17 B You Academy (PR)

16 495 RHP Jared Karros R/R 21 UCLA $125,000

17 525 RHP Payton Martin R/R 18 West Forsyth HS (NC) $125,000

18 555 SS Cameron Decker S/R 18 Evansville North HS (IN)

19 585 OF Chris Alleyne S/R 23 Maryland $125,000

20 615 SS Carter McCulley S/R 18 Pensacola Catholic HS (FL)

Total $4,223,800 -$133,800

Dalton Rushing has not signed of the top 9 picks. 14 Draftees have signed out of the 19 picks.

2022 Dodger Undrafted Free Agent Signees

Connor Godwin, RHP, JC of Central Florida.

Carter Lohman, LHP, Louisville.

Livan Reinoso, INF, Tennessee Wesleyan.

Christian Ruebeck, RHP, Kansas State.

Lucas Wepf, RHP, Louisiana-Monroe.

Rios and Taylor are rehabbing. I can see Taylor replacing McKinstry but who does Rios replace? While Muncy is an option I doubt that will happen. So does Rios become part of a trade?

I agree on Kimbrel

Move Him Out of the closer role

Every Game is walking the right rope

Not good for the Dodgers and the Health of us Fans

Castillo to the Mariners was a surprise

The compensation was steep with 4 Prospects going to the Reds including their top Prospect ( Nr 12 in all of Baseball according to One Expert) plus another top 100 Overall.

However Both Kids Are still only in A ball

If we could get Bednar for page and Sheehan I am all in, but it probably will not be enough

So many teams looking for bullpen arms

Go Dodgers!