If Mookie Betts hits .520 this year, the Dodgers will have no worries. Actually, the TOP SIX of the Dodgers batting order are delivering at a rate that is scary. It’s the BOTTOM THREE that are also scary:
- Chris Taylor has 1 hit in 9 ABs and has struck out 5 times – BA – .111
- James Outman has 2 hits in 21 ABs and has struck out 7 times – .095 BA
- Gavin Lux is the best of the bunch with 4 hits in 23 ABs and has only struck out 4 times – .174 BA
Now, I did not make those numbers up, so don’t be hating on me. It is a concern, but it is early and there will be no knee-jerk reactions. I expected a higher BA from Teoscar (and he may ultimately deliver) but he is going to get those 30-40 bombs as I predicted. His power is “light tower.”
Nabil Crismatt was DFA’ed, and in typical fashion, fans are lamenting the loss of a soft-tossing RHP whose fastball velocity tops out at 88 to 89 MPH. Why? Nabil is AAA insurance. The Dodgers did him a favor and called him up just to pitch a couple of innings, and when they DFA’ed him, this helps him secure a better job. He has no future in LA. He is a good dude, and I truly believe some of you would take him over Joe Kelly based totally on your “knee-jerk” reaction after Kelly’s first two debacles. Good luck to Nabil – he had a couple of nice years in SD as a middle-innings eater. but the league soon figures out 89 MPH fastballs.
A wise man once said this:
“I’ve always found the disdain towards Roberts puzzling. In particular when he is criticized for his “in game” calling. As if Dodger brass would assemble a team and then blindly turn the reigns of the team over to the manager. Not only is that frame of thought antiquated but fails to consider how the game is managed today. More specifically how analytics are utilized to develop in game strategies at levels that extend beyond the dugout.
— Dodgefan
Today’s managers are not only responsible for managing egos but are specifically responsible for overseeing the execution of pre-established in game strategies.
When folks criticize Roberts, they are truly criticizing the overarching Dodger way of playing the game. I find it a bit naive when fans cling on to the belief that managers are solely responsible for developing and executing a team’s in game strategy. The game has become too big to left in the hands of a single person.“
Very wise indeed. The Dodgers have been the most successful team in baseball for the past 10 years and Dave Roberts has the best winning percentage of any baseball manager – EVER! One would predict the other, and there should be no other way. Now, baseball has tried to stop the Dodger Juggernaut by adding layers and layers of playoff rounds so that the statistical probability of winning a Championship is much more difficult, but the Dodgers have also doubled down.
The Dodgers have the depth to swing just about any type of trade they need to. If Gavin Lux, James Outman, Jason Heyward or CT3 an Kike can’t cut it, they will get the players who can. They are all in this year and it is a marathon. Patience Grasshoppers! BTW, the Dodgers are not going to get rid of the Captain (Barnsie).
Last Night’s Game
- James Paxton was “effectively wild” but was in control and pitched a solid five innings. The fact that he threw 97 pitches was encouraging based on the sheer number.
- Shohei Ohtani is still getting untracked.
- Dinelson Lamet looked good, but his fastball was around 94 MPH. In the past, it was 96-97 MPH. Maybe he can re-claim that… or not. We shall see.
Discussion (35)
Disagree, not disagreeable
where’s ohtani? gosh i miss that guy! trammel is very interesting. lots of top picks seem to fade into oblivion! i’m still waiting on darren driefort to throw a no hitter! not good news on graterol. bryce harper looks primed to have a monster year if injuries stay away! hate to see d-backs win, but love to see the yankees lose! guess barnes behind the plate tonight. couple of nice plays from kiki last night. does anybody bunt anymore? (lux) if the bottom 3 can somehow get on base, mookie might lead the majors in RBI! freddie is a national treasure! wouldn’t it be nice to see the top 6 hitters to all hit in the same game? doesn’t happen often. glasnow tonight! go barnes!!!!
Enjoyable win as it always is against them.
Grove looked good until he didn’t.
Mookie on a different planet.
Doc doing well. Trying to avoid using the BP on back to back days.
It’s a long season and he’s playing the long game.
Everybody ok with how Robert’s “mismanaged” the bullpen tonight? He even made the 2 out change with Phillips in the 8th.
Good win. Phillips is nails!!!
3 hr games like this one seem to drag now.
Lux should’ve thrown to home plate instead of first base. ..probably could’ve prevented the Giants 4th run.
Yarborough not a second time through the lineup kind of guy
Yayy Keekayy!
Lights out when the bottom of the lineup produces. Outman can’t catch a break! Very nice ab by Lux.
Cuzzi clearly gives Webb a bigger strike zone than he does for Yarby. Awful!
Just outrageously bad!
This umps strike sound is huge for Webb and not for Yarborough. What’s up with that? Practically criminal
And Sasaki is not eligible for free agency because he is too young so he will sign an amateur free agent contract which will be just a few million. Great deal for Dodgers.
BTW, the Dodgers just got LH Nick Ramirez for cash from the Yankees:
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ramirni01.shtml
Bazooka to the 60-day IL.
Ramirez is serviceable… could he be more? The Dodgers shall take a “look – see”
This just in… LA gets Nick Ramirez, journeyman left hander from the Yankees for cash. WTH ??? They practically give away Ferguson ( and I’m not buying that he was unhappy pitching for us). Getting Gage, for Caleb, who is now released for another crazy gamble Taylor Trammell. Sometimes I see insane reasoning if you ask me ???? The old saying “you can never have enough pitching” I know is true. But, with such a great bunch of hard throwing young pitchers coming up. I’m just not sure they’ll be in a position to give Sasaki a nine figure salary ? Personally, I think Stone will be a stud pitcher when he gets his confidence. Also, May, Buehler and Gonsolin were pretty mighty when they were right. Most pitchers are better after TJ surgery. So why would they go after Sasaki for the same money it’ll take to keep Walker. And don’t overlook Sheehan. We have a plethora of pitching riches….
Will Grove follow Yarbrough? Maybe…
Miguel Vargas is 2-3 tonight with OKC with a double and a Grand Slam.
David Vassegh
@THEREAL_DV
Dave Roberts said Jason Heyward’s scans on his back “came back negative” Heyward is active tonight, but tomorrow will be IL decision day. #Dodgers
David Vassegh
@THEREAL_DV
Dave Roberts said Walker Buehler’s next rehab start will be on Saturday for AAA Oklahoma City again. #Dodgers
10:10 PM ET
Giants (2-3)
Dodgers (5-2)
SP Logan Webb R
0-0 3.00 ERA
SP Ryan Yarbrough L
0-0 .00 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
SS Mookie Betts R
DH S. Ohtani L
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
3B Max Muncy L
RF T. Hernandez R
CF James Outman L
2B Gavin Lux L
LF E. Hernandez R
63° Wind 8 mph Out
In California for the funeral. I will be heading back home next Thursday. Interesting move getting Trammell. Brasier will be fine. He has great stuff.
Someone on the 26-man needs to go down tonight to make room for Trammell as he is out of options.
Lamet?
I am fine with that. Pages and Vargas should not be rushed.
Trammell is intriguing:
BA 2020:
TRACK RECORD: The Padres eyed Trammell with their second-round pick in the 2016 draft, but the Reds beat them to it and grabbed him in the supplemental first round. After Trammell won MVP of the 2018 Futures Game and starred again at the 2019 edition, the Padres acquired him from Cincinnati in a three-team trade that sent Franmil Reyes and Logan Allen to the Indians. Trammell scuffled after joining Double-A Amarillo, but he ended on a high note when he hit the go-ahead grand slam in the ninth inning of the deciding game of the Texas League finals.
SCOUTING REPORT: Trammell won Georgia’s high school football player of the year award as a senior and brings that athleticism to the diamond. He is a plus runner who makes game-changing plays on the bases and plays with a high motor. Trammell is a patient hitter adept at working counts, but his swing is often not on time. The Padres made adjustments to his load and posture and saw results in the Texas League playoffs, when he hit three home runs and posted a .998 OPS. Trammell isn’t a natural center fielder despite his speed, and his below-average arm makes him best suited for left field.
THE FUTURE: Trammell’s athleticism and patience give him a strong foundation. How well he maintains his swing improvements will determine his future.
In 2021, BA wrote this:
SCOUTING REPORT: Trammell has the ingredients to be an offensive asset, but he hasn’t put them all together. He has size, strength and bat speed and showed improved plate discipline at instructional league. His swing is a bit long, and there are timing issues that lead to holes pitchers can exploit. Trammell stands out for elite athleticism stemming from his background as an all-state running back in high school. He’s since filled out his lower half and is more of an above-average than plus runner. Trammell’s improved instincts and routes in the outfield stood out this summer and give him a chance to stay in center field. His arm is below-average but accurate.
THE FUTURE: Trammell needs a full season at Triple-A, but his solid makeup and work ethic are positive signs that he will make the necessary adjustments.
At 26, he is a chance that AF is willing to take. You never know.
Claimed by Dodgers
April 2, 2024
The Dodgers claimed Taylor Trammell off waivers from the Mariners on Tuesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.
Trammell had been designated for assignment by Seattle after failing to make the Opening Day roster. The former top prospect is out of options, so the Dodgers will need to clear space for him on their 26-man and 40-man rosters. There wouldn’t appear to be a path to much playing time for Trammell, although Jason Heyward (back) is banged up. The 26-year-old has hit just .168/.270/.368 with a 37 percent strikeout rate over parts of three big-league seasons.
For the Record, Lux and Outman will have a long runway. Nothing to see here after a slow start.
Dodgers looking to corner more than one market with a their potential interest in signing Sasaki. We know what Ohtani can on the field. We got a glimpse of what Yamamoto can do is his latest outing. Adding Sasaki to an already formidable rotation would be an embarrassment of riches. Talk about a potential 5-headed monster!!!
As if the organization had not already established its brand within the Japanese market/culture, a shrewd move like that would catapult the Dodgers brand name to new heights.
Would love to be a fly on the wall when Dodger brass discusses potential international marketing projections when considering Sasaki type signings. Get the strong sense the Dodgers are the forefront of the international “chess” match at hand.
nice win last night. taylor on pace to strike out 2000 times! heyward not looking ok with that back. pages rather than vargas. be nice to get this one tonight with webb on the mound. dreaded bullpen game today. yarbrough pitching today or saving him for tomorrow to follow glasnow? i’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of ohtani! he hasn’t showed up yet! why not offer hernandez a 2 year extension ? he seems very happy in dodger blue!! ( not kiki!!!!!). right field and center field could be a problem! if outman struggles through out april will they sen him down? heywards back? right now the 2 biggest weaknesses on the team. lux will hit! Doc is Doc! i don’t even think about him that much! makes some really good moves. makes some head scratchers, he ain’t going nowhere unless he totally blows it! if cards haven’t fired ollie, why would the dodgers fire Doc? who replaces him? case closed! pittsburgh off to another great start, but more of the same? eduardo perez must have stock in the braves! can’t shut up about them! they are good! yankees back to being the yankees? i’m not sold yet! detroit off to a great start. hinch has them trash can banging big time!! hope he loses next 20!! japanese lefty for cubs sharp yesterday., dodgers will see him this weekend. brewers keep on keeping on, maybe counsel isn’t the only reason why. finally, Joe Kelly. hope he gets it together, love the guy! but when bazooka and treinan come back he might be in trouble. final 4. uconn looks unbeatable. purdue is very good . nc state could shock the world again! but i doubt it. go barnes!!!
Just as Betts, Freeman, Smith & Teoscar are not going to finish with OPS of 1.836, 1.020, 1.119 & 1.050 respectively.
Ohtani, Outman & Lux will not finish at 0.670, 0.364 & 0.348 respectively.
We are know stats are very skewed the 1st 30+ games and it only take a short streak (good or bad) to make dramatic changes to the individual stats.
As to the Ferguson post – I initial liked him a lot, but last year after blowing multiple chances in high-pressure situations I had no problem with Celeb being traded.
While I am not sold on Vesia, “if” he can regain his 2021/2022 and as Mark pointed out his “Late” 2023 form then all is good.
I also think that Vargas will be first option up just to see if he can perform to the level the team thinks he can – if he does “great” he can then either be:
1. Trade-bait for another LHP reliever (if needed), or other draft or farm-system capital.
2. He forces their hand by performing, which in my opinion allows the Dodgers to trade either Kike and Taylor, as they wouldn’t need both.
CT3 is going to play great defense, steal some bases and get key hits in the postseason.
Im fine with him batting 7-9……
Just my two cents every couple weeks. I would much rather have Caleb Ferguson coming out of the bullpen than Ryan Brasier. In my opinion Caleb was very solid and now we’re talking about finding a LHRP. After all Brasier, Hudson, Kelly, and Treinen profile all the same. Late 30 year old Right handed single inning RP’s. We have Graterol, Hurt, Grove, Knack, Vanasco, etc… waiting in the wings. Back to Caleb. Our return doesn’t look too great. We did fleece the Yanks out of Sweeney. He could be pretty good.
Sasaki! Yes, bring him on. Great stuf.
A little disappointing the Dodgers are not starting dePaula at high A Great Lake. Why not challenge the young man who has not a lot to prove at low A ball.
And Joendry Vargas apparently will start the season in the ACL. Also a bit disappointing not to put him on the RC roster.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
So maybe the ’25 six-man rotation will be…
Shohei
Glasnow
Yamamoto
Miller
Sasaki
and….
Kershaw!
I’m pretty sure Kersh has an option for ’25, right?
Long may he pitch.
Gutsy move by Roberts to stay with Paxton and it worked. If it hadn’t all the Roberts “fan club” members would have gone absolutely nuts.
Interesting article by Bill Shaikin of the LA Times about younger fans coming back to the game and how the MLB strategy is working.
Just stating the obvious, but Teoscar Hernandez was a great sign. Seattle derailed him, but his right handed power is huge for the Dodgers.
Okay, Outman, Taylor and Lux have to pick up the pace with the bats.
It appears that Vargas will fill in for Heyward if he goes on the injured list.
Looking forward to Walker Buehler’s first start this spring. Clayton Kershaw is making progress and feels good. That’s great news.
No surprise that Roki Sasaki may have the Dodgers at the top of list. They’ve been on him for awhile.
any chance if whoever is playing right field continues to struggle pages gets a shot? if taylor gets a lot of at bats he might strike out and 150 times!! still concerned about heyward, not sure he doesn’t revert back to his days with the cubs. hope not, cause he’s a damn good right fielder. if hernandez continues producing why not offer him a 2 year extension? he seems to like it in dodger blue. everyone be patient with outman a little bit longer, if his struggles continue thru april. , then he possibly gets sent down. great athlete but he’s got to hit! center and right can’t be a black hole! not being a wet blanket, but center and right are concerning right now. nice win last night! paxton can’t continue to issue 5 walks a game though. teams like the braves and phillies will make him pay dearly! any updates on Dustin May? bullpen needs some help !
It’s being reported that Heyward is dealing with a bad back. If he needs to go on the IL, it will be interesting to see if they bring up Vargas or Pages.
It’s early and it’s ugly for the bottom of our lineup. And the new kid from Japan, so far, isn’t worth the 2 mil we are paying him.