Keeping it Real
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…
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.
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Discussion (63)
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:
Open on www.baseball-reference.comhttps://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ramirni01.shtmlBazooka 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.