Mark Timmons Says Mean Stuff!

I am not going to belabor this issue because, well… it’s not even an issue. It only rises to the level of being really silly, but yesterday I wrote this:

“OK, here is something that I should add if you want me and many other readers here to take you seriously: DON’T JUST POST WHEN YOU HAVE SOMETHING NEGATIVE TO SAY. When you do that, you have pretty much summed up who you are.”

Now, I did not say “Don’t post when you have something negative to say.” I clearly said “Don’t just post when you have something negative to say.” I’ll break it down even more. It clearly means that you can post negative stuff. It also clearly says “If all you ever post is negative, then don’t post.”

Then a certain person said:

“This is why, for the 3rd time, I have decided not to post here any more. If you have a take, backed up with facts, that isn’t all rainbows and cupcakes, you get abused. Life is too short to subject yourself to abuse on purpose when it serves no purpose.

I quit LA Dodger Talk.“

I accept their resignation as a tacit admission that they ONLY see the negative and everything they post is negative! Thank you! Only a delusional person would believe that everything is negative with regards to the Dodgers. Perhaps this is a compulsion they cannot control. That makes me sad as the Dodgers are a source of a lot of joy for me. However, many people cannot enjoy those moments because they fixate on negative things. Psychologists refer to this as the “negativity bias”, and it can have a powerful effect behavior,decisions, and relationships. I am sorry that some people feel this way.

Just to be clear, you can post whatever negative thing you want to say. Of course, have a take and do not suck which means back it up with facts. Finally, if everything you write is negative, then this is not the place for you to post and maybe you should take your keyboard and go home too.

Like every team, the Dodgers have issues. No team is perfect, but there is just too much positivity with the Dodgers to dwell on the negative 100% of the time – I am not a psychologist… and I cannot fix it! It i not all “cupcakes and puppy dogs,” but it ain’t far off!

Dodger News & Notes

• So Max Muncy bangs his elbow on a wall and may need to go on the IL? Ummm, OK that’s they story! Maybe he needs surgery! You never know because the Dodgers are less than forthcoming about injuries. (OMG – that’s negative!). I suspect that Muncy has been less than forthcoming on the pain level in his elbow – One only needs look and see that his swing rate is also down. It’s only human nature to not swing if it hurts. He should get an MRI while he is at it – he really may need surgery.
• Then we find out that Clayton’s back has been bothering him and he has taken at least one epidural. Clayton admitted his back problem: “Unfortunately, the reality of it is with my back — I’ve thrown a lot of pitches and my back is going to be something that is a problem for me moving forward almost always. So it’s just a matter of dealing with it when you can. If it’s a once-a-year deal, then so be it. But hopefully it’s around this time of year and I’m ready to go for the rest of the season.” My guess is that he will have another issue in Mid-to-Late-August, and that he can be ready for the Playoffs!
• AJ Preller – I don’t want to give a person whom I consider a scumbag any publicity, so I will just say that “scumbags don’t bite scumbags!” Robber Manfred probably loves him. Enough already!
• It was nice to see Cody Bellinger get 3 hits even if they were not of the extra-base variety.
• It looks like Kevin Pillar will be called up and Ryan Pepiot will face the MadBum tonight! Allegedly the Dodgers have re-tooled Pillar’s swing and approach! We shall see – I remain unconvinced.

Dodger Minor League Notes

• Miguel Vargas hit leadoff for OKC last night. Not sure what that means… if anything?
• Jacob Amaya has been in a slump the past few games. His BA is down to .305 and his OPS is 1.046. How he rebounds will serve as notice of his future travels.
• Kody Hoese continues to make progress with his re-tooled swing. He his his 3rd HR last night and is up to .276 in batting (.718 OPS).
• Andy Pages is slowly making progress at AA. He is now hitting .240 (.771 OPS) after going 2-4 last night.
• Mark Washington (1.16 ERA) continues to dominate.
• Kendall Williams went 5 innings for GL last night, allowing 1 ER and 4 hits. He did not walk a batter and struck out 3. He’s still just 21 and is very projectable.
• Yawn: Damon Keith was 2-3 again for RC.
• Ben Casparius (23 years-old and the Dodgers 5th round pick in 2021) went 5 innings for RC last night, allowing 0 hits and no earned runs. He walked 1 and struck out 7. He is older, but interesting! I’m watching him.