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…
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.
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Discussion (92)
Disagree, not disagreeable
It’s a pretty good team.
Rios’ last at bat was perfect. My one issue with him has been the swing and miss. He’s making adjustments. And making best of his opportunities. That’s what we want to see!
That was a bonehead play by Taylor after a great play!
I could be way off base, but after announcing that Muncy may be injured and knowing that Pillar is on the Taxi Squad, why is Max not on the IL? It could be that he says he is not injured. Just a guess.
So we have a DH.
Mookie says take that you Bum
Edwin Freaking Rios
Pepiot hit Varsho by accident. Mad Bum hit Turner on purpose.
Here we go
Rightfully or wrongfully, MLB’s head office rubs people the wrong way here.
But Passan reports on a positive step they recently undertook:
Open on www.espn.comhttps://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/33990126/mlb-memo-rebukes-clubs-unacceptable-workplace-facilities-women-employeesWe just gave 40 billion dollars to fight the war in Ukraine, EVERY school in America should have armed person at the entrance of every school paid for by the Federal government. Also each school entrance should be monitored by a sophisticated camera system with a sophisticated door locking system with a person monitoring the activity from those cameras and again paid for by the Federal government. There has to be a solutions to keep our kids safe in schools.
DODGER PRESS RELEASE
DODGERS RECALL RYAN PEPIOT
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled right-handed pitcher Ryan Pepiot and optioned right-handed pitcher Phil Bickford.
Pepiot, 24, joins the team for the third time this season and will make the start tonight. He was pitched in two games for the Dodgers, tossing 7.0 innings, allowing three runs with eight walks and eight strikeouts. He is 3-0 with a 1.72 ERA (6 ER/31.1 IP) and 42 strikeouts in seven starts for Triple-A Oklahoma City. The Indiana native has spent parts of three seasons in the minor leagues with the Dodgers, going 8-9 with a 3.63 ERA (63 ER/156.0 IP) and 200 strikeouts in 46 games (39 starts). He was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the third round (102nd overall) of the 2019 First Year Player Draft out of Butler.
Bickford, 26, appeared in 17 games for the Dodgers, allowing six runs in 15.2 innings with 13 strikeouts. He has bolstered a 3.45 ERA with an opponents’ batting average of .263 and a 1.15 WHIP. Last season, he went 4-2 with a 2.50 ERA (14 ER/50.1 IP) and 59 strikeouts. The Southern California native was originally drafted by the Giants with the 18th overall pick in the 2015 First Year Player Draft.
… and then we have Gabe Kapler, who will not be present at the National Anthem tonight in protest of the Texas School Massacre (which is horrific). Well, that sure takes the spotlight off Texas and puts it directly on Kapler.
Way to go! Use your platform to make it about YOU!
How about this, Gabe? Use your platform to pull in people from both sides of the aisle and start a conversation. One side wants to be free to carry RPG’s and the other side wants to ban everything down to a cap gun. I am only exaggerating slightly about either extreme. This can be done on a federal and state level. This has been about politics in the past – It needs to transcend that. Neither side is right, so they never agree. There is a happy medium.
Why couldn’t MLB come up with a positive way to make a difference here? Use baseball to unite, not divide!
I think yellow and black are the colors of the flag.
Open on pittsburghpa.govhttps://pittsburghpa.gov/pittsburgh/flag-sealThe Pittsburgh Pirates got their name from raiding other teams for their players. I like the Black and Gold color scheme as it matches their football team and NHL team. The Padres used to have Gold in their color scheme and a lot of people pay homage to those brown and gold jerseys.
As far as cocaine goes, our Boys in Blue had their fair share with Steve Howe and Darryl Strawberry. I also remember several Dodgers in the Mitchell report. Let’s not act the Dodgers are above such things, it just seems like they’re good at not getting caught.
If you want to get Bear going, speak to Hank Arron’s connection with that kind of thing.
9:40 PM ET
Dodgers (30-14)
Diamondbacks (23-23)
S Ryan Pepiot R
0-0 3.86 ERA 7IP 8K
Confirmed Lineup
RF Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
SS Trea Turner R
C Will Smith R
3B J. Turner R
LF Chris Taylor R
CF C. Bellinger L
2B H. Alberto R
DH Edwin Rios L
In Domed Stadium
I hope Muncy fixes whatever is wrong. I know it’s likely too early but I’d love to see Miguel Vargas get his first shot. Probably closer than I would have predicted in the beginning of the season. Dodgers do have several experienced guys down at AAA who are playing well. Obviously they will get be firs to fill in.
Also, I’m a little turned off by the lack of negativity. So I will be happy to fill in.
The Pirates suck! Their owner sucks! Their players suck! Even their uniforms sucks! Their city has stupid name. And why yellow? What actual pirate would wear yellow? Their best team of all time was known as much for winning as they were for doing copious amounts of cocaine. Ironically, Johnny Depp is best known for playing a pirate. Sniff sniff.
Anyway, sometimes we need a little negativity.
DODGER PRESS RELEASE
DODGERS WELCOME PIRATES, METS NEXT WEEK TO DODGER STADIUM
Dodgers to celebrate ninth annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night on Friday, June 3
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers will kickoff a week-long homestand next week as they face the Pittsburgh Pirates (May 30 – June 1) and New York Mets (June 2 – 5). Tickets remain available for all games at Dodgers.com/tickets.
The Pirates will make their only trip to Dodger Stadium this season for three games starting Monday, May 30, as both teams will partake in Military Appreciation Night by wearing camouflage hats on the field. Fans can wear a similar hat and honor service members by purchasing a special ticket pack. The following night, Taco Tuesday, presented by Delta Air Lines, makes its return as the team celebrates Julio Urías bobblehead night, presented by Yaamava’ Resort and Casino at San Manuel. The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a one-of-a-kind bobblehead of Urías outfitted in the Los Dodgers blue jersey. Additionally, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Acts Inspired by Mookie are partnering on the “50 Feeds LA” campaign to fundraise to provide up to 400,000 meals to youth and families in South Los Angeles. Fans can support by purchasing a 50/50 raffle ticket or bidding on autographed memorabilia and experiences on Dodgers.com/Auctions. Firefighter Appreciation Night will wrap up the three-game set on Wednesday, June 1 at 5:10 p.m. and those who purchase a special ticket pack will receive a navy blue hat adorned with a Firefighter Appreciation Night patch.
The Dodgers will welcome the New York Mets to town for a four-game series starting on Thursday, June 2, where fans in attendance will collect a Justin Turner replica jersey, presented by Golden Road Brewing. On Friday, the Dodgers will take the field in historic fashion as the team will wear custom on-field pride caps for the first time in franchise history during the ninth annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night, presented by Blue Shield of California. The special caps will be sold at the Top of the Park and the Left Field Team stores while supplies last. Fans who purchase a special ticket pack will receive a commemorative LGBTQ+ Dodger game jersey. Unique activations include specialty Pride drinks served in the pavilion bars and photo opportunities in the Centerfield Plaza along with appearances by Billy Bean, Dale Scott, Fallon Fox, Gigi Gorgeous, Nats Getty, and Jojo Siwa during pregame ceremonies. Additionally, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation will donate 50% of the proceeds of the 50/50 raffle to the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the world’s largest provider of programs and services for LGBT individuals. Friday Night Fireworks, presented by UCLA Health, will be accompanied by DJ Bowie Jane after the game. The entire night will serve as the official LA Pride kickoff party.
Recently elected Hall-of-Famer Gil Hodges will be celebrated on Saturday, as the Dodgers are set to retire his jersey No. 14. This will be the first number the club has retired since 1998, when the organization retired No. 20 for Don Sutton. Hodges’ stellar career spanned 18 years, 16 with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers, and included seven All-Star team nominations and three Gold Glove awards. The organization will honor Hodges with a host of pre-game recognitions and a special appearance by the late great’s family. Ticketed fans will receive a commemorative Gil Hodges Hall of Fame bobblehead, presented by Bank of America, ahead of the 7:10 p.m. start. The homestand will finish on Sunday afternoon and Kids Run the Bases, presented by Nike, will happen after the conclusion of the 1:10 p.m. matinee.
Fans can continue supporting the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation by purchasing a 50/50 raffle ticket or a $10 t-shirt or a Mystery Baseball Bag, while supplies last, at the Foundation’s Homebase in centerfield. All proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s mission to improve education, health care, homelessness, and social justice for all Angelenos.
A schedule and full list of promotions is available below.
Monday, May 30, 7:10 p.m. vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Ticket Pack: Camouflage hat for Military Appreciation Night
Pregame ceremonies will honor member of our military.
Anthem: Petty Officer 1st Class Mike Dalager
Centerfield Plaza will host a music set by DJ Hects.
Tuesday, May 31, 7:10 p.m. vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Promotion: Julio Urías bobblehead, presented by Yaamava’ Resort and Casino at San Manuel, for the first 40,000 ticketed fans
Pregame ceremonies will include performances by Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar from the right field pavilion cutout. The team will also recognize its manager, Dave Roberts, for his birthday.
Anthem: Lupita Infante
Ceremonial First Pitch will be thrown out by Daisy Perez, Urías’ girlfriend.
Centerfield Plaza:
o Taco Tuesday, presented by Delta Air Lines, makes its return with special food and drink offerings throughout the stadium.
o DJ Ray will spin tunes before the game.
Wednesday, June 1, 5:10 p.m. vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Ticket Pack: Navy blue hat with special patch for Firefighter Appreciation Night
Pregame ceremonies will recognize local firefighters and their dedication to the community.
Anthem: Beverley Staunton
Ceremonial First Pitch will be thrown out by the first female chief in Los Angeles Firefighter Department history, Chief Kristin Crowley.
Centerfield Plaza will play host to a music set by DJ Antiq.
Thursday, June 2, 7:10 p.m. vs. New York Mets
Promotion: Justin Turner jersey, presented by Golden Road Brewing, for the first 40,000 ticketed fans
Anthem: Trisha Mikiko Lopez
It’s Time For Dodger Baseball will be said by a lucky fan.
Centerfield Plaza will have a music set by DJ Nico Blitz.
Friday, June 3, 7:10 p.m. vs. New York Mets
Ticket Pack: LGBTQ+ Pride Night ticket pack, presented by Blue Shield of California
Pregame activities will include a Varsity Gay League kickball game occurring in centerfield prior to the game. Special guests Billy Bean, Dale Scott, Fallon Fox, Gigi Goregous, Nats Getty, and Jojo Siwa will be in attendance during pregame ceremonies following the kickball game.
Anthem: Wils
Military Hero of the Game: Lieutenant Belita Edwards
Centerfield Plaza:
o The official LA Pride kickoff party will start at 5:30 p.m. in the Centerfield Plaza. DJ Bowie Jane will provide music.
o A balloon wall photo opportunity will be in the Centerfield Keystone Plaza.
o Fans can visit the LGBT Center booth in the Centerfield Plaza.
Postgame will feature Friday Night Fireworks, presented by UCLA Health, with music by DJ Bowie Jane.
Saturday, June 4, 7:10 p.m. vs. New York Mets
Promotion: Gil Hodges Hall of Fame bobblehead, presented by Bank of America, for the first 40,000 ticketed fans
Pregame ceremonies will include retiring Gil Hodges number, 14, prior to the game. Members of the Hodges family will be in attendance for the ceremony and unveiling of the retired number.
Anthem: Melissa Villasenor
Ceremonial First Pitch: Gil Hodges Jr.
It’s Time For Dodger Baseball: member of the Hodges family
Centerfield Plaza will host Dixieland Band.
Sunday, June 5, 1:10 p.m. vs. New York Mets
Pregame ceremonies will include a youth baseball and softball parade of 6,000 kids.
Anthem: Liz Huett
Ceremonial First Pitch: Grassroots Baseball
Centerfield Plaza will host DJ Jamie Alexandria.
Postgame will include Kids Run the Bases, presented by Nike, following the conclusion of the game.
Joc is dead to me and doesn’t exist. He is a dwarf from the wharf. Nothing else needed to say.
05/24/22 Los Angeles Dodgers traded RHP Francisco Lucumi to Toronto Blue Jays. No return player listed.
Hey OldBear, I haven’t been around much lately but I did want to mention the fine Job you did a while back on “Willie, Mickey and the Duke.” I think that was the best of all the historical articles you have done so far. The fact that you and I and others on this site were able to watch them play makes it all the better. Sorry too be so late in giving you kudos.
You mentioned Roger Maris when you were writing about Mickey. That made me think. When the Athletics moved to K. C. we used to refer to them as the Yankees farm club. It seemed like every time the Yanks needed a position to be filled they got a player from K. C. Besides Maris, I remember others. Off the top of my head, I remember them getting Bob Cerv, Hector Lopez, Bobby Shantz, Ryne Duren (he scared the heck out of many batters with his 100 mph fastball, poor vision and wildness.) I think they even traded Enos Slaughter to the A’s only to get him back again a year or so later when they needed him. I’m sure there were many more trades that I can’t remember now. OldBear, You would probably remember more.
I looked at team batting OPS stats and team batting against OPS stats for the years 2020-2022.
In the championship year of 2020 the Dodgers had a team batting OPS +.081 higher than the major league average and a team batting against OPS of -.113 lower than the major league average.
As it stands right now in 2022 the Dodgers have a team batting OPS +.077 higher than the major league average and a team batting against OPS -.066 lower than the major league average.
So in comparison to the championship year of 2020 the Dodgers team offense this year is pretty much on pace with the 2020 team, but the team pitching is not as good as the 2020 team.
Here is the Dodgers team batting and pitching OPS stats compared to the major league average for the years 2020-2022.
2020 Batting OPS +.081 (.081 higher than the major league average)
2020 Batting Against OPS -.113 (.113 lower than the major league average)
2021 Batting OPS +.031
2021 Batting Against OPS -.104
2022 Batting OPS +.077
2022 Batting Against OPS -.066
Andrew Vincent Forte
May 23, 2022 at 2:27 pm
Just saw an interview, High Heat on the MLB Network with Alana Rizzo and Dave Roberts. Roberts stated that he is going to continue to run Max Muncy out there much to my dismay.
BulldogsandPenguins
May 23, 2022 at 3:42 pm
Doc saying something like that is usually the kiss of death. Like, “I don’t expect Kershaw to be out much longer than the minimum.”
It’s seems that all Doc needed was a reason to flush Muncy down the toilet and the railing provided it. I believe that players mostly hide their injuries the best they can for fear of losing playing time. Over the course of a baseball season, I can only imagine that no one feels 100%. It’s freaking grueling to play every freaking day and when you finally get a day off, it’s usually to travel coast to coast. As a result, players probably have a hard time differentiating between “Normal Soreness” and a real problem.
Anyways, it took just 4 days for Doc to reverse action his quote. It’s almost like someone is setting him up and he falls for it every time.
So, we score 9, 10, 0 and 14 and this team can’t hit? Yeah, and Joc is gonna finish the season with an OPS > 900!
Yesterday was like batting practice. I can’t remember ever seeing all of the starting nine have multi hit games. Or more than half the lineup with 3+ hits. That’s just crazy.
Muncy is going on a long overdue vacation to the IL. Pepiot is coming up to pitch again and we have just 10 more games of the month long gambit with just one off day. MLB kicked the 13 pitcher limit can down the road a little longer. I honestly don’t know why they’re even considering keeping this rule at all for this year with the condensed schedule.
I’m looking forward to seeing what Pillar can do in left field. That’s a whole lot of range out there with Belli, Betts and Pillar. I guess CT3 will go back to his super utility role, but I’m sure Hanser will also play from time to time.
So who gets the axe when Pillar is called up? With Muncy going on the IL, I would imagine he doesn’t come back until that 13 pitcher rules goes back into effect. With Pepiot also being added to the 26 man, it seems likely a pitcher will be the casualty. But, it’s pretty hard to pick a pitcher when pretty much everyone is pitching well. V-Gone to the 60 day?
Mark Timmons….who?
Says mean stuff?….well, now that I’m out of my basement and have a wifi connection, I should have no problem finding this “meanie” online among the Dandies of Dodgerland.
Or is it the Dregs of Dodgerland?
Good times….
RIP Ray Liotta
Lux is improving. Nice to see.
But he shouldn’t have tried first-to-third on that hit, not with Freddie coming up.
And he should wear a cup, (I recommend that instead of my 12-year-old’s solution when he forgot his and was asked to play catcher after pitching. He borrowed the case of my iPhone and used that instead. He said it worked fine.)
In other news… Muncy’s apparent injury brings to mind the way Rios tried to play through an injury last season –with results even worse than Max–before shutting down. I read that Max had decided against a surgical repair, but maybe he’ll change his mind., Certainly Rios seems fully healed now, and he’s earned more ABs.
I’m optimistic about Pillar, a star of so many “web gems” of the past. Could be wrong, but I assume a guy with his experience could have signed for a second-tier organization to remain in The Show. In an interview he said he chose the Dodgers because he believed they offered him the best chance to raise his game. I admire that. The rebuilt swing certainly worked in OKC. He may not be as fast as he once was, but he still has great OF instincts.
As for the farm….
Nice that Hoese is getting hot after injuries slowed his progress. Amaya may have cooled off a bit but he wins raves for his glove. Some of the highlights I’ve seen are damn slick. I was surprised to read that Amaya is about 1 1/2 years younger than the average AA player, so that’s encouraging. If Trea doesn’t stick around, Amaya could challenge Lux for the SS job. A great-glove SS would be fine on a team loaded with firepower.
Surprised to learn that Kersh got an epidural. Hope he feels better. But my wife would not be impressed, after three kids and no painkillers whatsoever. Men are such wimps.
Well, I miss Joe Kelly and his attitude, but not the 9 plus era or the injuries.
I miss Joc too. But the Dodgers made the correct decision moving on.
Apparently Max Muncy is going on the IL. Dave Roberts suggested in a story today that the Dodgers maybe should have done that at the start of the season. Better late than never. He’s just not swinging the bat well.