May second, 2021.
The Dodgers were playing the last game of a four-game set in Milwaukee. The Dodgers had lost the previous three games to the Brewers. The day before, they lost in 11 innings, 6-5. They were 1-6 in their last seven games.
They were a half-game out of first place, but they desperately needed a win. Julio Urias got the start against Alec Bettinger. A rookie. The Dodgers needed a fast start, and boy, did they get it.
They would score five runs off of the rookie, capped by an AJ Pollock grand slam to deep center field. The fun was just beginning.
In the second inning, they scored four more runs, all of them coming on Matt Beaty’s first homer of the year, a grand slam to RF. Both he and Pollock had hit their bombs with two outs.
The Dodgers were held scoreless by Bettinger in the third, and Milwaukee got a run back on a home run by Jacob Nottingham.
In the top of the fourth, the Dodgers went to work on Bettinger again, tagging him for two more runs. Bettinger was done after four, and Jordan Zimmerman came in to replace him.
Zim threw a scoreless fifth, and Urias did the same. In the sixth, the Dodgers tagged Zimmerman for three more, all of them scoring on Pollock’s second homer of the game, a three-run shot. It gave Pollock 8 RBIs for the game.
Urias cruised through the seventh inning, and Mike Kickham took over in the 8th. The Dodgers tacked on 2 more in the 8th, making the score 16-1. Beaty drove in his 7th run of the game.
Kickham went out for the 9th inning and gave up three runs for the final score of 16-4. Jacob Nottingham hit his second home run of the game in the 9th.
Overall, the Dodgers had 18 hits. Beaty had 4, Pollock and Taylor had 3, Turner, Smith and Lux had 2, and Seager and Neuse had the other 2.
Betts was the only starter without a hit. Barnes was hit by a pitch, and Taylor was hit twice. Taylor scored five runs, Beaty 3, Seager, Pollock, Smith, and Turner scored two each.
The 15 RBIs by teammates Pollock and Beaty were the most in LA Dodger history by teammates. Pollock’s 8 placed him one back of Gil Hodges and James Loney for the single-game mark. The Dodgers improved to 17-12 and stayed a half-game out of first. They would lose four more before starting to turn the season around.
Discussion (28)
Disagree, not disagreeable
MLBTR reporting that the Dodgers are really interested in free agent pitcher, Lucas Giolito. USC poaches UCLA’s defensive coordinator. D’Anton Lynn coming to USC.
Having a collection of superstars/MVP winners doesn’t guarantee you anything. If the Dodgers sign Ohtani for 500 million are there risks? Yes. Are those risks worth it?
One can define risk as the probability of failure times the consequence of that failure. As has been mentioned on this blog signing Ohtani has the following risks:
1. Limits the Dodgers ability to address 2024 pitching shortfall.
2. Questions about his ability to hit at same level due to surgery.
3. Questions about his ability to pitch as well as at a high level.
4. Questions about his ability to play at a high level for 10 years.
Given the money being quoted, any of these risks would impact the Dodgers ability to address team needs for the better part of a decade. That suggests the risk of an Ohtani signing is too high. The same level of funds could address team shortfalls with no limitations.
I am certain that the Dodgers could sign JDM as the DH for $20 Million a year.
Ohtani will cost $500 Million and how much more than 30 HR and 110 RBI will he deliver?
If you think the Dodgers will sign Ohtani for that, you are clinically insane!
There’s an article on MLB.com that is interesting.
“Ohtani is expected to make his decision soon, perhaps as early as the Winter Meetings, and once he does, his contract will surely be massive. The bidding is likely to go beyond $500 million for the two-way superstar, and Passan even heard from one source who said it could reach $600 million.”
Considering it’s his 30 year old season, how many years can he get? The less years the higher amount each year.
No way is Ohtani a Dodger. A $30-40M/yr left-handed DH is not a good fit. And, it will be 2026 before Ohtani is at full-strength pitching, and there’s still a question about how he comes back from his 2nd surgery. The Dodgers value flexibility and signing Shohei doesn’t deliver on that.
While I do not believe BA alone is a sound means of evaluating a player’s offensive capabilities, I don’t understand the total disregard that some have for BA. When you consider that hits have as much value as BB when establishing a players OBP, as well as the impact that hits have to the relative value of a player’s hit ability when determining SLG%, I find it illogical to completely undermine the importance that hitting has in the overall value of OPS.
I took a quick glance at some of the all time OPS+ leaders. While there are a few outliers; i.e. Mark McGwire, a common trait among the baseball greats is not just an ability to walk, but their ability to hit for relatively high averages. Leading to higher OBP, outstanding SLG and great OPS percentages.
Offensively speaking, what is one of the major differences between Freeman’s and Muncy’s offensive games? They both walk a lot, but Freeman strike outs less and hits more. While BA is not an optimal stat, it does offer some relative value.
I agree with Bear’s post higher in this thread. Emmanuel Clase has team control through the 2028 season and apparently is available for trade.
I’d do it if the price is right, that being position player prospects. Vargas or Pages the centerpiece of the trade. But only if the starting pitching and offense holes have been addressed.
Lol Bluto – you have a point.
However, and I’d like to give Johnny an answer too, The bottom line I’m afraid is I just don’t see the need for Ohtani, I feel the money could be better invested elsewhere, his astronomical fiscal commitments could hamstring our flexibility going forward, and his presence could well turn into a bit of a circus, and ultimately a distraction that could splinter the Clubhouse.
Lots of “ifs” I know, but of course there’s lots of “ifs” should we sign him as well, but it’s just my opinion we’d be better off out of it.
I know I’m probably in the minority but I’m not sure what “extra” he’s gonna give to the Dodgers.on the field which is the only thing I’m interested in.
Now I’m not gonna go away and look at all the Statistics, but I’m sure JDM got around 110 RbIs in 23. at a very reasonable cost. How many more are we realistically hoping Shohei will knock in at a much higher cost?
How many Wins will he get for us next season with his pitching? I know the answer to this one. None.
Where is the Dodger’s need? I would say pitching over hitting, so he’s not helping there. He doesn’t field a position, so no help there either.
So, as I see it, unless than he hits more than 110’RBIs what’s he adding on the field? My guess is that post TJ surgery he won’t hit as well in 24 while he recovers his power (using Corey as a template).
Of course he will be more useful to us in 25 (when he’s 32) as his power should return , and hopefully he’ll be able to pitch to a “Starter” level. Fingers crossed.
And what of the Clubhouse? Mark posted some interesting stuff which many dismissed. The Dodgers seem to pride themselves on a harmonious Clubhouse with good chemistry and the prerequisite being playing for the team. Ohtani is going to bring a lot of attention and undoubtedly a good sized entourage, plus the Japanese press corps.
Do his teammates need all that around them, and for what gain?
It seems that many here have become caught up in the whole “value he brings to the franchise” rhetoric. When did we ever talk about that, or anything like that in the past?
Forget signing the AL MVP I’d rather have the NL MVP because he will give us a better chance to win in 24, and fills a real need. JDM will do better than Ohtani next year at a fraction of the cost.
My question is simple – do we really need Shohei and all the extra baggage he will bring with him?
It’s a huge gamble on someone who’s just had a second serious operation on his pitching elbow, and certainly has lots of questions going forward that we cannot know the answer to this point.
Interesting if Ohtani signs w Toronto – he would be biggest thing in Canada by far and would always be in spotlight. He seems to be trying to be an ‘out of spotlight’ kinda guy. I get the ‘primma donna’ stuff but think it’s being comfortable to him. He started to lighten up with Angels at the end but if goes Toronto that’s a ‘heavy’ burdden.
A lot of minor moves happening. Get ready to rumble. Big stuff will begin happening sooner than you think. Marlins hired John Mabry as their hitting coach, they also hired Bill Mueller as an assistant.
I love the seeming fact that people on this blog are setting themselves up to be disappointed when the Dodgers sign the unanimous AL MVP as a free agent and top 3 hitter in all of MLB as a free agent (not having to deal prospects.)
At The Athletic, Ken Rosenthal looked at the potential financial impact of Ohtani on the team that signs him, through sponsorships, radio and television advertising, and the like:
“This guy’s economic impact is amazing,” said one league source, who was granted anonymity in exchange for his candor. “Sophisticated billionaires who run these teams understand that they’re going to get a great ROI (return on investment) regardless.”
Remember it’s not my money or your money if they break the bank and sign Ohtoni. Ownership is smarter and has more business savvy than all of us on this site in this matter.
I’m not much of a GM but Seattle is wasting their good young pitching and not resigning some decent and popular position players. Yet another semi-rebuild by Dipoto. One guy I like is Tom Murphy, a decent and affordable back up catcher. He hit .290 and at 32 is a free agent. I think he made 1.6 million last season. Should the Dodgers feel that Felucca and the youngsters aren’t ready yet to back up Will, Murphy would be an affordable backup and an improvement from Barnes as a hitter. One or 2 years until someone is ready. Just a thought. I told you, I’m no GM. 🙂
According to MLBTR the Mets, Rangers and Red Sox have shifted their focus away from Ohtani. Supposedly so have both New York teams. Dodgers, Cubs, Jays and Angels still in play per Jeff Passan.
Reading all your posts guys, makes me hope even more that Ohtani signs elsewhere.
Guardians have made their closer, Emmanuel Clase available in trade. I think the Dodgers should be all over this. Get Clase and see if they want to throw Ramirez in there too to play 3rd.
On a quirky side note. Jacob Nottingham is best known for having a MLB rule named after him. And it was triggered by events days before and after this exact game.
“Nottingham’s transaction history between April 22 and May 21 went viral on Friday.
Nottingham was activated from the Milwaukee Brewers’ 10-day injured list on April 22 and was immediately designated for assignment. The Seattle Mariners would claim him off waivers on April 28 and activate him on April 30, presumably as a backup for catcher Tom Murphy.
One day later, the Mariners designated Nottingham for assignment. Oddly enough, the Brewers reacquired Nottingham in a trade with the Mariners on May 2. The Brewers sent cash considerations to Seattle in the deal.
Nottingham was in the line-up the night of the trade to finally make his 2021 debut for the Brewers. He made the most of it going 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI. But it was not enough to stop the Los Angeles Dodgers as the Brewers fell 16-4. He would play in four more games for the Brewers but as luck would have it he wouldn’t last too long.
On May 13, the Brewers designated Nottingham for assignment again. It was just four days after he appeared as a pinch hitter against the Marlins. He struck out in his last plate appearance for Milwaukee.
On Friday, the Mariners claimed Nottingham off waivers again.”
That’s some frequent flyer miles.
The Rule
The new clause, in which a player can’t be claimed off waivers for a second time by the same ballclub within a season until each of the other teams have passed on him, is colloquially known as the Jacob Nottingham Rule.
I would tend to think Ohtani’s behavior is far more from being shy and not being a publicity hound than it is from being a prima donna.
When I was in business I had occasion to work with many Japanese people and, although one shouldn’t generalize, I found them to be quite reserved for the most part.
I’m not going to speak for the agent, who may have the exact opposite personality, but nothing I’ve seen of Ohtani’s personality would make me steer away from signing him. He seems like he’d be a very good teammate.
I remember that game for two reasons. The crazy RBIs put up by Pollock and Beaty and the two home runs by Jacob Nottingham. My son is the varsity catcher for Redlands High School, about 70 miles east of LA. Jacob is the most prominent alumni from the RHS baseball program. His number is retired on the back of the dugout. He grew up a Dodger fan and that day was, by far, his best among his various stints in the Show. He’s a free agent now and I’m not sure at 28 that he will get another shot. I know Jacob’s family and his brother sent me a text moments after he hit the second home run. If Jacob was going to have the best game of his career against the Dodgers, at least it was in a game the Dodgers won.
Ohtani and Giolito will both be Dodgers soon with a trade coming to clear roster space with the current roster at 40.
The Marlins have reached an agreement to hire former Phillies and Giants manager Gabe Kapler as an assistant general manager under new president of baseball operation Peter Bendix, reports Craig Mish of SportsGrid and the Miami Herald. San Francisco dismissed Kapler following the 2023 season, hiring future Hall of Famer Bob Melvin in his place. Mish adds that Kapler has been looking for a new challenge in baseball operations since being let go by the Giants and was also in the running to become the Red Sox’ head of baseball operations before they ultimately hired another former big leaguer, Craig Breslow.
Both!!!
I wonder how the Ohtani TJ surgery changes the Dodgers plans. I would have to imagine from all we’ve heard that acquiring Ohtani was priority #1 before the injury. Now this would require signing another pitcher for at least 1 season while they wait for his arm to heal. If they go this route are they then thinking ’24 is another shot to look at the young guys and any success is just icing on the cake with the ’25 being their big focus. Or scrapping the whole Ohtani plan and going big on starting pitching now. I’m not so sure the 2nd plan isn’t the best route. Anyone with ideas on this??
So, what was your second response, Mark.
Creative artists is a highly respected agency. Agents are agents, they will push envelopes in order to represent a client, especially one who is a major celebrity like Shohei Ohtani.
Name the two biggest celebrities right now. Taylor Swift and … Shohei Ohtani. Make no mistake, Swift is the biggest celebrity in the world. She also comes off very humble. The best way to approach all this nonsense is be willing to lose. You don’t have to play the game. I’ve dealt with Creative Artists in the past, pretty straight forward. Because of Ohtani’s celebrity it no doubt complicates the process. This is a big fish, a very big fish. The Agency and the agent have a lot on the line.
The Dodgers should just say this is what we can do and this is what we won’t do. According to some reports Ohtani already knows where he wants to go. Time for a decision.
Winning or losing the Ohtani sweepstakes does’t really matter, does it? Many paths forward. You just need an answer. A report that the Yankees want a decision sooner than later from Yamamoto. If true, that’s a good approach.
Patience may be a virtue, but it can also leave you holding an empty bag. Same holds true for Cease. Dominos can fall quickly.
Is Ohtani a primma donna? No idea. But the media has made him into a massive celebrity. What I really want to know … what’s he like in the clubhouse and is he coachable.
I really liked AJ Pollock. Beaty had a nice backstory. Love Bear’s history stories.
Here’s another Idea I had:
Sign Mitch Garver to be the backup catcher and alternate Will Smith and Max Muncy at DH.
Vargas or Kike or CT3 play 3B when Muncy is DH’ing and Smith stays strong all year.
Sign Hoskins to play LF
Sign Yamamoto and Imanaga.
Keep all the prospects and don’t give up any draft picks.
If you want to keep Mookie at 2B, then sign a RFer who is RH. Teoscar?
I remember that game well!
I just read the article in The Athletic, and my first response to it was: “I do not want this jerk on the Dodgers.” Speaking about Ohtani!
https://theathletic.com/5103732/2023/12/01/shohei-ohtani-nez-balelo-agent/?campaign=5888993&source=dailyemail
Shohei’s agent has a great back story, but it seems to me that Ohtani is a primma donna. Just my opinion….
Beaty for River River was one of AF’s best trades, up there with Mitch White for Frasso [other pieces involved].
I’m a prospect hugger but I understand we need to a cash a couple in at the window for a proven commodity. Last two years’ results were unacceptable.