Not me… the Dodgers. I do not think the Dodgers have signed a single Draftee. Just sayin’…
- JT may go on the IL;
- CT3 may go on a rehab assignment within a week;
- Heaney will be back this week;
- Treinen sounds like he is two weeks away;
- The Bazooka may get activated this week;
- Dustin May is about 2 weeks away;
- Buehler is set for September (make him a lockdown reliever); and
- No word on Duffy, Gonzalez, Kahnle, and Rios.
I think as soon as the Trade Deadline passes, the Dodgers will convert Landon Knack and Ryan Pepiot to relief pitchers. I do not think that either one is a starter and if both can just focus on two or three pitches and pitching in shorter duration, I do believe both can be lockdown relievers. However, they have more trade value as starters, so Andrew Friedman will just let this play out. If he can get a deal for Luis Castillo that involves Pepiot and/or Knack then he should do it. He can always find a couple of more bullpen arms. After all, they grow on trees!
Reyes Moronta and Phil Bickford have their tickets punched to OKC and their bags are packed. David Price is on a bus to Uranus. Speaking of Uranus, here’s a local fudge company’s website:
You can’t make the $hit up! However, I digress. David Price is not present mentally. He might be a good dude and helped out minor leguers, but his head is not in the game. He’s somewhere else… Uranus, maybe. He needs to go bye-bye too! So, Dustin May, Andrew Heaney, and Blake Treinen can take their places… soon! Moronta needs to drop a couple of pounds in the process. See what I say about relievers? They are fickle… good one year, bad the next. That doesn’t apply to all of them, but a high percentage fall into that category.
Jake Reed is a possibility as is Garrett Cleavinger, as is Carson Fulmer, and then in the next month, there will be several others.
Future Dodgers Down on the Farm
- OKC won 8-4
- Mike Busch was 2-2 with 2 runs scored and 2 BB, with a monster shot HR to CF. It would have been a hoimerun in any Park in America… including Yellowstone.
- Miguel Vargas was 1-3 with a run scored , a BB, and an RBI.
- Michael Grove went 3.2 Innings, allowing 2 hits and 0 Runs, He struck out 4 and walked ZERO. For the record, he’s another pitcher I think should be in the bullpen.
- Dellin Betances sucks while Jake Reed and Garrett Ceavinger don’t! Jake Reed would be a nice addition to the bullpen.
- Tulsa won 10-4
- Andy Pages hit his 16th HR and was 2-5
- Leonal Valera was again 2-4 with a HR.
- I am removing Clayton Beeter from my watch list. More about that later.
- On the other hand, Jordon Leasure is back on it!
- Great Lakes lost 3-2
- Nick Nastrini deserved better than getting the loss, as he pitched 6 innings, allowing but 3 hits and 2 ER. He walked 1 and struck out 5.
- Rancho Ciucaminga lost 4-2
- Nothing to see here…
My Minor League Watch List
I am well into the process of compiling my Dodger Minor League Watch List. There are lots of “feel good” stories in the minor leagues. You know, guys who overcame long odds and made into the AA before having to quit. LIke the guy who was born with one leg and was blind in one eye and had the Yips , but he overcame it all to play Rookie Ball before joining the military (of course, I made all that up just to make a point).
We will cover all kinds of prospects here, but in reality, even the Top Prospects face long odds of making it to the Show. Some may never make it and others just have a cup of coffee. For example, if you look at Tulsa, here is what I see with regard to a few Dodger prospects:
- Jonny DeLuca – He can play CF and has 21 HR across A and AA, but he is borderline. I have him as a longshot. His is 24 years old.
- Ryan Ward – A 24-year-old LH hitter, Ryan has 24 HR in AA. He is another on the borderline, but borderline guys seldom make it.
- Andy Pages – A 21-year-old RH hitter, Andy has not shown the progress many expected this year. Still when you watch him, you realize he is different. He has more tools and, do not forget “Progress is not linear.”
These are but three examples of how I evaluate players. At AA, Kody Hoese, Justin Yurchak, Devin Mann, and Brandon Lewis fall into the “Non-Prospect” Category. That doesn’t mean that none of them will make it, but the odds are long. Sometimes a “light just flips on” and they jump levels. It is not an exact science.
AT OKC, there are some very interesting players that are not on my Top Prospect List who could make the Show:
- Drew Avans – A 26-year-old LH batter, he lacks power but is a good outfielder and can steal a base (he has 19 this year). He is hitting .293 with a .382 OB% while OPS’ing .851. He has a shot at being a 5th outfielder, but there is still work to do.
- Ryan Noda – He is another 26-year-old LH hitter. He hit 27 HR at Tulsa but has 13 this year at OKC as he has struck out 99 times in 295 AB’s. He also walks a lot as his .377 OB% indicates (he is batting .261).
So, I will have three lists:
- Can’t Miss List – This is for Bobby Miller, Diego Cartaya, Miguel Vargas, Ryan Pepiot, Mike Busch and a few others. It’s under 10.
- Borderline List – It’s good to be on this list – it’s up to you whether you make the Show. It includes Nick Nastrini, Jacob Amaya, Leonal Valera, Mike Grove and a few others. This list is under 20.
- Nice Guy List – While these players are “nice guys” I believe they have No Shot at making the Show. This includes James Outman, Justin Yurchak, and Ryan Noda.
These list will evolve and I will try and be definitive and not talk out of both sides of my mouth “He has a chance at being great but also at being bad.” PICK ONE and make it short and concise. I will attempt to do that. Of course, by doing that I will be wrong more often, but so what? The pay is lousey here anyway!
Hopefully, Clayton can push the broom today. By the way: The Dodgers are tied with the Yankees for the best record in baseball with a .677 winning percentage. They are tid at .776 OPS for the best OPS in baseball and the Dodgers at #1 in ERA (2.95 to 3.18 for the Yanks).
Why Dave Roberts Keeps Rolling out Muncy and Bellinger
Because he can… well it;s actually different for both. Cody brings something few players have: Elite Defense at a crucial position; and superb baserinning skills… and he runs into one occasionally. He will keep playing. Both players are beloved by their teammates and are hardworkers and team players, but if Max doesn’t start hitting soon, Dave or Andrew will have to do something. Max does not bring all the intangibles that Cody does. It all starts with confidence, but ultimately the Dodgers cannot carry both players. This all goes away if Max gets hot… which is what I am hoping for!
Discussion (26)
Disagree, not disagreeable
With both Dodgers and Yanks winning their games today the Dodgers now have the slight lead of the best record in of ALL mlb.
LOL, I will take any day Dave Roberts over Gabe Kapler, yes, I said it.
Good job for Flawed YAlmonte!
Not looking like CK will be around for long. 73 pitches to get through 3 innings. Ugh
Dodgers can’t win 8 in a row, and the way this game started…. But the good thing is that I’ll see this game complete, so, thanks to my usual good optimism, we’re going to win!
And speaking of trades and signing contracts, who is the most necessary among Soto, Judge, Othani, Castillo and Trea? There is not much to think about, priority should be to sign Turner and then Castillo.
Soto may be a generational talent, but he’s also a jerk, perfect for SD.
first and third no one out. . 2 strikeouts and a weak grounder. Fire Roberts
Thank God, Gil Hodges was inducted into the HOF today. What a great feeling that has to be for his family, many of whom were in attendance. He’s been gone now for 50 years. It’s hard to believe that it’s been that long.
Max with 11-0 with 5ks in this series.
In case ya’ll missed it…
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently estimated Danny Duffy, Tommy Kahnle and Victor González were likely not due to return until September. However, he revised that for the trio, along with Treinen, as they may start to come off the IL in August, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Treinen is projected to return from his shoulder injury in August. So is Kahnle (forearm) who just began a throwing program. Lefties Danny Duffy (flexor tendon surgery last fall) and Victor Gonzalez (debridement surgery on his elbow in May) have begun throwing bullpen sessions and could also return in the second half.
Well, they moved Gavin Lux up. Interesting.
I am watching the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and my friend Josh Rawitch (former Dodger) who is now President of Cooperstown. I love it!
The FIRE ROBERTS crowd is awfully quiet right now.
* Muncy, swing the bat. His approach to take close pitches and not expand is not getting it done. The plan to see tons of pitches to get walks breaks down with a bad umpire behind the dish. I’d like to see him expand just a bit and swing the bat, if only with 2 strikes. It seems like every Muncy at bat is a walk or a called third strike. We can get an Eddie Gaedel type to do what Max is doing. And for a lot less money.
* Hitters are taught not to chase. But Trea Turner hits marginal pitches with 2 strikes. What ever happened to what we all heard as kids “you’re swing at anything close”. Maybe that’s not such bad advice for Max.
* Speaking of bad umpires, DeJesus, behind the dish, got an earful from Doc on Thompson’s AB. Karros said “he’s had some struggles back there today”. Today? Every day. The guys aweful and flips coins. In fact, this entire crew is weak with DeJesus, Malachi Moore, Ted Barrett and Alfonso Marquez. Inconsistent crew. Can we get ABS please?
* I liked Docs use of Phillips in the 8th with the top of the order. I like that strategy. The problem was Moronta, in the 9th. He was horseshit. How do you get 2 outs and forget how to pitch? Common man.
* Moronta versus Joc in the 9th. Moronta wins the “Battle of the Buffets”.
Gavin in the 5 hole today but once again Muncy. Will this be the one day of the week when he comes threw and secures his place in the lineup for the next week ?
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4:10 PM ET
Giants (48-46)
Dodgers (63-30)
SP Clayton Kershaw
7-2 2.13 ERA 71.2 P 75K
Confirmed Lineup
RF Mookie Betts R
SS Trea Turner R
1B F. Freeman L
DH Jake Lamb L
2B Gavin Lux L
3B Max Muncy L
LF T. Thompson R
CF C. Bellinger L
C A. Barnes R
Clear-day
0% Rain
80° Wind 8 mph Out
Since the trade deadline is coming soon, I thought I would make my case.
The Dodgers have been number 1 in team starting pitching ERA for a long time this year. I don’t see a need in starting pitching. In the playoffs you need 4 starters. Between Kershaw, Urias, Gonsolin, Buehler (All of them are better than Castillo according to career stats) we have it covered. In case Buehler is not back, we have 1 of Anderson, May, White, Heaney as a 4th starter. On top of that if you have a strong bullpen (see below) it will cover any shortcomings from the starting pitchers.
The Dodgers have been either number 1 or number 2 in team batting OPS for a long time this year. But I see 1 hole (Muncy) and possibly another hole coming, based on career stats (The platoon of Thompson/Lamb). We have Taylor who will be back eventually to fill 1 hole. We also have Vargas to fill the other hole (He just needs to be better than Muncy). There is room for improvement, but it is not a need. If Freidman decides to get a bat, it should be someone who is CLEARLY better than Taylor, this year and also in their career, otherwise a trade shouldn’t be made.
The Dodgers are number 6 in team relief pitching ERA. A lot worse than the team starting pitching and offense is ranked. I know Freidman is quoted saying he doesn’t like trading for relievers, but I disagree. In the playoffs the games are normally close and a bad game for a reliever can blow a game and usually playoff games come down to the late innings. Therefore I think the Dodgers can definitely use 2 top of the line relievers. Here are my choices and why.
Andrew Chafin:
Overall career slash line .226/.304/.321/.626
Against RHB.231/.309/.345/.654
Against LHB .219/.298/.293/.592
Overall 2022 slash line .200/.271/.257/.528
Against RHB .197/.231/.262/.493
Against LHB .205/.321/.250/.571
Only Phillips is better than Chafin this year, unless you want to include Ferguson with limited innings. And both of our guys are not better than Chafin in their careers.
David Robertson:
Overall career slash line .204/.286/.322/.608
Against RHB .221/.303/.365/.668
Against LHB .186/.269/.276/.545
Overall 2022 slash line .147/.265/.248/.513
Against RHB .150/.235/.267/.502
Against LHB .145/.289/.232/.521
Again only Phillips is better than Robertson this year, unless you want to include Ferguson with limited innings. And both of our guys are not better than Robertson in their careers.
Our current bullpen of guys who have pitched at least 10 innings this year all have some sort of flaws to me. I’ll go down the list from best slash line this year to worst. Laying out their flaws and determining if I am comfortable with them being on the playoff roster.
Phillips. Flaws are above average/average career, bad against RHB in his career. Because he is having an excellent year against both sides of the plate, as of now I am comfortable with him on the playoff roster.
Ferguson. Flaws are above average/average career, above average/average against both sides of the plate in his career. As of now I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster. But we’ll see.
Almonte. Not fair to talk about his career because it was pitching for the Rockies in the thin air. Flaw is average against RHB this year. Because of the lack of career stats and the flaw above. As of now I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster. But we’ll see.
Graterol. Flaws are bad against LHB in his career and above average/average against LHB this year. Only this year he has shown a little life against LHB. I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster.
Vesia. Flaws are bad against RHB in his career and bad against RHB this year. I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster.
Kimbrel. Flaws are average this year, bad against LHB this year. As of now I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster. But because of his career stats I may be comfortable later.
Bickford. Flaws are average career, bad against LHB in his career, bad this year, bad against both sides of the plate this year. I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster.
Moronta. Flaws are bad this year, bad against both sides of the plate this year. As of now I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster. But because of his career stats I may be comfortable later.
Price. Flaws are bad this year, bad against RHB this year, borderline above average/average against LHB this year. I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster.
From Dodgers.com there are only 2 relievers expected back this year and they are Treinen and Gonzalez.
Treinen. Flaw is average against LHB in his career. But since 2018 he has been borderline excellent/good against LHB. With that said I am comfortable with him on the playoff roster, but I need to see how he is after coming back from his injury.
Gonzalez. Flaw is average against RHB in his career. Due to very little innings in his career and the flaw above and his late August return that will not give him enough time to prove himself. I am not comfortable with him on the playoff roster.
This is my final assessment of the team before the trade deadline and it is my opinion only. I’m not the boss, Freidman is. But I would like to see Freidman get Chafin and Robertson because they are both having an excellent year. Robertson has had a borderline excellent/good career and Chafin has had a good career. Both bring experience unlike other relievers on the market.
I never sweat losing prospects. Chances are more than 50% never make it to the bigs anyway. I like guys who have at least proved themselves. I also believe they should re-sign Turner. I just do not see Lux as a long term solution at SS.
I am warming to the thought of trading for Castillo. Still, I want you all to realize that he has been in MLB for parts of 6 years and his career ERA is 3.62, and his WHIP is 1.206.
That is underwhelming, although in 13 games this year, he is outperforming his career numbers. He has never pitched in a tight pennant race, and he has an injury history. In other words, he is not Max Scherzer (who wasn’t The Savior either).
Still, he could benefit immensely by leaving the Great American Launching Pad and benefit from the tutelage of the Dodgers’ Pitching Gurus.
The Reds will ask for Miller, while the Dodgers will offer Pepiot. It depends upon how much the Reds like Ryan, but he is a “Local Boy.” Cincy is 90 minutes from Indy! I think the Dodgers would have to offer a package of the following players:
1. Pepiot
2. Sheehan
3. Outman
4. Feduccia (Stephenson is down, and the Reds need a catcher)
I hate losing Sheehan and Pepiot, as I feel both are destined to be great relievers, but this would not gut the farm. Make the deal! Throw in Jonny DeLucca if needed.
With 14 more games to go of the 18 games in a row stretch, manager Dave Roberts revealed that LA plans to use a 6-man pitching rotation made up of Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urias, Tyler Anderson, Tony Gonsolin, Andrew Heaney, and Mitch White.
I agree Muncy doesn’t provide all of the intangibles that Belly does, but he really does look better and better at 3b these days.
Of course, so long as JT is healthy in Oct, 3b is his, meaning Muncy provides even less value as a DH, and perhaps we need a better DH. Come on down, Miguel Vargas?
Well said, Bobby and Ram. I think Castillo will go a long way. I have a post in the queue that states the same points in a wordier format.
It’s also amazing how much better are rotation is at this point in time than all the other teams.
I’m looking forward to more prospect talk from Mark. I agree with most of what was posted today, but I think Outman is a can’t miss at getting into the Show. Whether or not he’ll stick is another story. He’s got the defensive chops to be a 4th outfielder. I don’t think his first 17 games at AAA is something to judge his entire body of work.
I can’t wait to watch to game today. Kershaw with a big old broom in his hand might just send Farhan into sell mode. Rodon’s opt-out clause just kicked in, so he’s going to bolt for bucks and a chance to win.
Does Gabe Kapler rub anyone else the wrong way? Watching him walk out to the mound like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever is beyond gut-wrenching for me. A lot of confidence for a guy who acquired 8.7 WAR in 12 seasons of barely better than replacement level. And that Rose tattoo on his hand? He’s about as original as a photocopy of a photocopy of a Xerox machine. I would rather be trapped in an elevator with Manny Machado, Tatis Jr. and Carlos Correa than spend a moment with such a poser. He looks like a testosterone burrito wrapped in an estrogen tortilla.
Joc needs to fire his hairstylist. He also needs to find a treadmill. We should trade for him and keep him on the bench until the postseason starts.
It’s absolutely painful watching max at the plate! Rooting for him but drury would be a major upgrade at the dish and defensively! Castillo and drury, do it now! Soto would be nice but wAy too much!! I really do believe Cody will get back to a threat at the plate, just hope it’s this season. Clayton is going to be just fine! Still want him with ball in his hand playoff time. I’m 64 years old and I still get goose bumps when he’s on the bump! Favorite dodger all time!
Dodger recently signed the following undrafted free agents:
Connor Godwin, RHP, Central Florida JC
Carter Lohman, LHP, Louisville
Livan Reinoso, INF, Tennessee Wesleyan
Christian Ruebeck, RHP, Kansas State
Item A. No way Buehler just steps back into his role as the Ace of this team. He is not expected back until September. Mid-September more likely. Doubtful that he has enough build up to start. The Ace of the staff right now is Urias. Anderson and Gonsolin pitching better than expected. Will they keep it up? Only time will tell. As for Price, he gave up a hit on a pretty good pitch that the hitter just took to left field. The second hit off of him was a jam shot to right. But Moronta, well that guy gets the first two outs and then forgets where the strike zone is. Price should have never been needed.
Yes Beli and Max can play every day now. We pretty much clinched first place and lead the league in scoring and wins, so how much better would we be without them. As for Beli, I see 100% chance he keeps playing. As for Max I don’t see him coming around this year. JT or Taylor or anybody else could take his place and bat better than .150. So will see when brain trust decides on that. Interesting to see if he would be on Post season roster if batting under .200? Although JT probably due for a few weeks on IR coming up.
#8Dodger Draft pick Overall pick 255 2B Taylor Young R/R Louisiana Tech Slot $169,100 Signed $2,500 per MLB Draft Tracker.
there was an excellent post by Bobby on yesterdays blog.
Since it is already closed I will pick up some of his points:
I am all for bringing Castillo to the Dodgers. Bobby is 100% right that you need great pitching in October and that we have enough Nr. 3,4 and 5 starters. We need one more reliable Nr. 2 or Nr. 1 instead .
Gonsolin and Anderson are doing great so far but both are unknown commodity when it comes to playoff starting pitchers. There is some uncertainty coming with them. Clayton ? Who knows how long he will be able to go before another injury setback ?
By aquiring Castillo you get that additonal Nr. 2 or Nr. 1 starter to hedge against WB not being able to resume his ace role and/or Gonsolin and Anderson slowing donw.
Plus you can deploy May to the pen when he comes back. Either as a 2.3 inning long man or maybe even as the closer should Kimbrel continue to struggle .
Should WB get back to his ace role in due time for the postseason it would give us a helluva rotation:
Walker, Urias, Castillo Gonsolin, Kershaw, Anderson.
White, Pepiot, Knack plus one out of Busch/Pages/Ramos plus another lower level kid if need to be for Castillo and Drury.
Soto will cost too much , probably Miller and Pepiot plus Vargas to begin with. Dodgers dont need him , better to wait for Ohtani.
Another great win yesterday but Bickford, Moronta should be sent down as soon as May, Treinen are ready to come back.
Lets sweep the Midgets out of Dodger Stadium today!
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!