I love the game of baseball. Have since I first picked up a bat at the age of 7. That was 70 years ago, and oh how the game has changed. I like to think that I saw the game when it was still in its purest form. No DH, starters went 9. Strikeouts were a bad thing, and players BA, and pitchers win totals mattered. They were the standard by which players got paid.
They wore those wool uniforms and played on fields that were not as manicured as the ones today. When the Giants were in New York, they played at the Polo Grounds, a massive place where balls hit to center field went to die.
When the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, they played in the LA Coliseum, built for the 1932 Olympics, it was the home of the USC Trojans football team. The Dodgers played there for four years until the moved into their new home., Dodger Stadium. Too bad Roy Campanella never got the chance to hit in a park where it was only 251 feet down the left field line.
There have always been subtle rules changes in the majors like outlawing the spit ball. They lowered the pitcher’s mound in 1968. The reason behind that was trying to make the game more hitter friendly since pitching had dominated the league for several seasons. Not sure that worked well in the AL since Yaz won the batting title with a .301 average.
The next big change came in 1973 when the AL adopted the Designated Hitter. Baseball purists hated it. The NL’s mantra was we play the game the way it was invented. One could not argue with the results though. In 1972, the AL as a league hit .239 with 1175 home runs, an average of 98 per team. Half of the teams hit less than 98. The Rangers hit just 56. In 1973 the league average was .259. There were 1552 homers hit, an average of 129 per team. Only one team hit less than 100, the Angels with 93. The Indians led the league with 158.
In 1972, the NL team average was .248. There were 1339 homers. Of the 12 teams, only four had fewer than 100. The Dodgers were one of the four. In 1973, even without the DH, the NL almost matched the AL’s 1552 homers, they hit 1550. The leagues’ batting average was .254. Atlanta led all of baseball with 206 homers. The Cardinals and the Mets were the only teams under 100.
There were changes as far as ballparks go. Artificial turf arrived in 1966 when the Astrodome opened. Some of the older stadiums began to be demolished to be replaced by what I called, cookie cutter stadiums. They all looked alike.
Also in the 70’s, Bill James introduced the concept of sabermetrics. That emphasized objective analysis beyond traditional stats. It did not happen overnight, but stats like BA, wins, suddenly were not as important as quality starts and OBP. I can’t remember the first time I heard the term WAR or wins above replacement. I do remember I had no clue what they were talking about.
Here we are in the 26th year of the 2000’s and I still think BA and wins mean something. Some old bears never change, I guess. I despise strikeouts, but today they do not have the stigma they carried when I first started following the game. The chances of us seeing a hitter have as few Ks as Joe DiMaggio had, 369 over a 13-year career are infinitesimal. Joe D walked twice as many times as he struck out. Yogi Berra struck out just 404 times in his 19-year career. That equals 21.26 times a year! Shohei passed that number in a month last year.
The game has changed a lot. We have pitch clocks now, this season a challenge system will be in place for ball and strike calls. Relievers have to face at least 3 hitters. Four mound visits are all that can be made in a game. Plays can be checked by video; a lot of close calls have been overturned.
During the pandemic year, all teams used the DH. The NL finally adopted the DH full time in 2022. This of course is one of the reasons LA signed Ohtani when he became a free agent. He wanted to pitch and hit when he first came from Japan. He could not do that with the Dodgers.
You look at a stat sheet today, and I cannot tell you what half of those stats are. rOBA? Expanded stats are even harder to translate, at least for me. I am pretty sure there are some young stat geeks out there who really love digging deep. I watch MLB.TV a lot. But I can’t watch Brian Kenny since I usually do not understand what the hell he is talking about.
I judge players by what I see. Always have trusted my eyes more than some stat sheet. You can tell when a player is being consistent. Just look at his BA. .200 hitters are consistently bad. Oh, they might have some moments, best example of that is Kike.
Kike hit .203 overall last season. He had 10 homers and hit just .195 in the first half, but 8 of his homers were hit then. He hit .222 in the second half and then had a decent postseason until the World Series where he struck out 15 times. His most valuable contribution in that series came in game six when he came running in catching a fly ball and firing to second for a double play.
Kike is a career .236 hitter. But in a couple of the important stats according to the stat people, he falls short of even being MLB average during the regular season. His OBP is just .305. His OPS is .707 and his OPS+ is just 91. He strikes out more than twice as much as he walks. His value lies in his clubhouse presence and his versatility on the field.
I know many will not agree with the way I look at the game, and that is absolutely fine. We all look through different lenses. My eyes tell me one thing, and the stats say another.
Discussion (60)
Disagree, not disagreeable
The Mookie trade was brilliant then… and even more so now.
Who knew AF had landed the future shortstop?
Not really surprising. FA after this season. Arm might be cooked. I thought Stone looked good in the brief video from today. Nice arm stroke. Yamamoto-esque.
Fabian Ardaya
@FabianArdaya
Dave Roberts said the Dodgers are slow playing Brusdar Graterol a bit this spring. Ball hasn’t come out the way they’d expected as he continues to work his way back from shoulder surgery.
Well, he’s going to be on the 60-day IL until he comes back so if some young ball player is more deserving he will have an opportunity to prove it.
Dodgers handed out Valentines Day baseballs to fans as they came out of the clubhouse this morning.
They are also in the middle of a big ownership battle.
BTW, Peter Siedler’s private equity firm tried to buy US Water Systems about 3 years ago.
They told me the price seemed high and asked if it was worth that. I said “no, but that’s the only way I am going to sell it – if you overpay!”
That was the end of the conversation.
I don’t. They have become irrelevant.
Champ shit only.
I respect Philly [the team not the fans] and will wait and see on Mets & Cubs.
Thanks Bear. Man, 17-0 before a loss. Do you know if that is a record?
Preller would be smart to leave. His team is clearly not competitive with the Dodgers and he has no more prospects with which to upgrade via trade. Unless ownership opens the financial floodgates, the next decade for the padres looks grim.
At 76 yo I totally agree with you on the new measurements. I think, BA, OBP, OPS, Slugging, HRs, SBs, is all you need to read a hitter. Necessary pitching stats: ERA, Ks, Innings, walks and BA splits about does it. And a box score let’s you know what happened in the game. Thanks again for the great reads.
I served in the Navy back in the day and dated Elroy’s daughter. She gave me a autographed card if him. God knows where that card is now. He was probably the first successful closer in baseball. Thanks for passing it on.
I wonder if Tatis may go back to SS?
Did you hear what Castellanos did that got him axed?
In June 2025, Castellanos was benched for making an “inappropriate comment” to manager Rob Thomson after being pulled for a defensive replacement in a game vs. the Miami Marlins. Castellanos later publicly acknowledged he brought a beer into the dugout after being removed from that game — an action clearly against team rules and expectations.
He said his teammates took the beer before he could drink it, but the act itself was seen as unprofessional.
He will fit right in with SD.
Exactly
Machado’s the turd-in-chief
Teo says hold my cerveza
This is true but he can also be a jolt of energy if a lineup is lagging.
I coukd easily see him replacing Teo in a postseason lineup, especially if defense is being factored in.
16 & 6’4″ is a monster
Throw the ball, hit the ball, catch the ball.
Run hard, be ready, know the situation.
As much as the Dodgers have boosted their talent base (to absurd levels), they have also cleaned up their fundamentals.
I think it all goes back to the Mookie trade.
Another bad guy in a Padres’ clubhouse filled with bag guys .He’ll fit right in.
The Padres and outfielder Nick Castellanos have agreed to a Major League deal, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post (multiple links). Castellanos will earn $780K on the contract, which is the MLB minimum salary for the 2026 season. That $780K will be subtracted from the $20MM Castellanos is owed by the Phillies for the 2026 season, after Philadelphia released the veteran earlier this week. Castellanos is represented by Mato Sports Management.
Delio Centeno is currently 16 years old and is considered a high-upside international prospect.
As a pitcher, his potential is highlighted by his physical frame and raw tools:
Physical Presence: At 6’4″ and 205 lbs, he possesses a “pro-ready” build that is rare for his age, which scouts believe provides great leverage and durability for a future starter.
Fastball: He has already been clocked in the low-to-mid 90s, which is elite for a teenager. Scouts project this velocity to increase significantly as he continues to mature and refine his mechanics.
Performance: He first gained major attention as a standout for the “Dominican Republic Blancas” in the New Balance Future Stars Series Caribbean Classic, where he was noted for his poise on the mound against older competition.
Projectability: The Los Angeles Dodgers are known for their elite pitching development, and Centeno is viewed as a “high-ceiling” project. He has the frame to be a power arm in the rotation, though he will need several years in the Minor Leagues to develop his secondary pitches (slider/changeup) and command.
Thank you. The second video can be deleted as the first video is about the International player we signed yesterday with a detailed desciption I will post again.
I have heard that numerous times, but the fact is, and this is fact, Kike has never been all that great in regular season play. He is below league average in most every offensive stat. He is extremely overrated as a player.
Doc has said that his elbow injury was the cause.
All the best to you!
Same here. Game has changed a lot. I haven’t. LOL.
Mark, there are a few videos on line if you can pull one up of Delio Centeno.
Glad to hear Dodgerdad it wasn’t cancer. My wife went through two years of breast cancer with aggressive chemo treatments, surgery and radiation treatments.. It was a scary time in our lives to say the least. We now try to live life to the fullest. Every day we consider a gift.
Arizona resigned Zac Gallen for one year. Spring training for LA officially opened. Saw some video of Dodger pitchers throwing their first bullpens.
Check his post season stats for this year on Baseball Reference. Not that inspiring, especially in the World Series. 15Ks in 29 at bats. More than 50%. Yes, he did make a nice catch and throw to end game six. But he is 35 now. Sorry he is just blocking some youth making an impact.
On Friday, September 11th, 1959, the Dodgers beat Pittsburgh 5-4 at the coliseum. The Pirates were up 4-2 in the 8th. LA scored 1 run in the 8th and 2 in the 9th off of Face for the win. He was 17-0 at the time. He had 4 wins over LA at the time. Winning pitcher was Chuck Churn. Ever hear of a one game series? On Monday, April 27th of 1959, the Dodgers played the Pirates in Pittsburgh winning 9-5 behind Drysdale. They beat a guy named Red Witt. They next played on Wednesday in Philadelphia. My only explanation is that Tuesday’s game was rained out. They played a couple of two game series that year with the Pennsylvania teams.
We all know that. But here is a fact, Kike playing is not a best-case scenario. He is at best a bench piece. If he is playing every day the starter is injured or not performing. In Kike’s case last year, it was because Conforto had such a bad year.
Chris Taylor back with the Halos.
Sure hope he has an injury-free season.
The contrast between the Dodgers and the Angels just keeps getting starker.
Kid these days….
Sheesh.
I got a sense of old school vs. new with my youngest son’s baseball adventure.
The crafty southpaw is 16 now, but when he started in “coach pitch” ball at age 7, one kid delayed a game because he’d forgotten to put on his batting gloves.
Batting gloves at age 7. I played into my teens without such luxury.
But a few years later, my wife ordered some batting gloves for our lad. Every boy had ’em. (The Bolt brand starts at about $80 and can run up to $400.)
Now my boy is back to using calloused flesh like Vlad Sr.
It helps that he is trying to teach himself the guitar and wants his hands to be tough.
I remember being amazed at his record in 1959. He was 18-1 that year as a reliever and I think that his 1 loss was to the Dodgers. I also remember he won something like 15 games before he lost his first game. (Bear would probably know if that is correct). Wow! What a season.
R.I.P. Elroy.
Kike has some of the worst AB’s I’ve ever seen. Quite frustrating to watch him pull off the ball. However, I’m always happy he’s on our team come postseason.
When I was in college I practically had the Bill James handbook memorized for our strato-matic baseball draft.
Maybe this is a good omen. I have been having chest pains and shortness of breath. Went for a stress test today. I don’t think pneumonia, but Dr. thinks maybe COPD. At my age (78) my dad was getting ready for heart bypass surgery
Kike played injured in WS
Godspeed!
This team as currently constructed is complete.
Rotation is top shelf and deep in reserves.
Lineup is long and varied with some concerns about age but maybe they get more rest.
Bullpen is potentially strong with a closer unlike last two years.
Bench has options and may not be great but whose bench is?
Management is superb.
Owners are loaded.
Farm system is stacked.
Stay healthy and run the fucking table.
Thanks my friend!
Great news about your wife DD.
This is definitely Kike’s last hurrah. He is 35, coming off of an injury and won’t even play until June. Personally, this was a signing that was not needed. I know AF said Kike could come back if he wanted too, but LA has at least 3 players who can do the same thing he can, and a little better. He sucked in the World Series striking out 15 times. His heroics came on one play in game six. That was his big contribution.
Brewers signed Luis Rengifo to a one-year deal, and the Cubs signed Shelby Miller.
Nope. Call is a contact first type player and LA does not have many of those.
Kike is back for his last, no wait a minute, we can’t ever say last until kike says last season! His defensive versatility is amazing. His offense? It keeps going the wrong direction every year. But you are spot on Bear! His biggest value is in the dugout. Let’s face it .These Dodgers for the most part are pretty boring guys! Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Their play on the field isn’t boring. But some of them are almost statuesque! But that’s ok ! So Kike livens up the joint, gets the blood pumping, and oh yeah, sometimes he gets hot at the right times! Glad he’s back!
Now the Max thing. Good move! I believe he has a good year! Next year might find him in a platoon position with someone not on this year’s roster. With Rojas gone next season he could become more of a “part time “ player in 27. I finally learned to never underestimate Max. He may be at 3rd most of the time next season. So part time may be another year off.
I agree. Alex call probably isn’t a Dodger for too much longer. Like him but he has very little power. Doesn’t hit for a high average, and plays decent defense. Although I just remember reading somewhere today that we’re not to expect Kike back till later in the season or maybe not at all. I’m not sure how accurate that is, it would certainly keep Call around longer.
My wife had a scan yesterday for possible cancer but we just got a call saying it was pneumonia. Never been so happy for someone to have pneumonia!!!!
With Kike back (officially), I see Alex Coal being traded to another team when Kike returns to the team.
Anytime John. I just prefer the game the way it was. I mean the DH has added a lot of offense, but the strikeout totals are totally out of control.
Mark, there are a few videos on line if you can pull one up of Delio Centeno.
Yeah, I just wrote that, just read it on MLBTR. Saw him pitch a few times. Threw a forkball.
Maybe it’s been posted but I just saw that Elroy Face has passed away at 97.
Thanks Bear, I needed that. I’m looking for a career year out of Kiki, if he gets enough at bats. He has not had enough time with both his new glasses and his health.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Ben Rortvedt is expected to clear waivers on Monday, February 16, 2026, assuming he is not claimed by another team.
Angels signed Chris Taylor to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. Nathiel Lowe signed a minor league deal with the Reds. Astros traded Jesus Sanchez to the Jays for Joey Loperfido. Yankees signed Rafael Montero to a minor league deal. Elroy Face, former Pirate pitcher who went 18-1 in 1959 with 10 saves, and did not win the Cy Young, passed away at the age of 97. RIP.
Wow
Delio Centeno is currently 16 years old and is considered a high-upside international prospect.
As a pitcher, his potential is highlighted by his physical frame and raw tools:
Physical Presence: At 6’4″ and 205 lbs, he possesses a “pro-ready” build that is rare for his age, which scouts believe provides great leverage and durability for a future starter.
Fastball: He has already been clocked in the low-to-mid 90s, which is elite for a teenager. Scouts project this velocity to increase significantly as he continues to mature and refine his mechanics.
Performance: He first gained major attention as a standout for the “Dominican Republic Blancas” in the New Balance Future Stars Series Caribbean Classic, where he was noted for his poise on the mound against older competition.
Projectability: The Los Angeles Dodgers are known for their elite pitching development, and Centeno is viewed as a “high-ceiling” project. He has the frame to be a power arm in the rotation, though he will need several years in the Minor Leagues to develop his secondary pitches (slider/changeup) and command.
With some of the assigned International money they received from the Twins yesterday in the Banda trade:
02/12/26 Los Angeles Dodgers signed free agent RHP Delio Centeno to a minor league contract.
Love the old school mentality.