Power Surge and Pitching
I know it is only exhibition games, and the Dodgers did not face MadBum, Robbie Ray, Zac Gallen, or Luke Weaver, nevertheless, it was an impressive display of offensive prowess over the Snakes. The DBacks figure to be the Dodgers chief challenger in the West. I think the Pads will begin to start to strut their stuff, but they are still a year away. They just do not have the
I know it is only exhibition games, and the Dodgers did not face MadBum, Robbie Ray, Zac Gallen, or Luke Weaver, nevertheless, it was an impressive display of offensive prowess over the Snakes. The DBacks figure to be the Dodgers chief challenger in the West. I think the Pads will begin to start to strut their stuff, but they are still a year away. They just do not have the pitching. They very well could next year, when MacKenzie Gore figures to be at the top of the rotation with Chris Paddack.
While the offense did not face the top SP, that was no slouch offense the DBacks trotted out. That lineup figures to score a lot of runs. Calhoun, Ketel Marte, Starling Marte, Escobar, Peralta, and Vargas will do some damage this year. Christian Walker will certainly replace Jake Lamb at 1B giving them another power source in the middle of the lineup. That makes what Mitch White and Julio Urias did for five innings each very impressive.
White was extremely efficient in making only 54 pitches in 5.0 innings. He gave up the 1st inning HR to Ketel Marte, and that was it. 1 run on 1 hit no walks and 2 strikeouts. After that 1st inning, White displayed a very good display of breaking balls (curve and slider) and a change to go with his upper 90’s fastball, and his confidence seemed to grow immensely. White seemingly believed he could get ML hitters out, and he did. He will now go back to USC to continue to stretch out, but he has at least shown that he is in the discussion for next year.
With 73 pitches over 5.0 IP, Urias was not as efficient, but he was still effective. He had one clean inning (the 3rd), but seemed in control in his other four. With a walk and HR in the 2nd, that was the only inning that he allowed more than one baserunner. He still nibbles and tries to be perfect, but this year he is in the rotation to stay. That should give him the confidence to let the ball go because he has the pitches.
KJ was simply outstanding in his one inning. He looks to be back to his 2017 form. He gives a great deal of credit to Driveline, and the pitching staff allowing him not to focus on velocity but more on movement and placement. While the pitching line may not show it, Blake Treinen looked very good last night with his sinker. If not for his own inability to catch a popup, he would have got through his inning 3 up and 3 down with a K. He got himself out of a jam. The Buffalo (Graterol), was popping at 100 (101). If he can command that fastball and then show that unhittable slider, he will dominate in late inning situations.
It was only four pitches, but AJ Ramos showed that he may have made it back from his shoulder issues the last two years, and AF may have just found a new Brandon Morrow. Victor Gonzalez is a year away, but he has shown that he could be a starter or 7th inning reliever. I think he relieves, but he may be a left handed Ross Stripling. Kolarek still dominates LH hitting, but is sooooo very hesitant with RH hitters. He should make the 30 and will get chances, but he is going to need to show some consistency with the RH hitters to stay on the 28 and 26 man roster. Dylan Floro still shows that he can get ML hitters out, but he needs consistency. He was He is another that should make the 30 man, but after that ?????.
In the past, I have been relentless against the Dodgers bullpen. But I think this year, the bullpen could be a strength of this team. The top 8 relievers that will make up the 26 man roster have a chance to be very special. But the proof is in the results. Let’s just say that I am more encouraged going into this season with this bullpen than at any time in the past several years. Yes, I know what the skeptics out there are saying. “But wait, Doc will screw it up.”
Offensively, the hitters should have punished the Snakes, and they did.
| Player | H-AB | DBL | HR | BB |
| ———- | ———- | ———- | ———- | ———- |
| Mookie | 3-6 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Muncy | 2-5 | 1 | 2 | |
| JT | 2-3 | 1 | 1 | |
| Belli | 4-7 | 1 | ||
| Corey | 4-5 | 2 | 1 | |
| AJ | 2-8 | |||
| Joc | 3-7 | 1 | 1 | |
| CT3 | 3-5 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Other 10 | 5-23 | 2 | ||
The first eight batters went a combined 23-46, with an OBP of 29-52 (.558).
Belli’s 1st inning GS on Sunday was nice to see, but it was his other hits that were impressive. He absolutely scorched his other two hits Sunday. Mookie and Seager look absolutely dialed in and ready to go. Joc absolutely unloaded on Taylor Clarke, but his other two hits were against LHP, including the one he scorched last night off Andrew Chafin.
The one question thus far seems to be Gavin Lux who appears to be assimilating a deer in headlights, both offensively and defensively. Is he overmatched right now? Perhaps. But with CT3, Gavin can afford to take some time. If this were ST, Gavin would be reporting to OKC, but he probably needs to stay with the ML club for development during a 60 game abbreviated season.
We get to see another in a line of projectable starters tonight when Jo Jo Gray takes the bump against another potentially deep lineup with LAA.
The Dodgers have posted their “official” 60 man player pool. It is actually 59 with 3 on the IL. One name thought to have been on the list, but is not currently, is Jake Vogel.
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Discussion (55)
Disagree, not disagreeable
The clamor for Lux being given the 2nd base job started last season when he was tearing up AAA. While many fans called for the call-up, the Dodgers didn’t do it until September. And he was so-so after coming up. AAA Player of the year with huge stats. Then this winter some folks were ready to give him the ROY.
So maybe he has succumbed to that pressure. But if you’re going to be a Dude you have to put that stuff away and just play. Everybody has pressure to perform. It’s a production business. He was a train wreck last night. In the field it was “bring on the dancing bears”. He looks so tight and unsure of himself that he needs some time away.
What I’ve seen (that I would like to not) is that he never looks like he has fun playing the game. The picture of him a few days ago on this site reflects what I see. He’s joyless. I don’t know the kid but he seems to beat himself up much like what I see in AJ Pollock but with less experience. He doesn’t “play” the game. He grinds at the game. That’s what I see, anyway. I hope he gets through this and can loosen up and enjoy the game.
Well said Jayne Cobb, and I agree with you that Lux seems to be under a lot of pressure. He comes across as a good kid, works hard and hope he can overcome whatever is bothering him to succeed to the starting 2nd baseman position he may be destined to be.
Re: Lux
I’d like to think this was not a move to simply delay Lux’s free agency. From what I understand if they keep him off the 30 man for 15 days the math associated with the prorated season would mean he couldn’t (mathematically) meet the requirement for a full season in 2020. Which would delay his free agency by 1 year.
I hope it has more to do with his development. I feel bad for Lux as he was the subject of so much attention and hype going into Spring Training. Obviously there is a great deal of pressure that comes with that. Having ST shut down and locking down for several months, with all the uncertainty and drama that went along with it, could not have been easy from a mental preparation point of view. He didn’t seem comfortable against the D Backs. It might be better to let the season go a couple weeks and take the pressure off of him a bit. I’m not sure if sending him off to extended spring training over at USC (or whatever they are calling it) is better or worse than a trip to AAA would have been. None of the other young players on the roster are under the same microscope. One benefit of having such a deep roster is having the luxury to make moves like this. Especially since the DH is now part of the calculus.
Rios and Beaty aren’t under the same spotlight and provide solid bats from the left side. Having Rios, Beaty, Kike, Taylor and Pollock as chess pieces still provides some crazy solid options for lineups.
I just hope this is a minor bump in the road for Lux. He’s a good kid and I’d certainly like to see him reach his full potential. For his sake and for the Dodgers.
Welcome back Badger, I had a funny feeling you would return within hours of my post. In any event, it is time for baseball and all baseball posters are welcome here or so it seems.I am reminded of the Journey song, Wheel in the Sky. Just popped into my mind for some reason.
Where does Lux get jettisoned, I mean, optioned to, there ain’t no minor leagues this season, and possibly forever. We may see a return to the colleges being the developmental league rather than a minor league system. Gonna have to do something about those toy bats, however.
Mookie getting a day off:
Muncy 1B
JT 3B
Belli CF
Pollock DH
Seager SS
CT3 LF
Joc RF
Kike’ 2B
Barnes C
Gray P
Lux showing up late to Summer Camp was odd, but I’m assuming he was either afflicted with Covid or was in contact with someone who was and was self-isolating the requisite time before reporting. His swing seems to have a hole in it right now and he’ll need to make an adjustment while working at the alternate camp.
Was hoping for big things from him this year and it still might happen but he must feel a bit deflated not breaking camp with the club. Keep working young man and the everyday second base job is yours in the future.
I would have gone with Brian Shaw, but he is not a lefty. Alexander has not pitched yet, as said, Gonzalez is a year away, and they have little confidence in Kolarek against righty’s. That being said, McGee does have nasty stuff. I was thinking they would send Lux down, and I also think he knew they were just not going to hand him the starters job with guys like Kike, Taylor and McKinstry playing well. Hell, Muncy can slide over there against RHP, and they can put Beatty at first. Makes the lineup even longer with Lux hitting like a little leaguer right now.
Jake was with the Rox for 4 years, 3 of which (including the last one) were pretty awful. That said, I know that AF didn’t just sign him because he knows him. They must think they can fix him, or maybe they just plan to keep him until they get someone else to replace him with. I’m assuming Alexander won’t make the opening day roster. Kolarek must be a bit concerned at this point also, although they could carry three southpaws I suppose.
Dodgers have optioned Gavin Lux, which I guess means he won’t be able to be on the 30-man roster for the first 10 games?
McKinstry may yet make the opening day roster.
They have also signed Jake McGee to a 1 year contract. That doesn’t make much sense to me.