RANDOM THOUGHTS ON THE PASSING SEASON

I have an article pending on Bullet Joe Rogan, one of the all-time great players in the Negro Leagues.  Because of Bear’s wonderful articles on Zack Wheat and his journey with baseball, I thought I would put that off a few days, and just share some random thoughts on an already weird season:

●          You know that we’re in the full swing baseball, when the Doc criticisms start in earnest.  In hindsight,  intentionally walking Eduardo Escobar to load the bases to pitch to Christian Walker was the wrong decision.   In hindsight, pinch hitting Pollock for Rios was the wrong decision.   In hindsight, switching Betts to centerfield and Bellinger to first base may have been the wrong decision.   That said, it’s not as if those decisions were without any possible baseball justification.  At the time made, they had some sense.   Treinen is a notorious ground ball pitcher and setting it up for a possible out at any base did make some sense.   Having Treinen throw a meat ball dead center cut of the plate was absolutely horrid execution and Walker didn’t miss his pitch.   Maybe Bellinger could have caught that ball, we’ll never know.   Betts did take a slightly odd route, but then again, he is a gold glove outfielder.   Having Pollock hit for Rios also made some sense.   He was the Dodgers’ top hitter going into this game.   It’s unfortunate that he chose this game to revert to “playoff” Pollock, watching two absolutely hittable pitches (in each at bat) go by for strikes without taking his bat off his shoulders.  Execution, execution, execution, execution.   The Dodgers needed execution, but didn’t get it in the clutch.       

●          I’m consistently amazed that a pitcher, who has pitched as long as he has, and who has exhibited some outstanding ability at times, as Joe Kelley has, can have such consistently sorry command.   Last night (Friday) I felt that maybe he was putting together a video to be presented at his appeal hearing.   He absolutely did not appear to have any idea where his pitches were going.   Moreover, throwing his first pitch to the backstop is well beyond a cardinal sin!   Maybe management can force him to take his 8 game suspension, just to give him extra time to learn where the plate is.   They might also remind him that he has the ability to throw 96-99 mph, he doesn’t need to continually throw sliders in the dirt.  

●          If Brusdar Graterol could only throw a few MPH faster, I think he might have a future with the Dodgers.   I’m not sure that I have seen a pitcher throw as fast with as little effort in his delivery.   His pitches have some very serious giddy-up.   He’s a nice return for Kenta Maeda.  

●          Mookie Betts is starting to put together some nice at-bats.   I haven’t seen everyone of his at-bats, but he doesn’t appear to ever just phone it in.   He works hard at his trade, and I’m happier each day that he’ll be a Dodger for the foreseeable future.  

●          Not sure what to make of Bellinger.  I think perhaps the Dodgers should set up an e-mail hotline, so the fans who know what ails him, can e-mail in their suggested advice.  The sooner they can set that up, the better it will be for them and us.  

●          It was nice to take 2 from the Asstericks!   I will always enjoy beating the Giants more, but I would love to see the Dodgers win every game they play against the Asstericks for the rest of my conscious life.   

●          Joe Kelley suspended 8 games for doing what he normally does, and the Asstericks players get immunity for cheating their way to a WS championship.   Anyone see anything wrong in those decisions?   By the way, did Joe Kelley get suspended for actually hitting Hanley Ramirez with a pitch?   No he didn’t.  Isn’t that odd, when you consider that Ramirez couldn’t play the rest of the series and his absence, arguably, lost the series for the Dodgers.   No conspiracy to be seen here folks.  

●          Corey Seager has been a favorite player of mine since he was first drafted.  His “old school” manner of approaching and playing the game are very refreshing.   I don’t know if it’s possible, but I would like to see him be a life-time Dodger.  

●          Count me among those that was happy that the Pederson/Stripling trade with the Angels did not go through.   Chicken Strip has really come through big for the Dodgers when they’ve needed hi most.   He’s a good pitcher and he is one of the most engaging and refreshingly honest Dodger players when interviewed.  He makes Alana Rizzo’s work easy.  

●          What should the Dodgers do with Pederson and Hernandez?   Do you consider trading them before the they hit the free agent market?   It’s certainly worth giving a thought.  

●          Tony Gonsolin’s debut was nice.   I’m not sure if he will become a full time starter, but he reminds me of an efficient right handed version of Caleb Ferguson.  Both can give you a shut down inning when needed and can be used for multiple innings.   Now it will be Mitch White’s turn to shine, as he has been called up to replace Gonsolin on the roster.  

●          Despite Friday nights’ hiccup, I still think this years bullpen is far superior to the bullpens of the last few years.   Right now, I feel the weakest link is Joe Kelley.   I would not have him pitch in critical situations.   Other than that, I’m fairly confidant in the other relievers.  

●          Kershaw is scheduled to make his season debut on Sunday.   I hope he does well and gives a strong 6+ innings.   If not, maybe White’s call up is an insurance policy in case his debut does not go so well. 

●          Apparently, doing well in intrasquad games is no guarantee that you will have a successful season.   The Dodgers looked virtually invincible during “Summer Training.”   Now it appears that aliens have invaded their bodies. 

●          I totally understand the rational for doing it, but count me among those that is not a fan of the “runner starts on second” in extra innings rule.   Ostensibly, it shortens the game, but it lacks any excitement and it doesn’t appear that the managers/players have developed any consistent strategy for how to implement the new rule.     

●          It comes as no surprise, but it is possible that this season can be cancelled before it is completed.   I certainly hope not, but I do see it possibly happening.   Moreover, players are still choosing to opt out of playing this season, with Lorenzo Cain, being the latest.   I would never cluck my tongue at any player who chooses to opt out, and realize that making that decision has to be extremely difficult on so many different levels.   While I don’t normally find myself to either the commissioner’s office or the MLB Players Association, I don’t envy the decisions they are grappling with on a day to day basis.   This is uncharted territory we are sailing in, and it appears that they are reading the stars the best they can to navigate the season to completion.  

No song parody today.   Just Mavis Staples’ hauntingly beautiful rendition of the great Stephen C. Foster song, “Hard Times Come Again No More.”   This song was also recently performed by two of my favorite singers, Joan Baez and Emmylou Harris.  You would not be disappointed in listening to their version on YouTube   Then again, I honestly think that Emmylou Harris could sing pages from Webster’s Dictionary and it would be a number one hit.  

Let us pause in life’s pleasures and count its many tears

While we all sup sorrow with the poor

There’s a song that will linger forever in our ears

Oh, hard times, come again no more

‘Tis the song, the sigh of the weary

Hard times, hard times, come again no more

Many days you have lingered all around my cabin door

Oh, hard times, come again no more

While we seek mirth and beauty and music light and gay

There are frail forms fainting at the door

Though their voices are silent, their pleading looks will say

Oh, hard times, come again no more

‘Tis the song, the sigh of the weary

Hard times, hard times, come again no more

Many days you have lingered all around my cabin door

Oh, hard times, come again no more

There’s pale drooping maiden who toils her life away

With a worn out heart, whose better days are over

Though her voice it would be merry, ’tis sighing all the day

Oh, hard times, come again no more

‘Tis the song, the sigh of the weary

Hard times, hard times, come again no more

Many days you have lingered all around my cabin door

Oh, hard times, come again no more

‘Tis the song, the sigh of the weary

Hard times, hard times, come again no more

Many days you have lingered all around my cabin door

Oh, hard times, come again no more