Remember When
Some fans thought the Puig, Kemp, Wood, and Farmer trade was just a salary dump? Some fans thought the Dodgers just had to sign Bryce Harper or Manny Machado to remain relevant? Some fans thought the Dodgers should gut the farm for Corey Kluber? Some fans thought the Dodgers should sign DJ LeMahieu because they needed a 2B? Some fans thought Chris Taylor was horrible? Some fans thought that Kike Hernandez
- Some fans thought the Puig, Kemp, Wood, and Farmer trade was just a”salary dump?”
- Some fans thought the Dodgers just had to sign Bryce Harper or Manny Machado to remain relevant?
- Some fans thought the Dodgers should gut the farm for Corey Kluber?
- Some fans thought the Dodgers should sign DJ LeMahieu because they needed a 2B?
- Some fans thought Chris Taylor was horrible?
- Some fans thought that Kike Hernandez should be traded because he was “horrid”?
- Some fans thought the Dodgers were morons for signing Ryu to the Qualifying Offer?
- Some fans thought the Dodgers should trade for JT Realmuto?
- Some fans thought Russ Martin was washed up?
- Some fans thought the Dodgers slow ramping up of players during Spring Training was a bad thing?
- Some fans said Kenta Maeda was no good?
- Some fans were willing to trade Alex Verdugo?
- Some fans wanted Edwin Diaz as a lockdown reliever?
- Some fans wanted to trade for Francisco Cervelli?
- Some fans wanted to sign Maldonado to be the catcher?
- Some fans were angry that the Dodgers extended Clayton Kershaw?
- Some fans wanted Dave Roberts fired?
- Some fans said Cody Bellinger was a platoon player?
- Some fans thought the Dodgers should “trade high” on Max Muncy?
- Some fans thought they would never hit with RISP?
- Some fans wanted Mitch Hanniger?
- Some fans raved about Yasiel Puig?
- Some fans wanted to trade Joc Pederson for a first baseman?
- Some morons (me included) said that Alex Verdugo could not play CF?
- Some morons wanted Andrew Friedman fired?
- Some morons said the Dodgers would be lucky to win 85 games?
- Some moron wanted to trade for Alex Castellanos?
Me neither!!!
It should not be lost on anyone that the Dodgers have the highest number of homegrown players on their team and they also have the best record in baseball… literally burying the competition. The naysayers seldom post anymore. They have nothing to say. To them, I say “Turn from the darkside” You don’t have to worship at the Holy Church of Andrew Friedman, but you do have to kiss my signet ring (better than kissing something else)!
Here’s the crazy thing: They are getting better! Barring devastating injuries, the Los Angeles Dodgers are an immovable force that will have to be reckoned with. In the process, they are integrating young players (aka/rookies) like Alex Verdugo, Will Smith Matt Beaty, and Kyle Garlick. This is the “MACHINE” Andrew Friedman envisioned when he took over. Maybe he needs to get another bullpen arm. Maybe he doesn’t! This is the best team in baseball!
Hard to Believe
One blogger who shall remain nameless because he has likely become institutionalized wrote this about how the Dodger infield should be structured because CT3, Kike and Austin Barnes are so horrible:
“So what’s the solution you might ask? It may be a bit unorthodox, but it’s the only thing that can prevent these three guys from killing the Dodger’s offense. Here are my thoughts on the possible solutions. The best thing at this point is to either play Max Muncy at third, Justin Turner at short, and David Freese at second. Or you can put Freese at third, Turner at short, Muncy at second and Matt Beaty at first.”
I am not kidding… someone actually wrote that! It is so devoid of reason, no response is needed. Holy Mackerel!
Dodger Reality
- Three straight walk-offs by rookies. When was the last time that happened? Like never!
- A little over a year ago, Will Smith was good defensive, bad offensive catcher. His glove was what would keep him as a backup catcher. Then the Dodgers started tinkering with his swing, lunch angle and the like. Then came RVS and his gang… well you can throw out the book. Will Smith has been re-invented! All bets are off! He might be the Dodgers starting catcher before the end of the season.
- That likely puts Austin Barnes on the sidelines during the playoffs.
- I would love to have a conversation with Eric Karros, and be able to walk away after 15 minutes. I cannot listen to him for a full game. In the interest of full disclosure, I love Joe Davis and think he should be a one-man booth like Vin.
- Orel is OK with me. Nomar is tough to listen to even though he has a lot of good insights.
- Chuck Steiner is not bad but I would not choose to listen to him, like ever…
- I can’t believe the Dodgers will put Pollock back in CF. That place belongs to Verdugo.
- Yesterday, Hawkeye summarized what is happening very well. The Dodgers rebuilt a bad farm system and kept winning in the process. That is rare indeed. It’s so rare, I am not sure it has ever been done. It’s like Rookies hitting back-to-back-to-back walk offs!
- A rough stretch is probably coming. It usually does, but maybe it won’t be a long stretch – this team is very resilient!
- I am planning an LA Trip – It looks like July 18-21, when the Marlins will be there. Business and pleasure. I hope to have my wife with me because our Anniversary is the 19th (22 years). Come to the Ravine and celebrate with us! I’ll buy you a beer… some on here can already attest to that fact!
Minor League Report by DC
AZL Dodgers Lasorda 7 – AZL Reds 10
It was not a good day for Lasordian pitchers. Jo Valdez started and actually pitched quite well with 2 runs over 4 innings pitched. Juan Morilla followed Valdez and served up 4 runs on 5 hits in 2.1 innings. Riley Ottesen gave up one run in his 1.1 innings while Franklin De La Paz coughed up 3 more while getting only 2 outs. Juan Gonzalez pitched the last 0.2 of an inning with no runs but did allow an inherited runner to score.
The Dodgers held a 7-3 lead after 6 innings. They scored one in the 1st inning on an Aldrich De Jongh single, two in the 3rd on a 2-run single by Aldo Espinoza, 3 in the 4th on a Yunior Garcia bases loaded double and their last run in the 5th on a Yhostin Chirinos home run. Garcia had 2 hits and 4 RBI.
AZL Dodgers Mota 3 – AZL San Diego Padres (2) 7
Rehabbing Markus Solbach started for the Dodgers and gave up 7 earned runs in 1.2 innings. Following that it was smooth dialing for the pitchers but too late for the offense. Julian Smith and Daniel Cruz combined for 6.1 scoreless innings on 2 hits and 10 strikeouts.
At the plate the Motas did limited damage on 8 hits, 4 of them by first baseman Andres Noriega. They scored one in the 2nd on a Kevin Aponte single and 2 in the 8th on an Imanol Vargas pinch hit 2-run home run.
Ogden Raptors 8 – Orem Owlz 7 (LAA)
The Raptors pitching was shaky until the 8th inning. Antonio Hernandez, Reza Aleaziz and Ricardo Hernandez combined for 7 runs allowed. Darien Nunez restored order with a scoreless 8th inning while Melvin Jimenez picked up the win with a clean 9th inning.
At the plate the Raptors scored in six different innings with the big blows coming in the 5th inning on a Ramon Rodriguez 2-run home run and in the 7th on a Jon Littell 2-run homer. Sauryn Lao tied the score in the 8th with a double driving in Brandon Wulff who was making his professional debut. A Sam McWilliams single in the bottom of the 9th provided the walk off hit for the Raptors. Andrew Shaps had 3 hits while Rodriguez had 2 as did Justin Yurchuk. Wulff in his debut had 3 walks.
Great Lakes Loons 2- Fort Wayne TinCaps 1 (San Diego)
Jose Martinez took the hill for the Loons and returned to form after his previous poor outing. He pitched 6 innings with 3 hits, no walks and 4 strikeouts. He was matched by Efrain Contreras who no-hit the Loons in his start for Fort Wayne tossing 5 flawless frames while striking out 8 batters. Guillermo Zuniga followed Martinez and continued his stellar relief work with 2 shutout innings with 2 hits, a walk and 2 strikeouts. In his last 13.1 innings he has not allowed a run while limiting the opposition to 2 hits. He has walked 7 and struck out 18. Joel Inoa picked up the save while allowing one unearned run on an error that should have been the third out.
The Loons needed only 2 runs and got one in the 7th inning on a Luke Heyer home run. The second came in the 8th inning on an error, a Miguel Vargas single, a HBP and a sacrifice fly by Jacob Amaya.
Vargas was the only Loon to have 2 hits.
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 8 – Lancaster JetHawks 9 (Colorado)
Andre Jackson started for the Quakes and didn’t have all that much fun as he gave up 5 runs in the bottom of the 4th inning. In 3.2 innings pitched he also gave up 4 hits and two walks with 6 strikeouts.
Two of the hits were 2-run home runs. Sven Schueller followed Jackson and tossed 2.1 scoreless innings on four hits and a strikeout. Max Gamboa came on in the 7th inning and proceeded to give up 3 runs on two hits and a walk. Connor Mitchell took the loss with an additional run in the bottom of the 8th inning.
The big bats came out for the Quakes at the plate and they scored 2 runs in the top of the third inning on back-to-back home runs by Devin Mann and Marcus Chiu. They entered the top of the 7th down 5-2 and came out of it 6-5 on a Connor Wong grand slam following a Nick Yarnell single, a Devin Mann walk and and an error on a Jeter Downs ground ball. Rancho Cucamonga scored two more runs in the top of the 8th inning on a Bryan Morales sacrifice fly and a Devin Mann home run. Mann had two home runs and a double to lead the Quakes attack.
Tulsa Drillers 5 – Amarillo Sod Poodles 3 (San Diego)
Parker Curry started and gave up 2 runs (1 earned) in 3 innings. Chris Nunn and Ryan Mosley followed Curry and pitched a combined 3 scoreless innings with 1 hit and 4 strikeouts. Edward Paredes gave up a run in the 7th inning and was followed by Jordan Sheffield who pitched 2 innings allowing only a walk while striking out 4. His three outs in the 9th inning were all on a called third strike.
Offensively the Drillers scored 2 in the bottom of the second inning on a Zach McKinstry single bringing home Carlos Rincon and a bases loaded walk by Chris Parmalee. McKinstry struck again in the 7th inning once more driving home Rincon with a single. Two more scored in the 8th inning on singles by Chris Parmalee and DJ Peters driving home Eric Peterson and Gavin Lux respectively. McKinstry had 3 hits as did Rincon while Peters and Peterson had 2 apiece.
OKC Dodgers 2 – Memphis Redbirds 8 (St. Louis)
Daniel Corcino started for the Dodgers and played a familiar tune with 6 earned runs in 5.1 innings pitched. Stetson Allie gave up another in his one inning while Zac Rosscup made it through 1.1 scoreless innings. Kevin Quackenbush came on to pitch the 9th inning and surrendered the 9th Redbird run.
At the plate the Dodgers got 2 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning on a Connor Joe home run and three consecutive singles by Zach Reks, Edwin Rios and Rocky Gale. Rios was the lone Dodger with 2 hits
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Discussion (80)
Disagree, not disagreeable
There was no way Wood could crack our starting lineup and he’s a horrible reliever. And if you’re still wondering why we got rid of Puig then there’s no hope for you
Here’s a post from October 2019. Told you Pollock is a stud!
Apparently Gonsolin is being called up to the show according to thinkbluela.com.
I have tickets for July 19th. I hope to meet up for a beer. My tickets are on the executive level so I’ve not sure they will let me down to the field. With your pull, You may have to come on up to my level. I bought a 20 game mini plan this year. I really like this section, not very crowded and you get a server. Hope to see you then.
Today’s lineup vs Greinke:
Joc (1b)
Verdugo
JT
Belly
Muncy (2b)
CT3
Kike (Lf)
Barnes
Kersh
What a great time to be a Dodger fan. Someone mentioned above that this was the best team since the 80’S. Since I’ve around to watch them from ’58 I’d have to say the 70’s teams. But, with their depth I feel this team is the best… LA Dodger team ever. Even with their high wire bullpen now, the bullpen use back in the 70’s was way different than today. So, it’s hard to compare. Still leaning to this year’s team though.
Additional thoughts:
Mark, agree with you on Eric Karros. I usually don’t pay much attention or care about the color guy on a broadcast, but I found myself saying “Eric, shut the f — up…. please. He was just saying things just to be saying things. Added no value to the broadcast. With some silence after his comments, it seemed Joe Davis was probably thinking the same thing. As bad as Karros is Charlie is still far worse i.e. – yesterday….Smith it’s a popup to right center….pause… it’s carrying….pause… it’s a home run………. really?
Biggest disappointment – Kiki. The way he finished last year and his start this year I was so happy to see him finally reach his potential. He is totally lost at the plate with no pitch recognition or plate discipline. No hitting the ballto the opposite field. Back to being a backup. Such a waste of talent.
Biggest surprise – Just about everything else this team is doing. Ryu is a marvel. He did pitch well in his last game, but the defense cost him runs and many additional pitches. He could have easily pitch to the 8th. Verdugo is amazing. Hitting around .300 and providing solid defense in CF. Cody has become one of the best in baseball. After last year, who saw that coming. Con’t success for Mad Max. The ever improving overall play of Seager (until his injury). Consistent play and leadership of JT and Freese.
Room for improvement – catcher. I’m done with Austin Barnes. His defense is OK, but come on, offensively he is awful. Rarely, a competitive at bat. Martin is hitting OK and defense is good in most cases (why in the hell would you try and one hand a hard and accurate throw with the runner 20 feet from home plate?). Problem with Russell is that he can’t play everyday and is injury prone. I know Will Smith has been impressive offensively so far and is hitting above his skill level , but why not give him a shot? I think he is the best catcher defensively and just needs to work with the staff. And. if he can hit can hit .250 or so with some power why should Barnes be starting? Give him a chance. Continue the Rookie magic.
Joc Pederson – First base??? Why? We already have 4 1B. He looks ridiculous out there. The one reason he may playing there is to increase his trade value. I love his power, but he doesn’t may much else to offer offensively. You watch. He’ll continue his current slump until the trade deadline (like last year) to reduce his chances of being traded and then play decent the rest of the year. I say use him as a trade chip for a reliever.
The bullpen – If the bullpen remains this inconsistent (I’m not comfortable at all when the bullpen comes in) I think we should trade for not one, but two top of the line 8-9 inning guys. Kenley scares the hell out of me. With this talented team if now isn’t the time to overkill the bullpen then when is it? We have plenty of depth on the 25 and minor leagues to accomplish this. Prospects are just that, prospects. There is no guarantees either way. And, AF has been pretty good at keeping the best talent while obtaining some high end talent in return. Last year was a frickin disaster with the pitchers he ended up getting. The Cubs traded their top prospect for Chapman and won the world series. That’s the commitment AF has to make this year ( if necessary). Forget the salary cap penalties, they would be minimal at worst, and we will be way under next year. It’s been 31 years and I can’t watch another 1988 retrospective.
110 wins and world series here we come….GO DODGERS!!!
A couple takes on the Dodgers’ player development. After the 3 rookie walk offs, all the MLB pundits are saying how the Dodgers have a good farm system and that they’ve done really well with scouting and drafting. True. But that’s an oversimplification that leaves out some key elements of what the Dodgers do to set themselves apart.
1. Advanced analytics for player development – the Dodgers are able to profile player performance with an incredible amount of data. It’s clear that they use data to determine how mechanical adjustments could potentially yield better results. e.g., Will Smith was always known as a defense first catcher. They worked with him on some swing adjustments and now he’s hitting fingers like never before in his career.
2. Consistent philosophy and approach at all levels – it’s not a coincidence that minor leaguers called up to the big club are contributing right away. They use the same terminology and emphasize the same approaches. You can’t underestimate how important it is to be comfortable and understand how to fit in. Zaidi gets Connor Joe and Bochy just drops him right into the lineup as a starter. Joe, in a completely different system, struggled mightily until the Giants DFA’d him. I would bet that if he gets called up to the Dodgers this season, he will perform much better simply because he understands what is expected.
3. Player development continues at the MLB level. The Dodgers look for guys who are grinders, guys who will work relentlessly to improve their game and to help their team win. That’s why Kershaw and JT are the leaders in that clubhouse. How many times have you read about JT giving tips to Seager and Bellinger on hitting breaking pitches during cage sessions? How many times have you seen Buehler come off the mound and have an intense dugout discussion with Kersh to review his performance? In 2017, there was a well documented incident where Verdugo (in AAA at only 21 years old) was a September callup but overslept and missed a team meeting. He got a tongue lashing from none other than Rich Hill. After failing to make the big club in 2018, Verdugo looked in the mirror and asked himself what it would take to get teammates to accept him in the clubhouse. To his credit, he made some attitude adjustments and now we are seeing a great rookie campaign.
When AF gets interviewed, he likes to talk about a team culture that the Dodgers strive for – I believe these are specific elements that go into that culture.
Stripling starts tomorrow. Gonsolin on Wednesday. There will have to be some movement on both the 40-man and 25-man rosters in order to accommodate his call up. The 40-man can be solved by moving Cingrani to the 60-day IL. The 25-man presents a number of possibilities: Chargois to OKC, Ferguson to OKC, Garlick to OKC, Beaty to OKC, Martin to the IL with a hangnail. I tend to think that they’ll want to keep the pitchers around because of two consecutive bullpen games. Based on the way Martin handled that throw at home plate yesterday and their wanting to give Smith some catching time, we may find out he pulled something when reaching for the throw. 🙂
LOL LMAO This offense is awesome. Its all up to the pitching.
Time for some 9th inning magic.
Christian walker 3 for 6 vs. kershaw 3 homeruns
Who’s that bum pitching for the Dodgers tonight? 🙂
Would someone please explain to me why Kiki ever plays against right handed pitching?!!!!!!!!
Nothing against Taylor and Hernandez but you need a contact hitter batting 6th or 7th to drive in runs. Verdugo got the job done when he was there and Beaty so far has done the job. Roberts batting Taylor. Hernandez, Barnes, Pitcher is not going to do the job. I like all 3 of them but don’t bat them back to back to back and pitcher after.
Are we trying to win games or are we experimenting? Because Floro sucks against left handed hitting both this season and his career. I’m asking because of the playoffs, is Roberts that stupid or are we experiminting?
Floro vs 3 lefties. What could happen? I had a bad feeling when he entered. I think lefties are hitting about .400 against him now. That’s the downside to being committed to piggybacking Urias with Stripling.
Just another night in the pen!
Floro=garbage!
Oh well, can’t win ‘em all.
Why is Nomar a Dodger brodcaster? His career was with the Red Sox?
Nomar grew up as a Dodger fan, and attended games at Dodger Stadium in his youth. And in case you forgot, he got to come home and end his playing career in Dodger blue.
Correction – Nomar played with the Dodgers 2006-08, but ended his career with Oakland in 2009.
Gonsulon needs to pitch 8 innings so he can be another rookie to hit a ninth inning home run.