Ships

• This first item falls under the category of “that Ship Has Sailed.” I had always predicted big things for Kike Hernandez. In fact I likened him to JD Martines. I had hoped that Andrew Friedman would keep him, but ultimately Kike wanted to start, and Boston gave him that opportunity. He racked up 585 AB’s for Boston and hit 20 HR while OPS’ing .786 with a .250 BA and a .337 OB%. He played 93 games in CF, 8 at SS, and 47 at 2B. He has made some great defensive plays and gotten some big hits… especially in the postseason. I am glad for him, but I am a realist, which is why I don’t wish he was back in Dodger Blue. It ain’t happening. That ship has sailed.
• Joc Pederson’s ship has sailed TWICE as he signed with the Cubs and was traded to the Braves. He is dangerous and has a playoff reputation, which I think is overblown, but he remains dangerous. I would not let him beat me if I were any Dodger pitcher. The Dodgers know more ways to get him out than anyone. Exploit that!
• The Chris Taylor ship is sitting at port. I think Chris Taylor will be a $60 milion/4 to 5 year contract… but not from the Dodgers. He is a year older than Kike and in many respects, they had simiar seasons. Kike’s OPS+ was 107 while CT3 was 110. CT3 is not worth $18.4 million (which is the qualifying offer), but if I were the Dodgers I would offer it… knowing that there is a possibility he would take it, but realizing that he would not walk awy from a better offer. That nets them another draft pick and when you pick as high as the Dodgers do, you need all that you can get.
• There is no ship for Clayton Kershaw. Clayton will either retire (and if the Dodgers win the World Series, I think that is a likely scenerio), OR he will sign an incentative-laden contract with the Dodgers. He is not going to the Rangers and be a part of rebuilding. He has made his money. The only possible reason he would come back is to get another ring! On MLB Tonight, Harold Reynolds nailed it: “Clayton is not going to play for anyone else but the Dodgers. He knows the value of playing with just one team. He has made a lot of money and the only reason he will come back is to win another World Series. Right now, what team has a better opportunity at being back at the World Series than the Dodgers? No one!” I rest my case!
• There is a ship for Max Muncy. That ship is sailing with a brace on his elbow. Max will not play in in NLCS and I doubt he plays in the World Series either. If you saw the injury, you will know why. I think it will be miracle if he does not have to get surgery to tighten those ligaments. They would not normlly do surgery until all the swelling has went down anyway. He will make great cheerleader, but while the Dodgers will miss hos bat, they can wether that storm with their depth.
• There is a big ship for Max Scherzer. Max, like Clayton wants to win. He has embracecd LA and I believe AF will work out a contract with him… unless someone like AJ Preller gives him a 4 or 5 year deal. I know AF will go 2 years… maybe 3. There is that age factor.
• Corey Seager has a huge container ship sitting at the dock. I believe the Yankees are the only team that could sign Seager, but I do not think they will. They have talked to Gio Urshela about moving to SS and he has embrsned it. That moves Torres to 2B (where he is much better). I think this ship has about 8 years and $295 million written on it.
• Trevor Bauer is on a ship that is just going around in circles. Will that ship sail? Only a fool answers that question without all the facts, so I have no opinion.
• Dave Roberts’ ship is anchored in the port of Los Angeles with a long-term permit. He ain’t going anywhere and have you noticed how smart he is when players execute?
• Juan Toribio of Dodgers.com talks about what pitcher will take a ship to the mound tonight in the ATL. It all hinges upon Scherzer. Personally, I would do a bullpen game today. Start Knebel and then work in Price and Gonsolin with all the rest. Do not let Bazooka pitch to Freeman. Then, Sherzer goes Sunday on an extra day of rest and Buehler is well rested for Game #3.
• Albert Pujols ship is sailing to St. Louis, but that is next season. Tonight he will be at 1B for the Dodgers. Let me take a stab at the lineup:

1. Betts RF
2. Seager SS
3. T-Turner 2B
4. Smith C
5. J-Turner 3B
6. Pujols 1B
7. Pollock LF
8. Lux CF
9. Knebel P

FRIDAY:

• Cody Hoese was 1-2.
• James Outman was o-3 with aBB and run scored.
• Bobby Miller went two innings, striking out 2 and giving up a HR to Jeter Downs who is playing SS.
• Landon KNack went 3 innings, struck out 3 and allowed 1 hit with no runs. He is on a fast track.

THURSDAY:

• James Outman was 1-4 with a BB and 2 runs scored
• Jacob Amaya was 2-3 with a 2-run HR
• Jeff Belge went 1 inning and gave uo 2 runs on a hit and 2 BB.