With Mark on the 10-day inactive list to attend to family business in Las Vegas (ever notice how these trips are never to Des Moines, Iowa or Wichita, Kansas?), Jeff (AC) was desperate for some assistance on the LADT writers roster. With his options limited, he had to resort to adding someone from the alternate training site, and had no choice but to call on me, the Zack Reks/Edwin Uceta of bloggers, to make a pinch-hit/relief appearance. Here’s hoping that I don’t look at three strikes across the plate and whiff mightily or walk three in a row on 12 pitches. The good news is, I’ll be optioned out as soon as this article has been written.
● Well, that was one of the more interesting trade deadlines I’ve experienced. 21 trades in all. No less than 9 players that played in this year’s All-Star game switched teams. Two teams that won the world series within the past 5 years completely dismantled their teams. It was a wild ride!
● This trade deadline, I also confirmed that there are much better things for me to do than to check MLB Trade Rumors every few minutes to see who the Dodgers have acquired. I’ve never much been a huge fan of roller-coaster rides, whether physical or emotional. This deadline was quite the roller coaster ride for me. Not feeling certain that the Billy McKinney acquisition, thrilling as it was, would get the Dodgers to the finish line, I spent some time that I couldn’t really afford to waste checking in on MLB Trade Rumors every so often. This is how the roller-coaster ride went: on July 29 at 4:19 p.m., Ken Rosenthal’s report (rumor) was “BREAKING: Padres Close To Acquiring Max Scherzer.” This led to my “Crap, you have got to be kidding me!” 400-foot drop. On July 29 at 7:23 p.m. “Dodgers Acquire Danny Duffy From Royals.” Seriously? He won’t be able to pitch until the end of August. Come on AF, we got to do better than that, the Padres are getting Scherzer for crying out loud! As I went through some jerky turns, and then at 12:02 a.m. on July 30, “Dodgers Acquire Max Scherzer and Trea Turner From Nationals For Four Prospects.” Sweet, I have reached the end of my exhilarating ride!!! At 70, that’s becoming more difficult for me to take.
● I didn’t mean to malign Danny Duffy in any way by my earlier comment. I think he will be a very fine pitcher for the Dodgers. He’s a local boy from Cabrillo High School in Lompoc, California. Once he returns to the mound, it will make it a lot easier for the Dodgers to send Gonsolin or Price, or both, to the bullpen, and that alone should help strengthen the team.
● Getting Max Scherzer was nice. If he pitches anywhere close to how he has consistently performed, what a major add he is to the starting staff. If Max wasn’t good enough, I still can’t get my mind around the fact that we got Trea Turner too! Acquiring Trea is not quite as exciting as getting Mookie, but it is pretty doggone close. I have long pined for a Brett Butler-type lead-off hitter, and Turner is every bit of that. He is good! I’m not sure how Doc will order his lineup, but if it’s me it would be TT, Betts, Cory, Mad Max, Fresh Prince, Belli, and AJ, with CT3 rotating regularly with Pollock and Belli, depending on the handedness of the opposing pitcher. I might also consider relegating Bellinger to the bench (More on that below). Just think of the quality pitches that Betts will see with Turner on base. Pitchers have to pay attention to him on first and they have to be mindful of his running ability. Infielders will also have to cheat on the shift.
● Despite getting two of the better players in the game, many still believe that AF did not do enough. He should have added a front-line reliever, or two, or three. Perhaps another big bat. Actually, he should have acquired all the star players. I read one comment where the person wondered why AF “does not even try” to make the team better. Say what??? For certain there are questions about the bullpen. But what exactly should AF have done? Do you not believe that the front office analyzes all available players, compares them to their own, and works hard at making their team better. It amazes me that many still believe that no effort is made by the front office to make the team better. One of the easiest things to do in sports and life is to sit on the sidelines and complain. Complaining and nit-picking require virtually no effort and involve no risk. Moreover, it is so easy to say that we should have obtained such and such player because we could have offered more than the other team. But, is it as simple as that? I agree that the bullpen presently gives me some pause for concern. That said, if the pen performs as they are capable, I think it is good enough to win another world series. That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it. t wasn’t that long ago that fans were clamoring for Felipe Vázquez of the Pirates. I’m glad we dodged that bullet.
● Some have argued that we gave up a lot for Scherzer and Turner, and that may be true. Keibert Ruiz and Jo Jo Gray are nice players who may have helped the Dodgers down the line. Casey and Carrillo also have the possibility of helping the Nationals down the line. But, we know for certain that Scherzer and Turner will help. They are proven, quality players. Let’s revisit some of the past deadline deals(not as extensively as Bear did in his recent marvelous article) and look at the prospects the Dodgers traded to get much-needed help. In 2016 Grant Holmes (a first-round pick), Jharel Cotton, and Frankie Montas went to the Oakland Athletics for Rich Hill and Josh Reddick, who at the time was the top pitcher on the market and one of the better outfielders(I know, he didn’t pan out); in 2017 the Dodgers traded Hendrik Clementina (minor leaguer) and Scott Van Slyke to the Reds for Tony Cingrani. They also traded A.J. Alexy (minors), Brendon Davis (minors), and Willie Calhoun to the Texas Rangers for Yu Darvish. They also traded Oneil Cruz (minors) and Angel German (minors) to the Pirates for Tony Watson; in 2019 they traded Rylan Bannon (minors), Yusniel Diaz (minors), Dean Kremer (minors), Zach Pop (minors), and Breyvic Valera to the Orioles for Manny Machado. Without debating whether the players acquired performed as expected(hoped), are there any prospects on this list that you truly miss? While they are all fine players, as far as it goes, in my opinion, there is not a single one of those prospects that would make a difference on the Dodgers’ current roster. Admittedly, I feel different about Kaybear and JoJo. I expected and believed they would be an important part of the Dodgers’ future. However, it’s just as likely that 4 years down the line we may view them similarly to the players traded for Hill, Darvish and Machado. It was a price to pay, but the Dodgers received great quality in return. Heck, truth be told, if the Nationals had asked, I would have readily thrown in Lux, Gonsolin, and Bellinger as long as they added Juan Soto to the deal.
● I also find it interesting that, indirectly, Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp helped us acquire Betts, Scherzer, and Trea Turner. Let that thought sink in. Two players the Dodgers no longer needed or wanted on the roster helped them acquire 3 of the game’s better players. The Reds kindly gave us Jeter Downs and Josiah Gray for them (and Alex Wood and Kyle Farmer). With Puig and Kemp off the roster, Alex Verdugo was provided the opportunity to show how good he could be. He along with Downs were then traded for Betts. Now Gray has been flipped for Scherzer. Thank you Yasiel and Matt!!! Six degrees of separation!
● Some may argue that the prospect cupboard is now bare for the Dodgers. I say not so fast. Here’s a shortlist of current prospects that I believe have a very good chance of making it to the big leagues: Catchers: Diego Cartaya and keep your eye on Carson Taylor; First Base: Brandon Lewis; Second base: Michael Busch and Devin Mann; Shortstop; Jacob Amaya, Wilmen Diaz and Leonel Valera; Third Base: Miguel Vargas and Kody Hoese; Outfield: Andy Pages (pronounced “paw hey”), Luis Rodriguez, Jose Ramos, James Outman, Jake Vogel, and Ryan Ward; Pitchers: Bobby Miller, Ryan Pepiot, Landon Knack (an underdog favorite of mine), Andre Jackson, Clayton Beeter, Maddux Bruns, and Carlos Duran. There are several more, but I’m just not as familiar with all of them. Also, other than Bruns, I have not included any other players drafted this year.
● This past week I came across Thomas Paine’s famous quote from his book “The Crisis”: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value.” I read these words as I was watching Kenley Jansen blow the second of two straight games to the Giants. Please understand, I don’t, for a millisecond, equate the battle for liberty and freedom to a few losses in baseball. That said, I couldn’t help but think, in a strict sports context, that in this quote, there was some correlation to the Dodgers’ season in 2021. I haven’t quite fully figured out all of that correlation, but I do think that some of the Dodger players are like the “soldier and the sunshine patriot” that Paine spoke of. This team, more than those in the past seems to lack any fire and spark. They seem to lack any sense of urgency. Because I don’t have access to the clubhouse, I’m not prepared to make judgments on the team merely by the limited things I can view on the TV from my recliner. That said, it would be nice to have a Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant go into the clubhouse and verbally kick some butt and take some names.
● This article was finalized after Friday night’s loss to the D-backs. That game, particularly the 6th, 7th, and 8th innings, was a microcosm of the Dodgers’ season. The Dodgers open the 6th with 4 straight hits and score their first run. Bases loaded no outs. Then Smith strikes out on a check swing. Arguably it was a bad call, but he watched the first two pitches go right down the center of the plate without lifting the bat off his shoulder. Pollock follows with a sac fly to deep right-center that’s caught on the warning track. Down by one, and Bellinger, as has been his trademark this year, can’t catch up with 94 mph fastballs and meekly pops out to left. Opportunity wasted. What we need now is a shut-down inning. What we get instead, is the bullpen giving both runs back to the Serpientos. Frustrating. 7th inning, McKinney starts us off with a single, Beatty follows by doing what we all have been clamoring for, hitting away from the shift for a single to left. Taylor then follows with a two-run triple. Man on third, with no outs, the heart of the lineup coming up. D-backs bring in a 29-year-old lefty making his major league debut. Things are looking good. Easy, peasy, right? Nope! What follows are two of the worst at-bats that I’ve seen from Max Muncy and JT. Muncy strikes out flailing away at a pitch that was a foot off the plate. JT follows that with a weak pop
foul to the first baseman for the second out. Seager then ends the inning by grounding out to second. One fair ball out of three at-bats. Talk about frustrating! Top 8th, first two get on only to have Belli, yet again, hit a lazy pop foul to left field. After a McKinney ground out advances the runners, Albert Pujols, mercifully, singles in a run to tie the game. Tie game. Bottom of the 8th we get to yell at the TV as we watch Jansen navigate his way through yet another stressful inning. Thankfully, Carson Kelly, apparently feeling sorry for Jansen, swings at a pitch out of the strike zone (although who knows what this ump would have called it), to strikeout. This pretty much summarizes the Dodgers season. Moments of frustration, followed by some moments of excitement, only to be brought down by more frustration. It’s time for this team to go on a nice 20-2 run and put my baseball world back in its proper orbit.
● I don’t know what to make of Bellinger. Perhaps the thoughts of becoming a father have caused him to lose focus. My theory is that his decline started at the same time that the Dodger fans began screaming “MVP, MVP” every time he came to bat. If you go back and check, his stats, they started to plummet when those chants began in earnest. Whatever the reason, he needs to stop this nonsense now and begin to hit. Otherwise, Roberts needs to put his butt on the bench. I think even Steve Lyons would agree that he is a worse rally killer than a home run.
● It was reported that Kenley Jansen was really ticked off because he wasn’t named to the All-Star team. Since then, he has pitched like he absolutely didn’t deserve to be on the All-Star team. On the other hand, maybe he’s exacting some twisted revenge on Doc for not naming him to the team. Who knows, but I sure hope that 1st half Kenley reappears soon because I do not enjoy watching this version.
● As the Dodgers’ struggles continue, Orel Hershiser’s announcing seems to get worse. Mind you, Hershiser seems like a really nice guy who would be fun to have at a backyard barbeque and chat with. But the constant “Bellinger just got under that pop foul Joe.” “If he hits a 3 run home-run here, it might help him get back on track.” “The Dodgers are only down 5-1, and if they score 3 here, it will get them right back in the game.” No kidding. Once or twice in a game is okay, but when it goes on and on, it becomes virtually unlistenable. Not only that seems to drag Joe Davis down with him.
● I have no opinion on what should happen to Trevor Bauer, as I have not heard the evidence. As with most things presented by the media, I trust and believe very little. What I do know is that the standard of proof for obtaining a temporary restraining order(TRO) is very low. They are routinely issued without any evidence presented from the party against who the order is sought. That’s why they are temporary. Typically, a hearing for the permanent injunction is scheduled within 21 days after a TRO is issued. Moreover, restraining orders require proof of some sort of immediate threatening behavior which has affected the protected party or by which there’s reasonable cause to believe the protected party may be affected. If the party said or did something threatening a year prior, and has done nothing else since you will probably not obtain a permanent restraining order. Also, the difference between a domestic violence restraining order(DVRO) and a civil harassment restraining order is that the DVRO involves some sort of intimate relationship. DVRO’s also tend to include showings of emotional, psychological, and/or physical abuse. In most cases where the parties were dating, and no longer see each other, or where they haven’t seen each other for quite some time, they will stipulate to some form of stay-away order and there will be no hearing for a permanent injunction(restraining order).
● In an effort to see the heads on some of the commentators on this blog explode, Jon Weisman wrote a nice article on Dave Roberts’ Hall of Fame potential as a manager. You can find it at:
It’s certainly true, that Doc makes some maddening decisions (but honestly, which manager doesn’t?). I remember one of the first articles I wrote on this blog, I shared my thoughts on how Roberts compared to other hall of fame managers and concluded that all in all, he was doing a good job. I was called a few names for that article. Oh well, I haven’t changed my opinion.
● I’ll end with this if you think the Dodgers are infuriating, folks you could be a Cubs fan. My son Joel, is a die-hard Cubbie fan. After this trade deadline passed he, along with thousands of other Cub fans checked into therapy. Can you envision what would happen if AF did what Hoyer just did with the Cubs? There would be mutiny all across Dodger blogdom.
Discussion (60)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Although it was not announced yesterday, Roberts guided the Dodgers to their 500th win under his leadership. His winning percentage sits at .612. He is under contract to manage the team through 2022. So sorry guys, he will be back next season. Now maybe after that if they have a couple of flameouts you will see someone else. But don’t look for it to be someone like Scioscia. His relationship with LA was damaged back in the day when they passed him over. For all of his success in Angel red, Scioscia only won 1 pennant and World Series. They won 6 division titles, but never got back to the series. The year they won, they were the wild card team.
I liked that Belli was held out so that he could be a pinch- runner, or a late inning defensive
replacement. Neither was needed, but he was available. This would be a good use for him with Polloch in left, Turner or Taylor in CFand Betts in RF. One of those mentioned for CF would play 2B. Belli can work on his hitting and on being able to lay a bunt down the 3B line when the only infielder on the left side of the field is closer to 2B than 3B.
How about putting up the 5 spot with 2 outs and chasing the starter in the second? That was fun to watch Albert break through after 10 pitch AB. Clutch hitting at its finest. Let’s carry it through to the Astros and can continue to get excited about some August baseball.
Count me as a paid up member of the AJP fan club – was thrilled when he signed – and still am.
Just needs to work on those Post Season numbers….
#1 – I would like to see Joe Davis in a one-man booth;
#2 – I predict that the Giants will get their a$$es kicked by the D-Bags. The purge is beginning.
#3 – The World Series Hangover will be officially over by August 10th. Then it is pedal-to-the-metal.
#4 – San Diego is toast. Too bad about Tatis!
It seems to me that the problems the team has had offensively is lack of focus. The additions the F/O has made indicates that the players suddenly felt the need to get their shit together and do their part because the franchise is doing more than expected to field the best team beyond anyone’s dreams and that puts it totally on players performance. It’s attitude that win games and the F/O covers that as today’s runs scored shows. The new members weren’t on the field but the attitude was. If these Dodgers don’t win it all then they don’t deserve it. Maybe Roberts isn’t getting the right message across because all the pieces are there plus some.
Why would anybody question Mookie’s ability to play anywhere? He didn’t just get off the turnip truck. Great catch on the Texas Leaguer. Kinda looked like an outfielder. I bet he had some fun doing it. The kid’s a baseball player. No surprise to me.
I am not a Dave Roberts apologist, but I have one question for all the Roberts haters out there. How many World Series and division titles have YOU WON???? Bazinga.
Nice all round win today. Nice having Corey back. Nice to see Mookie handling 2nd base. I’m looking forward to seeing TT in the lineup no matter what position or where in the lineup. We got some really fast guys like Bellie,Mookie, and Chris and now TT. I think the team as a whole are going to be stealing a few more bags.
Ramirez pitched two scoreless innings, so much for your guys scouting report. He looked pretty good. Mookie gets a HR in his return, and Turner hits #20. His career high is 27. Funniest moment was when Bickford went back out to pitch only to find Price standing there. He did not know he had been pulled. Danny Duffy is fitting right in too. He and Muncy were looking at something on the Ipad and cracking up. My first thought was baby pix of Max’s new daughter. Orel was more motormouthed today and he is becoming increasingly annoying. Can’t wait to have Nomah back on the broadcast. The D-Backs mascot is annoying too, dancing on the dugout. I remember when Tommy had the Expo’s mascot thrown out of the game. Tio Albert is the man, and then the D-Backs pitcher plunked him right in the ribs. He toughed it out and went back out there.
Now that we have nearly all the pieces in place offensively sans Bellinger it is time for us to take off.
The Giants will falter and we will the NL West! Book it.
I didn’t see the game….. did the Arizona pitcher purposely throw at CT3 after Mookie unloaded on him?
Dodgers close to win. I think they can hold a 12 run lead. Mb it is little league Mookie looks at home at 2b. I knew pollock was streaky but his going to right and not being an automatic out on a slider is surprising. Keep it up pollock but I want to c how he swings in the playoffs to b fully convinced. The Dodgers have a very difficult road ahead. When this team gets fully healthy they only have 3 games with the giants left. The dbacks have 13 straight vs giants and pads while the dodgers play Houston, the always tough for us Angels, and I don’t know who else.
That worked out just as I thought it would.
Next up, Scherzer.
Ugh! It pains me to see Jake McGee doing so well with 23 saves. He did well for us too, but I guess the powers to be still want to hand the ball to Jansen in the crunch. (Closing eyes….I have a bad feeling about this…..)
Well my top 5 vs LHP did pretty good today(Muncy didn’t play). They went 8-15 with 6 runs scored and 6 RBI and there is still one more inning to go.
When the DODGERS lose, we have about 50% more posts. Why? Because people love to bitch more than than they like to give positive reinforcement! I think they call it “Misery loves company! 😉
This offense has just exploded since signing Scherzer! And I thought all he could do is pitch!
I would use Trea Turner for RBIs with that high career batting average he has. I would bat him third and move Justin Turner and his slow wheels down to fifth in the order.
Betts
Seager
T Turner
Muncy
J Turner
Smith
Bellinger
Pollock
How many of us owe Pollock an apology. He is absolutely raking! And he might be hitting 8th in a healthy Dodger lineup!
Just looked. Giants 6 out of the next 9 with Arizona. They are 9-1 currently against the dbacks.
Fedex is in Japan for the Olympics. Chad Wallach( who has a famous Dad) was picked up for emergency 3rd catcher. Probably be released when Fedex returns with the gold. (I hope)
I want to see a gymnast enter the high jump event.
Being three games back of the Giants you would think Muncy would be in there and somebody better than McKinney.
Leave it to the Dodgers to trade for 3 guys that are currently not able to play. Scherzer on Wednesday. Who knows about Turner. 10 days off. Berrios through 7 today for Toronto with all zeros. I hope this doesn’t just give Robert’s a chance to throw some stupid lineups out there. Betts at second. This is not little league. I understand why because it’s riskier for Betts in the outfield. Muncy out. Don’t know why but we need to win this game. McKinney surely isn’t more of a threat than bellinger. Neither is hitting but Bellinger isn’t going to hit if he doesn’t play. Mb bellinger, Muncy, and smith just need a day off. Whatever smh
I see Cody is taking a day off from facing this lefty. Makes sense, but I did check to see how he has done off Caleb Smith and he is 1-3 with a HR. Not sure when that HR occurred though. Could be 3-4 years ago.
Has Mookie ever played 2 B before? Is it that easy to go from OF to IF? I did it when I played High School baseball, but I would think turning the double play might be just as taxing on his hip. I don’t know though.
Somebody mentioned that Chad Wallach was claimed off waivers from Miami. I saw that as well, and this is one of those under the radar signings that may prove to be beneficial. Keibert Ruiz was going to be the third catcher, either on the 28 man (September) or on the Taxi squad. Fedex (Tim Federowicz) was signed to be the emergency catcher for LAD. However, he is on the Temporary Inactive List. I do not know the reason. That left a blind spot if either Smith or Barnes gets injured before the playoffs. Wallach is not going to replace either catcher, but he can play at the ML level in an emergency. He is on the 40 man, so he should be eligible for the playoff taxi squad without a roster move. Wallach was probably the best catcher available to fill this spot at the time of the Ruiz trade.
No I didn’t but he won’t be playing for us until when, next week? My bad though, I should have mentioned him as a #1 when he joins us.
As per Eric Stephen, Ramirez has no options remaining. This must be some sort of roster maneuver by AF. I would imagine Yefry’s stay here will be a very short one.
Now watch him pitch four perfect innings, strike out 10, and throw a monkey wrench into the whole thing.
Our top 5 hitters vs LHP:
1. ‘324 AP
2. 320 Taylor
3. 317 Muncy
4. 298 Pollock
5. 286 Seager
Maybe this is closer:
Dee Strange-Gordon was released and elected free agency. Just a thought. Since the Dodgers seriously considered putting Terrance Gore onto the 2020 post season roster, why not sign Dee to a MiLB contract with the idea of a PR on the ML roster in September and possibly post season? Dee is a better player than Terrance Gore. I am not necessarily an advocate, but it is a thought. I think he could score on those contact plays that Badger and Phil do not like.☺
Trea Turner is scheduled to come off the 10 day IL (if he passes all other protocols) on August 7. That also happens to be the date that Clayton Kershaw is due to come off the IL. However, that date is now in question as Clayton experienced residual soreness after his 45 pitch simulated game he threw in SF on Tuesday. He was supposed to throw today either at Chase Field or Camelback. He will not throw today. Roberts says he is leaving CK’s status to Clayton and the trainers.
Maybe it’s because Quacks has a scruffy beard.
What does Kevin Quackenbush have to do to get a shot. 14 saves out of 14 save opportunities. 0.32 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP. Yes, Yefry Ramirez started for OKC, but does anyone really believe he can go longer than what White did? I understand sending White out to bring in a fresh arm, but they do not need another starter, especially with 3 open dates in the next 8 days (after today)? Bring in the best reliever at OKC, and that is Kevin Quackenbush. In his early SD days, Kevin pitched relatively well, and had saves at the ML level. In his ML career he has 8 saves vs 3 blown saves. Kevin has a 2.21 SO/W ratio while Yefry has a 2.26 SO/W ratio. You had to make a 40 man roster spot regardless. So if he is not going to start, then why Yefry Ramirez or Kevin Quackenbush. It makes absolutely no sense to me. So for those who thinks that AF is all knowing when it comes to building a bullpen, explain this move.
Barring injury, McKinstry will likely stay at OKC the rest of the season. White will be back.
They just need some innings from Yefry!
Mookie activated…..Mckinstry and White to OKC….Sherfy to 60 day IL….more moves coming
2b Mookie
CF Chris
3b Justin
1b Albert
SS Corey’
LF AJ
C Barnes
RF Mckinny
P Julio
Mookie at 2b
DODGERS ACTIVATE MOOKIE BETTS, SELECT YEFRY RAMÍREZ
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers activated outfielder Mookie Betts from the injured list, selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Yefry Ramírez and optioned right-handed pitcher Mitch White and infielder/outfielder Zach McKinstry to Triple-A. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers transferred right-handed pitcher Jimmie Sherfy to the 60-day injured list.
Betts, 28, returns from the injured list after missing 11 games with left hip irritation. He was hitting .700 (7-for-10) with four doubles, one homer in his three games after the All-Star break. On the season, the five-time All-Star is hitting .270 (85-for-315) with 14 homers and 40 RBI in 82 games. He is in his eighth Major League season and is a .298 hitter with 169 homers and 549 RBI in 931 career games. He was originally acquired by the Dodgers on February 10, 2020 along with David Price from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for outfielder Alex Verdugo and minor league Connor Wong and Jeter Downs.
Ramírez, 27, was 3-3 with a 5.49 ERA (38 ER/62.1 IP) and 70 strikeouts in 15 games (12 starts) for Oklahoma City this season. He has spent parts of two seasons in Major Leagues with Baltimore (2018-19) and Pittsburgh (2019), going a combined 1-10 with a 6.32 ERA (63 ER/89.2 IP) and 89 strikeouts in 30 games (13 starts). In his minor league career, he is 43-39 with a 3.75 ERA (278 ER/667.1 IP) and 679 strikeouts in 152 career games. He signed with the Dodgers as a minor league free agent on March 25.
White, 25, made the start last night, allowing two runs in 3.2 innings with a career-matching best five strikeouts. He has appeared in 15 games (one start) for the Dodgers this season, posting an 0-0 mark with a 3.75 ERA (10 ER/24.0 IP) and 25 strikeouts. The former second rounder out of Santa Clara University is 1-0 with a 3.33 ERA (10 ER/27.0 IP) in parts of two seasons with the Dodgers.
McKinstry, 26, has appeared in 58 games for the Dodgers this season, batting .217 with seven homers and 29 RBI. In six minor league seasons in the Dodgers organization, he has hit a combined .271 (336-for-1242) with 30 homers and 149 RBI across five different levels. He was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 33rd round of Central Michigan University in the 2016 First Year Player Draft.
When I first glanced at this photo of Mitch White I thought it was Yu Darvish!
Speaking of which, I think Mitch White will be on the playoff roster and he is soon-to-be a “lockdown reliever.”
Bellinger sits today!
Kapler has been compared to Roberts which is like comparing steak to lobster.
Kapler may have fallen on his face with a team like the Dodgers and Roberts may have done the same with the Giants… or not.
Remember, that they ran Kapler out of Philly!
Great stuff 2D. Love your writing. Just got back from the lake. Got soaked by a rainstorm in the mountains, but still caught 3 nice bows. I loved the trade. Prospects are suspects until they aren’t. They are loaded at catcher, so if Ruiz had to be in the deal, and it got us Turner I am ok with it. One thing about you lineup there 2D, you do not show JT in there. It would probably be TT, Betts, JT, Muncy, Seager, Taylor, at what ever position he is playing or Smith, Belli and the pitcher. My biggest take away from the win last night was Scherzer talking with Buehler, Barnes, Kershaw, Roberts, Prior, and sneaking up behind Turner to say hello. Also the Uncle figure of The Machine imparting wisdom to many of the players and then going out and showing how it is done with a PH RBI single and then another after he was inserted at 1B. He is a real gem. As for our manager, well, I like many have been frustrated and confused by some of Doc’s in game machinations. But I also know he is exactly the guy AF and ownership wanted at the helm. If he was as bad as everyone thinks he is, he would not have gotten an extension. Unless this team folds like a wet taco, sorry Doc haters, he is not going anywhere in the near future. Having lived through the Alston era, and then Tommy, I can honestly say, those 2 Hall of Fame managers made more than a few head scratching moves in their careers and it cost the team in the post season. 62, Alston not having someone up for the 9th, ( it should have been Drysdale) and sending Roebuck, who was gassed in the 8th, back out for another inning, then bringing in Stan Williams who was wild and could not find the strike zone, 4 runs score, game over. Lasorda, not walking Jack Clark with the series on the line. Leaving Tom Neidenfuer in to face him was DUMB. Neidenfuer was also on the mound when Ozzie Smith hit a walkoff in St Louis. Next to Jonathan Broxton, I have never been so happy to see a pitcher leave the team. And Dave has done something neither of them ever came close to doing, getting to the playoffs 8 years in a row. I know, up until the late 90’s it was World Series or bust. But Alston never went to more than 2 in a row and he did that twice, 55-56, 65-66. Lasorda did it once, 77-78. And Lasorda is adored. Granted, Doc does not have Tommy’s charisma. Nor Alston’s iron hand. And maybe sometimes he really needs to jump down these guys throats. But that is not his style. He does talk to them in private. Another thing, when he is giving updates on the availability of player who is on the IL what ever he tells reporters is not from his mouth, he is saying what the trainers or FO want him to say. I have seen many who accuse him of just being a liar. That’s pure BS. The man gets paid to be the face of the FO with the press and the public, and how often have you ever seen Friedman discuss anything like that? Dave is a players manager. His players love playing for him. He has excellent communication skills and the man is no dummy despite what many here might think. Trust me, there are times he makes me crazy with some of his moves. But ownership and AF love the guy, so you are just going to have to deal with dissapointment.
* I would love to be a fly in the dugout and listen to the various conversations between Scherzer, CK, Striker and Albert. Scherzer seemed to be anxious to make the rounds for conversations with everybody. That’s a PhD in baseball. (it didn’t look like they were comparing notes about restaurants)
* I too hope we can re-sign CT3 as a very high priority. Mark said maybe 75 million for 5 years. I’m not sure that’s the number but that seems like a bargain to me. He looks like he could be productive into his 30’s but I don’t know about 36? I tried to look up his agent and couldn’t find it. I hope it’s not Boros who likes to test the market. I’d like to get a deal done before it comes to that.
* Seager’s bargaining position looks to have changed with Turner – 2.0 on the team. I like Seager and have been a supporter of him remaining at SS. But the $300 million type contract now seem unlikely. Wow, when you look at what could come off the books in some combinations; CK, 31 million. I’d love to see him retire as a Dodger but a serious hometown discount would need to happen. KJ’s 16 million, Cory’s close to 14 million, and who knows about Bauer’s money. That’s a cool 61 million. I know this a conversation for another time. Right now I want to watch us win games. But I hope we find a way to sign CT3 if it isn’t stupid money.
* I have no idea how JT hit that pitch up an in and close to out of the zone, for a home run. Quick bat.
* Maybe it’s just my eyes but Doc looks like he’s aged 5 years, this season.
I have been amazed at the poor quality of balls and strike calls and can’t wait for the ABS System. * But I was watching a bit of a Yankee game a while back and Michael Kay mentioned that the strike zone we see superimposed on out TV screens is NOT the same zone used to evaluate the Umpires. How many versions of this rectangle are there? Would ABS use it’s own version or the one on the screen? I’d really like more info on all this but I can’t even find reports and reviews from places where it’s in use. I did see it in Fall Ball and it was seamless and didn’t notice it. Another clandestine operation by MLB.
Roberts is the Manager and he is going to manage the team in ways that seem illogical in a perfect world. Keeping players relevant and physically and mentally at their peaks in a long hot summer and protecting players with nagging injuries doesn’t always keep the best players in the starting lineup.
I always disliked when he would pinch hit for Joc in the fifth inning only to see a righty bat that struggles more against a righty pitcher bat two or three times later in the game. BTW, Joc is doing much better than expected against lefty pitchers this year now that he has been given opportunities.
Bill Walsh, ex-49ers Coach, told his draft scouts that he wanted to see each college players’ best 5 plays before he made a decision on who to draft. So the best players being considered were evaluated for strengths and weaknesses but Walsh wanted to know what their peaks were before making a final decision.
Bellinger passes that kind of a review. His best 5 plays are outstanding. But if he has peaked like some here say he has, what should the Dodgers do?
If the Dodgers re-sign Seager and he plays SS, Trea could be moved to CF.
If the Dodgers could trade Bellinger for someone like Shane Bieber and yes other players could well be included, should they?
The Dodgers passed over Gabe Kapler to hire Doc. Gabe seems to be doing a better job this year with unheralded players than Doc with a team pf superstars.
Scherzer will be wearing number 31. Same as he wore as a Nat. Trea Turner will be wearing number 77.
Writing is like driving with a stick shift. I’ll let that sink in a bit.
When you are moving into a new thought or want your last thought to not blur into your next sentence, depress the clutch and shift gears. Translation: Click enter twice and make a new paragraph. Two clicks adds white space between paragraphs and helps readers find your thoughts as they will not be hidden in a sea of words.
I understand that T. Turner cannot join the team because of exposure to Covid. In the best scenario, when could he join the team?
Excellent column, 2d2.
Yah, when I worked in government, there were no conferences in Blythe, Ca. When I worked in newspapers, there were no conferences, period. Just not in the budget.
It was Definitely an interesting couple of days. We went from Padres moving toward acquiring Max Scherzer (Rosenthal), to other teams still involved (MLB Rumors) to Dodgers making significant progress on a deal to acquire Scherzer and Turner (Passan) to a report out of San Diego about the Padres indicating chances of getting a Scherzer deal done were no longer in the cards.
It was an incredible trade deadline like nothing I’ve ever seen before with analysts pointing out teams were willing to give up actual prospects to make deal. That certainly was true for the Dodgers, who gave up their number one and two prospects to swing the deal.
I liked the deal. Although Keibert Ruiz and Jo Jo Gray are likely to have significant careers in the Majors (barring injuries), the Dodgers system has catching prospect Diego Cartaya and several pitching prospects. The system is certainly not bare.
Will Smith is developing into the top catcher in baseball and he’s an offensive force. Barnes is an excellent back-up. So no urgent need for the services of Ruiz.
Interesting stories in the LA Times, the Dodgers would like to keep Scherzer beyond this year. No surprise, really.
As to Trevor Bauer, do the Dodgers actually want him back? Apparently some players don’t, maybe a significant number. Regardless of how this turns out, he put himself at risk through his actions and I’m guessing many players feel he let the team down. Even if he does come back where will his head be, has he been working out, how will his teammates react to his presence, how will the team deal with what will become a major distraction and a media circus?
Best of all worlds for the Dodgers they somehow get out of the contract and move forward without Bauer.
Hey, I was for signing Bauer, even predicted it, social media nonsense and all. But this went beyond weird. I mean, seriously, if he told any of you that he met someone on social media who wanted to get involved in some pretty rough stuff, would anyone on this site, have said, hey good idea, go for it. I’m guessing most of you, if not all, would have said that’s a bad idea and this might go very bad and could put your career in jeopardy. Don’t go there. Not like we haven’t seen similar nonsense before, politicians, celebrities leading the parade. Never turns out well.
Again, 2d2, really enjoyed today’s write-up.
Yes a Manager needs a good-great team to win. No argument there. Those of you that pointed out yesterday all the Mangers that had losing teams before going to a team with better players proved that point. To try to properly analyze Doc’s performance I only listed the winning %’s of Managers that managed great teams and for only their time with those teams. That is as close as I felt I could come to a valid comparison of performance. The fact that Doc has the 2nd highest winning percentage on that list says volumes. There were 3 Mangers on that list that really stood out. Bobby Cox managed a team that won 13 straight division titles with 3 Hall of Fame starting pitchers, Joe Torre managed a team that won 4 World Series, and Sparky Anderson managed a team that has 3 hall of famers (4 if you count Pete Rose). And yet doc has a higher winning percentage than all 3. Someone asked me to point out what moves Doc has made to prove he is a good manager. He fills out the lineup every day. He makes the final decision on in games moves every day. He keeps many large egos in check every day. I would argue you can’t keep winning if you don’t do those things well. We can argue a given day’s lineup, an individual pitching change, or any other in the moment managerial decision. Evaluating any Manager (business, sports, politics, etc) on those individual decisions is not only wrong, but patently unfair. Evaluating any Manager’s performance can only be right if done over his/her entire body of work. I will end by saying I have been following this great franchise since the early 50’s. I watched Bobby Thomson’s HR live on TV and went to many games at Ebbets Field as a kid, and frankly I am happy Dave Roberts is the Manager of the Dodgers.
Robert’s in the Hall is laughable. But sometimes guys are hired into a great situation. If u believe this organization is top notch then u believe it was built for a manager to win. AF provides the players and Robert’s has been provided very talented players. U cannot win without players. Put Robert’s in Arizona and c how he does. I think AF has not provided the best at times for Robert’s this year and it has shown. While I am not a huge fan of Robert’s I don’t know a manager I would replace him with unless Cora. He just has some really questionable moments like they all do.
Here is what I don’t like. He is so arrogant at times. We will just make Joc a first baseman in the middle of the season. We will just rest our starters in September and lose 15 in a row(not 15) but ridiculous lost all momentum and mb home field don’t remember. No urgency. Constantly playing the long game. Somehow ends up with uceta closing consecutive games etc. sitting guys who r hot. I could go on. His ridiculous medical reports. He is day to day and ends up out for 6 weeks. He should be back in a couple of days then out for a month. He just has no business commenting. I could go on and on but the post is lengthy enough.
I still support anyone wearing a Dodger uniform. I c other managers lacking. I just wish Robert’s felt he needs to improve but he seems very high on himself. When people who don’t follow look at the record he looks a lot better. The team surely has not over achieved.
2d2 that’s an interesting pronunciation for Pages. I did a little Internet research and found that it’s a Surname from the Catalan region of Spain. Catalan is actually a distinct language and not a dialect of Spanish.
Since Pages is Cuban your pronunciation sounds correct. The Catalan version sounds more French, like Pah-jes with a soft J sound. I find language interesting, so I thought I would share.
Thanks 2D2 for the excellent article this morning. Your take on the state of the state of the Dodgers is refreshing. I liked the link of the Puig/Kemp trade for ScherzerT.Turner was interesting. The Keibert Ruiz part was acquired for $140,000 signing bonus.
Great read 2d2. Always enjoy your take on the Dodgers.
You refer to yourself as the Uceta of bloggers. I know you wrote this on Friday, but Uceta pitched very well last night so maybe there’s hope for you yet. 🙂
Thanks for the confirmation on the pronunciation of Andy Pages. I assumed that was the case but could never find anything to confirm it. We’ll all need to know that pronunciation at some point as I expect he’s going to make a lot of noise in the majors some day, whether that be here or somewhere else.
Lastly, I laughed out loud at your Steve Lyons reference. Got my Sunday morning off to a good start.
I noticed that nobody could answer WABlue’s question about giving an example of why Roberts is a good manager. Before it was withdrawn!
OK, I will “SCOREBOARD!”
And… you can say all you want about how Friedman gave him a great team, but how many managers with great teams have failed?
I do not understand irrational hatred!
I think there is no doubt that Ruiz will be a great player, but I don’t know if Gray will be, he could be a Pedro Martinez, or a Julio Teheran, only time will tell, but what is certain is that Turner and Scherzer are going to help right now, not tomorrow, today, which is when they are needed to win another championship, don’t worry about the prospects, there will be more, they are not the only ones or the last to be traded
Good read.
How does one not like baseball? The only guys I know that don’t have an interest in baseball were those who couldn’t play it.
I get the seeming lack of intensity, but I think I understand it. These guys know they are good. They also know it’s a long season. They believe they will win the Division. I do too.
Orel can be hard to take. Last night he said something that piqued my interest – Cody might soon try a slight change in his batting stance. Where have we heard that before? If he changed nothing in the stance and swing, but choked up with 2 strikes, I think he would make contact far more often.
Bauer. What we continue to read is about a restraining order. This case is not about a restraining order. At what point do we get to what this case is really about? Was he given permission to beat her up and have anal sex with her or not? And if he’s found not guilty will MLB allow him to pitch again? Why must this drag out. I’ve learned in legal cases the longer you can draw things out the better. Cops involved in arrests, lawyers, witnesses even judges, move around a lot and the longer you can stretch things out the more likely you can squeeze things through. I don’t believe that applies here. I think they want this to drag out til Christmas when baseball season is long over and people are busy thinking about buying their kids the new GI Joe with the Kung Fu grip. Distract them. People are easily distracted.
We have a good chance to pick up a game today.
I’m with Tony Kornheiser. I don’t understand why Washington would trade Turner.
Great article, indeed.
You, kind Sir, are a great pinch hitter. I hope Mark calls your number more often. You add balance and a slightly different perspective to some matters on this blog.
Thank you!
Dodgers win, Dodgers win…….Yeah!
Even Cody got two hits (I will take infield hits all the time)!
Bullpen game was near perfect save two pitches. Even Edwin Uceta looked dominating…albeit against the worst team in baseball with a 5 run lead. Also Love me some Kelly and Trienen.
Man, I can’t wait for Turner and Seager to be everyday players. I’m drooling just thinking about our lineup.
Oh, one more thing…..think long and hard about moving CT3 to the bench….it makes no sense to me.
TM
Great read! Glad to have you back in the lineup.
I think you are more like the Albert Pujols of bloggers. You don’t play every day, but when you do, you make it count!
P.S. Cubs fan? You should have raised him better than that! Of course, I can’t say anything. Neither one of my boys like baseball!