Stone Needs to Roll Back to AAA

Some players burst onto the MLB scene and seem to be ready to play in the Show in their first game. Witness one James Outman! With other players, it’s a process. I watched Miguel Vargas struggle for a month or six weeks every time he went up a level. Gavin Stone flew through three levels of baseball last year, but has struggled at AAA and for the Dodgers this season. Houston Mitchell had this to say about it:

In 10 major league innings, Gavin Stone has given up 23 hits and 17 runs (16 earned), while walking seven and striking out five. His pitches had tremendous movement in spring training but aren’t moving as much now, and when they do move, they move into the heart of the zone. He’s not ready for the majors yet. No shame in that, he still has a promising future. But he doesn’t need to make another start for the Dodgers right now.

— Houston Mitchell

Baseball is a funny game. As much as you think you have it figured out, you don’t. I picked Miguel Vargas to be the ROY this year… and I still stick to that. I think he will do what he has done at every level… Figure it out in four to six weeks! His progress was impaired by two hand injuries early in the year. I think he is ready to bloom. I also said that James Outman was a 4th or 5th outfielder and you might have thought from some people’s reactions that I beat him up and stole his lunch. I wish I were wrong about James, but right about now, he is struggling mightily. A temporary move back to OKC may be in his future. There is still time and even if he goes down, he can still be a quality outfielder… maybe even a starter.

I thought Gavin Stone was ready… he’s not! He needs to improve his slider and control. Today, it’s Miller Time, and Bobby who struggled earlier in the year may have flipped the script. You never know. This is a funny game – even Andrew Friedman makes mistakes. Here’s what Houston Mitchell says about that:

But now the good news. Despite all of that. Despite the rotation being in tatters. Despite an erratic bullpen. Despite having multiple players hitting below their weight, the Dodgers are still in first place in the NL West.

If you think you have it tough as a Dodgers fan, just look at the Padres, closer to last place than first. You have to believe that at some point, the Dodgers will figure out five solid rotation members, at some point, the bullpen pieces will come together, at some point, some of these slumping players will start hitting, or the Dodgers will find others who can. I fully expect a trade at some point this season. When? Don’t know. Andrew Friedman doesn’t rush into things or make panic moves.

But in the meantime, it’s Memorial Day. Why are you spending any precious time worrying and fretting over the Dodgers?“

I second that!