The Dodgers and 2B
Second base has been an enigma for the Dodgers for the last two decades. The concern does predate AF, but he has not found the remedy for the position. The opening day 2B for LAD during the AF era has been Kike’ (2 years), Logan Forsythe (2 years), Chase Utley and Howie Kendrick 1 year each. The best bWAR during the AF era was Kike’ last year at 2.2. It
Second base has been an enigma for the Dodgers for the last two decades. The concern does predate AF, but he has not found the remedy for the position. The opening day 2B for LAD during the AF era has been Kike’ (2 years), Logan Forsythe (2 years), Chase Utley and Howie Kendrick 1 year each. The best bWAR during the AF era was Kike’ last year at 2.2. It is clear to all LAD fans that Kike’ at 2B is due to his excellent glovework.
Since 2000, the team has only had two players who were considered starters for more than 2 years: Jeff Kent (4 years) 2005-2008 and Mark Grudzielanek (3 years) 2000-2002. The best offensive year for any LAD 2B was Orlando Hudson in 2009.
| Player | Year | Offensive bWAR |
| Kike’ Hernandez | 2020 | .6 |
| Kike’ Hernandez | 2019 | 2.2 |
| Logan Forsythe | 2018 | -.5 |
| Logan Forsythe | 2017 | 1.8 |
| Chase Utley | 2016 | 1.2 |
| Howie Kendrick | 2015 | 1.6 |
| Dee Gordon | 2014 | 3.5 |
| Mark Ellis | 2013 | 3.1 |
| Mark Ellis | 2012 | 2.6 |
| Jamey Carroll | 2011 | 1.1 |
| Blake DeWitt | 2010 | .5 |
| Orlando Hudson | 2009 | 4.1 |
| Jeff Kent | 2008 | .1 |
| Jeff Kent | 2007 | 2.2 |
| Jeff Kent | 2006 | .7 |
| Jeff Kent | 2005 | 3.8 |
| Alex Cora | 2004 | 1.5 |
| Alex Cora | 2003 | .3 |
| Mark Grudzielanek | 2002 | .9 |
| Mark Grudzielanek | 2001 | 1.5 |
| Mark Grudzielanek | 2000 | 1.7 |
If only AF had taken my call in December 2018, the Dodgers would have DJ LeMahieu at 2B. DJLM had a 5.9 offensive bWAR last year. He was off to an even better start in 2020. Unfortunately, he got a thumb strain and was placed on the IL. He returned to NYY last night. Oh well.
Going into the season, the plan (hope) was for Gavin Lux to take control of 2B and settle in for a lengthy career. Then COVID-19 hits and the plans all came to a halt. Upon the return of baseball in early July, Gavin was a no show. There was no reported explanation. I refuse to speculate. That left competition for the position to Kike’ Hernandez and Chris Taylor.
Kike’ had a good ST 2.0 and earned the start on opening day against the Giants. Kike’ had a fantastic game going 4-5 with a HR and 5 RBIs and was hoping that the position was his. Kike’ has started 19 games at 2B, Muncy has started 10 games, and CT3 and Lux 5 each.
We are quickly approaching the final third of the season which should be a preview of the playoffs. I would like to see Gavin Lux get the bulk of the playing time to build up his experience, but he needs to be able to consistently hit at the ML level to be considered a 2B option for the playoffs. CT3 has a BA of .261 and OPS of .757, while Kike’ has a .220 BA and .625 OPS. Both CT3 and Kike’ can play all over the field, but Kike’ is exceptional defensively at 2B. Doc is going to continue to shuffle his lineup to get everyone sufficient playing time. For the next 21 games, I think Gavin and Kike’ will platoon/rotate at 2B, and CT3 will continue to play all over. But when it comes to the playoffs, I have to think that CT3 has earned the starting 2B position. While Kike’ is exceptional defensively, CT3 is only outstanding. They do not lose a heck of a lot defensively with CT3 at 2B, but the bat is much better.
Gavin will have to work hard in the offseason and come to camp next spring ready to take the position. I predict he will. He may have to spend more time in the warmer LA climate to get more practice in. If not, Zach McKinstry and CT3 should be able to hold it down until Michael Busch is ready to take over.
In last night’s game, Luke Weaver showed MLB again that the Dodgers have a real tough time hitting the change up. Corey Seager may not have hit one of his 100 MPH hits, but his bat stayed in the path long enough to hit a couple of hump back liners on changeups. Matt Beaty really struggled against that offspeed with 3 strikeouts (2 on changeups and one on an 84 MPH slider). Austin Barnes also K’d on a couple of offspeed sliders.
Weaver allowed 4 hits and two runs. While the runs were earned, a better throw by Christian Walker to 2B would have ended the first in a double play without the runs scoring. CT3 got the big hit in the first inning on a four seam fastball. Everyone knows the Dodgers can pound fastballs. But they need to prove they can sit back and stay with the change.
Dodger hitters feasted on a very poor bullpen that was decimated with the loss of Andrew Chafin and Archie Bradley. If those two stayed with AZ, I think AZ shuts out the Dodgers on Wednesday. But there is no WHAT IF in life. You do or you do not.
IMO, AJ Pollock needs to finish the season as the regular LF. He is not hitting all that well against RHP, but he is hitting RHP better than Joc. AJ did hit his HR on the RHRP last night. CT3 is hitting RHP at .280/.393/.400/.793. The Dodgers have a lot of options, and I would expect Doc to explore most of them. To predict what Doc will do is mostly futile.
The team is waiting for JT’s hammy to heal so he can get back in the game.
LAD pitching was the bright spot for the Dodgers in the AZ series. Julio Urias pitched more quickly and while pounding the strike zone. He allowed 1 run on a Carson Kelly HR and went 6.0 innings. Walker Buehler came back off the IL and pitched a brilliant 5.0 innings of 2 hit no run baseball. Last night, Clayton Kershaw pitched perhaps his best game of the year. Clayton Kershaw is showing signs of vintage CK, and the hopes of all Dodger fans is that this rejuvenated CK rolls into the post season. Kershaw was exceptional for his 6.0 innings allowing only an infield single and two walks. He did strike out 8 DBacks to pass 2,500 strikeouts in his career, and pass Christy Mathewson for 38th place in most strikeouts. I couldn’t believe that AJ Burnett is in 37th place. I checked and he did pitch for 17 years. Nothing extraordinary, but he did amass 2,513 Ks.
At 32 years, 168 days, CK is the 3rd youngest pitcher to get to 2,500 Ks. Only Nolan Ryan and Walter Johnson got there faster. The only other 32 year old pitchers to reach 2,500 strikeouts at the age of 32 are Pedro Martinez and Tom Seaver. That is 4 HOF pitchers surrounding CK. Kershaw is a certainty to join them on a first ballot HOF vote.
The once invincible bullpen got nicked again. This time Dylan Floro gave up a run on a walk, single and fielder’s choice. His ball moves so much it has to be hard to command. But Blake Treinen and Jake McGee finished strong to secure the victory. Scott Alexander allowed 2 runs in the first game of the series and was quickly jettisoned to USC. This year the bullpen is a strength to be reckoned with.
After a rather pedestrian 11-7 start, the team has now won 18 out of their last 21. If they can beat the Rockies on Friday, they will be playing .750 baseball over the first 40 games. Colorado remains in the #8 seed. San Francisco and Milwaukee are .5 games behind Colorado and NYM is a game and a half back.
This team reminds me a lot of the 2017 team. They are relentless, can beat you in a lot of ways, and the pitching is exceptional.
More from Dodger Talk
Dodgers Food Trailer
I did this interview a couple of weeks ago with Chef Mike, who runs the Dodgers Food Trailer for the Great Lakes Loons. They are there for every home and road regular season and playoff game. They prepare three meals a day for approximately 50 people (players and coaches). Since games end late most evenings, they do not prepare breakfast. Many of their hotels have a complimentary breakfast anyway. However,…
Meet LAD 2026 Draft Picks 1-12
3 picks were High School players (2 SS and 1 OF). There was a college OF, college catcher, college SS, and 10 college pitchers. Of all the talk for a need for a catcher, the only catcher the Dodgers selected was Luke Bard, son of LAD bullpen coach Josh Bard. Bard was a 4th year senior from Houston Christian University. He is not a prospect, so the Dodgers are still…
Interview with Paul Beachy – Team Bus Driver For The Great Lakes Loons (LA Dodgers Minor League Team)
It’s been a few days since I did this interview. We have evidently been working my son-in-law (the video guy) like a rented mule at US Water Systems. However, I am taking him to London with me in a few days, so maybe Watford will buy him a pint as a tip, but he’s a dang Red Sox fan, so there is that! I thought that it would be interesting…
Thanks for Your Service: Chris Taylor
I was going to do this post when Chris announced he was retiring, then he changed his mind, but since the chances of him ever playing for the Dodgers again are slim and non-existent, I will go ahead with this post. He unretired, went on the IL, then decided to call it quits on May 24th. Taylor was born in Virginia Beach VA on August 29th, 1990. He attended Great…
Discussion (97)
Disagree, not disagreeable
KJ never seems to have a clean inning any longer. Save in the playoffs is going to be a scare.
Going to have to start calling KJ “three pack” in honor of what Earl Weaver use to call Don Stanhouse when Earl would go through three packs of cigarettes in a save situation
I would like to see Kenley have a clean inning. He has not done that in a while. Rockies bullpen is the worst in the majors, so I was not scared one bit when they went ahead by a run. Lux looked better at the plate, and it was nice to see Smith get rewarded with a couple of well hit balls. Jansen hit’s Tapia, and he still has not had a clean inning.
Gonna need another granny!
Ferguson gives up the slam. We need to come back, again!!
There we go. That didn’t take long.
Graterol can’t walk Arenado there. No need to nibble up three runs especially with NA struggling. Can’t bring up the tying run without them earning it.
I think people on here forget how much the Dodgers tried to avoid calling up Lux last year. The tried not to talk about him when constantly asked by the media. The kid raked at AA and then did even better against the juiced AAA balls which forced the Dodgers hand. Give him time. He’s played very few games at 2B. This is not a make or break year for him.
~
I’ve said enough negative about Kike’s hitting lately so I will say something positive. He’s made better contact the last few games and hit the ball more sharply.
So I liked Lux’ AB’s today much better. A hard hit single. A hard hit out to CF. A nice take on a walk, and showed his speed to steal us a run.
And Will Smith is looking better and better. No need to dump him and trade for JT Realmuto
And Jeff, you’re right about Mookie. We got a big time stud!
SD 6-0 in the 7th. Machado and Tatis go yard. Mike Minor gave up both HRs. And, to think I wanted Minor at last year’s trade deadline!
Lakers losing. Bucs down 3-0.
Why in the world did Boston let Mookie go? How do you replace a player like him? He does all the little things that contribute to the whole package.
Mark,
I was unable to comment yesterday but you have said when someone goes bad people trash them. When someone goes good that same person never acknowledges it. Well, I want to go on record that I have said kershaw is not an ace. However, the way he is pitching of late has been dominant. So, I will say he is pitching like an ace right now. I root for him always as he is a Dodger and a true professional. In past years he has been great in the regular season but disappointing in the post-season. Although, I believe the Dodgers are partly to blame for overuse and misuse. I still think he will have to pitch like an ace in the post-season to be held in the same esteem as Koufax. I don’t think that is likely to happen but it would be great for the Dodgers and kershaw. I still prefer buehler in the first game.
Muncy bomb.
Good to see. Need him to get going.
Funny bit on The Athletic Podcast.
It’s arguable that the Dodgers traded the 2nd best pitcher moved at the deadline.
2021 Dodgers:
1. Betts RF
2. Seager SS
3. Bellinger 1B
4. Muncy 2B
5. Turner DH
6. Rios 3B
7. Pollock/Raley LF
8. Taylor CF
9. Smith/Ruiz C
Bench:
McKinstry
Lux
Beaty
Yikes – we need some RH bats.
For all those who are so concerned about the SD team, and for those who are so interested in the movements they make, I inform you that they have just promoted Luis Campusano and that he will supposedly play tonight as DH against Oakland, actually I was it doesn’t give a &%$hit what they do, but I am amused by all the controversy it causes among its fans…
Open on www.mlbtraderumors.comhttps://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/09/padres-promote-luis-campusano.html#commentsOver his career, Cody Bellinger has been dramatically more productive as a 1B. He may be the best 1B in baseball.
As a CF’er, here are his stats: .256 BA/.336 OB%/.809 OPS
As a 1B, here are his stats: .279 BA/.366 OB%/.943 OPS
Move Cody to 1B and leave him there. Yes, Pollock is not as good in CF as Cody, but Cody will more than makeup for it if he hits better.
Let’s go with a set lineup:
1B – Bellinger
2B – Muncy
SS – Seager
3B – Turner
LF – Pederson/Taylor (put Rios there if Joc keeps sucking)
CF – Pollock
RF – Betts
C – Smith/Barnes
The Dodgers have another 2B at the alternate site. One who hit pretty decent this spring, and is also capable of handling SS if need be. Omar Estevez. Now someone would have to be moved off of the 40 man for him to play, but after the way he played in spring, I would love to see what he can do. Also philjones, it is TOREY Lovullo, not Corey, he is our guy. 21 games left, lets get serious and quit with the frippen auditions.
Today’s Game 40 kids. 2/3 of this sprint will be done:
Mookie
Seager (DH)
Muncy (3b)
Belli (1b)
Pollock (CF)
Joc
CT3 (SS)
Smith
Lux
May
Updated MLB Farm System Rankings After 2020 Trade Deadline
Open on bleacherreport.comhttps://bleacherreport.com/articles/2907155-updated-mlb-farm-system-rankings-after-2020-trade-deadlineDodgers No. 12
The other thing about Chris Taylor playing 2B is that he has never really played well there. This year, he is considered the 4th best defensive on the Dodgers (out of 4) per Baseball Reference.com. Same in 2019. Taylor has just never played well there – don’t know why. Maybe he prefers being on the left side of the diamond. Kike has been the best defensive 2B the past in 2019 and 2020.
Updated MLB Farm System Rankings After 2020 Trade Deadline
Open on bleacherreport.comhttps://bleacherreport.com/articles/2907155-updated-mlb-farm-system-rankings-after-2020-trade-deadlineDodgers No. 12
* It’s sure nice to see CK looking healthy and dominating. I love McGee. He has no interest in tricking anybody.
* I agree with our host that Pollock has earned the everyday job in leftfield. Joc becomes a pinch hitter or occasional fill in. But there should be no rotation / platoon in left.
* Oh 2nd base. The much discussed hole for the Dodgers. And the center of conversation revolves around Gavin Lux. Lux in my opinion shouldn’t even be in the roster and vying for the position. As I have said. he isn’t ready. He may be the guy in the future years but not now. I see no way that I would be comfortable with Lux in a playoff lineup especially against top pitching. I know that unpopular with all the Lux-Lovers but so far last year and this, he has shown me nothing. I know his MiLB numbers but that ain’t now.
So who plays there? Both CT3 and Kike have solid numbers against right handed pitching. Neither hits lefties. Strictly based on offense, our best hitting group versus lefties is Beaty at first and Muncy at 2nd with Rios at DH. But I’m not comfortable with that defensively. I think you end up with CT3 at 2nd, full time.
* If you think Lux should be an everyday SS, then the 1st baseman should be Joc Pedersen.
* Which brings me to my next point. AC stated ” For the next 21 games, I think Gavin and Kike’ will platoon/rotate at 2B, and CT3 will continue to play all over. But when it comes to the playoffs, I have to think that CT3 has earned the starting 2B position.” So why would you do that? I sincerely believe that the “Try-Out Camp” model for preparing for the post season doesn’t work. While I wished otherwise I don’t think auditioning Lux at 2nd for 21 games is good prep. I think that thinking had a huge negative result last year. We had a big lead, played no meaningful games in September, got too much rest, played too many guys that weren’t going to be there in the playoffs and were not sharp and competitive for the playoffs. That really can be an advantage for Wild Card teams who have had meaningful, elimination games and a set line up. I see no value (other than for Lux) to rotate/platoon at 2nd. and elsewhere, while your playoff guy, in this case CT3, is play somewhere else. Either that or declare it Lux’s job now and go with that.
* Damn, I watched Clevinger and Weaver both pitch last night and they might be the most fidgety players ever. It looks like both took a handful of greenies and No-Doze and washed it down with Starbucks and Redbull.
* Did anybody else notice where Belling was in the box last night? First, Dodger Stadium has taken to putting down 2 inch wide batters box lines (they used to be chalk, now paint). The lines are half the normal width. So Belli has both shoes about 2 inches over the line on the inside corner. He is standing on the plate. Weaver tried to pitch in there but didn’t get a couple strikes called so he is forced to pitch away. Belli actually pulled an outside corner pitch to left that he hit on the label of the bat. He can sure cover the outside pitch from there. We’ll see if he keeps that up. And they are wondering why guys get hit more?
I absolutely loved it when Lovello tried a little gamesmanship last night. Bergen warmed up prior to the 7th and Pollock was announced to pinch hit. Out comes the crafty skipper to change the pitcher after the warm up. Pollock welcome the new “surprise” pitcher, Mella, with a home run. Nice try Corey.
It’s time to keep doing what we’re doing and not over think and over manage this deal. Doc’s been pretty good so far and it’s no time to re-invent the wheel.
Dodgerrick wrote, “I find it funny that many here seem to be ready to give up on Lux at age 22 with only 92 career AB.” I absolutely agree with that. I was all in for Bo Bichette in 2016 and was disappointed the Dodgers did not draft him. I preferred Lux to the other uber prospect in the 2016 draft Carter Kieboom. Of the three, only Bichette currently figures as a SS. Lux is at 2B and Kieboom’s latest attempt to make the Nats roster as a regular was at 3B.
But Lux is a Dodger now, and he was the 2019 MiLB Player of the Year, and is considered the #2 prospect in all of baseball. In 100 PA, as a 22 year old, he is a career batting line of .217/.280/.359/.639. He has 2 HRs and 9 RBIs. He has 8 walks and 31 Ks. Let’s compare that to another highly regarded prospect whose MLB debut was widely anticipated. At 21, with 87 PA, Jo Adell is batting .163/.230/.263/.492, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs, 6 walks and 35 Ks (40.2%). I doubt the Angels will be giving up on Adell this year.
The difference between Lux and Adell is that LAA can continue to throw Adell out there because there is no playoff opportunities for the Angels in 2020. OTOH, Lux is on a team that is expected to win the WS. The pressure is a little more intense. Lux does need to be able to learn to handle the pressure, but at 22 he still has time to develop that maturity.
Jeff McNeil was a 2B coming up and did not reach MLB until 26 (2018). He is now one of the best hitters in MLB.
Adam Frazier – Pirates – Debuted at 24
Brandon Lowe – Tampa Bay – Debuted at 23 and was an All Star at 24
Donovan Solano – SFG – Debuted with Miami at 24, became a star at 31
Whit Merrifield – KC – Debuted at 27
Ian Happ – Cubs – Debuted as a 2B at 22. Converted to OF. Sent back to MiLB at 24. Having a breakout year in 2020 at 25.
Brendan Rodgers – Rockies – Five time consensus top 50 prospect. Now 23. In 102 PA, .196/.235/.227/.462. Colorado is not going to give up on Rodgers.
Lux came to ST 2.0 late. No reason given, but he is trying to catch up, and probably pressing. I refuse to judge Gavin on what he does this season. He will get a chance next spring to win the everyday 2B job.
Lux is not a plus defensive SS, but he could be a plus defensive 2B. If you want to see a good defensive SS in the Dodgers organization, watch Jacob Amaya. Jacob’s issue is whether he will hit enough or not.
DC…..I just by chance happened to come across an article you wrote on January 11th, 2016, entitled My Dodger Mom. It was a great piece highlighting your mom and all Dodger Moms and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It would be nice if you shared it on here.
Sounds like you had a great mom whom I am sure you miss every day. As a Dodger Mom, and the daughter of a Blue Noser myself, I did some of those same things for my boys and girls, but not close to the extent your mom did. She went the extra mile.
Kike is in love with his power swing. He is pull happy, and he is not a very good situational hitter. And sorry Mark, that first hit he got last night should have been ruled an error. Originally it was, and then the official scorer changed it. For a guy of his stature he strikes out too much. He got it for half a season in 15 and had a decent year. Since then his BA has been over .250 once. He hit 49 HR’s over a 3 season stretch, but his OBP is barely over .300. In 100 at bats this year he has already struck out 25 times. I am not sure he ever GETS IT> . And he for sure will not get it in a Dodger uniform. They have younger and less expensive options coming along. And he is redundant along with Taylor, who has already signed a contract extension. Me, I am comfortable with CT 3 there if Lux does not show some signs of breathing. Seager does not scare me at all at SS, He is no Lindor there defensively, but he is more than adequate, and he has pretty good range. To me the concern is this year. I am not worried about the next season. They need production from second and catcher this year. Smith is crushing the ball, but has little to show for it, Barnes has been better. But you can bet every team in the league knows that the Dodgers biggest weakness is offspeed pitches. They will adjust or die.