The Funny (and Strange) Thing About Baseball
In every power poll before this MLB season, the Los Angeles Dodgers were ranked #1. They are also overwhelming odds-on favorites in Las Vegas to win the World Series. If only they gave out the World Series Trophy based on potential and prediction. It doesn’t work that way! It’s…
In every power poll before this MLB season, the Los Angeles Dodgers were ranked #1. They are also overwhelming odds-on favorites in Las Vegas to win the World Series. If only they gave out the World Series Trophy based on potential and prediction. It doesn’t work that way! It’s a long 162-game season followed by a playoff that includes at least twelve teams, and we all know that in a five- or seven-game series, anything can happen.
Many call it a “crapshoot,” but it’s really much more than that. It’s a time when anything can happen based on who gets hot and what they happen to believe. Sometimes, belief trumps talent, and a team or even a single player can so strongly believe in “Magic” that they can do the impossible. However, I would not want to bet against the Dodgers. They arguably have three of the top ten players in baseball and their pitching staff is 30 deep.
Still… a team of zealots and believers in magic could trounce them in the playoffs. That is the funny and strange thing about baseball. My money is on the Dodgers, but the best team does not always win. Sometimes, the luckiest team wins… and luck is where preparation meets opportunity. Injuries will play a part, for and against the team… they always do. Still, I like the depth and preparation the Dodgers have made. Get ready for that 162-Game Ride.
Fearless Predictions
- Mookie Betts will be the All-Star SS and win a Gold Glove.
- Michael Conforto will be the Comeback Player of the Year (he’s going to be a beast).,
- James Outman will give up hitting and become a pitcher like Joey Gallo (I am only partially kidding).
- Tommy Edman will win the Gold Glove at 2B.
- The Dodgers will have three pitchers in the running for the Cy Young Award.
- Roki Sasaki will win the Rookie-of-the-Year.
- The Dodgers will win the World Series after winning 117 games in the regular season.
- Kike Hernandez will start in Center Field at least once in the first two games… maybe at 3B too.
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Discussion (82)
Disagree, not disagreeable
6:10 AM ET
Dodgers (98-64)
Cubs (83-79)
SP Y. Yamamoto R
0-0 .00 ERA
SP Shota Imanaga L
0-0 .00 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
2B Tommy Edman S
1B F. Freeman L
RF T. Hernandez R
C Will Smith R
LF E. Hernandez R
3B Max Muncy L
SS Miguel Rojas R
CF Andy Pages R
In Domed Stadium
Why is Mookie on the active roster? Read where he flew home recently.
The Dodgers are not “Odds On”, or even close to it.
Silly Predictions
1. Padres will transition into Madres
2. Asstros will not cheat
3. Angel’s sign Gallo to10 year deal
4. Miguelito hits .400
5. James Outman reveals that Duke is not his real father
6. Dano is not funny
Book em
“Luck favors the brave.” — Elise Stefanik
Remember what Branch Rickey said – “Luck is the residue of design”.
I have never completely bought the “crapshoot” argument. If that’s true, then why do the Dodgers sign/trade for/develop as many talented players as possible? Because talent matters and it helps you win the crapshoot if you have more talented players than anyone else does.
It’s no coincidence that the Damn Yankees have more Hall of Famers and also more World Series victories than any other team. Talent should win. Not that it wins every time, but it gives you the best chance to win.
in 2023, Jerry DiPoto, the GM of the Mariners, said that the goal should be to win 54% of your games because that’s good enough to get into the playoffs and then you have the crapshoot. Seattle fans have been calling for Dipoto’s skin ever since. As well they should.
Sign the best players you can without mortgaging the future. win as many as you can. Bring the best team you can into the post-season.
Random predictions:
–Muncy will be upgraded at the deadline.
–Casparius will finish top five in team IP
–Banda will make the all-star team
–Freeland will start 30+ games
–Pages will go 20/20
– Mookie’s weight loss is VERY concerning. Worried.
– Agree on Conforto. Van Scoyoc will see to it.
– Outman may not be heard from again. Sad
– Edman is a beast but I think he’ll not play one position enough to win a GG.
– Only three?!
– Sasaki will be the ROY, barring injury
– They’ll win a LOT, but 117 is beyond fearless.
– Kiké WILL start @ CF, not @ 3B
GO DODGERS!