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
NO Mookie,NO Freddie,NO Problem!!!!
2 down 160 to go!!!
Miggy Ro SS, Betts 2B, Edman CF…..
Give Miggy Ro some days off here and there but no reason he cant man SS the majority of the year…..
The Los Angeles Dodgers have optioned three players to Triple-A Oklahoma City following the Tokyo Series.
Outfielder James Outman and right-handed pitchers Landon Knack and Matt Sauer were optioned to the minor leagues.
If Pages flops in CF, how about Edman in CF and Rojas at 2B ?
Superteam.
WOW –
Obviously most of us are bored waiting for the regular season to continue again in 10-days.
Enough on the Rojas vs Mookie at SS – but, just to be fair to Matt, he can definitely toot his horn in 6-months saying – “See I told you so” – I doubt it will happen but will definitely acknowledge in writing that he was right (i.e. lucky :)) – Cheers
Over the winter and during spring training, Mookie Betts has undertaken several initiatives to enhance his performance as a shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers:
Dedicated Offseason Training: Betts committed to an intensive offseason regimen focused on refining his shortstop skills. Recognizing the challenges of transitioning from the outfield, he emphasized the need for dedicated preparation to excel in this demanding infield position.
Collaboration with Troy Tulowitzki: To accelerate his development, Betts collaborated with five-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Tulowitzki observed significant improvements in Betts’ abilities, noting his rapid assimilation of feedback and his potential to become an elite defender at shortstop.
Addressing Throwing Mechanics: A key focus for Betts has been adjusting his throwing mechanics to suit the shortstop position. The transition from outfield throws to the varied and often quicker infield throws requires different arm angles and footwork. Betts has dedicated time to mastering these nuances to improve his accuracy and effectiveness.
MLB.com
These concerted efforts during the offseason and spring training have been aimed at ensuring Betts is well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of a shortstop, contributing to the Dodgers’ defensive strength in the upcoming season.
I will take it a step further. Mookie has been exceptional at everything he does, including bowling where he has rolled several 300 games. Never underestimate Mookie Betts when he sets his mind on something. Not only will he play SS all year, but he will win a Gold Glove and be the All-Star SS!
Book ’em, Dano!
I’m placing all my betts on Mookie! Oh and another guy I pine for repeatedly, Landon Knack, refined his change up and picked up the win with 2 mighty fine innings. I know he doesn’t get a whole lotta love, but he’s a gamer. You the man Matt!
Book em