The Slime Art of Second-Guessing
OK, you all likely know what happened last night: Joc Pederson drove in the first run against Zack Greinke. Hyun-Jin Ryu had pitched 7 strong innings when Roberts pinch-hit for him with Kike Hernandez. On a 2-2 pitch from Greinke, Kike jacked the ball out of the stadium to tie the game at 2-2. Next, Dylan Floro played the role of set-up man and shut down the D-Bags in the
OK, you all likely know what happened last night: Joc Pederson drove in the first run against Zack Greinke. Hyun-Jin Ryu had pitched 7 strong innings when Roberts pinch-hit for him with Kike Hernandez. On a 2-2 pitch from Greinke, Kike jacked the ball out of the stadium to tie the game at 2-2. Next, Dylan Floro played the role of set-up man and shut down the D-Bags in the top of the 8th inning to set the stage for Red Beard the Pirate’s home run in the bottom of the 8th. Finally, the beguiled Kenley Jansen came in and acted like… well, Kenley Jansen, to slam the door on the Snakes.
It was all about execution. But right now, I am going to give you a lesson in the “Slime Art of Second-Guessing.” It’s not a Fine Art, it’s Slime Art, and we all do it. It’s easy as fans to second guess moves Dave Roberts makes or question his lineups, but it’s really all about execution and I am not suggesting that Doc needs to be executed! It’s about executing what you need to do to advance the team.
WHAT IF?
What if Doc pinch hit for Ryu, and Kike struck out? Then, what if Floro gave up a run in 8th and JT hit his HR in the bottom of the 8th to tie game, followed by Kenley giving up a 2-run home run in the 9th to lose the game?
If that happened everyone would be lamenting “what an idiot Dave Roberts was for pinch-hitting for Ryu who was cruising”. “What a stupid move to bring in Floro and everyone knew Jansen is toast.”
Second-guessers are never wrong, which is why I try and avoid it. I have advocated firing Dave Roberts, not because of his moves, but because of lack of execution by the team and I know you can’t fire the whole team, so the Manager gets the ax. That is obviously not happening and I have every expectation that Doc will lead this team to the Post-Season.
When players execute like last night, no one says “Doc is genius.” But, when they don’t execute, so many say “He’s and idiot for that move.” Maybe he’s neither an idiot or a genius, but do you understand that second-guessing is really a “slime-art?” It’s simply about players executing!
DODGER NEWS
- John Axford is throwing again and should be back this month. Hopefully, he can pitch like he did in his 2nd and 3rd Dodger appearance.
- Julio Urias came into the game for OKC in the sixth inning and walked two batters while retiring one. No word on his velocity, but that was his first relief appearance.
- Chicken Strip looks to be pain-free and will likely be activated today.
- Verdugo and Toles were not in the lineup for OKC last night, as they were likely on a plane to LA.
- Ryan Madson has the ability and experience to help the Dodgers bullpen. He can still hit 98 MPH on the gun. This could be interesting.
- David Freese is a professional hitter, hitting LH and RH pitchers about equally. He also has lots of Post-Season experience and has played at a high level when there. He will be on the playoff roster.
- Kike Hernandez likes the bright lights!
- Will Chase Utley be on the playoff roster? Will Matt Kemp?
- Here we go: September will determine it!
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Discussion (95)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Mets are actually playing better, the key to that series is getting to their pen, the three Mets starters we are facing have all been very good lately, with Degrom being historically good. Wood will have to pitch like he did in Texas, just one of his two or three run quality starts may not be enough. Feels like a trap series, win tomorrow and 2 out of 3 versus Mets would be golden going into the House of Horrors/Satan Field.
Will Kenley go to Co? The doctors may have a say and where we are in the standings may be the deciding factor if Doctors clear him to go.
I’m not sure that the first game with the Mets will qualify as catching a break. Yes, the Dodgers haven’t lost a game to the Mets since 2016. But in the opener of the series I believe they will be facing deGrom. They’ve beat him before, but given the way the Dodgers have been hitting, it won’t be easy. Besides, I take nothing for granted, and that includes beating the Mets.
My guess for Sunday’s line-up with a RHP going for the D-Backs.
Pederson-LF
Muncy-1B
Turner-3B
Machado-SS
Grandal-C
Belliner-CF
Verdugo-RF
Utley-2B
Walker-P
Hate to say it but most of the fans on here are really spoiled! I am very glad you all don’t run the front office or manage the games. Kenley is back, and Doc’s faith in some of his players pays off. The team is sitting in a real nice place and is starting to believe. Meanwhile the Rocks and Snakes are feeling the pressure big time. Just relax and enjoy people, this is what we all wanted: tied for 1st and the team starting to gel. They have won 7 of 8 and after tomorrow catch a break with the Mets at home. I like their chances Sun with Buehler going as well. Way to go Matt, I guess it’s a good thing you were not on the bench tonight. The past does not equal the future!
I’m not sure that Freese could have made that play on Kike’s throw . He’s right handed and would have had to back-hand that ball, nor does he have the wingspan of the left-handed Bellinger.
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Can’t figure out why Kenley went to the slider on that hit by Ahmed. I know he’s used it before, but in that situation Ahmed looked like he could’t touch the cutter.
Jeren Kendall is 0 for 0 today with 3 runs and 4 walks. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before.
Doc pushing the right buttons tonight….great Dodger win! Buehler tomorrow to pitch a gem.
Estevez has 42 doubles?
THAT was a huge win. Tomorrow Walker Buehler shows his playoff-type mettle with a big 5-1 win.
You only get a few games like this every year — so much fun when your team pulls it out against all odds. Thank you Dodgers for a most enjoyable end to the evening. I feel so happy for Kemp — he has looked so lost — what a great moment for him.
Kemp, kershaw. Keekay, kenley.
I don’t get the slider to Mathis
Way to go Matty — we needed that and you needed that 🙂
I take full credit for that Matt Kemp shot. If I don’t make my previous comment, it never happens. Looks like he hit a breaking ball that sat over the heart of the plate. Or maybe he made the long overdue adjustment. Now let’s get some more.
Kemp sure adjusted on that one!
I love it, especially against this Dback pitcher, Bradley!
I think Bradley just pooped his pants again
Wowww!
Yess!!!
As I noticed, and probably a lot of others as well, and Hershiser confirmed, Matt Kemp does not appear to be able to hit anything with a wrinkle in it. Apparently the league figured out that he was crushing fastballs in the first half, and Kemp hasn’t adjusted.
I continue to be unimpressed by Robert’s urgency or in game management. Why is Kemp or Barnes in there in a game this huge when both have been anemic, one all year and one since the break. And why wasn’t more righties in there against Corbin, he has reverse splits but Robert’s ran out his usual lefty lineup that has done absolutely nothing all year!!
I honestly don’t know what the hell Roberts is doing anymore.
I”d rather have Lloyd Braun hit than Barnes
Hoping for some late-inning magic, but this is a disappointing offensive performance in one of the biggest games of the year. Hat tip to Corbin — he never gave in and let the Dodgers get themselves out.
Matt Kemp since the All-Star break is hitting .205/.289/.313 in 128 PA. 0-for-3 tonight