The last few days have reminded me how frustrating this team can be sometimes. And it is not just this version, there have been many over the years. Last year, this team was a lot of fun to watch, and it stretches this season, it has been fun too. After losing the opener to the Rockies 8-5, and Belli losing a HR when he passed Turner on the bases, they went on a tear winning 13 of their next 14. After dropping a game to SD, they went into that horrendous 5-15 slump.
After that, they went on another tear going 12-2. Since the first of June, they have won 30 games. But have not passed the Giants simply because besides having gotten to within 1/2 game, they just have not gotten that big hit at the right moment, or clutch pitching when it was most needed. The Giants meanwhile have not gone into an extended slump and are getting great production from their scrubs. The Dodgers are not. And SF’s no-name starting corps and bullpen has been excellent and is rated #2 in the majors behind the Astro’s. I thought LA’s staff was giving up way too many HR’s, especially the starters, but with 114 allowed they are actually somewhere in the middle. Only St Louis, and go figure, Miami have not allowed 100 or more this year.
So, can they go on another run? I would think they could. They have some weaker teams on the schedule right about the time they will be at full strength. They have 57 games left. They only play the Giants 3 more times, but they will be a different team the next time they meet. They are more than capable of getting it done. Will there be more games where the fans get frustrated? Probably. I have never seen a Dodger team that did not, along with the excitement, bring a ton of angst.
They have some issues that need to be addressed. But this will be a better team in the end than it was at the beginning. Just the Addition of Turner, Max, and Duffy will ensure that. As long as they stay healthy, and can keep their stars on the field, they more than have the players to get the job done. Most worry about the pen. But the pen has done a good job most of the time. The problem has been what it has been in some years past. Consistency from the offense. They score a ton of runs and then go silent. A lot of the credit for that goes to the opposing pitcher, but fans do not see it that way. They think they should beat up on every starter they face that is not deGrom or someone of that ilk.
Starting pitching will get better. Scherzer and Kersh being added into the mix this month assure that. Me, I have more faith in Price as the 5 than I do Gonsolin. And the reason is simple. Experience. Forcing Gonsolin to come out of the pen and fire bullets instead of nibbling at the corners makes him a weapon. They did the same thing with Maeda, and Urias also. That is why he was so good in the post-season last year. Another thing Roberts needs to do is not always use Jansen as the man in the 9th. Treinen, Kelly, and Knebel all have experience at that. As for guys like Graterol, I do not want to see that kid out there in the 9th. Nasty stuff for sure, but not ready for prime time just quite yet.
As health returns, the bench will get better. Not having to rely on the AAA guys will make the team even deeper. I think their mindset should be let’s win the division again. They have the talent and time enough to as Jon Luc say’s, Make it so! I do not want to see them in a one-game playoff. I do not care who they would be playing. Let the Padres and Giants have to do that. secure home field for the playoffs and go from there.
We will have to wait and see of course how the Turner-Seager dynamic works out. But I think Turner, who would probably love to win another ring, will move to second, and Corey will stay at short. Of course if Seager needs a day off, Turner slides over and Taylor plays second. I have quit pulling my hair out over this team…..I have none to spare.
Discussion (29)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Giants win again…..no surprise.
Gray went 5 innings for the Nats tonight against the Phils.
One run, 4 hits, 2 walks, 2 k’s. He did give up another homer.
I think that should make them happy.
I hope that Scherzer guy we got for him has at least as good a debut for us. Of course, he’ll be facing a better team
“T minus 3”
What does this mean?
After 3 more games played, the great Trea Turner will debut with the boys in Blue. He is set to return August 7th.
8/2…..no game
8/3……Astros (1)
8/4…Astros (2)
8/5…..no game
8/6…..Angels (3)
8/7……Debut
I can’t WAIT…….
I hope Dj gets a good shot in Texas. He is a exceptionally nice person. Dodger fan from birth. I’m sure this stings. But he wasn’t going to be given any kind of runway with the Dodgers. That was obvious. This is probably the best thing for his career.
My son is sad. We’ve known DJ since his time in Rancho. DJ was my son’s hitting coach this past offseason. He was giving lessons to help pay for his wedding/honeymoon at the end of last year. Even after the wedding, he continued to offer lessons right up to spring training. Way too cheap as well. I encouraged him to charge more (he was charging what any other “batting cage” instructor would charge). He’s humble to a fault.
I wish him the best playing in another blue. I hope he makes the Dodgers and us fans regret the decision. I like to see the good guys succeed.
Tan verdadero. Puedo aceptar una derrota cuando otro equipo nos supera. Duele más cuando el cerrador no puede lanzar strikes o los bateadores no logran que un corredor llegue a home desde la 3ra base sin outs.
Sobre la nota de ayer de Mark sobre comentar muy poco cuando el equipo pierde, creo que tiene razón en términos generales, en el juego se puede ganar o perder y en la edad de la mayoría de este blog entendemos perfectamente eso. Es cierto, además que es más satisfactorio para nuestro ego ganar que perder, y en lo particular reconozco las habilidades y recursos de nuestros rivales cuando nos toca perder, pero no puedo evitar sentirme frustrado cuando se pierde de una manera miserable, no lo puedo evitar. Quizá sea por eso mi adicción a mis queridos Dodger Blue. El término “miserable” es muy subjetivo, es la percepción de cada uno de los managers de “sillón reclinable” pueda tener del juego.
Zeke, from what I see, K-Bear is on the Rodchester Red Wings AAA roster and listed on the 40 man,
Josiah Gray throwing tonight for the Nationals. Does anyone know if the Nationals called up Keibert Ruiz to the majors or was he sent to there minor league affiliate?
David Dahl anyone?
FYI, I am worried about the health of two pitchers:
1. Kershaw
2. Duffy
Both could have potentially disabling injuries.
According to Baseball Reference.com, the Dodgers’ bullpen is 20th in WAR, (-2.2) between Seattle and Pittsburgh.
They are tied for 23rd in save percentage (57%). They lead the league in blown saves with 23. They are 1st in lowest inherited runners scoring.
The bullpen is a mixed bag at best. One stat (bullpen ERA) is misleading. There is a reason that they are 1 – 11 in extra innings. As reported by TrueBlueLA, “Dodgers opponents have scored in 14 of the 18 extra innings this season, while the Dodgers have scored in only seven of the 18.”
The Dodgers’ record in 1 run games is also a reflection of the bullpen.
I watched the Danny Duffy interview this morning and boy am I glad he’s on the team. This guy is a Dodgers lover through and though and he’s tickled to be here. He grew up in Lompoc which is a rural town seeded right between Santa Barbara and Vandenberg air force base and attended a handful of Dodger games during his youth. He said that he cried when Piazza was traded and always made it a point to go to games when he was in town afterwards. He’s a few key points…
He’s arguably having his best year of career since his 2014 season, he says it’s mainly due to his confidence which is even better than it was then.
He said he’s on target for a late August or early September with plans to pitch deep into October.
Not only is he comfortable pitching in the pen, he likes it. He’s ready for any role and sees himself as someone who can be used similarly to how they used Julio last year.
DJ Peters to Rangers on waivers
Nice article Bear as always. I used to get all worked up over the wins and loses but as I have gotten older I try not to let it affect my daily life, I have to remind myself of that sometimes though.
In response to Mark yesterday that people only post when they lose and like to bitch, I am not a big poster where I feel I have to comment all the time, I like to pick and choose what topics I feel like I can add value. I do know that posting here has made me watch the games a lot more in depth because if you make an incorrect statement or view point you will be called out on it rather quickly by some of the veteran posters on this site. It took a comment by Jeff that encouraged me and others to participate more in posting comments and I have posted more than in the past.
I can’t wait for the series with Houston and to see Scherzer and Trea Turner in Dodger Blue. Scherzer has the nickname of “The Prowler” but I call him “Night Prowler” – in reference to an AC/DC song.
I agree with Mitchel about Belli & CF, but not about the bullpen. It will be fine.
Excellent article, Bear!
It has been an up and down season for sure!
With the acquisition of Turner, Scherzer and Duffy, this roster is the best in the Friedman era. But without winning the division, a World Series title is a long shot even with this roster.
I think Trea Turner is very underrated. I think he is the best player on the roster. He is hitting .322 this year with a lifetime average of .300. He has stolen over 30 bases 4 times in his career.
He has 18 Hr this year already, and he is a solid fielder at SS who can play multiple positions.
My favorite player is Corey Seager, but he employs my least favorite agent, Scott Boras.
I would love to re-sign Seager, but given his injury history and his agent, the better option may be extending Trea Turner next year. In any case, Friedman has built a great roster, and it is up to the players to produce this year.
Per Houston Mitchell of the Times:
“You can move people around in that batting order however you want. And yep, I’d bench Cody Bellinger. He’s an outstanding centerfielder, but he’s hitting .163. Some will say he has been hitting better lately, but he’s four for his last 24, six for his last 45 and 10 for his last 82. There wasn’t a center fielder in history whose defense was so good that he could play with a .163/.263/.285 slash line. It’s time to put the team in position to have its best chance for success, give Bellinger all the help he needs to work on his swing behind the scenes, and hope he comes back strong next season.”
And
“But almost everyone in the bullpen makes fans nervous. Instead of one Pedro Baez, they have eight. If there’s a one game wild-card playoff, the Dodgers will be fine with Scherzer or Walker Buehler starting. But then what? Can Blake Treinen pitch three innings? ”
I’d bench Bellinger (mostly) going forward and play T Turner and/Taylor at CF.
And I agree with Mitchell’s assessment of the ‘pen.
I’m an old man who loves baseball. I love the Dodgers and, like any dedicated fan, I can live and die with the daily results. But I really try not to. I love to analyze play and management moves but not always with a criticism. I love the high level baseball knowledge kicked around on this site. Did I mention, I just love the game.
Bear’s comments match what I was thinking this morning and the photos tell the story. Through all the ups and downs, the praise and the criticism, I always remember that these guys aren’t robots. We get to watch Mookie make plays at 2nd and Pollock on a tear. They are giving their best although we sometimes don’t think that’s good enough. Doc does his best. He is who he is. He’s got plenty of skills and some shortcomings. Don’t we all?
So, I remind myself to enjoy the games, win or lose. It’s more fun to win but i really enjoy kicking back and watching baseball on a perfect summer evening from Dodger Stadium. (on TV) We are really in a very good position and I’m optimistic.
I was super competitive as a young man and it took me pretty far as a player and coach. I wanted to kick your ass. As in older coach, I gained some insight about how do deal with the winning and the losing. It doesn’t mean I’m a quitter of getting soft. It means I’ve gain wisdom and a better perspective.
The beauty of baseball is that one day you look like these fans in the photos, suffering the anguish of a tough loss and the next day you pick yourself up, and try to do better next time.
Mark, I believe it was, yesterday mentioned that some fans are interesting, in that they only have comments after a loss. I don’t want to be that guy.
With all that’s transpired, the good and bad, we’re in a good spot. And it will get even better. I love the old cliche “ You win some. You lose some. But you suit up for every game”
Except today.
Nice post Bear.
Wife and I are from Texas. Ironically, she has a CE conference in California and on Wednesday we fly into LA. Livelong Astros fan. Yes, I know we cheated but I’ve been cheering them on since birth. We just basically want to see the stadium and watch a ballgame. Am I going to get my ass kicked is what I’m basically asking? Any input would be appreciated. I’m looking forward to seeing your stadium. Looks pretty awesome. We’re sitting on 1st base side. Just wondered how the fans would be. Thanks for any advice.
A few comments: First, as to Mark’s statement that more people post after a loss than a win, this is somewhat comparable to the fact that most letters to the editor are complaints, not praise. And while sports is not analogous, it is also true that beating Arizona two out of three is nothing to be too excited about, particularly when we still trail SFG by three games, and are very unlikely to win a title if we are a Wild Card team. So in sports, success is relative to your competition; if someone is better, they win, and you do not even though in the abstract, you are very good. In this case, I think that Kapler is a better manager than Roberts, and so is Counsell, and so we are at a disadvantage in that, we need to clearly have a better set of players to make up for it.
I agree with Mark as to how much better it would be not to have to listen to Orel on the broadcasts. He surely means well; but he has either been told, or more likely, told himself, that he must never criticize a Dodgers player or the team. Nomar sometimes does, and it is refreshing; he wants us to win, but he is honest. Orel will keep saying things about the pitcher’s delivery, or choice of pitches, almost to the exclusion of the actual game going on. Beyond that, he adds no insights at all, no speculation as to what the strategy will be, or what needed to be done. Listen to some of the color men on the baseball networks; some have irritating voices, or love to make jokes, but there are some who add real insight, and make the game more entertaining. I usually mute the Dodgers broadcasts because I do not want to listen to Orel and Kristen. Surely we can do better than those two.
Again, we have to win the division. If we do not, we will play one game with SDP, which ends our season if we lose. Win that, far from a sure thing with our bullpen, and then we play best of five with SFG, and they have the extra home game, plus we will have used our best pitcher in the Wild Card Game, and he probably can’t pitch until Game 3. And note that both SF and SD have beaten us more than not this year. Then if we somehow win that, we have to play best of seven, probably against Milwaukee, who almost beat us a few years ago, and they are better now than that season. And then the World Series, most likely against CWS, maybe Houston. We had better win the division, and then our path is much more reasonable, no Wild Card game, and home field in all league series, probably the World Series, too.
I think that the bullpen is a problem, because we do not have a reliable closer. We have to get the last outs in any game, obviously, and we do not have someone whom we can be confident of. We saw some of that in the first game of the Arizona series . In a grueling series against a very good team, you have to have a very good closer, to match the other team’s. We do not, so the overall stats obscure that necessity. As to the bats, I expect us to do better with a full lineup, but we seem to pile up runs in some games, and then can’t drive anyone in, in others. I guess all teams have some of that, but it is particularly noticeable here. We just have to win most of our games, because clearly we cannot count on SF to start losing theirs.
“You might have played with other teams, that’s the big leagues. But when you come with the Dodgers it’s the major leagues. You got to be proud of the word .” -Tommy Lasorda
https://www.facebook.com/SportsNetLA/videos/719403808970174
I don’t know if you can see this video, but I think it’s beautiful
You can’t see this speech by Lasorda and not feel something
On another subject: That Rancho team is putting up some numbers on offense. Who is this Ramos hitting .400 and Alcatraz plus McWilliams. Don’t appear to have any pitching other than an inconsistent Duran but they are hacking.
I may be in the minority, but I haven’t found the Dodgers fun to watch in years.
Muncy’s skill is admirable and the trade to acquire him is highway robbery, but he’s boring. His ABs take forever, he’s not dynamic. Seager the same way.
Those old Cards teams? With their fielding and running? FUN. The Phillies with Rollins, Utley and Howard? FUN. The Yankee / Red Sox rivalry of Pedro, Zimmer and Jeter? FUN.
This team is incredibly well run, it’s efficient. It’s boring.
USA baseball lost to Japan 7-6 in 10 innings and are now 2-1. They go into the losers bracket. Team USA women’s soccer team lost to Canada in the semis’ and are out.
This winter, if you could only sign 2 of Seager, Kershaw and Scherzer who would you pick?
Aaahhhhnother off day!
I feel the same way as TM regarding Trea Turner. Like a kid at Christmas anxiously awaiting for that Red Rider BB Gun to show up under the tree. It’s fun to machinate the lineup to see where this table setter fits into it.
I listened to David Vassegh’s show after the game on the radio yesterday during a Sunday afternoon drive down Pacific Coast Highway to visit my favorite Gelato Shop in Seal Beach. It’s called Gelato Italyano for those in the area and it’s worth fighting traffic for. Main Street and PCH right next to The Coffee Bean a tea leaf.
Vassegh said that Doc is also anxiously awaiting the younger Turner, calling him one of the most dynamic players in the league. He said that he and AF will meet with Trea to discuss his role with the team and get buy in from him regarding the way the Dodgers do things. Translation: Trea will be asked to play multiple positions and will be moved around the lineup.
He said that baseball is a “What have you done for me lately?” game. He noted that Belli better start producing because they aren’t going to keep a player who’s performing better on the bench because of past success or reputation.
Take it for what you will. David Vasseh, is pretty opinionated and doesn’t have the best track record with predictions. But, it sure looks like Trea will be asked to move off shortstop and play second base and even some outfield and wants to make sure he’s comfortable with it. Not that anyone would expect Trea to have any say so on the matter. After all, they just traded two top prospects and he’s under control for next year and he has another opportunity to get a ring.
Either way, this has to light a fire under Belli’s ass. A little extra motivation is good for our stoner eyed outfielder. We all know how he responded to being platooned following up with an MVP season.
I think Belli will have some time to turn this around. At least a couple of weeks before seeing his playing time significantly reduced. The best configuration is to have Trea at second and Belli in CF with CT3 able to give Turner, Pollock, Belli and Betts days off down the stretch to nurse their injuries with rest. CT3 can use a day off after rolling him out there more than ever. He also has the most experience coming off the bench with clutch pinch hits and to be a defensive replacement late in the game.
With CT3, Beaty and Pujols, they have a bench that should be feared by opposing pitchers late in the game. All of them have come up huge in those situations. McKinny balances out the bench with a lot of contact and great defense in the outfield and give them RLRL options at the plate. With health, no more AAAA players will see the light of day on this team. As a result, Lux is going to get an extended look at AAA pitching, possibly until rosters expand. As one of the fastest players on the team, I won’t rule out Lux on the Post Season roster as a pinch runner and defensive replacement in the middle infield with all the position shuffling they do. Hopefully they will get him a large glove and have him roam the outfield a little bit during his lengthy rehab assignment. Might as well start prepping him to be the next Super Utility guy in case CT3 walks and Seager comes back next year.
The Giants have an easier schedule in the near term, but as Bear pointed out, we’re a team that’s capable of going on a huge run no matter who we play. If you go by schedule, we should have been in first place by the end of July. Sometime things work out for a reason. Maybe, by not overtaking the Giants for the division lead in July, it gave Andrew a little extra motivation to make that Blockbuster deal… And Danny Duffy.
If you go by talent on the roster, things will take care of themselves. When everyone comes back healthy, the only weak link is Jansen, unless his “Mental Health” is somehow cured over the course of the next two months.
It’s all up to the Baseball Gods and fortunate health now. AF has made all facets of the roster as Doc proof as he possibly can. From the starting lineup and bench players. And from the rotation, all the way through the bullpen, there just isn’t any weak links other than the occasional Jansen melt down. As with Belli, there’s only so much failure that can be tolerated until a more deserving player shows up and takes that job.
Thanks Bear for voicing what most of us think. You probably omitted talking about Cody’s failures as a huge angst because we have discussed this so much already, why be redundant? I agree….let’s just watch and hope for a turnaround, knowing that we now have options-CT3 or Turner can play CF.
I think most Dodgers fans would agree with you not wanting to see Jansen as the exclusive closer. We lost Jake McGee (23 saves) because some people in power just didn’t have the balls to tell Jansen that “we are thinking of making you the 8th inning guy to start with.”
Honestly, Jansen frustrates me as much as if not more than Cody because when he comes in, it is serious. And just about every time he pitches, he allows base runners, while often they don’t score, it still is nerve racking as a fan. I saw Jake McGee yesterday pitch the 9th and in no time, one little, two little, three little Astros went to bed….game over, let’s go home. Jansen just doesn’t do that too often.
At first I thought Gonso would be better than Price…but you are probably right. All those walks though concern me, whether he is a starter or a bullpen guy. I’d rather have Bauer starting and not worry about who are 5th would be. And when Bauer pitches, we don’t need many bullpen guys to finish his games.
Lastly, this 10 day wait to get Turner in the lineup is testing my patience, which already is maxed out. I still can’t believe the Nats threw him in the trade.
Great call, Bear!
Highlights From the Minors:
Tutut was 2-3 and his BA has climbed to .233 and OPS to .831. You can’t stop him – you can only hope to contain him.
Clayton Beeter went 3, allowing 1 hit and 0 runs, 0 walks and 5 K’s.
Well we know part of the reason Gonsolin struggled so badly the other night. He is on the IL with shoulder problems. McKinstry, who has not been close to the same player since he came off of the IL has been sent down. I think with the additions made at the deadline, he will not be back this season. They need to resign Taylor first chance they get. Mookie back in action, and contributed to the cause. I had never heard of Ramirez and he throws 2 shutout innings. Day off today, and then the Stro’s for two and another day off. Butane and Scherzer going against the Astro’s. Anxious to see the reception Max gets from the home town crowd. I think Scherzer can be for the Dodgers the same kind of addition Verlander was for the Astro’s a few years ago. I also believe we have seen the last of guys like Raley and Reks for the year. The next intrigue comes on Sept 1st when they can call up two extra players for the September run. Who will those guys be? Lost in all of this is the fact that Lux is getting close to being able to come off of the IL. Most likely if he is back on the roster he will be a bench player at best. But him, Mookie, Taylor, Turner, and Belli, have serious wheels and give the Dodgers speed they have not seen in many a year. Josiah Gray will make his debut in DC soon.