Time to Flush the Snakes!

If Puig gets to three balls it’s a good at bat

Mark that was a different Taylor then the current version who swing through straight 90mph fastballs with regularity.

Kemp has similar numbers against Ray but has been overmatched all second half and should be playing a couple times a week, and not game 1 of this series. First at bat was an indicator of how far off he is.

Here’s my point:

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There is no wrong or right answer.

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The the Dodgers beat the hell out of Ray tonight, does that mean I am right? NO!

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… and if Ray shuts them out, does that mean you are right? NO!

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There are so many variables.

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AC could be right – maybe it’s best to have a few lefties…

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I just don’t know.

I was thinking the same as AC.

And Muncy hits lefties more then a few players in this line up.

And I always like to see Cody in the line up too, especially since he has been so good in August.

Dozier has good numbers against Ray, but he hasn’t hit lefties since he has came over here, either.

I said it earlier and I will repeat what AC said as well, the current Taylor and Kemp should not be in this lineup, Cody and Muncy should be.

Maybe it works. But let’s take a look at the August offensive numbers for the starters:

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Dozier – .223/.364/.433/.797

JT – .396/.481/.703/1.184

Machado – .265/.315/.490/.806

Kemp – .197/.280/.273/.553

Kike’ – .333/.400/.510/.910

CT3 – .195/.284/.338/.622

Puig – .271/.311/.457/.768

Barnes – .111/.360/.167/.527

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Look at two of the LHH reserves for tonight:

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Cody – .368/.429/.563/.992

Max – .273/.355/.673/1.028

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By inserting two LHH who are having a much much much better August for Kemp and Taylor, you get two better bats, and you do not allow Robbie Ray to pitch to one spot against an all RHH team. He finds the spot, he does not have to move.

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We will never know which lineup would be more productive, so all we can do is hope that Kemp and CT3 can produce some offense tonight.

More – Dodger Hitters Verses Ray:

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Bellinger – .167

Dozier – .400

Kemp – .429

Kike – .269

Taylor – .438

I’m actually quite excited for tonight’s game! Big series. Pennant race. Bears preseason on ipad. Things look good!

Tonight’s Lineup:

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1. Dozier 2B

2. Turner 3B

3. Machado SS

4. Kemp LF

5. Hernandez 1B

6. Taylor CF

7. Puig RF

8. Barnes C

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I know what Doc is trying to do with an ALL-RH lineup and I have no problem. The other argument is that all RH hitters make it easier for a LH pitcher. Maybe or maybe not! I’m guessing that there is some rationale for the lineup…

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There’s no reason these guys can’t execute.

By the way, the Brewers released Ariel Hernandez today.

DODGERS REINSTATE JOSH FIELDS

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LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers today reinstated right-handed pitcher Josh Fields from the 60-day disabled list and optioned right-handed pitcher Yimi Garcia to Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.

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Fields, who missed 54 games with right shoulder inflammation, has appeared in 37 games with Los Angeles this season, going 2-2 with two saves and posting a 2.36 ERA (9 ER/34.1 IP).

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Garcia, who was reinstated from the disabled list on August 24, has made 22 relief appearances for the Dodgers this season, posting a 1-2 record and 5.57 ERA (13 ER/21.0 IP) while striking out 17 batters and walking three.

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To create room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated infielder Rob Segedin for assignment.

I don’t like the lineup at all, I know it is one of Robert’s matchup/numbers specials.

However the most important series of the year, where game 1 momentum is real, get the best hitters this month out there. Taylor and Kemp should be on the bench and Bellinger and Muncy playing. Also first base is not Hernadez’s best postion, he should be in the outfield with Bellinger. Come on Roberts put the book down and open your eyes. Barnes has to play one game this series, this one makes the most sense since the other LHP going for the Dbacks, Patrick Corbin has reverse splits.

Madson would be decent addition, and who knows Honey could fix him, the guy has pitched well on the biggest stage, I will be disappointed if the FO does not ante up for him, the cost cannot be much more then a lottery ticket??

Go Blue!!

standings update:

we are .5 games behind COL and 1 game behind ARI in the NL West

and .5 games behind COL, 2 games behind MIL [1 in the loss column], and 2 games behind STL in the Wild Card

PHI is one game behind us in the Wild Card

ATL is 3.5 games ahead in their division [4 in the loss column] and CHI is 4.5 games up [5 in the loss column]

CHi is currently 4 games up on ATL for best record in the NL

The Dodgers did what they needed to do against San Diego and Texas plus it gave them some momentum for the AZ series. They are at home and AZ would feel victorious if they split the series. Dodgers need to win 3. Dog days of summer are about to wind down and shorter and cooler evenings are coming. Magic says this is win time.

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Machado was a must have this year and he is making a difference. Did I miss something about his clubhouse antics with the Dodgers? I thought he was being cool.

Arizona Fall League Rosters have been reported (they are subject to change). The Dodgers will once again be a member of the Glendale Desert Dogs. They will be joined by members of the NYY, Cleveland, ChiSox, and Orioles affiliates.

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Dodgers on the Roster:

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Ben Holmes – AA – LHP

Nolan Long – AA – RHP

Andre Scrubb – AA – RHP

Jordan Sheffield – A+ – RHP

Keibert Ruiz – AA – C

Errol Robinson – AA – SS

Jared Walker – A+ – 1B/3B

Cody Thomas – A+ – OF

If we take 3 of 4 or 4 of 4, there is no guarantee we take over 1st place. Let’s not forget the Rockies. That said, I would be satisfied with either of the above.

minor league won/loss records don’t mean much but i’m starting to notice rancho cucamonga’s. tonight uceta pitches [and gonsolin for AA] and yesterday leo crawford moved to 8-0. any thoughts from the prospect mavens here about crawford? he’s mostly escaped my notice.

Also, I am a drummer in a Classic Rock Jam band and we play Kicks and Louie Louie. Love Paul Revere and the Raiders.

I know I have been spoiled by the Dodger teams over the past few years but I do not have a warm fuzzy feeling about Kenley, Alexander or Maeda closing out the games. I am hoping that Stripling can step into this role until Kenley gets his Mojo back. That’s if Chicken Strips Back is going to be Ok. If not, it’s going to be a long nail biting end of the year.

man, russell martin is batting .197 this year. i saw he was on mlbtraderumors list of 2019-2020 free agent catchers and his name caught my eye. not sure we want to add a 36 year old catcher on a one-year deal but i think we need a stop-gap option in case we don’t retain grandal. smith, ruiz, cartaya are all top shelf but they are not ready for prime time. and i’ll believe farmer as a back-up catcher when i see it.

the pitcher stepped off the rubber so it’s a live ball situation. the batter has to get out of the way.

Since I post from the west coast I am often the last post before comments are closed. That happened again last night, but I had a question I want comment on so I will repost my comment.

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An observation and question. When Puig tried to steal home Bellinger was at bat. As the pitch is delivered the catcher steps forward in front of the plate and Bellinger steps back out of the box and gives him a clear path to the pitch and the tag. Could the catcher be called for interference for stepping so far forward and why wouldn’t Bellinger swing (gently) hit the catcher with his bat and get the call for interfernce.

Pretty funny:

Vegas… I’m thinking that you’re thinking it’s prime time to put Manny out on waivers!??!