Unconventional Thinking
Unconventional thinking is the ability to imagine new possibilities and solve complex problems that have eluded other people . Being unconventional is an essential element in doing original work or creating original ideas. Right now, the Dodgers could use a heavy dose of…
Unconventional thinking is the ability to imagine new possibilities and solve complex problems that have eluded other people. Being unconventional is an essential element in doing original work or creating original ideas. Right now, the Dodgers could use a heavy dose of unconventional thinking. Let’s jump right into where I think the problems are the greatest. Before, I start: That was Vintage Kershaw last night! The Old Man is still the Ace!
CATCHER: Will Smith is just out of concussion protocol, and it’s no secret that his next concussion could be his last. The Kansas City Royals are going nowhere and are paying Salvador Perez $20 Million this year, $20 Million next year, $22 Million in 2025, and either a $2 Million buyout or a $13.5 Million salary in 2026. That leaves plenty of time for Diego Cartaya to develop. Certainly, the Dodgers have the prospect collateral to make that deal. KC gets salary relief, and the Dodgers get a former GG and SS catcher at 32 years of age. Perrez would slot nicely into the bottom third of the order. I would not attempt to guess who the Royals might want, but the Dodgers have the prospects to make it happen. KC is not going anywhere, so this would give Perez, who is a really good dude, the opportunity to go out with a winner. Austin Barnes goes back to being Clayton’s personal catcher. Trade Suggestion: Hunter Feduccia, Jose Ramos, and Jorbit Vivas.
LEFT FIELD: With Perez going to catcher, this frees up Will Smith to play LF. I have no doubt that he is capable of doing so at a high level. Maybe he stays there… maybe he will move to 3B next year with Max Muncy Taking over at DH. That leaves David Peralta as the odd man out, but if he starts hitting, he will be easy to move. He still plays a very good LF, and even at 35, his bat should play up against RHP. A lower-level prospect comes back to the Dodgers for him.
IF CT3 can get back to where he was in 2021, he can share time in RF with Jason Heyward. Consider this lineup (it’s just that I am not convinced of that):
- Betts SS (R)
- Freeman 1B (L)
- Smith LF (R)
- Muncy 3B (L)
- Martinez DH (R)
- Outman CF (L) I am hoping he does not become a platoon player!
- Vargas 2B (R)
- Perez C (R)
- Heyward/Taylor RF
Bench: Barnes, Rojas, Thompson
Is Barnes the Problem?
Yesterday someone wrote this:
“The base stealers are targeting Barnes. He’s got the lowest caught stealing % in the league…………..and the lowest batting average.”
While it is considered an Olympic Sport by some to kick players when they are down, I am going to submit that it is ludicrous to say that base stealers are “targeting Barnes.”
Against Will Smith the thieves are 8 for 9, while they are 26-29 against Barnes. Barnes has caught 109 innings, while Will Smith has caught 91 innings… most of it early. In 2022, Will Smith caught 10 out of 56 runners, while Barnsie was 9 for 32. Typically, Austin Barnes is a little better at catching runners than Smith, but it is close.
The Basestealers are not targeting the catcher; they are targeting the pitchers, who have been very unsuccessful at holding on runners. Add in the fact that due to bad pitching by the starters and relievers, there are a lot more runners on base, which means a lot more base-stealing opportunities, and even Ray Charles can see what is happening. Julio Urias and Clayton Kershaw used to be good at holding runners on and even picking them off, but then you have Noah Syndergaard, whom everyone runs wild upon.
Add in the fact that Vesia, Grove, Jackson, Bickford, and Almonte have bloated ERA’s up 200% to 400% higher and there are a lot more runners on base which means a lot more opportunities to steal, Get better pitching and the problem will solve itself! BTW, Austin Barnes drove in the winning and only run last night!
James Outman is Doing What Joc Never Could
After striking out nine times in his last three games, James Outman did something that Joc Pederson never did or was able to do: Against a LH he shortened up and went with the pitch, yielding two singles. He realizes that he can’t have that “all or nothing swing” (although his swing is not nearly as “all or nothing” as Joc). James generates great power from a swing that is relatively short – he finishes his swing with his bat still in front of him, while many sluggers have the bat finishing behind their heads. I have never seen a swing quite like it, but the point is: James is evolving as pitchers are pitching him differently.
His 40% strikeout rate is still unsustainable! He has a ways to go, or he will be a platoon player, but it was encouraging to see him try and adjust (and succeed). The fact that he is trying to shorten-up and hit the ball where it is pitched against LH pitchers speaks volumes about his maturity. If he can master that, he will be an All-Star!
Dodgers Will be Stoned Wednesday
Allegedly! I thought the Dodgers would wait for Gavin Stone to have some more success after a poor start this season, but in his last few starts, he has shown he is ready, and the “Gavin Stone Era” will allegedly start on Wednesday against the Phillies. I think the roster sits at 39, so no one will have to be dropped. I would like to see Hunter Feduccia called up, and the only reason I can see not doing it is that they plan to trade him.
I am eager to see what Stone does against Big League Pitching. We can watch the minor league games, but there is nothing like pitching in “The Show.” Bobby Miller may not be far behind as he had his 2023 debut at OKC and performed well. BTW, Yonny Hernandez still tearing it up at OKC (.371 BA/1.059 OPS).
Other Dodger Notes
- Landon Knack may take Gavin Stone’s place in the OKC rotation, as he went 5 Innings yesterday, allowing two hits, 0 runs, and striking out 11. He has an MLB-Ready Arsenal!
- Tulsa Players: Andy Pages – .246 BA; Diego Cartaya – .157 BA; Jonny DeLuca – .222 BA; Jorbit Vivas – .360 BA – Ouch!
- Nick Frasso is knocking too!
- Miguel Rojas hit a HR for Rancho Cucamonga last night. He’s a few days away.
I’m Out for a Few Days
My cardiologist cleared me of heart issues, and they scheduled my back surgery for May 8th; however, I told them that if they had any cancellations, to let me know – I would be there in an hour. I got the call Friday afternoon and am going in tomorrow morning for the surgery. I have no clue how long I might be laid up – maybe I won’t! My plan is that when I wake up, the pain will be gone. If it’s not, Plan B is that it gets 1% better every day! I am sooo ready for it! Carry on!
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Discussion (85)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Wish you a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.
Saturday scores
Oklahoma City 5, Sacramento 1
Arkansas 1, Tulsa 0
Great Lakes 2 , Fort Wayne 0 (Game 1)
Fort Wayne 5, Great Lakes 2 (Game 2)
Rancho Cucamonga 7, Inland Empire 3
Sunday schedule
10:05 a.m. PT: Great Lakes (Ronan Kopp) at Fort Wayne (TBD)
11:35 p.m.: Tulsa (Nick Frasso) at Arkansas (Prelander Berroa)
12:05 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Robbie Erlin) vs. Sacramento (Kyle Harrison)
2:05 p.m.: Rancho Cucamonga (Maddux Bruns) at Inland Empire (Joel Hurtado)
So far, Outman has been hitting both southpaws and northpaws In fact, his OPS is higher against lefties–more than 1.000.
It’s at .973 versus righties.
Strikeouts are a concern. He’s had 35 Ks in 105 plate appearances. So about a 1/3 of the times he’s stepped to the plate.
Taylor and Trayce are Ks waiting to happen. Taylor has K’d 29 times in 62 ABs, and Trayce has K’d 24 times in 44 ABs.
Best of luck MT. Not sure about the Will Smith conundrum but I’m certain CT3 needs to get an IL stint
Remember Taylor in 2022? He’s now more than a full season into this funk.
OF course we all hope he turns in around.
But I also hope he isn’t batting cleanup again soon. Four ABs, 4 Ks…. oof!
Get well soon Mark. I hope everything turns out just fine. I found out a long time ago that if you don’t fight the pain but instead welcome it and tell it you are stronger that it, it will not be as severe. It works for me and I’m 80 years old.
Wishing you the best! Speedy recovery and a Gavin Stone win on Wednesday will be in order!
Cheers
Unless a move is made, Taylor needs to start and try to fix things. Because we already know by career stats that Peralta, Heyward, Thompson don’t hit LHP and Taylor does (Both LHP and RHP as a Dodger). But he needs to hit either 8th or 9th depending on the catcher situation. But Doc does some strange stuff, and that’s why AF needs to provide a team that keeps Doc from thinking. That’s not a shot at AF, he’s a smart guy and sometimes AF has to settle for players that are not ideal.
Glad to hear Stone is being brought up and it will mean my 2 favorite prospects (Outman and Stone) made it to MLB. I wonder if the plan is to keep Stone indefinitely or is this just a spot start?
Speaking of Stone, the whole pitching picture is a mess and I don’t even know where to start.
Good luck Mark, I wish you well.
I found this site around a year ago. I can honestly say it’s one of my first reads every morning. I enjoy every body’s takes no matter if I agree or not! I really love it when the politics are nonexistent. The right and left both suck! Mark I wish you the best and can’t wait to see you posting again! This is like having brothers you never met, and we all think we know what is best for our beloved dodgers. I love the sal Perez thought! I don’t hate Barnes at all, probably one of the nicest guys in baseball,BUT! Watching he and Chris. At the plate is excruciating! Taylor looks like he’s swinging off a tee ball stand! I read where Friedman said this team is as talented as previous few years, NO it’s not! We need help! An outfield bat or even 2 if Mookie moves to ss. Perez would make a huge difference if Will can’t catch any longer. I don’t understand having Taylor bat cleanup! Doc loves to show his players he believes in them. But nobody in their right mind is battling Taylor 4th in that lineup! I agree with the guy who questioned doc sitting Heyward last night, I know a lefty on the bump, but he’s hitting the ball hard and playing outstanding defense! Tell me Thompson was on fire last night? Hopefully syndergard gets on track today! We can’t keep rolling him out there every 5 days pitching like he is, the bullpen has it’s own issues. Kershaw was brilliant again. Maybe watch close when he pitches Julio. God bless you Mark and hurry back!
Speedy recovery
Why would Smith ever want to got to LF
? Doesn’t that kill his max value?
Mark –
Best wishes on your upcoming surgery. Having two spinal surgeries in the last three years, I understand firsthand what is in front of you. My surgeries happened in my 70s; as a much younger man, you have a distinct advantage in the recuperation process. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I agree with you on Outman’s swing – it is quick, compact and powerful. I hesitate to suggest this comparison but his left side swing reminds of #27’s swing on the LA Angels. Time will tell but he can be an everday offensive force for the Dodgers.
I find this post to be one of your best Mark. I make that evaluation of course because I agree with most of it.
I like the KC trade idea. But first, Feduccia. I want to see what we have in this asset.
Starting pitching looks vulnerable to me. Urias is supposed to be the ace, not Kershaw. In fact, isn’t Kershaw our #4? Urias, May, Gonsolin, Kershaw, Syndergaard. It might look very different by the end of the year.
I too wish you a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. I’m interested in details as what is happening to you is similar to what I’m going through.
Best wishes on the surgery, and I hope the only pain involves the occasional Dodger setback,
Salvador Perez? That is unconventional thinking, but it does have some logic to it. If Will needs to move out of the catcher spot, well, Diego and Rushing aren’t ready. The combo of Barnes and Feduccia could suffice…. or yeah, maybe a deal for an upgrade like Perez.
I do like the idea of the Dodgers shopping for proven veterans (if needed) from teams that are rebuilding. If Cartaya is year or two away, he might be an ideal mentor for Cartaya.
Anyway, it’s a fun notion.
I also like the idea of just going with Mookie at SS indefinitely. Chris Taylor is a dilemma. He’s in such a bad, long slump he should play–but if he doesn’t play how can she shake the slump?
Hope the Dodgers are in first place when you wake up Mark.
Regardless hope you feel like you’re in first place and all goes well.
How long will CT continue to start, much less bat cleanup ?
Mark, I will be praying for a successful surgery and relief of your back pain. And I wouldn’t want to be your surgeon if it doesn’t! And so many feel frustration over our start but look at Pads, Astros, Mets and Yankees.
Best wishes. Speedy recovery.
Good luck and best wishes for your operatin, Mark ! Believe me, I know how back pain can make life miserable for a person.
Regarding Bobby Miller: Performed well is an understatement. 3.1 inning, 1 hit, 1 run. Registered 102 mph on 8 pitches.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Praying for you for a speedy recovery .Within the last year ,I went for double bypass heart surgery and was a little nervous, but the care and great surgeon at Yale New Haven Hospital made it possible for a 100% recovery and I have never felt better. Have to watch the sugar and carb intake.