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
LA Designates Catcher Austin Wynns for Assignment
Considering they’ll need to replace him with a position player, the move should mean the return of Miguel Rojas off the 10-day IL.Rojas just completed a 2 game rehab stint with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes where he went 2-6 with a home run.
Thor’s fastball topped out at 92. Definitely not the same guy he was in NY. But his curve was working well and he used it to keep St. Loo off balance. CT3 with two hits today and Heyward got his avg up to .240,
I hope you have a successful surgery and a speedy recovery Mark.
As for Perez that is out of the box thinking and if Smith is moved to the outfield, as he should be, Perez would be an excellent replacement. I think the Royals would need pitching in the deal. I would also like to see them go after Luis Robert jr to play right field if Betts goes to shortstop. He’s struggling now but he has a good track record and may just need a change of scenery.
Watforfd,I think the Cards problem may be the manager. They started slowly but things seem to have gotten worse after Marmol called out O’Neil in the press for not hustling. Marmol also seemed lost and not sure what to do in the playoffs against Philly last year.
The Dodgers were 1-15 with risp but I noticed several productive outs that moved runners up or scored runs today. Haven’t seen much of that the last few years.
Quick recovery Marj!
Best of luck with the operation Mark – really hope it works for you.
What’s happened to the Cards????
Good luck Mark. I have a friend who dealt with severe back pain for years. He was a hot shot for Cal Fire and the injury put him in front of a desk (where he has worked ever since). It was debilitating for years. He’s told me multiple times that the moment he woke up from the surgery, his pain was gone. He’s been active as hell ever since. Still plays softball and hikes all over the place. Surgeons have gotten really good at back issues in the last decade.
I hope all goes well.
Nice to win but something like 1-15 with RISP, not good.
If Peralta continues to slump, maybe Thompson can replace him as the “left” hand bat against righties.
A couple of items!
1. Best wishes on a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
2. OMG! (I am 63 – so not sure I am allowed to use those letters!) – BUT also being a Rams fan I have spent time the past few days reading (or more appropriately trying to read) “ramsondemand” and “laramsfan” sites – that are the similar in intend but not even close to the same execution in what we have here!!
They have threads that date back a year, advertising, extra stuff and extreme name calling etc that just makes them painful and laborious to read!
So while Mark can be opinionated, stubborn, a royal pain in the rear, etc., etc. ( unlike the rest of us angels) – I just want say say THANKS!! For this website!
It truly is the first thing I read in the morning.
Very nice confidence building inning for Yency. He’s got nasty stuff. All he needs to do is command it, and that comes with trusting it.
Thompson needs to get his at bats………… in OKC, or another organization, if he doesn’t want to accept the assignment
I’m sorry, but why does roberts pinch hit Thompson for Heyward? No doc bashing but that’s ridiculous! Hitting .085 against lefties!
Thor looks like he’s throwing batting practice. Not only in the velocity of the pitch but in his demeanor. It’s like he’s in slow motion, then the arm speeds up. He looks like a huge teddy bear playing catch. I’d like to see him wind up and throw that sucker likes he’s pissed.
Tho Mookie does owe us an MVP May
I know that people love to blame CT3, but he typically hits lower in the lineup and he has as many RBI’s as Mookie and more than Freeman. Quit looking at CT3 and look t the biggest culprits: The Dodger’s alleged Superstars. Both Freedie and Mookie suck right about now… as Stars!
That’s quite the intimidating Dodger bench today. For sure I’d rather have Urias hit than anyone in that group!
“That ball was supposed to break in, but the spin wasn’t the actual movement.”
Sometimes Orel says some really dumb things.
Godspeed Mark. Best of luck with your surgery and recovery. I’ve learned to do what I’m told now with recovery. I haven’t always been the best at that but I hope you are.
RIP Mike Shannon. Former Cardinal third baseman and broadcaster. Passed away at the age of 83.
Mark, wishing you the best. I’m sure you’re gonna come out of it feeling like a whippersnapper though.
Ladies
Open on www.tiktok.comhttps://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRw61gHj/I’ve been without internet for the past few days and just now got it restored. Mark, a speedy recovery with a better than ever outcome result; My eye surgeries were good in my bad eye and bad in my good eye and the doctor doesn’t own up for it and going back to fix my good eye. Hopefully at least as good as before. Maybe a lawsuit ahead?
Good luck in your surgery when you wake up maybe the Dodgers will have Matt Chapman at third base by then and Tim Anderson at shortstop and Max Muncy at second base because he has got to be in the lineup. And that of course is when JD comes back and is the DH. But hope surgury goes well Mark.
Hope the surgery is a huge success my friend. Never had any real back issues myself, so I have been lucky. Knees? That is another story. If you are laid up a while, I can get some stuff on here. Working on one now should be ready by Tuesday. Can do game summaries otherwise. Kersh was Kersh. Love the guy. Leads the majors in wins and has an ERA below 2. I want to see improvement out of Thor today. Quit that nibbling BS and attack these hitters. Otherwise, they will kill you. CT3 is a mess. He needs to re-evaluate his swing. Nice job by Barnes and I am pretty sure most of us can agree the stolen bases are mostly on the pitcher. Miller threw 8 pitches at 100 or better in the first inning of his start yesterday. I like the Perez trade idea.
Lots of oldtimers read and comment here and several have mentioned back issues. Mark, I hope you lead the way with back surgery success and all others find their own solutions.
Roberts just said Dodgers are not built to steal and Friedman then disagreed with his manager.
With all the depth the Dodgers have at catcher it seems odd to be thinking about trading for one. It would be nice if Smith could finish the year at catcher but I trust the Dodgers more than any other team to protect their players. Some people may be more susceptible to concussions and if Smith is, then he should stop catching now.
I really like Betts at shortstop. It might excite his bat. I like him at second as well.
I like the thought of Smith at third but maybe 2024 is the better time to make that move.
If we make a trade with KC, grab Witt Jr too. May, Vargas, Cartaya, Busch, …
4:10 PM ET
Cardinals (10-18) 10GB
Dodgers (15-13) 1GB
SP Jake Woodford R
1-2 5.47 ERA 24.2 IP 16K
SP Noah Syndergaard R
0-3 6.58 ERA 26.0IP 21K
Confirmed Lineup
RF Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
3B Max Muncy L
DH J. Heyward L
CF James Outman L
2B M. Vargas R
LF D. Peralta L
SS Chris Taylor R
Clear day
0% Rain
73° Wind 8 mph Out