Understanding Depth

The Dodgers have amazing depth in their system, both at the major league level and the minor league level, so it leaves me a little puzzled when I hear fans berate the depth or lack thereof. Of course, those who do not believe in the depth are also puzzled when I say the depth is “amazing.” What’s the disconnect? Why did the Dodgers bring in players like Albert Pujols and Yosi T (I can’t spell Tsutsugo), if they have that much depth? First, let me say that they were brought in for different reasons: Albert was brought in the serve as a “role model” so to speak for these young guys. Even with his diminishing skills, he plays the game the right way. He hits behind runners and does what is necessary to drive in runs.

It should not be lost on anyone that he has played two games for the Dodgers and they have won both of them. His persona tends to elevate people around him. He showed last night why he is not an everyday player, but if the team around him elevates their game, his job is done. “Depth” is not unequivocal and depth and success are not mutually exclusive. The Dodgers depth is geared to be able to deliver two to three rookies a year, but when you suddenly have to rely on 12 or 13 rookies in a season, no amount of depth will handle that. There’s “depth” and there is “understanding depth” and finally there is “depth of understanding.” The Dodgers started the season with four or five rookies on the squad, but when you push and push that number, any team’s depth is going to be crushed because it takes too long for the youngsters to become major league pitchers or hitters. Albert Pujols can improve that process with his mere presence.

Yoshi on the other hand is tantalizing. He was great in Japan and a bust in Tampa Bay. This is a total “flyer” by Andrew Friedman, and when Pollock, Bellinger, McKinstry, and Seager are back, he had better be hitting bunches of home runs or the gig is up. Why not see if they can “fix” him? It’s the typical Andrew Friedman, low risk, high reward type of transaction… which probably won’t work out… but it could!

Dodger Rants and Raves

• The Dodgers have 12 players on the IL. Wow!
• Betts, Smith, and Lux are heating up at the right time. Look out!
• Chris Taylor continues to be All-Star Team worthy!
• Count Gavin Lux “Wally Pip” Corey Seager?
• It’s great to see Julio Urias finally grown up and it all happened right before our eyes.
• Oklahoma City should get better on Friday as Cody Bellinger and Zach McKinstry are headed there on re-hab assignments. Belli will play CF if that says anything!
• The Dodgers are now #2 in MLB in team ERA at 3.06. Only the Padres are better at 2.74 with Darvish pitching out of his a$$. The Dodgers are #1 in WHIP at 1.07 vs. 1.11 for the Padres.
• The Giants are #1 in Starter ERA at 2.64 (I’ll bet big money that won’t last). The Padres are #2 (2.83) and the Dodgers are #3 (2.86). The Dodgers starters have pitched the most innings, however.
• Don’t look now, but the Dodgers are up to #7 in MLB is Reliever ERA at 3.61. They were really horrid at one time (13 blown saves) but that is in the rear-view mirror. Someone here told you it would get better. Before the end of the year, the bullpen will be TOP THREE and may include Darien Nunez!
• Clayton goes tonight against TBD (I have never herd of that guy).

Dodgers Minor League Report

• OKC BOXSCORE– As usual, OKC lost 6-1. All they managed were 4 singles. Mitch White and Pazos pitched clean innings and that was about it. Move on… nothing here but a crime scene.
• Tulsa BOXSCORE– Tulsa improved to 7-6 by bringing out the heavy lumber. Mike Busch was 1-3 with2 BB and 3 runs scored. Ryan Noda was 2-4 with 4 RBI, including a 2-run HR. Carlos Rincon continues to mash (.357 BA/1.140 OPS) as he went 2-3. Hunter Feduccia was 2-4. Michael Grove started and went 3.2 innings, allowing 2 ER, 2BB, and 3 K’s.
• GL BOXSCORE– Great Lakes also brought out the lumber, winning 10-6 over Lake County. Pages, Outman, and Wald (all outfield prospects) combined for 5 hits. Miguel Vargas was 2-6.
• RC BOXSCORE – The Quakes beat Lake Elsinore 8-6, behind 11 hits and 7 BB. Jake Vogel was 2-4 with a BB at leadoff. 21-year-old Sauryn Lao was 3-5 with a HR and a triple. Watch switch-hitting Edwin Mateo was was 2-4 with a walk and 3-runs scored (.333 BA/.841 OPS).

Come Dancing!