Ahh, loved Mad Magazine and ole’ Alfred. Some of the funniest stuff I have ever read. Loved the Spy vs. Spy comics. How is that a subject for a baseball blog you might ask. Well, I got to thinking about it the other day when this place seemed to go off it’s collective rocker about the need for urgency being 4 games back on the 16th of August…which was actually yesterday.
The Dodgers, coming home from an over night flight from New York, not getting in until 4:15 according to their manager, everyone’s favorite whipping boy, Dave Roberts, ran what most called a AAA lineup out to face the lowly Pirates. No one needs rest, they are professional athletes. How can guys in that physical condition need rest? They got 8 hours sleep. I did so and so for 20 years, and went out and partied and still went to work the next day. Just an example of what some of the posts sounded like.
Did they get 8 hours? Most likely not. They might have arrived at LAX at 4:15. But by the time they deplaned, got their luggage and finally arrived home, it was most likely after 5. And then they probably did not get to sleep until close to 6. I do not know about you, but sleeping during the day, even at my age, is not all that easy to do. And it is very quiet where I live. Most of those guys live out in the suburbs. So, they have to be at the stadium at say, 4:00 PM for that nights game. Davis related how Seager’s kids woke him up at 7 Am, and he had not gotten in bed until close to 6.
And they have to eat something sometime that day. So they get up around 2PM. Bright eyed and bushy tailed? I doubt that. Long trips on planes are not exceptionally restful. Charter flights even less so. You cannot lie down, or for the most part, stretch out. Legs and backs can stiffen up. But these are athletes right? Prime condition. They should get out of the plane ready to play 9. They get in their cars and drive to the Stadium. Go through their pregame routines, and get ready for the game.
Anyway, as the game went on, they had trouble generating offense, made some mental errors and one on the field. Turner’s was changed to a hit. And found themselves behind by one late in the game. By now the wolves are howling at the moon on here. They do this all the time after they score a lot, we cannot afford to lose any more ground to the Giants, Don’t they feel any urgency? I would think the players know exactly what is going on and how well they need to play.
There is not one single poster on this site who knows what the mood or the feeling is in that dugout. Urgency? I think they might have felt we can still win this. These guys have lost 70 plus games. We are clearly the better team, so lets show it. McKinney gets the run back with a HR. His first as a Dodger. And then in the 8th, Muncy retaliates for being hit with a blast deep into the RF Pavilion.
Jansen comes in, and of course everyone’s blood pressure rises 20 points. Is Jansen going to blow another?? Kenley gets the first hitter, and then the newest Pirate, Dodger castoff takes the pitch where it was thrown and gets a double with one out. Panic is now high. He moves to 3rd on a out. And Jansen gets the last hitter to roll over on one and a meek ball hit to Muncy, win # 73 in the bank.
The point is, wait until the game is over before you lose your mind. This team has a lot of focused players. Guys who have been through this before. They are professionals. They all know they have no control over what happens with the Giants, who keep finding ways to win. Bryant hit 2 HR’s last night in their win. They also know they need to take care of their own business. A 5-1 road trip proves they know the score, and winning another gut check 1 run game can do nothing but boost their confidence in the ability to overcome those kinds of games they were losing before. I also thought I would look back over the years, but only since they have been playing 162, see where they were on the 16th of August and where they ended up.
First year was 1962. Up 3.5 on the 16th. Tied for the pennant with the Giants, lost 2 of 3 in the playoffs. 1963, up 4. Won the pennant and the World Series. 1964, 12.5 back. Never in the race. Even with Koufax back at full health and Big D. Rest of the staff was pitiful. 1965 1/2 game up. Won the pennant by 2 games, beat the Twins in the series. 1966. Up 3. Dog fight the rest of the way and won by 1.5 games. Lost series. 1967 and 1968, never even close in the race. 1969 1.5 back. Ended up 8 back. Had a very bad September.
1970. 12 back. Never in the race. 1971. 6.5 back. Made a run the last 2 months, but finished 1 back even after winning 5 of their last 6. 1972. 9.5 back. Never made a run, finished 10.5 back. 1973 Up 2.5. Lost the lead by the 3rd of September, and finished 4 back. 1974. Up 4.5. They ended up winning by 4 games. They had as much as a 10.5 game lead in July. 1975 and 1976, no shot. The Big Red Machine owned the West those two years. 1977 Up 11. Won the division by 10. 1978 Up 1. Went 25 -17 the rest of the way to win by 2.5 games.
1979 14.5 back. Never in it. 1980 .5 back. Tied with the Astros on the last day. Lost game 163 to lose the division. No wild card, so no playoff. In 1981 they were on strike in August and did not play 162 games. 1982 Up 1.5. Stayed in first or tied until the 28th of September and lost by 1 game. 1983.4.5 Back. Went 26-19 over last 45 games and won by 3. The closest match to where they are now. 1984 12 back. Never in the race.
1985. 9 Up. won by 5.5. 1986 10 back, never in the race. 1987. 9 back, never in the race. 1988. Up 3.5. Won by 7. 1989. 12 back. Never got close. 1990. 9 back. Picked up 4 but finished 2nd to the Reds 5 games back. 1991 Up 1.5 Knocked out of a tie with the Braves on the last day when Joe Morgan hit a HR off of Terry Forster. 1992..we all know they were never close in that year. 1993. 20 back. 1994 and 1995 were both strike-shortened years. They were up 2 games in 1995 and ended up winning by 1, but were beat in the first round of the playoffs.
1996. Tied. Ended up losing the division by 1 to the Padres. Beaten in the playoffs. 1997 1.5 back. Finished 2 out. 1998 18 back. Never got close. 1999 15 back. Finished 3rd, 23 games back. 2000. 6.5 back. Finished 11 back. 2001. 3.5 back. Finished in 3rd, 6 games back. 2002. 8 back. Finished in 3rd again, 6 games back despite winning 92 games. 2003. 10.5 back. Never got close. Finished 15.5 back of SF. 2004. 5.5 Up. Won the division by 2. Helped by a dramatic walk-off Grand Slam on the next to the last day against the Giants by Steve Finley.
2005. 5 back. Ended up in 4th, 11 back. 2006. Up 2.5. Ended up tied with the Padres, Beaten by the Mets in the playoffs. 2007. 6.5 back. Finished in 4th, 8 back. 2008. 1 back. Won division by 2. Beat Cubs in NLDS, Lost to Phils in NLCS. 2009. 5 Up. Won division by 3. Lost NLCS to Phillies again. 2010. 11 Back. Finished 4th 11 Back. 2011. 13.5 back. Picked up 2 games but finished in 3rd. 2012. 1/2 game up. All downhill after that finished 8 back of the Giants. 2013. 8.5 Up. Won division by 11. 2014. 4 Up, won division by 6. 2015, 2.5 up. Won division by 8. 2016. 1/2 game up. Won division by 4. 2017. 18.5 up. Won division by 11. You can lose ground as this team did. But they had an insurmountable lead.
2018. 2 back. Tied for division lead on last day, won game 163 to win the division. 2019. 19.5 games up. Lost NLDS to Nationals. So, there you have it. Only one season where they were about where they were yesterday, 1983. So no, I am not really worried about the Dodgers. This team has way more talent than any of those teams had. Granted, the only minus to me is the lack of remaining games against the Giants. But the healthier they get, the better I feel. Relax guys. The real fun is just beginning.
Discussion (55)
Disagree, not disagreeable
How dat Mitch White ?!
What a gutsy performance to spell the bullpen. First Dodgers reliever to go 7.1 scoreless since 1960! Hats off to the kid.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why was Bruihl removed with 2 out in the 2nd inning? The next hitter was a lefty and we brought in White who is a righty. Since Bruihl was due up in the 3rd & could have been removed for a pinch hitter it would seem to be a better move.
I’m gonna have to sleep on it tonight to see what I’m going to complain about. But I’m sure Roberts did something stupid tonight
White went 7 1/3 shut out innings. I think he can easily step into a starting role and not need an opener. With another BP game tomorrow, then Butane, Scherzer and Price. Offense did a good job. Muncy with 2 dingers, Pollock getting 3 hits including a HR, and Seager cracking a 2 run shot. Bottom of the lineup no help. Lux still could not hit water if he fell out of a boat.
If anyone deserved a night off, it’s CT3. I guess if you’re gonna rest a bunch of guys, you might as well do it against the Pirates, who you own at home. It’s already a great day when the Giants and Padres both lose. Hard for me to decide which is sweeter, the Padres losing the Rockies or the Giants losing to a good team. I hope the Mets can continue their funk for exactly 4 more days.
I am really rooting for Mitch White to take the next step tonight. I’m really feeling that quality start if the guys can get him a lead to work with. I’ve always liked him for the weird reason that he went to the same college as my nephew. I think his stuff is capable and that he just needs to dig deep and find a little bulldog in him. Maybe he should hang out with Vesia or Bueller more.
Bear, you really should read “The Catcher in the Rye”. It’s a classic for a reason and it’s an easy and entertaining read. No matter your reading preference, I’m sure you’ll find it enjoyable. I remember laughing a lot while reading it and not wanting to put it down. It’s a short read, you can knock it out in a couple of days and I’m sure you won’t regret the time spent on it.
I spent some time reading testimony from the case today, catching up on Day 1 and Day 2. I guess there’s no new “evidence” on Bauer, everything has already been heard before. Clevenger’s life got turned upside down as a result of this and he looks like the biggest creep with the most to lose. I found it interesting that Bauer’s defense team has argued that he doesn’t meet the requirements of the restraining order. I’m not going attempt to translate the legal reasons, but to put it in layman’s terms, you have to be more than just a “bootie call” to meet the requirement for domestic abuse. The relationship has to be more than purely physical in nature. I’ll save my opinions on how his accuser handled her responses to Bauer’s attorney’s question since I don’t what to start another S-Show. But, let’s just say she didn’t do a great job.
With no new evidence I would hard pressed to think the PPD would press charges. You would think that would be wrapped up pretty soon, except for the fact that this involves a guy who has come out pretty hard against the commissioner in the past. Then the external factors, politics and new CBA right around the corner. There’s no telling how this will end. I still think the path of least resistance is to suspend him for the year and come back when people’s attention is diverted to the next news cycle. Then the fan in me still hopes for the off chance that he’s pitching in big games down the stretch and is a postseason hero.
Wouldn’t that be a strange ending for the strangest of seasons?
The Giants and Padres have already lost. I think the team should put their beast offensive lineup in. That means T. Turner Should definately be in the lineup and should leadoff. Forget days off today. We want the Dodgers to be 3 games out when the game is over! Put a scare into the Giants tonight.
No surprise. Trevor Bauer will be taking the 5th in his restraining order trial. His attorney has asked the Judge if he could make it a blanket claim and not take the stand. He did cite a case in support. The Judge will render her decision on the 5th tomorrow AM. I am not following the trial, but just got a push notification from Twitter, and thought I would share.
I think we already knew that today Turner and Taylor would have a day off tonight, everyone else already had it, only they were the only ones who had not rested
I know many on here are very pro-Gabe Kapler, but I bet that the 2nd guessers will be out for Gabe tonight. After 10 innings, the Giants had already used 23 of the 26 players on the roster. They used 9 pitchers and all 14 of their position players. Their only players that did not enter were starting pitchers, Gausman, Wood, and Webb. What made it even more special was pitcher Tyler Chatwood striking out to end the game. They had nobody else to bring in.
Also what kind of moron is Kapler for taking out Rogers and putting in Jake McGee. McGee blew his 4th save tonight. What a bum. (sarcasm alert).
Mets used all position players except catcher James McCann, and used 7 pitchers of their own.
Tonight’s lineup:
LF AJ
1b Max
3b Justin
SS Corey
c Will
CF Cody
RF Billy
2b Gavin
P Bruihl
No Trea or CT3
Hidden blessings I reckon. Usually never on here after work, but torrential downpours and flash flooding in the area so my 2.5mi “cardio & body weight exercise” around the lake got cancelled. Getting to see the midgets lose more than makes up for that. Thanks Mets! Now time for us to DO SOMETHING about it.
cheers
pb+
Posey strikes out. Slater flies out. Yaz to 3rd two out. Chatwood up. Chatwood strikes out. Mets win 6-2.
GIANTS LOST.
Former Dodger Jake Reed in to pitch the 12th. Yaz on second, Posey, Slater and a pinch hitter coming up. Giants have no position players left, looks like Chatwood or another pitcher will have to hit in that spot. Only 3 players who have not played, Wood, Gausman and Webb.
Pillar pegó jonron de 3 carreras en la entrada 11 ante Chatwood, con suerte gana Mets
Pillar… You are the best, thanks!!
HOME RUN METS! 5-2 ……. gosh I hope that holds.d
edit
6-2 now thanks to a 150 batter, gotta love it.
Smith K’s, Mazeika singles on the 7 the pitch. Smith to 3rd. Pillar up. Pillar hits a 3 run HR, Mets up 5-2 with one out in the 12th.
Giants coming up in the 11th, down 2-1. Familia now pitching for the Mets, LaStella, Bryant and Belt are a combined 0-11 with 4 K’s today. LaStella singles in the tying run. Bryant K’s Belt grounds out, LaStella to 2nd. Crawford up. 0-4 so far.
Padres lose again to the Rockies 7-5. Mets and Giants tied in the top of the 9th.
Muncy: 1B, 2B, 3b
Betts: RF, CF, 2B
Belli: CF, RF, 1B
TT: 2B, SS, CF
CT3: SS, 2B, 3B, LF, CF, RF
Pollock: LF, CF
Lux: 2B, SS, 3B
It seems that everyone is willing to play where it is necessary and where the team needs it with the exception of Seager who only wants to play SS
I cannot remember a year where I have seen this many players. DFA’d, placed on release waivers, put on the IL< or lost via a waiver claim in years. Seems like guys are dropping like flies. Spring went back on the IL after less than a month off of it. Jack Morris suspended by the Tigers and their broadcasting partners, Bally Sports, after making a racial slur against Shohei Ohtani yesterday.
Giants getting great work from their pen today. 1-0 in the 7th. Mets just living up to the criticism leveled at them by their owner today. Rockies up on the Padres in the 7th, 7-5.
Hopefully it won’t take as long to figure out Lux can’t play third as it did with Joc at first base last year! Tough first game back for Gavin. But I’m not giving up on the young man. He struggled his first year in the minors when he first signed so I want to see how he adapts next year. Can’t give up on a guy who was the minor league player of the year. Hang in there Gavin and remember swing at the fastballs in the zone and take the ones that aren’t!
I’m not worried but it would sure be nice to see the Giants lose a game or two. Man, who are those guys !
I am a lawyer with a practice in another country. I always wonder, how is it possible for a player to be hired to play, not play and still be paid. Something tells me that there is a clause that frees the clubs to pay in those cases. Or, there might be some insurance that compensates the clubs when this happens. But still, I’m not sure because like I said, I don´t practice in the US. Can someone clarify please?
Go Dodgers.
Padres down 3-2 to the Rockies already. 2nd inning. Giants and Mets just getting underway. So Mets will come in here rested a little as opposed to how they arrived in SF. Game will be over long before the Dodger game starts. 3 Dodgers hitters hitting .500 against Pirate starter Brubaker. No HR’s though. T. Turner is hitting .333 off of him.
I read today, and someone else might have mentioned this already, but it was that we put Hamels on the 60 day basically ending his season & will pay him a million for never playing this year
cheers pb+
Jeff, thank you for clearing up that for me re. Cartaya.
In case anyone missed it:
Landon Knack, RHP (No. 12), Double-A Tulsa
After allowing six runs in 3 2/3 innings in his worst outing of the season, Knack put together one of his best on Tuesday. The 24-year-old yielded one hit, a one-out double in the first, and struck out eight while retiring the final 11 batters he faced. Despite his rocky outing on Aug. 11, Knack has held the opposition scoreless in three of his last four starts to bring his ERA down to 2.82 in his first professional season.
He pitched 6 innings/1 H/0 BB/9 K
Cody Hoese was back after having his swing “overhauled” and was 2-5. Busch was 2-5, Vargas 2-3 and Ryan Noda hit a Grand Slam (his 23rd HR).
Prayers out to A’s pitcher Chris Bassitt who was hit in the face by a Chris Goodwin line drive and was carted off the field. Here is the latest on Bassitt’s condition:
“The Athletics announced that Bassitt received stitches for two facial lacerations and was diagnosed with a displaced tripod fracture in his right cheek that will require surgery.” Vision tests and a CT scan revealed no additional damage, and Bassitt also avoided any damage to his orbital bone. He’s been released from the hospital for the time being.”
Afternoon guys. Look, we are all grownups on here. Or at least we are supposed to be. And I know some were not offended by Bluto’s comment. That is cool. But, we really have no need to curse like that. I spent time in the military so I became numb to those kinds of things, and being a trucker for so many years dodging idiot 4 wheelers who never pay attention to the road, increased that numbness. But as I have aged, I have really tried very hard to be a more mellow person. Sometimes things happen and the old feelings surface again. But when I am on here, I really try to keep it in check. Bluto apologized and I removed the offensive words from the post. But lets at least try to keep things civil. What is posted here can be removed. Mark has given me the ok to do that. I will only do that if it crosses the line. Name calling is not a good idea. As for talking about Covid and mask protocols, as long as it relates to the team, that is fine. I knew yesterday that as of midnight last night LA was going to require masks at all events where 10,000 or more people were going to be. That decision was posted on Yahoo news yesterday morning. Here in the building where I live, i was informed yesterday by the manager that wearing the masks in the building will be reinstated this week. It seems one of our residents was exposed to Covid. It does not matter if you are inoculated or not.
I was more concerned at the time about the 3 scorpions I have seen and killed in the last week. Little buggers are a pain. Anyway, lets hope for a sweep, and health for all of our players. White will get the first innings tonight. Jansen will be unavailable after making 25 pitches last night.
I do not know if the Dodgers will catch the Giants, but how much smarter will Dave Roberts be when he can trot out this lineup:
Mookie Betts
Trea Turner
Corey Seager
Max Muncy
JT
AJ Pollock
Cody Bellinger
Will Smith
And a potential playoff rotation of:
Walker Buehler
Max Scherzer
Julio Urias
Clayton Kershaw
I have held my tongue long enough on the apparent hate-fest for Dave Roberts as the LAD manager by many. I am not a Dave Roberts apologist as I too question some of his lineups and in-game decisions. But I do not dwell on it. I also know that every manager out there makes the same bonehead lineups and in-game decisions (in our opinions without all of the facts). Managing is a very imperfect position, especially when trying to put the right pegs in the right holes when even the best hitters fail 7 out of 10 ABs.
I am not going to highlight the fact that LAD has the best record in MLB since Roberts became the manager. I will just focus on 2021. I keep reading that it is easy to have the best record when you have the best team in the League. On paper, that is exactly what LAD has. Unfortunately that is not the team that they have been playing with for most of the year.
The Dodgers have used 34 pitchers this season, and many of those did not start the season in the organization. When Neftali Perez and Evan Phillips are sent into a game, add 2 more to the list.
The Dodgers are down to 1 starting pitcher out of the 5 that started the season. They have used 17 different starting pitchers compared to both the Giants and Padres who have had 10. Tampa Bay has used 13.
CT3 leads the Dodgers in games played (114) and PA (470). JT (108/450) and Max (102/429) are 2nd and 3rd. Nobody expected CT3 to play as much as he has been asked to, and probably JT. Max…yes. The Dodgers are in the race largely because of CT3 who has been the MVP for LAD in 2021.
If the starters played most of the season, as they did last year and 2017 and 2018, the three years they had the best record, there would be no question that the Dodgers would be in 1st place. However, that has not been the case this year. The team has played 120 games and three of the most important position players have not played as much as anticipated.
Mookie – 87 games
Belli – 61 games
Seags – 53 games
And none of the three have had the type of year that makes them All-Stars, especially Belli, although Mookie was heating up at the right time, and Seags is showing signs that he is getting back to his expected level. Since he has returned, Corey has played in 16 games with 67 PA and is batting .328/.403/.500/.903. They are 12-4 in those 16 games. Think they missed Corey? His HR swing is not back, but power is the last to return.
Dustin May’s last game was May 1, and he will be out for the year (and much of – if not all of 2022). Trevor Bauer has been out since June 28, and his return is dubious at best. Clayton Kershaw has been out since July 3. Bauer has missed 7 starts and Kershaw 6. Julio Urias will miss his 1st in this series with Pittsburgh.
Tony Gonsolin has pitched 10 games and 35.2 IP. I doubt that he will make it back this year.
Corey Knebel was out from April 23 to August 10. He was expected to be a key late inning high leverage reliever and has pitched in 12 games and 9.1 innings.
One of the best relievers the Dodgers had this season, when he did pitch, was Jimmy Nelson. He is now out for the year.
VGon who was one of the huge highlights from last year’s team has been hurt most of the year. Same with Brusdar Graterol.
And yet with all of the missing pieces somehow some way the team is 74-46 (.617). That is the 2nd best record in MLB and is projected to be a 100 win season. Unfortunately they trail SFG by 4.0 games who is playing well over their heads. Will they have a melt down at some point? Maybe, maybe not. Like it or not, since AF has been with the team, the players take designated days off, so they can get through a tough 162 game schedule. It seems to have worked thus far in his tenure. Since the schedule is not reported, I have no idea if last night’s game was a scheduled night off for Max or JT. Both were hit by pitch the game before. Some took exception to them not being in the starting lineup, and I suppose they had a peek at the medicals to know that they were okay and should have started. Unfortunately I did not have that luxury so I had no idea if they were hurt or not. I do know that JT still has a tender groin, and does have a history of groin pulls. Maybe sit JT and start Max. Or maybe right or wrong, the Dodgers wanted to get a look at Lux at 3B. It didn’t work, but the Dodgers won the game. Or maybe Doc had better information and decided to rest two regulars at the right time, hoping they would not have to be used.
I can’t count the number of times that many of the Doc detractors were saying how much better a manager Jayce Tingler was. How do you like him now? I am a Gabe Kapler fan (more for personal reasons), but I cannot forget his dismal start in Philly. He was also very much questioned last year in SF. Some on here like Kevin Cash. They complain about the number of moves Doc makes, but his moves are minor compared to Cash’s. Tampa Bay has one pitcher who has 100+ IP, and he is on the IL (Ryan Yarborough). They are the master of the bullpen game. BTW, I too am a Kevin Cash fan, but again for personal reasons. Cash was Tito Francona’s bullpen coach in Cleveland right before he was hired to be Tampa Bay’s manager. That was the job my son was going to interview for with Francona. He chose not to. What might have been????
The use of KJ as the closer. Has anyone here actually spoken to Treinen and KJ about who should be closer and who should be setup? It is just as likely that the Dodger organization believes that Treinen is so good as the current year setup that they are willing to continue KJ as the closer, as that is the role he prefers and is best used at, or so the LAD organization believes. He has 25 saves and 5 blown saves, with three blown saves coming in one horrific five game stretch at a critical time. It has nothing to do with salary. It appears that Knebel will assume the Andrew Miller role and come in when the team needs him in high leverage situations, Treinen will be the setup, and KJ the closer. BTW, KJ has closed the game seven times this month, and three were back to back games. In those games, he has one win and two saves. He is a roller coaster ride to be sure, but he is finding success. If it were not for that five game stretch, KJ would be considered one of the best closers this year. But he did have that five game stretch, so the skepticism.
Bottom line, I have respect for opinions other than mine, and I do not consider those who disagree with me as morons. But I am not a moron because I do not believe that Doc is as bad as a manager that many of you believe.
Thank you Bear for the info re. Cartaya. It seems like he has been on that IL for weeks.
Read that yesterday. Interesting stuff.
Interesting article to add to the Dave Roberts debate. From Dodgers Nation https://www.dodgersnation.com/dodgers-on-dave-roberts-a-wonderful-man-and-a-decision-making-liability/2021/08/17/
I guess today I’ll be one of the “bitchers”, only I don’t really see it that way.
I guess I could just say “All’s well that ends well” and move on, after win. But I can’t.
We all know we’re 4 back with 42 to play.
We need to win games.
I’ve been patient with Doc or whom ever the wizard is behind the curtain is but I have no idea what the thinking was with last night’s line up.
Here are my questions:
* As I stated previously, I don’t like giving 2 regulars the night off at the same time. Don’t sit Muncy and JT at the same time. The regulars are playing great right now so let them continue to carry the mail.
* Do we have a need at 3rd that I don’t know about? JT, Muncy and Taylor can’t handle the position?
* What is the urgency getting Lux in the line up? Have we been dying to get him healthy and get that bat in the line up?
* Lux at 3rd. First time ever. He easily could have had 4 errors there instead of 2, in the first 4 innings. If his 2 throws to 1st would have been 6 inches wider, he would have had 4 errors in 4 chances. I generally hate the contact play but not with Lux at 3rd. He had the runner cold and short hopped Smith giving up the run. His throws looked very “yippie”. I feel sorry for the kid being put in that situation.
* Belli in 4 hole, again. He had a super hustle double but he and Lux early had 2 horrible situational at bats, failing to move runners to 3rd at least. He also fanned on another 95 mph, co**shot.
* I would keep CT3 in center where he is more comfortable instead of right for only the 4th time this year. With Belli’s D, it doesn’t matter where he plays.
* Price could and should have gone 6 or 7 with help. Doc still took him out too early,
* Don’t pitch KJ consecutive games. How many times do we need to say that?
* Beaty had a nice game.
* Doc finally got the Varsity position players in by the 7th. So that was really a valuable rest for JT? Maybe we could trade to get Joc back and Doc could start him at 1st with Lux at 3rd? It would be a handicap system like bowling of golf. We can give more teams like the Pirates a crack at beating us. After all, we have plenty of games to piss away to prepare for the Wildcard Game.
In Doc’s post game interview yesterday he said Lux will be playing 2B today, so yet again somebody is getting a day off, my guess probably T. Turner or Seager.
It seems like a lot of you are down on Dave Roberts (to the point of making things up), and high on Gabe Kapler. It was less than 2 years ago, when this was reported by The Ringer:
“Gabe Kapler came by his first MLB managerial job as an unabashedly unconventional candidate, a man with many personal idiosyncrasies—from the coconut oil incident to the ice cream affair—that made him extremely easy to mock. He arrived in a Philadelphia sports landscape that had just run Eagles coach Chip Kelly out of town and was recovering from a battle over Sam Hinkie. Heterodoxy was not a good survival mechanism, particularly for a manager who bollixed a pitching change, against the Braves no less, to lose literally his first game in charge.
And yet, even after the Phillies fired Kapler on Thursday morning after just two seasons in charge, it would be unfair to say that he was doomed from the start. The Phillies took a gamble on Kapler and stayed in the pot longer than was tenable. Even after the 2018 team went from first place on August 12 to 10 games out by season’s end, a stupefying collapse that coincided with a rapidly toxifying clubhouse atmosphere. Even after reports surfaced last winter that during Kapler’s time as the Dodgers’ farm director, he’d failed to report accounts of sexual assault and harassment by his players to MLB or police, and that he was being investigated for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act committed during his time in L.A. These revelations should have been troubling enough to sink even an established and successful manager, and yet the Phillies stood by him.
Philadelphia entered the 2019 season having bolstered its roster with free-agent additions Bryce Harper, David Robertson, and Andrew McCutchen, and veteran trade acquisitions J.T. Realmuto and Jean Segura. These additions added some $45 million net to the Opening Day payroll and, in concert with homegrown stars Aaron Nola and Rhys Hoskins, signified that the team aimed to contend—and soon—and that Kapler was the manager to lead them.
After a spate of injuries and the shocking realization that a contending team needs more than one good pitcher, the Phillies finished 81-81, just one game better than their 2018 record. Another second-half collapse dropped the club to fourth place in a division where the Mets, Braves, and Nationals had also done some serious offseason retooling. Even then, it took the Phillies 10 days of postseason deliberations to muster up the gumption to cashier the manager whose physique was as shredded as his pitching staff.
For all of his failings, the mess Kapler leaves behind is not entirely one of his own making. And the longer one looks at that mess, the clearer it becomes that removing Kapler is far from the last step in the journey back to the playoffs. The 2019 Phillies went into the season with Jake Arrieta, Zach Eflin, Vince Velasquez, and Nick Pivetta set to fill out the rotation behind Nola, and all four of those pitchers were hurt, ineffective, or both for long swaths of the season, leaving the team to try to grasp at a playoff berth while rolling Jason Vargas and Drew Smyly out for two-fifths of its games. Almost every hitter in the lineup underachieved to some extent this year, and once-promising guys like Maikel Franco, Cesar Hernandez, and Nick Williams now look like write-offs.
Kapler’s departure won’t solve those shortcomings, and it seems like team president Andy MacPhail and general manager Matt Klentak know it. The very fact that it took so long to fire Kapler when the team’s fate was sealed by early September reeks of organizational dysfunction. The club is once again considering playing Scott Kingery at shortstop despite mountains of evidence that it didn’t work in 2018. The Phillies also decided to retain nine assistant coaches, which might dissuade experienced managerial candidates like Joe Maddon and Dusty Baker, who might be inclined to hire their own staffs. That means the next manager will probably be a stopgap, someone to douse the fire before it spreads to the front office.
Because while Kapler was weird, and divisive, and corrupt, and deserved to be fired long ago, it remains a distinct possibility that he was not the only reason the Phillies underachieved the past two years. If they swoon again in 2020, Klentak might not have to ponder his fate for 10 days after the season ends.”
Now, Kapler can do no wrong. Did he totally change and do a 180? The answer is simple. The Giants are executing while the Phillies didn’t. You can put it all on the manager. I think about 90% is on the players.
How would you like to be Clev when he reads his dalliance is now public knowledge? TS, “tough situation”. Collateral damage to the Bauer saga and maybe a reason why the Padres are sinking in the west. Tatis, Clevenger and who else on that team have been dipping it? I’m not condoning Bauer beating up girls, but these ladies who like the ball players. Reminds me of the lady in The Natural.
What I felt terrible for was Clevenger’s wife/GF. They have kids, she looks like a normal sweet lady. I don’t get why teams don’t have an annual training for “do’s and don’ts!” Just using the examples of our local guys: Kobe, even Urias. Don’t hit your ladies, don’t hook up with internet floozies, careful of social media. This shit ain’t that hard!! Cra cra behavior that let’s everyone down.
I don’t think Lux enjoyed being trusted tp play 3b and I don’t think CT3 felt good in RF. They might not hold Doc at blame even if this were the case as they know he has a book to follow. I sure don’t know. I’m in my living room or bedroom and can only guess. If there’s poison in the clubhouse it doesn’t mean it is Roberts at the center of it. With fans it’s convenient to be unaware and have something to say. It might not be so easy if we were in the know.
20 years ago today is the worse day of my life. I don’t care for holidays or anniversaries much. Mine are not in celebration, but I’ll dance at your weddings.
What’s happens to Diego Cartaya? It’s like he’s disappeared.
LA county to require masks now at outdoor events.
This is unbelievable.
1) We were told if vaccinated you dont need to wear a mask
2) We were told you only have to wear a mask inside
3) Now we are told we must wear a mask OUTSIDE.
We have all been told some fantastic lies.
I was planning to go to LA in late September for a couple Dodgers and a Rams game, I’m really re-thinking that now. A darn shame.
I have watched Vargas several times with Tulsa.
There is no way he can play 3B at the MLB level… at this time.
Maybe in a year… but he will be average at best. Guys can surprise you, but he looks like a 1B to me.
At any rate, he is not ready for the Show… maybe in late 22…
Okay, I’ll admit it. Kenley makes me nervous. His control is somewhat lacking at times and that’s an issue. In numerous games walks get him in trouble. I have not forgotten the three blown saves in a week, including the two against the Giants. I also agree with Badger, he’s less effective when he goes back to back games. It’s one thing to give up a double, another to walk the next batter. Somehow I always feel we’re walking along a disintegrating cliff when Jansen comes in … maybe there isn’t a fix. It is what it is since the Dodgers have been forced to go the bullpen often.
Hey, back to Dodger Stadium tonight. LA County has imposed mask wearing for outdoor events of 10,000 or more. Obviously you can drop the mask to eat or drink, but then they want you to put it back on. Everything I read says the vaccines are working so the only conclusion I can reach is we’re being punished for the unvaccinated. Yet more and more people are getting vaccinated every day, the pharmacies are busy. Even the county data says the vaccines are working.
The Giants are no doubt good, that’s obvious, but they are the luckiest team I’ve seen.
Somebody mentioned on the MLB network the other day that soft tissue injuries are off the charts across the majors this season. There is a reason for that and baseball needs to figure it out. In the “good old days” players didn’t seem to be injured all the time. Is it weights, training methods, lack of stretching, not running on natural surfaces, instead using machines, travel etc.
Ryan Ward homered on the first pitch of the bottom of the first inning yesterday recording his 21st blast of the season to inch closer to teammate Andy Pages’ 23, which leads the High-A Central.
Ward going long on Tuesday made it four consecutive games with a home run. Ward, the reigning High-A Central’s offensive player of the week, has homered five times in his last four games, and finished the Wisconsin series on Sunday with his fifth multi-HR game of the season.
The good thing is that we are Dodgers fans, and this is the best time ever to be.
The bad thing is that we are Dodgers fans, and this being the best time ever, we want them to win all 162 games!
How different would this season be if Toles was playing?
I read the future, and today I can tell you who will win the championship this year …. DODGERS 2021….
Wow, Kenley sure doesn’t learn his lessons, but you have to admire his determination, I guess? Macia, hit it right on the head last night. Kenley fell in love with his cutter again. It isn’t good enough for him to continue his recent success, he has to revert to his favorite pitch. The one that got him his big payday. This is why he can’t be trusted.
I seriously doubt that the Front Office or Dave Roberts is keeping him in that closer spot just because he’s paid the most. Treinen is being paid well, not by Kenley’s standards, but more than enough to be the closer. It’s most likely because he’s been good overall. It ain’t pretty at times, but he’s got the job done at an acceptable rate. He’s still one of the best closers in the league if you look at the numbers. They also know that he isn’t that good if you have to bring him in with runners on in a tight game like they did with Knebel in the 5th. They used Treinen in the 8th to face the top of the order and got their two best hitters. By keeping him at closer where his fragile ego wants to pitch, it seems to be the best arrangement on this team right now. Especially when 3/5 of your rotation can’t get through 5 innings.
Doc still has a very quick hook with Price. In the 5th inning, Price starts out with a K and a groundout. Then an error and a 9 pitch walk ends his night at just 67 pitches. Maybe with a bigger lead he tries to get a little more out of Price. Instead he uses Knebel early, gets out of the jam and the bullpen breezes through the lineup until Kenley decides he wants to work off his cutter again. Hopefully he learns now. Overall, I think it’s just a matter of time before Kenley melts down again. But, I feel like they’re in between a rock and a hard place because Kenley’s fragile ego will prevent him from being successful in another role.
When the pitching staff comes off the IL and our best bullpen pieces are together, maybe we can use Kenley more sparingly. Until then, we’re stuck in the current position.
Kenley and Doc are kindred spirits in the sense that most of the time, they can do their job effectively without issue. But, other times they want to put their mark on the game and it blows up in their face.
The Doc effect is a fascinating phenomenon on this site. The detractors hate how stupid and smug he sounds in his interviews and point to endless examples of mismanagement to the point that some decisions are questioned when they probably shouldn’t be. Even his supporters say that game management isn’t his strong suit and his value is his communication skills and running a cohesive dugout. Overall, most admit he’s a bad in game manager, detractors and supporters alike.
If he is so divisive on a blog site, how do you think the players think of him? I don’t think it’s a given that all the players respect what he’s doing. All of these guys have played for all kinds of managers from a very young age over the course of 20-30 years. Maybe this explains the sloppy play on the field at times. Maybe they don’t “buy in” as much as people might think. Maybe that’s why they always seem to have an Albert, Freeze or Utley type on the roster.
It is what it is. He’s the manager right now and that isn’t going to change this season. But, it’s kind of senseless to bash people who don’t share your same opinion. People complain about a lot of things on this site. It seems that Doc is the thing that really gets under people’s skin on both sides.
On the bright side, we win another game. There’s just as much pressure on the Giants as there is on us right now. They have to keep that lead just as much as we have to make up ground. How are they gonna feel if they’re in first place all season, and choke it up at the very end? That could be just as devastating as our team falling a game or two short.
Another bullpen game today with Mitch White on the hill for the first 3-5 innings with a little luck. I’m a bit concerned facing the Mets if they lose again to the Giants. They have to win sometime, don’t they?
Why can’t Treinen ever be used for a second inning? (8 pitches last night) It all worked out last night, but, mark my words, Jansen is going to cost us.
I’m afraid that Beaty may have batted his way out of the starting lineup last night,
Fortunately, we are playing the Pittsburg Pirates. There is a reason why they have lost so many games. Very simply….they can’t hit very well and they can’t pitch very well. I know that Reynolds kid is pretty good, but no one else causes me to start biting my nails when they get up with bases loaded.
As for our boys, i do have one thing gnawing at me. Why Lux playing 3B? Is he the best we have from our minors? Lux out there reminds me of the look my deer have in my backyard have when they see this giant dog come out of the house next door to do his business.
I’m glad JT got a night off but like I said, if this was anyone other than Pitt and Arizona, can we really afford to have such a confused player who has never played 3B in his life start there? I can’t imagine Lux at 3B is any better than this kid in the minors who naturally plays 3B…Miguel Vargas I believe. Bear….correct me here and explain to me why you would prefer to start Lux at 3B over Vargas. Would you prefer to see Lux at 3B if there were a LHP seeing he only bats around .120 with 1 RBI against them.
Could Vargas be any worse than Lux at 3B if there were a LHP? I don’t think so. What asset does Lux have that makes you feel good about starting him at 3B over Vargas, whether a RHP or a LHP? I know it’s not his arm, his bat has gone South for a long time now, so what then?
Oh, and don’t forget, Vargas is a RHB and is 21 years old so it’s not like he is a teenager.
Looking forward for some dialog here. I know Lux can play SS and 2B so I guess this makes him the better guy to have coming off the bench, but the hypothetical I was creating just to have a discussion is more related to who is the better person to have start at 3B- Lux or Vargas? And you can treat Vargas like we do these bullpen guys….play him for a couple of days to give JT and CT a day off, then send him back down when that mission has been accomplished.
Thanks,
TM
Good game by Beaty
The only mistake I saw by Roberts is one he’s done numerous times this year – he used Jansen in back to back nights. Maybe he feels with such an overworked bullpen he must do it. And if he must do it, it’s not a mistake.
Everyone has a role in that pen. Like it or not, Jansen is the closer. I’m fine with it. Just not on back to back nights. We won. I figured we would.
I don’t understand those of you who to continue to complain about Roberts. We are the current World Series Champions. With a championship team burdened by injuries to key positions all year, with a Cy Young winning starter suspended for humiliating reasons, Roberts has the team sitting in a playoff position with the second best record in baseball. Complain if you must, but it’s my opinion complaining about a winning team is foolish. It’s my opinion we are fortunate to be Dodger fans.
As funny as Alfred E. Newman and Spy vs. Spy were, the high comedy about Dave Roberts is much better.
It is pure fiction and it is funny.
Why did they not start Turner? It’s because Roberts is an idiot, not that maybe JT’s groin strain needs a little rest.
Why is Kenley the closer? Because Roberts wants to get fired so he will have no income?
Why is Bellinger hitting cleanup? Because Roberts winning percentage is too high and he wants to bring it down.
Oh, but they won! Dang, Roberts failed again!
You bitchers probably don’t know, but that is pure sarcasm.
What a bag of hammers!!! Some of you have no clue.
This is a Public Service Announcement!