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Why Hasn’t Doc Announced a NEW Closer?

It s no secret that many Dodger fans want to be rid of Kenley Jansen. I started this blog before the game last night and finished it this morning, so I am not just riding the bandwagon of the Good Kenley, who notched his 26th save last night on just 7 pitches all strikes! Some fans will say it is because Dave Roberts is just a bad manager as to

By Mark Timmons5 min read54 comments

It’s no secret that many Dodger fans want to be rid of Kenley Jansen. I started this blog before the game last night and finished it this morning, so I am not just riding the bandwagon of the “Good Kenley,” who notched his 26th save last night on just 7 pitches – all strikes!

Some fans will say it is because Dave Roberts is just a bad manager as to why he has not removed the Closer tag from Kelley Jansen’s name. The last I checked, it is a free country (although some may debate that) and you can believe what you want. I say he has not removed the closer tag from Kenley’s name is because he is a good manager.

What do labels mean anyway? Does Dave Roberts need to put the sign “Closer” above Kenley Jansen’s Locker? If so, should they put this sign above Albert Pujols locker: “Washed up Hall-of-Famer, Now a Sub“? How about Trea “Many Think He Should be the Dodger SS” Turner? Or, maybe, Cody “Send his Butt to OKC” Bellinger? Should Blake Treinen or Corey Knebel be the closer? Both are capable and both will close games this year. I guarantee it! But the Closer Tag needs to hang on Kenley… kind of like the Ace Tag needs to hang on Clayton Kershaw. They have earned it by their tenure.

A good manager does not need to talk about it. When he calls to the bullpen, whoever is asked to get up, just needs to do their job and man-o-man has this bullpen ever done their job! I would be remiss if I did not remind you that I have been saying this all year that this bullpen would be great, and I have been shot down at just about every mention of it… until it’s no longer possible to argue otherwise. Even Eric has had to admit that these guys are pretty dang good!

Most fans blasted the Adam Kolarek and Dylan Floro trades, but Kolarek is back at AAA after having an ERA over 8.00 and a WHIP of 2.22 with Oakland this year. The jury is still out on Sheldon Noisy and Gus Varland, but Kolarek was no loss. Dylan Floro has been solid with the Marlins, but right here, right now, I take Alex Vesia every time over Dylan. Vesia is also capable of closing… maybe even this year. The Dodgers needed a LH high-leverage reliever to go with Victor Gonzalez, who has struggled but seems to be getting healthy right about now… if he doesn’t kill himself belly-flopping.

The Dodgers now have a 3.04 team ERA… by far the best in baseball. No one will catch them as they will again win the ERA title. They will not win the bullpen ERA title, but they are solid at #4 right now and could get to #2 as the Rays arms start to fall off with the number of innings they have pitched. This bullpen is currently the best in baseball and the stats prove it. I am not talking about for the season, but I am talking about right here, right now! Look at the list of players who will be competing for bullpen spots for the playoffs:

  • Scott Alexander – He has been solid when healthy, but that is the problem.
  • Phil Bickford – He has emerged as the “go to guy” when the bullpen come in.
  • Justin Bruihl – It’s hard to see him on the playoff roster, but so far he has not flinched.
  • Garrett Cleavinger – It seems like “next yaer” is his time, but you see flashes.
  • Neftali Feliz – Does he have anything left? We don’t know… yet.
  • Tony Gonsolin – Has not been healthy most of the year, but is a solid swingman when healthy.
  • Victor Gonzalez – He is “rounding” back into shape (Round is a shape).
  • Brusdar Graterol – The Bazooka is learning to pitch. He is still developing.
  • Shane Green – He has the experience, but can he still pitch? I have no clue.
  • Andre Jackson – Something really bad has to happen to a lot of pitchers for him to make the playoffs.
  • Kenley Jansen – Closer.
  • Corey Knebel – Closer too.
  • Darien Nunez – A year away.
  • Evan Phillips – Organizational depth
  • David Price – Swingman
  • Blake Treinen – Another closer.
  • Edwin Uceta – Wait until next year
  • Julio Urias – Could see time in the pen in the Playoffs.
  • Alex Vesia – Set up man.
  • Mitch White – Electric arm, great stuff, starter, reliever.

There are going to be some really good arms left off the playoff roster. Everyone is getting healthy all at once and if Jimmy Nelson were not injured this might be one of the better bullpens of all time. Still, it is pretty dang good as these guys have grown into their roles. It has been fun to watch them through this season and see the progress. That is one of the main things I love about the game. Many of you see a player pitch poorly and want to send him back to AAA – I see flashes of brilliance and know he can build on that. Alex Vesia and Phil Bickford are two such guys. There are a lot of great arms in this bullpen.

The Dodgers are now 1.5 games behind the Giants and I predict that Mookie Betts will be activated tonight or tomorrow… if he does not have any pain today. He has not been out long enough to warrant a rehab assignment. Also, it will be a big shot in the arm for his teammates to see him walk or run to his position in RF. I am predicting it right now. Let’s see what happens.

Then, there is this Trevor Bauer thing… It is going to have to be decided by MLB before the end of the month, in my opinion. Lots of people have weighed in on this issue, but I am certain of one thing: Most of them do not thoroughly understand what constitutes “Evidence.” I have heard so many conflicting opinions. I even read an article by an attorney that I thought was total BS. But what do I know? I was just the only white guy in America who predicted OJ would be acquitted in his criminal trial, but even Ray Charles could see he would lose his civil trial. I have no opinion about the guilt or innocence of Bauer, but what I do know is that right about now, all we have are accusations. I think a lot will happen in the next 10 days. Stay tuned!

Dodger Minor League News

  • Ryan Pepiot was beaten like a rented mule last night – 4.1 IP/8 Runs/ 4 BB/2 HR.
  • Sheldon Noisy was 3-5.
  • Jeren Kendall hit his 10th HR and was 2-5, as was Busch who hit his 15th HR.
  • Vargas continues to rake and was 3-6 (.317 BA).
  • Cody Hoese was 2-5.
  • Mark Washington pitched the final 3 (scoreless) innings and got his 5th win.
  • Ryan January (catcher) was 3-3 with his 5th HR for the Loons.

Discussion (54)

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  1. HawkeyedodgerAugust 22, 2021

    Let’s put aside whether Bauer should or shouldn’t be suspended. The Dodgers have won nine in a row. It would be a complete circus if he were to return to the clubhouse. They’re trying to chase down the Giants. Does anyone think they want the distraction? I think the Dodgers are dying for Manfred to suspend him so that distraction doesn’t enter the clubhouse and the Dodgers can void his contract.

  2. DodgerLoverAugust 22, 2021

    9

  3. Jose Luis ibarraAugust 22, 2021

    No estamos bateando con corredores en posición de anotar, recuerda que las carreras que no anotas en tu oportunidad, ellos te las anotan en su turno.

  4. Duke Not SniderAugust 22, 2021

    Doc hasn’t announced a new closer because there’s no need to.

    All considered, Kenley’s been good. Not the old dominant self, but good. Treinen has been better, but not by a huge margin.

    Today’s game demonstrated Roberts strategy: Treinen came in a bit early to face the heart of the Mets order. Alonso ended his scoreless streak, which was bound to happen.

    Then came Knebel. Nice to have him back. And then entered Kenley who–of course!–made us nervous by hitting Pillar, the first batter with a pitch. And then–of course!–a deep fly that, with a little better launch angle or a tad more force, might have put the Mets in the lead. And then Kenley shut them down, flashing some of that old speed. All considered, I think the role of closer should be shared. But there’s a lot to be said for shutting down the heart of the order in the 7th or 8th inning, is often Treinen’s role.

    A dominant pitcher in the end, regardless of quality of the batters, is a wonderful thing. But the Dodgers don’t have prime Jansen or prime Gagne. They do have impressive veteran depth, plus fast risers like Bickford and Vesia, and also the unharnessed potential of Graterol. Plus, Mitch White is making a case for the 2022 rotation. The reliever who won’t make the playoff roster would be go-to stalwarts on most playoff teams. (For lefties, Dodgers have Price, VGon and now Vesia. Who am I forgetting?)

    Roberts suggests the law of averages are the reason that the Dodgers are winning one-run games, because the “effort” is the same. Eh, maybe. But “effort” is not the same as performance. Trea Turner’s impact has been obvious, as has the excellent work of the bullpen.

    On the flipside, there’s the generally mediocre defense, including the fact that the Dodgers are still the worst team in the majors at preventing steals. How often has that resulted in a one-run loss?

    Meanwhile, the Giants managed to pull off at 9th-inning come-from-behind win over Oakland one a Lamont Wade HR. Never noticed the guy until this season, but he’s been great. And now the Padres are in danger of losing the wild card slot.

    I really prefer this new edition of the old historic rivalry to the challenge from the Padres. Just too easy to root against Machado, I guess, and isn’t it fun to see Yaz’s grandson playing to well? And he’s another guy who, unlike the phenom Tatis, didn’t really blossom until his late 20s. We are duty-bound to detest the Giants, but they are really a pretty likeable group of underdogs.

  5. dodgerramAugust 21, 2021

    Giants are relentless, getting clutch hit after clutch hit in the close games all year.

    Will be tough to catch them if they keep this up.

    Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  6. Daniel EstradaAugust 21, 2021

    Giants won, so the 1.5 distance continue

  7. nonicnamebumfanAugust 21, 2021

    Giants win

  8. TMAugust 21, 2021

    Wow, Jansen looks good back to back. I guess nothing is a 100% given.

    Glad he did. I closed my eyes after he hit the first guy but then he rose up, just like I knew he would. Lol

  9. BearAugust 21, 2021

    Wade hits a HR in the top of the 9th with one on, Giants up 6-5 with one out.

  10. Mark TimmonsAugust 21, 2021

    The Giants just took the lead in the 9th with a 2-run blast by Wade.

    They ain;t going away!

  11. porpoiseboyAugust 21, 2021

    So does this mean the blowout game comes tomorrow?

  12. CassidyAugust 21, 2021

    That had to be the two most pathetic home run robbing attempts by Smith and Pollock today!!! Laughable!

  13. Mark TimmonsAugust 21, 2021

    BTW, Trea Turner is very fast, but he is not a defensive wizard.

  14. CassidyAugust 21, 2021

    Jansen says “take that LADT”!!!!

  15. Mark TimmonsAugust 21, 2021

    Kenley Jansen does not know that he is done.

    Kenley Jansen does not know he can’t pitch on back-to-back days.

    Doc and AF are playing with Supercomputers while you guys are playing tiddly-winks!

  16. Daniel EstradaAugust 21, 2021

    Jansen is a Champion.. jajaja

  17. norcaldodgerfanAugust 21, 2021

    KJ with back-to-back saves. Doc pushed all the right buttons today. Can’t stop us now!

  18. BadgerAugust 21, 2021

    Yes, Jansen.

  19. nonicnamebumfanAugust 21, 2021

    Give Jansen credit where credit is due. Pretty sure he’s due for a bigger jockstrap

    Another one run win, how do you like me now??

  20. EricAugust 21, 2021

    This drives me crazy too, a one run lead with Jansen pitching the ninth.

    I’m feeling better about our bullpen but I still have a problem with Jansen.

  21. BadgerAugust 21, 2021

    Not Jansen. Not Jansen. Not Jansen.

  22. norcaldodgerfanAugust 21, 2021

    Dodgers only scored one with a bases loaded no out opportunity and the A’s have given up back-to-back HR’s to the Giants. Both games in the 7th with the Dodgers up by one and the A’s clinging onto a one run lead. Sure hope it holds and we can be .5 GB

  23. BadgerAugust 21, 2021

    Sure would be nice to see this offense string a few hits together.

  24. TMAugust 21, 2021

    And just like that it is 4-3……never a dull moment is there?

  25. EricAugust 21, 2021

    That drives me crazy bases loaded and nobody out and only score one run.

  26. Mark TimmonsAugust 21, 2021

    Kirsten Watson has improved sooooo much. I really like her now that she speaks up and asserts herself!

  27. NonicnamebumfanAugust 21, 2021

    Damn we’re not pounding them like I thought we would. Mountain dick has kept them in the game. Game is not over yet though, Scherzer is not quite on his game

  28. porpoiseboyAugust 21, 2021

    Bear, my compliments to you Sensei. That call on Tito Albert was other worldly. Talk about speaking truth into POWER. Nice job dude. Did you hear the stat about that being Tito’s 2nd dinger against Hill with four-hundred & something between this one and the first? I really have been enjoying the Nomar & Joe shows.

    cheers

    pb+

  29. nonicnamebumfanAugust 21, 2021

    You can read that all day when Seager backhanded the ball he doesn’t like to round the ball

  30. Mark TimmonsAugust 21, 2021

    One final word on Trevor Bauer:

    1. I think criminal charges will not be brought against him.

    2. There may be a civil suit, but that will take years.

    3. He has a contract to play baseball.

    4. There are lots of sexual practices I may not agree with, but is it any of my business?

    5. The Restraining Order Judge said that Trevor Bauer did not exceed the limits that the woman set.

    6. The Judge also called the Restraining Order Petition “materially misleading.”

    7. The Restraining Order Petition has no bearing on the criminal case.

    8. There is no precedent in MLB as to how to handle this.

    9. Manfred has shown he is an ignoramus and a liar.

    10. Manfred has to act very soon!

  31. BearAugust 21, 2021

    A’s up 3-0 on the Giants after 1 inning. Big Blue Crew can be 1/2 game back after today.

  32. BearAugust 21, 2021

    I called that one. I said Tio Albert would take Dick Mountain deep! Love it. Los Dodgers blue uni’s growing on me. Uh B&P, he is closing in on 700. That was probably sarcasm.I love watching Scherzer pitch.

  33. BulldogsandPenguinsAugust 21, 2021

    It brings me great joy every time Albert hits one out. I’m rooting for him to get to 600!

  34. Mark TimmonsAugust 21, 2021

    I love Dick Mountain, but not today. I hope the Dodgers beat him like a rented mule.

  35. Singing The BlueAugust 21, 2021

    Anybody know why JT is “getting a day off” today when there is an off day in the schedule on Monday?

    Turner sitting means Belli starts and although JT has actually hit righties better than lefties this year, there isn’t all that big a difference.

    The big difference is that JT is hitting 130 points higher against lefties than Belli is.

    Is there something about JT’s physical condition that we haven’t been told about?

  36. Dodger ChatterAugust 21, 2021

    Great story teller. My favorite Tom T. recorded songs are,

    “Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine”

    “Home Coming”

    Did you know he wrote Bobby Bare’s, “Margie’s At The Lincoln Park Inn”. I love that song. Great story and wonderful accompanying music.

  37. BearAugust 21, 2021

    Great game to watch last night. I love how fired up Butane was when he was pulled. Bush league move by the ump tossing Buehler, but not McNeill who tossed his bat and kept screaming at the ump after he was rung up on strikes. Ump was a rookie. Little sad today, Tom T. Hall passed away. Probably one of the best story song writers and singers ever. He also wrote Harper Valley PTA. RIP.

  38. nonicnamebumfanAugust 21, 2021

    Does anyone no why Andre Jackson was demoted to Rancho from OKC?

    Is it to keep him close by in case they need him again

  39. EricAugust 21, 2021

    Today’s keep the winning streak alive lineup:

    T Turner

    Muncy 3B

    Pujols

    Pollock

    Seager

    Taylor

    Smith

    Bellinger

    Scherzer

    Justin Turner gets a day off.

  40. tedraymondAugust 21, 2021

    Mark, I conceded your bullpen predictions to you several weeks ago. The key has been improved development and health. Granted losing Nelson for the year was a bummer, but we have Kelly and Gonsolin ready to return. With Kershaw coming back in a few days that should move another piece to the BP or eliminate the need for bullpen games. That list you posted is truly impressive.

    When Kenley is on he can still be dominating. In the past the front office has had Roberts use him in back to back games and/or had him throw too many pitches in several outings. Now, they have realized that capping his pitch to about 20 pitches and giving him plenty of rest between outings is the best way to get the maximum use out of Kenley. Having Treinen to share in closing duties has been a nice option. When Kelly returns he could be considered as well and maybe even Vesia. Whoever the closer might be is not as important as what that person who closes accomplishes.

    The Bauer situation remains murky at best. I know it’s not going to be happening, but it would be very interesting to have Bauer charged by the PPD and end up in a trial. Bauer’s attorneys would call Tatis, Clevenger, as well as the victim to testify. Talk about uncomfortable. Anyway, I don’t think the Dodgers will have Bauer return if in fact that’s an option. If that’s the case then what they do to settle the contract financials with Bauer? It could be intense. He has opt out after this year with a $2M buyout and a opt out after 2022 with a $20M buyout. There is, also, $20M in deferred money owed. There is no incentive to opt out after this season. And, after 2022 he can make $20M and not play. Plus, there is $20M in deferred money owed. It will be interesting how all this plays out. I know with the union agreement he is due all his money, but if I were the Dodgers I would at least make it a pain to get it all. Who has the most lawyers?

    The Dodgers are on a roll and the Giants seem to be ripe for a fall. Will the Dodgers be in first place when they meet Sept 3-5? I have a strong feeling that will be the case.

  41. Dodger ChatterAugust 21, 2021

    AC mentioned Melvin Jimenez and Clayton Beeter have been promoted to Tulsa. from the Loons.

    To fill their spots right-handers Michael Hobbs (2021-10th round) and Antonia Knowles(2021-13th round) have moved quickly up to the Loons after an inning and two innings respectively with the Arizona Complex League Dodgers.

    Left-hander Lael Lockhart (2021 – 9th round) also promoted to the Loons after one inning with the ACL Dodgers.

    Hobbs and Knowles are 21 and Lockhart is 23.

    I expect it is not a promotion for these three but simply a placement after some time at Camelback getting acclimatized to professional baseball and being sure there were no physical issues after their college seasons.

  42. philjonesAugust 21, 2021

    * I called it on Evan Phillips. I’m Carnac. He came up with the deadly thigh strain, or something, over night and went on the 10 day. Must have rolled over in bed wrong or something.

    * Seriously, many fans would like to see more transparency in the game. Things like reasons for a replay decision. But what can be expected when this whole IL deal is founded on lies. They need a more honest system to be able to move platers up and down besides making up injuries which everybody does. Piss in my ear and tell me it’s raining.

    * Damn TT is fun to watch contact hit and run like a deer Speed kills. A single is a double. He can advance on anything so the hitter looks good, and he scores when others couldn’t. His impact is what Mookie brought last year. Everyday was some highlight. Now it’s TT. Wait until both are healthy and on the field together and we’ll have some fun watching those 2.

    * Damn, Barnes attempted to backhand dirt ball top 8 and 2 advance to 3rd and 2nd. Big spot. Block the ball.

    * Doc stayed with Striker as long as he could which I really liked. The unlucky Alonzo hit made the decision easy with Conforto coming up. Almost 8 innings on 107 pitches. I love it.

    * Great job, KJ.

    Good game. Well played. Well managed.

    Down to 1.5. We’re going to win the Division. It’s going to be exciting.

  43. EricAugust 21, 2021

    We have 8 position players with at least an .800 OPS. This includes our utility guy Chris Taylor. The only starter that doesn’t have at least an .800 OPS is Bellinger.

    I would say that is a very good offense.

  44. TMAugust 21, 2021

    A few comments and thoughts if I may:

    1. Way to go Kenley…7 pitches, no drama. Thank you. I hope you bask in that glory today…see you Sunday.

    2. Buehler almost pitched a complete game….wow! Easy does it though….we need you strong for the playoffs.

    3. We are a different team with COREY SEAGER in the lineup. Pay the man; let Turner play 2B.

    4. I understand a few Dodger players may not feel comfortable being around Trevor, but we all have had people at our work environments we didn’t like either, but we had to learn to get along with. So, I’m not going to support the notion of not wanting Trevor back, a great pitcher, just because a few Dodger players don’t want to try to grow and learn how to get along with all people, even people they may not like.

    5. I hope we don’t rush Mookie back because as you can see, we really aren’t missing him, so if another week strengthens his issues, I’m all for that. I just don’t want to jeopardize October for September.

    6. Glad to see Cody hit the ball hard to the SS last night.

    TM

  45. CassidyAugust 21, 2021

    What’s up with Pepiot? And why does Watson get to play football without consent but Bauer doesn’t get to play baseball with consent?

  46. Jeff DominiqueAugust 21, 2021

    Clayton Beeter and Melvin Jimenez were both promoted to AA Tulsa. I have always been an advocate for Jimenez, so I am happy for his promotion. Beeter has not thrown more than 3 innings this year (twice). But he does start. Since I doubt that they are developing openers, I assume that Beeter is getting a good push as a multi-inning reliever. Or they are being extraordinarily careful with his innings this year. LAD has not called me to let me know.

  47. José Luis IbarraAugust 21, 2021

    Esta es la Versión de Jansen cerrador, pocos lanzamientos y al ritmo de 1 2 y 3, eso es todo. No hay porqué hacerla de emoción, y esperamos que hoy no lo traiga Doc.

  48. sbuffaloAugust 21, 2021

    It seems like every game Cody Bellinger really gets into a ball. Unfortunately, lately, it seems like he hits it at somebody. The law of averages and all, some will begin to fall for hits. Still, Bellinger is not very consistent at this point. I thought Alex Rodriquez made a good point. Because Bellinger is tall and has long arms, his timing needs to be on to consistently hit the ball hard. The timing is just not there for the most part. Thus he’s late, swings under a lot of balls, pops them up or simply misses them. Although there will be moments, I’m guessing you won’t see the the real Bellinger until 2022.

    After you watch Trea Turner produce run after run with his speed, is there any doubt the Dodgers make him part of his future plans? The bottom line he’s going to love playing in LA with a chance to win it all every year. Imagine a healthy team with Mookie Betts and Turner in the line-up. No way, I’m letting Corey Seager walk. A very limited group of teams will be able to compete for his talents, one less now that the Giants have re-signed Crawford. At the end of the day, the Dodgers should just put the best offer on the table.

    As to Trevor Bauer, don’t expect him back or even to play for the Dodgers again. It’s not just about the legal stuff or what MLB will do, the team has to feel let down that he got involved in this nonsense in the first place. Meets this woman on social media, gets involved in beyond the line activities (what could go wrong?) and almost derailed the team’s goal of winning a second straight World Series. Winning takes focus. Where was Bauer’s focus? I honestly hope they can walk away from the contract. Look forward to the Dodgers extending Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw returning to health. A rich athlete or anyone else with fame and fortune is a target today. Is that so hard to understand? Steer clear. Any questions.

    Mark’s line-up looks about right.

    Kenley came out breathing fire last night. I think the key to using him is not putting him out in back to back appearances. Seems to impact his effectiveness. The Dodgers have options. Blake Treinen has been exceptional.

  49. OC DodgerAugust 21, 2021

    Couple common sense points for today.

    Unless the Bauer contract can be bagged, how is a team that’s on the line for +$100MM walk away from that financial commitment? If there is a morals clause, bye bye. But if that can’t be worked, out I suspect he pitches here or somewhere else again if he can be traded. That is too large a pill to swallow IMO. No idea what’s going to happen!

    Regarding Kenley, my spinctor was tight when he came into the game last night. But wait, he had a day off! His results were good. The common sense solution is to trade off closing roles based on rest and situation. That’s an easy sell internally and externally.

    Eager to catch and pass the Giants. My son in law is a life long Giant fan and the this old guy needs to keep him down! My poor grandson is a Dodger fan when he’s here (my daughter bleeds blue) and a Giant fan when he’s home up north. I keep reminding my SIL that the Giants are now the Dodgers north! They will continue to be good I’m afraid!

  50. DodgerLoverAugust 21, 2021

    Busch has a really nice swing. Quick hands like Lux but a shorter follow-through. He looks thicker than I remember. Power shouldn’t be a problem.

  51. BulldogsandPenguinsAugust 21, 2021

    I can’t remember ever seeing a bullpen this deep. You even forgot to include Danny Duffy in your list. I’m waiting patiently to get a glimpse of Neftali Feliz. He got up in the pen to other night, but didn’t get into the game. I hope he isn’t rusty when they finally get him an inning. Can he still bring triple digits?

    It was great to pick up another game on the hated ones. That team is like Bauer’s bed mate, looking good from afar, but when you’re up close, you see the cracks in the plaster.

    If Varland turns out to be a middle reliever or Noisey turns out to be a bench piece, we still win that trade. Kolarek got screwed by Manfred and his rule changes. Loogy all the way, a thing of the past.

    The Bauer saga is a miscarriage of justice. Ms. Hill should be in jail for her extortion attempt and Bauer should be reinstated immediately. This is purely political at this point.

    I agree that Doc is doing the right thing by keeping the closer name tag on Kenley. I think he would get his feelings hurt like he did with his perceived all star snub and melt down again if handled in another manner. Treinen is probably a better option to close. But, he’s also a better option to come into a mess and clean it up. I still don’t fully trust Kenley and never will, but at least they have some insurance in case they need to pivot.

    Belli did smash another ball last night, but it was a hard grounder to the shortstop. He still misses a lot of hittable pitches and chases out of the zone. But, when he connects he sure hits it hard. Hopefully, he’ll develop some more consistency over the next month and catch fire in the postseason.

    Are we done talking about being the Wild Card team? We’re just 1.5 games back with arguably our best player on the IL and a pitching staff that’s held together with duct tape and bubble gum with the prospect of being fully healthy in the near future. This team is so stacked that we’re the best team while never being at full strength.

    I’ll say it again, back when we went on our first roll I was concerned this was going to be a boring season. Touted as possibly the best team ever assembled, they could have threatened the Mariners for that 116 win mark. Instead we’ve had an exciting season full of ups and downs, pins and needles. I wouldn’t have it any other way especially if we are healthy when it counts. These last two weeks have been very exciting and unpredictable. I can’t wait for more, the best has yet to come.

    Alex Vesia is quickly becoming one of my favorite guys. AF should go to jail for pickpocketing the Marlins. Except it happened in California so he was cited and released like all the other thieves in California. Vesia sounds like an Italian name, so I’ll just go ahead and claim him as a fellow paisano. He’s from Alpine California and my niece is moving to that town later this month. We’re almost family!

    It’s funny in a ironic sense that White and Jackson get rewarded for throwing a bunch of zeros by being optioned right afterwards. With so many great relievers, maybe they need to have bullpen games just to keep people sharp.

    It looks like we’re lined up to have Urias activated for the opener against the Padres on Tuesday with Bueller and Scherzer to follow with normal rest after the off day on Monday. Kershaw and Gonsolin are getting close to returning and will probably piggy back together every 5th day. But, we’ll still have to cover a couple more bullpen games or White/Jackson starts until then.

    The roster will expand to just 28 players as the calendar turns to September. Just enough room to keep all these relievers without the need to DFA? I’m having a really tough time keeping up with the 40 man this year. AF is giving a clinic on working the system.

  52. IdahoalAugust 21, 2021

    Jansen did look good last night. He is mixing up his pitches. The only concern I have is that I do not think he should go back to back. Especially if he has thrown more than 20 pitches. Treinen looked great on Thursday night. Treinen could be the best closer in baseball. The batters on Thursday night did not have a chance.

    TT looks so good. He ignites the team. Where is Mookie going to bat when he comes back? The Dodgers are starting to do the little things to win games. Stealing bases, getting the runner home from third with less than 2 outs, and grinding out each at bat. They are now winning the close games.

    The Dodger front office is very good. Scherzer, Turner, Bickford, and Vesia were pickups this year and all contributing.

    Bellinger is the only one that does not have his act together. His swing is so violent. He needs to make some changes, but I not think he will.

  53. Jorge ValenzuelaAugust 21, 2021

    And I loved seeing Kennedy throw that ball at the head of the stupid clown, what a shame he didn’t throw it a little lower, straight at the idiot’s face, let’s see if he keeps dancing like a retard, and then Manny being the same Manny as always!

  54. Jorge ValenzuelaAugust 21, 2021

    I want Bauer back on the team …. It would be one of the best rotations of all time, maybe the best!

    Whatever it takes to win this year, I personally don’t care what he does off the field, what he does on the field is what really counts.

    I don’t understand why many people say they don’t want him back on the team, please, has none of you ever done something bad or inappropriate in your life? And nobody judges you

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