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 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.