We fans are a fickle bunch, and yes I include myself near the top of the list. I believe in the LAD management system and methodology, but I have questions. I express them, especially when it comes to the “kids” and the LAD front office apparent inability to draft and develop elite position players. Or at the very least do not give them a chance to succeed or fail at the MLB level. Their MO is to trade for or sign the veterans. Cannot fault them too much, it seems to work.
When things do not go right, we always look for someone to blame. Early on in the season, before the team had completed even 30 games, and players had not yet reached 100 AB, fans were clamoring for the demotion to AAA for Andy Pages, and/or the benching of Max Muncy and Michael Conforto.
Max starts off slowly; we hear AF/BG blew it by not trading for Nolan Arenado. First 9 games, Arenado was very hot – .371/.403/.543/1.006. And the fans were getting louder. But that has quieted down some since in his last 24 games (101 PA), Arenado is hitting .211/.297/.344/.641. Yes, still better than Max, but he comes with a much larger sticker price.
Andy Pages starts out very slow as well. Many fans were saying he belonged in OKC. Then Pages goes on a hot streak, and the fans have quieted.
Some wanted (and some still do) Luis Robert Jr. in a trade. Some wanted (and some still do) James Outman for another opportunity to succeed or fail.
The fans who wanted Pages in OKC have now changed their mind and want Robert Jr./Outman/??? in CF and want Pages to replace Michael Conforto. What happens if Conforto pulls out of his slump. For the first 8 games this year, Conforto hit .308/.419/.692/1.021. After that he has been dismal, and yet the Dodgers have the best record in MLB. So while fans may see an urgency for a change, the Dodgers do not…yet.
Dodgers lose a game, and it has to be someone’s fault. Dodgers swing at pitches not in the zone, and fans act as if the Dodgers are the only team that chases. Take a look at statcast and check out the chase rates of the players. Maybe the other team was better that night or the pitcher was better than the hitter that night.
Or AF/BG just did not get the Dodgers the right roster. Too much LH hitting heavy. Too much RHH bench players. Too many older players. Not quick enough to pull the trigger on slumping players.
I was not in the sign another LHH OF camp. The Dodgers already had Outman, and could add Dalton Rushing or Ryan Ward to get younger and less expensive. But when they did sign Conforto, I was not opposed. I still believe he will pull out of the slump. Others do not share that optimism. That’s okay, Dodger fandom is a big tent.
Doc is not immune to the challenges he receives. Some are warranted, but all of them? His bullpen management has been a source of derision for several years. He has made mistakes, especially in the biggest moments. I think he would even admit to that behind closed doors with his coaches.
His quick pull of the starting pitchers taxing the bullpen even more. Then again is this a Doc decision or a front office dictate on the maximum number of pitches. You know neither Tommy Lasorda nor Walt Alston would have put up with that. Then again, they did not have to deal with $100MM – $300MM pitchers. Isn’t that an investment that has to be protected?
We now know that Pages can play and succeed at the MLB level. He will undoubtedly slide into miserable slumps again, but since he has proven he belongs, we fans are better equipped to ride it out with him.
Now that Pages seems to have turned the page, the current angst seems to be directed towards Max Muncy and Michael Conforto. Warranted? In the view of many fans, yes. For LAD management, they are not so quick to make those changes. They are far more patient than most fans.
I think it is a legit question as to when Muncy and Conforto have to take a reduced role. While we will never learn of it, you just know those discussions are going on internally. But then who takes their place? Neither player is going to be traded or DFA’d.
With respect to Conforto, on Monday against the Marlins, he broke an 0-for-31 streak with a single and also took a great at-bat that resulted in a hard-hit ball. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes that’s something Conforto can build on and thinks the left fielder is close to getting back on track.
“I think so. I think even the at-bats today, the swings, were as good as we’ve seen in quite some time. Even the ball to right field, I thought he put a good swing on it. I do think the hitting guys and Michael have unlocked something.”
Whether Conforto has figured something out or not, he looked at his best on Monday as he has in quite some time. The at-bats looked more competitive, and he did not look lost as he has in many of his previous games.
It is also a legit question as to when is the right time to bring up the prospects. I understand and acknowledge that prospects are suspects until they prove themselves. But how can you prove it when you do not get the chance. Dalton Rushing and Alex Freeland have nothing left to prove in MiLB. I would add Hunter Feduccia in that group.
Rushing is getting great plaudits from the likes of Clayton Kershaw and Evan Phillips for his receiving behind the dish.
“The most important thing is that he took some initiative and was curious about what he can do to help me, target-wise, pitch calling, things like that,” Phillips said. “So having that conversation alone is impressive to see from a young catching prospect that we’re going to be relying on at some point here in the next months, year, couple years, whatever that is.”
Per Brandon Gomes:
“Obviously, we’ve had our catchers [at the Major League level] for a long time and been very successful. There’s a lot of positives with our group here. So Dalton and Hunter Feduccia need to keep playing well and developing as things play out like they normally do. You don’t know how it’s going to go, but those opportunities arise in different ways.”
I certainly understand the Dodgers desire to keep Rushing at C so he could gain more experience. But it is his bat that makes him a legit MLB player. His catching skills are good enough at the MLB level. I am not about to give Rushing a Mike Piazza comp, but nobody ever confused Piazza of being a GG catcher.
Can Dodgers management be creative enough to find a way to get Rushing enough ABs to warrant him being on the 26 man? At what point do the Dodgers say that Max has regressed where he is no longer an everyday player? Neither player is on the 40 man, so a player is going to need to be DFA’d. The team is not in any hurry to move the two remaining players on the 15 day IL to the 60 day IL (Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow).
Freeland has exhibited MLB ready skills both offensively and defensively, but he needs a position something the Dodgers generally do not allow for with their prospects. I can see Feduccia being part of a package at the deadline, but I cannot see AF/BG moving Rushing or Freeland. Maybe we fans do not intend to be patient, but both players will need to be.
It is more likely that unless there is a significant enough injury to change the situation, neither player will get the call this year. Unless moved at the deadline (very highly doubtful), both players will be in a great position to take a spot on the 26 man out of ST. Both players will be Rule 5 eligible this December, so adding them to the roster will not be an issue.
At the beginning of May, and the Dodgers with the best record in MLB, I am in the camp to let the veterans play it out. They have been successful more than dismal.
Some fans love the Dodgers’ slug. Some of us prefer to see more contact and less swing and miss. Fans have different points of view. Different experiences.
Some fans are exasperated with the addition of questionable arms to the 40 man roster and maybe at the expense of getting LAD pitching prospects a legit shot to make the roster. And we know that pitching has experienced injuries…yet again.
Admittedly, I am disappointed that Landon Knack and Justin Wrobleski have not taken the same growth step this year as Gavin Stone did in his 2nd year. Bobby Miller looks to be the proverbial change of scenery candidate. I have to believe that Baltimore has the Dodgers on speed dial. Baltimore has always been capable with non-elite SP, and the Dodgers have a lot of those guys. I have no idea if AF/BG believe that Baltimore has any prospects worthy of consideration by the Dodgers.
I know I know, you can never have enough pitching. Then again, the Dodgers have 87 pitching prospects, and a number of pitchers returning this year and next year from injury.
So no matter if you are a sunshine-pumper or a “get off my lawn” type, all fans, views, and opinions are welcome.
MILB GAME SUMMARY REPORTS
Albuquerque Isotopes (Colorado) 6 – OKC Comets 2
OKC had their own bullpen game. Ben Harris was the opener, and was followed by Julian Fernández, Ryan Sublette, and Joe Jacques put up zeroes for the first 7.0 innings.
The Comets were first on the board with a Ryan Ward BB and Michael Chavis double (6) in the 5th. The Comets took it to 2-0 with a Justin Dean triple (3) and a Chris Okey sacrifice fly.
The wheels came off in the 8th. With Jacques back on the hill in the 8th, he gave up a pair of doubles to lead off the inning. Logan Boyer relieved Jacques with an inherited runner trying to hold on to a 2-1 lead. Boyer threw a WP moving the runner to 3rd, and a sac fly tied up the game. Boyer had 2 outs and the bases empty, but could not get out of the inning. A BB, double, and single plated two more giving the Isotopes a 4-2 lead.
With Jose E. Hernandez relieving in the 9th, he walked the first batter, and then gave up a 2-run HR. That would become the final score, 6-2.
- Dalton Rushing – 2-5
- Michael Chavis – 2-3, 1 BB, 1 RBI, double (6)
- Justin Dean – 1-4, 1 run, triple (3)
Tulsa Drillers vs Amarillo Sod Poodles (Arizona) was rained out – DH on Thursday
Great Lakes Loons 3 – Dayton Dragons (Reds) 2
Kendall George led off the game with a single, stole 2nd base and scored on a Josue De Paula single and a 1-0 lead.
With Eriq Swan on the bump for the Loons, he walked the first batter he faced, he promptly stole 2nd, and scored the tying run on a double.
In the top of the 4th, Zyhir Hope singled and scored on a Jordan Thompson double (7). Thompson later scored on a Kole Myers triple (2) for a 3-1 lead.
Swan struck out the leadoff batter in the 4th, and walked the next batter. Swan was lifted after 3.1 IP and 75 pitches. Jorge Gonzalez got the final two outs without allowing a run.
Roque Gutierrez relieved Gonzalez in the 5th and surrendered a HR. That would be the only hit (and run) that Gutierrez would give up. He did allow a single walk with 6 Ks.
- Kendall George – 2-4, 1 BB, 1 run
- Josue De Paula – 2-5, 1 RBI, double (5)
- Jordan Thompson – 2-4, 1 run, 1 RBI, double (7)
- Kole Myers – 1-1, 3 BB, 1 RBI, triple (2)
- Nelson Quiroz – 2-4
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 3 – Visalia Rawhide (Arizona) 0
The Quakes 20 year old RH hurler, Sean Linan, was back doing his somewhat dominating thing. While somewhat dominating by keeping runs off the board, it was not his most efficient outing. He pitched 4.0 scoreless innings allowing only a single and double, but 4 walks. He also registered 5 Ks. He threw 77 pitches in 4.0 IP.
Eduardo Quintero hit a 2-run HR in the 3rd, and the Quakes never looked back. In the 6th, Mike Sirota reached on a fielding error, moved to 2nd on a passed ball, and scored on a Samuel Munoz single.
Felix Cabrera, Michael Vilchez, and Marco Corcho followed Sean Linan to complete the shutout.
- Jaron Elkins – 2-4
- Eduardo Quintero – 1-4, 1 run, 2 RBI, HR (4)
- Elijah Hainline – 1-4, double (9)
ACL Dodgers 3 – ACL Reds 2
This was a game featuring two MLB starters on rehab assignments. Clayton Kershaw was the starter for the ACL Dodgers and completed 6.0 no-hit innings. He walked 1 batter that was erased in a double play, so he faced the minimum 18 batters. Rhett Lowder was the Reds starter.
Brendan Tunink hit a 2-run HR off Lowder in the 3rd. In the 4th, Chase Harlan hit a double (1), moved to 3rd on a ground ball, and scored on a sac fly.
The Reds scored a pair of runs in the 8th to make it close. But RHP Jhonny Jimenez from the DR pitched a flawless 8th with one K.
- Brendan Tunink – 2-4, 1 run, 2 RBI, HR (1)
- Ching-Hsien Ko – 1-3, double (2)
- Chase Harlan – 1-3, 1 run, double (1)
- Javier Herrera – 1-3, 1 run, double (1)
Well, an extra inning loss is never a good thing but especially when your bullpen has to throw 4 plus innings with a bullpen game the next day.
Question: Why do you pitch Tanner Scott in the 9th when you know you will have to trot out JP Feyereisen in the 10th anyway ?
Questionable decision by DR IMHO. Now Scott will be unaivalble in todays bullpen game.
And as I said before if this bullpen usage continues they will run those arms right into the ground and to Dr.Neal ElAttraches operation table.
Just saw Kersh pitched 6 innings at ACL, no hits, no runs, 4 Ks ,1BB.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Jeff well thought out piece as usual. Ilove the Dodgers but find management philosphy frustrating but to be fair they are nothing if not consistent. Nice to see you welcome divergent viewpoints. Thank you.
Offense was flat for most of the game, then could not get any clutch hits late in the game. They miss Teo and Edman. Defense was solid, both Outman and Pages made some very good plays, as did Max. Padres got beat by a late Yankees rally, so LA still 1/2 game in front. Not being able to get a run in the 10th with Ohtani in scoring position led to the loss as much as anything else. I really think the weakest link in the pen is Garcia. I don’t fault Feyereisen for the loss. Ghost runner on second, especially a guy with speed, makes it easier to score a run.
Guilty also. But I try and temper my expectations because I see other fans expecting this season to be a walkover and an easy path to the Championship. I have learned over the years since AF took the reins after the 2014 season, to expect the unexpected. Freidman has his own way of processing the Dodgers needs, and he has picked up many valuable pieces off of the scrap heap, case in point, Evan Phillips. The Dodgers have excellent coaches who can spot small flaws in a pitchers or hitters mechanics. The other day it was mentioned on air that the coaches felt they had found a hitch in Conforto’s swing. And Doc has stated to Conforto that he is not going to just kick him to the side; he is sticking with him. Muncy is getting a long runway because of his track record. I have always felt though that this team could survive an injury to one major piece, but take away a couple, and they are going to have trouble scoring.
Good perspective. I think it goes along with the internet and social media. I still get upset after a loss and now, instead of kicking a dog I can log in and vent.
“But then who takes their place?”
Minor Leaguers. You know, guys like Outman and Feyereisen
And another TBD game today. How many of these will there be?
I too would have pitched Feyereisen with no one on. But it might have been determined by who was coming up, for both teams really. We had the meat of our order coming up with Ohtani in scoring position. Fizzle.
The bottom of the lineup once again. Starting with Muncy, 1-16 with 6 Ks. They did have 4 BBs so 1 for 20 with 4 walks. That sounds so much better. And nothing can be done about this. They will hit or they won’t.
Put this one in the rear view. Get away game today. 1:30 start time. The outcome is TBD.
Knack is already in Miami and will be the bulk guy this afternoon. No word on who is going to be the opener.
I vote Banda
I guess there was no opener. Knack did a good job keeping Miami at bay, and then Sauer came in, got him out of a jam, and allowed just 1 unearned run. Feel good for Outman who homered, and Muncy who got a hit.
Sure would be nice if Conforto would get hot.
Have faith, I think he is due for a big game. And soon.
I’m doing my darnedest to stay paitient. At least till June.
I hear ya brother.
Tough loss. 0 for 10 RISP and 11 SO’s is not going to win many games. We really need Muncy and Conforto to step up their games. Especially with Teo and Edman out. Hoping for the best for Outman, but, he crashed and burned last night.
First game back in the bigs since last year, give the kid a break.
Edman will be out until TUE so Outman will get opportunities to prove himself.
After watching him last night I have not much hope. Young man looks the same as last season. Totally overmatched.
Go Dodgers!1111111111111111111
I want Outman to succeed as much as anyone. Just stating a fact.
Pages looked over aggressive and Outman looked under aggressive.
So…. what’s the over/under on these two in Arizona?
Very appropriate article. Okay, here is my 2 cents worth….
later, TM
I still think Conforto will be a big asset come October. His swing is just too sweet to continue on this poorly. Outman surely isn’t the answer
Outman hit a home run today. Conforto is closer to hitting his wife’s weight than his own. I say give Outman a chance.
He hit his HR when the game was pretty much over with (7-1) against a guy with a 5.48 ERA on a very bad team. I do concede that is a start, but let me see it being done in clutch situations against better pitchers.
Still a major league pitcher, and a hit is a hit no matter who it is off of. I never get it when fans say, oh he hit it when the game wasn’t in doubt. You still have to hit the pitch.
Congratulations to Freeman on his 350th career home run, which he hit on Monday. Yesterday’s blast was 351. Dodger Way has the Dodgers linked to Helsey, the Cardinal closer and Pedro Lopez, thinking both might be deadline targets. Robert Jr. not playing today.
Those peripheral Dodger sites are worthless imo. This site is barely worth it and that’s only because of Jeff, who has integrity.
Agree.
this site, TrueBlue and maybe one or two others are of consequence.
beyond that stick to BA, fangraphs, BP and some of the great substacks.
Barely worth it? A little harsh no?
“This site is barely worth it and that’s only because of Jeff, who has integrity”
What? Barely worth it? Only because of Jeff?
Dude is a poser, and he says BS all the time.
Don’t let the door hit you.
I have seen the same Helsey rumor on MLBTR before. Nothing on Lopez, but he would be a nice add. That was one hell of an insult to several of the posters here who have a lot of baseball knowledge and insight. If it is barely worth it, why don’t you go pedal your knowledge somewhere else.
bobby Miller got hit hard again in his start today at OKC.
6IP, 7 h, 6 ER,1BB, 7Ks.
This time it was not the BB but the HR ball. Three of them.
IMHO it is about time to think about a change of scenery for him.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!
Looks like Snell hasn’t been much of a mentor to him
I wonder what it is Miller is working on on any given day. Ok, maybe this time it was get the ball over the plate, the time before that it was find the edges, fastball location today, breaking balls next time. And what is it being said about him behind the scenes. We of course never know answers to any of this, but as long as he is in the organization, getting starts, the Dodgers are working a plan.
Kim in center today. I like this guy.
Phillpps to the IL, right forearm discomfort.
Not good news for an already injury plagued and overworked bullpen.
Sauer recalled.
Go Dodgers!!!!!
My arm’s getting sore just reading about all this.
Interesting how the pre-season perceived glut of Dodger pitching is dwindling before our eyes. Maybe the Dodgers should start teaching their young prospects how to throw with both arms.
Roberts said three things:
Dave Roberts said both Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow will start playing catch on Friday. Snell is on the trip and will be in AZ, Glasnow will not.
Roberts also said “it’s unlikely” that utility man Tommy Edman will be ready to return from his ankle injury this weekend as hoped.
Edman stretched a tendon in his ankle on a slide last week. He has been able to continue hitting in the cage but still feels discomfort when he tries to run.
“It’s just not responding. It’s just kind of slow moving,” Roberts said.
Dave Roberts had a more encouraging update on Teoscar Hernández today, saying he could be back in as little as two weeks if he progresses well
He said Hernández is already starting to feel better after suffering his groin strain the other night
Snell can’t mentor the kid when they are in different places. Snell is with the team, he was supposed to begin throwing again but has been under the weather setting him back.
Actually I think what Miller did today is great progress. His line is awful but the one walk is huge. PCL is a hitters league and some parks play smaller than others. I don’t think there is any question that Miller’s stuff will play in the big leagues but his walks per 9 innings is absolutely terrible. If he can harness his control and not give up free passes, he will turn into a good mlb pitcher.
Should have traded him when he had more value. Damaged goods right now. His head, not his arm.
He will be fine.
Let me just say.Freddie Freeman is so so unbelievably great.How lucky are we to be Dodgers!
Freeman good.
Outman, Knack and Kim with good showings.
A FOUR inning save!
And Matt Sauer. 4 huge IP with only one unearned run given up.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In what was supposed to be a bullpen game, Knack and Sauer totally saved the team by going 9 themselves.
Really sets us up well for the AZ series!
Thur: Yamamoto V Pfaadt, Fri: Sasaki V Rodriguez, Sat: May V Burnes, Sun: TBD V Gallen
Freeman is hitting .362 with a 1.148 OPS. Question, what hat does Freddie wear on his Hall of Fame plaque?
Good question. He spent 12 years with Atlanta. He will have 7 years with the Dodgers at the end of his contract. He is from Orange County California. He could have some resentment about the way the Braves basically cast him off. I hope he goes in as a Dodger. I hope we are all around to see it.
What I do know is that the Hall decides that now. It is because Boggs wanted to go in as a Ray after only a couple of seasons there.
I would hope that they take into account the players preference.
What does a hat have to do with it anyway? He goes in as a baseball player. Just give him a hatless bust.
They don’t do busts, that is the NFL Hall of Fame.
Yeah, plaques with their heads on them. What about the point being made? Hats aren’t important. Or, maybe you believe they are?
Batting those numbers this late into his career is insane!
Now a legend in his own time
Great game. Outstanding efforts by Knack and Sauer.
Very happy for Outman. Kim is a definite keeper.
Agree with all of that.
The dbacks will be tougher than the Marlins.
D-Backs are just one game above .500. Their staff ERA is 4.47. Unusual for them they are not stealing bases like they did last year, only 31 so far, just 4 in front of LA. Dodgers hitting .259 as a team, Az .246.
Yeah. I know all that. I read the standings every day. And I still think the dbacks will be tougher than the Marlins. You don’t?
I would think Kim has played his way into a permanent spot.
Hope so.
Two former Dodgers kicked to the curb by the Tigers today, Margot sent to the minors, he will probably refuse the assignment, and Kenta Maeda was given his release. Poll on MLBTR asking when the Sox should trade Robert Jr. Ram will love that.
So happy for Outman. With that short swing I can’t believe he strikes out so much. Knack and Sauer deliver! Huge for Arizona series
Padres lost to NY 4-3. Bellinger hit his 5th homer. Grisham his 10th. Merrill played his first game off of the IL and went 2-4 with 2 driven in. Padres now 1.5 games back of LA.
And so are the giants.
Ouch
Florida toronto game?