Baseball is a child’s game played by adults for pay and profit. Well, the owners get the profit. Those players are human beings with human failings. They are separated from us, the fans, by their ability to do something at a high level that we ourselves cannot. Hit a 100 MPH fastball or throw one. They can make running 100 feet and catching a ball look easy. But it is not. Fame is not instantaneous. Sometimes the road to the big leagues can take years. Sometimes the taste they get of big-league life is very fleeting. Either because of injury, or not enough talent.
Baseball is also part of the entertainment industry. Something we have to get away from the pressure of everyday life and stress. Then we sit in front of a large TV screen and get stressed out even more when our favorites don’t do well. As Dodger fans, we have had more than our share of stress. But we also have not seen this much winning baseball in an 11-year stretch as we are seeing now. And it started when Guggenheim took over the team.
The result of that is now we want and expect more. When there is a hole in the roster, we expect our front office to go out and get the best players. Not always possible. The other team might not want the prospect capital you have to offer. Then again, another team might make an outrageous offer for the same player. We also expect the players on the roster to perform at the highest level each and every time they enter the game. Not going to happen.
Anxiety hits an all-time high during the trade deadline and the hours and minutes leading up to 3 PM Pacific time. The other day was no different. And the Dodgers biggest move was announced just seconds after 3. There was relief that they finally traded for a big-time pitcher, and at the same time angst because they did not land a lock down closer or impact bat. No, they got some nice role players and a bullpen arm who is pretty nasty.
The downside is exposed when they blow a 5-run lead, for the third time in a couple of weeks, just hours after the deadline and lose a 2-game series to their closest competitor. The reliever with the nasty stuff is not used in the close game, but wasted in a 8-1 blowout. I get it. The call for the Dodgers to get rid of Dave Roberts as manager are going to be louder than ever this winter if they fail in the playoffs, or heaven forbid, miss them entirely.
One must consider that the injuries to key pitchers, Graterol, Brasier and Grove, have played a part in the bullpen being so unreliable lately. The starting staff also took hits. Buehler, out since 2022, Kershaw, ineffective at the end of last year, then having shoulder surgery. May, Gonsolin and Sheehan, all out. Their big off season free agent signing, Yamamoto shut down after a great outing against the Yankees. And Glasnow spending some time on the IL to. You also have to consider that the injuries to Betts and Muncy, along with Freeman having to be home with his family, have been a big reason why the offense is so inconsistent. That along with Smith’s recent slump, Kike, Biggio, Outman, and Heyward all hitting at or below the Mendoza line replacing very good hitters, is also a reason for the inconsistency. Kershaw also not being Kershaw is another matter. I think he maybe gets two starts more before they make a decision on whether to keep him in the rotation or put him back on the IL. Kersh might make the decision for them and retire.
The biggest complaint I have read about the players they added is that they did not address the closer issue, they did not get an impact bat, and they did not improve the outfield, which without Hernandez is a statistical disaster. Andy Pages is a rookie. And as such the league has adjusted to him quicker than he has adjusted back. After showing some power early, he hasn’t had a homer in over a month playing a position from which you normally expect some. His defense as a right fielder is ok, as a center fielder, he is below average. Now, neither Edman nor Kiermaier bring power to the position. But they do bring better career numbers against RHP than Pages has right now. Pages hit’s lefties, right handers, not so much.
When Betts returns, about 2 1/2 weeks from now, we still do not know where they will plug him in. He could go back to right and immediately make the outfield better. He could go to SS and make second base a platoon situation. He could go back to second full time. If, and this is a huge if, Muncy returns and can supply some stability at third base, then the lineup gets a lot longer down the stretch and into the postseason. Their August schedule is a gauntlet of good teams.
There are more knowledgeable posters on this site who got a lot further in baseball than I did. Some even made it to the pros or had relatives that did. I played until I could not advance any further, then went to playing Slo-pitch softball at which I was pretty darn good. Hit over .600 playing that. What knowledge I have is usually from what I see, and the history of the game and the franchise, which I love reading and researching about. But I am above all, a realist. I look at the gauntlet the playoffs have become. You have to beat some very good, and sometimes, some very hot teams. One bad game can sink you.
Dodger fans love to blame Roberts. I understand that. There is frustration over the bullpen use, the substitutions that make little sense to us. Pulling starting pitchers when it seems they have more in the tank. The blame transfers to the front office when they have a depleted roster like they have now, and then at the deadline they miss out on a couple of premier players they said they were targeting. As fans though, we have no access to the behind-the-scenes workings at the deadline. The Dodgers never volunteer that information. A couple of things did surface during this trading period. A. They made an offer for Crochet that was turned down by the White Sox. B. They were in discussions with the Twins about their closer, Duran. That fell through because the Twins wanted MLB ready players, and the Dodgers wanted to trade prospects. It also came out that they were in the Scott sweepstakes up until SD upped the ante and paid a very stiff price in prospects. SD will only get three more chances to use Scott against the Dodgers unless they were to meet in the playoffs. And only time will tell if he is the difference maker that finally gets Preller and his Pads to the promised land. Something none of his prior big trades have been able to do.
Dodger fans are also frustrated by the fact that the best team win wise in the franchise’s history, got bounced from the playoffs so quickly by the Padres. I understand that also. And then adding insult to injury, they get swept by another team they dominated in the regular season the next year. Injuries hurt them last year too. I believe that this is a make-or-break year for Roberts. This team needs to come together and play winning baseball the next 54 games. Then they need to win series in the playoffs and not get bounced again. If they don’t win, I believe Roberts, not anyone in the front office, is going to take the bullet. AF is virtually safe, as is Gomes, who is in his first year as the GM. of course, this is just my opinion.
Over the next several weeks, we will see if the deadline pickups help the team turn the season around over what it has been the last couple of months. Maybe Freidman and Gomes knew a lot more than they were letting on, and maybe they did not. What is for certain, is that they know one hell of a lot more than we do. I do suggest that if you are that upset about the trades, that you please direct your attention and displeasure at the Dodgers themselves and don’t shoot the messenger…….namely me. I am very certain they would read each and every one of your letters and respond in kind. 
Buehler’s final line tonight. 3.1 IP, 7 H 4R all earned. 3BB and 6 Ks. More of the same for Walker. He is definitely not ready yet. Not sure if the heat in El Paso bothered him. It was 95 at game time.
Buehlers four seamer only at 92-94 mph. Maybe that 2nd TJ surgery was too much. He looks done, at least as the pitcher we knew .
On a better minor league news Jackson Ferris pitched 8 no hit innings for GL.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The problems I have with Roberts are: he costs about 4-5 games per year regular season directly due to his bullpen usage decisions but I think more than that indirectly due to his inability to read a game situation. How many times has he yanked a starter early which causes more bullpen usage. Yes, our starters haven’t gone long very often lately but…when he could choose not to pull the starter going well he can’t resist, especially young guys. And yes, receivers need to perform but take advantage of the times you could rest one guy at least. I do understand they have pitch counts but not sure how great our results have been using those. Countless IL pitchers majors and minors. The poor decisions seem to cost us once or twice a postseason as well.
Two rookie starters got in a jam last week. Both got the 2nd out before any damage was done. Both times Dave pulled them and they got hammered immediately. Just wasn’t a good look. Let them fail before the vets come in and open the flood gates.
That’s all true, but my bigger problem w Roberts is more intangible. Does he motivate the team or let them cruise? Does he create a culture of grit and determination or of ” we’re so good the wins will come”?
Can he call out a player who needs it or does he hope one of his players will do it?
If a 27 year old or whatever age needs to be motivated the team has much bigger problems than the manager.
A good manager would never let us or the media know he called out a player, it’s not good for team moral when a manager uses the media to embarrass a player. Therefore we don’t know that Doc DOESN’T call his players to task when needed, I’m assuming he handles discipline just fine, or there would be utter chaos on the team, and they wouldn’t win as much as they do.
Excellent point Keith. Just like umpires, players don’t like to be shown up either. A Manager can lose a player quickly now days by dressing them down in view of the fans. The days of Billy Martin are over for this generation of players.
It’s funny, if a team struggles, the Skipper can be accused of being too player friendly. His team lacks drive and motivation. They aren’t hungry enough and need a good ass kickin to play better.
So an organization goes after a hard-ass, in your face type Skipper. There aren’t many of these anymore. The Bobby Valentine types. and when they are fired the organization states they are looking for a guy who’s more player friendly.
I think a good Manager is more of a psychologist, these days. You need to know your players and one size does not fit all. Some guys need a kick in the ass and some guys don’t respond to that at all. You need to understands what motivated each player. Is it pride, money, fear of failure, ego? Some guys are cheerleaders and others need to be left alone to play.
It’s a must to get veteran leadership. A lot of stuff needs to be handled internally, by the players themselves, From my experience, fiery speeches and clubhouse meetings and tantrums don’t work. At least they didn’t for me.
Bingo
Tommy would chew players out in front of anyone. And he did it on National TV. You can find the video on You tube. You rarely see it through. Usually, they call the player into their office. I also remember the big blow up between Billy Martin and Reggie. Alston once challenged the entire Dodger team to fight him.
Would you take a Aaron Boone as manager or Tory Lovello or a Buck Showalter. Out of those three I would take Tory. It’s hard to decide because you don’t know like if there’s any good triple A managers that would be good. Like a Brett Butler or Dave Kapler up and coming managers that guy in Pittsburgh is a pretty good manager in Shelton and look at Cleveland there manager just retired last year from playing in Steven Vogt.
I’ll take Roberts. Aaron Boone is a clown. I really don’t understand the hate on Roberts. Of course I have disagreed with some of his pitching changes for years. The players love Roberts as does the front office. Pitching changes is a joint decision between the manager and the pitching coach with the manager having the last word. One of the part of the Dodgers that has been truly amazing is how one they have kept their managers. Alston, Tommy and then we went through a few a rash of changes. Roberts has brought stability to the organization. Players know what they’re going to get. I strongly believe that and of course having money has allowed the Dodgers to sign big name free agents.
Why would I want Boone? His teams have gone to the post season 5 times and been knocked out every time. Two of those teams won 100 games or more. They lost the 2019 playoffs to the Astros. He is 14-17 in the post season. Roberts is 45-39. Lovullo? Carrer wins under .500. Been to the playoffs twice, got to the series once and lost. Most of his postseason stats came last year. 11-10 lifetime in the post season. Good sound baseball man, and pretty good in game manager. Lovullo is under contract until 2026. So not available. Showalter is 68 and has taken his teams to the postseason 6 times in his 22 years as a manager. They haven’t won squat. His teams have never been to the World Series. Frankly, he is not that good of a manager. He had one of the most talent laden Mets team ever and got knocked out in the first round. No thanks on him.
How about luring Scioscia out of retirement?
Good news from the farm: Jackson Ferris threw 8 innings of no-hit ball for the Loons. I think Busch deal could be a win-win.
When people retire, they should stay retired. None of this “Final Farewell” bullshit every month or two.
People should do whatever they want to do and whatever would make them happy. Your opinion notwithstanding.
Not that I think Roberts is on shaky ground unless they totally miss the playoffs. The one manager I would put at the top of my list is Skip Schumaker he got the Marlins to the playoffs last year and has done his best with his AAA Marlins this year. He will be available this offseason.
Skip would be a good choice, and I think the only way they would fire Roberts is if they did miss the playoffs. He does have one year left on his deal. He will be a lame duck manager next season.
He asked to opt out of his option for next year after they let Kim Ng go and they agreed to let him out. Bendix wants his own people in place.
Well, I can think of a couple of postseason blunders. When he pulled Hill in 2018. Hill was cruising, he had given up 1 run on 1 hit and three walks. He was ahead, 4-0 when he was pulled with 1 out in the 7th. There was always some controversy about that. Dave said Hill indicated he was out of gas, no matter, he brought in Scott Alexander. He faced one hitter and gave up a hit. Madson relieved Alexander and after getting an out, he gave up a three-run bomb to Moreland to bring the Sox within a run. Jansen then blew the save in the 8th by giving up a homer to Pearce. Floro gave up 3 in the top of the 9th, Wood gave up 1 and Maeda was tagged for the last run. LA scored 2 in the bottom of the 9th on Kikes homer. But lost the game, 9-6. And he brought Joe Kelly out for a second inning in the 2019 playoff against the Nats. Kelly gave up the game winning grand slam to Howie Kendrick. But he also used his pen brilliantly and made the decision to make Urias the closer for game 6 of the World Series, leaving Jansen, who blew game 4 sitting in the bullpen. I never remember too many in season blunders because the team wins most of the time. Any bad decisions he has made this year are amplified because of the injuries and the so so play the last couple of months. The Dodgers, and this is a team philosophy, never push the kids hard when they first come up. If anything, they coddle them a lot. I was totally surprised that they let Stone pitch a complete game. No one had done that since Buehler a couple of years ago. But performance is and always shall be on the player.
It doesn’t seem Buehler will be an answer to any post season SP problem. Have to hope Yamamoto comes back healthy giving the Dodgers a strong “three-headed” playoff SP rotation consisting of Glasgow, Flaherty and Yamamoto.
CK, at this point cannot be considered for a playoff start but might be moved to the BP….hate to say that because he is the second greatest left handed pitcher to ever wear a Dodger uniform but it looks like he’s on his retirement tour.
Have to stop the “bleeding” with a good three game series against the A’s. Have to win the series and a sweep would be just what the doctor ordered.
AF has to hit on some of his player position draft picks or trade for some young and developmental big league talent (like he did for Ferris) because the track record for graduating position players to the big club hasn’t been so good. Vargas, Outman, Pages don’t move the needle with none of them appreciably contributing in a significant way. They’ve had their moments but none of them were ready to lay claim to a starting position and hold onto it for the foreseeable future.
Who’s the next Will Smith, Gavin Lux, Joc Pederson, Cody Bellinger who can move up and project to be a big leaguer with meaningful results. Is it Freeland, is it Rushing, is it DePaula?
Bullish on dePaula and Rushing.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The issue with Roberts is how much influence does he really have on game decisions? I have thought for years that he was an extension of the front office and the analytics people. Does he make the lineup decisions? Does he decide what and when with the availability of the bullpen pitchers? Is it Roberts who decides who a pinch hitter will be? Or, how many pitches, innings, times through the order a starter is allowed? I feel much of this is predetermined by analytics and the front office before the game starts. In pre and post game interviews is Roberts a mouth piece for the front office? Or, is it Roberts offering up word salads with nonsensical verbiage or just plain untruths on his own?
If the front office is providing most of the information and decisions mentioned above then why would they fire “the winningest manager in baseball history”? Likewise, if Roberts is just providing the media and fans with no real information about game moves, players injuries and rehab, and player use as requested by the front office why would they get rid of Dave Roberts? Roberts strong suit is player communication and ego management.
In the eyes of ownership and the front office Dave Roberts is the perfect manager for them. He handles the locker room and dugout. He doesn’t have to make too many in game decisions because that is provided by the front office. Roberts handles the media for the front office by offering only the minimal amount of useful information. Finally, Roberts isn’t paid that much.
If all or most of this is correct then, then Dave Roberts will be the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers for a long time. Andrew Friedman insists that Roberts is making all the decisions and calls during a game. If that’s true then there is a chance of Roberts being removed if the team misses the playoffs or has another early exit.
Whatever is true makes no difference to me. It would be nice to really know what’s what with most of the decision making. More important though is winning and they have done a lot of that in the Friedman years. But, I’m in the camp that without a World Series championship the season is a failure. With the huge financial commitment in the offseason the ownership has signaled the same feelings. Sure, the regular seasons have been entertaining. But, enough of only regular season success. The Dodgers need to win the last game of the postseason! Every year.
Carry on.
ted, I think your view on Roberts as a manager, are probably pretty close to the truth, I’d like to think it’s he has the leeway to go against the analytics when he feels it’s warranted, but it doesn’t seem as though he does so very often. We all would like to know, what’s going on but it’s really not our business.
Yup, the Dodgers are masters of not letting anyone outside the front office to be informed about any aspect of the team. Not even the fans who pay for it all.
The price of addiction.
I believe there are times in a game when he absolutely needs to trust his gut. But does he? Only Dave knows for sure. The one thing he does well is communicate with his players. Ohtani has mentioned that a few times. But the fact remains, they are missing important pieces of the plan, and the pieces in place now, have not been up to the task for whatever reason.
Maybe he is trusting his gut feeling and his gut is wrong. It is impossible to quantitate a managers decisions because there is no way of knowing how it would have turned out if he did nothing or chose a different player in that position.
I think Friedman wants a Manager who will incorporate the analytics the Dodgers do a good job of creating into his decision making and will review Roberts’ decisions with him after each game. Roberts is not a robot and is not expected to be but if he makes too many decisions that didn’t go well which were not supported by what a computer would have made, it will be discussed. Roberts has room in his decision making to incorporate his gut and what players and coaches are saying about player readiness.
I can’t explain why Heyward gets as many at bats he gets while a younger player like Outman might get better with consistent at bats. I think Outman’s defense in CF would have made up for the difference between his .140 ave and Heywards .195 average.
A valid thought Fred. Friedman insists that your view is what is expected and occurs with Roberts.
As far as the Heyward/Outman playing time goes, I’m confused. Outman plays CF and Heyward plays RF. Did you mean Pages instead of Outman? Or Pages playing CF and not Outman? Not a big deal, just curious.
I know Outman is really struggling, but letting him get some consistent AB ‘s then Pages gets less playing time. They were very patient with Outman last year and he turned it around. Now with Kiermaier on the team it looks like Outman is back at OKC with Freeman’s return. That could result in a Heyward/Pages platoon in RF. Pages looks like a hitter, but he can’t get going on a consistent basis right now.
Sorry for being so late responding Ted. I was trying to say I prefer Outman in CF and Pages in RF and Heyward on the bench. Why play an old veteran unless he was needed to step in and step up like Rojas did? Heyward stepped in but didn’t step up. Outman, Pages, and Heyward can’t be counted on to deliver runs but at least the two young ones might blossom.
Heyward swung the bat pretty well last season, but has reverted to a slumping vet, at present. His potential was always there, but he can’t seem to get it going these days. Mookie should be moved back to RF and the Dodgers need to do some cleaning of the roster this off season.
I’m sure Fred is right about Roberts being on board with the analytics team’s suggestions. And why wouldn’t he be. Over a 162 game season it’s been very successful.
Now, about the playoffs. There have been some weird occurrences for those short series of late. Even in the Asstros cheating year Game 7 was played at home and the bats went flat, 6 hits 1 run, and Darvish – 1.2 IP 4 earned runs. No trash can lids being banged in that game. Then there was the ace Scherzer having a dead arm in ‘21. And I think I have some memories of Kershaw failing in the post season. Maybe Bear can straighten me out on that. Anyway, how much of all that can be blamed on Roberts.
Kersh has had some nightmare games in the playoffs. Because of a few blowouts his ERA for postseason play is 4.48. His first playoff start against the Cardinals in 2009, he went 6.2 innings, allowed 9 hits, walked 1, struck out 4 and allowed 2 runs, but the Dodgers won the game. He was lit up his only start against the Phillies in the LCS, 7 runs on 5 hits and 6 walks. He also allowed 2 homers in 6.2 innings. He was 21 at the time. Did not get another chance until 2013. The Cardinals have his number in playoff games, he is 0-4 against them. He is 2-1 against the Braves in playoff games. But you can give up just 3 runs in the only game you pitch, and your ERA will be above 5. But since he lost 2 games to the Cardinals in 2014 his post season record is 12-8. Overall, he is 13-13. And he has lost a couple heartbreakers in postseason too. 1-0 to Wacha in 2013. 3-2 in game 4 in 2014 on a 7th inning 3-run shot by Matt Adams.
I think the team has moved on from Kershaw headlining the pitching staff. It’s a non-issue at this point in time. The natural order of progression will take precedence and we have a slew of talent with which to draw from.
That is how he got hired in the first place. Remember the two finalists for the job were Kapler and Roberts. Roberts aced all of his interviews. Kapler did not.
“why would they fire “the winningest manager in baseball history?”
They won’t.
I have no complaints. I have questions about the Dodgers training techniques. Why so many injuries?
As for managing this team I say what I always say – it’s the players. And the Dodgers have plenty of good, and great, players. If all of them were available they’d be 12 games in front and there would be no talk of firing the manager.
I am hopeful the stars return and the team can move forward to the playoffs at full, or near full strength. If that isn’t the case, I surely won’t blame the manager.
I can think of no bigger front office blunder in recent years than the decision in Spring ’22 that Lux should play SS and Vargas should play 2B.
Wrong and wrong.
And how did their faith in Lux influence their draft and trade strategies? Thank goodness the Dodgers dealt for Rojas–but he was supposed to be a reserve.
Should Roberts be blamed for that?
With no inside info, I sense reading between the lines is that he always had doubts– and perhaps should have lobbied harder. But I think AF and BG carry more responsibility.
Badger, you’re correct in that it’s the players’ play that ultimately determines the outcome of a game. A bad manager decision or two in a game can be overcome by the players playing to the level of statistics that they have produce in the past. That has been the biggest failure in the past two playoffs.
I’ve called out the training staff for the last couple of years. With all of the new physio therapies to support and strengthen vulnerable muscle groups and tendons with mobility and strength, the Dodgers need to adapt to the new technology, not the surgical kind. But, if we are pointing the finger at the players, then we must also point the finger at the FO for signing the walking wounded, and those with vulnerable bodies that can be screened before signing a contract. Plus, there are also those who are not very good at baseball. Good enough to be in the majors but not good enough to play every day. The abundance of non productive players on the roster amazes me. Then they go and sign a player like Kiermaier, a gold glover, who just cannot swing a bat. What’s up with that?
Well said Ted. And I do agree with those who say some of Roberts’ bullpen decisions have looked odd. I’ve found myself mumbling to the tv “wtf are you doing here?” But I’ve done that for as long as I’ve been watching baseball. And the current MLB is frustrating for we old timers who grew up drilled on the fundamentals. The fundamentals are a lost art. But that’s everywhere, it doesn’t apply only to the Dodgers. As for the bullpen use, I figure Roberts knows a whole lot more about his team than I do. And I know if he did have the players he should have, all would be right in Dodgerland.
Good article Bear. I believe what Dave said if I got it right. Robert’s just never seems to have any urgency when a game is in the balance. He is always hugs and excuses. I don’t think you have to berate players in public. But u have to send a message with poor play. I would say at least 10 games throughout the year we just throw away. If u believe half of that we would be up at least 8. As Ted Raymond said how much control does Roberts have? Or how much does he want? He seems happy to always be the good guy knowing that if things go off the rails the front office is a part of it. The buck doesn’t stop with him and I think he and the front office wants it that way. That is why the front office gets so defensive when Robert’s is criticized because people are criticizing their behind the scenes decisions
TRT, regarding Doc costing us ten games a year, respectively, do you really believe that the dodgers should have won
110 games last year, 121 in 2023, and 116, in 2022 ? Those are some pretty lofty expectations, you expect Roberts to do what no manager in the history of baseball has done.
Is There anyone here that doesn’t believe that had the Astros not cheated the Dodgers would have won that series? That would be 2 WS championships for Doc, out of 8 years managing, not a bad percentage if you ask me, plus he has had them in the playoffs every year he’s managed.
for those of you that want Doc fired, you need to understand if they do fire Roberts your going to get a Roberts clone or someone like Gabe Kapler, if you remember right Kapler was the one they were grooming to take over for Mattingly until Roberts impressed them with his views on analytics in his interview.
remember the old saying watch what you wish for, because you may just get it.
finally I will admit to being a Dave Roberts fan/apologist, I realize he’s not perfect, and I’m not going to convince the Roberts haters to change their minds. I do think we are lucky to have him, and I hope he gets a chance to prove his worth when the team gets healthy.
I read somewhere a while back that at most a managers decisions affect the outcome of a game maybe 5 times a year, resulting in either a win or a loss. There are no specific stats saying how many games any manager has lost for his team. He might substitute and the player fails to do his job. Is that the managers fault? He is making real time decisions based on the information he has at the time. Fans can criticize after the fact. But they have no info on how a player is feeling at the time. Anyone who suggests that Roberts’s decisions lose X number of games per year, does not know what he is talking about.
Does this consider starting lineups.
It really comes down to the players executing. If the player comes thru, the manager is a genius. If he fails, the manager is a bum. If a couple of our relievers do their jobs last week, we are not having this conversation. Perhaps the FO needs to take more of the heat as the manager can only use the tools they give him.
The Dodgers could win 110 games each season and Roberts will never look like a genius. But he is not the problem with the team. It is the FO and its personnel choices, plain and simple. Too much reliance on metrics and poor visual evaluation of the team and its needs.
Exactly, but don’t tell the fans that.
I’m ticked at Roberts for waiting until the 9th inning to tell Shohei to hit one out.
Why didn’t he do that when the bases were loaded?
But seriously, folks… It feels like we are circling the airport, running low on fuel and waiting to get cleared for landing…
What is the Dodgers’ record without Mookie and Max?
What is the record without Mookie, Max and Freddie?
And we could factor in Rojas too, a vital player for much of the season.
There’s reason to think that all four of these players will be back this month.
And we can also hope that Lux stays hot. Over the past 30 days, he has hit to .971 OPS with a .395 OBP and 4 HRs.
I believe that Dave has control of who plays during a game because he is right there. But I also think there is a game plan of sorts that he gets prior to each series and game from the analytical department. We see it time after time. They play the odds. Just look at the way they have a meeting when a pinch hitter is announced. There is a playbook they follow that shows a hitter and a pitcher tendency. I would love to be a fly on the wall during a big moment in a game just to get the inside info on how they do things
My opinion: the Dodgers need a manager that would push back and not just go along with AF and his analytics. Terry Francona says he will be back to managing within a year and a half. I think his personality and feel for the game would be a perfect fit in LA.
Where did you see that Francona says he will be back? It would be great to have him as the Dodgers manager. Or Skip Schumaker.
Terry Francona that would be a good one or Skip Schumaker or a David Shelton if they can do what they do with a triple A team in the majors and win then just think what they can do with Allstars at every position that’s what they need is a guy that knows how to manage. Poor Bud Black is a good manager just that ballpark and never getting players in Colorado. But the Rockies always find players in there minor leagues and who ever there hitting coach is that teaches hitting he must get paid alot to stay in Colorado because they always hit pretty good just never have the pitching. All these older managers are retiring now its guys that are younger or just retiring. That catcher from the Cardinals was an allstar for years with them he is going to be a good manager some day Molina. Catchers always make good managers Mike Matheny he waa always good with St Louis. Scott Service Bob Melvin and Scioscia all ex catchers.
Bob Melvin. 21 years, no pennants 1 first place finish. Scott Servais, current Seattle manager, He received a multi-year extension in 21. Derek Shelton is the Pirates current manager. Has never won a thing. His Pirates lost 100 games twice. No thanks. Matheny, out of managing since 2022. No division titles or pennants. 10-11 in postseason play. Hard NO. As for Bud Black, a former pitcher whose teams have never won a thing. Now, his Rockies were tied for the division lead with the Dodgers in 2018, and the Dodgers had to win game 163 at home to win the division, their closest division win since Guggenheim took over. Bradley, you better check their road and home stats. A lot of those guys rake at Coors, but suck on the road. Even Arenado. Arenado is a .304 hitter in his career at home. He has hit .320 at Coors. He has hit .232 at Dodger Stadium. His career road mark is .266. Rockies do find some good hitters, but the Dodgers have found some good ones too. It is more about what you have to start with than what you teach. As for the Rockies hitting coaches, Hensley Meulens is the hitting coach, Andy Gonzalez and PJ Pilittere are his assistants. Meulens played 7 years in the majors and hit .220. Andy Gonzalez played 2 years and hit .182 PJ never made it to the majors. Dodger coaches have little MLB experience either. Bates had 11 at bats, that’s all, Von Scoyok none. The Dodgers are third in the majors in hitting, the Rockies 14th. So who has the better coaches?
I had no idea if Bob Melvin could manage or not. The Mariner’s FO just never committed to putting a quality group of players on the field. The same with Scott Servais. I think he’s a good manager who is stuck in an unsuccessful organization. Give some of these guys the talent at Doc’s disposal and you never know.
True, but you have to view the track record too. I understand why Melvin never won with the Padres or A’s. But he did take some clubs to the playoffs. But why dream about managers who are with other organizations and are locked into their contracts? I don’t agree with the way Von Shylock coaches’ hitters, but obviously the front office does. I do not always agree with how Doc handles his lineups or his starting pitchers, but I am just a fan, so what do I know about the inner workings of the team? Nothing. I think Roberts is exactly the manager this organization wants at this particular point in time. That might change, you never know. But griping about the guy isn’t going to change the way he manages.
Great post. There is nothing anyone can do about the injuries that have hurt this team. Do you look at the trainer? The actual training program? Something seems way off. But being frustrated about the current state of the team health is an exercise in futility.
With that being said, it just doesn’t feel right. Isn’t our year etc. Too many things have gone wrong. Almost ready to punt. Hope I am wrong.
Dave is going to be Dave under these circumstances. Some good. Some bad. But I have always wondered how many strings are being pulled by the brass when it comes to real decisions. I think MANY.
The Dodgers can still make the playoffs. The Captain Obvious approach is to get as healthy as they can before that first series. I think Mookie belongs back in RF. It’s best for the team. If they are almost completely healthy they are definitely deeper than they were on opening day. The bottom of the lineup was not going to be good enough. I think it is now.
Bear, what a great summary of the complaints coming from the fan base. I personally think Roberts resume will keep him employed. He wins. And when he doesn’t there are easy ways to spin why not; injured players, players underperforming, getting low draft picks every year. Poor Doc is just a victim of circumstance.
I don’t love to blame Roberts, but I think he over-manages. Bear, you and the knowledgeable posters here, did a great job expressing examples of what’s wrong including mismanaging the pitching and substitutions. While this year, it’s frequently injury driven, I have issues with a different lineup daily and an over reliance of platoons. Players are creatures of habit and love a set routine. A different position and spot in the lineup daily does not fit that. It also changes approaches to situational hitting, being in a different spot every day.
Is this on Doc or the FO? The organizations reputation for player development hasn’t produced much fruit, as pointed out.
But Doc doesn’t play. What he does, is to try to put players in the best position to succeed, given the circumstances. I don’t think he does that well.
It seems to be a bad combination of misfortune and underperformance, by the players, Doc and the FO.
Lux struggled early, Kike .197, Heyward .206, CT3 .167, Outman .149, Biggio .206 and the favorite whipping boy of the week, Andy Pages at .242, with adventures in center?
This team isn’t very good. Combine that with the injuries and this has become the new reality.
The volume of injuries and player fitness needs to be addressed with a fresh approach, in all of baseball, not just the Dodgers.
I would love to candidly talk to the players and see how much ownership they take for the poor performances and how much they blame circumstances and management.
I like a couple of acquisitions at the deadline but getting more utility guys didn’t move my dial.
Really good comments today by the posters. It will be extremely interesting how this plays out.
Thanks Phil. I wanted to generate discussion, and it worked!
https://www.instagram.com/p/C-JQTDfyBxi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
What a great looking family.
My knee replacement surgery was successful, but now the hard part comes…rehab. I was up and walking with a walker before they would release me. I am really tired and can only sit up for about 30 minutes a couple of times a day through the weekend. I started physical therapy on Wednesday, and will have a physical therapist at my home twice a week starting next week. After that, I go into the physical therapy office. And yes I am in pain, and meds help even though I am not taking them as often as prescribed.
One final thing on Mark. I am sorry to see him leave LADT, and hope he reconsiders. He can call me a moron any time he wants, and has many times. But when he says that I tolerate the morons and idiots on my site, he is impugning the commenters on LADC. That I will not let go, which is why I responded as I did. And he calls me a passive aggressive little man. Anyway, if he does decide to finally walk away, I wish him nothing but a fun-filled life regardless as to how he feels about me or the commenters on LADC. He has had a fantastic run and is at the pinnacle of Dodgers blogs.
I have no idea right now as to when I will be able to stay up long enough to write a post. But you are all seemingly getting along swimmingly without me, and that is how it should be.
I have been watching the Olympics more than baseball.
It is time for me to exercise and nap.
Get well, Jeff. Focus on the rehab.
Sleep is good too.
Hang in there and be a good boy, doing everything the PT asks you to do. Not easy, but you can do it. Now you know what it is like for these players who are trying to come back from injuries. Most of it is mental.
Good to hear from you Jeff. Glad your surgery went well!
Now on to rehab! You can and will have a full recovery and a life without pain in the knee.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good to hear you are doing well Jeff.
Get well soon Jeff. You are sorely missed over here.
Get well. I have your six.
Jeff, thank you for the update. I can speak for the group here, that we were all wondering how you’re doing. Rehab is a bitch sometimes but you have to play through the set-backs. A saw the ramifications of lazy rehab in physical therapy, with other unmotivated people.
My last knee replacement was difficult. They had to take more bone and the knee was so roached it was a difficult procedure. They tried to get me up and walking with my walker the same day, as usual, and the pain was so intense, there was no way. I ended up in an impatient rehab center for 12 days. Confined to a wheelchair and bed only I was able to roll up to a stationary cycling machine. I wore the thing out; three times a day for 45 minutes per, if they’d let me in.
Then it was the swimming pool. I looked at this as just another challenge and I think being an athlete taught me perseverance and a positive attitude.
Rehab is a bitch but I’m back after 4 replacements, pain free. Yesterday I rode my bike 20 miles. I rode 400 mile in July.
I too hated the meds but DO NOT get behind on the pain meds. Severe pain will keep you from doing the necessary rehab.
There’s my coaches pep-talk.
Thank you for the update and best of luck. We are all rooting for you. 😎
I did very little exercise when I was in rehab.
Spoken with pride or remorse?
Actually I was never in rehab. I was trying to be funny.
Lucky guy.
Great to hear you came through your surgery in good shape, Jeff.
But no, this blog is not the same without you so hopefully you’ll throw a comment or two out there and before long be ready to write full articles again. In the meanwhile, Bear has done a great job as gatekeeper.
Hopefully, over the next couple of weeks, the pain of Dodger baseball won’t be more than the pain in your knee.
Thank you for the update Jeff, it’s good to hear from you. I hope you have a speedy recovery
I’m assuming Outman goes down when Freeman returns, Biggio and Ahmed get the axe when Mookie and Edman get off IL but what happens if Muncy and or Rojas return. Hmm?
I have a question for you guys. Ohtani has now hit 21 solo home runs. All others were 2 run shots. When Mookie and Freddie are back, I don’t understand why he would hit lead off. Mookie-Freddie-Teo-Ohtani seems more balanced to me. The bottom of the lineup just doesn’t get on base.
They might want to keep that R L thing going but with this group I don’t feel that is necessary. I’d like to see Ohtani hit with more runners on and that might happen hitting leadoff with a new group at the bottom of the order. But if it’s me, I think I have him hitting second or even third.
That said I have no idea what the Dodgers computers are saying about what order, in August/September is likely to score the most runs.
What we know is that Ohtani is a very good leadoff hitter. He can hit, hit for power, steal a base, get on base. What we don’t know is whether he can hit well with runners on. This year he has not done well. Why? Mb they are pitching him tougher, mb he feels more pressure, idk but started out really poorly wrisp. I like u would like to c him be in a position to get more rbi. U would expect him to flourish in those situations but he hasnt. I get tired of watching him strikeout especially him pulling off the ball and swinging at bad pitches. But then u look at his production and think my expectations are too high. Mb he just is not as good in rbi situations. I don’t know what his career says about wrisp.i just know when he comes up with runners on my first thought goes to don’t strike out/stay ahead in the count.
Ohtani is consistent if nothing else, but I get frustrated watching him chase pitches he cannot possibly hit and taking pitches right down Broadway. His type of hitter should be hitting third, not second or leadoff. According to his career splits, he is best in the 2-hole. .287/.389/.618 with a 1.008 OPS. He has 95 homers and 206 RBIs. By far his most productive spot in the order. He is .281 as a leadoff hitter. 27 homers and 64 driven in.
Agree about the R/L.
I am wondering if a teams home run leader has ever batted lead off. And if he does, 2/3rd of them are solo shots, apparently. Seems like a math problem.
A new group at the bottom but I think we all thought the team was in a solid position there before the injuries. Need to see it first.
In 2022, Schwarber led the league in homers with 46. 38 of his homers came as the leadoff hitter. Mookie hit 39 in 23. He was the leadoff hitter of the Dodgers and led the team in homers. All of his homers came in the leadoff position. Muncy was second on the team with 36. Schwarber is the only time I could find that a leadoff hitter led the league.
That’s right that was a crazy season for him. He hit under .200 as well.
Likely because he’s hitting .245 with 1HR with guys in scoring position.
What is the sample size there though? I mean, the Dodgers had the worst 7-8-9 in the league for half a season.
Hey, fire Doc. makes no difference to me. The organization will just go find another manager who thinks the way they do. That is how Doc got the job in the first place. He aced his interviews. He believes in the analytic side of the game, and it is very obvious he uses them during games. Sometimes ya have to wonder how the old timers were ever successful without the I-Pads, computer print outs and positioning cards to show them what to do.
In non-fire Doc news, Jackson Ferris, after throwing 8 innings of no hit ball last night, has been promoted to AA Tulsa Drillers. Also, Gus Varland has been claimed off waivers by the WhiteSox. Let’s hope that he’s the PTBNL in the Edman/Kopech transaction.
fantastic! He had an incredible last 4-5 weeks for Great Lakes.
The way Hope is playing at Rancho, makes you believe the Dodgers did really well in this trade.
I do not know why, but when I read this I just totally cracked up: Astros claim Janson Junk. 😂
Pache was claimed by the Marlins, JD Davis was released by the Yankees and Jamaii Jones outrighted to AAA.
Question. If a player the Dodgers draft does not sign, do the Dodgers get a compensatory pick?
Depends on the round in which he is drafted.
So when mookie comes back and they move him to rightfield who plays centerfield Edman Kermeier or Pages and Freeman at 1b Lux and Rosario at 2b Ahmed and Rosario at shortstop and thirdbase Muncy hernandez Edman and leftfield every day is Teoscar and Smith and Barnes catching duties and Ohatani Dh that’s the play for playoffs and heyward off the bench or play the outfield on Sundays and move Betts in and play second base on Sundays so someone show me a lineup that woild match Phillies with this group. Since the Philies almost play the same lineup every night.
A. Mookie is not taking any fielding reps in the outfield. All of his reps have been at SS. You would think he would be taking reps in the outfield if he was going to play there. B. Outman is going to go back to AAA as soon as Betts, Edman, or Freeman returns. Biggio will likely be DFA’d when one of those guys gets back. Ahmed might go when Muncy gets back, if he gets back. Kiermaier and Pages will man center field for now. Hernadez in left, and a platoon of Heyward and Pages in right. Edman will be all over the field. CF, 2nd and occasionally SS. Smith and Barnes are it until next year……Maybe. Actually, right now, the Dodgers are better offensively than the Phillies. LA is third in the majors and first in the NL. Philly is 7th in the majors and 4th in the NL. That is based on collective OPS. Dodgers is .766. Phillies is .711. Believe it or not, the A’s have more homers than the Phillies. The Phillies are where they are because of their pitching, which is third in the majors and 2nd to the Braves in the NL. Dodgers are 10th in the majors and 6th in the NL. C. The Phillies do not run the same lineup out there every night. They just got Realmuto back. They have 2 hitters over .295, Bohm and Turner, and Turner has played only 68 games, so he does not yet qualify for the batting title. Their bench players are not much to write home about, but only one is below .200. They are overall, not a great offensive team. But they have some power and four A-level players, Harper, Bohm, Turner and Realmuto. Their pitching staff? Well, it is outstanding as is their bullpen with 2 certified closers. Alvarado and Estevez.
Do Robert’s decisions ever win games or just lose them? It’s all his fault that there are so many injuries and so many hitters in the .500 and .600 OPS.And what did he do to Miller and Buehler? String him up! A guy a lot smarter than anyone here, hired him and continues to pay his salary.
No one knows for sure. There are no statistics for games blown by a manager’s decision. It is easy to blame after the fact. But without inside information, fans can only guess. OK, let’s look at his decision in two consecutive games to pull his rookie starter and use the bullpen. He replaced those kids with uber experienced relievers. Neither did their jobs. Is that Roberts fault, or the players? Did he pull them too soon. Many said, let Ryan finish the inning. Ok, I get that, you learn by experience. But who can say the same thing would not have happened after he finished the inning? Hudson wasn’t fooling anyone, neither was Treinen. Hindsight is 20-20 as they say. But we will never know if A. Ryan could get out of the inning, or B. if Hudson starting an inning with as bad as his stuff was would have made a difference.
The LAT’s Dylan Hernandez examines a concern for all of us: Where will Mookie play when he gets back?
https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2024-08-01/dodgers-mookie-betts-returns-broken-hand-injury-shortstop
A couple of takeaways:
— First, Hernandez assumes that Miguel Rojas will return, so perhaps his injury isn’t as severe as feared.
–Second, Lux’s offensive surge and the recent acquisitions should limit and perhaps shift Mookie back to RF:
“Superstars are usually the ones who are accommodated by role players, and not the other way around. In this case, Betts could be asked to move to right field to unclog an infield depth chart that includes Miguel Rojas, Gavin Lux, Tommy Edman, Amed Rosario and Nick Ahmed. A return to his former position would bolster the Dodgers’ underwhelming corner outfield production as well.”
–Third, Hernandez’s brain fails to ponder my brilliant insight that Mookie could also man CF, which would both unclog the infield and also allow a Heyward/Pages platoon in RF. (Are the Dodgers really better off with a weak-hitting Keirmaier in CF? He notes that Pages and Heyward have not hit much lately–but they certainly have outhit the new CF options Keirmaier and Edman, who has yet to play at all this season.)
The story is about Mookie, so Hernandez doesn’t explore the matter of 3B
My guess if Rojas and Betts both return Rojas might play third with Betts at short. I think when Edman gets back he gets a runway in center. Heyward and Pages platoon in right. If Rojas does not come back Edman plays third. It’s going to be interesting to see what roster manipulation AF does.
Assuming is not wise. Right now, according to every video I have seen and reports from the Dodgers, Betts is taking all of his fielding reps at SS. If he was getting ready to play the outfield, since he hasn’t really done that in over a year, you would guess he would be taking some fly balls to reacclimate himself. Not the case at this point in time. Outman, Biggio and Ahmed are the most vulnerable roster guys right now.
Played RF almost his entire career. He will not take long to get acclimated theire again. Best lineup is with Mookie in RF, offensiviely and defensively. And it is not even close.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just because you want something to be true, doesn’t make it true.
I learned this as a young child.
Unfortunately, Ram, you are not running the team. The best lineup will be decided by the powers that be. Defensively, Heyward, Kiermaier and Hernandez is not bad. Offensively it is weak.
I think he should be moved to the position that puts the least amount of strain on his body. That’s probably right field. Shortstop is iffy, and can also put a lot of strain on the body. CF is the position that puts the most strain on the body, so I would not think it would be wise to do that.
It’s ironic Scott, that one reason the Dodgers used to move Mookie to the infield was it was less stress on his body. All the running around in right field, plus the run in and out to his position between innings, was taking a toll on his legs. The infield was said to be less taxing.
I get that for sure. But I think shortstop puts a lot of stress on the body too. More range, more throwing. More diving for balls etc.
Does rightfield really cause the least amount of stress? All that starting and stopping plus the fact that he could crash into that low wall in right. He likes it where he is, leave well enough alone.
We don’t know if he likes it at Short. That’s the media’s narrative that Mookie loves playing short. The team asked him to move there. What’s he going to say…no, I dont want too? He’ll play where management tells him too.
The reason he was moved from RF to 2B was to relieve stress. I cannot imagine SS involves that much more movement than 2B.
There is also the issue of Betts’ arm, which may not be as strong as it used to be.
I can see where some think we’re a better team with Mookie in outfield but my take is Mookie is happier and more engaged playing the infield [ his own words ] and a happier Mookie is a more productive offensive weapon which is what we need the most. Can’t deny when he’s on a offensive roll wins come a lot easier and a catalyst for rest of lineup
I agree with bear mookie is going back to SS, Ahmed plays there until mookie is back. Edmonds in CF, Rosario, and Kiki man 3b until/if Max gets healthy. Good luck in RF Heyward and somebody to platoon with him. Against a lefty, I could see Rosario in RF and Kiki at third, Rosario had 20 games in RF so far this season. I think Pages ends up getting option backed to OKC later if all the veterans come back. The way Pages is playing right now I hope we don’t have to count on him in the playoffs.
although I will add this, I was starting to worry that the demands of SS were starting to wear on mookie, his offensive production had declined before his injury
To be honest I still would rather see him at second or back in right. His OPS was trending down after the switch, .735 in May, .702 in June. I thought Lux would be traded, I was wrong, so he’s the second baseman, at least 70% of the time, so we now have 4 utility guys, assuming both Taylor and Rojas get back. More counting Ahmed and Biggio, but something has to give there. With Freddie and Betts gone, Will Smith slumping, Teoscar with a bad week, and all the pitching woes, the Dodgers will be lucky to hold serve until it all rights itself.
Kiermaier in the starting lineup tonight but not Rosario.
Rosario is hitting over .300 this year against both LHP and RHP.
He has played all three OF positions plus 2B, 3B and SS during his career.
The current batting averages for the 6 players starting at those positions tonight are: .195, .197, .206, .235, .239 and .260.
If Rosario is actually in Oakland, I guess they got him to keep the ball boy company. Or maybe they’re saving him for a walk off in the 9th.
Only 3 players in tonight’s lineup OPSn over .700. It’s Oakland, so maybe it will work.
In contrast the cardinals have 7 out of 9 over .700 ops with one at .860 and one at .600 something .
With the Dodgers hot garbage for a month and sending out a AAAA lineup and 4 rookie pitchers in July. They are 7.5 games ahead of the Cards.
I am thankful for that. I just don’t know how long we can keep it up. This has to be one of the weakest lineups in the league. We are probably 3 weeks from any changes. Oakland is no pushover. They are not good but they have been playing their best baseball lately. We really need Stone to be good tonight.
Tonight’s line-up is tough.
Kike, Kiermeier Ahmed and Biggio. That 44% if my math is correct.
And I’m slowly warming to Biggio.
Bobby Miller scratched from his start tonight because of a strained abductor muscle.
At the rate he’s going this might just end his year.
I’m pretty sure I included May and Miller in a few unpopular trade thoughts.
I have no expectations for him or Buehler making it back.
It does not look good for either of them.
This sounds positive hope they come out of it ok
Ardaya also had this to say:
“Walker Buehler will make one more start with OKC before rejoining the Dodgers, Dave Roberts said.”
Are they out of their minds? (those words are mine)
Actually, I’m fine with WB rejoining the team. Just don’t let him out on the field during a game.
Warner Brothers?
Yep
Eh-Th-Th-The, Th-Th-The, Th… That’s all, folks!
If he’s rejoining the team, he’s going to pitch.
The GOAT has spoken!!
He’s not ready. Wrobleski should be the next guy called up, not Buehler.
We better not look behind us someone might be gaining. I think Satchel Paige said something to this effect. Well Arizona and SanDiego are charging hard with the Giants picking up steam(Snell 1 walk 8ks so far 0hits) it could turn into the Wild West. We better get tough in a hurry. If we can win with the lineup we are throwing out there Roberts should win manager of the year. Btw why did we get Rosario?
someone needs to step up and throw a gem. Come on stone!! We are going to have to play better on the road. Oakland has got to look at this lineup and think they should be favored. Will smith is doing a lot of talking it is time he backs it up with his playing. Come on Will somebody step up and play over their head!
To be honest, I don’t get the frustration with Dave Roberts. He seems to be “taking one for the organization”. Are there decisions he has made that have not worked? Sure, name me one manager that has not. As fans we tend to judge managers on results rather than process. The Braves have, arguably, had a better roster than the Dodgers in both 2022 and 2023. They were also eliminated in the NLDS the last two seasons. I thought Roberts did an outstanding job last season. What team was going to win a series starting an injured CK, a rookie in Bobby Miller, and a mediocre Lance Lynn and with their two best hitters combining for one hit in three games? If we had been told before the season started that Muncy would miss 10 weeks, Betts would miss 8 to 9 weeks, Yamamoto would miss 10 weeks or more, and we would get no meaningful contributions from Kershaw, Buehler, Miller, or May (at least to this point) what would you have predicted? They are just 2.5 games out of the best record in the NL. Sometimes, we (me included) would do well to step back and see the forest from the trees.
Anyone have information on why Rushing is playing left field more frequently of late? Is this to expand his versatility for next year or a potential outfield option this year. I may be reading too much in to this.
With Rosario sitting against a right hander, I am guessing he will be the platoon partner for Lux. Interested to see what Keirmaier gives the Dodgers. To me, this a two week audition before Edman returns. But with the versatility of this roster, there are several options. Hope Dodgers can hang on for these next two weeks before help arrives.
Excellent post and right on the money
Oakland just tied the game with their 2nd HR off Stone. Dodgers have only 2 hits, 1 being a Teoscar HR. Dodgers can’t seem to hit these days. 2 hits in 4 innings. No support for the pitcher. Kiermaier looks like a great CFielder but he is anaemic at the plate. I’ve seen young teens swing the bat better in little league.
Kiermaier has no business starting, much less being on a gameday roster.
12 years as a major leaguer says different. He is there for his defense. He had no hand in the loss, blame the pitching, it was pitiful.
Gavin Stone pulled in the 5th inning after giving up 2 more runs. 4-2 Oakland, bottom of the 5th. Zero outs. Stone seems to have hit the wall. Kelly comes in and relieves him and promptly gives up a 2 run HR. 6-2 Oakland. We are sinking in the mud or is it quicksand?
Third time through the order is TOUGH for young pitchers.
Tell that to the Oakland pitcher.
no way to sugarcoat this. Anemic hitters terrible pitching.
And look!
Estes struggling third time through the order!
As he did numerous times this eyar.
WTF are you talking about?
Are u watching the same game? Estes 6innings 2hits
We may have to go to AAA to find someone we can beat!
Huh?
Offense is stagnant. Pitching is awful. Not much else one can say
You are not going to win many games scoring two in the first and then having the offense stymied by a pitcher with an ERA north of 4. Also not going to win much giving up 3 bombs and 6 runs. And when your 700-million-dollar man is ofer his last 15 at bats, you definitely are not going to win. Arizona already won their game. Colorado ahead of SD 3-2 in the top of the sixth 2 on and 1 out. Snell pitched a no-hitter against the Reds.
It will get worse before it gets better. Ohtani and Smith have gone in the tank during a point in the season where they needed to be better. Aside from Lux coming to life lately, the rest of the usual suspects are still suspect. Hernandez, Biggio, Heyward, Pages (vs. RH), Outman, Ahmed, and we can add Keirmaier to the list. Three of these guys on the list were DFA pick ups (or traded for after DFA). Stone becomes the latest in a line of four inning starts – two by Kershaw and today’s effort by Stone. The big failure of this front office has been their inability to develop position players to help at the major league level. Hence our scrounging the waiver wire for replacing injured or low performers. Aside from Rushing there is not much infield or outfield help at AAA or AA. Hard to believe a team with these resources and such a highly regarded player development program could end up in this spot. Not surprising that a line up with these hitters is struggling to score runs though.
It is sad. 7 of 9 starters with OPS below .700 isn’t going to win a lot of games.
Stone gets the loss that Kelly deserves…
Not really. They should get 1/2 loss apiece.