Bear is going to need a couple of days before his next post. I got back to the Condo just before the game started, and the game did not put me in a mood for positive writing. I cannot be convinced that the Dodgers are a better team than Milwaukee.
The Dodgers managed three hits, a double by Freddie, a single by Will Smith, and a single by Hyeseong Kim. They managed to get a runner in scoring position twice. On one occasion, Smith hit a bullet right at 3B who doubled Freddie off 2nd, and on the other, with a 3-2 pitch, Mookie struck out on ball 4.
Glasnow got squeezed on ball 4 to Isaac Collins and then gave up a one-out hard hit double to score Collins. In 6.0 IP, Glasnow allowed the one run on 4 hits, 1 BB, and 6 K. He threw 88 pitches, 53 for strikes.
I would like for those who think the LAD bullpen is just fine, please explain why they do not have room for Clase, Bednar, Duran, Griffin, or Fairbanks. Because Yates, Klein, and Trivino are solid relievers? And no, Edgardo Henriquez is not better than the relievers they are looking at. Treinen will help, but I am not convinced that Graterol will be effective when he gets back. I am hoping for some elite back of the bullpen help.
In the last 10 games the Dodgers have scored a total of 24 runs, and none over 7 in any one game. The Dodgers are 2-8 in those games. Okay, I have had enough positive talk about the Dodgers.
MiLB GAME SUMMARY REPORT
OKC Comets 5 – Sacramento River Cats (Giants) 2
Matt Sauer started and completed 5.2 innings. He allowed 1 unearned run on 3 hits, 3 BB, with 11 K.
Edgardo Henriquez pitched .1 inning, allowing a BB and registering a K. In OKC, Edgardo has appeared in 18 games and pitched 18.1 IP. He has struck out 26 batters, but given up 20 hits and 11 BB. He has a 5.89 ERA, and a 1.69 WHIP.
Blake Treinen and Garrett McDaniels each pitched a scoreless inning. Treinen retired all three batters he faced and McDaniels allowed one hit. Both pitchers registered 1 K.
Jack Little retired the final three batters for his 12th save.
- Ryan Ward – 2-4, 1 run, 2 RBI, double (22) and HR (25)
- Austin Gauthier – 2-4, 1 RBI
- Hunter Feduccia – HR (8)
- Noah Miller – Double (3)
Box Score
Tulsa Drillers 7 – NW Arkansas Naturals (KC) 2
LHP Jackson Ferris pitched a gem. He completed 7.0 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits, walking 1, and striking out 7. That is 3 quality starts out of his last 4 games. In those 4 games, he has 24.0 IP and has allowed a total of 4 runs.
- Kole Myers – 3-3, 1 BB, 3 runs, 4 RBI, 2 HR (4)
- Kyle Nevin – 3-4
- Chris Newell – 2-4, 1 run, 2 RBI, HR (11)
- Nelson Quiroz – 2-4, 1 RBI, double (1)
Box Score
Great Lakes Loons 5 – Dayton Dragons (Reds) 4
Kendall George opened the game with a single, stole 2 bases, and scored on a Logan Wagner single.
In the 6th, with 2 outs, Wagner, Elijah Hainline, and Joe Vetrano singled scoring a run. Jake Gelof singled loading the bases. Jordan Thompson reached on an error scoring another, and Carlos Rojas singled bringing home 2 more to finish the scoring.
Sean Liñan and Evan Shaw each pitched 2.0 scoreless innings. Four others finished up the game allowing the 4 runs on 6 hits, and 4 BB.
Logan Wagner was the only GL hitter with 2 hits.
Box Score
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 5 – Lake Elsinore Storm (Padres) 1
Aidan Foeller completed 4.0 IP scoreless innings and Jhonny Jimenez followed with 2.0 additional scoreless innings. Three relievers followed to finish the game allowing 1 run. Combined the 5 pitchers allowed 6 hits, walked 6 and struck out 11.
- Jose Meza – 3-4, 1 BB, 2 runs, 1 RBI, double (8)
- Eduardo Quintero – 2-5, double (18)
- Mairo Martinus – 3-5, 1 run, 3 RBI, double (10)
- Victor Rodrigues – 3-5
Box Score
Not much they can do about the slumping hitters, but why are they still playing Conforto everyday? He’s hitting .180 and has twice as many strikeouts as he does hits.
Also Scott and Yates have been total busts. How long are they going to keep using players who are not performing? When Treinen comes back one of either Scott or Yates should be designated for assignment. If that’s Yates and they keep Scott, then they should demote him from the closer role.
We’re less than three weeks from the trade deadline. Why are players continously allowed to not do their jobs and still employed let alone playing everyday? It’s mid July almost late July, it’s beyond time to get the dead weight off the roster.
On a positive note, I almost forgot how important a healthy Glasnow is for the rotation. When he is right, he is one of the best in MLB. The pitching staff is so much better with him than without.
They will NOT DFA either Scott nor Yates. No way.
They will simply push them down the trust tree and that is fine with me.
Dodgers probably will have to go after a top notch closer at the deadline, something Friedman tried to avoid because of the talent you have to give up for such an arm. But the old saying goes here too: Parades over prospects.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a frustrating start to the second half.
ONly positive thing to take from that game: Glasnow pitched very, very well.
Sharp, good control and good velo up to 100.
Betts and FF do not look their usual self. That wont cut it for a WS run.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!
Glasnow pitched very well just no offense at all they need a drastic trade. This why I said they do something with Betts Outman Conforto and Rushing and go get three or four guys that can turn this offense around shake up the team. Or are the Brewers just a better team now. Quick name the Brewers centerfielder bet you cant. I say look at teams that you could get players to replace those 4 guys I mentioned. Maybe it is in Baltimore. Or maybe its with Minnesota they have relief pitching and outfielders and a shortstop in Correa. Maybe that would be better give these guys a new place to play. Betts does not look the same. Either family problems or injuries we don’t know of but tonite his at bat’s and Ohtani were bad. Then again maybe the Brewers are just a better team and younger. Right now the Astros and the Brewers are not scared of the Dodgers.
Buxton, Correa, Ryan, Castro, Ox, twins for Betts, Outman, Conforto, Rushing, May, dodgers wouldn’t that be a shake up. Betts be like what happened. Um well you ain’t hitting. Off to Minnisota you go. Trades have happened before like this cuz players just need a new team.
Buxton has no trade clause and says he is staying in Minnesota. So, no. Carlos Correa? Are you serious? There is less than zero chance that Carlos Correa ever plays for Dodgers. You do remember the 2017 WS. right? The Twins have already said that Joe Ryan is not getting traded. The Dodgers do not need another utility player like Castro. I am assuming that Ox is Griffin Jax, who is the one Twins player they could get.
Minnesota has no use for rentals like Conforto or May, and they would not help the Twins. If you believe Betts is done, who is going to want to assume that contract? The Twins are looking to be sold, and they will not assume Betts’ contract. Outman is a 4th OF. That is a lottery ticket at best. But yes the Twins would like Rushing.
Nice try. How about working up a trade with NYY for Aaron Judge, Anthony Volpe, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Devin Williams. That would shake up the Dodgers.
I don’t know. I like his idea. Then, I say we offer Conforto and Yates to Chicago for PCA.
Then we offer Scott and Trevino or Klein to Detroit for Tarik Skubal, while we at it.
Bobby for GM!
Thoughts on obtaining Skenes? We’re not using Kike.
Let me ask Livy and get back to you
Skubal is a free agent in 26. He is being recruited by Will Smith. The Tigers would laugh in your face on that idea. And his idea is BONKERS.
I will say this, you come up with some doozies. There is about as much chance of a trade like that happening as me being elected to any public office. Zip, zero, nada!
Well looks like I was wrong. This team doesn’t appear rested and ready at all. What that means going forward? Beats me, but I don’t see a trade making a difference. The top half of this lineup has to do what they are paid to do or the 2-8 streak will continue. Yes, the bullpen looks shaky. But pitching gave up 2 runs last night and the team lost. That loss is clearly on the offense. This 10 game schneid is on the offense. They need to wake the f up.
Challenge system for ABS? No. These guys are proving getting the strike zone right is just not humanly possible. Employ the technology on every pitch. It could be done seamlessly.
Yup
The wheels on the bus have come off for 5 of the guys. They have completely lost plate discipline and are swinging at so much stiff out of the zone. Especially Pages. No need to throw any of them a strike. Freeman and Ohtani barely keeping their heads above water. Only Smith and Kim producing. Seven more years of this Mookie is going to be a tough pill to swallow for the organization.
Couldn’t watch the game after two innings being on the East Coast. Betts looked at two middle pitches for strikes and then swung at a ball damn near the LH batters box in the first inning. Right now he looks to be a shell of himself, completely lost and guessing at pitches rather than read and react.
Hurry back Munce, shake it up AF and jettison Conforto anywhere but the Dodgers.
Not really
really good article on Betts, his swing, and his hard it is to be a professional hitter at his level:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6503409/2025/07/19/mookie-betts-slump-dodgers-brewers/?source=user_shared_article
Mookie Betts’ season-long slump has continued for the Dodgers: ‘You get so lost in it’
I really cannot watch is at bats right now. He looks so so bad up there.
BUT, still plenty of time to figure it out and get hot for October.
It is getting late early. They are not taking quality at bats. Ohtani is chasing squirrels up there. He swings at pitches he could not hit with an oar. Betts just looks totally lost. Smith is the best thing about this team. One change for me, I put Kim at second and let him face all pitching. Small sample, but he is hitting .455 against lefties, that is so much better than Kike, or Rojas who they usually replace him with. Ruiz needs to go down, maybe to AA ball where he might be able to get a hit.
Maybe Mookie would like to go back to Boston theres some guys the Dodgers would like to have. DURAN the leftfielder or Story at shortstop they even have Chapman in the bullpen all players the Dodgers need.
Not a chance. Boston would not want his contract period. No way you could make that trade, and Story? Please, dude is way past his prime. Why are you picking on Mookie? He isn’t the only player in a slump. How about Freeman, who is 3 years older, and Ohtani, the 700-million-dollar man is hitting less than his weight the last month. Make serious suggestions not this fantasy crap.
Because the Dodgers right now are ohtani Freeman smith pages and Teoscar Muncy the cancer is Mookie and they need get rid of the cancer to get better. So look and see who you want. Go and get a legit shortstop and leftfielder to put around those other Dodgers. That’s called a major trade.
Why do you and Jeff keep taking the bait from this guy?
There is not much (or anything) about Bradley’s trade ideas that I agree with, but he is a commenter here, and is not venemous like others have been, so he deserves a response. I cannot speak for Bear, but that is how I feel.
I usually just comment and move on, but that last one was so insanely out there, I just couldn’t not say anything. His one glaring fault to his posts are his lack of research on the players he suggests. He also never takes into account money they may or may not be owed. But I will say, he is a passionate Dodger fan, he just lacks the knowledge of how things or AF work.
His biggest fault is suggesting trades for players that are just not available. That, and thinking other teams will take our crap for their All-Stars and very good players.
At least he’s playing a very good short stop. We really only need his bat in October
Affiliates playing better baseball than the Dodgers. They looked more like they were sleepwalking through that game. Pregame ceremony inducting the Penguin into the Legends of Dodger Baseball was more entertaining than the game. They did play solid defense though. Fred Claire looked very frail. Scioscia got in a few digs at the Penguin, the best being the quip that the Dodgers were handing out “Life size bobbleheads of him.” Reggie Smith was also there as was Jerry Ruess. LA outrighted Nastrini to AAA. Padres won and the Giants lost. Lead is 4.5. It is really hard to watch this team hit. They all look like they are pressing.
I’m loving the comments about really missing Max’s bat. Do any of you remember earlier in the season when we were ready to dfa him?. That’s baseball folks. Sometimes good players go into prolong slumps. And sometimes they never pull out of them. I’m betting that Mookie will eventually be fine and he’ll be a big help during the playoffs.
God willing we do the same with Mookie come September!!
The last Trae proposal I saw
had Justin Wrobleski, Ben Casparius, Josue De Paula, and one more prospect going for Kwan and Clase and possibly have to add another notable name such as Dalton Rushing or Hyeseong Kim to sweeten the deal.
Clase is sporting a 2.91 ERA with 42 strikeouts and a 1.233 WHIP across 43.1 innings of work in 2025. He also has racked up 20 saves on the season. I’m sorry but I can’t get excited with a closer with a 1.233 WHIP or a 2.91 ERA for that matter.
If Snell, Glasnow, Kershaw, Sheehan, Yams, and Ohtani finish out the year as the rotation then the Dodgers have May, Wrobleski, Casparius as candidates to close should they be needed. I’m standing pat with the current pitching staff depth.
Kwan would be a nice addition but I want Outman in CF and Kwan, Conforto, Hernandez, Pages, and Outman tell me one or two of them should be included in a Trae for Kwan.
In order to get away with playing Outman in CF, we’d have to be sure we were getting production from Shohei, Freddie, Mookie and Teo and continued production from Smith. We’d also need to make sure Conforto wasn’t starting most days and Kike is hardly a dramatic improvement.
Let’s face it, as great a guy as James is and as excellent a centerfielder as he is, he’s a total black hole as a hitter. One guy like that in a lineup with 8 other producing hitters might be OK, but right now 3/4 of our lineup is in a zombie-like state. I’ll take Kwan, thank you, and I’d be willing to move one or two of our good young starters to get him because there simply won’t be room for everyone going forward.
Dodger pitching is about get healthy and up the middle defense would support their pitching especially when the offense can’t.
Just staying with the defense thinking a bit longer, how about Teo for Arenado and put pages in RF, Outman in CF, and Kwan in LF and Conforto on the bench?
Stay Golden Phanatic :
That was excellent. Thanks for the laugh for today.
Pretty funny stuff
News From Internet (Draft Edition)
Keith Law recaps the NL West Draft ($$$)
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6496058/2025/07/16/nl-west-draft-grades-picks-mlb-2025/
“Los Angeles Dodgers: Despite late first selection, a strong first two picks lead solid class
The Dodgers didn’t pick until 40 because their owners are actually willing to invest in the big-league payroll, but they made the most of it, landing Arkansas lefty Zach Root (1A) with that pick and fellow Razorback Charles Davalan (1A) at pick 41….”
Future Projection Website covered the MLB draft:
“I like the Dodgers draft quite a bit, mostly because I think they were still able to capture a lot of upside, a lot of tools, a lot of stuff, despite where they were picking…”
Jeff Spiegel had Future Dodgers on a YT broadcast recapping the draft:
My summary?
“Not as buzzy as past LAD picks, but interesting in the mix of quality and different player profiles.”
Dan Szymborski on what teams have the most to gain at the deadline:
“The Dodgers aren’t an unstoppable force, in large part because like last season, the rotation has absorbed a ludicrous number of injuries. While their hopes to make the playoffs and win the division are quite safe, there’s no guarantee that they’ll coast to a first-round bye. And that matters….”
Mark Chiarelli on blocked prospects who could be moved ($$$)
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/mlb-trade-deadline-10-blocked-prospects-who-could-be-impacted/
Interesting to note is that it’s Alex Freeland from LAD
Baseball America podcast covered the draft:
Among the picks they liked:
“I’ll go with the last pick of the night, of night one, rather, with the Dodgers taking Landon Viterich outfielder in Cincinnati. Really loud tool set with him, fresh off of career year. Real bat speed, consistently generates quality contact to all fields.”
Good read from a new source recapping Days 1 and 2 of the LAD draft:
“some really good picks. Not the biggest Root fan, but Davalan, Leiter, Vidourek, and Ligenza are all great gets. I like some of the upside plays in West and Hickson. A lot of reliever types which is interesting, but I like it overall”
https://medium.com/@landon_abl/dodgers-breaking-down-day-one-of-the-mlb-draft-1211ed804b0b
https://medium.com/@landon_abl/dodgers-breaking-down-the-day-2-haul-ee25b79d8de4
Davy Andrews on Ceddanne Rafaela
Baseball America draft review:
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2025-mlb-draft-reviews-for-all-30-teams/
Draft Theme: Safety Early, Risk Later
Most Interesting Pick In Rounds 4-10: OF Mason Ligenza, 6th round
Ben Resnic has NCAA WAR leaders for pitching:
Z. Root near the top!
Interesting new pitching metric called xPitching+
https://maxsportingstudio.com/explaining-xpitching/
Casarius’ stuff stood out to me.
Top Midseason Prospect Performers from Matt Eddy/BA ($$$$)
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/top-mlb-prospect-performers-in-every-organization-at-midseason/
It’s Quintero, but Hope, Sirota and De Paula get a mention.
Great stuff Bluto. Thanks for the compilation.
I find it interesting that they say Freeland is blocked and might be moved. We have no successor to Max that I can see and Max won’t be around much longer (maybe another year). On top of that you can count on him to miss a few weeks every year. So, in my mind, Freeland isn’t blocked. Maybe AF just doesn’t think he’s ready or won’t ever be ready. Otherwise I would think he’d be here now. I hope they don’t trade him unless it’s to get another third baseman.
All the draft analysis seems to suggest that Root’s secondary pitches are fine but his weak link is his 4-seam. Maybe the front office plans to change his grip or have him throw a 2-seam instead. If so and if that works, his ceiling might go up dramatically.
I totally agree, other than worry about starting his clock or 40 issues I don’t understand why Freeland isn’t getting some run given Edman and Kike’s form.
My guess is it’s because AF doesn’t feel Freeland can hit ML pitching. He’s hitting.260 at AAA. Outman is hitting .289 there. Ruiz .295.
Interesting word choices to compare the Dodgers top 2 picks. Keith Law calls them strong, and Baseball America calls them safe. I am more inclined to go with Baseball America on this one. “LHP Zach Root is a proven three-year starter with a deep pitch mix and above-average control but little future physical projection to dream on. OF Charles Davalan, meanwhile, makes a ton of contact and has a good chance to hit for a high average but lacks big power and might profile in a corner. While those players feel more like high-floor than high-upside plays…” They finished the thought with, “the Dodgers followed those picks with high-octane pitchers with health questions (RHP Cam Leiter, RHP Jack O’Connor), high-octane pitchers with control questions (RHP Davion Hickson, RHP Mason Estrada) and hitters with loud physical tools but hit questions (OF Landyn Vidourek, OF Mason Ligenza, C Conner O’Neil).”
While I cannot point to any specific concern with Davalan other than his lack of power for a corner OF position. It is plausible that he can play in CF or 2B, but there are better and younger prospects in those positions. I am okay with the pick, but I will be watching six other higher ranked college OF, who were drafted after Davalan, and see how they develop:
· #16 – Brendan Summerhill
· #30 – Devin Taylor
· #34 – Max Belyeu
· #35 – Mason Neville
· #36 – Cam Cannarella
· #47 – Brandon Compton
And I also was okay with the high floor of Zach Root. But he is not a difference maker. A good safe pick.
I already voiced my opinion on Cam Leiter and Landyn Vidourek. They probably could have waited to draft Vidourek who has tools, but is not highly ranked. I do like the risk/reward with the two HS picks: SS Aidan West and OF Mason Ligenza.
There is no real reach picks in 11-20.
I’ve been half hoping we trade for Kwan, but the cost would be heavy. Maybe Davalan is Kwan-in-waiting, although it will probably take him a couple of years to get here, at which point any or all of JDP, Hope or Sirota might be ready.
I fully expect either DePaula or Hope to be traded within the next 18 months. Don’t know which of the two or what they’ll bring in return. Just a feeling.
Full disclosure, I just try to grab a summary quote from each of hte articles, people should (obviously) read them for the complete analysis. I’m not sure if BA was more bullish or bearish on the Dodgers than Keith Law. I happen to like Keith Law more, but only because I find his non-baseball writings great!
OTOH, because I know nothing, any of those 6 OFs you feel particular (one way or another?) I’m pretty sure that one of those 6 will out-perform the Dodgers pick, but that’s not saying much.
I understand and appreciate what you are providing. I just found how two very reputable sources worded the LAD first two picks interesting. Keith Law calls them strong, and BA calls them safe. Words matter. I prefer BA to Law, but that is a personal preference. I have found over the years, I have been more inclined to agree with BA more than most publications. Certianly not scientific. As most publications remind us, it is not so much where the player is ranked, it is more important as to what their FV is. Outside of Summerhill (55), all of the other OF have a 50 FV, so there really is not a lot of variance. Davalan could out perform all of them or not. I just want to monitor their development. I promise not to go back and say the Dodgers blew it by drafting Davalan. It was a good safe pick, just like Root. I would still have been more interested in seeing them draft Quentin Young.
yeah, they are both wonderful references!
Wow. What a disappointing game last night. At least Glasnow looked good.
Yes, Michael Conforto is bad for the Dodgers. He is nowhere close what the Dodgers or we fans expected. So get rid of Conforto and the winning will resume?
Michael Conforto is hardly the problem for the Dodgers.
For the season, Mookie Betts has a 95 OPS+. That is 5% worse than the MLB average after being adjusted for league and park factors. For his career, Mookie has a 136 OPS+. In his last 52 games, 227 PA, Mookie is hitting .218/.282/.335/.617 with 5 HR and 21 RBI.
Shohei Ohtani won NL Player of the month for May. On his way to another potential MVP. Since June started, Ohtani has played 40 games with 179 PA. His slash line beginning June 1, .235/.354/.497/.851 with 10 HR and 23 RBI.
Freddie Freeman was marching towards his own MVP candidacy in May. Since June 1, Freddie has played 38 games, 159 PA, batting .207/.277/.290/.566, with 1 HR and 11 RBI.
Teoscar Hernández was having an outstanding season when he suffered a Grade 1 adductor strain, which initially led to speculation of a prolonged absence. Nope. He went on the IL on May 6 and returned to the LAD lineup May 19. Since his return, Teo has been in 45 games, 178 PA, batting .205/.253/.343/.596, 5 HR, 23 RBI.
Andy Pages went on a tear from April 6 thru June 19 covering 61 games, 250 PA, batting .319/.344/.566/.910, 15 HR, 50 RBI. He pushed himself to leading LAD in RBI. He walked 8 times but struck out only 38 times (15.2%). In the next 23 games and 94 PA, Andy is batting .247/.287/.348/.636, only 2 HR and 9 RBI. He has also walked just twice, and struck out 28 times or 29.8%.
These are not small sample sizes. There is more here to indicate that this is who they are for this year, more than they will break out of it.
I am not including Tommy Edman for this, but his offense has certainly been a disappointment.
So while Conforto has been dismal, he is not the problem. If Ohtani, Betts, Freeman, Hernández, and Pages start to hit anywhere close to what is expected, Conforto would not be an issue at all. Replace Ohtani? Sure. With whom?
The average age for Ohtani, Betts, Freeman, and Hernández is 32.5, with zero near MLB ready prospects in MiLB? As the players continue to age, what is more likely: the injuries will subside or escalate?
But all are controlled for longer periods. Beginning with 2026, Ohtani has 8 years control, Mookie has 7 years control, with both Freddie and Teoscar with 2 years remaining control. And Edman has 4 more years of control with probably an unmoveable contract.
This team is going to have to ride Ohtani, Betts, Freeman, Hernández, Pages, and Edman for better or worse. And I do not expect Max to come back and carry the team.
This is my biggest concern with the Dodgers at the moment. We know that all hitters go through slumps during a season but for Freeman, Betts, T. Hernandez, Conforto, and Edman these are two months or more of poor offense. The injury to Muncy has only made these other below-average performances harder to ignore. Even Ohtani, who was scorching hot in May, has had a prolonged stretch of poor plate discipline and inconsistent success. Whether it is due to his emphasis on pitching or not is hard to say though they do coincide. They can not trade their way out of this. If Freeman, Betts, Conforto, Edman, Shohei, and Teoscar are going to be like this or slightly better then the Dodgers will have to roll with it.
If this is the Glasnow we will get for the last two months and Snell returns to form in August, their starting pitching is good enough to carry this team (Yamamoto, Kershaw, Snell, Ohtani, Glasnow, Sheehan, and Wrobleski). Add another reliable bullpen arm, get a very good defensive centerfielder with bat to ball skills, move Teo to left, Pages in right, and play Kim every day at second and Edman at third (until Muncy comes back) and see how it goes.
I agree with you Jeff, but it’s not about “cutting Conforto and them boom the Winning starts”
Yes I agree with you that cutting Conforto won’t mean immediate wins for the Dodgers. It’s about sending a message that if you are that bad at your job, you can’t continue to waste a roster spot.
It’s about improving the roster around the edges. It’s about that it is end of July and it’s time to remove the dead weight from the roster. Conforto is bad and he’s gotta go. Taylor and Barnes were better players than Conforto and they were both let go.
Do the Dodgers just keep playing him every day? When is there some accountability for non-performing players?
Taylor was not better than Conforto.
WTF!
Taylor for most of last year had a negative OPS+! Negative!
Conforto has negative war this year. More than half a win. Taylor was better defensively and played more positions. One could also argue he was even a slightly better hitter.
Conforto….-0.6 war….
Yeah, I was speaking only of last year, when Taylor was below 0 (not below 100) in OPS+ for 70% of the year, and team kept him.
I think Scott is talking this year. I guess it depends as to how you define better. If you use OPS and OPS+, then yes, Conforto is better. But if you use WAR, which includes defensive metrics, then Taylor is better. Taylor has a -.3 bWAR, and Conforto has a -.6 bWAR. Conforto makes more $$$. Regardless, neither player deserves to be on the LAD 26 man.
I totally agree that Conforto is not getting it done and AF should be looking for a replacement. But, it took 2 plus years to get rid of Taylor and he was terrible. Luckily they only signed Conforto for 1 year.
A bigger worry is they signed two big name relievers for big bucks and they are not doing well. Yates is only on a 1 year deal, but we are stuck with Scott for 3 more years after this one. What was AF thinking?
I am not sure who the message would be for if AF/BG cuts Conforto loose. It is not going to impact the players with longterm and high $$$ contracts. The fans? They are on pace for a record attendance. Jersey sales? The Dodgers have 3 of top 4 and 4 of top 20. People keep buying those Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman jerseys along with Kersh. So the fans do not seem to be overly upset. I happen to have all 4, so I have contributed to the Dodgers treasury in some small way. Bloggers? Sure. We are more zealous in our opinions, but what influence do we have over the Dodgers or any MLB team. When I say we, I include all of the commenters on all of the blogs.
I like LADC and the other sites for fans to vent. It is great to see how people react other than to just blindly fall in line with whatever the Dodgers say. I know, and I fully acknowledge and accept, that the Dodgers decision makers are smarter than me and have better resources and knowledge of specific players. I also fully acknowledge and accept that we will never be told specifics. But I am not a sheep that blindly moves forward with whatever is said. I have an inquisitive brain and I like to use it. I form opioions, right and wrong and very wrong.
I am not sure why Conforto continues to start, but I really do not see that lasting all that much longer. There are less than 2 weeks until the trade deadline, and I have to believe that the Conforto situation will be addressed in some way. And I agree that the changes will be along the edges rather than a difference maker, ecept maybe at the backend of the bullpen.
Guardians listening to offers for both Clase and Cade Smith.
I like both. Clase has the higher ceiling while Smith has the higher floor. Clase is very affordable through the next 3 years. He has a $6.4MM salary for 2026, and two $10MM club options for 2027 and 2028. Smith is controlled through 2029. If the Dodgers can get either one, that would huge. But I understand that the asking price starts at Dalton Rushing. Maybe the Dodgers can include Kirby Yates and cash to Cleveland as they did with Noah Syndergaard in 2023.
Jhoan Duran is in the same tier as Clase. David Bednar will be costly but will not require Rushing. Griffin Jax not as costly as any of the above. You have to give in order to get.
I’m in a sour mood after watching last night’s game.
The more I watch the Brewers play, the more impressed I get, especially with Pat Murphy. He just looks like a chiseled old baseball man. Joe Davis mentioned he brings a lot of his past college baseball to the Brewers. If that means Murphy emphasizes aggressive base running, manufacturing runs with some small-ball, and relentless, pesky, at-bats, then Joe’s right. They excel at taking extra bases, stealing bases, and putting pressure on opposing defenses, even when their offense doesn’t rely on power hitting. They have pitching depth, particularly their bullpen, and strong defense. Murphy and his “200 Club” philosophy seems well suited for the Brewer’s youth, speed, and energy.
At the same time, the Dodgers look old and tired, even after the break. How long can the meat of the order, besides Smith and Pages, struggle?
We got 3 hits and made Quinn Priester look like Cy Young with 10 K’s.
Gawd we take a lot of fat strikes in advantage counts:
Example – Estuary Ruiz who is trying to make a spot for himself and stick in the outfield, pinch hit for Kim. Why, I’m not sure. Doc apparently is convinced that Kim can’t hit LHP, despite being 2 for 5 in only 11 at bats. Ruiz pinch hit against Koenig because he rakes at a .222 pace vs LHP.
So Ruiz worked a nice 2 and 0 count. And how does he take advantage of that? He takes a fastball, Green Light Special, right down the cock for strike one. He put the pitcher right back in the count then proceeded to hit the next pitch that was paint on the corner, to right field to end the 8th. Bad approach.
To add to that, in the top of the 9th, with Durbin on 1st, Ruiz in left field makes a throw where elephants go to die on Ortiz’s single to allow him to advance into scoring position. Please explain to me how you climb through the bushes to get to the Bigs and NOT know to throe that ball to 2nd base to keep the double play alive?
I see way too much of the fundamentally poor baseball.
Kirby Yates has dick. He’s a thumber who can’t throw his junk for strikes. He has to rely a mediocre 92 mph fastball to get something over the plate. That’s a bad recipe.
I actually see potential in Will Klein. He has nice stuff and if he ever learns to command it, he could help somebody, somewhere, some day, maybe.
So we are excited to get our pitchers back from the IL. But pitching is not the problem. The last I checked, you don’t win many games scoring ZERO.
Play better.
Agree with you, Phil, about the Brewers style of play. Given their market-size and budget, they have done a great job of developing a team around that philosophy. Fundamentally sound, take the extra base, aggressive, make contact, and defend. The acquisition of Quinn Priester, the Rule 5 selection of Isaac Collins, developing a dominant closer from a waiver wire claim, moving Jackson Chourios through their system so quickly, etc.
When the Dodgers signed AF, I was encouraged that he would bring the team building skills he demonstrated with the Rays and couple that with the payroll that the Dodgers work with. Two WS in 11 years with a potential third title “stolen” from them is impressive. But I think that they rely more on the size of the payroll than the team building skills AF displayed in TB. As good as their farm system is rated each year, they are facing another year where lack of position player depth is hurting them. This is an old and unathletic baseball team.
One last point about style of play. I think it was the sixth or seventh inning when Kim was on first with no one out. Down 1-0. Kim, with 23 steals and no caught stealing this year, stands at first for three pitches while Edman strikes out. Then stays at first for two more pitches before Ohtani grounds into a double play. I did not understand that lack of aggression at all.
You can advise all you want as to why Ruiz hit for Kim (still makes no sense to me). But why was Ruiz playing defense with Outman on the bench?
I’ll take it a step farther Jeff. Why is Ruiz on the roster at all?
LOL. You will have to ask AF/BG on that one. I do not see the logic. While he can run, he cannot steal first base. As I have said in the past, I do not know if Ryan Ward is a MLB hitter, I also do not know if he isn’t. But he sure seems to have earned the right to fail, or succeed, at the MLB level.
If I were AF, I would be very curious about Ward and if he can succeed in the show.
What do they have to lose, right?
Probably because Roberts didn’t want to use 2 players for one pinch hit. Of course if he had just let Kim hit he wouldn’t have had to use anybody. I’ve seen enough of Ruiz to know he isn’t the answer.
Pat Murphy has an advantage. He has a front office that apparently lets him manage the game. I do not believe that Doc has that same benefit. Yes I am giving Doc the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes I think the Dodgers are paralyzed by algorithms. That is how they manage, how they coach, and how they play. Some like it…not me. LSU’s Jay Johnson could be another Pat Murphy, but not for a team like the Dodgers. Mel Didier did not need a computer to advise Kirk Gibson as to what Dennis Eckersley was going to throw on a 3-2 count in 1988 WS. He did it through extensive observation in advanced scouting.
Murphy manages the game that many of us grew up with and have hoped the Dodgers would go back to. Great pitching, great baserunning, playing for a run rather than the 3-run HR, great defense. The Dodgers in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s were excellent in those areas, as well as the 3-run HR.
My biggest complaint has been and remains with Robert Von Scoyoc. Not only has RVS not played MLB, or MiLB, but was a sub .100 hitter in high school. In his senior year, RVS was 1-11. At least Aaron Bates has a MLB resume. 12 PA, 11 AB, .364/.417/.545/.962 in July 2009. Bates knows what it is like to face MLB pitching and MiLB pitching, and successfully. RVS has no flipping clue. There are no bunts, even with the 3B playing SS and Hyeseong Kim at the plate. I think Austin Barnes was the best bunter on the team. Last year there were 10 sac bunts led by Barnes, Cavan Biggio, Kevin Kiermaier, and Miggy Ro with 2 each. This year the Dodgers have 3, and Barnes has one of those. 75 MLB players have at least 2 sac, but no LAD.
When was the last hit and run with hitting behind the runner? It is amazing to me how MLB hitters were so successful without computers telling them what to do, and with tablets in the dugout. What happened to see ball hit ball. Quit the guessing and react to what you actually see.
Many out there like a certain player because of their speed. I do not know why, because the Dodgers do not like to run. With 30 singles, 8 BB, and 1 HBP, and an unknown # of times Hyeseong Kim has reached 1B on a fielders choice, he is 11-11 in SB. Why not 20+? He certainly would with Milwaukee, Tampa Bay, Cubs, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and others. Ohtani leads the team with 13, none in June, and one in July.
The Dodgers do have the ability to manufacture runs. I have watched them do it. They just prefer to swing for the fences. I am guessing it is because RVS only knows how JDM hits.
Great post Jeff.
I have never been an RVS fan, nor his style of hitting philosophy.
So since Ohtani has started pitching, his base stealing is a thing of the past. Why is that? Are they afraid he’ll get hurt? They didn’t seem afraid of injury when he was the DH and stole 50 bases.
So now that he’s pitched 9 innings, he can’t run anymore? He has 12 steals.
Dodgers—–2 World Series wins in last 5 years with this ‘flawed’ system.
$400MM payroll has something to say about that, doesn’t it. Do you think the Dodgers are better than the Brewers right now?
I think Jeff’s thesis is more about the small ball style that Pat Murphy employs and that the Dodgers (and RVS by extension) stay away from.)
It’s really an aesthetic point, not a results one.
I also think this point was a little disingenous:
“Mel Didier did not need a computer to advise Kirk Gibson as to what Dennis Eckersley was going to throw on a 3-2 count in 1988 WS. He did it through extensive observation in advanced scouting. ”
I’m pretty sure that a computer would have recognized and publicized Eckersley’s tendencies a lot faster and more accurately than advanced scouting. Computers are great for a lot of things, but their real forte is finding patterns.
It was not disingenuous. Just like hitters in the pre-tablet age did not need them to hit. Or pitchers in the pre-tablet age. Yes, computers provide a ton of information, and all of that is useful. Great for pre-game meetings. Sure the computer would have shown the same information on Eckersley. But Didier did not need the computer.
But when the batter is in the box facing Jacob Misiorowski, he does not have time to guess what’s coming…4-seamer, slider, curve, change. He needs to react. That is experience. The hitters can see what the pitcher is throwing right now, in this game, not what his tendencies have been for the last several starts. The information the batter passes on to the next batter about the pitcher, is far more valuable than printouts.
I have talked to countless MiLB players on their way up, and not one of them said they would want to rely on a coach who had never faced a professional pitcher teaching them to hit. The last one I spoke with, (retired and reached AAA) used Chase Burns as an example. How can you tell me how to hit Chase Burns if you have never faced anyone like him. They never stood in the box to see the pitch.
Not disingenuous, just what I believe. I suppose I can have an opinion that is not disingenuous.
Yes! Total wrong word. In fact, I’m not sure what the right word would be.
I do think. And this is pure thought, without any proof. That more of advanced scouting these days is for the stuff computers may not be able to pick up. Pitch tipping in glove position. Catcher tells in how they set up. Things that are more visual or random. Not the pattern recognition that computers are amazing at.
That said, are there not training technologies which both show the pitcher (in your example: Chase Burns) and the pitch type and the release point?
On the advance scouting we can agree. And the use of computers is necessary. I would never argue that they are not.
Yes the technology would show Burns’ pitch repertoire, tendencies, spray pattern, arm slot, extension…But what it will not tell you is what he is throwing that day. That is what RVS cannot add, because he has never faced such a pitcher. Why is it that a pitcher like Quinn Priester, who is a soft contact ground ball pitcher, strike out 10 Dodgers unless they were guessing. In contrast, Caleb Durbin (25) shows signs of reacting to the pitch. He does not hit the ball all that hard, but he does not chase or whiff. In 276 PA, he has 19 BB and 25 K. It certainly appears that he is reacting to the pitch.
Pat Murphy does not care what the computer says when his batters are in the box. He benched Joey Ortiz for watching strike 3 with the bases loaded, twice. He bench players for not hustiling. He benches players for getting picked off. He benches players for missing cutoff men. He knows his team does not have the star power of the Dodgers so he has to ensure that his team does the little things.
Murphy’s approach to hitting…
Individualized approach: Different hitters may approach it differently:
Powerful hitters like Rhys Hoskins and William Contreras might continue their normal approach, as their strength allows them to hit for power even with a more careful swing.
Contact-oriented hitters like Brice Turang might focus on seeing the ball longer or zeroing in on a location, rather than necessarily swinging slower.
Emphasize two-strike power: The Brewers showed last season they were among the league leaders in extra-base hits in two-strike counts, demonstrating their success with this philosophy.
Extend the at-bat by taking good pitches: Getting ahead or drawing a walk can put more pressure on the pitcher and make the next pitch more predictable.
That’s great stuff!
I only wish we could get more succinct breakdown for the Dodgers’ org hitting philosophy.
Teams had better not sleep on the Brewers come playoff time. They have an excellent bullpen, some very good contact hitters and a very good starting rotation. They are going to be a problem come October. LA definitely needs to be hitting on all cylinders by then.
The Nationals have agreed to sign SS Eli Willits, the first overall pick of the 2025 draft. MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis reports that Willits will receive an $8.2MM bonus. While it is the highest bonus ever given to a HS draftee, it is nearly $3MM below the $11,875,900 bonus slot value. Money was a factor in this draft. Would Boras have let him sign for $8.2MM?
Dodger hitters are unwatchable lately. Maybe they come out of it maybe not. The Brewers are better than LA right now the way they play the game is fun to watch. The Dodgers this year continue to reap what they have sown. Analytics home runs and K’s but somehow they manage to win in the end.
Hello Bear you don’t think I know baseball really. I remember a couple years ago the trade deadline approached and I said tge dodgers should get the shortstop from the Indians. You criticized me so badly said I was insane. And when AF went and got Rosorio you were like oh what a great addition. Sure you might not like my trade suggestions be a use you baby sine if these guys just so you can be right. Then when your wrong you then try to take the credit. What these Dodgers should do this year is. Da e should call mookie into his office. And say mookie we’re going yo ovr you back to rightfield so you can concentrate on hitting znd go get a shortstop or bring in Tommy to play shortstop. But I know your going to argue and say no Bradley mookie is the shortdop he is not moving he is playing there. And see that’s the problem you an others think he is. But Robert’s should say for the team were moving you back to rightfield and sliding Teoscar back to leftfield. And then bat mookie leadoff then Ohtani second piss mookie off by moving him. So you think zi don’t know basebsll coached high school and junior high baseball when a player is not performing you move them around snd play a player that’s better. And guess what Bear Mookie cinforto and the closer for this team are the problem so you Bear and Jeff think I don’t follow and suggest whst to do. Also I Read trade rumors to before I post them. The Twins are a team the Dodgers are looking at trading with Duran and Castro and Buxton have been rumored to the Dodgers.
Bradley, I did not say you don’t know baseball, I said you don’t quite understand what goes on behind the scenes or what goes into trading for or signing a player. I said you do not do research thoroughly. Just reading the trade rumors does not cut it. As far as the Rosario trade, did they make him the starting SS? No, I knew that would not happen. He was nothing more than a utility guy in LA and he played SS very little in LA. He played just 16 games at SS in his first stint in LA and none when they traded for him last year. I never said he was a great addition to the team. The Dodgers did not think enough of his performance to put him on the playoff roster, so get your facts straight. I admitted I was wrong about them trading for him at the time, but you forget I said that. I don’t take credit for any of those moves. When they happen, I am most often am surprised by them. Listen friend, handling high school and junior high players is a totally different animal than managing pros. The Dodgers moved Mookie back to right last year after he returned from his broken hand. He was all for the move because it helped the team, he is if nothing else a team player. But before any team would trade for him, they would have to agree to take on his salary, which has a substantial amount of money deferred. But when you make trade suggestions involving Betts, I never see you take that into consideration, just like you did not consider that when talking about them trading for Arenado. But he is not moving back this year, as a matter of fact, he is one of the better defensive SS in the league. And managers don’t tell 30-million-dollar players what they are going to have to do. I am pretty sure if Roberts and the front office felt Mookie moving back to right was best for the team, they would sit down and talk to him about it, not say move or else. It is not just me that believe he won’t move; it is the people who run the team. If YOU have a problem with that, take it up with Roberts and management. MLBTR is nothing more than a rumor mill. Very little of what they say comes true. I read the rumors too, but I put little stock in them. What I read that is more relevant is baseball reference checking the players stats and splits. They also shot the players contract status. If you think that Conforto, Betts and Scott are the only problems the Dodgers have, you are mistaken. Their problem is that every player in the starting lineup is in a slump. Smith is the only consistent hitter. Freeman has been on a downhill slide for over a month. Teo hasn’t been the same since he came off of the IL and Ohtani’s offense has suffered ever since he started pitching again. Betts is far from the only problem. As for the Twins rumors, I have read all about them having an interest in the two relievers, Duran and Jax, Castro has only pitched in 1 game. As for Buxton, he has a full no trade clause and has stated he will not be traded, and he wants to stay a Twin. The Twins might trade Duran, but he would not be cheap. There is another rumor involving the Indians. Clase and Cade Smith are the two names mentioned, Kwan’s name has also been tossed out there. But and he is the main point you always seem to miss, both teams have to agree on the package being sent and there are other teams who need the same thing the Dodgers need with better prospects in their system than LA has. Freidman will A. not overpay what he feels is a fair trade, and B. Not get into a bidding war with another team, and C., not make a knee jerk move just because the Padres or Giants, LA’s two closest pursuers make a major deal to improve their teams. Those are the hard facts. Not just an opinion. If that irks you, well, I am sorry. I deal in things that might really happen, not fantasy moves. Also, I respect you enough as a poster and I do not remove your posts, something I have seen done often on other sites when someone disagrees with the editor or writer. You have always kept it civil, and that is respected. I won’t always agree with you, but I respect that you have a right to your opinion. Just my feeling you should do a little more checking of the facts before suggesting a move or a major trade.
I do not know where on MLBTradeRumors you saw that Minnesota is considering trading Byron Buxton, but here is a more definitive article from MLBTradeRumors on that subject.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/07/byron-buxton-rumors-no-trade-clause-twin-for-life.html
Jhoan Duran has been mentioned by me and many on this site (and others) as a possible trade target. As is Griffin Jax. But you also suggested the Dodgers should trade for Carlos Correa. Where on MLBTR did you read this? I too have read that Willie Castro could be moved, but for a team looking for a utility player. He is not a SS. He has started 2 games at SS this year.
You mentioned Joe Ryan, a player every MLB team would want. And yet this is the latest word on Joe Ryan’s trade potential.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/07/twins-not-currently-discussing-joe-ryan-in-trade-talks.html
So if you have MLBTR articles that dispute what I have said or provided, supply them. I am eager to learn.
Bradley, I am no judge on how much baseball you know. It is irrelevant what I think. But I can question and judge how much research went into your ideas, when it is easy for me to debunk some of those ideas. If you have an opinion or trade proposal, go ahead and write it. But when you do, you open yourself up to be critiqued, and you have to accept that. If you prefer, I will let you promote your trade ideas and Bear and I can pass on commenting on them.
BTW, you lose a lot of credibility (at least with me) when you say Mookie is a cancer. Your words: “the cancer is Mookie and they need get rid of the cancer to get better.”
My point was to get quality players you trade quality guys. To get a good shortstop use Betts as bait to improve the team. And get a good shortstop and outfielder. You aren’t trading Freeman or Ohtani or Smith so to get a good shortstop then who? And for Pete shakes do something something with the lineup. Let’s see there’s Witt with the Royals he be great asking price alot so Correa nice by nd glove with twins he be great in this lineup one more jp Crawford with the Mariners get a younger SS and better fielder and Seattle gets a player like Betts and other players notice that and go on BETTS is in Seattle and then they wat to go there. That’s why I suggested using Betts as trade bait to improve shortstop dor the Dodgers.
I agree with all of that Jeff, and if Bradley so desires, I will refrain from posting when he suggests a trade. Not a problem here.
DFA Conforto and use his spot on the roster and bring up Ward and give him a chance he’s earned.
That is what I would do.
Betts out of tonight’s game:
Ohtani – DH
Smith – C
Freeman – 1B
Teoscar – RF
Pages – CF
Conforto – LF
Edman – 3B
Kim – 2B
Rojas – SS
Sheehan – P
The Dodgers are facing Freddie Peralta who has been very tough on LAD.
Wow, players that didn’t play in the AS game got four days off to decompress and get rested and Mookie gets a day off in game #2 of the second half.
Is Doc sending a message or did Mookie want a day off? Not trying to suggest drama but it sure seems odd he would get a day off so early.
Just read on X that Plunkett heard from Doc that he just wanted Betts to watch a baseball game. Kopech is throwing and has circled August 27 as a return date. It is the date he can be activated off of the 60-day IL.
Betts not in the lineup tonight. Rojas playing SS batting 9th. Smith is in the 2 hole with Freeman 3rd, Teo 4th, then Pages, Conforto, Edman and Kim. Sheehan starting against Peralta. May is now going to be the pitcher piggybacking Ohtani.
Ok, So we all would like to go back to the ‘good old days’ of chewing tobacco, bunting, hitting behind the runner, stealing bases, best hitter hitting cleanup etc and ‘old school’ managers. And maybe the Brewers can put it together for a year or 2 and then the manager is fired. The fact is that analytics has shown that this is not the best way to score runs. And the latest World Series winners are almost all big spending, slugging teams. And players are not going to end slumps by trying to hit it up the middle. And baseball isn’t going to end bat flipping. I know that the Beatles were the best ever, but times change.
Times be a changing belongs to Bob Dylan
It’s aesthetics and present bias. Nobody would rather be a brewers fan, but right now they are playing better and, because of that, more fun to watch.
Mookie Betts on his struggles
https://flip.it/P5t1MF
Our young pitchers really need to learn how to buck up and pitch out of trouble. Right now they just crumble.
I feel like the fans on this blog and a few others are very close to worrying about effort and body language.
The team will be fine.
Brewers are just relentless. Right now they’re just a better team. Much better bullpen.
Actually, I think the key to ending this horrible Dodger streak is to get Mary Hart back behind home plate! “Come home Mary, we need you!”
Sometimes records can be deceiving and when you look at the Dodger’s record (58-41) you would think that they are having a great season. But they are 24-26 against over .500 clubs. They’ve beaten up bad teams but play very poorly against good teams. (They are now 0-5 vs. Milwaukee)
There is a glaring weakness on this team that maybe some of you haven’t noticed. And if you watch the games you will notice. They are constantly losing early in almost every game by the fifth inning.
This game was a microcosm of the Dodger’s season. By the fifth inning they were down 4-0. Poor starting pitching from Sheehan and then the bullpen continues to leak runs later in the game. In order to win tonight they needed to score 9 runs. It’s very hard to win when you’re down by 3, 4 or 5 runs in the middle innings, or having to come from behind every night and score 4, 5, 6 or more runs to win. And that’s the only way the Dodgers can win.
There are more than one way to win ballgames, the Brewers are a good example. They pitch well, they don’t fall behind by several runs in the first couple of innings. Their bats spray the ball all over the field, they run, steal, take extra bases and play solid defense. Mix in some power and well timed hits and you have a well rounded club.
The Dodgers are one-dimensional and you can’t expect them to score 8 runs every night and have frenzied comebacks. If the Dodgers don’t hit home runs they have trouble scoring. Half of their runs came on home runs tonight (Ohtani, Edman, Rojas) one was scored on a wild pitch. The Dodgers have a weak bullpen, a thin rotation that is not able to pitch deep into games and poor in-game execution.
I understand teams go through slumps but if you can only win games one specific way, then you’re going to have trouble.
Here’s an idea, how about getting a lead early and then holding it. Not falling behind by 4 runs in the second or third inning.
There is not one reliever in that pen that installs fear in the opposition. The starting left fielder has been hitting .170 all year and management refuses to let him go. Their two first look free agent relevers have pitched very poorly and are not able to hold leads. Why not try something new, upgrade the edges of the roster by letting go of Conforto, Scott and Yates?
Edman had a good game but he was 0 for his last 29 before tonight and the team keeps putting him in the lineup.
The team will continue to lose until they can figure out how to execute better in games, make some adjustments and figure out how to win other than coming from 4-5 runs behind in the late innings. I think the team has to bottom out before management tries something new. The lineup has shouldered the load the entire year and they are running on fumes.
There are other ways to win games folks.
There will be no bottoming out.
They aren’t running on fumes.
The team isn’t going to change how they play.
The losing wont continue.
Conforto, Scott and Yates won’t be let go.
Other than being wrong often and consistently, its nice to get this from Scott.
Some things never change.
Bluto,
Im just pointing out flaws in the roster and game execution. But you would rather argue with me without providing any insights to counter.
What do you think about the poor play? What’s your take on the team falling behind in the early innings almost every night?
You are wrong consistently. So we can agree to disagree here.
I think they are playing poorly.
I think they are falling behind early.
We agree on that!
Care to elaborate? Any insights?
Not really. What more needs to be said?
But if you insist, I’ll elaborate:
They will play better.
They probably will continue, on occasion, to fall behind early.
They’ll make the playoffs (If they’re lucky again, they’ll win the World Series again.)
Here are some insights:
Pitchers will come back (remember when you said they wouldn’t?)
They won’t tear down the staff (remember when you thought they should?)
Hershiser won’t be hired as pitching coach (remember when you suggested he should be?)
Sinkers will be thrown (remember when you said they weren’t?)
Yates and Scott won’t be released (remember I just said that?)
They won’t change their offensive approach (remember I just said that?)
Brilliant insight Bluto, my responses…
Pitchers will come back. (Some will, some won’t, which is what I said. )
They won’t tear down the staff. (They should, the Dodgers have had one of the worst pitching staffs in the National League all season)
Hershiser won’t be hired as pitching coach. (He can’t hurt, don’t you think Orel Hershiser knows pitching? It’s not like the staff can pitch any worse than they already have)
Sinkers will be thrown (I don’t think I said they weren’t being thrown, just not utilized as much as they should)
Yates and Scott won’t be released. ( they should be released because they both suck and continue to pitch poorly)
They won’t change their offensive approach(maybe they should. Make an adjustment to their approach, which others here have also suggested.)
This is all you got?
What do you mean is that all I “got”?
You just repeated your own talking points!
No, I have nothing more to add on your talking points. They remain stupid and performative.
But thank you for asking!
Why don’t you repeat them again, maybe do it six times!
It’ll be fun when nothing comes of them. Maybe not 6x the fun, but why don’t we find out!
I responded to all of your “points” with my responses in parenthesis. You have nothing to add because you never do, and as expected resort to name calling and insults.
I wholeheartedly disagree with you Bluto. I am still waiting for you to add any kind of insight here other than telling me I’m wrong and my talking points are stupid.
I hope you have more to add then just this.
I’m not adding, I’m asking. (I’ll even beg if you want.)
Please stop posting inane stuff.
As for me? I have nothing to add, I have no insight to surface. I have nothing beyond what I’ve said.
If you missed it because your brain was too busy with silly thoughts, I’ll repeat it:
The Dodgers aren’t playing well.
They will play well.
If they get lucky, they will win the World Series.
First of all, I can post whatever I want as long as Jeff is ok with it. This is his site, not yours. Nothing I posted was out of line. I’m discussing Dodgers baseball, like anyone else here.
Second, you’ve posted nothing useful. There’s more to it then just “they’re not playing well, and if they’re lucky they’ll win the world series”.
Once again, I disagree with you. Care to try again and post some actual thoughts?
Scott,
Hold on. Wait a second.
Did you just write that the following are not “actual thoughts”:
The Dodgers aren’t playing well.
They will play well.
If they get lucky, they will win the World Series.
What do you think those statements are if not thoughts. Are they divine truths? Voodoo whisperings?
Obviously you can post anything you want. I’m asking you to post thoughtful stuff. You are a smart guy. You write good stuff, on occasion, on your blog. Just don’t write stupid stuff that you know will never come true or happen.
I think it’s your way of avoiding real discussion and oversimplifying the Dodger’s problems.
Hopefully they will start playing better. But don’t you think their issues go deeper than just “they’re not playing well”?
No, I do not.
I’m going back to my book.
You’re like the Seinfeld of Dodger posters. Your posts are about nothing.
Good talk Bluto.
The team will continue to lose until they play up to their capabilities. That will happen sooner than later.
AF will add a piece or two later this month.
By September most of you (except Bluto who hasn’t been worried all year) will let out a sigh of relief and watch them do whatever they will do in the playoffs.
If I thought they’d play this way for the rest of the year, I’d be worried too…..but I expect a major turn around shortly. Talent usually finds it’s level and we have as much talent as anyone.
Agree with your last sentence. But some of our most talented guys are slumping very, very badly for almost the entire season . Can not overlook that fact when talking about talent.
Especially Betts, FF and Teo are not up to their usual self. Hurts the offense immensely.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh yes AF will make changes at the deadline for this team. Because well it needs improving in alot of areas. Even when Muncy was playing they weren’t on all cylinders either. Sure, I post trade suggestions. And I hear about and read about rumors who the Dodgers are looking at. This is a blog. Where fans can say and post what they hear and suggest what the team should do. But some gentleman on here always want to criticize what you say. Because they think they are the smartest guys in baseball on here. It’s a fan forum where fans chat. So, you can argue and vent and suggest things. And then see what happens with the team. It’s the wondering what they will do. That is what I like. What will the team do to get better and then wait and see.
How do they get better and just wait and see.